Ulster Grocer May 2018 by Helen Wright

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

GROCER TM

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

MAY 2018

ULSTER

O T D E T T I M M O C

S R E L I A T E R OUR SINCE 1977

“We have three forecourt stores with the Nisa Local fascia and have recently updated our Parkgate store to the Store of the Future 2 Evolution format and are really pleased with how it has gone. We joined Nisa in the year 2000 and it’s great. Being with Nisa gives us a lot of freedom to do what we want with our business and the pricing is also better than many groups.

The great thing about Nisa is that nobody tells us what to do but they do know what they are talking about and the advice and guidance we get from the Nisa team really is fantastic. But at the end of the day I am my own boss and I make the final decision as to what we’ll do with our business – that’s not something you get from most other symbol groups.”

The advice and guidance we get from the Nisa team really is fantastic. James Knox, Nisa Local Parkgate, Lurgan - Nisa retail Member since the year 2000

Join the family... visit www.join-nisa.co.uk 14647_NISA_TradePress_James_Knox_2018_A4_AW01.indd 1

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

GROCER

MAY 2018

ULSTER

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

MERGER RAISES FEARS FOR LOCAL JOBS & SUPPLIERS

oncerns have been raised over potential retail job losses and a further squeeze on local suppliers after the UK’s second and third biggest grocery retailers, Sainsbury’s and Asda, announced merger talks. If approved by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), the merger would give the multiple retailers a combined market share of 31.4%, taking the lead from Tesco. In Northern Ireland, the top three multiples boast even greater market domination with Tesco at 35.2%, Sainsbury’s 17.3%, and Asda 17.1%, according to figures from Kantar Worldpanel (52 weeks to March 2018). Sainsbury’s and Asda currently operate 14 and 17 local stores, respectively, with a collective workforce of around 5,000. Belfast and Bangor are home to both Sainsbury’s and Asda stores. And further fears have been voiced over the impact of the merger on local suppliers, which could potentially face an even great margin squeeze if the

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LOVING EVERYTHING LOCAL: MUSGRAVE – THE NAME BEHIND SUPERVALU, CENTRA, MACE & MARKETPLACE - CELEBRATES 35 YEARS IN NI

combined business takes advantage of its doubled market share. In a joint statement, the two retailers said there were no planned store closures while the focus would be investing ‘in price, quality, range and the technology to create more flexible ways for customers to shop’ with an expectation of lowering prices on key products by 10%. Both brands, which generated collective revenue of £51bn in 2017, are to be maintained. However, retail analyst Donald McFetridge has questioned whether the retailers will be able to fulfil their pledge. “Ostensibly, the merger is being presented as a great idea for both companies to take on Tesco, Amazon and the discounters in order to be able to pass on price savings to consumers,” said McFetridge. “In reality, it means trimming costs, adjusting budgets, squeezing suppliers, closing stores and job losses.”

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ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS 2018: FIND OUT WHICH COMPANIES & BRANDS PICKED UP THE TOP ACCOLADES AT THE 30TH ANNUAL AWARDS

CONSOLIDATION LOOKS SET TO CONTINUE IN DAIRY SECTOR

lster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has met with LacPatrick to allay the concerns of milk suppliers, after the co-op announced it is in merger talks with Dale Farm, Lakeland Dairies and Aurivo. The Monaghan-based co-op operates processing plants in Artigarvan and Coleraine, with 700 Northern Ireland farmers supplying it with an annual 500 million litres of milk. “Our milk producers are feeling unsettled with the growing flow of rumour and hearsay and I am seeking reassurances for producers going forward,” said William Irvine, UFU dairy chairman. “LacPatrick have asked for time to reach a decision. However, the UFU has made it clear that only by the negotiations reaching a satisfactory outcome, namely by reaching a good deal with a potential suitor, will this settle the mood of our farmers.”

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DAIRY & ICE-CREAM:

BALMORAL SHOW 2018:

WHAT’S HOT BUT NOT? THE LATEST FROZEN & CHILLED DAIRY PRODUCTS EXPECTED TO DRIVE CATEGORY SALES THIS YEAR

THE 150TH ANNUAL EVENT GETS UNDERWAY (SEE P6 FOR ADDITIONAL NEWS), ALONGSIDE WIDER AGRIFOOD NEWS

EDITORIAL COMMENTARY Volume 53, Number 5 May 2018 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Jason Winstanley Sales Manager: Chris Keenan E: c.keenan@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4266 Art Editor: Helen Wright Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Ulster Grocer c/o Independent News & Media Ltd, Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG www.ulstergrocer.com @ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer Subscriptions: £27.50 per annum £37.50 per annum (outside UK) Designed & Produced by: Independent News & Media Ltd Tel: 028 9026 4000 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Tel: 028 9446 3911

ABC CIRCULATION: 4,420 YEAR TO JUNE 2017 (6,100-PLUS SINCE JUNE 2017) Independent News & Media Ltd ©2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or stransmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Independent News & Media Ltd.

ANOTHER GREAT NIGHT FOR THE TRADE AT THE ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS 2018 O Campaign 2017. ur 30th A new accolade annual Ulster introduced Grocer Marketing this year, the Awards are done Lorraine Hall and dusted, and Young Marketeer many thanks to Award, provided all the competing a similarly diverse companies picture of the and sponsors. local grocery And the Ulster sector. Henderson Grocers’ Ball, Wholesale’s at which the Conor Toland Awards are held, Pictured at the 30th annual Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards and Boost is of course the are the Ulster Grocer team, from left, Chris Keenan, Alyson Drinks’ Francine main fundraising Magee, Laura O’Connor (INM) and Mark Glover. Matthews event of the year shared the title, while Emma Rice from for the NI Committee of GroceryAid, Springisland Supermarket was highly raising around £40,000 for the charity to commended in the category for achieving benefit those in need across the industry. a lot with a little. Remember, the planThanks are also due to all those execution-results strategy works at all who supported the charity on the levels. evening through table sales and raffle It was a touching moment to see contributions, and the GroceryAid NI Lorraine Hall’s husband Michael take to Committee led by Musgrave’s Trevor the stage to present the award creating a Magill for its hard work in putting legacy in her honour, sponsored by Forest together an excellent evening’s Feast, the business they created together. entertainment executed so well by Kerry The team at Ulster Grocer would Prentice and her team at Prentice PR and also like to express its gratitude to our John Stuart at Saville AV. sponsors – Aqua Twist, Derry Refrigerated Many food and drinks suppliers Transport, Food NI, Forest Feast, supported the evening, with special Henderson Food Machinery, Hunky Dorys, mention due to PRM Group for packing McGowans Print & Packaging, mxb the hampers; as Ulster Grocer knows all Shopper Marketing Agency and NI Trucks too well from past experience, it’s tough – both for their support of the Awards going… and fantastic company on the evening. We were very pleased with the entry Next up is the 150th Balmoral Show, level for our 30th annual awards. which should be getting underway as Our judges are fairly rigorous in their this May edition of Ulster Grocer hits the expectations and, if an entry doesn’t shelves. Hopefully the weather will have clearly define a plan, execution and improved by then and we look forward results, then you’re out. Nonetheless, to seeing a few familiar faces around the many of the categories were hard fought show. with joint winners even named in several As well as our Awards coverage, this categories after the judges declared two month’s edition includes industry news entries to be deserving of the top title in – including some high-profile merger both cases. activity in the retail and dairy sectors – This year’s winners offer a great cross while dairy is also our category focus for section of the grocery industry from the month with a look at innovation and retailers (Henderson Group, Musgrave, marketing activity around ice-cream and M&S), major food brands (Punjana, yoghurt. Enjoy. Irwin’s, Tayto) and artisan producers (Cavanagh Free Range Eggs, Mange Tout, PEPPUP) to Mackle Petfoods, which picked up Best Food Export Marketing as well as the top title of Best Marketing

NEWS

STETSON FEVER BOUND FOR BALMORAL PARK AGAIN

wave of red is rolling into Balmoral Park as SPAR brings back its fundraising cowboy hats for the second year at the 150th Balmoral Show this month. SPAR in Northern Ireland is celebrating its eighth year of platinum sponsorship at the Balmoral Show and is creating its biggest presence at the Show yet. As the biggest agri event in the Northern Ireland calendar, SPAR will be laying down its local roots to create a fun-filled, action packed four days of

activity within its enjoy local marquee where visitors can grab their SPAR Stetsons for a charitable donation to Marie Curie, as well as the popular SPAR shop and SPAR Arena. The enjoy local marquee, which has been part of the Show for four years, will be even bigger for 2018. It will be the base for a series of engaging and educational activities, including a role play SPAR shop for the kids, and a sensory workshop from the Ulster University’s FACT (Food and Consumer Testing) Suite where visitors can find out why they hate Brussel Sprouts but love chocolate. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service will also be holding CPR and Defibrillator training in line with SPAR’s Heart of our Community campaign which has seen over 200 defibrillators installed outside SPAR, EUROSPAR and ViVO branded stores across Northern Ireland in the past three years.

TASTE THE GREATNESS AT THIS YEAR’S BALMORAL SHOW Pictured are Mark Kearney, Erin Grove Preserves; Lindsay Curran, Food NI; Rhonda Geary, RUAS; and Mr Wilson, the Wilson’s Country Mascot.

“SPAR’s presence at Balmoral Show is important as the heart of our brand is local,” said Bronagh Luke, head of Corporate Marketing. “This is our biggest year at Balmoral Show yet, we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to our shop, marquee and Arena, where there will be a host of family fun and entertainment taking place across the four days of the Show.”

CO-OP’S NISA TAKEOVER APPROVED BY REGULATOR The Co-op has received the all-clear from the competition watchdog for its £137.5m takeover of Nisa. The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) will not refer the takeover for a more in-depth investigation as it has concluded shoppers will not be worse off as a result of the deal. CMA said the two firms do not compete because the Co-op is a retailer and Nisa a wholesaler, while grocery stores supplied by Nisa would still be able to set their own prices, and were free to decide which products to stock. The watchdog also found there was enough competition within the wholesale and retail sector to ensure shopkeepers were free to switch supplier if the group tried to raise prices or reduce the quality of its services to customers.

90 JOBS CUT AT LINWOODS

ith the heart of Balmoral Show, Northern Ireland’s largest agrifood event, farming and fantastic award winning locally-produced food, the NI Food Pavilion is making a return to the Show over May 16-19. “We are delighted with the wide variety of high-quality local food and drink producers represented over the four days,” said Michele Shirlow, chief executive of Food NI. “We are incredibly passionate and proud of the exceptional taste of our local offering and, as always, our presence at the annual Balmoral Show allows us to celebrate the very best produce and encourage visitors to enjoy it.

“Top food writers and buyers from UK visit the Pavilion to scout for talent and, this year, we have some exciting news about seafood exports and are also working with the Britain is Great campaign to highlight what an excellent food and drink region we are.” New features this year include education around kitchen waste and recycling, a Theatre Kitchen supported by Tesco NI and The Food Heartland Tasting Theatre supported by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council. Discounted pre-show tickets are available to purchase online at balmoralshow.co.uk.

Armagh-based food business Linwoods has announced it is to cut 90 jobs from its workforce. The company said it was to end its van sales distribution business blaming a ‘significant and long-term change in market demand’ particularly in sales of white loaves, for the decision. Linwoods is a family business which began 60 years ago as a small grocery shop. In 2002, the company diversified from a bakery and dairy business into health foods and now exports its products across the UK, Europe and Asia. It employs 250 full time and 45 casual employees in Northern Ireland and operates across two sites in Co Armagh.

NEWS

IFEX 2018 WELCOMES RECORD VISITOR NUMBERS

Team Ireland – including Captain Garrett Landers, Vice-Captain Ian McKernaghan, Stephen Cooke, Eamon Etherson, Stephen Millar and Colly Donnelly – won the World Butchers’ Challenge during Meat@IFEX.

NOMINEES SOUGHT FOR FEMALE RETAIL AWARDS The 2018 Barclaycard everywoman in Retail Awards has launched its search for inspirational individuals excelling in the UK’s retail industry. Women from all stages of their career journey are encouraged to nominate themselves or others – from ambitious rising stars and innovative entrepreneurs to wellseasoned leaders making a significant contribution to their organisation. In addition, the Male Agent of Change Award will recognise a man for his commitment to advancing women working in retail. Entries are open until May 14 at www.everywoman.com/retailawards.

ADVICE FOR DRIVERS OPERATING IN ROI Delegates attending the Freight Transport Association’s annual Transport Manager Northern Ireland Conference will have a unique opportunity to hear from Kathleen Callanan, head of Enforcement at the Road Safety Authority in the Republic of Ireland, on what to expect in terms of enforcement when operating their vehicles south of the border. The conference on May 24 at the Culloden Estate and Spa, Belfast, will give fleet operators access to the latest information, guidance and best practice advice on legislation and enforcement changes. For further information, go to www.fta.co.uk/events or call FTA Member Services on 03717 11 22 22.

FEX 2018 saw over 6,500 visitors descend on the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast over March 20-22, making it the biggest turnout for the exhibition to date. And over 200 exhibitors reported substantial business and positive feedback from visitors, according to organiser Fresh Montgomery. “With the addition of Meat@IFEX and the World Butchers’ Challenge we had high hopes for this year’s event. However, IFEX 2018 has exceeded all our expectations,” said Caroline McCusker, event director of IFEX. “We have worked hard on this show for the past two

years. Our goal was to make IFEX 2018 as good as it could be and the vibrancy and atmosphere over the three days was incredible.” IFEX was officially opened on March 20 by Michelin-starred chef Jean Christophe Novelli, who joined Sean Owens, director of Salon Culinaire, on the podium. A hotly-anticipated feature of IFEX 2018, Salon Culinaire was attended by over 150 student and culinary chefs and many spectators. Taking home one of the biggest awards at IFEX was Paul Cunningham from Brunel’s Restaurant, Newcastle, who was named DAERA NI Chef of the Year, with Garreth Wilson, head chef at Titanic Belfast, named runner-up. Other notable winners included: NI Young Chef of the Year - Mark Winter, sous chef at Lough Erne Resort; Street Food International - South Eastern Regional College; Great NI Bake off Craig Morrow from French Village; and Edible Art Novelty Cake - Ruth Doherty, South Eastern Regional College. New sister event Meat@IFEX, which welcomed over 500 international delegates from across 12 countries competing in the World Butchers’ Challenge, was ultimately won by Team Ireland.

ASDA CONSULTS COMMUNITY ON NEWTOWNABBEY PLANS A sda hosted a public exhibition showcasing plans to build a new superstore at the former Nortel site on the Doagh Road in Newtownabbey last month. The event offered local people the opportunity to hear more about the proposed superstore and give their feedback on Asda’s plans which, if approved, could deliver up to 250 full and part-time jobs to the area and regenerate the brownfield site. The proposed store would have a sales area of 40,000 square feet, petrol filling station and 450 free car parking spaces, while offering Asda’s Click and Collect service. Included are plans to upgrade the existing junction between the Monkstown and Doagh roads with a new roundabout. The improvements would maintain the flow of traffic while

improving safety on this important arterial route. “Asda is delighted to be able to present our plans for a new Asda superstore to the people of Newtownabbey,” said Joe McDonald, Asda senior manager, Corporate Affairs NI. “We want to ensure that we take the views of those in the community on board. Our public exhibition will allow local people a chance to view our plans, ask questions and let us know what they think.”

NEWS

CONSUMERS FACING STRONG FOOD PRICE INFLATION

Pictured are, from left, Cormac McKervey, senior agriculture manager and Richard Donnan, head of Northern Ireland at Ulster Bank; Alan Crowe, chief executive at RUAS; and Richard Ramsey, chief economist NI at Ulster Bank.

recovery in the price of milk is helping drive an improvement in the fortunes of Northern Ireland’s farming sector, according to the Ulster Bank, which recently hosted its annual agri-food sector update ahead of the 150th Balmoral Show. The performance of the local farming and food sectors and related economic issues were discussed by Ulster Bank Senior Agriculture Manager Cormac McKervey, Chief Economist Richard Ramsey and Head of Northern Ireland Richard Donnan.

“Many potential challenges in relation to how Brexit might unfold remain and how agricultural policy is shaped locally and in Westminster going forward is also crucial, said Donnan. “However, our local agri-food companies have proven themselves to be adept at focusing on the things they can control so that they are well positioned to capitalise on whatever opportunities also emerge. That means continuing to generate great authentic produce and products, increasing

ULSTER BANK ULSTER FRY INDEX T o illustrate the point, he presented his annual Ulster Bank Ulster Fry Index, which shows that the price of items making up a cooked breakfast have increased by 2.8% in the last 12 months, based on the Consumer Prices Index. This is the second year running the rate of Ulster fry inflation has been 2.8% - the highest rates of annual Ulster fry inflation in the past five years. The bank’s popular measure of food price inflation shows that prior to this, consumers had been benefiting from falling prices – the Ulster Fry Index fell by 9% in 2016 and 3% in 2015. Of the main items in an Ulster fry, bacon and sausages were amongst the biggest risers, both up 3.8%, according to the latest index. Meanwhile the price of

butter was up almost 8%, and bread saw a price increase of 3.9%. Not all items making up the Ulster Fry Index saw a price rise though - tomatoes, eggs and margarine all saw price falls in the past year. Margarine saw the biggest

ULSTER BANK PRESENTS ITS ANNUAL AGRI-FOOD SECTOR UPDATE AND OUTLOOK AHEAD OF BALMORAL SHOW value-add, and through investing in R&D and innovation to improve productivity and distinctiveness.” Ramsey identified 2017 as a very positive year for farming in Northern Ireland. “Total Income from Farming surged by 82% in real terms,” he said. “This is double the average of the past 20 years, after accounting for inflation. And when we look at farm-level incomes (ie stripping out subsidies), there was a rise of over 50% in the 2016/17 financial year. A further increase (+73%) is expected in the 2017/18 financial year just ended, according to the figures from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs. “It is also a positive story when we look at gross output. Overall – ie taking into account the various sub sectors such as dairy, livestock and pigs – there was a 17% increase from 2016 (double the rate of growth in input costs). This was driven in large part by the recovery in the dairy sector, which saw output rise by 46% in monetary terms due to an increase in the price of milk.” Ramsey said inflation is one of the main challenges for consumers in 2018, evident in the rising price of food.

fall of all the items in the index at -5.1 per cent. Those who eat healthier breakfasts will be pleased to hear that smashed avocado is getting cheaper, down 1.9% in the past 12 months. “Food makes up a significant proportion of household spending,” said Ramsay. “Food and drink is also a key sector of the Northern Ireland economy. “So, understanding how the price of food items is changing gives us some insight into both the current state of consumer finances, and also some of the challenges facing the agri-food industry. “Looking ahead, we only see the Ulster Fry Index going one way, up. Consumers are going to feel an increasing squeeze as the price of food rises in the months ahead.” 7

ADVERTORIAL

KERRY FOODS TO REVOLUTIONISE DELI COUNTERS WITH THE LAUNCH OF ‘DELI EXPERTS’ WEBSITE • KERRY FOODS IS LAUNCHING A NEW WEBSITE TO HELP RETAILERS FULLY CAPITALISE ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE DELI COUNTER • VISIT DELIEXPERTS.CO.UK FOR IN-DEPTH ADVICE ON RUNNING YOUR DELI COUNTER

erry Foods is delving into all things deli with the launch of its new website, deliexperts.co.uk. The platform showcases Kerry Foods’ expertise in deli counters and allows retailers to capitalise on the deli opportunity and grow sales with leading brands. The website aims to offer retailers support to become deli experts and, in turn, enjoy more shoppers as a result. As of 2017, Northern Ireland has one of the most competitive economies in Europe, seeing year-on-year growth as unemployment rates fall and population rises, hitting 1.8 million people. This roughly equates to over 700,000 hungry households and many prospective deli counter visitors. Research shows that one in four people don’t buy deli meat because they don’t know the price and 88% of those who visit the deli counter only decide to buy from there once they arrive at the store. You will find these compelling insights and more housed on the Deli Experts site alongside an offering 8

of knowledge which retailers can use to succeed in the deli opportunity long term. Deliexperts.co.uk has a ‘rate your counter’ feature which involves a twominute test that ultimately rates retailers’ ‘deli expert level’; it also provides tips to grow and progress to the next level. Those who want to explore the deli opportunity further can also ‘consult an expert’ by leaving their details on an online form on the website for a representative to contact them. Detailed descriptions and images of Kerry Foods’ deli products are also listed to provide inspiration on the best deli products to stock. Marian O’Higgins, category executive at Kerry Foods, comments: “With the grocery retail market becoming increasingly competitive, retailers must find a way to stand out from the crowd and we think the deli counter can be the perfect way for retailers to differentiate themselves. We want to help retailers

succeed in running a successful deli counter and, as experts, we would like to share the tools to do so. We believe deliexperts.co.uk will be seen as an easily accessed and informative hub of information which retailers can use to really drive their business forward. Our goal is to help retailers unlock their deli counter sales with more support, more shoppers, creating more deli experts. “Our portfolio of brands, Denny & Sons, Fire & Smoke, Ballyfree and Shaws will also provide retailers with the best-selling deli counter brands of high quality delicious meats, keeping their deli customers coming back for more and tempting the taste buds of those new to the deli counter.” Launched in March 2018, Deli Experts is offering a bespoke deli retailer competition to celebrate, with the chance to win a deli counter makeover and £450 worth of Kerry Foods stock at http://www.deliexperts.co.uk/.

RETAIL NEWS – INDEPENDENTS

RETAIL NI OPPOSES EXTENDED RETAIL NI COMMENTS SUNDAY TRADING IN BELFAST ON SPRUCEFIELD

etail NI and shop workers’ trade union Usdaw have sent an open to letter to Belfast city councillors opposing a proposal to extend Sunday trading hours, citing its potential damage to independent retailers. The two organisations are suggesting a summit of all stakeholders to take a proper look at what Belfast offers to residents, visitors and tourists over the whole weekend. The letter follows on from the City Council’s second consultation on its proposal to designate Belfast district (or the city centre) as a ‘Holiday Resort’, which would allow large shops to extend their Sunday trading hours on up to 18 Sundays in any calendar year between March 1 and September 30 (excluding Easter Sunday). The Strategic Policy and Resources Committee was to consider the proposal on April 20. In a joint statement, John Hannett, Usdaw general secretary and Glyn Roberts, Retail NI chief executive, said: ‘It is our belief, based on firm evidence, that should this proposal

be passed, the effects would be detrimental to retail workers, their families, independent retailers and the wider community. ‘Retail workers are already under immense pressure to work long hours with the one respite they have being the legally enforced shorter trading hours on a Sunday which allows them much needed time with their family and friends… ‘Not only would the proposed change place extra pressure on retail workers, it would also have a damaging effect on small independent retailers (below 3,000 square foot) who can trade for those vital few hours on a Sunday morning. ‘Local independent retailers have seen a 71% hike in their rate bills following the last rates revaluation and continue to struggle to stay in business. This proposal will result in a number of local community independent retailers closing. These are retailers that provide an invaluable community service for many elderly and disabled and people without cars.’

NI FOOTFALL DECLINE CONTINUES BUT BELOW UK AVERAGE

hile retail footfall in Northern Ireland fell by 1.8% over February 25 to March 31, the local performance was much better than the UK average of a 6% decline. The local figure represented a greater decline than the threemonth average of a 1.2% dip in footfall while representing an improvement on the 12-month average of -2.1% for Northern Ireland. Locally, High Street, Retail Parks and Shopping Centres saw footfall decline of 1.9%, 1.9% and 1.7% respectively. “Whilst the drop in shopper footfall in Northern Ireland last month was barely a third of that witnessed across the UK as a whole, this is hardly a cause for celebration,” said Aodhán Connolly, director of the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium. “For 11 out of the past 12 months, we have seen a continued

decline in footfall in our retail destinations and it’s notable that even the important Easter shopping period failed to bring a return of footfall growth. “This is despite the acceleration of shop price deflation in March, to its lowest rate for a year. As the impact of the pound’s depreciation is fizzling out and the inflation/wage growth gap is finally narrowing, the pressure on consumers’ budgets is beginning to ease. “However, that could well prove short-lived with further domestic cost pressures on the horizon likely to see consumers continue to feel a grip on their spending power. That is why it is imperative that the UK and EU agree a clear and frictionless Brexit deal on both tariffs and the movement of goods, in order for retailers to mitigate any further pressure on prices for their customers.”

EXPANSION PLAN

etail NI has called for any additional shops to be opened in Lisburn City Centre instead, after new proposals were outlined by the owners of Sprucefield for 13 new retail units and a hotel. “As an organisation which campaigns for a town centre first retail planning policy, our preference is for these 13 new retail units to be located in Lisburn City Centre, rather than in an out-of-town location,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI. “These proposals will draw trade and jobs away from Lisburn City Centre and are in breach of the planning regulations which promote town centre first retail applications. “Out-of-town retail belongs in the last century. The future is 21st century town and city centres that have a dynamic mix of retail and hospitality. “Thirteen new retailers located in Lisburn City Centre would be a big boost for existing traders, increase footfall and greatly improve Lisburn’s retail offer. “It is not a surprise that John Lewis is not part of this application given that they have changed store formats and moved to having a greater on-line presence. “I hope that we will see a John Lewis store coming to Northern Ireland in a town or city centre location, in the near future.”

NFRN WELCOMES INQUIRY INTO EXPRESS NEWSPAPERS TAKEOVER

FRN has hailed the Competition and Market Authority’s (CMA’s) phase one inquiry into Trinity Mirror’s planned purchase of the newspaper and magazine titles published by Richard Desmond, adding that it hopes that it will shine a spotlight on some of the ills in the newspaper supply chain. “We did fear some repercussions for news retailers when the takeover by Trinity Mirror was first announced and, as they have become a reality, we will be happy to share our concerns with the regulator,” said Linda Sood, president of NFRN. “Firstly, we will remind the CMA that the 11 daily newspapers and nine Sunday publications that now exist are owned by just a handful of PLCs or individuals and this will be further reduced by the Mirror buyout. “Secondly, the worst fears of independent retailers were recognised just recently when cover prices on the daily and weekend copies of both the Express and Star increased but the margins that news stockists received were slashed to bring them in line with those offered by the Mirror publications.”

RETAIL NEWS – SYMBOLS

NIRC CALLS FOR FAIR DEAL FOR SHOPPERS AHEAD OF BREXIT A new campaign has been launched to ensure the interests of local consumers are considered during Brexit negotiations. The Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) campaign, A Fair Deal for Consumers, aims to show the potential impact of tariffs on average households if a satisfactory deal is not achieved, while calling on the Government and EU to put consumers first. As part of the launch, NIRC unveiled a pricing tool based on parliamentary constituencies showing possible cost rises for several staple foods. “If the UK leaves the EU with no trade agreement, EU imports into the UK will be subject to World Trade Organisation Most Favoured Nation tariffs,” said Aodhán Connolly, director of NIRC. The pricing tool estimates that weekly

RATES REVALUATION 2020 UNDERWAY

etail NI has urged its members to ensure the correct information is submitted to Land & Property Services (LPS) under the non-domestic rates revaluation 2020. Business ratepayers and their advisors in Northern Ireland are obliged to provide rental evidence to LPS, part of the Department of Finance, with a view to preparing a new Valuation List for use from April 2020. Letters explaining how ratepayers can submit information are being sent to occupiers of commercial premises, and most ratepayers will be able to submit their details online. “Getting a better deal in regard to business rates is our top priority,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI. “In 2015, Retail NI had major concerns with the process and transparency of the valuation of many of our members’ stores which has to be avoided in the 2020 Revaluation. “It is welcome that we now have greater transparency with the valuation process, and we will be closely working with the LPS to monitor it as we approach 2020. “It is important that our members and the wider business community submit the correct and up-to-date information to the LPS to ensure the right valuation is made.”

expenditure by shoppers nationally on specific staple food items could increase by as much as up to 37% on beef, 43% on cheese, 8% on tomatoes and up 13% on broccoli and cabbages. This represents an increase of 3% on the weekly food shop for the average household. “The average Northern Ireland household already has less than half of the weekly discretionary spending power of GB households,” said Connolly. “Any rises in costs such as new tariffs simply can’t be absorbed entirely by retailers. This is not an ideological stance as we are Brexit agnostic. These figures simply highlight a risk of potential increases that we may see if a satisfactory agreement on tariffs is not reached. We are simply concerned with the facts and the need to protect the already hard-pressed Northern Ireland consumer.”

Aodhán Connolly, director of NIRC

McBRIDE’S SPAR TEAM SPRING INTO ACTION FOR MARIE CURIE T

each store,” he said Peter McBride McBride, Retail Group McBride has raised Retail Group £5,553 for director. palliative care “We host charity Marie regular events Curie’s Great in store to Daffodil support Appeal our charity through a Staff and volunteers from Marie Curie are pictured with Peter partner, Marie series of McBride of the McBride Group. Curie, and the in-store team always go the extra mile to make fundraising events as well as bucket them a success, as do our customers collections, selling the well-known whose generosity is so gratefully daffodil pins and beautiful bouquets of received.” the flowers themselves. This year’s Great Daffodil Appeal The SPAR employees were marked the one-year anniversary fundraising as part of Marie Curie’s of SPAR’s UK-wide partnership with Great Daffodil Appeal, the charity’s the terminal illness charity. Since the headline fundraising event that takes beginning of the partnership, SPAR place during the month of March each Northern Ireland has raised almost year. It was easy to spot the fundraising £100,000 for the charity with plans champions in the 11 stores as they afoot for a nationwide ‘Blooming Great donned yellow hats and t-shirts to raise Tea Party’ in June. awareness of the campaign. The McBride Group has raised “I’d like to firstly thank all of our £22,700 of that total; the equivalent of staff and customers on yet another 1,125 hours of nursing care provided very successful fundraising day, as for palliative care patients in the local well as the fantastic volunteers from area. Omagh and Enniskillen who supported

RETAIL PROFILE

MUSGRAVE CELEBRATES LOVING EVERYTHING LOCAL FOR 35 YEARS WITH A NEW TV AD SUPERVALU, CENTRA, MACE AND MARKETPLACE SAY THANK YOU TO THE PEOPLE OF NORTHERN IRELAND FOR 35 INCREDIBLE YEARS OF SUPPORTING THEIR BUSINESS HERE

Michael McCormack, managing director, Musgrave (back, centre) and Desi Derby, marketing director, Musgrave (foreground), were joined by, from left, Colleen Lamont from Musgrave MarketPlace, Tara Kerstens from Centra, Holywood, Lydia Freeman from Mace, Ballywalter and Robert McAdams from SuperValu, Comber to announce a new TV ad celebrating 35 years of Musgrave in Northern Ireland was to premiere on April 14 during Britain’s Got Talent, and at the same time on SuperValu, Centra and Mace’s social media channels.

LOVING EVERYTHING LOCAL FOR 35 YEARS Musgrave, the name behind Northern Ireland’s leading wholesale and convenience retail brands, SuperValu, Centra, Mace and MarketPlace, are celebrating 35 years of business in Northern Ireland, with the release of a new television advert featuring local store workers, customers and well-known iconic places. The TV advert, which premiered during Britain’s Got Talent, on April 14, follows the journey of food from farm to fork, and charts how Musgrave has been ‘loving everything local for 35 years’ and making a positive impact in communities right across Northern Ireland. The Musgrave business was founded in Cork by brothers Thomas and Stuart Musgrave in 1876. Both brothers later 12

went on to marry the Robert’s sisters who came from Enniskillen, Co Fermanagh. In 1982, the business expanded into Northern Ireland with the opening of the Duncrue Cash & Carry – known today as Musgrave MarketPlace. With the success of Duncrue, Musgrave expanded and opened a further site in the North West. The expansion continued in 1996 when the company moved into the retail sector by acquiring five supermarkets and rebranding these as SuperValu. This was followed by the acquisition of 21 Wellworths stores dotted across Northern Ireland, which were in time all rebranded as SuperValu. Desi Derby, marketing director, Musgrave, said: “We are celebrating loving everything local for 35 years and this includes our incredibly talented food and drink producers, our independent

retailers, the dedicated people who work in our stores, our warehouse and office colleagues and of course our loyal customers who drive our ambition to always be the best. Supporting local is of paramount importance to Musgrave, that’s why we’ll spend £120m on Northern Irish food and drink this year, continuing to work with over 140 local suppliers – selling more than 3,000 local products in-store.” LOVING LOCAL TALENT As part of the creative behind the ad, Musgrave carried out a search to find people from Northern Ireland to appear in a ‘top-secret project’. Though project details were not released at the time, over 50 people attended an open casting at The MAC in Belfast to be in with a chance of landing a role.

RETAIL PROFILE Desi continued: “Initially, we were looking for one adult and one child to appear in our secret project, which was in fact our TV advert, but the talent was so incredible that we gave nine people a part. “We made it clear that auditionees didn’t need any acting or stage experience or be a model to qualify. Instead, we wanted to meet people that really embodied what’s great about Northern Ireland; whether that’s a cheeky grin, a dashing head of red hair or a swagger to their walk that makes them stand out in a crowd. But to be honest we were hoping that someone would come along and surprise us by offering something we weren’t expecting – and that’s exactly what happened.” LOVING LOCAL PEOPLE It was the people of Northern Ireland who became the real stars of the TV ad. All five members of the Carter family from Bangor came along to the open casting and they were so talented that they all appear in the ad, including Dad, Steve (44), and his children Cameron (15), Ethan (13), Aaron (10) and Leah (8). Andrea Trainor (39) and her son Finn (5) from Newtownabbey and sisters, Niamh (16) and Ciara Rogan (10) from north Belfast also impressed Musgrave and feature in the advert. However, there was one story that really touched the hearts of the Musgrave judges during the audition. Desi said: “Steve Carter’s four children all auditioned first, eldest to youngest, and it was obvious to us immediately that they were all stars and we had to make them a part of our project. However, when Steve told us that the children’s mother, his wife, passed away during childbirth, we were touched by their personal story.” The Carter family

Ciara and Niamh Rogan

Steve Carter said: “The audition process was so much fun. We had no idea what the project was so when we learned it was a SuperValu, Centra, Mace and Musgrave MarketPlace TV ad, we couldn’t believe it. Since my wife died, I’ve made an effort to spend as much time with the kids doing fun and unusual activities together, just like this, but we had no idea we would end up on a TV ad, it’s brilliant. The experience of filming was great from start to finish and it was so surreal to see myself and the four kids on TV. Our friends and family were so happy for us and we’ve already been asked for our autographs.”

Finn and his mum

represent our foodservice business, and he was happy to play a role.” Nigel Mannion, executive chef, Titanic Hotel, Belfast, said: “I was incredibly flattered that Musgrave MarketPlace asked us to appear in the ad, to represent their foodservice business. We have been a customer since opening and we’ve been so impressed with the incredible range of quality products that we can get from them. Our guests deserve the best produce available in Northern Ireland so working with Musgrave MarketPlace allows us to surprise and delight our guests every day with incredible food and drink.” Today, Musgrave has 35 SuperValu, 83 Centra and 102 Mace retail stores across Northern Ireland, and three MarketPlace sites, which collectively employ over 5,000 people.

LOVING LOCAL LANDMARKS Eagle-eyed viewers will also see the Titanic Hotel, which is a customer of Musgrave MarketPlace, and the stunning, Silent Valley make appearances in the ad. Desi said: “Our Musgrave MarketPlace foodservice business continues to grow from strength to strength, and includes many well-known restaurants, pubs, Nigel Mannion, clubs, and hotels. So we asked the executive chef at the executive chef of Titanic Hotel, Nigel Titanic Hotel Mannion, if he would be happy to The Silent Valley

RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES

FREE’IST IN SWEET DEAL WITH IRISH RETAILERS

ocal sugar-free food company Free’ist has secured listings across 2,000 stores in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland for its new sugar-free Jellies range. Stockists include Dunnes, Tesco, Supervalu, Centra, SPAR, Nisa and Costcutter. The listings mark a significant win for Free’ist, which invested £250,000 into rebranding earlier this year as part of a targeted Ireland and UK growth strategy. “2018 is already proving a significant year for Free’ist,” said Gerard McAdorey, managing director, Free’ist. “Securing listings for our recently launched sugarfree jellies in ROI is a vote of confidence for our product innovation and a positive

development within our ambitious growth strategy. “Our products are always developed to reflect emerging consumer trends and requirements. The jellies range was a natural progression in our snack offering as the appetite for great tasting sugarfree alternatives continues to grow, as does the ‘free from’ market. “It is extremely encouraging to see major retail partners putting their confidence in the range as they seek to meet their customers’ ever-evolving needs.” Free’ist’s core range includes sugar-free chocolate bars, cookies, popcorn and marshmallows. The Jellies range features

Pictured are Gary Martin, national account manager, and Manus Carson, sales development executive at Free’ist.

three new lines, Gummy Bears, Gummy Worms and Cola Bottles, each of which are sugar-free, gluten free and dairy free.

SUPERVALU & CENTRA INVEST IN VALUE-LED STRATEGY

Announcing the investment are Ciara McClafferty, trading director, Musgrave and Nigel Maxwell, sales director, SuperValu and Centra.

usgrave has announced a doubledigit investment in its value offering in 2018 aimed at providing SuperValu and Centra customers with more

opportunities to save on everyday items. As part of its new commercial strategy, Musgrave will increase its investment in value by 10% on the previous year, with the aim of offering the best combination of value, customer service and quality fresh food in the market. “We have listened to our customers who are telling us they want better value now, without any compromise on quality,” said Michael McCormack, managing director, Musgrave. “They want to see us respond to the uncertainty around Brexit and how it will affect prices by committing to a value strategy that will allow them to

make savings on quality food and drink ranges. “Our value strategy features over 200 special offers in SuperValu and Centra stores every week, alongside price checks, to ensure competitive pricing and the expansion of the SuperValu and Centra own brand ranges, which are up to 30% cheaper than the better-known brands.” The investment follows recent sales growth in value and own brand lines across SuperValu and Centra stores, which Musgrave says demonstrates growing demand for these products from Northern Ireland consumers.

LOCAL FOOD SALES GROW FOR ASDA S

ales of Northern Ireland Demand for sausages from produce grew by 8% in local Karro Foods (Cookstown) Asda stores in 2017, while also and burgers from Doherty & climbing by 4.1% year on year Gray (Ballymena) have also across Asda’s UK-wide store contributed to the regional network. growth, with sales up 6%, The results come on the back while local bread brands of Asda’s renewed commitment remain a firm favourite to the local food sector, following with Asda customers, with on from the success of NI Year of over one million packets Food & Drink 2016, according to of Sunblest pancakes sold the retailer, which recently hosted throughout 2017. Pictured are, from left, Brian Irwin, chairman of Irwin’s; Janine Shilleto, senior buying a National Supplier Conference “We will continue to focus manager, Local & Regional Foods, Asda; and Michael McCallion, buying manager, Asda NI. focusing on regional food. on the opportunities which Asda also operates a Supplier will help our agri-food sector in locally produced ready meals supplied Development Academy, a bespoke build their businesses with Asda by by companies such as Mash Direct, training programme helping local delivering the products and ranges which Morrow Foods and Cloughbane, and companies boost their trading potential our customers want and trust,” said a 15% increase in sales by local craft by up to 30%. Among local success Michael McCallion, buying manager for brewers and distillers including Jawbox Asda NI. stories cited by Asda are a 24% increase Gin, Tempted Cider and Belfast Ale. 14

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

MARKETING DRIVE IN BRITAIN AN ‘OUTSTANDING SUCCESS’ BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

mong the many lessons we learned from organising a showcase of local food and drink at the iconic Borough Market in London is the widespread acceptance of our produce as being of excellent quality. We were amazed at the feedback from market management, market traders, food writers and the thousands of shoppers and tourists visiting stalls of the 14 companies represented. It was a real confidence boost. Borough is certainly an exercise that we would wish to repeat – given the essential resources - because it’s important that quality producers here should be encouraged and assisted to reach out to consumers in Britain. The presentation, our first at Borough, was an outstanding success and saw a great many shoppers enjoying and purchasing local food and drink. Visitors were mesmerised by the busy griddles of the Krazi Baker. Several companies, including Abernethy Butter and Shortcross Gin, sold out very quickly with others, including Ballylisk, gaining a permanent presence in the market. We know that the market’s management team is keen to facilitate a return visit. The theme of our maiden showcase was farm diversification and sustainability. Borough showed that we have a host of innovative products offering premium quality and outstanding flavours that meet this brief and we would be keen to accept a challenge around different themes. Borough Market was another important

stage in our drive to increase awareness of our superb food and drink in Britain and to encourage more retailers, distributors and foodservice organisations to list a great many more products from Northern Ireland. We were delighted that a buyer from Selfridges took time to visit the Northern Irish companies. This important work, still in an early stage, also supports those retailers, especially major supermarkets in Northern Ireland, which have encouraged their operations in Britain to list Northern Irish products on their shelves. We want as many people as possible to Taste the Greatness of our produce. We also continue to work with food writers in Britain as part of our awareness raising campaign. We would wish to be able to create an annual programme of such promotional activities throughout Great Britain, which I am sure would produce significant benefits in terms of external sales and lead to greater employment particularly in rural communities where most of our member companies are located. There are a great many marketing opportunities in Britain that would be of benefit to our smaller companies… if

they were able to participate on a regular and fully coordinated basis. We appreciate greatly existing support for our campaign from Tourism Northern Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Invest Northern Ireland. And we’d be very keen to work with local councils to develop a co-ordinated and structured awareness campaign in Britain. Such collaboration, for instance, would enable us to organise striking presentations of the best of local food and drink at major buying events such as Speciality and Fine Food in London or Lunch and the Farm Shop and Deli Shows, essentially a programme of food shows in key centres throughout Britain. This is the best way to make a major impact using such events as a springboard into the market and it makes business and financial sense to pool resources. Our focus locally has again been stepped up in the shape of food pavilions at events such as the hugely popular Garden Show Ireland in Antrim and, of course, the RUAS show at Balmoral Park, our biggest showcase involving over 100 companies and a hot bed of talent for local retail buyers. In addition, we will also be supporting other food events throughout Northern Ireland during the summer and autumn.

HEAVENLY TASTY PICKS UP GOLD AT MADE FOR MUMS AWARDS

eavenly Tasty Organics has received a gold in the Best Organic Baby or Toddler Snack category of the Made for Mums Awards 2018, judged by a panel of industry experts, real parents and children and celebrity parents. The Heavenly Tasty Organics range contains no added sugars, colours or preservatives, and includes Coconut Squishies ready to squeeze straight from the pouch, the best-selling Mini

Breadsticks and new Mini Biscuits. “To have taken the top spot for best organic snack is particularly special as we put all our efforts into creating truly delicious organic treats,” said Shauna Blair, brand founder. “It is especially exciting to have won one of these trophies as the Made for Mums awards are well respected in the industry and a clear mark of distinction. 2018 really is turning out to be our best year yet.” 15

ADVERTORIAL

FOREST FEAST SPLASHES OUT WITH ITS NEW ONPACK SWIMMING PROMOTION

he premium dried fruit, nut and seed snack company, Forest Feast, is known for its strong support of swimming at all levels in Northern Ireland, from professional swimmers to grassroots sponsorships. Forest Feast is continuing its support of swimming, while helping people lead healthier active lifestyles, with the launch of its new on-pack promotion offering shoppers the chance to win a course of free swimming lessons. Learning to swim is a fantastic experience and a fun way for people to keep fit and become safer in the water. However, according to the Amateur Swimming Association, nearly a third of 11-year-olds in the UK can’t swim. Commenting on the promotion, Andrea Cahill, marketing manager, Forest Feast, said: “We are passionate about supporting swimming in Northern Ireland and encouraging a healthier lifestyle. Swimming is a wonderful recreational activity and also an important life skill to have. As a long-term supporter of swimming through our sponsorship of the AquaSprint Junior Swimming League, this on-pack promotion is another way we are aiming to raise the profile of the sport by offering swimming access for all ages.” The on-pack promotion will be rolled out from May to July across the brand’s ‘Pick Me Up’ on-the-go snacking range which features snacking favourites such as Roasted & Salted Cashews, Pistachios, 16

Almonds, Yoghurt Peanuts & Raisins, and Honey Roasted Peanuts & Cashews. Shoppers can enter online at forestfeast.com. The promotion will be communicated on special packs with a vibrant peel and re-seal flash label, which will be supported by POS, a marketing and PR campaign. All marketing activity will be underpinned by a social media campaign using the hashtag #nutsaboutswimming. The ‘Pick Me Up’ on-the-go range from Forest Feast has a RRP of £1 and is available from leading retailers nationwide. For more information, visit forestfeast.com or find Forest Feast on Facebook, and Twitter.

“We are passionate about supporting swimming in Northern Ireland and encouraging a healthier lifestyle.” Andrea Cahill, marketing manager, Forest Feast

SPONSORS OF

D N A T U O H S ! A L W SP K UP NO N O I T O M O R P K C PAC O N O T W S E N R U O H T I W

Forest Feast strives to encourage a healthier active lifestyle through swimming. With one in three 11 year olds not able to swim* we are offering 20 lucky consumers a chance to win a course of swimming lessons in our new on pack promotion.

www.forestfeast.com *Source: Amateur Swimming Association (ASA)

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

CONSUMER INSIGHT AND MARKET UPDATE BY JASON WINSTANLEY, SENIOR INSIGHT AND RESEARCH MANAGER, MOY PARK THE ‘UPTICK’ OF SENTIMENT UK consumer sentiment is on the rise in the UK, which is positive news for the grocery industry. In March, the GfK Consumer Confidence Index saw a jump of 3 points to reach a score of -7, its best result for 10 months1. The contributory factors behind the rise in sentiment included a breakthrough in Brexit talks, with the Government reaching an outline deal to keep additional single market access, and, crucially, a fall in inflation with a corresponding rise in wages growth. Let’s look at those two factors a little more closely; the CPI measure of inflation in February stood at 2.7%2, a fall of 0.3% points compared to January, and the first time that it had dipped below 3% since August last year. So, prices are still rising, but, importantly, they are not rising as fast as they were, and this is true of the economy in general, but also of the grocery industry. Kantar Worldpanel’s like-for-like measure of grocery price inflation stood at 2.5% for the 12 weeks to March 25, representing a slowing of

inflation compared to previous measures3. So, that’s good news for consumers, but inflation of 2.7% for the UK as a whole is still above the Bank of England’s 2% target rate, so remains a little on the high side. Whilst inflation remains a little bit ahead of where it would ideally be, the other key metric helping to drive up confidence is an increase in wages growth. In the three months to January, UK wages rose at their fastest rate in nearly two-and-a-half years, to reach 2.6%2, so now only 0.1% behind inflation. Therefore, there is now virtually no gap between price rises and wage growth, and what this means is that consumers are no longer seeing a decline in their disposable income. As a result, the period of slightly declining disposable income which we have been in for exactly a year seems to have come to an end, and there is every prospect that, in the next few weeks, the previous position should reverse, and income should start to grow again. What gives us the confidence to say this? Well, one of the biggest contributory

factors to rising inflation over the past 18 months has been the increase in the cost of imported goods triggered by the fall in sterling, which followed immediately on the heels of the result of the Brexit Referendum. This devaluation meant that imported goods and ingredients became anywhere between 10-20% more expensive, and it was this which drove a great deal of the inflation we have seen since. The pound is now much more stable, and the effects of that previous sudden devaluation are now washing out of the data as we move forwards, meaning there is a strong likelihood that inflation will continue to fall. So this suggests that the prospects in the months ahead are good. Whilst the current trends are unlikely to unleash a spending bonanza, it should at least mean that some sectors, such as food service, which have struggled recently, see some respite. [Source: 1 – GfK Consumer Confidence, March 2018; 2 – ONS, March 2018; 3 – Kantar Worldpanel 12 weeks to 25th March 2018]

QUORN DISHING UP TASTY SALES Q uorn Foods is driving the growth of Northern Ireland’s meat-free market by highlighting just how easy it is to make healthy and great tasting dishes with Quorn, the market-leading meat-free brand. Quorn Foods National Account Manager Glenn McCracken says shoppers are increasingly looking for nutritious products such as the ones that Quorn provide, that don’t compromise on taste or quality. “We’ve launched a core range of five frozen price-marked products specifically for the convenience channel which focus

on convenient, family favourites that help consumers to make their favourite meals meat free,” he said. “These include family favourites like Quorn frozen Nuggets, Burgers and Sausages which are ideal for healthier family meal times in a hurry, complemented by chilled ready meals such as Quorn Cottage Pie (300g) and Quorn Lasagne (300g) and deli Quorn Ham (100g) and Quorn Roasted Sliced Fillets (140g).” Retailers need to ensure they are reflecting consumer trends in their ranges as shoppers increasingly expect

to find mainstream, meat-free products in both frozen and chilled fixtures. “The frozen range and chilled ready meals have been launched in price-marked packs, specifically for the convenience channel, each providing strong shared margin and competitive RSPs,” said McCracken. Quorn is consistently one of the biggest media-spending brands which, alongside a significant increase in distribution, is a driver of record growth in the last 12 months. Retailers should stock up to take advantage of growing consumer demand for Quorn. For retailers wanting more information on stocking Quorn’s frozen or chilled range, please contact: customer.services@quornfoods.com.

ADVERTORIAL

HOVIS® LIVE GOOD™ - LOCAL CHALLENGE GIVES £3K TO A LOCAL NI CLUB OR GROUP Trevor McCrum, commerical director, Hovis® Ireland, with Television presenter and independent judge, Sarah Travers.

ovis® Live Good™ was launched in February 2017, developed by our Innovation Team in Belfast. Today,the Hovis® Live Good™ range is available across Northern Ireland. The range has the best of both worlds – all the texture, flavour and goodness of Hovis® bread but contains from 59 calories per slice and is high in Vitamin D*. Hovis®Live Good™ is more than a bread,

it’s a lifestyle choice. Hovis® wants to encourage their Live Good™consumers to look on the bright side of life, so they can enjoy more and Live Good whilst supporting their local club or group. This summer across Northern Ireland, Hovis® Live Good™ will be giving a local club or group the chance to win £3,000 with the Hovis® Live Good™ – Local Challenge. Trevor McCrum, commerical director,

Hovis® Ireland comments: “We’re asking authorised members to nominate a group, club or nonprofit organisation. The judging panel will review each application and judge it on three key areas : Inclusivity, Community and Live Good’Ness. It is a simple application process that can be completed online at www.hovislivegood. com. There are a few conditions around entry. The group, club or non-profit organisation must be based in Northern Ireland. Applicants must be over 18 and a member of the club. Entry forms must be received before the closing date of 25th May 2018.” Once the Hovis® team has received the applications, a panel which includes an external, independent judge will assess and rank every entry according to the following criteria: Inclusivity, Community and Live Goodness. The judging panel will then select the three highest scoring entries. These three finalists will automatically win £1,000 each, to spend on the projects they

ADVERTORIAL have highlighted in their application. The finalists will then make a short video explaining what they want to spend the £3,000 prize money on. At that point, the general public will be invited to vote for their favourite video online. The winning entry will be announced in July and the winning group will receive an additional £2,000.” Trevor adds: “The Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge is about supporting communities and encouraging individuals who are making a real difference to the fabric of our society to continue to do so. We know that for a lot of groups, clubs and non-profit organisations, it can be difficult to secure much needed funding and grants. A sum of £1,000 or indeed £3,000 could make a massive difference in terms of allowing a project to be delivered. A cash injection of this level could really help and we are keen to support those groups that work hard to improve lives, often with tight resources, from all parts of the community in Northern Ireland.” Television presenter and independent judge Sarah Travers encourages nominations: “We all have organisations or clubs or societies that are close to our heart for a wide variety of reasons. We know people who volunteer and give their time selflessly to help others. Sometimes it is good for these individuals to realise that other people recognise and value the contribution that they are making.

“By nominating a group, club or non-profit organisation for the Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge 2018, you are showing that you care about what they do and that you appreciate the positive impact they have on the wider community. So take 10 minutes and place a nomination. Three finalists will be announced on 4th June 2018, each winning £1,000. The excitement will continue as finalists get set to produce a video and have the opportunity to win additional funds to help them continue their good work.” The Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge is supported by a dynamic marketing programme including radio, outdoor, digital and in store activity which launched earlier this month. TERMS AND CONDITIONS (Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge 2018) • Must be NI resident age 18 + & authorised member of club or group to nominate. • Club or group must be not for profit & based in NI. • Nomination form at www.hovislivegood.com. • Closing date for nominations: 25.05.18. • Only first nomination for a club or group will be considered. • 3 X finalists will be selected on basis of inclusivity, community and "LIVE GOOD'ness with 1 X winner selected by public vote. • Finalists will be required to submit a short video. • Finalists will win £1, 000 and the winner will win an extra £2000 to be used for purposes set out in the nomination form. • T& C's apply - see www.hovislivegood.com • * Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.’

ADVERTORIAL

COCA-COLA’S INCREASING RANGE OF ZERO SUGAR OPTIONS FOR THOSE ‘ON-THE-GO’ • Consumers now have more choices to help them manage their sugar intake on-the-go, with an expanding range of zero sugar drinks • New ‘zero’ flavours include Diet Coke Exotic Mango, CocaCola Zero Sugar Peach, Fanta Pink Grapefruit, Sprite and Sprite Lemon Lime & Cucumber • Smaller, more convenient pack sizes are also now available in Coca-Cola Classic, with new 250ml slimline can and 375ml (PET) bottle

oca-Cola has introduced a new range of pack sizes and increasing ‘zero sugar’ flavours across its most popular brands to give consumers greater choice while ‘on-the-go’. The new options will help consumers to manage their sugar intake, while minimising the impact of the new government tax on soft drinks on shoppers and retailers alike. NEW ZERO SUGAR DRINKS

An expanding range of zero sugar variants across leading brands Diet Coke, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Fanta and Sprite have now been launched. The no sugar flavour extensions, which are exempt from the government’s new tax on soft drinks, are also in keeping with the company’s ongoing marketing strategy to ‘Hero Zero’, which aims to make no sugar options the easier choice for shoppers. Currently 43% of all cola sold has no sugar and the company envisages that this will increase to greater than 55% by 2020. To help achieve this, the ‘zero sugar’ flavours set to entice consumers include Diet Coke Exotic Mango, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Peach in addition to Fanta Pink Grapefruit and a new no sugar recipe for Sprite, with the addition of Sprite Lemon Lime & Cucumber. Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland Marketing Manager Martina Lovetinska said: “Coca-Cola HBC is the market-leader in the sale of low and no sugar drinks across the island of Ireland, and this has been achieved by 22

increasingly diversifying our portfolio, reducing sugar across our range, while offering greater value and choice in zero sugar options through our ‘hero zero’ marketing strategy. “2018 will be an exciting year, as we bring these great tasting zero sugar drinks to the marketplace. With the benefit of already popular brand names, I’m confident that the marketing plans we have in place will embed them as firm favourites for our consumers onthe-go.” The company’s new zero sugar drinks will benefit from increased marketing support throughout the year. With the brand’s Because I Can campaign, Diet Coke Exotic Mango will benefit from above-the-line TV and out-of-home support, in addition to the benefit of digital partnerships, social influencer campaigns, in-store activation and extensive sampling to drive trial. Bursting with smooth, fruity flavours, the newest cola variant Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Peach also contains no sugar and will be supported through ongoing marketing of the Coca-Cola Zero Sugar brand, which continues to drive overall cola category growth.1 Helping to drive further transactions for retailers, the Fanta brand is also set for an exciting period, with a #FANTAGETCOLOURFUL activation in-store and across digital. Teens will be asked to share a Fanta-themed photo inspired by the product’s vibrant colour, for a chance to win an InstaSprocket printer. The new Fanta Pink Grapefruit will be a key pack in the campaign, and will also benefit from further launch support including out-of-home and proximity media, digital partnerships, point-of-sale and social influencer engagement. Sprite’s core offering has also recently undergone refreshing changes, with

a move to a fully zero sugar recipe, and will be complemented with a no sugar Lemon Lime and Cucumber flavour. Both variants will benefit from a new fresh identity that embraces Sprite’s original look while emphasising its natural flavours. Marketing support will include a major out-of-home, online video, and digital media campaign, in addition to nationwide sampling and in-store promotions. COCA-COLA CLASSIC

Coca-Cola Classic is one of the few products within the company’s portfolio that will be subject to the government’s tax on soft drinks and as a direct result the price per litre will increase. In response, a new pack line-up has been introduced to offer greater choice to consumers on-the-go, with the introduction of new smaller, more convenient pack sizes for Coca-Cola Classic. From April, Coca-Cola Classic drinkers will also be able to choose a new smaller, more convenient pack size with the introduction of a sleek new 250ml slimline can and a 375ml (PET) bottle. These packs will help those who still want Coca-Cola Classic to choose the right pack size for them, while providing affordable options. The full Coca-Cola range will continue to be available in 500ml bottles and 330ml cans. Coca-Cola HBC is also the market leader in sales of zero sugar drinks on the island of Ireland and thanks to the extensive sugar reduction programme and focus on ‘hero-ing zero’, the majority of the company’s portfolio is exempt from the imminent government tax on sugarsweetened drinks. 1

IOI Nielsen Sales MAT Nov 17

Sprite A4 Advert Ulster Grocer.pdf

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ADVERTORIAL

BOOST LAUNCHES SUMMER ON PACK PROMOTION

t Boost, we love local, independent retailers and want to do everything we can to support them. We’re always looking for ways we can help retailers boost sales so, this year, we’re launching some exciting promotions and competitions that will benefit both retailers and their consumers. With summer just around the corner, a key time of year for soft drink sales, we’re getting ready to launch our big summer promotion. We’re launching the promotion across cans of our bestselling Original Energy PMP 250ml variant which means you’ll be attracting new consumers to the shelf whilst driving sales amongst existing ones. We’ve kept the promotion really simple! All shoppers have to do is buy a can and then enter the code printed on it to be in with a chance of winning some amazing prizes. The top prize is a holiday to Barcelona for four with additional experiences whilst you’re there. As well as the top prize of the holiday, we’ll be doing daily and weekly giveaways such as smart watches and shopping vouchers. Retailers will be able to shout about the promotion and draw lots of attention to it in their own store with the amazing POS we’ve created. In addition to this, we’ll be shouting about the promotion through advertising across TV and social media, reaching as many people as possible and driving them to local stores! The promotion launches on the 11th June – so keep an eye out for the special packs in your local cash and carry to ensure you don’t miss out! 24

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

MACKLE MAKES MAGIC

AT THE 30TH ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

successful evening for Mackle Petfoods saw the Dungannonbased company awarded Best Marketing Campaign, as well as Best Food Export Marketing, at the 30th annual Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards on April 27. Winners and highly commended entries were recognised across nine categories during the Ulster Grocers’ Ball, an annual gala evening held at the Culloden Hotel to raise funds for grocers’ benevolent fund GroceryAid. Mackle Petfoods boasts form in the top category, having picked up Best Marketing Campaign 2013 for Brandy, and was recognised at the 2018 awards

for its Naturo Pet Foods campaign. Highly commended in the category (sponsored by Derry Refrigerated Transport) was Musgrave for SuperValu & Centra Meal Solutions. A new category this year, the Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer Award in memory of the co-founder of sponsor Forest Feast, featured joint winners Conor Toland of Henderson Wholesale and Francine Matthews of Boost Drinks, while Emma Rice from Springisland Supermarket was highly commended. “Category diversity was notable among this year’s entrants,” said Alyson Magee, editor of Ulster Grocer. “In particular, the spread of entries for Best CSR Initiative/

Claire McNally, Laura Rafferty and Sinead Cotter of Mackle Petfoods, winner of Best Marketing Campaign 2017 and Best Food Export Marketing.

Charity Partnership was recognised as the most impressive in the history of the awards. Ultimately, successful entries picking up the top awards were those highlighting clear target markets, measurable objectives and identifiable results.” Best Brand (sponsored by Henderson Food Machinery) went to Thompson’s Family Teas for Punjana with highly commended to Irwin’s Bakery, while Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion (sponsored by Aqua Twist) recognised SPAR Northern Ireland for its SPAR Shop and Win campaign with highly commended awarded to Musgrave for SuperValu Let’s Cook. Henderson Wholesale, meanwhile, lifted Best New Product Launch/ Relaunch with The Kitchen (sponsored by mxb Shopper Marketing Agency) with Tayto highly commended for The Tayto Craft. Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership (sponsored by Hunky Dorys) was jointly won by Musgrave for Action Cancer & SuperValu/Centra and M&S Northern Ireland for In Touch with the Local Community. Food NI sponsored Best Artisan Food & Drinks Campaign, won by Mange Tout Artisan Foods for its French Patisserie with PEPPUP highly commended for its Pasta Sauce, while Best Food Export Marketing (sponsored by McGowans Print & Packaging) saw Cavanagh Free Range Eggs highly commended. A further victory for the Musgrave group saw it winning Green Retailer of the Year (sponsored by NI Trucks) in recognition of its 2020 Sustainability Commitments. The Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2018 were judged by marketing experts Michael Maguire, Emma Cowan and Marian Norwood.

SPONSORED BY MCGOWAN’S

Host Claire McCollum, Eileen Hall and Sinead Cotter (Mackle Petfoods), Brian Crawford (sponsor McGowans Print & Packaging) and Alyson Magee (Ulster Grocer).

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Launched in 2009, Mackle Petfoods’ Naturo brand of premium wet dog and cat foods has built on its early domestic success in marketing the brand via UK and Ireland supermarket chains and has embarked on an assertive export drive. In 2016, national distribution was secured in the Netherlands, supported by a market development budget. By the end of 2017, Naturo was being rolled out in a further 14 countries and export activity now accounts for nearly 40% of sales.” WINNER’S COMMENTS: Claire McNally, marketing manager for Naturo, said: “The shortlist for both awards were of such a high quality we were thrilled to be named among the other shortlisted companies. We are currently working on a new marketing campaign for our winning brand Naturo, and with the positive results from the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, we’re even more excited for this year’s marketing activity. Mackle Petfoods has been working hard to grow our relationships in export markets these last few years, putting time, effort and money into marketing our brands. Being shortlisted and winning Best Food Export Marketing was a fantastic result.”

rian Crawford, MD at McGowans, said: “McGowans provides print solutions from marketing collateral and direct mail through to outdoor media, FSDUs and packaging to companies throughout the local grocery, food and drink sector so we were delighted to sponsor the Best Food Export Marketing category at this year’s Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. It gave us great pleasure to present Cavanagh Free Range Eggs with the highly commended award and the overall award to Mackle Petfoods, winner of this hard-fought category.” 31

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

• BEST FOOD EXPORT MARKETING SPONSORED BY MCGOWANS

John and Eileen Hall (Cavanagh Free Range Eggs) and Brian Crawford (sponsor McGowans Print & Packaging).

• HIGHLY COMMENDED: CAVANAGH FREE RANGE EGGS – EXPORTING QUALITY EGGS TO THE WORLD JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “This is an excellent application from a small family-owned producer of free range eggs that continues to expand its business beyond the local market to include Hong Kong/China and the Middle East, using its promotional presence at international food fairs and sales missions to build new export markets.”

• BEST CSR INITIATIVE/CHARITY PARTNERSHIP SPONSORED BY HUNKY DORYS • JOINT WINNER: M&S NORTHERN IRELAND: IN TOUCH WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY Lynsey Beatty, HR support manager for M&S Northern Ireland.

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “In celebration of 50 years in Northern Ireland, M&S has embarked on a programme to support local communities, which has far reaching benefits. Programmes supported include Action Cancer, Business in the Community, Cardiac Risk in the Young and British Heart Foundation. This is an excellent CSR initiative.” WINNER’S COMMENTS: Lynsey Beatty, HR support manager for M&S Northern Ireland, said: “In total, 15,000 local people and 50 local charities and community groups benefitted from the 50 projects completed through Making Every Moment Special in the Community. Working with CRY and the British Heart Foundation, we fundraised £30,000 to facilitate complimentary heart screening for 300 colleagues in the risk age bracket for heart conditions. We are currently training all 3,000 colleagues in Northern Ireland in basic CPR and facilitating the training of 20,000 school children across the Province. Our average annual fundraising total of £100,000 for Action Cancer supports 1,500 families to avail of Action Cancer’s Therapeutic Services in Northern Ireland. We have a lot to be proud of.”

artin McClinton, sales manager at Northern Snack Foods, said: “Northern Snack Foods brand Hunky Dorys is proud to sponsor Best CSR Inititative/Charity Partnership at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards. 2018 marks the sixth year we have sponsored the category, and it was great to hear the judges’ praise for the quality of entries at the 30th annual awards. Congratulations to joint winners Musgrave and M&S for making a real difference in the communities in which they operate.”

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

• BEST CSR INITIATIVE/CHARITY PARTNERSHIP SPONSORED BY HUNKY DORYS • JOINT WINNER: MUSGRAVE – ACTION CANCER & SUPERVALU CENTRA Host Claire McCollum, Desi Derby (Musgrave) and Alyson Magee (Ulster Grocer).

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Musgrave, including SuperValu and Centra, has had an extended commitment to Action Cancer for more than a decade and this longevity of support has significant benefits in resources available to Action Cancer in saving lives. Judges were impressed with the calibre of the entry provided by Musgrave.” WINNER’S COMMENTS: Desi Derby, marketing director at Musgrave, said: “We’re delighted to be recognised for our work across both our SuperValu and Centra brands at the leading grocery marketing awards in Northern Ireland. We are very proud that the work Musgrave and its

independent SuperValu and Centra retailers have undertaken through our long-term charity partnership with Action Cancer in delivering the Centra Health Action Programme for schools and the life-saving SuperValu Big Bus mobile cancer detection unit has been recognised in this way.”

• LORRAINE HALL YOUNG MARKETEER AWARD SPONSORED BY FOREST FEAST • JOINT WINNER: CONOR TOLAND, RETAIL MARKETING MANAGER AT HENDERSON WHOLESALE Host Claire McCollum, Brenda Mulligan (Henderson Group) – collecting the award on behalf of Conor Toland, Michael Hall (Forest Feast), Francine Matthews (Boost) and Mark Glover (Ulster Grocer).

JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “A dedicated member of the SPAR marketing team, Conor Toland has been instrumental in the pursuit of a range of strategies for the growth of SPAR in Northern Ireland in recent years. We are sure his name will rank among leaders in the grocery industry in the coming years; he’s one to watch.”

he Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards offered the team at Forest Feast the perfect opportunity to remember their late colleague and Marketing Director Lorraine Hall in a familiar environment with their industry peers. The Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer of the Year award was a fitting tribute to her legacy. Michael Hall, MD of Forest Feast, said: “It was my pleasure to present this new award as a tribute to the

legacy of Lorraine to inspire and encourage the up-and-coming younger marketeers within the NI agri-food industry. Both Conor Toland and Francine Matthews were worthy joint winners and we wish them every success with their current and future marketing careers. I want to thank Mark Glover and the Ulster Grocer team for facilitating our sponsorship of this new award and we look forward to returning next year.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: “Marketing is an extremely competitive industry with some amazing talent around, so to win such a prestigious award is a real honour. Lorraine Hall was truly an incredible business woman and is inspiring to so many people in the industry, so to receive this award is nothing short than amazing. This isn’t just a reflection of my own drive and passion but the brilliant people I have around me supporting me every step of the way.”

WINNER’S COMMENTS: Conor Toland said: “I am delighted and honoured to be named as joint winner of the Lorraine Hall Young Marketeer of the Year Award. To be recognised for my work in front of friends, colleagues and peers is overwhelming. I am grateful to everyone who has supported and worked with me in recent years as they have all helped to improve my knowledge and understanding of such a fast-moving industry.”

• JOINT WINNER: FRANCINE MATTHEWS, CONSUMER MARKETING MANAGER AT BOOST DRINKS JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “Francine Matthews has enjoyed a progressive marketing career, holding positions of responsibility in major consumer goods companies and marketing agencies across the UK. At Boost, she has delivered impressive growth results over the last 18 months that have cemented Boost as a major brand in the convenience drinks market.” 33

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

• LORRAINE HALL YOUNG MARKETEER AWARD SPONSORED BY FOREST FEAST Emma Rice is pictured, front centre, with family and colleagues from Springisland Supermarket.

• HIGHLY COMMENDED: EMMA RICE, MARKETING COORDINATOR AT SPRINGISLAND SUPERMARKET JUDGES’ COMMENTS: “An invaluable member of the management team, Emma Rice has capitalised on Springfield Supermarket’s success as a much-loved local family retailer and has strengthened its service appeal through effective local marketing, resulting in sustainable growth. Her use of social media marketing is impressive.”

LUCKY WINNER HEADING TO ABU DHABI A

round £40,000 has been raised at the Ulster Grocers’ Ball 2018, held on April 27 in the Culloden Estate & Spa, for the GroceryAid charity. The main fundraising event of the year for the GroceryAid NI Committee, the total was generated through table sales for the evening and a raffle which included the star prize of a trip to Abu Dhabi sponsored by Allied Bakeries, won by Aidan Fisher of the PRM Group, and an auction. The Abu Dhabi trip includes four nights in the Beach Rotana Hotel or similar, with executive transfers and an incredible Formula YAS 3000 Driving Experience. The evening began with a drinks reception sponsored by Schweppes 1783 (Coca Cola HBC), with other principal sponsors of the evening including Henderson Group, Kerry Foods, Musgrave NI, PRM Group, SHS Group and Tesco.

This year’s lucky winner of the star prize at the Ulster Grocers’ Ball was Aidan Fisher of the PRM Group, pictured centre with host Claire McCollum and Peter Henry, GM of Allied Bakeries, which donated the star prize – a trip to Abu Dhabi.

Trevor Magill, chairman of the GroceryAid NI Committee, addresses 350 guests at the Ulster Grocers’ Ball in the Culloden.

During a five-course dinner, entertainment was provided by Matthew Hunter and then Jackie Rainey and Emma Rae. After dinner, the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards were held, followed by the auction and dancing to The Professionals, while an after party ran into the early hours… 34

Pictured at the Ulster Grocers’ Ball 2018 is the GroceryAid NI Committee: back row, from left, Alan McKeown, Bryan Sterling, Angus O’Neill, Aidan Fisher, Paddy Murney and Jim McAlea and, front row, from left, Colin Orr, Mark Glover, Bronagh Luke, Trevor Magill and Mark Gowdy.

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

GROCERYAID ULSTER GROCERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; BALL

Eileen Hall, John Hall and Christine Cousins.

Gareth Hardy, Natalie Rich, Francine Matthews and Al Flynn.

Alan McKeown, Samantha McKeown, Judith Collister and Steven Collister.

Paul McWilliams, Norman Coalter, Helen Coalter, Lyn Taylor, Neil Taylor and Stephen Murphy.

Mark Craig, Debra Henderson, Trevor McKee and David Henderson.

Neal Kelly, Gayle Kelly, Bronagh Luke and Neill Luke.

Alan Donnan, Janet Donnan, Pauline Sterling and Bryan Sterling.

Lorraine McAfee, Andrea Cahill and Orlaith Mitchell.

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

Host Claire McCollum welcomes guests.

Michelle Dineen, Charlene O’Neill, Angus O’Neill and Sean Dineen.

Jacqui Cullen, Stephen Bogle, Val Thompson and Catherine O’Neill.

Graeme Ottley, Paula Ottley, Nora Armour, Sharon Magill and Stephen Magill.

Briege McGinty, Paddy McGinty, Aisling Graham and Paul Graham.

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

Jackie Rainey and Emma Rea performed at the Ulster Grocersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Ball 2018.

Frank Chivers, Simon Nichols and Glyn Roberts.

Hannah Rodgers, Glen Vance, Arlene McKee and Philip Conway.

Nigel Scarlet, Fiona Scarlet, Alywn Tweed and Patricia Tweed.

Peter Sheppard, Susan Graham, John Shepard, Heather Shepprd, Mary Higgins and Derek Higgins.

My Life in the Grocery Trade HELEN PORTER, CO-OWNER OF ANN’S PANTRY IN LARNE stock and customer service to finance.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? Partner and owner of Ann’s Pantry, running the business in collaboration with my brother, John Agnew. BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE I moved to London in the 1980s and worked for Harrods. I started out as a retail assistant and was promoted to an executive management trainee, working my way up to become a departmental controller. In 1990, I took up the position of manager at Ann’s Pantry, joining the family business which had expanded to consist of four shops, including chains in Carrickfergus and Belfast. Recognising changing consumer trends, I downscaled the business to our one shop on Larne Main Street, just before the recession hit. WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? My role in Ann’s Pantry is front-of-house management and promotion of the bakery and coffee shop. I take care of all aspects of the day-to-day running of the business, including everything from staff,

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? The best part of my job is interacting and working with our brilliant staff who are a great team. I also love chatting with our regular customers and welcoming visitors from all over into our shop. I don’t think I have a particular worst aspect; nothing really phases me. I have a daily routine and embrace all jobs, taking everything as it comes. However, I would say that my patience is tried when dealing with office-based administrative work. BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY My working day begins at 8am, when I start to set up the bakery and coffee shop for the day ahead. When the kitchen staff arrive, we all muck in cooking frys and filled sodas, as well as making soups and stews which are prepared fresh daily. My day passes in flurries of serving and talking to customers and leading the busy breakfast and lunch service both in the kitchen and on the shop floor. Then in the afternoons we start to clean and tidy up. This is also the time I dedicate to dealing with wholesale orders and stock control. WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Being part of an award-winning team has been an honour. We have won 39 Great Taste awards and seven Tiptree awards, the success of which has made my whole family so proud. The highlight for the business was being voted Northern Ireland’s Best Bakery by the BBC Good Food Show.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? Seeing the regular customers returning year after year. The different generations of these families are like great old friends and we share the good times and the sad times. We see some customers daily, weekly or monthly and others visit each year when they return home for the holidays. It’s great catching up and building a rapport with my customers and I’ve made some lifetime friendships. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I love to walk along Larne’s beautiful coastal paths. I try to get out three or four times each week, embracing all kinds of Northern Irish weather! The best days are the wet, windy ones when the salty sea breeze blows away any stress. I also took up yoga around two years ago and I wish I had started sooner. Aside from the physical health benefits, I love the mindfulness and meditation it teaches. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW My favourite movies of all time are Sweet Charity by Cy Coleman and Moulin Rouge by Baz Luhrmann. I love all of Luhrmann’s work, the energy of the soundtrack and the dancing… Each musical has an eclectic quirkiness, encompassing sadness, humour and feel good all at the same time. I really feel that they capture the sweet reality of life.

ADVERTORIAL

EVIAN WILL BE OFFICIAL SPONSOR FOR WIMBLEDON UNTIL 2022 The iconic bottled water brand has agreed an extended partnership with the iconic tennis tournament

vian, the UK’s No.1 plain still water brand from Danone has agreed to extend its partnership with The All England Lawn Tennis Club until 2022. The new deal means evian will remain the official bottled water supplier for the prestigious tennis championships. Gemma Morgan, brand marketing manager, Evian & Badoit, UK & Ireland, comments: “Besides quenching the thirst of the players and thousands of spectators, the partnership provides the perfect opportunity to bring evian’s playful Live young philosophy to fans of the iconic tennis tournament. Since launching in 2008, the collaboration with Wimbledon has gone from strength to strength, with both the evian and Wimbledon brands exploring innovative and exciting ways of bringing the full Championshipsexperience to old and new fans. evian’s 360 campaign will kick off at the end of June backed with £1.9m of marketing support. The activation will include special edition Championship packaging and the announcement of an exciting new ambassador. The ambassador will front this year’s outdoor campaign, featuring a number of the brand’s iconic babies and encouraging consumers to rediscover their inner youth. evian will take the experience to fans via out of home at strategic locations in London, true to the brand’s Live Young way.” Gemma Morgan, brand marketing manager, Evian & Badoit, UK & Ireland, adds: “The tournament is the perfect fit for evian, and our campaigns have proved a big hit in the past, adding value to the bottled water category overall. Wimbledon is such an iconic event for tennis and so much more. It taps into other themes and moments that people are passionate about. Throughout our campaign, we will continue to bring every aspect of the Championships to life in a youthful spirit to encourage consumers to Gemma Morgan, brand marketing manager, Evian & Badoit, UK & Ireland, experience Wimbledon to the full.”

“Besides quenching the thirst of the players and thousands of spectators, the partnership provides the perfect opportunity to bring evian’s playful Live young philosophy to fans of the iconic tennis tournament.”

DAIRY & ICE-CREAM

SPOTLIGHT ON YOGURT RECLAIMING NATURALNESS, FUNCTIONALITY AND INDULGENCE

017 has been a challenging year for yogurt. Like other dairy products, it’s facing growing competition from plant-based alternatives, as consumers become increasingly accustomed to free-from offerings. Moreover, yogurt seems to be losing ground as a go-to protein source, as other categories are leveraging consumers’ enthusiasm for protein. As a response, brands of dairy yogurt have tried to refocus and improve their well-known natural health benefits, while reinforcing their indulgence credentials. Here, Caroline Roux, global food & drink analyst at Mintel, takes a look at the key consumer trends shaping the yogurt market and the latest in product innovation. FUNCTIONAL, BUT NATURAL In 2017, we’ve seen more brands communicating about digestive health. In 2017, yogurt accounted for 34% of new foods featuring a digestive health claim, according to the Mintel Global New Products Database (GNPD), up from 25% two years earlier. Indeed, consumers still reach out to yogurt for their digestive health. In the US, for example, one third of yogurt users agree that they eat it for aided digestion, while 47% of Spanish users choose it because it’s good for digestive health. Meanwhile, more yogurts have started highlighting their protein content. Responding to consumer demand, between 2015 and 2017, the share of high protein products in new spoonable yogurts (dairy- and plantbased) increased from 7% to 10%. Calcium content has also become more relevant than ever. Although plant-based products are not natural sources of calcium, they ‘shout louder’ about fortification than conventional dairy products. In 2017, just 6% of new dairy yogurt claimed to be fortified compared to 22% of plant-based spoonable yogurt. As yogurt remains a widely favourite source of calcium, dairy products have a chance to promote naturally occurring calcium to win a 40

competitive edge over the added calcium in plant-based dairy. CLEANER LABELS ‘Clean eating’ is one of the newest dietary trends that is taking hold in many countries. In essence, it encourages people to eat real or whole foods that are not processed or are minimally processed, handled and refined. In 2017, dairy- and plant-based yogurts have responded to consumers wanting reassurance about food. Many brands have looked into improving their natural attributes and health credentials by eliminating unwanted ingredients - particularly sugar - and by giving full disclosure on their manufacturing processes. Mintel research finds that 56% of yogurt consumers in the UK would choose a yogurt with a short ingredients list over one with a long list, while about six in 10 Italian consumers check for added sugar on yogurt packaging. FOCUS ON INDULGENCE As a result of their strong positioning on health and wellness, plant-based alternatives lag behind dairy yogurt in terms of indulgence perception - two fifths of Spanish consumers agree that non-dairy yogurts are not as tasty as dairy yogurts. While brands continue to innovate with unexpected and gourmet flavours, a growing number of yogurt and dessert brands are also elevating texture in their product descriptions as an element of differentiation. Some brands are already calling their products by their texture characteristic, eg GÜ Mousse Fusions, Müller Velvet. THE RETURN OF FAT Recent innovation around texture has been made possible by the use of more fat. As the risks posed by saturated fats are being re-evaluated in some countries, traditional full-fat dairy products have started to be re-introduced in place of lower fat variants, leading to more creamy and indulgent products. Among products launched in 2017, the average fat content of dairy spoonable yogurt increased by 6% compared to the year before

SNACKING FORMATS Yogurt is commonly eaten as a snack at various times of the day. Brands have worked hard to develop formulations that meet the needs of consumers depending on the snacking occasions, with filling and healthy yogurt for the mid-morning occasion and indulgent, gourmet options for post-dinner consumption. However, there is scope for yogurt brands to also innovate in terms of formats. Portable and convenient formats will help yogurt expand usage occasions towards consumption on the go and in-between meals, as well as adding excitement to the category. While yogurt with bits can hit the mark both in terms of flavour and texture. 10 INTERESTING DAIRY AND PLANT-BASED YOGURTS REFLECTING THESE TRENDS

Danone Activia Blueberry-Acai Probiotic Yogurt (Canada) contains B.L. Regularis probiotics that are said to contribute to a healthy gut flora. This yogurt has real fruit on the bottom and is free from preservatives, gelatin, and artificial flavours, colours and sweeteners. Forager Strawberry Creamy Dairy-free

DAIRY & ICE-CREAM

Cashewgurt (USA) is a cashew-based, organic yogurt alternative, suitable for vegans and kosher-certified. The product is also free from gluten, lactose, and soy, and contains probiotics. Danone Oikos Lemon Pie Flavoured Yogurt (Spain) reflects the category’s renewed focus on indulgence. The yogurt features lemon pie and biscuit pieces and combines the world of desserts with the creaminess and permissibility of yogurt. Mein Q Plain Protein Fitness Base Yogurt (Germany) is described as the ideal base for muesli and smoothies, with

cereals and grains, with the bits adding extra texture. Yukijirushi Megmilk Megumi Aloe & Chia Seed and Mixed Acerola Yogurt (Japan) gives an overall health boost to the body thanks to the properties of its superfood ingredients. Two pots come in a mild and refreshing aloe flavour, while

the other two are made with antioxidant rich acerola and feature grainy chia seeds. Brown Cow Organics Carrot & Turmeric Organic Live Yoghurt (UK) is made with vegetables, instead of fruit. The product contains only naturally occurring sugars and features the EU Green Leaf and

made with oatmeal soaked overnight in apple juice, then mixed with yogurt and fruit. The product contains half a bowl of oatmeal for long-lasting energy, half an apple to keep the doctor away and protein-packed Greek yogurt. Raglan Coconut Yogurt Vanilla Bean Coconut Yogurt (New Zealand) is free from dairy, gluten, refined sugar, preservatives, nuts and GMOs, and is suitable for vegans and people on paleo diets. It’s made with coconut yogurt paired with vanilla, which has been used for centuries as an antioxidant and to reduce inflammation and improve mental performance. Siggi’s Raspberry Triple Cream IcelandicStyle Strained Yogurt (USA) contains an

only 0.4% fat and a high protein content which helps building muscle. Stapleton Prune & Date Yogurt (UK) is a low-fat yogurt with sunflower seeds,

exceptional 9% milk fat, which makes this yogurt extra thick and creamy. The all-natural product is made with whole milk from grass-fed cows and cream. Organic Soil Association logos. Apple Cinnamon Ready-to-Eat Overnight Oatmeal w/ Greek Yogurt (USA) is a quick, ready-to-eat breakfast

For more information on how Mintel can help your business, contact Ciara Rafferty, director, Mintel Ireland on 028 9024 1849 or crafferty@mintel.com. 41

a significant year in the growth of Dale Farm Ice Cream across Ireland and we look forward to working in partnership with retailers to make this our most successful season yet.”

The team at Dale Farm Ice Cream has been busy creating a refreshed and refreshing retail range for 2018. The result is a suite of vibrant new lines and tasty twists on existing products, building on Dale Farm Ice Cream’s already cool offering.

Nigel Cairns, Commercial Director – Dale Farm Ice Cream said: “Dale Farm Ice Cream has invested significantly in our marketing strategy for 2018, to raise brand awareness across Ireland, ultimately driving sales for our retail partners throughout the ice cream season and beyond. “We will be taking Dale Farm Ice Cream on the road across Ireland to surprise and delight consumers through an engaging sampling programme at key events and locations throughout the summer months. “We have created a suite of vibrant POS material to maximise standout at store level and will be rolling out a major above the line advertising campaign to drive brand visibility across Ireland. “Our 2018 product range is more varied and vibrant than ever – with something for all the family to enjoy. We believe 2018 will be

www.dalefarm-icecream.co.uk

Rapture-ous Applause Our ever-popular indulgent Rapture range has a new flavour in the family, with the introduction of Rapture Honeycomb. Delicious honeycomb flavoured dairy ice cream comes with caramel sauce swirled throughout, coated in thick milk chocolate with crunchy pieces. This sumptuous new flavour sits alongside our muchloved velvety Rapture Vanilla and refreshing Rapture Mint, which is dipped in milk chocolate sprinkled with crunchy pieces.

Rapture Mini A smaller version of our Rapture lines makes having a ‘little indulgence’ even easier. With two flavours to try; Mini Rapture Vanilla, vanilla flavoured ice cream enrobed in milk chocolate or why not be a little more adventurous and try our Mini

/dalefarmni

dale_farm

Fruit Blasts

Cookie Crumble Cones

Our super tasty Fruit Blasts are ready and set to blast off this summer. Six flavourpacked miniature sorbet lollies are bound to appeal to kids of all ages – but which will be their favourite, the orange plane, lemon rocket, strawberry engine, apple boat, mandarin truck or lime/lemon submarine?!

One for cookie lovers everywhere - our Cookie Crumble Cones are made with vanilla ice cream topped with crumbly cookie pieces in a biscuit cone. With six full-sized cones in the multipack, these make a great value take home option for families.

Rapture Mint, mint flavoured ice cream covered in smooth milk chocolate with crispy cocoa pieces. Both fantastic flavours are available in our Rapture Mini 8 Pack.

A Tropical Twist Dale Farm has introduced a mouth-watering new Tropical flavour to its Duet impulse range. The refreshing flavour of our Tropical Duet is matched by its bright, eye-catching packaging - promising to be a big hit with consumers of all ages.

Strawberry Sundae Cone Swirling with the classic flavours of strawberry and cream, this sumptuous cone is decorated with strawberry sauce and dusted with strawberry pieces.

Cookie Sandwich The ideal combination of cookies and cream is celebrated in our delicious Dale Farm Cookie sandwich. Ice cream is swirled with a rich chocolate sauce and sandwiched within delicious chocolate biscuits – a moreish snack at any time of day.

Chocolate Rounders and Rainbow Rounders Another new addition to the freezers, these colourful cones come in two flavours. Chocolate Rounders are vanilla flavoured ice cream topped with chocolate buttons in a biscuit cone and Rainbow Rounders are vanilla flavoured ice cream with mini multi-coloured discs, in a biscuit cone.

To find out more about how your store can benefit from Dale Farm Ice Cream’s 2018 range, contact our Sales Team on 028 9037 2250 (NI)

ADVERTORIAL

ICE CREAM SEASON IS HERE 2018 PROMISES TO BE A MASSIVE YEAR LED BY UNILEVER WHICH HAS AN INCREDIBLE PROGRAMME, INCLUDING THE LAUNCH OF BRAND NEW BREYERS DELIGHTS, FANTASTIC INNOVATION SUCH AS MAGNUM PRALINE, HB MINI MILK, SPLIT & CALIPPO COMBO, WHILE ALSO CELEBRATING BEN&JERRY’S 40TH BIRTHDAY MAGNUM For 2018, Magnum will be taking the core seriously and focusing on the expertly crafted indulgence that goes into each and every Magnum. Magnum 2018 is backed by a massive marketing investment that spans across all consumer touchpoints. The Magnum 2018 campaign will showcase the new and insatiable Magnum Praliné. The new Magnum Praliné is Chocolate and hazelnut flavour ice cream coated with Belgian milk chocolate and caramelised hazelnut pieces. Magnum Praliné is available in a 440ml Tub, 3 x In Home Multipack, Mini 6x Multipack and Impulse. BEN & JERRY’S 40TH BIRTHDAY 2018 is Ben and Jerry’s 40th Birthday and, in true Ben and Jerry’s style, they want to share it with all of their fans. To celebrate the 40th birthday, Ben and Jerry’s are introducing a B&J Birthday Cake Flavoured Ice cream, Vanilla Cake Batter Ice Cream with Pink Frosting & Strawberry Swirls and Cake Pieces. But that’s not all, it wouldn’t be Ben and Jerry’s without a plethora of new and delicious flavours. Ben and Jerry’s are introducing a Ben and Jerry’s Peanut Butter Cup Wich and, to complement the premium topped range, the perfect mix of sweet and salty, the incredible Topped Pretzel Palooza. And if that wasn’t enough, we are introducing two delicious new flavours into our scooping portfolio; Birthday Cake and Home Sweet Honeycomb. 44

BREYERS DELIGHTS RAISES THE BAR FOR ICE CREAM IN IRELAND Breyers Delights is a new lower calorie, high protein, lower sugar ice cream that tastes great. Breyers is introducing four delicious flavours: Cookies & Cream, Creamy Chocolate, Smooth Vanilla, Mint Chip. The BEST news is each delicious BREYERS tub contains 290-350 calories and up to 20g of protein. Breyers is backed by a substantial marketing investment, Breyers is introducing to Irish consumers, an exciting ice cream offering. CARTE D’OR 2018 for Carte D’Or is about reinforcing its delightful French heritage and ensuring the allure of chefmanship runs through the brand across the dessert portfolio and through the scooping experiences channel We are introducing two delicious new flavours into our scooping portfolio, Honeycomb and Chocolate Fudge Brownie. HB SPLIT The ice cream, formally known as Super Split now simply answers to SPLIT. Tapping into the nostalgia of your childhood summers in Ireland, this 65kcal snack is the perfect ice cream to indulge in over the summer months. CORNETTO VEGAN & GLUTEN FREE ICE CREAM CONE Having listened to growing consumer demands for vegan ice cream, Cornetto

is launching its first ever dairy-free AND gluten-free ice cream cone! The delicious vegan friendly cone is lined with chocolate, filled with creamy soya-based ice cream, topped with nuts and even more chocolate then the classic cone! HB 4 O’CLOCK Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, this hunger filling sandwich is the perfect snack to satisfy your afternoon hunger cravings. Made of two dark cocoa cookies enclosing a generous wedge of vanilla flavoured ice cream, this new format ice cream will drive more people to the ice cream category. HB RESPONSIBLY MADE FOR KIDS This year Calippo are launching a new flavour, strawberry and vanilla. Made with real milk and fruit, Calippo Combo meets the Unilever Responsibly Made for Kids commitment: • No more than 110kcal per serving • No more than 3g saturated fat per serving • No more than 20g of added sugar per 100g Another new product that falls under Unilever’s Responsibly Made for Kids is Mini Milks. Rich in calcium and made with real milk, this new product comes in three delicious flavours – strawberry, vanilla and chocolate. This 35ml ice cream is the perfect snack for younger customers.

YES, THOSE ARE CALORIES PER TUB

DAIRY & ICE-CREAM

MORELLI’S - IRELAND’S MOST AWARDED ICE CREAM

orth Coast family business, Morelli’s Ice Cream, has a string of accolades to its name and most recently, secured two first prizes at the 2018 National Ice Cream Competition for its Double Cream Vanilla flavour. The brand’s ethos, Not just ice cream, a family tradition and passion is still as prevalent as ever with the family striving to achieve a healthy market share through innovative flavours, great service and the best quality ice cream. Morelli’s offers complete solutions for scoop ice cream retailers that includes an extensive range of ice cream display cabinets, striking point of sale and branding, a bespoke training service and dedicated weekly deliveries. This, combined with a range of 50 flavours available in the scoop range, ensures that retailers get the most from selling Ireland’s award-winning ice cream. A range of low-fat frozen yoghurts is also available, made using Greek style yoghurt from Clandeboye Estate, plus a range of fat-free sorbets and a dairy vanilla ice cream which is suitable for diabetics called ‘Senza’. At the end of last year, the brand launched a new range of 125ml and 950ml retail packs. Available directly to retailers to stock as part of their existing range, there is also the option to take advantage of freezer deal on offer that includes a generous quantity of free stock to offset the purchase plus a merchandising service and point-of-sale materials.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

FRESH LOOK FOR HENDERSON GROUP SUPPLIER AWARDS T

o celebrate the Henderson Group’s supplier awards returning for a sixth year to the Balmoral Show, the local business has revealed a fresh look and name for the event. The Fresh Innovation Awards will take place during a breakfast and awards event on May 18 at the Balmoral Show 2018. Jo Scott from BBC Northern Ireland’s Home Ground will host this year’s event, which will also have two new and two refreshed categories for suppliers to enter; Excellence in Regional Delivery replaces Best Direct to Store, while Product Innovation takes Brand Innovation’s place for 2018.

New categories include Young Agrifood Innovator and Contribution to the Agri-food Industry in Northern Ireland, while other awards include Own Brand Supplier of the Year, the Tomorrow Matters Award and Overall Supplier of the Year. “Choosing to rebrand to the Fresh Innovation Awards was a nod to how much our suppliers have helped us raise our game in the business,” said Neal Kelly, fresh food director at the Henderson Group. “They are constantly creating new ways of producing fresh food to meet our retailer and shopper demands for fresh, local and convenient food offerings.

Jo Scott from BBC’s Home Ground is pictured with Neal Kelly, fresh food director at the Henderson Group.

“We’re really looking forward to the awards breakfast at the 150th Balmoral Show.”

UFU TO SUPPORT LOCAL PRODUCE AT BALMORAL SHOW

lster Farmers’ Union is urging the farming community to join them at this year’s Balmoral Show as the UFU celebrates its centenary. “Lots has changed in farming since 1918 but the key to the success of the UFU then and now is the support of our members and their families,” said Barclay Bell, president of UFU. “We want to use our presence at Balmoral this year to honour the contribution of our members to the success of the UFU over that 100 years. “Our stand has been designed to highlight all that is good about

Barclay Bell, president, is pictured with Derek Lough, membership director of UFU at the Balmoral Show grounds.

agriculture and the work of local farmers over the past 100 years. We will be highlighting the many achievements of

the UFU and how it and farming has changed over the years.” UFU has appointed Old Barn to cater on the stand over the four-day period with its menu designed to champion each sector of farming. In return, UFU is urging those enjoying the hospitality to make a small donation to its Centenary Charity. “This donation will go towards our ambitious target of raising £100,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland, a vital service funded through charity,” said Bell. “Until 2017 Northern Ireland was the only UK region without an air ambulance.”

UFU CELEBRATES CENTENARY AT ANNUAL DINNER

Dr Sinclair Mayne is pictured with Barclay Bell, president of UFU.

lster Farmers’ Union President Barclay Bell welcomed over 350 guests, including UFU members, key representatives from the agriculture

industry and politicians to the Union’s annual dinner held recently in the Slieve Donard. Notable guests included Stan Phillips, Counsellor for Agriculture Affairs at the US Embassy in London; Denis McMahon, new permanent secretary for DAERA; Dan Lawton, US Consul General in Belfast; and presidents of the National Farmers’ Union, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru, and the Irish Farmers’ Association. Following the president’s address, focused on 100 years of farming and the current challenge of Brexit, the prestigious Belfast Telegraph Cup for

outstanding agricultural achievement was awarded to Dr Sinclair Mayne. “Dr Mayne is recognised internationally for his research on grassland and milk production,” said Bell. “He has had an expansive career in agriculture and his work has been ground-breaking.” UFU also presented two other awards on the night, the Mary Wilson Trophy for best overall UFU group performance in 2017 to the South Tyrone Group and the Cuthbert Trophy to the Mid Tyrone Group for retaining the highest percentage of their members in 2017 (99%-plus).

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AGRI-FOOD NEWS

IRELAND TO HOST WORLD POTATO CONGRESS IN 2021

from developing and developed countries across the globe, including growers, researchers, producers, traders, processors and manufacturers, will attend the Congress. The Irish Potato Federation has also committee and I know that the 2021 secured the simultaneous hosting of the Congress will shine a spotlight on the Europatat Congress, which is the annual importance of the potato in Ireland and congress of the European association across the globe and become a centrepiece of the potato trade. Both events will of world-class marketing excellence,” said become a weeklong focus on the potato, Michael Hoey, president of the Irish Potato the third most important food crop in Federation. terms of global consumption. It has also been confirmed that the Romain Cools, president and CEO of Pictured are Romain Cools, president and CEO of World potato sector in Northern Ireland will play World Potato Congress Inc., said: “Ireland Potato Congress Inc.; Andy Doyle TD, Minister of State a role in part-hosting the event. at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, has a very important historical and Dublin; and Angus Wilson, chairman, Wilson’s Country. Angus Wilson, chairman of Wilson’s cultural connection with the potato going Country, said: “This is a unique he Irish Potato Federation has won its back hundreds of years. bid to host the World Potato Congress opportunity for the local potato sector. The “The World Potato Congress in Dublin details of the full itinerary for the congress will be the perfect follow up to this (WPC) in 2021 in Dublin. will be worked through over the coming “Winning the World Potato Congress year’s congress which will be held in months.” for Ireland is the culmination of a lot of May 2018 in Cuzco, Peru, under the title It is envisaged that 1,000 delegates, hard and creative work by a very dedicated Biodiversity, food security and business.”

UFU COMMENTS ON LIVE EXPORTS Ulster Farmers’ Union President Barclay Bell says the Union will carefully consider DEFRA’s call for evidence on controlling the live export of animals for slaughter. However, the overwhelming view from local farmers is that introducing more controls would be extremely damaging. “The UK government should prioritise their efforts on ensuring that future trading partners meet UK food production standards, rather than trying to introduce more controls which will make the UK farming industry less competitive and open the door to cheap imports produced to lower standards,” he said.

DEALING WITH UNFAIR TRADING PRACTICES UFU has welcomed a new proposal published by the EC for a directive addressing the issue of Unfair Trading Practices (UTPs) in the food supply chain. It ensures fairer treatment for farmers and small/medium sized food and farming businesses. “UTPs are unethical business-tobusiness practices,” said Barclay Bell, president of UFU. “They can have devastating effects for producers and can threaten the sustainability of the food supply chain. “Here in the UK, the proposal shouldn’t impinge on the remit of the Grocery Code Adjudicator and will allow Christine Tacon’s good work to continue.” 50

LATEST EVER PLANTING OF EARLIES FOR WILSON’S COUNTRY Lewis Cunningham, managing director of Wilson’s Country.

arly potato growers in North Down have embarked on a major push to get crop into the ground. “We estimate that 60% of this year’s early crops are planted,” said Lewis Cunningham, managing director of Wilson’s Country. “But growers are nearly a full two months behind their normal planting schedule. “It will take weeks of dry, hot weather to get these crops ready for the normal start of the earlies’ season in late June or early July. And, in this country, such growing conditions can never be guaranteed.” The delay in planting earlies follows on from a very poor 2017 main crop harvest period. “Wilson’s Country estimates that approximately 2,000 acres of potatoes didn’t get lifted at harvest last year and hence had to overwinter in the ground here in Northern Ireland,” said Cunningham. “This is 20% of the total planted-out area of last year. However, some are suggesting that the proportion of potatoes not harvested last year was up to 30% of the total area planted out in some regions. “Potato growers are totally dependent on the weather to allow them to get their crops planted, grown and subsequently harvested. “According to the latest records, the decade from 2006 to 2015 was Ireland’s wettest on record, with a 10-year average rainfall of almost 1990mm per year.”

EXPORT NEWS

NIFDA BRINGS EUROPEAN FOOD EXPORT PARTNERS TO BELFAST

barriers they face when they ood and drink SMEs in seek to expand their markets and Northern Ireland seeking to export goods across international break into global markets are borders,” said Michael Bell, benefitting from a €1.8m EUexecutive director of NIFDA. funded programme aimed at “This event offered our increasing competitiveness partners from across Europe the and driving export sales. chance to learn more about what Delivered locally by the the Northern Irish food and drink Northern Ireland Food and market has to offer and explore Drink Association (NIFDA), the opportunities of collaborative the Atlantic Area Export working. The event was a mutual Project brings together are, from left, Michael Bell (NIFDA executive director), Fernando Méndezlearning opportunity for both partners from France, Spain, Pictured Navia (DEX), Roberto Morán Ramallal (ASINCAR), Linda Grant (BIC Innovation), Maelle Muller (Chambre d’Agriculture de la Dordogne), Ivan McCutcheon (Cork City Council), international delegates and Portugal, Ireland and the Andrea Lepe (Cámara Comercio Sevilla), Russell Roberts (Welsh government) and Harry Northern Irish representatives United Kingdom, creating Hamilton (HH Consulting). to learn more about harnessing a collaborative network of exportation and creating a clear companies and organisations development opportunities across the route to their end market.” embarking on their export journey. participating regions. Similar networking events will Over 45 member delegates recently “The focus of the Atlantic Area Export be staged in other member regions attended a two-day event in Belfast to Programme is on helping SMEs in the throughout the next year. present and discuss the latest export food and drink sector overcome the

MASH DIRECT MARKS 14TH BIRTHDAY WITH WAITROSE DEAL

omber farm Mash Direct has landed a new deal to supply Waitrose with its convenient vegetable side dishes. The listing will see Mash Direct’s Carrot and Parsnip Mash go into over 330 stores across England and Wales from April 11, the 14th Pictured are, from left, Lance, Martin, Tracy and Jack Hamilton. anniversary of the family farm’s diversification. “This is such a great opportunity for us to showcase the heritage varieties of vegetables on our family farm, grown specifically for their superior flavour,” said Jack Hamilton, director. “We already have a strong working relationship with Waitrose and supply them in Scotland, the Channel Islands and the UAE, and we are looking forward to building our reputation in these new stores.” “In Northern Ireland, we thrive in doing the simple things well but we can be quite humble when it comes to getting out there and telling people about it. I believe that there is a great future ahead for the local agri-food industry if we can seize the opportunities, home and abroad as well as being able to get out there and market them.“ Mash Direct now supplies over 5,000 stores around the world and, in addition to the new Waitrose business, started exporting to the US last month. The new listing will increase the presence of Mash Direct in the south east of England, the heartland of Waitrose. This is a key growth area for Mash Direct as Londoners in particular are increasingly looking for high quality vegetables at affordable prices but don’t have the time to prepare them themselves.

PURE ROAST COFFEE INVESTS IN FUTURE GROWTH

ure Roast Coffee in Lisburn is doubling its workforce and boosting its capabilities to accommodate a growing customer base outside Northern Ireland. Pictured are, from left, Martin Symington, The business Pure Roast Coffee and John Hood, Invest NI. specialises in the roasting, packaging and distribution of coffee. Its supply agreements with a Swedish-owned company and global business in China have prompted the investment, supported by a £95,000 investment by Invest Northern Ireland. Pure Roast Coffee is enhancing its production space and recruiting nine additional production staff as part of developments to help increase its production capacity and reduce energy costs and omissions. “We expect that our export sales will triple over the next three years so it is imperative that we address the capacity of our processes and take measures to improve our competitiveness,” said Martin Symington, managing director, Pure Roast Coffee. “Invest NI’s support is enabling us to purchase a new automated packaging machine, additional storage silos and cladding and also create job opportunities for those not previously in employment. “We will be implementing a targeted market development strategy and leveraging the advice and expertise from Invest NI’s trade development service to continue to build our global customer base.” 51

MARKETING NEWS

BIGGEST TV CAMPAIGN FOR KETTLE CHIPS As KETTLE Chips celebrates its 30th year in the UK, it has launched its biggest ever TV campaign to be aired nationally during the spring in the run up to the busy World Cup and barbecue season. Highlighting KETTLE’s ethos of only using real food ingredients to deliver delicious snacks that are a real pleasure to eat, the ad builds on the contemporary new look and feel for the brand launched last year. The Real Food Real Pleasure campaign spans TV, digital and video on demand activity and represents an investment of over £3m.

McCOY’S LAUNCHES FIRST EVER RADIO CAMPAIGN McCoy’s launched its first radio campaign last month, featuring the voice of McCoy’s TV mascot ‘Flavour’. More shock-jock than drive-timesmoothie, the ads feature him prank-dial the unprepared nation with one message - Eat McCoy’s, because Flavour calls! The four comedic spots showcase some of McCoy’s most popular flavours including Cheddar and Onion, Flame Grilled Steak, Thai Sweet Chicken and the new and improved Paprika.

LMC HOSTS PRACTICAL WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS The Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) hosted its first practical workshop for food and nutrition teachers at Dromore High School last month. LMC hosted the workshop in conjunction with the British Nutrition Foundation in a bid to help develop the confidence and skills of the teachers when working with Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured beef and lamb. During the workshop, teachers from across the Province were given the opportunity to cook a number of recipes relevant for all key stages but particularly for the new GCSE Home Economics: Food and Nutrition syllabus. 52

KERRY GROUP ANNOUNCES TWO-YEAR PARTNERSHIP WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS K erry Group has announced details of a two-year partnership with the Special Olympics including support for the 2019 Special Olympics Summer World Games in Abu Dhabi. As an Official Sponsor of the Special Olympics, the new partnership will provide both organisations with many opportunities to work together to create more inclusive communities. Harnessing the Kerry spirit of opportunity, the programme will focus on three areas: employee volunteering, employee fundraising and support for the Special Olympics’ athlete leadership programme. The partnership will initially involve Kerry employees from Ireland, Great Britain, Netherlands and Poland, with Kerry employees from across the globe having opportunities to get involved in supporting the Special Olympics. “As the world’s largest Taste and Nutrition company and a major consumer foods organisation, we are committed to supporting the local communities in which we operate in,” said Edmond

Pictured are Mary Davis, CEO, Special Olympics International; Edmond Scanlon, chief executive, Kerry Group; and, from the Special Olympics Ireland Team, Marion McKeon (basketball).

Scanlon, CEO of Kerry Group. “Special Olympics has been working in the community supporting people with an intellectual disability for nearly 50 years and I am delighted to have this opportunity to work closely with them and their wide network of athletes, families and volunteers.” Over the next two years, many of Kerry Group’s 24,000 employees will volunteer in Special Olympics programmes, which will include a mix of event-based volunteering and on-going skill-based opportunities.

MULLINS SCOOPS PARTNERSHIP WITH TAYTO PARK M

part of the Dale Farm family. ullins Ice Cream has “Our partnership with formed a strategic Tayto Park marks a significant partnership with Ireland’s only development for Mullins Ice theme park and zoo Tayto Cream as we seek to grow the Park, as part of its all-Ireland brand on an all-Ireland basis,” growth plan. said Peter Lynn, sales manager In time for the park’s 2018 for Mullins Ice Cream. reopening, Mullins launched “Having presence within its first RoI-based takeaway Tayto Park will give us access to ice cream parlour in the approximately 850,000 visitors centre of Tayto Park, serving in 2018 – a huge opportunity to 18 flavours of its homemade Shane Swan (Tayto Park) and showcase our product. scoop ice cream along with Peter Lynn (Mullins Ice Cream). “Mullins is a much-loved a toppings bar and takeaway vibrant brand, which combines years of coffee. expertise in making quality ice cream with Mullins products are also now available innovative new flavours and toppings. We throughout other locations in Tayto Park, believe our offering will appeal perfectly to including the sit-in ‘Scoops and Sprinkles’ Tayto Park’s wide range of visitors and that area, which specialises in luxurious the partnership will prove to be extremely sundaes made with Mullins ice cream. valuable in supporting the growth of our One of Northern Ireland’s most popular business.” homemade ice cream brands, Mullins is

BUSINESS NEWS

CALOR GAS LAUNCHES FIRST CERTIFIED RENEWABLE LPG FOR NI

alor Gas, Northern Ireland’s longest established supplier of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), has launched Northern Ireland’s first certified renewable LPG for homes and businesses. Certified as offering up to 90% lower emissions than fossil fuels, it is a ‘breakthrough product’, according to Calor Gas. Whereas traditional LPG is made as a by-product of coal and oil extraction, the new Calor BioLPG or BioPropane is made from renewable feedstocks, recycled waste materials and sustainably-sourced renewable vegetable oils. The new green energy - Calor BioLPG, is now available across Northern Ireland, and customers can make the switch

immediately, using the same boilers and equipment, vehicles and appliances. With heavy EU fines on the horizon for failing to meet renewable heat and emissions targets by 2020, there remains a significant imperative for businesses to focus on switching to renewable, lower carbon energy sources. “Because Calor gas is supplied into onsite bulk storage tanks rather than on a pipeline network, it has a unique foothold in harder-to-reach rural parts of Northern Ireland, with particular strength in the agri-food sector, hospitality, logistics and rural industrial applications,” said Gino Vansteenhuyse, CEO of Calor BioLPG. “For the first time, businesses and homes in Northern Ireland will be able

FREE DIGITAL RETAIL PROGRAMME

LAUNCHED BY ABC COUNCIL

their digital capabilities and 15 hours of free one-to-one mentoring across a range of topics including website and social media marketing, data and analytics, geomarketing tactics and search engine optimisation. “With a wealth of opportunities on offer in the digital sector, it is important to us that our local businesses are equipped with the right skills and Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough knowledge to tap into this Council Alderman Gareth Wilson is joined by Niamh Taylor and Kirsty Nixon of Digital 24. potential,” said Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge, rmagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Gareth Craigavon Borough Council has Wilson. launched a free programme designed Niamh Taylor, director of Digital to help local businesses learn new 24, said: “There are over one skills and develop confidence to billion websites on Google alone make the most of digital retail with the search engine processing opportunities. approximately 64,000 searches The Digital Retail Therapy per second, which is why it is vital Programme is the first of its kind in for businesses, big and small, to Northern Ireland and will be delivered have a better understanding of the by a host of industry experts. fundamental concepts of digital It will include four events giving helpful insights to develop knowledge marketing.”

and skills and a digital mentoring programme providing an in-depth diagnostic audit for businesses of

For further information, visit www. digitalretailtherapyprogramme.com.

Pictured are Stephen Laughlin, Calor area sales representative and Mary Coughlin, BioLPG product manager.

to choose a renewable gas. This exciting new development will enable customers to dramatically improve their carbon footprint. They will be able to make a cleaner, more sustainable choice.”

HENDERSON WHOLESALE MAKES SHORTLIST Henderson Wholesale has been shortlisted in the 10th annual Aer Lingus TakeOff Foundation Business Awards, to be held in London on May 8. The awards celebrate and reward those companies that have contributed to the local economy and also made significant progress in global export markets. Henderson Wholesale is shortlisted in the Excellence in Marketing Award, while TS Foods has made the cut in the Best SME Award category. “Every year the calibre of entrants seems yet more impressive than the one before,” said Andrea Hunter, business development manager at Aer Lingus.

FSDF HIGHLIGHTS CLIMATE AGREEMENT DEADLINE The Food Storage and Distribution Federation is urging companies with cold storage sites who haven’t yet joined a Climate Change Agreement (CCA) scheme to do so quickly. The last window of opportunity for applications ends in July 2018, and won’t reopen again until the end of the current scheme in 2023. In order to qualify for the discounts, companies in a CCA scheme have to monitor, measure and report on their power consumption and cold storage volume on an annual basis against reduction targets. For more information, visit www.fsdf.org.uk/ about-us/cca/.

APPOINTMENTS

People on the move... IN ASSOCIATION WITH...

WILLIS APPOINTS NEW COMPLIANCE DIRECTOR

BUSHMILLS & MORELLI AMONG CLIENT PORTFOLIO

ideen Conway has been appointed compliance director at Willis Insurance and Risk Management. With over 23 years’ experience in the insurance industry, Conway will be responsible for developing, implementing and embedding regulatory compliance and risk management frameworks.

NEW APPOINTMENT TO FOCUS ON EMPLOYMENT LAW

shley Dalzell has joined Clearbox as senior project manager. Dalzell will work on consumer-focused projects for clients including Universal Pictures Ireland, Bushmills Irish whiskey and Morelli Ice-Cream.

HEADING UP THE CLEARBOX EVENTS TEAM

ob Tubman has been appointed as a solicitor with A&L Goodbody in employment and incentives. He advises a wide range of public and private sector clients on contentious and non-contentious aspects of employment law.

Unit 2, 1 Edgewater Road, Belfast Harbour, Belfast BT3 9JQ Tel: +44 28 9077 0999 Fax: +44 28 9078 1172

anielle Hibbert has been appointed project director at Clearbox. As project director, Hibbert will lead Clearbox’s ‘experiences team’ specialising on consumer-focused events, stunts and experiential activities for clients.

SHELFLIFE

To see your product featured in Shelf Life, contact Mark Glover at m.glover@independentmagazinesni.co.uk or Tel: 028 9026 4267

NOEL’S NOISY NUTS LAUNCH IN THE UK

allygowan-based Noisy Nuts has launched a new range of craft beerinspired peanut snacks in a ‘UK first’ aimed at taking the craft beer trend to a new level of snacking. Launched Europe-wide in April, Noisy Nuts have been developed as an artisan peanut kit with flavoured seasonings to pair perfectly with craft beer types. The flavourings help to elevate craft beer characteristics, notes and flavour palates, with the open-yourself sachets offering a fun tactile experience. “I have always been passionate about creating my own brand,” said Noel Allen, founder of Noisy Nuts and formerly

marketing manager of Boost Drinks and a columnist with Ulster Grocer. “With 400 different craft beer breweries in the UK alone and more than 3,500 different craft beer products on sale, I knew there was an opportunity to produce a complementary interesting snack for this buoyant and increasingly growing market.

Craft beer drinkers are all about taste and we’re giving them a product that will enhance their drinking experience.” Noisy Nuts are available in the following four variants: Chilli and Lime, pairs with IPA; Chilli and Beef, pairs with Stout; Chocolate Orange, pairs with Orange IPA; and Pickled Onion, pairs with Lager.

NEW GINGER ALE CELEBRATES BELFAST HERITAGE

ongbridge Drinks, a recently launched local soft drinks business, has launched a new Belfast Ginger Ale based on a product originally created in the city in 1825. Longbridge, named after the bridge that spanned the city’s River Lagan in the 19th century, is a new trading style developed by Papas Minerals, a successful craft producer of small batch soft drinks including award-winning cordials. Belfast Ginger Ale is the result of research work over three years by Wayne

Adair, Longbridge founder and a director of Papas Minerals and has been influenced by original recipes from original producers using artesian spring water from Cromac Wells, near Belfast City Centre. “In keeping with the original Belfast style of ginger ale it is slightly darker than pale varieties,” said Adair. “This comes from

the combination of natural ginger flavour and lime juice which would have been used traditionally many years ago. This ensures a subtle flavour and heat, coupled with a fine aroma.” The main ingredients are carbonated water, sugar, lime juice produced from concentrate, extract of ginger, ginger flavour and natural caramel. While the new Belfast Ginger Ale is initially available in 20cl bottles, a 30cl bottle is also planned.

ARTISANS COLLABORATE ON NOVEL ICE CREAM FLAVOUR

wo local artisan companies have joined forces to create a novel ice cream for the forthcoming peak season. Morelli’s Ice Cream, a producer of Italian-style ice cream for over a century, is collaborating with Irish Black Butter, a unique sweet/savoury spread. Irish Black Butter is rippled through Morelli’s award-winning double vanilla ice cream. Both companies are based on the North Coast, Morelli’s at Coleraine in and Irish Black Butter nearby in Portrush. “We are always seeking to develop innovative flavours especially using local ingredients as well as milk sourced from local farms,” said Arnaldo

Arnaldo Morelli, managing director of Morelli’s in Coleraine, with Alastair Bell of Irish Black Butter, Portrush.

Morelli, managing director of Morelli’s. “It made sense, therefore, to see how the recently launched Irish Black Butter would work with our highly acclaimed double vanilla. It’s made from bramley apples from Co Armagh. It has proved to be popular in our taste tests, feedback which encouraged us to include it among our extensive range of original flavours.” Alastair Bell, founder of the Irish Black Butter Company, said: “It’s great to see such a longstanding success in the local food industry embracing a new product as an ingredient in the creation of an innovative ice cream.”

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IN THE HOT SEAT TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’ve been working in the grocery trade for almost 20 years from van sales to national accounts manager to, now, sales and marketing manager. I’ve worked for some of the largest food manufactures/ suppliers in the world such as Unilever, General Mills and now Neills Flour which is part of the ABF Associated British Foods group. I’m also a proud father to two beautiful daughters which keeps me busy. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? I always read In the Hot Seat in UG each month and 9/10 everyone answers this question with ‘…there isn’t such thing as a typical day’ and I’m afraid the same applies to me working in a flour mill. Each day brings challenges, opportunities along with the highs and lows of this industry (not always in equal measure) but a normal day would see me at my desk for 7.30am with reading/replying to emails the first task. After that, there would be internal meetings scheduled and, because of work cross-functionality, there will always be plenty to discuss whether it’s commercial, production, milling or maintenance issues. Customer meetings are key also and, because we operate across whole of Ireland, there’s always plenty of time spent in a car. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? As part of the Neills Flour 150th anniversary last year, I wanted to do something very special to mark such an achievement so we came up with the idea of trying to break a Guinness World Record. Funny enough, when we started investigating about the attempt, we quickly discovered that world records aren’t that easy to break! Anyway, we teamed up with Jenny Bristow, Pattons Bakery (Newtownards) and some students from the Belfast Metropolitan College to break the Guinness World Record for the largest scone. The existing WR had been in place for 10 years set by a New Zealand bakery which produced a scone of 123kg, and I’m really proud to say that we smashed that record by producing a scone which weighed 141.8kg. This has now been verified by Guinness. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? It’s the people. The Neills Flour Mill, which is tucked away in a corner in the heart of Belfast, has some of the most dedicated 58

IN THE HOT SEAT KARL McCRUM, SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER AT NEILL’S FLOUR

people I have ever met. Even though we are part of this huge company, we have still managed to retain a family feel with the core values of quality and service in everyone in the mill. WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? I think dealing with a commodity such as wheat is extremely challenging and, on top of that, you have currency fluctuations not to mention the uncertainly with Brexit! WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? My line manager in Unilever often used to tell me, ‘If your plan doesn’t work the way you want, change the plan, not the goal’. Always stuck with me… WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? The West Link would certainly be up there in terms of a daily gripe! WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I’ve always been intrigued about magic, so I think I’d like to be good at it just to see people’s faces. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? Professionally, I am very settled now but still continue to learn and grow in this role. Personally, I’d like to travel more and try to keep making memories for my children.

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? I’ve had the privilege of working along with David Spence, the sales manager at Neills Flour, who has only recently retired. Every morning he left his house in Newcastle and travelled to Belfast, was at the gym for 6.30am and then into work for 8am. Also happened to be a true gentleman. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? Without doubt, Alberta Canada. I’ve been there about six times now and, If I won the Lottery, I’d be there tomorrow. I remember the first time I was there, and it taking my breath away with the scenery, wildlife and the people. Closer to home, North Coast or Fermanagh are my favourite places in NI. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? Probably a really nice steak. We have Saturday night steak night most weeks. HOW DO YOU RELAX? I am a keen motorcyclist and nothing clears the mind or relaxes you than getting out on the bike. I also adore spending time with my family (which now includes Ollie the dog). We are very much an outdoor family with lots of camping, and I’ve also seen us setting the alarm for 3am to watch a meteor shower.

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