Ulster Grocer May 2019

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 2019

ULSTER

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 2019

ULSTER

TM

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

SAINSBURY’S/ASDA DEAL IS OFF

OPINION

BY DONALD C McFETRIDGE, INDEPENDENT RETAIL ANALYST

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fter long deliberation, the Competition and Markets Authority has come to the correct decision, I believe, that the proposed Sainsbury’s/Asda merger should not be allowed to go ahead, principally over fears that it would raise prices for consumers.

This is a decision which I personally believe is in the best interests of consumers, and – no doubt – many suppliers will also be greatly relieved.

In the March edition of Ulster Grocer, I had already come to this final conclusion; one which I had earlier predicted (also

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in Ulster Grocer) in the summer edition, 2018.

This knock to Sainsbury’s must be all the more annoying as they have just published a very mundane set of annual results which show that they are now struggling in what is undoubtedly an extremely competitive retail marketplace.

The continuing advances of the German discounters, Aldi and Lidl, coupled with the renewed success of Tesco must indeed pose a considerable threat to the future of Sainsbury Supermarkets.

Now the big question is what will

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STORE FOCUS:

DAIRY & ICE-CREAM:

A £5M INVESTMENT HAS TRANSFORMED COLEMAN’S FROM A GARDEN CENTRE INTO A COMPREHENSIVE FARM SHOP & VISITOR ATTRACTION

THE 2018 HEATWAVE BOOSTED ICE CREAM SALES & STRONG NPD IS EXPECTED TO BOOST PROSPECTS FOR DALE FARM FURTHER IN 2019

Sainsbury’s do to recover from the failed deal? A deal which has reportedly cost them £46m. I would respectfully suggest that it has cost them much more than this nominal sum; it has cost them in terms of reputation and customer loyalty as they appear to have taken their eye off the ball in the rather arrogant anticipation that the proposed merger would be eventually given full permission.

Mike Coupe, CEO at Sainsbury’s, has promised a revitalisation of the company with investment in 400 stores, and online, over the coming year which – in my opinion – may be too little, too late.

Meanwhile, it has become extremely apparent that there is a large ‘for sale’ sign over the Asda fascia, and I feel fairly certain that Wal-Mart (who own the chain) will be seeking out a buyer for the company, post the failed merger.

The supermarket sector is cut-throat at the minute as the Big Four struggle for sovereignty in a highly price-sensitive/ quality-driven consumer marketplace.

It might be a much more realistic strategy for both Sainsbury’s and Asda to fight hard for long-term survival and more loyal customers instead of struggling for hegemony in the UK retail food sector.

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts,” Churchill.

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THE OLD BUSHMILLS DISTILLERY: MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS OF HYGIENE IS EASY FOLLOWING A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH KÄRCHER BELFAST

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ULSTER FRY INDEX: FOOD PRICE INFLATION IS LOW BUT SIGNIFICANT UNCERTAINTY LIES AHEAD FOR THE AGRI-FOOD SECTOR, SAYS ULSTER BANK

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 54, Number 5 MAY 2019

Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Jason Winstanley, Donald C McFetridge 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

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EDITORIAL COMMENT

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HERALDING THE START OF SUMMER

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elcome to the May edition of Ulster Grocer.

At the time of writing, we are awaiting results of the local councillor elections. It’s hard not to think of the muchquoted maxim: ‘The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results’.

Will the people of Northern Ireland continue to vote for the same parties which again and again prioritise partisan politics and point scoring over progress.

By this afternoon, as this magazine heads to print, we should know.

Those very political parties are said to be entering new talks to restore the Assembly, as we approach two and a half years from its dissolution. All we can do is watch and wait, as is the case re: that other lumbering process, Brexit, with Article 50 now extended to October 31.

Meanwhile, amid such chaos, the agrifood sector continues to power ahead, showing great resilience and flexibility in the face of uncertainty as demonstrated in our coverage of Ulster Bank’s outlook and insight event (ps38-39) held in the run up to the Balmoral Show.

Presentations from Ulster Bank’s agricultural manager and chief economist highlighted the strength of the sector, which is bucking the wider manufacturing trend in Northern Ireland (seeing dwindling productivity due to a deskilling of the workforce) by achieving substantial increases in output from a decreasing labour pool.

Investment in innovation and sustainability is driving this growth, although some indications are also emerging of producers beginning to hold back on investment over the last year; possibly attributable to concerns and

uncertainty around Brexit.

This magazine should hit doorsteps on the week of the Balmoral Show (May 15-18), at which our agricultural producers, manufacturers, retailers and all the associated services will be out in full force.

Regardless of the prevailing sociopolitical climate, the Balmoral Show is always an occasion for joy and celebration, and the Ulster Grocer team looks forward to catching up with as many of you as possible over the four-day event.

Before the Show gets underway, we have another highlight of the year – the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, held during the GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Ball on May 10.

For those attending, we hope you all had a successful and enjoyable evening at the event and full coverage will follow in our next edition. Thanks are due to our award sponsors.

Content-wise, our May edition heralds the start of summer with Dairy & Ice Cream and Barbecue & Summer Foods features.

May we see a repeat of last year’s splendid weather, which offered a substantial boost to sales across those categories.

And alongside the usual positive news of ongoing investment and innovation across our food and drinks producers and retailers, this month’s store focus takes in Coleman’s in Templepatrick, a garden centre which is ambitiously setting its sights on becoming a visitor destination with a £5m investment in an extensive retail offer and café.

Once again, our homegrown retailers are showing the way forward in terms of innovation and excellence.

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NEWS

SUPPORT URGED FOR INDEPENDENT RETAILERS AFTER ATM THEFTS R etail NI has welcomed last month’s arrests in relation to the theft of ATMs across Northern Ireland, while calling for support for those retailers affected by the criminal activity as well as others facing rising insurance premiums as a result.

Two men were due to appear in Ballymena Magistrates’ Court on May 2, following the major spate of ATM thefts across the province. Both individuals face multiple charges; one in relation to the theft of ATM machines from the Junction One Retail Park in Antrim on February 1 and the other from the Tully Road area of Nutts Corner on April 30.

“This is welcome news that at long last we have arrests arising from these robberies,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI.“Credit is due to the PSNI officers who made the arrests.

“While we have made progress, yet another independent retailer has to deal with the aftermath of a seriously damaged store. I know from talking to the numerous Retail NI members who have been victims of these criminal gangs, that there is a huge personal

impact on them and their staff.

“Retail NI has met with the Department of Finance to discuss the impacted retailers being able to access the Rates Hardship fund. This is the very least that needs to happen to assist these small businesses getting back on their feet again.

“I am getting extremely concerned at reports from members with ATMs, who have not even been attacked, who are now seeing their insurance premiums dramatically increasing. This adds another burden on an already difficult situation.”

The issue was also raised at the recent Belfast AGM of the National Federation of Retail Newsagents (NFRN), at which the PSNI unveiled details of a Shop Safe scheme exclusive to Northern Ireland. NFRN members were told that by registering for the scheme, they could access a range of advice on preventing and dealing with retail crime along with a single point of contact at the PSNI, while in-store training would also be made available.

‘WORLD’S BEST FOOD’ TO BE SHOWCASED AT BALMORAL SHOW

CHEESEMAKING ENDS IN FIVEMILETOWN AS CREAMERY IS CLOSED

BY LISA SMYTH

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ale Farm has announced it will not renew its lease on the Fivemiletown creamery site and is planning to relocate staff and cheese production to its facility in Cullybackey.

Dale Farm is supporting the 18 staff currently employed at the Fivemiletown site by offering transfers to other Dale Farm production locations or, where this is not feasible, securing suitable redundancy packages, it said in a statement.

The only Fivemiletown cheese Dale Farm will continue to produce from early June will be goat’s cheese. All other lines - including the awardwinning Ballybrie, Ballyblue, Ballyoak and smoked Oakwood cheddar - will no longer be carried.

Dale Farm stated that ‘following careful consideration, maintaining production of Fivemiletown cheese at the Fivemiletown site was deemed no longer feasible.’

UFU Deputy President Victor Chestnutt expressed disappointment at the news, but said it was reassuring to hear that plans are in place to relocate affected staff. He added that the UFU will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that their milk suppliers are not affected.

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ood and drink contributing to Northern Ireland’s World’s Best Food Destination accolade, awarded at the World Travel Trade Awards in London last November, will be showcased at this month’s Balmoral Show.

The Balmoral Show, incorporating the Food NI Pavilion, is among the biggest and best agri-food events in the UK and Ireland and will be held over May 15-18.

Thousands of quality products will be showcased by upwards of 100 participants in the Pavilion organised by Food NI, now a major attraction during the four-day event.

“Northern Ireland has undergone a food and drink revolution in the last 10 years, resulting in an abundance of outstanding local producers,” said Michele Shirlow, chief executive at Food NI. “A well-kept secret, until recently, Northern Ireland won best food destination at the International Travel and

From left, Deirdre Burns, Forest Feast: Jenny McNeill, RUAS: Andrew Rooney, Millbay Oysters; and Lindsay Curran, Food NI.

Tourism Awards. With outstanding taste, short supply chains and award-winning companies, visitors are bowled over by our excellence in food and drink.

“To have this showcased at Balmoral Show in the Food NI Pavilion is great for local producers and visitors who

can experience a genuine taste of local food and drink in a setting that reflects Northern Ireland’s culture and heritage and reflects our reputation as an outstanding food and drink region.”

Tickets can be purchased online at www.balmoralshow.co.uk.

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NEWS

NORTH WEST RETAILER OPENS NEW DERRY AND COLERAINE STORES N

orth West retailer and caterer From left, Ciaran McLaughlin, Ulster Bank, with Donna and John Moran’s has reopened two of Moran. its stores in Derry and Coleraine after completing the first phase of a multi-million-pound investment and regeneration programme.

Following an investment of £1.6m, Moran’s Centra and service station on the Strand Road in Derry was demolished and rebuilt, increasing its retail space to 3,500 square feet, increasing forecourt capacity and introducing 36 customer parking facilities. The investment is creating 30 new fulland part-time roles. an additional 10 full and part-time retail Moran’s Centra, Coleraine has also jobs, included growing the store’s hot reopened following a £400,000 injection and cold food-to-go ranges and deli to enhance its retail and food-to-go counter, and upgrades to its forecourt offering. The investment, which created and carwash facilities.

The third store in the company’s portfolio, Moran’s SuperValu, Ballykelly, is set to complete early next year as the final phase of the redevelopment gets underway. A £350,000 investment will see the creation of five full and part-time jobs, a refresh of the in-store deli and butchery counters and revitalisation of its forecourt.

“The redevelopment of our three stores represents the single biggest investment in Moran’s since we started the company over 35 years ago,” said John Moran, managing director of Moran’s. “We’re creating stores that are equipped for the future of retail, with greater focus on digital technologies, high-quality food-to-go ranges, fresh food counters and more.”

BELFAST KEY TO GUINNESS’S PLASTIC PACKAGING INITIATIVE

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From left, Graeme Pollock, manufacturing excellence manager, and Mary Devlin, quality manager at Diageo.

iageo is investing £16m to reduce the amount of plastics used in its beer packaging by removing the plastic ring carriers and shrink wrap from its multipacks of Guinness, Harp, Rockshore and Smithwick’s.

Diageo’s bottling and packaging plant in Northern Ireland will be the first site up and running with the new packs, with the business investing £8m in its facility in East Belfast.

The new packs will be on shelf on all beer brands in the island of Ireland from August 2019, and from summer 2020 in Great Britain and other export markets.

Currently, under 5% of Diageo’s total packaging is plastic and the change will reduce Diageo’s plastic usage by over 400 tonnes annually; equivalent to removing 40 million 50cl plastic bottles.

The multi-can packs will be replaced by cardboard packs, which are sustainably sourced, recyclable and fully biodegradable. Individual cans are fully recyclable, including the widget contained inside cans of Draught Guinness.

“Diageo’s facility in East Belfast plays an important role in the bottling and packaging of our beers, which are exported around the world, including to the US, Canada, Korea and Europe,” said Lucie Milburn, operations director at Diageo’s beer packaging site in Belfast.

“This latest investment in sustainable packaging is a reflection of the innovation and expertise of our team in Belfast and Diageo’s commitment to invest in the site, which makes a valuable contribution to the Northern Ireland economy.”

MUSGRAVE REPORTS STRONG GROWTH FOR ECO-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS

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usgrave MarketPlace has reported sales growth of 131% in 2018, and 198% in the first nine weeks of 2019 year on year, in its eco-friendly packaging and disposables range.

Available at all Musgrave MarketPlace branches nationwide, eco-friendly packaging currently accounts for 4.6% of total packaging products sold and is the fastest growing product group within the organisation. It is expected to grow to 6.9% of total packaging sold by the end of 2019.

The biggest areas of product growth within the Musgrave MarketPlace eco-friendly range in the nine-week period are sales of coffee cups and lids (+465%), takeaway containers

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(+187%) and cutlery and straws (+96%).

Other eco-friendly products supplied include bowls, plates, cutlery, and trays, with sales from contract caterers up 123%, offices and workplace by 57.1%, and restaurants by 63%.

“We’re working with our fantastic suppliers to expand our range in order to ensure we are providing our customers with the best sustainable eco-friendly alternatives on the market,” said Sheena Forde, trading director, Musgrave MarketPlace.

“At present we have dedicated spaces within all our branches for eco-friendly packaging and disposables, with over 100 different types of eco-friendly product in each section.”

NEWS

TRADE BODIES WELCOME NEW TALKS TO RESTORE INSTITUTIONS R etail NI, Hospitality Ulster and Manufacturing NI have welcomed new political talks to restore the Northern Ireland Assembly and other institutions, while calling for a fourth strand on the economy to include key civic society organisations.

In a joint statement, the respective chief executives of the three organisations, Glyn Roberts, Colin Neill and Stephen Kelly, said: ‘We need the Executive restored and local ministers making the key budgetary decisions based on sound evidence-based policy. The business community deserves more than a ‘care and maintenance’ administration and badly thought out emergency budgets.

‘In these talks we need to see real leadership by our local political parties and an end to the blame game. 2019 cannot be yet another year with no government, no political progress and economic stagnation.

‘With much-needed decisions not being made on reform of business rates and infrastructure investment, not addressing an ever-growing skills gap and modernisation of our town centres, Northern Ireland is not just lagging behind the rest of the UK and Ireland, it is in real danger of being left behind internationally.

‘We believe that a fourth strand should be established in these talks to include key civic society organisations supporting the parties in building a genuine partnership approach to a rebooted economic agenda and a radically different and more ambitious programme for government.’

ARTICLE 50 EXTENSION GREETED WITH RELIEF

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epresentatives of the retail and agri-food sectors have welcomed European Council approval for the extension of Article 50 until October 31, calling for constructive use of the additional time to gain consensus and avoid a no-deal Brexit.

“It is good news for agriculture that a no-deal situation on 12th April has been avoided,” said Ivor Ferguson, president of the Ulster Farmers’ Union. “However, this pattern of taking the UK to the Brexit cliff edge cannot continue.

“The Prime Minister, her Government and the rest of Parliament must put the interests of the country first and agree a way forward for the UK to leave the EU with a deal before 31st October.

“The continued uncertainty is damaging our agriculture industry. It is putting tremendous stress on farmers financially and mentally. We need immediate clarity about what our future business and trading relationship with the EU will look like to be able to plan accordingly.”

Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said: “Retail NI is very clear that we need to see a deal and this postponement gives the Government and the Labour Party more time to reach an agreement.

“If no withdrawal deal is agreed, revoking article 50 should be considered as opposed to the nightmare scenario of leaving with no deal.”

NI RECORDS HIGHEST SPENDING POWER GROWTH IN UK N

orthern Ireland recorded the highest increase in annual family spending power across the UK in Q1 2019, up 7.4% year on year, according to Asda’s latest Income Tracker (March 2019).

Although NI remains at the bottom of the Income Tracker league table, with an average family spending power of £114 per week, it is said to be closing the gap with other UK regions.

In Q1 2019, Northern Ireland’s discretionary income is now £27 lower than that of the North East – the region which sits next to NI in the league table; down from a £34 gap in Q1 2017.

While NI households have benefitted from a record high NI employment rate of 71.2%, and an exceptionally low unemployment figure of 3%, the share of people aged 1664 in employment continues to stand significantly below the national average.

“The latest Asda Income Tracker report shows Northern Ireland is enjoying a ‘catch-up moment’ as it continues to narrow the gap in family spending power between itself and the rest of the UK,” said Kay Neufeld, managing economist, CEBR. “While growth in the NI economy continues to lag behind the UK as a whole, these results show households have benefitted from low rates of inflation and ample employment opportunities over the past couple of quarters.”

STORE FOCUS

COLEMAN’S GARDEN CENTRE, FARM SHOP & CAFÉ, TEMPLEPATRICK A £5M INVESTMENT HAS TRANSFORMED THE GARDEN CENTRE INTO A VISITOR ATTRACTION IN ITS OWN RIGHT, MANAGING DIRECTOR RICHARD FRY AND MANAGER DAVID THOMPSON TELL UG

Manager David Thompson.

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done here in Coleman’s has bypassed the rom a visiting harpist to a 1950s last two decades and brought our garden tractor display and its hugely popular centre right up to date.” restaurant, Coleman’s farm shop and Richard says the recent £5m investment garden centre in Templepatrick is already in the site had taken 15 years: “It’s taken a visitor attraction in its own right.

Now, on top of a recently-unveiled £5m until now to get this built due to reasons such as planning, and it’s all been done expansion, Coleman’s is about to enter through private funding.” the international tourist trade.

The owner of the original Coleman Managing Director Richard Fry is nursery died in 2004 after which the site in talks with coach operators about was sold, and Fry, who had been working changing their refreshment stop from there for 13 years at that point, took the existing forecourt outlets to Coleman’s opportunity to make his long-planned multi-faceted site. expansion a reality.

“Many of the coaches virtually pass Local investors sharing the vision have the premises on route north to the likes taken the original garden centre to of the Giant’s Causeway, with 70 the current stage of being coaches a day heading there a destination shopping in peak periods, so there experience, and he and is a huge opportunity to a team of more than continue to grow our 100 staff are taking it business,” he says. to the next stage.

“Many such farm “It’s been a shops and garden remarkable few centres locally have years and it is been years behind sometimes hard to what’s happening in grasp that just two England. years ago, we only “Now in England employed a dozen or you have farm shops so staff,” he says. in motorway service Owen and Jim Irvine.

And while the centre had stations. And what we have 8

a loyal customer base, it is now targeting the tourism market as a secondary source of customers.

“We have set up a dedicated area to service the coach clients, so they are able to get to use our much-expanded facilities, hopefully to shop too and enjoy some of the 400 scones baked every day in the restaurant,” he says. “Their time is very limited so we need to be sure we can deal with them efficiently, and hope to have the whole facility underway by mid-May.” Despite being established as a popular garden centre, the addition of a new farm shop to what has already been a successful, long-running retailing operation has proved to be a major draw.

Catering for an expanding grocery market, this now includes a seven-metre meat counter, a dry-ager for beef and the shop has begun stocking produce from even more local companies.

Butcher Jim Irvine left his established shop in nearby Doagh to set up his new outlet, which is surrounded by many local food products on permanent display.

These include William Sprott, Finnebrogue, McKee’s, Draynes and Ditty’s of Magherafelt, while Barr’s of Ballymena is also represented.

STORE FOCUS On top of that, local artisans are regularly invited to set up their stalls at the shop, to offer a complete range of products.

CRUISE SHIP VISITORS “Tourism has expanded greatly in the last five years, and we see it very much from the cruise ships coming to Belfast. Also, the Game of Thrones series has been epic in bringing visitors to Northern Ireland in general,” he says. “Therefore, by offering a rustic, rural shopping experience, with occasional background live music, such as our harpist, the only way is up for Coleman’s.

“With the research we’ve done, we know coach tours coming from Ireland are also driving past us every day on their way to the North Coast.

“Now we want to be servicing them, and we have a 200 to 250-seater restaurant and ample car parking with almost 200 spaces to do so.”

He says the garden centre business has evolved in recent years due to competition from the internet and supermarkets.

“Previously, people just wanted a cup of coffee and a bun, but now they’re looking for meals, freshly cooked on the premises, so that’s the line we have gone down,” he says. “To survive, garden centres have upped their game.”

YEARS OF RESEARCH Richard has been researching the market for years. He has been a member of the Soil Association, the Farm Retail Association and the Horticultural Trades Association, and is a frequent visitor to major centres in England.

“Barton Grange, south of Lancaster is a huge help,” he says. “Not only have the owners welcomed me to visit their fabulous business on many occasions, but they also now actively assist by allowing my staff resident training and awareness visits to the hugely successful centre.”

Food products are also expanding fast, with the likes of vegan diets and those of vegetarians, as well as interest in organic farm products changing the face of the market.

“Blueberries are an enormous draw, and thanks more to cooking programmes than ones about gardening, the likes of rhubarb and other unlikely products are

flying off the shelves,” he says.

While the core business remains garden products, with around 60% of overall trade being from the garden centre, the other 40% in the farm shop is evenly split between the butchery counter and that of the other grocery and specialised products.

“The more products the better,” he says.

“So, it’s a win-win for suppliers and for Coleman’s as we increase our range and continue to promote buying and marketing local, sometimes niche products.”

The development has already considerably enhanced the Templepatrick business’ importance in the local economy.

Manager David Thompson said that it has indeed doubled its workforce from 50 last year to over 100.

“That’s a long way from the former dozen or so, just a few years back and is on top of adding 32,000 square foot to the premises,” he says. “The addition has also brought us new retail space including concessions like Menary’s, Pavers, Mountain Warehouse, The Works and Klass and more space for selling plants, our original core business, as well as the innovative new farm shop.”

This is actually the second phase of Coleman’s Garden Centre. “Phase two of our development has created a real sense of anticipation over the past number of months as we have watched our plans take shape,” says David.

“By adding an extensive variety of exclusive retailers and brands to the garden products and services we already have on offer and the addition of our new farm shop and butchery, we hope to attract a wider audience from the local area and beyond.

“Now visitors can take advantage of our 250-seat cafe with a unique eating experience of the highest standard right on their doorstep.”

There is an emphasis on celebrating local food at the new farm shop and butchery.

“Therefore, we will be consolidating our already close partnerships with local producers who are doing something unique and brilliant and we are sure that this will become an important part of the community in Templepatrick for many years to come,” he says.

The new phase of a dedicated farm shop and butchery to complement the existing garden centre and cafe already trades alongside a popular Edinburgh Woollen Mill concession, so there’s even more reason for visitors to drop in.

“We are one of the best-known names in gardening in Northern Ireland,” says David. “Coleman’s has built its reputation in offering high-quality nursery stock and sundries to Northern Ireland’s gardeners, stocking a range of trees, shrubs, bedding plants, compost, bark, pots, chemicals, seeds, bulbs, tools and garden furniture.

“That offering is set to continue, and grow, appropriately enough,” he says, adding that the original premises was first established in 1965.

“There’s a lot of continuity too, especially so as Richard, the current managing director, has worked for Coleman’s garden centre for almost 30 years.

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RETAIL NEWS - INDEPENDENTS

PORTADOWN BUTCHER STRIKES GOLD AT INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION A

Young Butcher from Portadown has proved he’s a ‘cut about the rest’ at an International competition, in which he won gold.

Taking place in Perth, Australia, Conor Reynolds, 19, a butcher with M&W Farm Meats in Portadown, has dedicated his award to his grandfather, Gerry Reynolds, who passed away recently and was Conor’s biggest supporter.

Organised by Lifeline Perth, the International Young Butcher competition attracts talented young butchers from across the globe and, following Team Ireland’s World Butcher Team of the Year win in 2018, Irish butchers are now regarded as amongst the most talented on the world stage.

Conor has also recently been named as the Young Butcher within Team Ireland

From left, Vincent Garreffa, founding member of Lifeline Perth International Young Butcher of the Year competition; Conor Reynolds, M&W Farm Meats; and Robert Retallick, head judge and co-ordinator.

who will be defending its World Butchers of the Year crown in Sacramento, California in 2020. His participation in the Lifeline event was sponsored by Butchery Excellence International, with support from Dawn Meats and Conor’s employer, M&W Farm Meats.

“Four years ago, I started to learn the craft of butchery and recently I’ve become more confident in my skills and have started to take part in competitions,” he said. “Just last year, I took part in the Premier Young Butcher Competition in Birmingham, winning five out of the six categories and I was named as the overall winner, but even back then, I didn’t for one second think that I would be competing in Australia, never mind winning an international award.”

RURAL TOWNS SWAP PLASTIC MUST NOT BE FOR PAPER LEFT BEHIND AT FARM SHOPS

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plea for rural towns and villages not be left behind while the city deals progress has been made

by Retail NI Chief Executive Glyn Roberts, among speakers at a recent Ulster Bank Surviving the High Street seminar in Enniskillen.

“With the Belfast Regional City Deal given the green light, the DerryStrabane Deal moving forward and progress in Belfast City Centre with the Primark cordon, it is crucially important that our rural towns and villages are not left behind,” said Roberts.

“There is no more important issue in forthcoming council elections than the regeneration of our towns and cities. Retail NI wants to see the newly-elected local councils hit the ground running in May with town and village deals in their rural areas.

“In our recently published Regeneration NI report, Retail NI outlined the need for the establishment of a Rural Town and Village Infrastructure Fund to support the regeneration of our rural towns and villages.”

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hopping at farm shops and farmers’ markets can help consumers reduce their plastic waste, according to the Farm Retail Association (FRA).

“A huge number of these farm-tofork businesses have traditionally had less plastic produce packaging than supermarkets, and many have made an increased effort over the last 12 months,” said Rob Copley, chairman of the FRA. “Customers can just choose the produce they want and use paper bags rather than plastic. By reusing produce boxes and egg boxes as well as moving to paper bags, one of our members Minskip

Farm Shop in North Yorkshire estimate they have reduced their own waste by 45% since 2017.”

Customers are encouraged to bring their own containers to many farm shops, and some have dried goods dispensers for customers to use.

GROCERYAID TO PROVIDE INNOVATIVE WELLBEING SUPPORT

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roceryAid, the national charity for the grocery industry, has expanded its mental health support offering by creating a new partnership with Rightsteps.

The evidence-based online wellbeing support, hosted by Rightsteps, will assist a wide range of mind, body and behaviour topics including mental health.

“Mental health is the number one

health issue for employees in the UK and, over the last five years, rates of absence due to common forms of mental health issues including anxiety and low mood (depression) have grown consistently year on year,” said Mandi Leonard, welfare director at GroceryAid. For further information, visit https:// www.groceryaid.org.uk/get-help/healthwellbeing/.

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

MAXOL INVESTS £1M AT GLENABBEY SERVICE STATION

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axol has completed a substantial investment in its Glenabbey Service Station, located close to Sandyknowes roundabout, creating eight new jobs.

The convenience store has been significantly increased in size to over 3,000 square feet and a new hot food counter has been installed to serve a range of tasty meals throughout the day along with a new Morelli’s Ice Cream bar.

The deli offers a wide range of freshly prepared sandwiches, wraps, salads and nourish bowls, as well as both vegan and vegetarian options. The pre-packed butchery range has also been extended to offer customers greater choice across convenient and healthy meal time

solutions.

Toilet and wash room facilities have been fully upgraded, and the car park extended from 16 to 28 spaces to greatly improve access and convenience for customers.

“We strive to bring choice, value and quality fresh food to our customers every day so whether shoppers want the convenience of a freshly-made sandwich or wrap from the deli, a barista-style coffee from the Barista Coffee To Go Bar or picking up quality ingredients for dinner on their way home, we have an extensive range competitively priced that satisfies every time,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group.

From left, Peter Robinson, licensee of Maxol Glenabbey Service Station; Kevin Paterson, Maxol retail manager NI; and Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group.

SPAR MANSE ROAD REOPENS AFTER REFURBISHMENT

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ork has been completed on an extensive refurbishment project at a popular convenience store in Newtownabbey.

SPAR Manse Road, which serves the Mossley area of the town, has been refit and now offers an extensive line of hot and cold foods at its new daily deli counter, complemented by an additional Barista Bar Coffee kiosk. As well as wider aisles and new flooring and lighting, a much larger range of fresh food and dairy products are available, along with the popular butchery and McAtamney’s meat ranges.

“We are extremely proud of our new convenience store and want to make SPAR Manse Road the go-to store for this community’s daily needs,” said Ian Mullan, area manager at Henderson Retail, which owns the Manse Road store.

“I hope the people of Mossley recognise how much work and effort has gone into revamping the store and I’m looking forward to welcoming lots of new customers through our doors over the next few weeks and months.”

Store Manager Chris Currie celebrates the re-opening of SPAR Manse Road with Primary 4 pupils from St MacNissi’s Primary School and Mossley Primary School.

McBRIDE’S SPAR MULLAGHMORE RECOGNISED IN UK-WIDE AWARDS

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Peter McBride, owner of the McBride Retail Group.

cBride’s SPAR Mullaghmore picked up the Best Chilled Food Retailer award, and was a finalist in the Best Multiple Store category, at the Convenience Retail Awards 2019 held recently in London.

“It is a testament to the range of products and services delivered by the team in Omagh,” said Peter McBride, owner of the McBride Retail Group. “I am also extremely proud to have been a finalist in the Best Multiple Store category against three other impressive retailers.”

Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director at Henderson Group, said: “We send our sincere congratulations to Peter and his team at McBride’s SPAR Mullaghmore. The value of chilled products provided for their local community has been deservedly recognised, and on a national scale.”

COSTCUTTER EXPANDS SHOPPER INSIGHTS PROGRAMME Costcutter Supermarkets Group (CSG) has expanded its shopper insights programme for retailers.

Launched at CSG’s recent Expo in Harrogate, the new phase of CSG’s Shopper First: Drive Five to Thrive is focused on making insights on shopper habits easier to action.

Initially being trialled with Expo attendees, retailers will receive wall charts specifically tailored to each store’s shopper demographics, before being rolled out more widely to all other retailers. The charts dovetail with the new dashboards, which contain specific information about the most highly indexing shopper personas in each store’s trading zone and include seasonal insights that will drive profitable growth based on each store’s unique mix of shoppers.

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RETAIL NEWS - MULTIPLES

M&S ANNOUNCES STUDENT PLACEMENT PROGRAMME FOR QUB STUDENTS M arks & Spencer CEO Steve Rowe has delivered the annual KPMG Lecture where he announced a new student placement programme, which will see Queen’s students work with M&S’ industry-leading food technical team to support in building supply chain resilience.

Rowe made the announcement during the M&S Food: Transforming with Integrity lecture, run in association with Queen’s Management School and the Chief Executives’ Club at Queen’s.

“In Northern Ireland we enjoy a special relationship with our suppliers, colleagues and customers - especially in M&S Food. We overtrade here with over 7% market share and four of our 21 Northern Irish stores are in our top 30 stores. In fact, Lisburn is our number one Food Hall in the entire business,” said Rowe.

“But we know M&S Food needs to transform in order to stay relevant and

Steve Rowe, CEO of M&S, pictured at the annual KPMG Lecture.

compete. One thing remains true; going back to our DNA, we are changing our business for the better, but we are committed to doing so with integrity and retaining our stance on quality, innovation and standards.”

Professor Chris Elliott, from the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s, said: “M&S plays a very

LIDL NI REOPENS JUNCTION ONE STORE

important role in Northern Ireland and has been a valued partner of Queen’s University Belfast for many years. I am delighted that Mr Rowe has announced a continued partnership with Queen’s through a new placement programme for our students which will give them the opportunity to learn from the leading experts in food security in the industry.”

ASDA ROLLS OUT MAKATON ACROSS NI STORES

Ulster and Ireland rugby legend Stephen Ferris joins the team at Lidl’s revamped Junction One store in Antrim.

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idl Northern Ireland has reopened its Antrim store after a major refurbishment, creating one of the greenest and most sustainable supermarket retail outlets in Northern Ireland, according to the discount retailer.

The spacious, newly-designed store, located at the Junction One retail complex, has welcomed eight new staff positions in addition to its existing team of 27 employees.

It is powered by green electricity, certified to ISO50001 energy efficiency standards and has two electric vehicle charging points for customer use, while plans are in place to add a swathe of next-generation solar panels to power 12

the store.

Store Manager Amy Leathen said the new architectural design and spacious store layout with markedly wider aisles and higher ceilings, an enhanced bakery area and a Lidl to Go coffee-making facility offers customers an even greater shopping experience.

To celebrate the launch, Lidl Northern Ireland presented two local charities, Antrim Food Bank and Women’s Aid, with £500 each as part of its local fundraising activity.

Lidl Northern Ireland lays claim as the region’s fastest growing supermarket, employing more than 800 staff across 38 stores and its distribution centre and offices based at Nutt’s Corner.

sda is to rollout the use of Makaton, to aid both children and adults with learning and communication difficulties, at 16 of its stores in Northern Ireland.

Makaton is a language programme using signs and symbols to help the development of an individual’s communication, language and literacy skills. It is designed to support spoken language, with the signs and symbols used with speech in spoken word order.

Over one million children and adults use Makaton symbols and signs in the UK, and Asda is launching shopping lists with Makaton symbols showing a range of shopping choices such as milk, bread and bananas which customers can tick off once they’ve been added to the trolley.

Initially 384 Asda stores, including 16 in Northern Ireland, will have the Makaton shopping lists available for free in-store from the customer service desk.

MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE RICHARD GITTUS, RELATIONSHIP MANAGER AT GROCERYAID

BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE My career started in 2004 when I joined Virgin Megastore, eventually progressing to store manager. I first entered the grocery trade in 2009 with Unilever as a national account manager and, following a couple of promotions, led a team of national account managers in the Impulse and OOH channel. In 2014 I moved to United Biscuits and, for two years, operated in the symbols/ convenience channel. Between 2015 and 2018, I stepped out of grocery and worked as sales controller for Ideal Standard, before joining GroceryAid. WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I hold the commercial contact between the charity and the majority of our supporting businesses. It’s my job to increase support across fundraising, awareness and volunteering and I do this by building strong relationships and identifying commercially viable opportunities for individuals and businesses to get involved in, particularly through our excellent calendar of events.

WHEN DID YOU TAKE UP THIS POST? I joined in October 2018.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/ WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? The best, and most humbling aspect, is seeing the impact we have on the lives of our beneficiaries and hearing the stories of how we have helped grocery colleagues in their time of need. The most frustrating part of my job is spending time in front of my laptop in order to keep on top of the admin as I’d much rather be out seeing businesses, generating more income and greater levels of support.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY If it’s not a Monday, when I am typically at our office in Sandhurst for internal meetings, I’m usually on the road or train travelling to meetings. I try and schedule at least two meetings wherever I am travelling to, in order to gain efficiency from the travel time. Meetings usually consist of me talking through the charity credentials if it’s a new supporter, or giving an update on our KPIs and then discussing ways to support across the fundraising, awareness and volunteering arms of the charity.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Leading and developing a team of national account managers to the point where they have gone on to further develop their careers in the grocery sector. I’m still in touch with them now and it’s great to see how the experience we shared as a team has helped shape their careers.

BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE INDUSTRY? There’s a real community feel and great pride taken in the stores I have had the pleasure of visiting in Northern Ireland.

Local retailers continue to play an integral part in each community.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I love cooking and prepare most meals from scratch, which I find relaxing. Family is also important to me; I’m about to become a dad again for the second time so I’m hoping to get enough time to cook. I’m also a big football fan and enjoying playing five a side and watching my beloved Aston Villa.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I once met Prince Phillip and accidentally called him Phil, luckily he didn’t seem to mind!

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

HELPING SMALLER FOOD AND DRINK FIRMS ACHIEVE RETAIL SUCCESS

BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

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e had eight smaller food and drink companies on our Taste the Greatness presentation last month at the Farm Shop and Deli Show in the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, the biggest event of its type in the UK and Ireland. We focused on this major event because farm shops and delis are usually the first stage in the retail journey for smaller companies.

Farm shops and delis also offer a tremendous opportunity to these companies seeking to secure their first sales outside Northern Ireland. Experience gained doing business with these shops prepares them for potential opportunities with larger retailers here and abroad.

Our growing network of farm shops and delis provides essential retail experience, as also, of course, does our hugely successful Food NI Food Pavilion at the RUAS at Balmoral Park, which continues to go from strength to strength both in terms of participating companies, visitors and sales.

The pavilion at Balmoral, furthermore, enables smaller food and drink processors to meet thousands of

shoppers and to talk directly to them about their products. This facility is important because consumers are keener now than ever before to find out what’s in their food and drink and the people behind the products.

Interest in the products displayed by the eight companies at the Farm Shop and Deli Show was immensely encouraging and many are currently following up potential new business leads which, I am sure, will generate sales in Britain. The process, of course, requires a lot of hard work, initially on the telephone, then in sending samples with pricing for negotiation and the logistics of delivering on time.

I know that our companies have the professionalism, determination and the original products to succeed in Britain… and even further afield.

Approaches about business from the US and Germany have followed our Taste the Greatness presentations. A number, including Peppup Sauces from Portaferry and Portrush-based Irish Black Butter, have already won business, especially in Britain.

Luca Montorio’s Peppup, for instance, is now supplying TK Maxx in the UK from a meeting at the Speciality Food Show in Glasgow earlier in the year. And Irish Black Butter, a sweet/savoury spread developed by Alastair Bell, gained a listing from a specialist cheese business in Manchester from our showcase at Fine Food North in Harrogate in March.

Tom and Ollie of Broughshane, an award winner in Mediterranean-style food made here, also has leads to follow up from Harrogate.

Our presentation at these food shows... and several at the planning stage... is supported by Invest NI. Several local councils are also working closely with us in our role of promoting our food and drink in Britain.

We’re aiming to stage the most impressive presentation of our food and drink ever at Speciality Food and would certainly welcome the involvement of local councils in a co-ordinated promotion to highlight the fabulous products which underpin Northern Ireland’s reputation as the World’s Best Food Destination.

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

CONSUMER INSIGHT AND MARKET UPDATE UPDATE ON CONSUMER SENTIMENT

BY JASON WINSTANLEY, MOY PARK SENIOR INSIGHT AND RESEARCH MANAGER THE BREXIT BUFFER So, here we are. We have gone past the end of March and we are still members of the EU (just). The past six months have seen some of the most turbulent and uncertain times endured by the British consumer in recent memory. Under such circumstances, it would have been no surprise to see confidence collapse and markets enter a downwards spiral of decline as consumer spending was reined back to the bare essentials. But this, to the surprise of many, has not happened. Spending continues apace, with Barclaycard reporting year-on-year spending growth of 3.1% during March, with spending on non-essentials even higher, at 3.4%1.

It is true that we have seen a decline in consumer confidence, but this has by no means been a crash. The longrunning GfK Consumer Confidence Index recorded a score of -13 in April2, having spent the whole of 2018 in negative territory and, whilst this is not a good score, it is a relatively stable one.

Confidence was measured at -13 or -14 during every month from November onwards, so was actually very stable and not particularly affected as the initial

Brexit deadline of the end of March approached.

Whilst a confidence measure of -14 represented the lowest score on the Index for the last five years, things could actually be a lot worse; during the financial crisis of 2008, the Index plummeted to a low of -39. So why hasn’t confidence collapsed given the gravity of the current situation?

Fortunately, a substantial buffer against the potentially detrimental effects of the Brexit machinations has been built up in terms of a growth in consumer disposable income. Inflation is currently running at almost an optimal level; a rise of 1.9% in both February and March3 was only marginally below the Bank of England’s target rate of 2%, but with wages growth running ahead of this at 3.4%3, the average household is seeing a yearon-year improvement in its finances. Data from Asda’s Income Tracker suggested that the average family had an additional £11.25 of spending power per week in January4, compared to the previous year, so the improvement is not insubstantial.

Many consumers also expect their finances to remain at least at an acceptable level of health over the course

of the next year and Mintel’s latest data shows that only 18% of consumers are worried about their finances. The largest group of consumers surveyed (51%) said that, although they had some level of concern, they expected to be fine, with almost a third (31%) saying that they were confident with their finances5.

So, in summary, the most uncertain and volatile political landscape in decades is not translating into a consumer disaster scenario because of a favourable set of economic circumstances. As long as these continue to act as a buffer to the negative sentiment being generated by the Brexit process, we should expect to see market growth and opportunity.

However, if inflation climbs unexpectedly, or wages growth suddenly falls, then the situation could easily reverse. If and when that happens though, we may well by then have a more stable situation in terms of the Brexit process, which itself would probably be a boon to confidence.

(Source: 1 – Barclaycard, 9th April 2019; 2 – GfK Consumer Confidence Index, March 2019; 3 - ONS, April 2019; 4 - Asda Income Tracker, February 2019 Report for January; 5 - Mintel Consumers and the Economic Outlook, Quarterly Update, February 2019)

CLOUGHBANE FARM LAUNCHES PLANT-BASED MEAL RANGE

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yrone-based Cloughbane Farm has launched a new range of plant-based meals which has secured listings with Henderson Group, owner of the SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO and ViVOXTRA franchises in Northern Ireland.

Following an investment of over £200,000, the vegetarian selection, which includes casserole, lasagne and pasta bake, is now available in stores across the province. It also includes two dishes suitable for vegan diets.

“Consumer habits are evolving, and the past 12 months have seen a surge in demand for plantbased meal options,” said Lorna Robinson, managing director, Cloughbane Farm. “The emergence of the flexitarian diet also means that these products no longer appeal exclusively to people who follow a vegetarian or

options which are gluten and dairy free. As with all our prepared meals, we have developed these products on our farm using fresh, quality ingredients, most of which are locally grown.”

Steven Kennedy, Henderson Group, said: “Cloughbane Farm has been a trusted supplier to Henderson Group for many years, sharing our passion for quality, value and great taste. As a Group, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of consumer trends, which is why we’re delighted to add this selection of vegetarian meals to complement the existing range.

“With options for vegan and vegetarian diets, introducing Cloughbane Veggi means even more choice for our customers in stores across Northern Ireland.”

From left, Steven Kennedy, Henderson Group and Lorna Robinson, Cloughbane Farm.

vegan diet – they have mass market appeal.

“The Cloughbane Veggi range includes lots of family favourites which are low in fat and sugar, as well as

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ADVERTORIAL

INTRODUCING COCA-COLA ENERGY: THE NEWEST ADDITION TO COCA-COLA HBC’S PORTFOLIO IN IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

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oca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland will expand its portfolio with the addition of Coca-Cola Energy to its portfolio, the first energy drink to be introduced under the Coca-Cola brand.

With a great Coca-Cola taste and feeling that people already know and love, Coca-Cola Energy features caffeine from naturally-derived sources, guarana extracts, B vitamins and no taurine. It is available in 250ml cans and in two variants - with and without sugar.

The energy segment continues to grow ahead of the non-alcoholic ready-to-drink market in Ireland; growing 14.4% in value and worth £50m in 2018[1]. Coca-Cola

Energy is well-positioned to capture this growth trajectory for retailers, marrying the much-loved Coca-Cola brand, with the added energy that consumers seek.

Commenting on the launch of Coca-Cola Energy, Petre Sandru, country manager, Coca-Cola Ireland, commented: “Coca-Cola Energy includes ingredients from naturallyderived sources and a delicious and refreshing taste of Coca-Cola. We kept these two qualities at the heart of how we developed the recipe and are proud to offer it under the Coca-Cola brand, inviting people to try a new and different energy drink that is designed to complement upbeat and busy lives.”

Matthieu Seguin, general manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland, said: “Our strategy is to offer our customers and consumers a wide range of drinks to meet different lifestyles and occasions. Coca-Cola Energy is a great example of that. We’re launching Coca-Cola Energy with and without sugar and we’ll continue to expand and diversify our range of products to respond to evolving consumer needs.”

The new drink features a distinct visual identity and will be supported by

“OUR STRATEGY IS TO OFFER OUR CUSTOMERS AND CONSUMERS A WIDE RANGE OF DRINKS TO MEET DIFFERENT LIFESTYLES AND OCCASIONS. COCACOLA ENERGY IS A GREAT EXAMPLE OF THAT. WE’RE LAUNCHING COCACOLA ENERGY WITH AND WITHOUT SUGAR AND WE’LL CONTINUE TO EXPAND AND DIVERSIFY OUR RANGE OF PRODUCTS TO RESPOND TO EVOLVING CONSUMER NEEDS.” Matthieu Seguin, general manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland

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an integrated marketing campaign.

The new drink is aimed at young adults (18-35) and will be promoted in line with Coca-Cola’s responsible marketing guidelines.

EVOLVING PORTFOLIO OF BRANDS: The launch is the latest from the Coca-Cola system in Ireland, as it continues to evolve the range of drinks it offers. Recent additions to the portfolio include Fuzetea, Adez, and Smartwater.

[1] Nielsen NI 2018

DAIRY & ICE CREAM

ICE CREAM SALES BOOSTED BY 2018 HEATWAVE

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hile changeable British summer weather has seen ice cream sales fluctuate over the past five years, 2018’s heatwave boosted sales to £1.4bn for the year, up 26% from 2013, according to the Mintel report, Ice Cream - UK November 2018.

However, an ongoing focus on sugar is said to be limiting market prospects, while demographic trends are unlikely to lend it added momentum in the short

term, says Mintel.

Unless the scorching summer of 2018 is repeated, volume sales are expected to fall in 2019. Inflation will, however, continue to bolster value sales over the next five years, with UK value sales forecast to rise 13% to £1.6bn over 2018 to 2023.

The sunny summer of 2018 resulted in double-digit growth for both handheld singles and multipacks, with sales of

ASDA NI LISTS NEW DALE FARM LINES

From left, Darren Hughes, senior national account manager, Dale Farm, and Emma Swan, Asda buying manager Northern Ireland.

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ale Farm has secured a deal with Asda to supply its new fresh semi-skimmed milk, Milk Plus, to all Asda stores in Northern Ireland.

The innovative new product, which is fortified with vitamins and minerals, was developed following research by Dale Farm revealing adults and children in Northern Ireland could be lacking in Vitamin D. As well as Milk Plus, Asda stores across NI will also now stock Dale Farm’s new Delightly Greek style yogurt and relaunched Spelga Low Fat Bio yogurt.

Dale Farm has been working with Asda since the retailer began trading in Northern Ireland in 2005, currently supplying a wide selection of branded products across a range of dairy categories.

“Dale Farm is delighted to extend our range of dairy products available in Asda stores,” said Darren Hughes, senior national account manager, Dale Farm.

“Our well-earned position as a leader in the dairy industry can be credited not only to our great quality products, but our commitment to ongoing innovation and ability to capitalise on emerging consumer trends. This can be demonstrated most recently through our response to the increasing consumer demand for products with added nutritional benefits.”

Emma Swan, Asda buying manager Northern Ireland, said: “The new products will join the extensive range of Dale Farm lines on offer in our stores across Northern Ireland. We’re very proud of our commitment to local suppliers and we know how much our customers value locally-sourced produce – as well as being able to support farmers across Northern Ireland.

“With the addition of vitamins and minerals in both the Milk Plus and Spelga yogurts, we’re sure they will prove a hit with customers, especially when shopping for their families.”

handheld ice cream tending to be more impulse-driven than tubs, says Mintel.

Sales of ice cream tubs and blocks also continued to grow in 2018, benefitting from meal deals making ice cream more of a year-round treat.

Growth has also been seen in lowercalorie ice cream.

MORELLI’S TO EXPAND WORKFORCE AFTER PORTSTEWART STORE REFIT

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orelli’s of Portstewart is planning to add at least six new members of staff to its Portstewart restaurant, which reopened last month after a refit introducing a new layout, seating and décor.

The investment also added a better queue management system for the popular site, which often attracts lines along the street for its carryout ice cream, doubling counter space to reduce waiting times.

An official opening event was set to be hosted by local celebrity Sarah Travers and held as a fundraising event for the Zachary Geddis Break The Silence Trust.

Morellis was named National Supreme Champion at the recent Ice Cream Alliance National Ice Cream Competition in Harrogate, lifting the coveted title for its Double Cream Vanilla ice cream alongside gold awards for the same flavour in the Open Class and Best of the Best categories, and for its Strawberry Ice Cream.

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ADVERTORIAL

GLENISK CONTINUES TO CHALLENGE THE YOGURT CATEGORY WITH INNOVATION AND NPD

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lenisk, the Co Offaly-based producer of premium Irish milk and yogurts, remains Ireland’s fastestgrowing and best-loved yogurt brand.

The family-run business, with Vincent Cleary at its helm as managing director, has managed to maintain its growth in the yogurt category through constant product innovation and adapting to customer need states; not least with its continued development of the brand’s protein yogurt offering.

THE POWER OF PROTEIN & INNOVATION 2018 saw Glenisk make the bold move of rebranding its successful high protein Authentic Strained Protein Yogurt range as Irish Strained Protein Yogurt – a category first. Glenisk sought a point of further differentiation in this saturated category, aside from its premium quality and clean ingredient deck, by celebrating the uniquely delicious Irish milk that the range is made from.

Made in the traditional Greek and Icelandic style, Glenisk’s protein yogurt is strained using four times the amount of milk as conventional yogurt, resulting in a thick, creamy consistency. Glenisk uses fresh Irish milk from grass-fed Irish cows, with nothing artificial added. Ever.

Glenisk’s Irish Strained Protein Yogurt range is 0% fat, low calorie and has up to 10g protein per 100g serving. The range 22

is available in Multipack 4 x 100g format, single 150g pots and larger 450g-500g varieties. It also includes a delicious new zesty Lemon flavour, available in 450g and 150g servings.

GO20 – THE PERFECT POT OF PROTEIN Also in late 2018, Glenisk introduced its most recent innovation to the yogurt aisle in the form of its new GO20 0% Fat Protein Yogurt & Granola range. Two flavours were launched to market initially – Natural 0% Fat Protein Yogurt with a Mixed Berry Granola and Vanilla 0% Fat Protein Yogurt with a Dark Chocolate & Coconut Granola. The success of the range has been such that a third SKU will be available from the end of May, with the new GO20 Vanilla 0% Fat Protein Yogurt with Caramel Chia Granola set to launch.

This high-protein yogurt (using Irish Strained Protein Yogurt) and granola cup offers consumers the ‘magic’ 20g protein per serving, making for an ideal complete-meal on the go. As well as containing 20g protein per serving, GO20s are also: • A source of fibre • Nut free • Made using 0% Fat Irish Strained Protein Yogurt • 100% natural, with nothing artificial.

Ever.

Food-first nutrition is at the heart of the Glenisk ethos – with nothing artificial.

Ever. Since 2016, Glenisk has been fuelling the performance of Irish Rugby as the Official Yogurt of Irish Rugby, including the Senior Men’s and Women’s squads, as well as the Under 20s, Rugby 7s, Connacht & Munster teams, with its high-protein Irish Strained Protein Yogurt range and now with the new GO20 line.

TACKLING DAIRY SENSITIVITY The growth in free-from shoppers has no doubt served as a disruptor to the dairy category, challenging brands to address these growing consumer needs.

Goats’ milk is high in many essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals such as calcium, but contains much lower levels of lactose than cows’ milk. This makes goats’ milk products easier to digest, less inflammatory and can help reduce symptoms of numerous conditions such as eczema, asthma and digestive issues.

Glenisk has been producing its range of goats’ milk products – including its 1 litre Goats’ Milk, 250g Natural Yogurt and Strawberry & Vanilla and Peach & Banana multipacks – for almost 25 years, which offer a nutritious alternative to cows’ milk for those with lactose sensitivities.

Glenisk goats’ milk products are available nationwide, with new product innovations set to come in 2019. www.glenisk.com

ADVERTORIAL

HONEST ORGANIC COFFEE LAUNCHES IN IRELAND & NORTHERN IRELAND • COCA-COLA HBC IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND ANNOUNCES ITS FIRST RANGE OF ON-THE-GO COLD COFFEE DRINKS • AVAILABLE IN TWO UNIQUE BLENDS WITH ORGANIC CREDENTIALS; HONEST ORGANIC LATTE FOR A CLASSIC COFFEE HIT OR HONEST ORGANIC MOCHA, WITH ADDED ORGANIC COCOA FOR A MORE CHOCOLATEY TREAT

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oca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland is launching its first ever range of premium ready-to-drink cold coffee with the introduction of Honest Coffee.

Launching in May 2019, there will be two great tasting variants in the organic Honest Coffee range - Latte and Mocha. The product range will tap into the growing consumer demand for RTD coffee in Ireland, a sector which is worth €1m and is growing by 11.7% year to date. [1] The coffee drinks, which are best served chilled, will be available in a re-sealable 240ml single PET bottle, designed to suit consumers with an on-the-go lifestyle. Convenience and independent retailers will be key channels for the product.

Made with 100% organic Arabica coffee beans, and blended with real milk, sugar and natural flavours for a smooth, perfectly balanced taste, the products are exempt from the soft drinks tax that came into effect in 2018. The 42.5% coffee content and lower sugar delivers a taste profile that is less sweet than some ready-to-drink coffee options, appealing to consumers who want a more authentic

“THE HONEST BRAND FOCUSES ON WHAT MATTERS; SUSTAINABLE SOURCING AND TRANSPARENCY AROUND ITS INGREDIENTS. WITH THIS COMPELLING BRAND PROPOSITION COMBINED WITH THE CURRENT GROWTH OF COLD READY-TO-DRINK COFFEES, I’M CONFIDENT THIS NEW RANGE WILL BE A HIT WITH OUR CONSUMERS AND CUSTOMERS ALIKE.” Martina Lovetinska, Head Of Marketing, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland,

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cold coffee experience.

The addition of Honest Coffee to Coca-Cola HBC’s portfolio in Ireland and Northern Ireland is another milestone in the company’s journey to become the leading 24/7 beverage partner on the island. The company is committed to responding to evolving consumer needs for great tasting drinks, with benefits. It is also expanding its portfolio to respond to all occasions throughout the day.

Honest Coffee will launch with the support of a fully-integrated marketing plan that includes in-store point of sale, PR, sampling and digital.

Martina Lovetinska, head of marketing, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “The addition of ready-to-

drink coffee to our portfolio is a further step in our strategy to diversify our portfolio and offer different drinks. Honest Coffee complements our expanding 24/7 portfolio, which now has a drink that responds to all consumer occasions throughout the day.

“The Honest brand focuses on what matters; sustainable sourcing and transparency around its ingredients.

With this compelling brand proposition combined with the current growth of cold ready-to-drink coffees, I’m confident this new range will be a hit with our consumers and customers alike.”

[1] Source: Canadean, 2018 Q3 YTD

COMPANY PROFILE

KÄRCHER BELFAST DOESN’T BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH WHEN IT COMES TO EFFICIENT CLEANING MAINTAINING HIGH STANDARDS OF HYGIENE IS EASY FOLLOWING A NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH KÄRCHER BELFAST, THE OLD BUSHMILLS DISTILLERY BOTTLING MANAGER JAMES DYSART TELLS ALYSON MAGEE WHAT ARE THE CLEANING NEEDS IN THE DISTILLERY’S BOTTLING HALL? We keep everything as clean as we can, and don’t like any dust or debris on the floor. It’s a big industrial floor, with pallets creating a lot of dust. Our previous supplier of cleaning equipment didn’t have a battery-operated vacuum that lasted for any length of time, but Kärcher Belfast has been able to with the T 9/1 Bp and it has been a great success. The machines seem to be very robust and, while we’re not a very dirty industry, we have 120,000 tourists going through the bottling hall and have to keep the place looking spick and span. As well as floors, we need to clean surfaces, windows and the inside and tops of machines.

HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT KÄRCHER BELFAST? Kärcher Belfast rang, offering to give us a demonstration, and I was already familiar with the name as you see the yellow of the Kärcher brand everywhere.

Kärcher Belfast has a roadshow, and Neil Black and Stephen Anderson brought it to Bushmills to demonstrate their full range of elite machines. We were very impressed and made the decision to change supplier.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DID YOU BUY FROM KÄRCHER BELFAST? As well as the T 9/1 Bp, we went for a floor washer the BR 35/12 C Bp and industrial window vac and surface cleaner WVP 10 ADV and we’re also looking at getting a dry ice machine, the IB 7/40. The equipment is very robust, strong and well-priced. We’ve invested a couple of thousand pounds so far but it’s only the start of the journey and we will buy more and, as older machines become redundant, we will replace them with new ones from Kärcher Belfast.

WHAT ARE THE KEY ADVANTAGES OF KÄRCHER EQUIPMENT? The battery-operated vacuums are excellent. Health and safety-wise, with 26

Pictured are, from left, Kärcher Center Belfast store team member Neil Black - sales and floor care specialist, and The Old Bushmills Distillery Company Bottling Manager James Dysart.

no leads, there are no trips or falls.

They are easy to use, and the battery lasts for 25 minutes, which is long enough to get around the floor here and, to be honest, the operator is ready for a break anyway after 25 minutes. You can buy two batteries, and they self-charge in 10 minutes.

Quite often when you get a batteryoperated vacuum, there’s no real power or suction but there’s quite a lot of suction with the T 9/1 Bp. The WVP 10 ADV is unbelievably good; you can leave a professional clean on the windows. It is quick and easy to use and doesn’t leave streaks.

With the previous window vacuum we had, if you held it the wrong way, the water went into the motor, but the new Kärcher model is very robust and you need very little water so get a very good result.

The floor washer the BR 35/12 C Bp is easy to operate and manoeuvre, goes into all the corners, doesn’t block easily and keeps the power;

it’s very good. It’s compact, which suits our area because we don’t have a lot of room to get in and around areas.

And Kärcher Belfast has also introduced us to some of their cleaning chemicals the RM 776 floor cleaner and the Ca 30 R Eco glass cleaner, which are more expensive than what we bought before but so effective, they’re probably cheaper in the long run.

DO YOU PLAN TO EXPAND YOUR PARTNERSHIP WITH KÄRCHER BELFAST BEYOND THE BOTTLING HALL? We’re a grain-to-glass distillery, we do everything here, and have a lot of warehouse storage on site so there are a lot of areas to clean around the distillery.

The intention would be for Kärcher Belfast to potentially supply cleaning equipment across the whole site. During the roadshow, Kärcher Belfast also demonstrated its ride-on vacuum trucks the KM 90/60 R Bp Advanced, which would be ideal for cleaning the

COMPANY PROFILE warehousing. They cost a bit more than the other equipment we have bought to date, and we have a CapEx project to go through for any expenditure over £5,000, but we will certainly be planning for one or more as we were impressed with its capabilities.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND KÄRCHER BELFAST TO OTHER FOOD & DRINK BUSINESSES?

Definitely, they seem to be leaders in the new technology being brought forward. In my line of business, I’m here to bottle whiskey and haven’t really time to seek out the best cleaning equipment; I’m relying on Kärcher Belfast to find it for me. If a supplier knows what they’re doing, we’ll pay a fair price for a product here at Bushmills. We’ll not be looking for the cheapest; we’re looking for the

most reliable with service contracts and that’s what Kärcher has offered.

One of the great things about Kärcher Belfast is the training it offers, and Neil Black has been up here quite a few times now. Not only can he sell the machines, but he knows what they can do and can work on them as well. They know what they’re talking about, those lads. They’re switched on; they’re not selling you something they’ve never used before.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW: BR 35/12 C BP

The Kärcher BR 35/12 C Bp.

The BR 35/12 C Bp Lithium Ion powered battery scrubber drier is highly maneuverable, user-friendly and easy to maintain, making it the ideal tool for cleaning narrow areas and cluttered surfaces. This is because of its rotatable head (200°) featuring Kärcher’s Kart Technology, and it can also clean in reverse making it optimal for small to medium-sized retail environments. It also features a new lithium-ion battery, with an onboard charger that takes a charge time of up to only three hours and a run time of up to two hours. It is 35% lighter than the other devices in this unit class, facilitating transport for everyone in the workplace and features a vacuum function to lift small debris. You can outright purchase this product from £2,100.00 plus VAT or lease it from £1.56 per day based on a five-year contract.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW: T 9/1 BP Our new T 9/1 Bp lithium Ion battery-operated dry vacuum cleaner effortlessly combines wireless flexibility with the power and cleaning quality of a mains-powered dry vacuum cleaner. The high-performance lithium-ion battery allows for a running time of 26 minutes (43 minutes with eco!efficiency) – enough time for intensive cleaning of most units. The rugged, low-noise machine is tailored to the needs of retail stores, and it can be used at any time during the day meeting health and safety standards. You can outright purchase this product from £525.00 plus VAT, or you can lease this product from £0.59 per day based on a three-year contract.

The Kärcher T 9/1 Bp.

An Old Bushmills Distillery staff member using the Kärcher T 9/1 Bp.

PRODUCT OVERVIEW - WVP 10 ADV

An Old Bushmills Distillery staff member using the Kärcher WVP 10 ADV.

The Lithium Ion powered WVP 10 Adv is a battery-operated window and surface vacuum cleaner that ensures streak-free cleaning results in any position thanks to its high-speed motor. It is suitable for all types of smooth surfaces, and with its lightweight and compact design, it can be used vertically, horizontally, and overhead. The powerful lithium-ion battery allows work periods for 30 minutes, and the quick charger and second battery provide the ability to work uninterrupted. The manually adjustable spacer allows streak-free cleaning results right up to the edges, and the small interchangeable head (200mm) makes sure it can be used on the smallest of surfaces. This product also comes with accessories including a built-in microfiber cloth and dispenser bottle allowing the user to agitate off any debris and vacuum the debris away hygienically. You can outright purchase this product from £124.99 plus VAT.

PURCHASE AND SERVICE CONTRACTS All leasing prices highlighted above include a service package, which can also be added to outright purchases for an additional cost.

Kärcher Center Belfast, 1-2 Windsor Business Park, Boucher Place, Belfast, BT12 6HT. T: +44 28 90667 333 • E: info@karcher-center-craigmore.co.uk W: www.karchercenterbelfast.co.uk

If you have any further enquiries, please call Stephen Anderson 028 90667333.

BARBECUE & SUMMER FOODS

EMERGING CUISINES & VEGAN ALTERNATIVES AMONG BARBECUE OPPORTUNITIES RETAILERS CAN DO MORE TO CAPITALISE ON THE HEAVILY SOCIAL SUMMER OCCASION BY INNOVATING SPECIFICALLY FOR SPORTING EVENTS AND EXPANDING THE BARBECUE OCCASION, SAYS EDWARD BERGEN, GLOBAL FOOD & DRINK ANALYST AT MINTEL

EMERGING CUISINES MAKE ROOM FOR MORE BARBECUE OPTIONS Barbecued food is popular. In fact, around half of UK consumers are drawn to the barbecue or grill on restaurant menus. In the US, where barbecuing is even more established, nearly a third of consumers show interest in moving away from the traditional, ie beef burgers, towards different grill options. It is therefore no surprise that PL brands are looking to target the occasion more often.

Exploring emerging cuisines using the barbecue cooking method, especially those from hot countries, would be an ideal outlet for private label.

Middle Eastern kebabs, shishlik or koftas work well on the barbecue, often using spice mixes, eg ras el hanout.

Latin American churrascos could also be a good option to explore, with various meats cooking on skewers over a fire.

Each Latin American market also has a unique take on the churrasco, which would help global PL brands to be more authentic.

EMERGING CUISINES NPD EXAMPLES FROM 2018: KOFTE: M&S Taste Istanbul Lamb & Pistachio Flatbreads. Comprises two 28

chargrilled flatbreads with four lightly spiced minced lamb, beef and pistachio koftes, lightly pickled vegetables, and a lemon and tahini dressing. Launched in the UK. KEBABS: Sainsbury’s Taste of Summer Halloumi & Vegetable Kebabs. Comprises two kebabs with halloumi, courgette, red and yellow peppers. Launched in the UK. RIBS: Iceland A Taste of Summer Churrasco Boneless Chilli & Lime Beef Ribs with Barbecue Sauce. Comprises beef chunks with a lime and chilli rub threaded on wooden skewers with a sachet of tasty barbecue sauce. Launched in the UK. BARBECUE RANGES CAN REACT TO GROWING VEGAN TREND Barbecue launches that move away from traditional meat varieties can expand the type of condiment or sauces they use. This is especially the case for meat substitutes/plant-based ingredients that require very different flavour formats.

In global meat and poultry barbecue launches, there is an even split between private label and brand innovation.

However, private label is far behind brands amongst barbecue meat substitute launches.

Retailers can not only target meat substitute barbecue products, but can also elevate meat substitutes with additional sauces and marinades.

Brands could look to flavours such as ‘smoky’ to replicate meat products on the barbecue or look to salad dressing/glazes or pesto to elevate the vegetable-based meat substitute products.

VEGAN NPD EXAMPLES FROM 2018: ALBERT HEIJN BBQ ASSORTMENT: Vegetarian barbecue set with two sausages, a veggie burger and two skewers. Made with soy protein with added vitamin B12 and iron, and is rich in iron and protein. Private label product launched in Belgium.

SPELT AND SOY PROTEIN SKEWERS: iFood VeggieTable BBQ Skewers with Malaysian Curry. Three curry seasoned vegetarian skewers with a tasty Malaysian curry and coriander sauce. Branded product launched in Sweden.

JACKFRUIT PIECES: Upton’s Naturals Smoky Barbecue Bar-B-Que Jackfruit.

The vegan product comprises sterilised jackfruit pieces in a smoky barbecue sauce. Branded product launched in the UK.

BARBECUE & SUMMER FOODS

ON THE ROAD WITH MOY PARK’S ‘MARVELLOUS TASTE TOUR’

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ollowing the success of 2018’s Masterfully Crafted, Marvellously Tasty campaign, the Moy Park brand will take to the road this summer with its Marvellous Taste Tour.

The tour will kick off at The Balmoral Show, before visiting key events in Blanchardstown, Cork, Offaly and Waterford, including the Tullamore Show and Waterford Harvest Festival.

Brand marketing manager for Moy Park, Aisling Graham explains: “The focus of the activity is very much about increasing brand awareness by getting visitors on our tour to have some fun and enjoy great tasting products from the Moy Park breaded range.”

Aisling continued: “In support of the Marvellous Taste Tour we will launch an on-pack promotion, which will give five lucky consumers the chance to win a Foodie Road Trip of their own across Ireland.

The promotion will feature on

the core Moy Park breaded mini fillet product range, Goujons and Nuggets, which are stocked in retailers in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

“We have enlisted celebrity chefs as brand ambassadors, who will showcase recipes, and each produce a signature dish featuring Moy Park’s breaded mini fillets which will feature on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

We hope to inspire people to cook and create mouth-watering recipes using Moy Park-branded breaded chicken - demonstrating the versatility of the products.”

Aisling concluded: “There will also be a fullyintegrated marketing campaign with outdoor, radio and social media to support the launch of the Marvellous Taste Tour, for what promises to be a summer filled with lots of delicious Moy Park breaded chicken, fun and giveaways.”

RETAILER HAILS COMMUNITY BUTCHERS WITH NEW CAMPAIGN

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enderson Group, owner of the EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA community supermarket brands in Northern Ireland, has launched a new campaign to hero its instore butcheries.

There are 67 community supermarkets in Northern Ireland, most of which have a counter run by a local butcher, who will be front and centre in the new campaign running until May 19.

“Our EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA supermarkets are in the heart of different communities across Northern Ireland, and therefore it is essential our shoppers know they are receiving comprehensive knowledge about their butchery products from locals themselves,” said Jade Manning, brand manager at the Henderson Group.

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Eamon Etherson, EUROSPAR Hillcrest.

“We’re really proud to offer such quality products and services within our supermarkets, so we’re encouraging our shoppers to visit their local counter in-store to get meal time inspiration for tonight’s tea, Sunday dinner, or any occasion.

“Shoppers can visit our Facebook pages to view videos profiling our butchers, and to learn more about why it means more to shop locally for that field-to-fork promise.”

The award-winning community butchers will feature across multiplatform communications including outdoor advertising and digital content to show the skills and expertise available.

Some of the butcheries taking part in the campaign include the award-winning H&J Carnduff Belfast butchers, Irvine’s Butchery in Lisnaskea, Smyth’s Butcher in Ballymoney and Lisdergan Meats in Fintona.

More information on each local butcher can be found at eurosparni. co.uk and on EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA on Facebook.

ADVERTORIAL

MASH DIRECT LAUNCHES SUMMER SALAD RANGE

TANTALISE YOUR CHILLERS THIS SUMMER WITH FRESH CONVENIENT SALADS. MASH DIRECT UNVEILS AN INNOVATIVE HOME-STYLE SALAD RANGE WITH A SELECTION OF CRUNCHY AND DELICIOUSLY FRESH SALADS

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fter 15 years of pioneering healthy and convenient vegetable side dishes such as Mashed Potato, Champ and Potato Croquettes the Comber-based, family-owned farm have been carefully crafting the perfect summertime salads which have exclusively launched in Northern Ireland.

With the colder months drawing to a close, customers are looking for more freshly prepared salads to complement summer time meals.

Their Home Style Salad range consists of three new products including Crispy Apple and Kohlrabi Salad, Home Style Potato Salad and Home Style Coleslaw. With a desirable mix of minimal preparation and maximum flavours, they are the perfect complementary accompaniment for

“CREATING THIS NEW RANGE HAS BEEN A VERY EXCITING JOURNEY FOR EVERYONE AT THE FARM. WE WANTED TO EXPLORE A GAP IN THE MARKET AND CREATE A PREMIUM SALAD RANGE WITH A FRESH AND BOLD MIX OF VEGETABLES WITH EXTRA CRUNCH. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME WE HAVE GROWN KOHLRABI AND IT HAS BEEN FANTASTIC WORKING WITH A NEW VEGETABLE AND EXPERIMENTING WITH A RANGE OF COMPLEMENTARY, ZESTY FLAVOURS AS WELL AS DEVELOPING UNIQUE COLESLAW AND POTATO SALAD RECIPES.” Lance Hamilton, sales director at Mash Direct

the BBQ summer platter.

The Hamilton family has six generations of farming expertise and is passionate about growing the highest quality heritage varieties of vegetables for its gluten-free product portfolio.

The drive throughout the company has led to exceptional service levels and innovation which sets them apart in the marketplace.

Mash Direct now has 21 Great Taste awards to its name and is the UK brand leader of the vegetable accompaniments sector within the food manufacturing industry.

Mash Direct’s salad range is retailed at £1.50, and stocked in SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, Supervalu, Centra, Mace, Nisa and independents throughout Northern Ireland.

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

MASH DIRECT LAUNCHES NEW ECOMMERCE DELIVERY SERVICE

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ash Direct has launched a new ecommerce site offering direct delivery of its award-winning vegetable side dishes including Mash Boxes, a convenient selection of its products.

The Comber-based business has created the new service to target busy consumers struggling to buy from supermarkets every week.

From traditional favourites to more contemporary dishes, their range is 100% gluten free with no artificial nasties, while contributing to the

recommended five-a-day intake.

Mash Direct grows heritage varieties of vegetables, steam cooking to retain the flavour and nutritional content and matching the taste and texture of homemade food.

“Busy lifestyles are now influencing buying decisions and more and more families seek convenience in their meal prep but don’t want to compromise on taste, quality and nutrition,” said Jack Hamilton, chief operating officer at Mash Direct.

“By creating an opportunity for consumers to purchase online, it will save even more time for families, elderly and young professionals across the entire week. We are very excited to kick start our ecommerce site across Northern Ireland and soon to make it available across the UK.”

FOREST FEAST LAUNCHES ITS LATEST SWIMMING CAMPAIGN

DELI-LITES TARGETS HOME & EXPORT MARKET GROWTH

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arrenpoint-based food-to-go supplier DELILITES has announced two senior strategic hires as part of its ongoing investment in its home market and expansion into new export markets.

The firm, which produces over 20 million products annually, including gourmet Brian and Jackie Reid welcome the sandwiches, of Brendan Dowling as nutritious salad appointment chairman and Eamon McKey as chief operating officer. bowls, hot sandwiches and award-winning bakery treats, has created two new roles - chairman and chief operating officer.

Taking the position of chairman, Brendan Dowling has joined the firm to provide strategic advice on the food company’s ongoing success in its home market, bringing the same innovation in quality food, experience and knowledge into new markets across Europe and the Middle East, where customers are looking for high-quality products from trusted suppliers.

Joining as chief operating officer, Eamon McKey has extensive experience in the food sector and a background in accountancy. His focus in the new role will see him work across all departments to ensure the firm’s continued high standards of client service are delivered.

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ollowing the success of its inaugural swimming campaign in 2018, and building on nine years of supporting youth swimming through its AquaSprint sponsorship, Forest Feast is back with a splash with a new campaign to encourage Northern Ireland families to go nuts about swimming.

This spring, the premium dried fruit, nut, and seed snack brand, will launch #NutsAboutSwimming – a six-week campaign designed to increase engagement levels across the brand’s social communities, promote healthy, active lifestyles and attract new followers with a view to driving in-store consideration.

The family-orientated campaign is centred around a social media competition to win a family stay at the four-star Roe Park Resort in Limavady, which boasts a family-friendly pool. The campaign will also see the snack brand

team up with local influencers for a learnto-swim challenge which will include weekly social media and blog posts as well as mini competitions on the blogger’s channels to highlight the campaign and engage with followers and encourage other families to get swimming.

The main competition will run from May 3, and can be entered through Forest Feast’s Facebook page and all marketing activity will be underpinned

by a social media campaign using the hashtag #NutsAboutSwimming.

To further promote the brand’s swimming affiliation, Forest Feast’s integrated campaign will include social media video content created in partnership with Swim Ulster and Swim Ireland, a radio promotion, print and online advertising, as well as PR and media opportunities.

“As a brand, Forest Feast has long been associated with its strong support of swimming, particularly for grassroots swimming clubs through sponsorships such as the Forest Feast AquaSprint League,” said Deirdre Burns, trade marketing manager at Forest Feast.

“We were keen to promote swimming at all levels, especially for families as a fun activity as part of a healthy lifestyle, so we’re delighted to have a fantastic prize from Roe Park Resort to really encourage shopper engagement.”

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AGRI-FOOD NEWS

NBA CALLS FOR APPROVED FINISHING UNITS IN NI

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From left, Thomas Gilpin, winner of the Belfast Telegraph Cup, with Ivor Ferguson president UFU.

UFU CHAMPIONS NI FOOD AND FARMING AT ANNUAL DINNER U lster Farmers’ Union President Ivor Ferguson welcomed over 300 guests, including UFU members, key representatives from the agriculture industry and local politicians, to the UFU’s annual dinner in the Lough Erne Hotel on April 5.

Notable guests included representatives from the National Farmers’ Union, NFU Scotland, and NFU Cymru; Ian Wright CBE, chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation; Denis McMahon, DAERA permanent secretary; Norman Fulton, DAERA deputy secretary; and Richard Percy, NFU Mutual chairman.

“Northern Ireland has an impressive story to tell when it comes to food and drink,” said Ferguson. “We produce some of the highest quality food in the world and our family farming structure is unique and the envy of the world.

“It is concerning to hear some MPs at Westminster, mostly staunch Brexiteers, pushing to open the UK market to cheaper, lower standard food imports.

UK food prices are the third lowest in the world, and yet consumers enjoy some of

the highest environmental and animal welfare standards.

“Opening up our home market to cheaper imports would have serious consequences for farmers and their businesses in Northern Ireland. Retailers have faith in the food we produce and more importantly, so do consumers. Our politicians would do well to follow their lead.”

Following the president’s address, the prestigious Belfast Telegraph Cup for outstanding agricultural achievement was awarded to Thomas Gilpin.

“Thomas Gilpin is the founder of Gilfresh produce, whose wealth of experience and innovative ideas, has helped put Northern Ireland on the map as a major vegetable-growing region,” said Ferguson. “Through Thomas’ dedication and commitment, his vegetable growing and processing enterprise has grown from a mere 4.5-acre field in 1965 to a multimillion operation with an annual turnover of approximately £18m.

“Providing employment for 130 people

ew finishing units, enabling the safe and transparent sale and movement of beef cattle from TB restricted farms is essential, according to the National Beef Association (NBA).

While the threat of Bovine TB exists, NBA NI says Northern Ireland farmers should have access to the same facilities within TB-restricted areas as other UK producers.

Approved Finishing Units (AFUs) allow for the sale and movement of cattle from herds closed down with TB to other approved farms for finishing.

AFUs enable TB-affected farms to function as normal, without having to hold large numbers of cattle on farm until clear of TB. While commonplace in other parts of the UK, NI must bring in more AFUs to enable its beef farmers to maintain beef supplies and cash flow in areas under TB restrictions.

“The lack of AFUs in Northern Ireland is a concern to the NBA, and we are pushing for DAERA to consider how non-grazing AFUs could be appropriate,” said Stephen Heenan, NBA NI board member. “Farmers need facilities to finish cattle and control the spread of TB.” As within the rest of the UK, AFUs can source cattle from multiple TB restricted and un-restricted herds.

However, cattle sourced from TB restricted herds must have had a clear test within 90 days preceding their movement, with the exception of calves under six weeks old.

at the company’s processing site located at Loughgall in Co Armagh, Thomas has been instrumental in securing contracts with multinational retailers such as Tesco and Lidl, helping put Northern Ireland vegetable produce on the shelves of supermarkets across the world.”

The Mary Wilson Trophy for best overall UFU group performance in 2018 was presented to the South West Down group, while the Cuthbert Trophy was awarded to the West Antrim group for retaining the highest percentage of their members in 2018.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

MOY PARK TO PARTIALLY CLOSE CO ANTRIM FACTORY

BY JONATHAN BELL

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oy Park has blamed ‘challenging market conditions’ for a decision to temporarily halt some production at one of its Northern Ireland factories, with a trade union voicing concerns the decision could lead to mass job losses.

The company said it will cease processing of live birds at the Ballymena plant, which will have a knock-on effect on its nearby hatchery. Other production processes will continue at the plant.

While around 1,700 people are employed at the site, it understood no job losses are being considered with staff moved to other sites, or to other roles until production fully resumes.

Trade union Unite, however, has said they are concerned the decision could result in the loss of up to 400 jobs.

“Moy Park is proposing to temporarily cease processing live birds at Ballymena due to challenging market conditions, with the view that we will re-open the line in January 2020,” said a spokesman for Moy Park.

“In line with this, it is proposed the North Antrim Hatchery will temporarily cease hatching until November 2019.

We will continue to cut, further process and pack at Ballymena, including retail production of our BBQ products.

“We are currently working with our colleagues and their representatives doing our utmost to minimise the impact of this proposal on our excellent workforce, including offering temporary transfers to other shifts and roles.

“We will also be working closely with our farming partners throughout the process to manage this temporary reduction in poultry requirement.”

Sean McKeever, regional officer for the trade union Unite, said: “While Unite does not hold recognition rights for this workforce, Unite is the only trade union on the ground in north Antrim and we do not accept the need or case for any job losses in Ballymena or anywhere else in Northern Ireland.”

David Brown, deputy president of Ulster

WRAP TACKLES WASTAGE WITH POTATO CROP YIELD FIELD TRIALS

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joint project between WRAP and ASDA IPL has found significant variations in UK potato yields and a critical need for more standardised data measurement on farm.

For one variety, Belana, the best performing crop generated nearly £10,000 more revenue per hectare than the lowest.

Field trials conducted during the 2017 growing season in the UK have shown how the use of smart technology, combined with training and greater supply chain collaboration, can help maximise crop yields.

The work, undertaken in East Anglia, also highlighted how early intervention can help prevent produce falling outside of specifications; one of the most significant causes of crop rejection in primary production.

The trials involved 14 potato growers from Asda’s Integrated Procurement & Logistics (IPL) fresh produce business, and sustainability experts WRAP. The project followed the potatoes from sowing in 2017 through to harvest and storage into

2018, and saw participating farms grow a combination of salad and fresh potato crops using Belana, Nectar and Maris Piper varieties, which were sold in Asda stores.

The trials helped to increase yields by providing growers with critical information on the development of crops earlier than normal, achieved through greater monitoring and measurement throughout the season. Dedicated training was provided prior to planting on best practice in crop management techniques, and collaborative support was given throughout the trials.

Growers were also instructed in the use of the Potato Yield Model developed

by NIAB to give key yield data as early as possible. This smart technology allows farmers to forecast the total and graded potato yields ahead of harvest.

The findings of the research have been published in a new report from WRAP, Improving performance in the fresh potato supply chain, along with a series of recommendations around standardising crop yield measurement in primary production.

Farmers’ Union, said: “Moy Park’s announcement is yet another blow to Northern Ireland poultry producers.

Many are already facing massive cash flow pressures within their businesses following the recent amendment to RHI tariffs and this news is likely to mean a further income hit.

“Moy Park is Northern Ireland’s largest employer and made profits of over £72m in 2017. While they have said the decision is temporary, producers are very disappointed that the company cannot stand by them during this period of weaker demand.

“In recent years, retailers have been reluctant to pass on inflationary rises and the cost of the living wage to consumers and there is continuous pressure for the supply chain to reduce its costs. Yet again we have seen this squeeze come onto the primary producer and there is a very real risk that some farmers will have to close their business.”

CONCERNS OVER RAW MILK TRANSPORT IN NO-DEAL BREXIT

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lster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says while a no-deal Brexit has been avoided for now, and it is reassuring the UK has been granted third country status with the EU, transport of raw milk remains a concern.

“It is encouraging trade would be able to continue in a no-deal situation, however, as a third country it would be far from frictionless,” said Ivor Ferguson, president of UFU. “Undoubtedly, farmers will have additional paperwork, bureaucracy, frustration and cost. Northern Ireland dairy farmers, in particular, will face major barriers to trade.”

In the event of a no deal, a third country listing confirms the UK has met the necessary animal health and biosecurity assurances required to export live animals and animal products to the EU.

AGRI-FOOD OUTLOOK

RESILIENCE & FLEXIBILITY CHARACTERISE THE LOCAL AGRI-FOOD SECTOR LOCAL FARMERS HAVE PROVED ADEPT AT PRODUCING MORE FROM A DWINDLING WORKFORCE BUT MANY CHALLENGES LIE AHEAD FROM BREXIT TO A GLOBAL SLOWDOWN

BY ALYSON MAGEE

From left, Cormac McKervey, senior agriculture manager, Richard Ramsey, chief economist, Gabi Burnside, entrepreneur acceleration manager, and Richard Donnan, head of NI, Ulster Bank; and Alan Crowe, CEO of the Royal Ulster Agricultural Society.

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arming productivity is high in Northern Ireland, far outperforming the overall manufacturing sector, media and stakeholders heard at Ulster Bank’s annual agri-food sector update and outlook.

However, ‘winter is coming’ was the warning, with challenges mounting from market access and labour issues around Brexit to a global economic slowdown.

The annual breakfast event is hosted

by Ulster Bank in its Belfast HQ in the run up to its sponsorship of the Balmoral Show with this year’s outlook, held last month, including presentations by Ulster Bank Head of Northern Ireland Richard Donnan, Senior Agriculture Manager Cormac McKervey and Chief Economist Richard Ramsey.

Donnan reaffirmed Ulster Bank’s 38

commitment to the agri-food sector, which he praised for its ongoing resilience and flexibility amid the lack of a functioning Northern Ireland Executive or any clarity around Brexit. “And that of course casts a significant shadow of uncertainty that is not good for business,” he said. “Greater certainty brings with it greater opportunity for businesses to plan, to execute and to invest in the future.”

In the face of such uncertainty, he said Ulster Bank’s recommendation for agri-businesses is to make “targeted investments in sustainable practices that will stand the test of time in the long term.”

He said Ulster Bank has invested £400,000 in supporting such innovation through its Accelerator Hub, supporting

400 entrepreneurs which generate over 1,000 direct jobs and £20m of investment in the local economy.

“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 value-add, and through investing in R&D and innovation to improve productivity and distinctiveness.”

McKervey said the past 18 months had been relatively positive for local famers,

AGRI-FOOD OUTLOOK buoyed by a strong recovery in the dairy sector. Deposits from the sector had increased, he said, but possibly attributable to farmers holding off on investment amid Brexit concerns.

In the beef sector, the future of the Single Farm Payment is a big concern and its removal would leave beef farmers without any margin. “That sector is going to stuggle unless there’s some other concrete system put in place,” he said. “It’s interesting to see in the south, Glanbia and Kepak have come together for dairy-bred beef and it looks on the face of it a relatively good contract-type system where all the players know in advance what the costs are going to be and what margins they’re going to generate.”

The pig sector is performing very well, “primarily because the farmers involved have a very high standard of management,” said McKervey. And prices are on the rise, boosted by huge demand in China where African Swine Fever has decimated domestic production.

In poultry, demand for large and extra large eggs is strong, but has fallen off a cliff for medium and second quality eggs while, for broilers, cuts in the RHI subsidy is leaving a number of producers facing set monthly repayments on boilers in serious financial difficulty.

And with regards to Ulster Bank’s position on Brexit, McKervey said: “We took a decision maybe a year ago or more to say that, at an individual farmer level, we weren’t going to change how we lent as a business as we had nothing to base it on, it’s all speculation… once we know it, then we’ll react to it.”

Ramsey, meanwhile, brought his usual cheeky panache to his presentation; highlights included an abundance of emojis and references to Game of Thrones (winter is coming), Line of Duty (tariffs) and ‘Dairy’ Girls.

Looking at the wider economic picture, he said that while Northern Ireland has posted 13 consecutive quarters of employment growth, private sector ouput was still around 4% lower

by Q3 of 2018 than 12 years ago.

“That highlights a productivity problem,” he said, but not for the agricuture sector, which is following a trend in the opposite direction with labour falling by 18% but output productivity up 40% over the last 20 years.

Northern Ireland’s agri-food output grew last year, with “lots of volatility but winners and losers there,” said Ramsay.

Milk, eggs and pigmeat production hit record highs, and cattle and poultry output posted strong growth, while production of sheep, and in particular

potatoes and wheat, fell.

Wages haven’t recovered in Northern Ireland post-recession, said Ramsey, and consumer confidence is low. He cited little to get excited about in Chancellor Philip Hammond’s predicted growth rate of 1.2% for 2019 in his Spring Statement.

“Outside of a recession, you haven’t had a rate of growth as low as that since 1990,” said Ramsey, “and if you look at the years ahead, it’s going to be pretty poor as well,” while, “all of that is under the previso we have an orderly Brexit.”

“Look at what’s happening in the eurozone and their manufacturing sector,” he said. “This isn’t just a Brexit-related issue, global slowdown is going on.”

“Looking ahead, there is no shortage of potential challenges for the agrifood sector and for food and drink manufacturers in particular,” he said. “In addition to the obvious concern around potential tariffs and regulation changes, any impact on supply chains and the supply of labour would create considerable problems.

“The agri-food sector tends to be volatile at the best of times, being sensitive to exchange rate fluctuations and other factors such as the weather. However, in addition to the cyclical changes that the sector is all-too-well used to, the rules of the game itself appear to be changing, but to what, we don’t yet know.”

ULSTER FRY INDEX REPORTS MODEST INFLATION

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modest 0.9% increase in this year’s Ulster Bank Ulster Fry Index, its lowest rate of inflation since 2016, was reported

by Ulster Bank Chief Economist (NI) Richard Ramsey.

Compiled from the UK Retail Price Index, Ramsey presents the Ulster Fry Index annually, with this year’s update indicating a price drop of 5.1% for bacon, 3.9% for tea and 2.5% for eggs.

Sausages and tomatoes rose in price below the headline inflation rate at 1.6% and 1.4% respectively, while margarine and butter saw the biggest increases at 21.7% and 6.9%. Removing spreads would lead to deflation of 0.8% in the Index.

This year’s Ulster Fry Index is 8.1% lower than five years ago but 25% higher than 10 years ago, and 52% higher than 20 years ago. Since the EU Referendum in June 2016, it has increased by 6.8%.

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EXPORT NEWS

JUST LIVE A LITTLE GRANOLAS WIN WITH FRANCE’S CASINO GROUP

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reakfast granola producer Just Live a Little in Northern Ireland has won business with France’s Casino Group which will see two lines from the successful portfolio on sale in over 100 stores.

The new business strengthens Just Live a Little’s market position in France and was secured through Mediascore Food, the Northern Ireland company’s Parisbased distributor.

Based in Portaferry, Just Live a Little has also been supplying its whole almond and cranberry and cashew granolas to 100 Auchan supermarkets in France for two years.

“We’ve been in discussions with Casino with Mediascore for several months and

Jill and David Crawford.

provided a range of products for taste sampling,” said Jill Crawford, commercial director. “We are now well positioned for fast growth in a market which has seen strengthening demand for granolas over the past few years, especially from smaller

producers driven by a sharp focus on healthier products.”

Just Live a Little supplies UK supermarket chains including Waitrose, Sainsbury’s, Tesco and Ocado, and exports to other international markets including Germany, Ireland, Scandinavia, Hong Kong, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.

As a result of a strategic focus on exports, the business now sells more than 60% of its products in global markets.

Meanwhile, in a separate deal, Just Live a Little is supplying its new Granola Trail Mixes, Plant Protein and the Smart Energy, to 130 Aldi stores across the Republic.

BASES FROM PORTRUSH PRODUCER PIZZA PORTAVOGIE LISTED BY TOP BUTTERS UP ROI IRISH RETAILER RETAILERS P

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ortrush-based Irish Black Butter has been listed by two of Ireland’s most prestigious food retailers. The company, founded and managed by Alastair Bell, is now From left, Alastair Bell of Irish Black Butter and Sharon Bagnall of Sheridans Cheesemongers. supplying its unique sweet/savoury spread to high-end Avoca and Fallon & Byrne stores in the Republic.

Avoca has around 10 stores on the island of Ireland, including a hugely popular outlet in Belfast City Centre, while Fallon and Byrne has a network in greater Dublin. Both retailers also operate successful gourmet restaurants.

The latest business in the Republic follows an earlier deal with Sheridans, the leading Irish cheesemongers which is distributing Irish Black Butter, a Food NI member, there.

The listings strengthen the market position in the Republic of Irish Black Butter, which was launched in 2018 under the new Taste of Ireland identity.

The product, now also selling in Britain and attracting strong interest from niche food stores in the US and Germany, has proved a success with delis and farm shops throughout Northern Ireland.

It’s now available in over 100 stores and also at Belfast International Airport and Dublin International Airport.

“The business provides access for us to an affluent customer base interested in different and richly flavoured products,” said Bell.

“I am grateful for Sheridan’s continuing support in the Republic.”

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izzado in Portavogie has Karen Boyd. clinched an important business opportunity for its hand-stretched pizza bases with a leading food chain in the Republic of Ireland.

The Co Down company is now supplying part-stonebaked pizza bases to almost 140 Aldi stores across the Republic. The listing by the German discount retailer for its packs of two pizza bases is part of the chain’s innovative Grow with Aldi scheme to assist the growth of smaller food processors on the island of Ireland.

Karen Boyd founded Pizzado in 2013 to produce DIY pizza kits with dough and sauces for making complete pizzas at home and subsequently won business with retailers in the UK and Ireland.

The pizza bases are also proving popular with hotels, restaurants and cafes in the north of England and Scotland. This growing success follows the recent appointment by Boyd of a food marketing agency in Newcastle upon Tyne.

“I am thrilled by the opportunity provided by such an important retailer as Aldi Ireland has become in the Republic,” she said. “I am hoping that the bases prove popular there and lead to long-term business. I’ll be working closely with the Aldi Ireland team to build on the opportunity.

“The pizza bases are a chilled product designed for cooking in an oven or for a barbecue, ideal for the upcoming BBQ season.”

MARKETING NEWS

KP RIDES MEXICAN WAVE WITH LAUNCH OF NEW MUCHOS IN NI W ith more and more people now choosing Mexican cuisine over traditional favourites, a unique new folded tortilla snack McCoy’s Muchos from crisp and snacks manufacturer KP Snacks hit the shelves of stores across Northern Ireland last month.

McCoy’s Muchos use a unique doublesheeted technology to create their iconic folded shape and are seasoned with authentic Mexican flavours delivered with the quality that snack lovers associate with McCoy’s, Northern Ireland’s number one ridged crisps. The range is available in three flavours, Nacho Cheese, Smoky Chilli Chicken and Sour Cream and Onion, and will be supported by a £4m campaign.

“McCoy’s is Northern Ireland’s number one ridged-cut crisp so we are hoping to replicate its success by launching a folded tortilla snack with full-on real Mexican

flavour,” said Ricky Watts, KP Snacks business account manager for Northern Ireland.

KP Snacks owns some of the biggest crisp, snacks and nuts brands in the Northern Ireland market, including McCoy’s, Hula Hoops, KP Nuts, Butterkist, Skips, Space Raiders, Discos, Pom-Bear, Nik Naks, Roysters, Frisps and Brannigans.

In the local convenience sector (which excludes large supermarket chains and discounter stores), the company experienced growth of 5.5% during 2018 and now boasts a 21.1%* value share of the Northern Ireland crisps, snacks and nuts convenience market.

New McCoy’s Muchos are available at convenience and independent stores throughout Northern Ireland. *Source: IRI Ext3 Convenience NI MAT 28.01.2019

KP SNACKS DOUBLES INVESTMENT IN HULA HOOPS FLAVARINGS

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The London Mariachi Eagles introduce the new snack in fine Mexican style to the people of NI.

P Snacks, the UK’s second largest snacks manufacturer, is continuing its advertising drive with a £2m investment in Hula Hoops Flavarings. Running through April, the campaign showcased the big, bold and irresistible flavours of the new crispy, light and melt-in-the-mouth snack and included the first ever TV advert for the brand.

The light-hearted 30-second TV advert takes inspiration from the growing trend of stunts and pranks, popular on social media.

Playful and high-spirited, the advert focuses on the truly irresistible taste of new Hula Hoops Flavarings, a great snack for family sharing occasion. The media campaign also encompassed out-of-home, social media support and shopper marketing activations in larger retailers.

“We wanted to portray a homemade feel with this campaign, taking inspiration from the very home videos that our Hula Hoops consumers create with their families,” said Kevin McNair, marketing director. “With both the Hula Hoops brand and the sharing segment experiencing double-digit growth, we are confident this new campaign will resonate with snackers and drive sales at every level in the supply chain, from wholesalers to independent retailers.”

Launched in July 2018 to address the lack of ‘flavourful’ alternatives within the family sharing segment, Hula Hoops Flavarings is now worth £3m RSV.

LMC BRANDS BEEF WEEK INITIATIVE A GREAT SUCCESS

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eflecting on another busy Beef Week, organiser the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) claims it was a great success.

The main aim of the UK-wide Pictured in Asda, Portadown are, from left, Hugh campaign was McGahan, ABP Food Group; David Brown, UFU; Cherrie to encourage Kenny, LMC; Anthony Quinn and George Rankin, Asda NI; and James Speers. consumers to purchase locally-produced beef and incorporate it as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

In Northern Ireland, the initiative centred around a week of promotional activity on TV, social media and four live cookery demonstrations and sampling sessions hosted in Asda Antrim, Asda Portadown, Tesco Bentrim and Tesco Knocknagoney stores where farmers from the Ulster Farmers’ Union and a representative from ABP Food Group were on hand to engage with consumers.

“At the beginning of this initiative, we wanted to show Northern Ireland consumers how easy and versatile beef is to cook with,” said Cherrie Kenny, education services manager, LMC. “We also wanted to educate local consumers about what they should be looking out for when shopping and to encourage them to support our beef farmers. Quality and cost are important factors that resonate with consumers and we were able to show shoppers how they can make affordable meals of excellent nutritional value using beef produced in Northern Ireland.”

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BUSINESS NEWS

HENDERSON GROUP ACCOUNTANT SCORES TOP RESULTS IN IRELAND A

n accountant managing retail business development accounts has achieved the top exam results in Ireland.

Julie Alexander, who completes management accounts at Henderson Group for a number of independent retailers operating under the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands, achieved the top exam results in Ireland for her P6 Advanced Taxation exam, as well as taking the ninth place worldwide.

Alexander, who has been working with the Henderson Retail and Wholesale finance teams for the past three years, picked up the award at the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants Winners Lunch recently in Dublin.

In 2016, she was placed first in Ireland

From left, Julie Alexander, recipient of the Top Affiliate Award; Niamh Hore, head of Investor Relations AIB; and Stephen O’Flaherty, former ACCA president and former AIB chairman.

and 15th worldwide in the F6 Taxation exam and, in 2017, first in Ireland and 13th worldwide for the Audit and Assurance exam.

“Our congratulations go out to Julie

TECHNOLOGY PARTNERSHIP BRINGS IN-STORE INNOVATION TO RETAILERS AND SHOPPERS

who has picked up this award for the third time for three separate exams, which is a testament to her hard work and study towards her qualifications,” said Ron Whitten, chief financial officer, Henderson Group.

“Julie is a huge asset to Henderson Wholesale, currently providing a bespoke retail accounting service to our independent retailers as we continue to build our partnerships and retail networks across Northern Ireland. It is great to see such talent flourish from within the organisation.”

To find out more about Henderson Group careers, visit www.henderson-group.com/ careers.

From left, Clare Herron, quality manager; Cathal McDonnell, technical manager; and Bethany Kyle, technical administrator.

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enderson Technology, a Henderson Group company, has announced an innovative partnership with shopping app specialist Ubamarket.

In a first for convenience retailing in Northern Ireland, Henderson Technology will integrate Ubamarket and its ‘scan, pay, go’ app to the EDGEPoS system installed in over 450 SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, VIVOXTRA and VIVO Essentials stores throughout Northern Ireland.

The new technology will be trialled in a number of handpicked sites initially, and then rolled out to hundreds of retailers using Henderson Technology’s EDGEPoS system in Northern Ireland and globally.

Ubamarket’s app delivers a high-tech, low-cost solution for retailers to implement in store, enabling shoppers to create shopping lists, guide their way around the store, scan their items as they shop and make easy payments; all on their phone.

As well as providing an easy-to-use shopper solution, the app will be fully integrated with Henderson’s EDGEPoS system to enhance store efficiency, back office operations, stock control and multi-site management for store owners.

The app will also work alongside Henderson Technology’s new self-checkout systems in a growing number of stores.

“Our mantra for EDGEPoS is ‘by retailers, for retailers’ and our partnership with Ubamarket is an extension of this,” said Darren Nickels, head of Henderson Technology. “We know from the stores we own and operate within Henderson Group that customer needs and expectations are changing, and we are ensuring our solutions meet those needs both now and into the future.”

The app is available to download now from the Apple App Store and on Google Play.

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DELI-LITES AWARDED AA FOOD SAFETY RATING

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ELI-LITES Ireland has achieved AA Food Safety Rating certification, the highest achievable standard, from the British Retail Consortium for a fourth consecutive year.

“We have always been serious about food safety and quality and consider it as part of the company culture,” said Brian Reid, CEO. “We’re exceptionally proud to be one of only a few food companies in Northern Ireland to achieve this platinum standard, AA accreditation. The entire team works hard to reach these standards and as a company we’re committed to supporting them by continuously focusing on employee development and training.

“The recognition from accreditations such as these are also an important tool in demonstrating our exceptional food safety and hygiene standards to our customers, which ensures we can build strong client relationships, delivering the best quality food as a trusted partner.”

The AA Food Safety Rating was introduced by the BRC in 2015 to recognise exceptional safety practices, distribution centre cleanliness and employee training.

As part of the multi-day audit, BRC inspectors examined key aspects of DELI-LITES safety programmes, including cleaning and sanitation, pest control, maintenance, personal hygiene, staff training, supplier control, receiving, shipping and storage, waste management, traceability and more.

BUSINESS NEWS

AROUND NOON LISTED IN FASTEST-GROWING PRIVATE FOOD AND BEV COMPANIES N ewry-headquartered Around Noon has been listed as one of the top 10 fastest-growing, privately-owned food and beverage companies in the UK. The manufacturer of food-to-go products, such as sandwiches, salads, wraps and yoghurts, is ranked seventh in the prestigious report, produced by global advisory firm Alantra, and published by The Grocer magazine.

Alantra has now been publishing the Food & Beverage Fast 50 annually for more than a decade. It ranks the UK’s fastest-growing, privately owned food and beverage businesses on the basis of the revenue growth they have achieved over the past two years, according to their most recently published accounts.

With annual sales growth of 46.2%, Around Noon was the highest-placed Northern Ireland-based company in the listing.

“Our team has worked extremely

From left, Gareth Chambers, CEO, and Howard Farquhar, chairman, Around Noon.

hard to ensure we continually produce innovative products and deliver outstanding service to our customers,” said Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon. “The growth that we have achieved and our placing in the top 10 of

HENDERSON GROUP SHORTLISTED IN RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AWARDS

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enderson Group is among 10 companies shortlisted for the Wellbeing at Work Award, part of the Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland to be held at Belfast Waterfront Hall on May 30.

The Responsible Business Awards seek to recognise and reward firms in From left, Sally Bonnes, Larne Port; Rachael Gill and Northern Ireland that are Patrick Scullion, Henderson Group; Samantha Whann, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust; and Damian McAlister, embracing the journey to Ulster University. build better workforces, create a sustainable economy and healthy communities.

Shortlisted in the Wellbeing at Work Award category, sponsored by Larne Port, Henderson Group has demonstrated excellence in inspiring and supporting its employees to prioritise their health and wellbeing and embrace positive lifestyle choices.

“People are the key to success for any business, so at Henderson Group we are determined to provide a workplace environment that is healthy and enjoyable around our Tomorrow Matters CSR strategy,” said Sam Davidson, Group HR director. “Our wellbeing programme, WellAware, offers a convenient hub of information and resources which is accessible to everyone in the Group with timely and pertinent health information at their fingertips.”

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this report, is a tribute to them.”

Around Noon employs around 250 people and its clients include a range of blue-chip companies in the UK and Ireland, including leading convenience retailers and coffee shop chains.

LOWE RENTAL ACHIEVES TOP 50 PLACEMENT IN SUNDAY TIMES PROFIT TRACK

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he Sunday Times’ Profit Track 100 has ranked Northern Ireland refrigeration and catering equipment rental specialist Lowe Rental in the top 50 fastest-growing businesses in the UK. Rankings are based on a number of criteria, with the main focus being profit growth.

Lowe’s profits grew by an average of 75% to £4.4m in 2018, boosted by expansion into locations including Dubai, Las Vegas and Shanghai and significant innovation throughout their product offering and markets. Growth is set to continue with EBITDA for FY19 (year-end August) forecast to hit c.£9m.

“There are no secret recipes to success but there are a number of key ingredients; innovation across the business, delivering unrivalled flexibility in our service when it comes to supporting our customers’ goals, and above all, exceptional people,” said Rodney Lowry, Group CEO. “These elements have helped us deliver what is the company’s most successful period in its 42year history. The senior management team have worked incredibly hard and our placement in The Sunday Times Fast Track 100 is recognition of this.

I’m inspired by all that we have achieved so far and excited to see what the future has in store.”

APPOINTMENTS

RE-GEN ROBOTICS BOOSTS ITS TEAM

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ewry-based Re-Gen Robotics, the first and only Zone 0 EX-certified, remotecontrolled robotic tank cleaning company in the UK and Ireland, has added to its team.

Focusing on workplace safety and with its bespoke, state-of-the-art equipment, Re-Gen Robotics services industry and agriculture among other sectors.

MIKE PYLE: SENIOR MECHANICAL ENGINEER Mike Pyle has been appointed senior mechanical engineer for Re-Gen Robotics.

He has over 15 years petrochemical industry experience, is a confined space specialist with training in confined space and emergency response, offshore oil and gas safety training, offshore safety induction and emergency training. Pyle will be responsible for client project development.

VICKI NEWELL: CONTRACTS MANAGER Vicki Newell has been appointed contract manager for Re-Gen Robotics.

With 11 years of industry experience, she will be responsible for the robotics integrated management system, project management of contracts and all aspects of health and safety.

CONNOR KELLY – ROBOTICS ENGINEER Connor Kelly has been appointed robotics engineer for Re-Gen Robotics.

He will be responsible for operations during the robotic tank cleaning process. He is trained in high-risk confined space entry, safety pass alliance in the petrochemical industry and is first aid trained.

JAMES POWER – TANKER AND SITE SUPERVISOR James Power has been appointed tanker and site supervisor for Re-Gen Robotics. He will be responsible for tanker operations, site set-up and supervision. Power is a licensed ADR driver with over 15 years’ experience in the hazard chemical sector. He is trained in high-risk confined space entry, safety pass alliance in the petrochemical industry and is first aid trained.

GROCERYAID APPOINTS NEW FINANCE DIRECTOR G roceryAid has appointed Andy Ward as finance director from April 1.

Ward has worked in a number of organisations and industry sectors in senior commercial and operational finance, audit and governance roles, including Ernst & Young, AT&T, T-Mobile, Compass Group, Gate Gourmet, Fulham Football Club, Alliance Boots and Christie’s. He also has trustee responsibilities for Warwick University Student’s Union.

“I’m delighted to be joining GroceryAid

at a time it is making great progress in terms of its fundraising activities, awareness work and welfare support for those in need,” he said. “I am looking forward to being part of an organisation that focuses on colleagues in need throughout the food and drink industry.”

Steve Barnes, chief executive of GroceryAid, said: “This is a great appointment for us, Andy brings a wealth of experience and skills at an important time in the evolution of the charity.”

Andy Ward

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

PLADIS LAUNCHES McVITIE’S FRUIT BOWL LAUNCHES DIGESTIVES TWISTS UNICORN FRUIT FLAKES SKU U

K-based children’s snack company Fruit Bowl, known for its healthy fruit snacks and treats, has added to its popular Fruit Flake range with the launch of a new Unicorn Fruit Flakes SKU embodying its fruit made fun brand messaging.

Unicorn Fruit Flakes are a mixture of Fruit Bowl’s top selling Flake flavours, Raspberry, Strawberry and Blackcurrant Fruit Flakes, made from soft, chewy pieces of real fruit purées.

Unicorn Fruit Flakes will be available in convenience ready single packs, as well as multipack bags. The multipack bags will be launching into Morrisons stores in April, with a further launch into Waitrose timed in May. The launch will be supported with a nationwide consumer launch campaign, which will include the chance to win a unicorn for a child’s birthday party.

The wider Fruit Bowl ranges are readily available at Sainsbury’s, Tesco, The Co-Op, Asda and via a number of local and independent stores.

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ladis is putting an innovative spin on its classic McVitie’s Digestives with the launch of McVitie’s Digestives Twists, which combine the classic crunch and crumbly texture of Digestives with new flavours and textures, Chocolate Chip & Caramel and Chocolate Chip & Coconut.

“We’re thrilled to be launching a brand-new range inspired by our classic McVitie’s Digestives that will enable us to extend appeal and bring our muchloved brand to a younger audience,” said Emma Stowers, brand director for McVitie’s at pladis UK&I. “We know that on-trend flavour and texture

combinations, such as caramel and coconut, are helping to drive overall category growth for sweet biscuits – and we’re set to tap into this insight with our new McVitie’s Digestives Twists.”

With tasty flavour explosions in every bite, McVitie’s Digestives Twists are said to be the perfect treat for consumers to enjoy whilst taking time out to unwind with family and friends.

They launched in Asda in mid-April, followed by further roll-out across multiple retail and convenience.

Packaging will be recyclable through pladis’ partnership with Terracycle.

NORTH COAST SMOKEHOUSE JOINS GLOBAL NETWORK N

Ruairidh Morrison and wife Melanie of North Coast Smokehouse in Ballycastle.

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orth Coast Smokehouse in Ballycastle has joined the international Économusée of artisans at work. The company, a Food NI member, is the seventh artisan business here to become an integral part of the network which is supported by the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.

North Coast Smokehouse specialises in handcrafted hot smoked goods produced in small batches using organic salmon.

Each batch is individually and lovingly monitored by the founder and managing director Ruairidh Morrison and wife

Melanie.

The company cures salmon as well as sea salt, black pepper and dried dulse.

The smoke for curing the awardwinning salmon in particular is produced the old-fashioned way, by simply burning small quantities of wood. Liquid-smokes, paints or dyes are not used.

Other Économusée food sector members include Broighter Gold in Limavady; Broughgammon Farm in Ballycastle; Ursa Minor Bakehouse, Ballycastle; and Hillstown Brewery, Ahoghill.

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AN EASY REFERENCE TO THE BEST FOR YOUR BUSINESS

CHARITY NEWS

LOCAL RETAILERS TARGET £3M WITH EASTER CHARITY RAFFLE

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uperValu and Centra launched an Action Cancer Raffle this Easter to raise funds for the local charity.

The initiative is part of a fundraising drive to raise one of the largest amounts ever by a company for an individual charity in Northern Ireland. By the end of 2019, the total raised for Action Cancer via the charity partnership is expected to reach £3m.

Centra and SuperValu stores across Northern Ireland were taking part and the retailers are confident of raising £40,000 via the raffle for Action Cancer which will enable the charity to provide an additional 500 breast screenings or deliver 160 Health Action Programmes to local schools.

From left, Stephen Bogle, SuperValu brand manager; Jennifer Morton, Centra brand manager; and Mark Jones, Action Cancer.

Tickets cost £1 and are available in retail stores from April 15 with the prize draw to be announced on June 28, with three prizes of £2,000, £1,000 and £250 up for grabs.

Funds raised as part of the Action

Cancer charity partnership help support a range of projects including the Big Bus mobile breast screening unit and a Health Action Programme for children.

“Being able to support Action Cancer and our ambition of reaching the £3m target would not be possible without the immense support of individual retailers,” said Brendan Gallen, head of Marketing at SuperValu and Centra. “They put a lot of effort into fundraising throughout the year and we hope shoppers can support the retailers to help raise funds for the charity over the Easter period.”

For more information about the charity partnership, visit www.supervalu.co.uk or www.centra.co.uk.

ASDA NI COLLEAGUES MOUNT CHARLES RAISES TAKE THE ‘PINK PLEDGE’ £100,000 FOR CHILDREN’S CANCER CHARITY C olleagues at Asda stores across Northern Ireland have taken the ‘Pink Pledge’, an online initiative set-up by the retailer to help Victoria Gregg, Asda Bangor drive awareness Community Champion. around the importance of regular breast checking, and the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

Part of Asda’s Tickled Pink campaign, which has been supporting charities Breast Cancer Care and Breast Cancer Now for more than 22 years, the pledge aims to address the fact that one in two women don’t check their breasts regularly.

“Our brilliant community colleagues are raising awareness of the importance of regular breast checking for the signs and symptoms of breast cancer through the Pink Pledge, which anyone can sign-up to online through the Asda Tickled Pink website,” said Emma Gittoes, national community manager, Asda.

“As a business with a rich heritage in supporting breast cancer awareness, through our Tickled Pink campaign, we are proud to use our scale to raise awareness around breast checking. We want to break down the barriers to access support and advice when our customers and colleagues need it.”

For more information, visit www.asda.com/tickledpink.

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ount Charles Group has raised over £100,000 for local children’s charity, Cancer Fund for Children, which the Belfast-based foodservice and business support provider selected as its official charity partner in 2011.

Staff at sites throughout Northern Ireland and in England have participated in a range of events from golf days to bake offs, raffles and Christmas Jumper Days.

To date, £109,633 has been raised to help Cancer Fund for Children provide practical and emotional support, as well as free therapeutic short breaks to children diagnosed with cancer and their families, and children who have a parent with cancer.

“We are a locally-owned company that operates in cities and towns across Northern Ireland and we are committed to supporting the people and communities in which we do business, so our partnership with this charity is one that is very important to us,” said Trevor Annon, chairman and founder of Mount Charles.

For more information, visit cancerfundforchildren.com.

From left, Gavin Annon, head of Sales and Marketing at Mount Charles; Trevor Annon, chairman and founder of Mount Charles; and Phil Alexander, CEO, Cancer Fund for Children.