Ulster Grocer October 2018 by Helen Wright

Star Rentals - Ulster Grocer Cover Final 21/09/2018 11:26 Page 1

GROCER ULSTER

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

OCTOBER 2018

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

OCTOBER 2018

ULSTER

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

FOOD FORCE IRELAND CELEBRATES ITS 25TH ANNIVERSARY BY ALYSON MAGEE

From left, Debra Johnston, trading controller, and Henry Emerson, chairman of Food Force Ireland, present Account Manager of the Year to Alan Crossen of Tayto.

ood Force Ireland members were praised for their professionalism, determination and energy at the buying group’s annual Direct Trade Supplier Day, held in the Culloden on September 25. Trading Controller Debra Johnston also congratulated suppliers and members on an impressive turnout for the event, which celebrated Food Force Ireland’s

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silver anniversary and included its Supplier of the Year Awards. Johnston outlined how the buying group was created by Nisa members in Northern Ireland who “felt they needed to distinguish their offering from the multiples and the wholesalers”. “We have, over the years, seen many members come and go, but the overriding constant is the professionalism, determination and ability to be all things to their customers wherever they’re based in the country,” she said. “The varying sizes and types of stores in our group brings a great dynamic and energy.” Awards went to Allied Bakeries (Bread & Cake), Britvic (Soft Drinks), Tayto (Ambient) and PRM Group (Chilled & Frozen), with Alan

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Crossen of Tayto named Account Manager of the Year and Philip Morrow of PRM Group receiving an inaugural Special Recognition Award. “It’s been a very enjoyable journey for us,” said Morrow, who created PRM 30 years ago. “It’s also interesting, looking around the room today, to see how many faces have been through the university of PRM as we call it; it’s been a bit of a training ground.” The decision to go into chilled foods had been a good one, Morrow said, expressing optimism that Brexit may offer as many opportunities as challenges if Northern Ireland can maintain its supply links with GB, Ireland and Europe.

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Philip Morrow, managing director of PRM Group, received a Special Recognition Award.

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SPAR TITANIC QUARTER:

TESCO TASTE FESTIVAL:

DISTRIBUTION EFFICIENCY:

BIG NIGHT IN:

A £1.2M INVESTMENT HAS CREATED A VIBRANT RETAIL, FOOD TO GO AND RESTAURANT COMPLEX IN A UNIQUE LOCATION

OVER 60 PRODUCERS EXHIBITED AT THE 10TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL, HOSTED IN BELFAST’S CUSTOM HOUSE SQUARE LAST MONTH

FOR BUSINESSES RELYING ON A FLEET OF VEHICLES FOR DELIVERIES, STAR RENTALS OFFERS THE EXPERTISE TO CUT COSTS

IT’S HIGH SEASON FOR THE BIG NIGHT IN OPPORTUNITY & UG SHOWCASES THE LATEST PRODUCTS FROM SCHWEPPES, KP & PREP HOUSE

EDITORIAL COMMENTARY Volume 53, Number 9 October 2018 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow Sales Manager: Chris Keenan E: c.keenan@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4266 Art Editor: Helen Wright Production Manager: Irene Fitzsimmons Ulster Grocer c/o Independent News & Media Ltd, Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG www.ulstergrocer.com @ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer Subscriptions: £27.50 per annum £37.50 per annum (outside UK) Designed & Produced by: Independent News & Media Ltd Tel: 028 9026 4000 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Tel: 028 9446 3911 Latest ABC figures state that Ulster Grocer has an average net circulation of 5,846 per edition (1 July 2017 to 30 June 2018) Independent News & Media Ltd ©2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or stransmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Independent News & Media Ltd.

AN EVOLVING GROCERY SECTOR

rexit is hard to get away from right now, and the grocery sector is no exception with daily reports highlighting spiralling food and drink prices and potential power blackouts in the event of a no-deal scenario. In the coming months, UG will take a more detailed look at what to expect as the UK speeds towards the March 29 date set for its withdrawal from the EU. Of course, we can’t promise any clarity as… well, there isn’t any. One thing any producer, processor, distributor or retailer can do ahead of the cliff edge, however, is to improve efficiencies with the aim of proactively countering potential increases in tariffs and customs. It never hurts to strip out unnecessary costs. This month’s cover Star Rentals (see what I did there…) offers a comprehensive range of cost-cutting solutions for businesses relying on the transportation of goods. Logistics is one of many areas across the supply chain which will require scrutiny as businesses batten down their hatches ahead of March 2019. Otherwise, it’s business as usual with the Tesco Taste Festival marking its 10th anniversary in Belfast’s Custom House Square and Food Force Ireland celebrating 25 years as a buying group at its annual Direct Trade Supply Day and Supplier of the Year Awards in the Culloden; both last month. It’s that time of year again for our annual Big Night In feature, looking at the latest products targeting one of the key sales opportunities of the year, while this edition also features Priory Press’ packaging solutions for another buoyant category – food to go. As our shop focuses, SPAR Titanic Quarter and MACE Armagh, both attest to, food to go is of ever-increasing importance for stores. And, as if the year wasn’t going fast enough, the edition also finds the Henderson Group’s annual 12 Deals of Christmas promotion well underway. Elsewhere in the sector, our p6 news story finds Lidl seeing the fastest growth

in market share, according to Kantar Worldpanel data and Sainsbury’s overtaking Asda. Tesco retains dominance, at 35.3% share, according to the data. Last month, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) reported it has moved on to a second phase review of the

ONE THING ANY PRODUCER, PROCESSOR, DISTRIBUTOR OR RETAILER CAN DO AHEAD OF THE CLIFF EDGE, HOWEVER, IS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCIES WITH THE AIM OF PROACTIVELY COUNTERING POTENTIAL INCREASES IN TARIFFS AND CUSTOMS. IT NEVER HURTS TO STRIP OUT UNNECESSARY COSTS. proposed Sainsbury’s/Asda merger. CMA has identified 463 locations in which the catchment areas for both Sainsbury’s and Asda overlap, and will further investigate the implications of any monopoly around the supply of groceries, fuel and homeware, it said. In the summer edition of UG, our retail analyst Donald C McFetridge said: ‘There are certain geographic regions and locations where there is bound to be some degree of overlap and it is, in my opinion, more than likely the CMA will require some stores to be sold off as a result.’ Prophetic words indeed and, unfortunately, job losses may follow. The other big news in the retail sector has been Tesco’s move into the discount grocery trade, in a bid to take on Lidl and Aldi, with its new Jack’s brand. Two stores opened under the format in England last month, with Tesco announcing plans to open up to 15 sites over the next year. The evolution continues. And there are Macmillan Coffee Morning buns downstairs…

NEWS

RETAIL NI CALLS FOR ECONOMY REFORM AT WESTMINSTER

From left, Colin Neill, CEO Hospitality Ulster; Stephen Kelly, CEO Manufacturing NI; NI Secretary of State Karen Bradley; and Glyn Roberts, CEO Retail NI.

etail NI is calling for a reboot of economic policy in Northern Ireland, in collaboration with Hospitality Ulster and Manufacturing NI. The three industry bodies hosted a reception at the House of Commons last month, attended by over 200 MPs, peers, diplomats and local business owners, to launch their joint publication, A New Deal for Northern Ireland.

Among those addressing the event were NI Secretary of State Karen Bradley, Shadow Secretary of State Tony Lloyd and MPs Sir Jeffrey Donaldson and Paul Maskey. A New Deal identifies areas requiring urgent attention in order to boost Northern Ireland’s economy and increase productivity levels. It calls for Westminster to set a firm

PROFITS UP AT MOY PARK AS SALES REACH £1.5BN P

BY MARGARET CANNING

oultry giant Moy Park has enjoyed a 7% hike in sales to £1.5bn for 2017. In financial results, Craigavon-based Moy Park Holdings (Europe) reported an 8% jump in pre-tax profits from £40.8m to £43.8m during last year. Its workforce had also grown from 9,873 to 10,087 during the year. It has 11 facilities here, in Britain, France and the Netherlands. The company produces convenience food items as well as chicken and turkey products. The results are the first to be filed since the company was taken over by US giant Pilgrim’s Pride in September. “We are pleased to announce a strong financial performance in 2017, delivering volume and revenue growth in what remains a challenging and competitive

marketplace,” said Chris Kirke, who replaced Janet McCollum as head of the company in May. “As part of our strategic investment programme, we have invested £40m in our infrastructure during the year. “By continuing to invest in our industry-leading agricultural base and state-of-the-art processing facilities, along with a focus on innovation, we ensure a solid platform for future growth. “Our business is built on the highest standards of food safety and quality, and we are committed to meeting and exceeding the ever-evolving expectations of our customers and consumers. Demand for our products remains strong across all our regions and the business is well placed to expand on its position as a leading European food company.”

date of April 2021 for introduction of a Northern Ireland rate of Corporation Tax, and for the £300m originally earmarked for its introduction from April 2018 to be reinvested in skills, infrastructure and a radical extension of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme. A joint statement by chief executives of the three business organisations, Glyn Roberts, Colin Neill and Stephen Kelly, reads: ‘Northern Ireland is falling behind and it’s time decision-takers and policymakers act to introduce radical change to our failing economic policy. ‘…Rates Reform is absolutely critical to the future of the economy. Many small traders are struggling to pay their rate bills and we are calling for the largest ever rate relief of £100m to support our town and city centres and to ensure small business owners can reinvest more of their own money into growing their business and employing more staff.’ A New Deal also calls for Northern Ireland’s infrastructure to be modernised, City Deals for Belfast and Derry/ Londonderry, introduction of a Rural Town Investment Fund, and protection of free movement of people, goods and services between RoI and the UK. To view A New Deal for Northern Ireland in full, visit www.retailni.com.

DUNBIA REPORTS £7M PRE-TAX PROFIT

ungannon-based meat producer Dunbia has recorded pre-tax profits of £7.2m in its first financial report since merging with Irish firm Dawn Meats late last year. The report reveals some of the structural changes at the Co Tyrone company since the merger, including a significant increase in the company’s workforce, which rose from 3,584 in April 2017 to 4,869 at the end of December 2017. ‘The group intends to continue to invest in facilities and review operations to increase plant throughout in order to optimise operational efficiencies,’ said James Dobson, director of Dunbia in the report. 5

NEWS

LIDL CLAIMS STRONGEST SALES GROWTH IN NI MARKET BY EMMA DEIGHAN

pending on groceries here is up by around £92 to £4,331 per year, with German discount supermarket Lidl claiming the biggest sales growth, according to a report. Kantar Worldpanel’s Market Share survey for the 12 months to September 9 also revealed that Sainsbury’s market share of 17.3% has overtaken that of Asda, at 17.1%, for the first time since last November. Across the sector, sales were up 1.4%. Shoppers were spending an extra £92 per year compared to two years ago, with an average spend of £4,331. Kantar said that the total spend was up as prices were up, even though purchase

volumes were down. Sainsbury’s has 14 stores here, while Asda has 17 - and the pair are in the throes of planning a £51bn merger, which is now subject to an indepth review by the Competition and Markets Authority. Asda has applied for planning permission to build its 18th store in Mallusk. But, with sales growing by 2.2%, Tesco has held onto its dominant position in the market, with its share increasing to 35.3%. Tesco has around 50 stores in Northern Ireland, ranging from small-format Tesco Express to large Tesco Extras. “The Northern Irish grocery market

UK FOOD INDUSTRY COMMITS TO HALVE FOOD WASTE

he UK’s largest retailers, food producers, manufacturers, and hospitality and foodservice companies have committed to ambitious milestones laid out in a new groundbreaking industry Food Waste Reduction Roadmap. Developed with IGD and WRAP to further reduce the UK’s food waste problem, the Roadmap has secured support from all major retailers and 50% of larger food businesses, which have agreed to Target-MeasureAct and report on food waste by September 2019. The aim is to drive down the UK’s annual £20bn food waste bill, equivalent to more than £300 per UK citizen. The Roadmap encompasses the entire supply chain from field to fork, and clearly shows the actions large businesses will take to address food

waste both in their own operations, and by working to support their suppliers. It also sets out how these businesses can engage with consumers to help reduce their food waste. The Roadmap has the support of the UK’s largest food trade bodies, businesses across the supply chain and Defra, Welsh and Scottish Governments. Widespread adoption of Target-Measure-Act is vital to achieve national policy objectives and targets on food waste reduction, including Courtauld 2025 and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3. By September 2019, the first major milestone on the Roadmap, the aim is to have 50% of the UK’s largest 250 food businesses measuring, reporting and acting on food waste, with all 250 companies doing so by 2026. Eightnine companies are currently signed up.

DUNNES FACES £23M LOSS IN UK P re-tax losses at Dunnes Stores’ operation in Northern Ireland and Britain increased more than four-fold to £23m last year. Since the start of the year, the family-owned retailer has shut down all of its stores in England and Scotland but continues to operate 16 stores here. The Dunnes Stores (Bangor) firm covers the activities of Dunnes in Northern Ireland, England and Scotland and, for the business’s last full year in England and Scotland, the pre-tax loss is mainly due to an exceptional £18.2m non-cash cost concerning a write down in assets. 6

has experienced another year of growth, with sales up by 1.4% for the second consecutive period,” said David Berry, director at Kantar Worldpanel. “Among the retailers Tesco has experienced another strong period, posting sales growth of 2.2% and edging its market share up to 35.3%. This is the retailer’s highest share since February, and prior to that since January 2015. “Lidl posted the strongest overall sales growth in the past year at 6.7%, enabling the retailer to hold its share of the market at the record level of 5.7% achieved last month.” Lidl is also planning a new store in Strabane, Co Tyrone.

MPS CALL FOR ACTION TO HELP NI FISHING FLEET The Northern Ireland Affairs Committee has called on the Government to take immediate action to give the fishing industry the best possible opportunities from Brexit. A new report welcomes proposed changes to the fishing quota, but warns that, on their own, they will be insufficient to bring back full benefits to local communities. The committee now wants the Government to invest in the Northern Ireland fishing sector and act to tackle manpower shortages. The report’s findings were welcomed by Alan McCulla, chief executive officer of Kilkeel-based fisherman’s co-operative Sea Source and the Anglo North Ireland Food Producer’s Organisation.

HOT WEATHER SEES CROP YIELD DROP 20%

Vegetable producers across Northern Ireland, who have just endured one of the most difficult years in living memory, are suffering a drop of around 20% yield in their crops. A prolonged cold and wet spring followed by the long summer drought have played havoc on the production of potatoes and carrots - the two most consumed vegetables in Northern Ireland. While vegetable producers have had their struggles, their counterparts in the fruit fields of Armagh have seen increased crop yields thanks to sunshine.

STORE FOCUS Andy Davis and Graham Johnson, owners

SPAR TITANIC QUARTER, BELFAST A £1.2M INVESTMENT, ACROSS FIVE YEARS OF DEVELOPMENT, HAS CREATED A VIBRANT RETAIL, FOOD TO GO AND RESTAURANT COMPLEX, CO-OWNER ANDY DAVIS TELLS ALYSON MAGEE

Since the redesign, grocery sales have increased by 23%.

“W

e feel we’re in the right site now and have created a hub that people like to come to,” says Andy Davis, co-owner of SPAR Titanic Quarter, which serves as a focal point of the busy Arc retail development and residential complex. The shop is situated between the Belfast Met campus and SSE Arena, 8

overlooking Belfast Marina, and affording impressive views across the City skyline in one direction and the Titanic building and docks in the other. Together with his business partner Graham Johnson, Andy owns five SPAR stores with additional sites in Ballynure,

Cadogan, Ballybeen and Lisburn. Staff numbers total 35-40 in the Titanic Quarter shop, and 160 in total across the sites. Originally operating under a different retail brand, the business partners were impressed by the Henderson Group’s offer and accordingly converted all their stores. “We felt SPAR was ahead in terms of marketing, product availability, their own brand range and fresh foods,” says Andy. “The Henderson Group has spent millions of pounds developing their fresh food warehouses and range over the last few years.” And the move has been deemed a successful one, with SPAR Ballybeen, for example, seeing a 27% sales boost after the conversion. “SPAR is quite progressive in terms of always looking to build new sites, and

STORE FOCUS The shop has five tills.

Food to go is a focus.

it’s nice to be part of that fresh, clean cut look,” he says. “They’ve modernised the brand, but when you see the SPAR logo over the door, you recognise it straight away.” To date, £1.2m has been spent on the Titanic Quarter shop, from an initial investment of £250,000 to open it in 2013 to last year’s major expansion into a 9,000-square-foot site, expanding from two to five tills across the period and adding an off licence along the way. The 2017 refurb added a new side to the business, with Rain Check restaurant, and involved a complete shop redesign to improve its flow and enhance its fresh and food-to-go offer. It has essentially created two distinct businesses within the shop floor; customers can enter through the doors and turn left for groceries or right for food to go. “Another big thing was we put in seating, somewhere for people to sit and have their lunch and enjoy the views,” says Andy. Green features include LED lighting throughout and high efficiency kitchen equipment, while a £50,000 investment went into a system pulling in fresh air

from outside to create a more natural internal environment. With about 30% of business lunchtime trade, average basket spend sits at £4.78. Designated areas for free-from and nutrition ranges have performed well while forthcoming additions include a new bakery range to be piloted in the Titanic Quarter shop. Andy has pioneered his own foodto-go concept, The Green Deli, which is

currently in three of his shops – including Titanic Quarter – and will be rolled out to all five by mid-2019. Freshness, quality and good customer service are the focus, says Andy, from the sub rolls delivered daily from Patton’s Bakery in Newtownards to pizzas handmade on site. “Our next stage for the deli is developing our own carvery

baguette range, with a different carvery roast each day which will be carved in front of customers,” says Andy. While supplemented by a few specialist local companies such as Just Desserts and French Village, Henderson Foodservice supplies most of the produce used in the deli, and Henderson Technology the EPoS systems. “We try and keep everything under one roof with Henderson’s and then our focus is on the shop floor and what’s going on with our customers, rather than being stuck out the back doing orders all the time,” he says. Off licences in the Titanic Quarter and Lisburn stores are, meanwhile, supplied by Drinks Inc, McCabes and smaller outlets. “The shop and restaurant are completely different and it’s trying to keep the right balance,” says Andy. “It’s a busy operation and can be stressful, but it can be rewarding too. “We do good food in the SPAR, it’s fresh, competitively priced and we know good customer service. We thought, if we can instil all those factors into a restaurant, it has to work. “But a big difference I’ve found is, with the restaurant, you don’t have the marketing support you have with SPAR. We’re on our own with Rain Check and have had to focus more on marketing and facebook.” Located next door to the shop, Rain Check was opened in January with trade slow for the first few months but picking up after a new all-day menu was introduced. Customers range from Arc residents and workers from surrounding businesses to both locals and tourists visiting the SSE Arena and other Titanic Quarter attractions or simply out for a walk. “We are very lucky to be able to have a store and restaurant here, and we don’t take it for granted,” says Andy. “We work very hard to get it right. We’ve made mistakes along the way, but we can always learn from them and make the business better. As long as you have more good than bad days, I think you’re doing ok.” Next up for the business partners is redevelopment of its SPAR Ballynure with Maxol forecourt, with a significant investment earmarked for an extension to expand its food to go operation and create a sit-in area, pending planning approval. 9

RETAIL NEWS - INDEPENDENTS

DRIVE TO SUPPORT RETAILERS AFTER PRIMARK FIRE

From left, Glyn Roberts, CEO of Retail NI; NI Secretary of State Karen Bradley; Rajesh Rana, president of Belfast Chamber; and Colin Neill, CEO of Hospitality Ulster.

etail NI, together with Hospitality Ulster, Belfast Chamber of Commerce, local traders, Primark staff and shop workers union USDAW, met with NI Secretary of State Karen Bradley midSeptember to discuss government support for businesses and individuals impacted by the fire. While 14 businesses within the safety cordon have been closed

since the devastating August 28 fire, representatives from the business community are concerned over a wider economic impact from reduced footfall in the area. Belfast City Hall has launched a campaign, #YourBelfast, aimed at supporting the City Centre in the run up to Christmas, featuring well-known local figures such as David Healy, Carl

CAMELOT LAUNCHES IMPROVED RANGE OF GAMES

amelot UK Lotteries is introducing changes to Lotto and EuroMillions, as well as launching an entirely new draw game in 2019, following a recent wide-ranging strategic review. The review identified improving the range of National Lottery games as one of four key areas where action was needed to return The National Lottery to long-term, sustainable growth. Highlights of the changes include new bigger, fixed cash prizes in the main game including £1m for matching 5+ bonus balls and halving the number of times the jackpot can roll over to five on Lotto. On EuroMillions, Camelot will run more special draws with multiple

guaranteed £1m UK winners, including one UK millionaire in every draw instead of two. And, subject to regulatory approval, Camelot will launch a new annuity game in spring 2019, offering a top prize of thousands of pounds every month for at least 25 years. “It was clear from the review that we needed to create a more appealing and balanced range of games that offers something for everyone,” said Nigel Railton, CEO of Camelot. “In particular, we needed to make our draw games stand out from each other and to give people the ability to play their way – with prizes, chances to win and prices to suit different tastes.”

Frampton, Pamela Ballantine and chef Michael Deane sharing personal anecdotes about the city. The City Council has, meanwhile, had to double its vermin control efforts as the exclusion zone prevents access to a number of businesses with perishable food on site. In a joint statement, Glyn Roberts, CEO of Retail NI, Rajesh Rana, president of Belfast Chamber, and Colin Neill, CEO of Hospitality Ulster, said: ‘We need to see a mixture of short-term support for business to get up and running again, a major focus on plans for the Christmas period and access to the city as well as a longterm investment recovery package to revitalise the city centre and its attractiveness and draw to consumers. ‘High streets were already struggling and both sales and footfall have been hit very badly by this fire. This could seriously undermine the commercial viability of the city for the foreseeable future and put thousands of jobs and dozens of businesses at risk unless we put in place really innovative and longterm measures now.’ Retail NI also welcomed Primark’s donation of £500,000 to Belfast City Council’s recovery programme, while calling on NI government departments and HM Treasury to make a sizeable contribution.

RETAIL NI WELCOMES RAPID TRANSIT GLIDER LAUNCH

etail NI has welcomed the launch of the Glider service but urged the Department for Infrastructure to be flexible over the bus lanes. “Retail NI has always supported the new Rapid Transit Service as a means to address congestion,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI. “We want to see shoppers and other city centre workers use the Gilder and make public transport their first option rather than their last. “However, shoppers need choice and we need to accommodate them, whether they use their car, walk, cycle or use public transport. “Given that we have had one trader closing his business on the Falls Road and a number of concerns in East Belfast over the loss of parking, we would urge the Department for Infrastructure to keep under review the enforcement of the bus lanes during the rushhour times in the morning and evening, rather than over the 12-hour period.”

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

PROVENANCE HIGHLIGHTED IN ENJOY LOCAL REBRAND

enderson Group’s Fresh Team has invested a six-figure sum in a rebrand of its enjoy local range, launched in 2015, to highlight the local suppliers co-creating the products. The investment covers NPD, packaging design and production, and marketing support for the range across 359 SPAR and EUROSPAR stores. The 98 products from 18 local suppliers have also undergone rigorous taste testing and surveying by Ulster University. Dr Amy Burns, director of the FACT (Food & Consumer Testing) Suite at Ulster University, worked alongside the teams at Henderson Group, facilitating over 2,715 tests tasting the products. “Working with SPAR NI to establish Taste Tester Approved products will give consumers better knowledge and

From left, Dr Amy Burns, director of the Food & Consumer Testing Suite at Ulster University, and Bronagh Henderson, brand marketing manager at the Henderson Group.

confidence when it comes to ensuring that they are purchasing quality, fresh food,” said Dr Burns. “All products which scored an average of seven out of nine, which is the industry standard of excellence, will have a Taste Tester Approved icon on the packaging, proving

it is a quality, stand-out food product.” Bronagh Henderson, marketing manager, said: “The enjoy local range has diversified to respond to the way consumers are food shopping. Our research shows that provenance and taste are high on the decision-making agenda when doing a basket shop.” Neal Kelly, fresh foods director at Henderson Group, said the greater detail about provenance represents a “hyper local” trend “and gives our products a niche on the shelves”. “We strive to only source from local farmers, growers and producers where possible,” he said. “We want our local economy to thrive and our agri-food industry is one of the best in the world; why wouldn’t we source from our doorsteps.”

CO ANTRIM CONTESTANT WINS HEALTHY LUNCH OFF

From left, Stephen Bogle, SuperValu; winner Lorraine Surgin; Jennifer Morton, Centra; and Curtis Andrews, Translink.

Co Antrim woman has clinched the Healthy Lunch Off crown, following a

competition run by SuperValu and Centra in collaboration with public transport provider Translink. Budding foodies across Northern Ireland were invited to get creative and come up with a unique and healthy lunch recipe, while the campaign also encouraged people to stay active and enjoy the great outdoors by packing a picnic and hopping aboard a bus or train to one of Northern Ireland’s many beauty spots.

COSTCUTTER LAUNCHES NEW MERCHANDISING GUIDE Costcutter Supermarkets Group has unveiled Merchandising Principles, a new library of category guides to help independent retailers drive sales through improved understanding of merchandising best practice. Merchandising Principles provide retailers with the theory behind the planograms. Each guide is a companion to the category planogram which explains the range-specific, highlevel category best practice and product placement principles. The information is designed to help retailers make informed decisions about where they can flex and tailor their range at a local level to include the products their shoppers expect to find in store. Each Merchandising Principles guide also features promotional guidelines for merchandising gondola ends, wine towers and floor stacks to help retailers get more from their promotional package.

Two finalists were shortlisted, with the final winner Lorraine Surgin from Ballynure chosen by public vote for her Mediterranean Metro Wrap, a soft tortilla wrap filled with hummus, spinach leaves, sun blushed tomatoes, roasted peppers, scallions, olives and feta cheese. Surgin picked up a cash prize of £500, along with Translink travel ticket vouchers, while her winning wrap was served in participating Centra and SuperValu delis over September 3–16.

NEW SUPPLY PARTNERSHIP AND FRANCHISE OPTIONS TO BE AIRED AT EXPO Costcutter Supermarkets Group has confirmed details of its annual Expo, which is set to take place at the Harrogate Convention Centre on March 28, 2019. The one-day Expo, themed Putting shoppers first to drive your sales, will be followed by a gala dinner and awards ceremony, and will see the Group share plans and programmes to help its retailers continue to grow and develop their businesses. The action-packed Expo will provide more detail about the new supply partnership and franchise options with the Co-op and will see the exciting new Co-op own brand range brought to life. In addition, the team and retailers will be giving first-hand updates on the Shopper First Programme. 11

RETAIL PROFILE

From left, Zoya Lewis, Sales Assistant, and Gail Kelly, store manager.

ALL GO FOR NEW MACE A FOCUS ON FOOD TO GO & CONVENIENCE IS WORKING WELL FOR MACE ARMAGH

n established forecourt convenience store has been given a lease of life under new franchise arrangements with Musgrave’s MACE symbol and a GO petrol station. A complete refurbishment and rebranding of the site, on Railway Street in Armagh, has transformed the 780-squarefoot store and forecourt area. Previously operating under the Costcutter brand, the store had become rundown before new owners took over the site and converted it to the MACE fascia at the end of June, after meeting with a number of symbol groups and finding MACE to be the most comfortable match. One constant at the store throughout the transformation has been Manager Gail Kelly, who has been working there for 15 years. “The new owners have spent a lot of money on the shop, and on cleaning up the whole site,” says Kelly. “With the previous layout, a lot of the shop space was wasted, but it has been rejigged to utilise every inch.” As well as an enhanced convenience offer, the new shop layout features a deli and hot food bar, iced drinks machine, and Frank & Honest coffee bar. Local sourcing is a significant focus, 12

with Yellow Door of Portadown providing bread, baked goods and desserts, additional home baked goods coming from The Village Bakery of Markethill and Jordan’s Homemade Jams of Dungannon among other suppliers. For a relatively small store, the convenience offer across food to go and ready meals is comprehensive, and performing

very well with the Frank & Honest coffee bar a particular success. “We make a lot of our own food in store,” says Kelly. Under its new ownership, the shop has to date limited promotional activity to facebook, where new ranges and products are showcased and competitions run to highlight the offer; for example, a recent offer of a Thai family meal for four with 2L drink. Local newspaper or door-drop promotions may be considered in the future. The forecourt element of the business, meanwhile, extends to household necessities such as coal, turf and gas. “The GO brand will be a big factor for us,” says Kelly. “They’re keen on price, and it will help drive volume into our shop.” Introduction of green features has been a further benefit from the refurb, extending from LED lighting to energy efficient fridges. MACE Armagh is open from 5.30am to midnight, seven days a week, and currently employs 15 full- and part-time staff members. “We’re on a very busy road, and are very well positioned here,” says Kelly, with another bigger service station the closest competition in the area. Customers are about 70% local to 30% passing trade, with average basket spend sitting at £9 to £9.50. “You’re not going to come here and do your shopping as such,” she says. “It’s a high convenience shop; customers are coming in for food to go, and bread and milk for the day.”

To fin

Caro

Barry

MACE_Pr

We listened to what our customers want and designed a completely new shopping experience. This is about surprising and delighting shoppers with a fresher, healthier, more innovative offer. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also about bringing independent retailers a dynamic, cost effective retail offer, that delivers above average returns.

A differentiating offer under the Munch & Co deli brand, with delicious signature menu items for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

To find out more contact our Sales & Development managers: Caroline Rowan 07890 636961 Barry Holland 07795965204

MACE_Press Ad_220x307mm.indd 1

25/06/2018 10:47

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

LESS THAN 100 DAYS TO GO… 12 DEALS OF CHRISTMAS KICKS OFF FESTIVE COUNTDOWN S PAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXTRA and ViVO Essentials retailers in Northern Ireland have kicked off the run up to Christmas with 12 Deals of Christmas, a weekly promotion that allows shoppers to stock up on festive essentials in a costeffective way. The promotion was introduced to retailers by Henderson Wholesale in 2016 with a £500,000 investment after research showed that shoppers prefer to stock up on Christmas items as early as August, and that providing weekly deals that save money has huge benefits over one big shop. With 12 Deals of Christmas, shoppers can save over £27 collectively if they purchase each weekly deal. The campaign has been such a success over the past two years that a record number of retailers are on board for the 2018 campaign, which begins this month (October 2018).

Participating retailers will offer their shoppers 12 weeks of deals including big name brands, which are popular purchases over the festive period. Paddy Doody, sales & marketing director at Henderson Wholesale, said: “12 Deals of Christmas has become one of our most popular annual promotions to boost footfall and show the variety of products available for Christmas in our stores. “In the past, the campaign has been a huge success for our retailers - selling out of many of the weekly deals and achieving a heightened footfall over the 12-week period. “On the back of winning the Belfast Telegraph Best Digital Campaign 2017, the marketing is set to get even better in 2018 with a new look creative. This through-the-line campaign will include TV and radio advertising, PoS kits, digital media, outdoor, leaflet drops and external

signage. “The promotions will be revealed week by week to our shoppers, and, as an added bonus, we have a 12 Prizes of Christmas promotion running concurrently with Q Radio from Monday, October 1 to Wednesday, December 19.” The campaign will also have heightened visibility on VIVOXTRA, SPAR NI and EUROSPAR NI’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which is where each deal will be revealed first for shoppers. Every deal will be available for one week in all participating SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, VIVOXTRA and ViVO Essentials stores across Northern Ireland, with promotional leaflets already landing through letterboxes. Doody concluded: “In 2017, the 12 deals quarter was the best of the year for our retailers in terms of sales and customer count. We intend to replicate that in 2018.”

ONE MILLION REASONS TO HELP RETAILER BAG £1M FOR CHILDREN’S CANCER CHARITY H enderson Group, owner of Bronagh Luke, Henderson Group the EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA and Gillian Creevy, CEO of Cancer Fund for Children, met with sisters brands in Northern Ireland, which Sadie and Grace to launch the Make it to £1 Million campaign are charity partners for Cancer with EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA. Fund for Children, has raised almost £1m for the charity to date and is aiming to reach the target. Now, the retailers, staff and shoppers behind the brands are being encouraged to Make it to £1 Million with a new campaign launched by EUROSPAR, VIVOXTRA and Cancer Fund for Children in line with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. Bronagh Luke, head of Corporate partnership a big boost in the last few Marketing at Henderson Group and months of the year to Make it to £1 Gillian Creevy, CEO of Cancer Fund for Million,” said Luke. Children met with Sadie and her sister “Since 2011, mountains have been Grace to launch the campaign. climbed, we have participated in Sadie was diagnosed with leukaemia international treks, and our now annual last year and has benefitted from the Community Coffee Morning have all services available to her and her family been instrumental in reaching this by the charity. fantastic total, of which every penny “In the past seven years, EUROSPAR makes a difference in the lives of those and VIVOXTRA staff and shoppers have living with cancer, and their families.” raised over £900,000 for Cancer Fund The retailer has also engaged with for Children, so now we are giving our some of its most passionate staff

supporters of the charity, aptly naming them the ‘Million Pound Makers’. “We have six Million Pound Makers, one per county, who have blown us all away with their genuine passion for Cancer Fund for Children and have seen firsthand how the money their staff and shoppers have raised makes a difference,” said Luke. “We couldn’t have better ambassadors to help us reach our target.” Gillian Creevy, chief executive of Cancer Fund for Children, said: “Henderson Group and their EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA stores are the first charity partners that have reached anywhere near this amount through their community fundraising. “We are so delighted to help them drive this campaign forward, so that we can continue to provide essential practical, financial and emotional support to children when they need it most, as well as offering free therapeutic short breaks for them and their families.”

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s back!

Stock up on your festive favourites! New deal every week

RETAIL NEWS - MULTIPLES

LIDL EXPANDS ITS PORTFOLIO OF LOCAL SUPPLIERS

leven artisan producers from across Northern Ireland, with every county represented, have been selected to take part in Lidl’s Kick Start Supplier Development Programme. The chosen suppliers will see their products go on sale in all 195 Lidl stores throughout all-Ireland for a limited period while stocks last from September 17. Earlier this year, Lidl called on small and medium-sized Northern Ireland suppliers to enter the programme, which is designed to help small- and mediumsized suppliers to grow their brand and build their supply network. Over 200 products were entered, with a total of 20 selected from 11 suppliers including Hillstown Brewery, Tom and Ollie, Refuge Hot Chocolate, Glenn McDowell Artisan Butchers, Copeland

From left, Connor Morgan, Oh So Lean; Tara Mullan, Refuge Hot Chocolate; Joel Kerr, Curious Farmer; and Rebecca O’Neill, deputy store manager, Lidl Andersonstown.

Spirits, Feckin Drinks Co, Noisy Snacks, Oh So Lean, Erne Larder Preserves, The Curious Farmer and The Little Meat Company. “Up until now we’ve been selling Noisy Nuts locally and online, but this means now our product will be in over

M&S REVEALS PLANS FOR NEW CRAIGAVON STORE OPENING M

arks & Spencer has announced it will open the doors to its newest Foodhall at Marlborough Retail Park, adjacent to Rushmere Shopping Centre in Craigavon, boasting a team of 56 staff members, on October 4. Store Manager John Woods, and his team of colleagues, will be joined by Great British Bake Off 2016 finalist Andrew Smyth to welcome customers and give them a true taste of what the new store has to offer. Cllr Julie Flaherty, the Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Council, alongside winners of a local school colouring competition, will also join the team to cut the ribbon and officially open M&S Craigavon. M&S Craigavon will also present the full range of M&S Clothing & Home products via its Collect in Store service and offers 350 free car parking spaces. Colleagues will be on hand to help customers find whatever they need through the use of Honeywells - digital devices that enable colleagues to quickly look up if products are in stock. The devices can also be used to help customers load offers onto their Sparks card. The new M&S team will be providing foodie inspiration for shoppers, sharing their own favourite M&S products via their bespoke badges, in-store signage and conversations with customers.

190 Lidl stores across Ireland and there will be even more happy customers enjoying our snacks and making noise,” said Noel Allen of Noisy Nuts, who will see his pickled onion, chilli & lime, chilli beef and bacon jalapeno varieties listed by Lidl. As well as the limited edition in-store promotion, Kick Start provided the ambitious companies with free business development seminars delivered by a panel of Lidl and wider industry experts, covering key disciplines such as quality control, packaging, communications and brand building. Kick Start represents an investment of almost £180,000 by Lidl and the newly selected range will complement Lidl’s existing portfolio of quality Irish products.

ASDA ANTRIM HOSTS A CELEBRATION OF LOCAL LAMB

sda shoppers were encouraged to include more Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) lamb in their diets last month, as part of a Love Lamb Week 2018 initiative From left, Cherrie Kenny, LMC; William Brown, Asda Antrim; John organised by the Kennedy, UFU; Gerry Mellotte, ABP; and Joe McDonald, Asda. Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) and Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). LMC, alongside representatives from UFU and Asda’s red meat supplier ABP Food Group, travelled to Asda Antrim for a day of in-store sampling to showcase NIFQA lamb-based recipes. “Asda was delighted to support Love Lamb Week and welcome LMC, UFU, ABP Food Group and local sheep farmers to our Antrim store,” said Joe McDonald from Asda. “We have a strong commitment to NIFQA and when our customers buy NIFQA lamb products, they can be sure the lamb they are purchasing has been produced to the highest quality standards.” Cherrie Kenny, education services manager at LMC, said: “We’re very pleased with how our NIFQA lamb sampling session was received on Saturday. Northern Ireland is famous for producing some of the best quality lamb in the world and that’s what Love Lamb Week is all about - celebrating our local produce. Our mission going forward is to get more people to incorporate NIFQA lamb into their diet.”

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TESCO TASTE 2018

TESCO TASTE CELEBRATES ITS 10TH BIRTHDAY TESCO HOSTED ITS 10TH ANNUAL TESCO TASTE FESTIVAL IN BELFAST’S CUSTOM HOUSE SQUARE OVER SEPTEMBER 21-23, WITH THE OPENING DAY OF THE EVENT COINCIDING WITH CULTURE NIGHT IN THE CITY. OVER 60 LOCAL PRODUCERS EXHIBITED AT THE POPULAR EVENT, WITH DEAN BUTLER FROM THE FITZWILLIAM HOTEL AMONG CHEFS CONDUCTING LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS IN THE COOKERY THEATRE

Robert Roberts: Peter Rodgers, Zara Lyttle, Peter Lavery and Joanne Beattie.

Cookstown: Trevor Mountsteven, Wendy Donaldson and Alex Patterson.

Hovis: Kerry Maxwell and Barry Spence.

Cavanagh Free Range Eggs: Eileen Hall.

WHITE’S UNVEILS NEW RECYCLING BAG AT TESCO TASTE FESTIVAL

hite’s participated in From left, Jonathan McWhinney, packaged food buying manager at Tesco Northern Ireland, and Stuart Tesco’s 10th Taste Best, business development manager at White’s Oats. Festival, showcasing its porridge oats, granolas and mueslis. Ahead of the Festival, White’s which has been passionately milling oats since 1841 in Co Armagh, was also honoured to have been named one of the top 10 iconic food brands in Northern Ireland, following research carried out by Ulster University and commissioned by Tesco Northern Ireland. superfood, 100% wholegrain and Danielle Mc Bride, brand manager of an excellent source of fibre, protein, White’s Oats, said: ‘’Tesco Taste provides vitamins and antioxidants. Authenticity an engaging platform for us to welcome and food transparency also rank shoppers and to talk to them about our highly on consumer’s decision making. products and the benefits of oats.’’ According to Mintel’s Ethical Lifestyle With the increasing awareness report June 2018, 65% of all adults about potential health impacts of too say they are trying to live more ethically much sugar, salt and saturated fat than they were a year ago and, one and a heightened adoption of more area which is growing in priority is the healthy eating habits, Oats are nature’s use of plastic in foods, with the EU

having laid down a target of 50% of all waste being recycled by 2020. White’s has just recently relaunched its Speedicook Porridge Oats and its award winning Organic Jumbo oats into a new recyclable paper bag, and unveiled the new packaging at the Taste Festival. ‘’Consumer recycling intentions are extremely positive; White’s has been taking proactive steps towards building an environmentally responsible image with our brand and the response from shoppers has been very welcomed’’, continues Danielle. ‘’The new packs carry a clear and unambiguous recycling logo on both the front and back of pack, bringing great clarity and appealing to those green minded consumers.’’ White’s is a registered member of the On Pack Recycling Logo Scheme (OPRL).

TESCO TASTE 2018

Keenan Seafood: Harry Walsh and Derek Kennedy.

White’s Oat’s: Esther Jackson and Stuart Best.

Dale Farm: Faye Gabdey, Margaret Sherrard and Joanne Wilkinson.

Tayto: Jill Uprichard, Pat Tayto, Suzie Horan, Lynore Wolsey and Robert W.G Brown.

Thompson’s Tea: Jamie Thompson, Camille Thompson and James McFarlane.

Arthur Mallon Foods: Ian Laithwaite, Katy Boles, Benjamin McCallin and Paddy Mallon.

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FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

RECOGNISING THE QUALITY OF NI FOOD & DRINK BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

he fast-growing acceptance of Northern Ireland as a source of original and great tasting food and drink was apparent recently during the huge Speciality Fine Food Fair at Olympia in London. We had an extensive range of local food and drink in our showcase at this important event. Participation was organised with support from Invest Northern Ireland as part of our recent collaboration to help boost sales of our products especially in Britain. Mid and East Antrim Council and Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council also supported producers from their areas to visit Speciality for the first time. Working on the stand during the three-day event, the biggest of its kind in Britain, gave me the opportunity to talk to the very many trade buyers and other influencers who came to visit Northern Ireland during Year of Food & Drink 2016. And it was the same story at the Golden Fork Dinner arranged by the UK Guild of Fine Food to announce the winners of this year’s Great Taste awards. I was delighted to see Natural Umber Organic Cider Apple Vinegar gain the Northern Ireland Golden Fork, a really remarkable achievement for an original

product just launched in January. Winning the Golden Fork helped the Dungannon company to shine at Speciality Food. Our presence at the gala Golden Fork dinner attracted considerable attention and demonstrated, once again, that Northern Ireland is now widely accepted as a major player in food in Britain, the Republic of Ireland and other parts of Europe. Our growing reputation has been helped substantially by the enthusiasm of Charles Campion, a great friend of Northern Ireland food and drink and also by the continuing successes of our companies in Great Taste and the strong relationships developed with leading chefs and respected food writers. While many top food writers have already been here, there are still a large number we are keen to bring over as soon as practicable. Indeed, we had several approaching us at the Golden Fork dinner and at Speciality Food expressing interest in finding out more about the innovation and quality underpinning our food and drink. The more our food and drink is acclaimed in influential newspapers, as well as trade and consumer magazines, the better for our producers. Companies

such as Abernethy Butter, Dromara, Hannan Meats, Moira, Ballylisk Triple Rose and Corndale Free Range Charcuterie, Limavady all three Food NI members, are benefiting enormously from positive comments especially from Nigella Lawson, Jay Rayner, Charlotte Pike and Jeremy Bowen. Such comments help to increase acceptance of our food and drink and also encourage shoppers in Britain to seek them out. Our role is to encourage such feedback and to develop opportunities for our smaller companies to achieve listings from leading retailers there. Initiatives that we’ve undertaken in Britain, including the week-long Northern Ireland presentation at the iconic Borough Market in London’s Southwark, have enabled us to reach thousands of shoppers with a broad range of top quality merchandise. The challenge we are now addressing is how best to follow up such hugely successful initiatives by brokering business relationships between our companies and the retailers. Our strategic focus is on making it as easy as possible for shoppers in Britain to source the superb products that we enjoy locally.

WHITE’S OATS SPONSORS MARY PETERS INITIATIVE

hite’s Oats is thrilled to partner with the Mary Peters Trust, Northern Ireland’s leading sporting charity, on its inaugural Trainers for the Trust Initiative. Trainers for the Trust is a play on the traditional non-uniform day in which pupils wear their trainers to school for a small donation of £1 or more to the Trust. The Trust is inspiring in its work towards supporting and funding future athletes and we’re delighted to be collaborating with them on the Initiative. Danielle Mc Bride, brand manager of White’s Oats, said: ‘’White’s has been supporting healthy and active lifestyles with its porridge oats, granolas and mueslis since 1841. Oats are a mighty superfood for athletes of all ages owing to their complex slow release carbohydrates, which are the body’s primary fuel source and vital for optimal training and performance. Through our sponsorship of the Trainers for

From left, Toby Gibson (holding Dame Mary Peters CH, DBE 1972 runners),;Danielle McBride, brand manager of White’s Oats; Mathilda Gibson, Dame Mary Peters CH, DBE; and Katie Kirk, 800m Commonwealth athlete and former recipient of Mary Peters Trust Programme.

the Trust initiative, we aim to promote the link between what we eat and how we perform and the role that positive nutrition can play not just at a professional level but in all young people’s lives, inspiring the athlete in

everyone. ‘’We encourage schools and parents across Northern Ireland to get involved by signing up at www.marypeterstrust. org and click on the Trainers for the Trust button.’’

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Powering businesses in Northern Ireland across hospitality, retail, manufacturing and distribution For further information on our products and services please contact our Business Sales Support Team at 0800 056 9914 or visit electricireland.com/business

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20/09/2018 09:53

DRIVING AWAY PROFITS? ASK HOW STAR RENTALS CAN REDUCE YOUR DISTRIBUTION COSTS

DISTRIBUTION PROFILE

CUTTING THE COST OF DELIVERY IF YOU’RE OPERATING A BUSINESS WHICH RELIES ON A FLEET OF VEHICLES FOR DELIVERIES – WHETHER TRUCKS, VANS OR BOTH, ONE OF YOUR BIGGEST CONCERNS WILL BE RUNNING COSTS AND THE EVER INCREASING PRESSURE TO REDUCE THEM

A 7.2t Van, in either Panel Van, Box or Curtainside Body will have a substantially greater payload than a 7.5t truck and better MPG.

uel costs may fluctuate, but they’re on a trend which is always going to be upwards, not down. Vehicle costs are increasing as well, whether because of the weaker pound making imports more expensive or because ever tightening emissions and safety regulations make for more complex and more pricy purchases. Add in road tax, insurance and the cost of a qualified driver, and the overall Total Cost of Ownership (or TCO as it is known) can be substantial. There are many ways to reduce your TCO – these vary from route mapping software and telematics through to your choice of tyres and how your vehicles are utilised. Some of the most effective and immediate ways, however, are to look at your choice of vehicles and how you are funding them. Based in Mallusk and Portadown, Star Rentals is one of Northern Ireland’s largest and longest established commercial vehicle rental companies. Offering everything from the smallest car derived van through to the biggest tractor unit, Star Rentals can supply you 22

with the perfect vehicle for your business needs from as little as a one-day spot hire right through to long-term contract hire. Here’s some ways that Star can help you reduce your vehicle costs: THE RIGHT VEHICLE FOR THE RIGHT JOB Like many channels, food distribution has changed dramatically over the last number of years – this is for many reasons including supermarket home delivery to the customer, but also the move to hub and spoke distribution, for example for wholesale distribution to an ever increasing number of local shops. The commercial vehicle industry has recognised this shift and vehicles more suitable for current food distribution needs are available now. CHILL Refrigerated and freezer units are now available on even the smallest car derived van. Previously a solution in this vehicle sector was to chill with dry ice, but this year’s CO2 shortage and the resulting hike in dry ice prices has caused many

to re-evaluate the cost effectiveness and reliability of this chilling method when compared to a built in freezer unit. SIZE ISN’T EVERYTHING There will always be a market for rigid trucks in the 7.5t to 18t segment. However, with the launch of some larger vans such as the Iveco Daily 7.2t, distributors have a vehicle which is less expensive to buy, more fuel efficient, more ‘car like’ to drive. Most importantly, however, with a payload of up to 10 pallets and 3,400kg is almost as big as a 7.5t truck but can carry almost 1,000kg more. All of these factors will reduce your running costs. WHAT ABOUT A ‘FRENCH FANCY’? Vans in the 3.5t sector such as the Iveco Daily, Mercedes Sprinter and Volkswagen Crafter have long been the go-to choice in the courier and distribution sectors. These vehicles are tough as nails and, with truck like chassis and rear wheel drive, are well suited to heavy duty applications - but do you need them? For many, they are more robust that

TEL: 028 9083 2232

WWW.STAR-RENTALS.COM DISTRIBUTION PROFILE Front wheel drive, car derived vans are cheaper to buy (so cheaper to rent) and normally offer better MPG than their rear wheel drive, truck based competitors – if you don’t need a heavy duty van, they offer great value for money.

is needed for the user’s application. Citroen, Peugeot, Renault and Vauxhall are some of the manufacturers whose car derived front wheel drive vans are now much more common on the roads in NI. These front wheel drive vehicles are generally lighter than their rear wheel competitors making them less expensive to buy, more fuel efficient and with a slightly bigger payload than their RWD competition and just as practical for the needs of a food distributor. DITCH THE DIESEL Now more than ever, there is intense scrutiny over diesel as a fuel for commercial vehicles. Already costing more than petrol at the pumps, it’s likely that this price premium will be replicated when it comes to tax based on emissions. Many smaller vans run just as economically on petrol and most, if not all, manufacturers are developing alternative fuel commercial vehicles including hybrid, electric, natural gas and hydrogen as fuel sources Hydrogen and electric will certainly feature as fuels of the future, but natural gas is a technology which is already available and there are huge numbers of natural gas vehicles on the roads, especially around Europe. At present there is a premium to buy a gas-powered van or truck, but this is more than offset by a fuel price around 50% that of diesel – even better if you run a larger fleet as it can be very cost effective to install your own refuelling station. In addition, grants may be available to cover the cost of purchase in the first instance.

RENT, DON’T BUY Long-term rental, or contract hire, offers your business a fixed monthly cost alternative to purchasing. Based on the mileage you expect the vehicle to do, vehicles offered under contract hire are normally priced including your maintenance, tyre replacement, road fund license, breakdown cover and replacement vehicle. There are many benefits to contract hire over purchasing. • Minimal capital expenditure – you can contract hire a vehicle from Star Rentals with an initial payment from as little as the equivalent of one month’s rental. Hire purchase could require 10% of the value of the vehicle and the full vat amount • Fixed monthly rentals – fantastic for forecasting cash flow • Terms to suit you • No surprises – no worries about additional maintenance costs, low residuals or changes in taxation • No need to be vat registered, but if you are you can claim back up to 100% of the vat on the rental payments • Reduced vehicle administration – someone else worries about booking a service, paying for road tax etc • Covered all the time – if your vehicle breaks down, you’re supplied with a temporary replacement while yours is repaired • Flexibility – if you think that you’re going to require a higher mileage contract, Star Rentals can review and adjust your package during rather than at the end of the contract avoiding excess mileage fees • Discounted cash flow – hold

onto your money! If you don’t have to pay the full amount for your vehicle up front this cash saving could be put to good use elsewhere in your business or invested to add value • Guaranteed disposal – at the end of the contract term, hand the vehicle back – you don’t have the worry or the costs associated with selling it. You will have to put right any damage incurred under the contract over and above normal wear and tear but you would expect to so the same when selling to ensure you maximise your selling price Star Rentals can also supply trucks and vans on ‘spot’ or also known as short term hire. As well as offering a cost effective back up for when your normal fleet is off the road through damage or maintenance, spot hire can save you money by allowing you to ‘flex’ your fleet. Many businesses have extra demand at peak times such as Christmas. If you own the vehicles needed to cope with this extra demand, then you’re also paying for them whenever you don’t need them. Rental allows you to flex your fleet and only pay for vehicles when you need them, saving you money when you don’t. GET IN TOUCH We’d be delighted to discuss how we can help you reduce your vehicle costs – call us on 02890 832232, email enquiries@star-rentals.com or visit our website at www.star-rentals.com for more information.

Gas vehicles now offer similar performance to diesel. A price premium on the initial price is offset by substantially cheaper fuel and lower emissions.

MY LIFE IN THE GROCERY TRADE GARETH McANLIS, FRESH FOOD DEVELOPMENT MANAGER AT HENDERSON WHOLESALE

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? As fresh food sales continue to grow, and the way it is consumed continues to change in Northern Ireland, my role is to ensure own-brand products and local supplier partnerships are continuing to meet demand and continuing to be innovative and improved.

the product is safe, good value, easy to use, has a shelf life and looks/tastes amazing. Sampling (existing products and our development work) – someone has to do it! Shopping/meeting our suppliers – important to keep relevant with the changing world around us and keep up to date with what is working out there and why.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR BACKGROUND I have almost 20 years’ experience within the food industry, 10 of which were spent as a chocolate and sweet developer with Nestle, and I also spent eight years as a potato developer with McCain. WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? We have three main things to do as a team: 1.Check the quality of products delivered by our suppliers is what they promised to send us (it almost always is). 2. Check we are as good as, or ideally better than, our competition when tasting product blindly. 3. Work with our suppliers to develop new ranges – this involves me eating a lot! WHEN DID YOU TAKE UP THIS POST? July 2017 WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? The best has to be developing a new

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? It is happening right now. Relaunching our enjoy local range to include new products and branding, and extending The Kitchen range with an excellent range of new pizzas and desserts.

range of puddings! The worst is probably not having enough time to do all the things we want to do; we’re an innovative bunch but there are restrictions to everything and time can be ours. BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY Review (and add to) the to-do list first and foremost. Meet with project teams – launching new products is a team effort and is managed through a process to ensure

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? Whether on a kayak, dinghy or boat, I love being on the sea. So much scope for adventure. I have sailed all over the world, but the west coast of Scotland is my favourite place (when it isn’t raining). TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW In my early career, I managed to temporarily shut down a KitKat factory by blocking the main chocolate line. I was not popular. I also know how many layers are on the chocolate centre of Smarties and how long it takes to make a Rowntree’s Fruit Pastille (you would be surprised).

ADVERTORIAL

BPM IS UPPING THE TEMPO IN THE ENERGY CATEGORY WITH THE LAUNCH OF NEW BPM ZERO SUGAR ORANGE BPM ENERGY IS NOW READY TO MAKE ITS MARK WITHIN THE GROWING ZERO SUGAR ENERGY SEGMENT

aving launched in the Northern Ireland market in 2003, BPM Energy’s Focus and Hydrate variants have grown to become popular energy drinks in the market, each with a loyal following. Now introducing an exciting new flavour with BPM Zero Sugar Orange, BPM is set to capture the growth of the zero-sugar energy category, which grew by 37% across Northern Ireland in the last year. BPM Energy Focus holds the third spot in the impulse energy category across Northern Ireland, and delivers over £3m in value sales each year. This year alone, BPM has grown the energy category across the region, delivering growth of 8.5% and contributing to the overall category value growth of 7.9%. Building on this firm footing within the energy category, it will launch its first zero sugar variant in October 2018. BPM Zero Sugar will be available in a 500ml PET bottle, and will provide a crisp and refreshing taste with no sugar or calories, while continuing to give the refreshing energy consumers have come to expect from the BPM brand. Peter Hughes, energy marketing manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, said: “BPM Energy is a much-loved brand across Northern Ireland, and has held its place within the energy category for 15 years. “We’re delighted to now be able to grow the brand, with our new zero sugar innovation. BPM Zero Sugar Orange gives that unique BPM flavour and energy boost, but with no sugar or calories. I’m confident it will be a hit with our customers and consumers alike.” BPM’s first innovation in more than a decade will also benefit from continued marketing investment behind the brand. Following its acquisition by Monster Energy in 2017, BPM has enjoyed upweighted

“WE’RE DELIGHTED TO NOW BE ABLE TO GROW THE BRAND, WITH OUR NEW ZERO SUGAR INNOVATION. BPM ZERO SUGAR ORANGE GIVES THE UNIQUE BPM FLAVOUR AND ENERGY BOOST, BUT WITH NO SUGAR OR CALORIES.”

marketing activity with two national campaigns across the island. This support continues in 2018 with opportunities for consumers to win cool and current prizes including tickets to Defected Croatia, a Croatian electronic music festival, set on the idyllic shores of Tisno and a trip for two to Party in Ibiza in summer 2019.

Peter Hughes, energy marketing manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland

*Nielsen NI Value Sales MAT August 2018 25

ADVERTORIAL

WE LOVE LOCAL ROADTRIP

SUCH A FABULOUS DESIGN DESERVES A BIG LAUNCH SO WE’RE WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF GIANTS TO BRING THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY – OR A SMALLER VERSION - TO THE HEART OF BELFAST

e are celebrating 15 years of being a giant in Northern Ireland! We’re proud to hold the number one, two and three spots for top selling soft drinks in the country1 and recognise the huge role our customers have played in achieving this. To say thank you, we’re staging a whole host of events, for consumers and independent retailers alike, to celebrate this momentous milestone. To kick things off, our Boost Energy Sugar-Free SKU, priced at 49p per can, is getting dipped in a Northern Ireland inspired coat! We tasked students with a new can design competition, and we were blown away by the fantastic creations that flooded in. There could only be one winner. That was Heather Peddle, who created a brilliant Giant’s Causeway-inspired design that showcases

Boost’s standing as a giant among energy drinks, perfectly. Such a fabulous design deserves a big launch so we’re walking in the footsteps of giants to bring the Giant’s Causeway – or a smaller version - to the heart of Belfast. Alongside this installation, we’ll be giving away hundreds of free samples, giving people an opportunity to experience our great-tasting sugar-free Boost Energy drink in all its glory. As an independent company that supplies only to independent retailers, we wanted to show our appreciation for all your support and loyalty. So, we’d like to invite you to come to our demonstration day in Musgrave on October 18. We’ll be providing eye-catching PoS branding to help you attract customers to shelves and giving away a host of Boostbranded goodies, including beanie hats

and keyrings. We’re also running a competition to give away a case of our special edition cans to 15 lucky retailers. To be in with a chance, send us a postcard with your name, contact number, email and store address to Boost Drinks, 1270 Century Way, Thorpe Park, Leeds, LS15 8ZB, before October 31. For all terms and conditions, please visit: www.boostdrinks.com/trade. That’s not all! As an independent business, we understand the challenges that independent retailers face and know it’s difficult to get out of your stores. So, over the course of of November 1-2, we’re coming to you! We’ll be hopping on Boost’s very own We Love Local tour bus and winding through the streets of Northern Ireland, to deliver prizes and parties to selected retailers. As part of this, retailers we visit will take part in a quiz where there is free stock and branded merchandise for every right answer. To heighten your chances, make sure you’re swotting up on these brilliant facts about Boost: • Boost is number one, two and three top-selling soft drink in the NI independent sector with Original, Red Berry and Sugar Free energy 250ml cans. • Boost is celebrating 15 years in the Northern Ireland market. • The Boost We Love Local ethos means that we love doing business with independent local retailers and don’t supply to major supermarket chains. • Boost has five energy flavours – Citrus Zing, Exotic Fruits, Red Berry, Original, Original Sugar Free and Punch Power. • Boost Energy was established in 2001. • The founder of Boost is MD Simon Gray. All participants will then be entered into a draw to win the ultimate prize- a trip for two to the Giant’s Causeway! As we tour around, one thing is guaranteed, we won’t be coming quietly. We want to shout to the whole country that we love our local retailers and cannot thank them enough for the last 15 years. Here’s to the next 15, Northern Ireland!

1 IRI Marketplace Data Symbols and Independents 52 weeks unit sales to 12th August 2018

ADVERTORIAL

PRIORY PRESS LAUNCHES COMPLETELY COMPOSTABLE FOOD TO GO PACKAGING RANGE

BIG NIGHT IN

SCHWEPPES, IRELAND’S NUMBER ONE MIXER, EXPANDS ITS POPULAR ELDERFLOWER TONIC RANGE WITH NEW 1 LITRE PACK GROWING AT 222%, ELDERFLOWER IS THE FASTEST GROWING FLAVOURED TONIC, OUTPERFORMING IN THE MARKET AND DRIVING GROWTH WITHIN THE MIXERS CATEGORY

018 has been an exciting year for Schweppes, with the introduction of an elegant new glass bottle and an extended range of naturalflavoured variants, including the popular new slimline Elderflower tonic. These developments were supported with an upweighted above-the-line campaign to capture the hearts and minds of loyal brand followers while appealing to new recruits. The mixers category is now valued at €12.5m in across the island of Ireland1 and, as the number one mixer, Schweppes consists of 57% of the market2. Therefore the leading brand is primed to capture the 27.5% growth in the category, thanks to continued investment and innovation across the range. Appealing to its 25-49 year-old demographic, the new Schweppes Elderflower slimline tonic has gone from strength to strength since launching in the on-trade with a 200ml glass pack, and in the grocery channel earlier this year with a 4 x 200ml glass pack. The popular flavour added incremental value to the category after just two months in trade, achieving a distribution of 39% in supermarkets across the island of Ireland. While the legendary Schweppes tonic remains the signature taste of the brand with its delicate balance of bitterness, acidity and citric sweetness, the Elderflower variant now offers a lighter tonic, containing no sugar or calories but with a sweet and refreshing natural flavour. Overall, as a flavour, Elderflower is growing at a whopping 222%, worth 8% to the overall mixers category and is valued at €1.5m3. Schweppes will continue to capture this growth for its retailers with the introduction of a new 1 litre Elderflower PET pack in the grocery channel, offering more choice for shoppers looking for mixability options at home. The 1 litre pack is already a popular option for shoppers across the core range, with Schweppes 1

litre growing 15.3% in value and 11.3% in volume across the island of Ireland4. Gerry O’Callaghan, key account director, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland & Northern Ireland, said: “With the rise of premium spirits, and the continued growth of the mixers category, the nation’s favoured tonic range Schweppes is primed to deliver incremental revenue for our customers. “Following its recent brand revamp which saw the introduction of a slick new look and feel, Schweppes is focused on expanding its flavour range and pack offerings to respond to shopper needs. “Elderflower in particular has proven its value within the market, as the fastest growing flavour in mixers, so we’re really excited to continue to expand the reach and pack options with the new 1 litre Schweppes Elderflower pack. “The remainder of 2018 will continue to see a focus behind the entire range, with activation plans including exciting value-added promotions with cocktail kits, botanical kits, balloon glasses and more to give away in-store.” Schweppes Elderflower, as an extension to the overall range, will be supported through the overarching Schweppes campaign plans to include point-of-sale communication including a Christmas burst, digital e-retailing and value-added promotional activity. In-store activity has included opportunities to win a Build your own Schweppes cocktail kit, a free ‘chweppes balloon glass, in addition to coasters and bottle openers. In the grocery channel, the Schweppes range is available in Tonic, Slimline Tonic, Ginger Ale, Bitter Lemon and Elderflower across 1 litre, 12 x 150ml, and 4 x 200ml packs. 1

N P

Nielsen IOI value MAT NOV 17* Nielsen Value Sales Total NARTD in IOI MAT April 2018* 3 Nielsen Value Sales Total NARTD in IOI MAT April 2018* 4 Ibid

For more information, contact your local Coca-Cola HBC representative or call the customer careline on 028 9262 0520.

“WITH THE RISE OF PREMIUM SPIRITS, AND THE CONTINUED GROWTH OF THE MIXERS CATEGORY, THE NATION’S FAVOURED TONIC RANGE SCHWEPPES IS PRIMED TO DELIVER INCREMENTAL REVENUE FOR OUR CUSTOMERS.” Gerry O’Callaghan, key account director, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland & Northern

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ENJOY A BIG NIGHT IN WITH PREP HOUSE & BELL’S SUPERVALU CROSSGAR The popularity of Prep House’s award winning sauces continues to cause a stir in stores all across Northern Ireland. It seems that their convenient and delicious sauces go hand in hand with the recent trend of people favouring a ‘big night in’ over a night on the town.

One supermarket that caters for these consumers is Bell’s Supervalu in Crossgar. Bell’s customers desire products that are local, convenient and compliment one another. In January 2016, Bell’s Supervalu took the opportunity to add Prep House’s core range to their shelves. For them, the cooked chilled sauces offered added value to their grab and go model, as people could quickly pick up their GB chicken fillets, Prep House Chinese Curry and their beers - perfect for a big night in!

“OUR BUSINESS MODEL IS ALL ABOUT PROVIDING LOCAL PEOPLE WITH PRODUCTS THAT COMPLIMENT ONE ANOTHER. PREP HOUSE CERTAINLY COMPLIMENTS OUR PRODUCTS AND DEMOGRAPHIC AS OUR SALES HAVE INCREASED BY 29% FROM LAST YEAR.” Darren Fitzpatrick - Store Manager at Bell’s Supervalu Crossgar To support their listings, Prep House teamed up with Carrot Promotions to carry out sampling activities in 40 stores across Northern Ireland and ROI. This activity created a buzz in stores and dramatically increased the sales of Prep House on the day of sampling.

“DURING THE SAMPLING, ALL OF THE SAUCES WENT DOWN A TREAT! SO MUCH SO, THAT ON THE FIRST DAY OF TASTING THE STORE RAN OUT OF STOCK. AFTER THIS, WE QUICKLY LEARNED TO INCREASE THE STOCK!”

The in store praise wasn’t the only positive feedback the brand received. Earlier this year, Prep House conducted independent market research with University of Ulster Jordanstown. The research compared the taste of Prep House’s core range to their nearest competitors in the market. Prep House prevailed with 86% of respondents preferring the taste of their Chinese Curry Sauce. You can see the rest of the results in the infographic below. Prep House have been awarded two Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards and are finalists for the award again this year. They have also won 2 Great Taste Awards and been shortlisted for the Q Awards. With over 500 hundred retailers across Northern Ireland and an exciting state of the art NPD kitchen, Prep House really are the home of hardworking flavour. Bring flavour home for a big night in with Prep House.

Barbara Lamb - Carrot Promotions

86%

80%

PREFERRED PREP HOUSE CHINESE CURRY SAUCE VS NEAREST LOCAL COMPETITOR*

PREFERRED PREP HOUSE CREAMY BLACK PEPPER SAUCE VS NEAREST LOCAL COMPETITOR*

65%

35%

THE FAMILY SIZED ROAST CHICKEN GRAVY TUBS WERE PREFERRED OVER SMALLER TUBS*

*statistics based on independent research conducted by University of Ulster FACTs June 2018

Prephouse, Crossgar Co. Down For more information contact: 028 (048) 44 831 837

PREPHOUSE.CO.UK

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE FOOD PRODUCTION have on farming in Northern Ireland. The UFU president was in Westminster last month, along with the other UK farming union leaders, and met with Secretary of State Michael Gove, MPs and representatives from the House of Lords Ivor Ferguson (right), president of UFU, was in London last week showcasing the best to discuss the UK’s of Northern Ireland’s produce as part of Back British Farming day. Brexit plans. lster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has He said the meetings were constructive welcomed publication of the UK and the message from farmers was clear Agriculture Bill last month as a significant – supporting sustainable and profitable step in the UK’s Brexit process and crucial food production must underpin the UK’s in determining the industry’s future postfuture agriculture policy. Brexit. UFU President Ivor Ferguson said “The UK cannot afford to be UFU would be examining the document complacent when it comes to food closely, in particular what impact it may security,” said Ferguson. “We are

ABP RAISES £10,000 FOR UFU CENTENARY CHARITY APPEAL U lster Farmers’ Union has thanked ABP for its support for the UFU’s centenary Air Ambulance charity appeal. In June, the beef and lamb processor held a Summer Steak BBQ for farmer suppliers in Armagh City Hotel, raising a total of £10,000 for Air Ambulance NI. “Thanks to ABP and those that attended the BBQ for their generosity and support; we are that much closer to hitting our ambitious target of raising £100,000 for Air Ambulance Northern Ireland,” said Ivor Ferguson, UFU

From left, George Mullan, managing director ABP Northern Ireland; Emma Boylan, paramedic, and Dr Sinead CampbellGray, HEMS; Richard Steele, pilot; and Ivor Ferguson, UFU president.

president. “The Air Ambulance provides a vital service to the rural community.” George Mullan, managing director of ABP in Northern Ireland, said the company was very pleased to be able to lend its support to the UFU Centenary Appeal and congratulated UFU on their success to date. “I would like to thank everyone who supported our Summer BBQ and helped raise funds for our two nominated charities, Air Ambulance NI and Cash for Kids NI,” he said.

world leading in our food production standards, both in terms of animal health and welfare and the environment. Farmers across the UK strive daily to produce the high quality, safe, delicious, and affordable food consumers expect to see on supermarket shelves. The UK must continue to ensure farmers are supported in a way to allow this to continue.” Ferguson said publication of the Bill further reinforces the importance of having a devolved government.

UNION WARNING AS MERCOSUR TALKS RESUME UFU Beef and Lamb Chairman Sam Chesney says the European Commission President Jean Claude Juncker and Farm Commissioner Phil Hogan must ensure there is no Mercosur deal on beef while Brexit remains unresolved. The comment came as Commission officials held talks in Uruguay with their counterparts from South American countries in Mercosur. “Farmers in Northern Ireland work hard to maintain world-leading production standards,” said Chesney. “These reflect consumer concerns about animal welfare, food safety and the environment. Local farmers have invested to make sure they deliver what consumers want and this cannot be ignored or set to one side by Brussels.” He added that these standards do not apply in South America, warning that the big players there, led by Brazil, would use the weakness of their national currencies to mount an export drive into Europe.

UFU CONCERNED OVER RHI SCHEME CHANGES UFU Deputy President Victor Chestnutt says the union has major concerns about key parts of the consultation on the future of the RHI scheme and the impact which the continuing political impasse at Stormont will have on taking critical related decisions. The UFU deputy president was commenting after the UFU submitted its response to the DfE’s current RHI scheme consultation. “We want to revert to the tariff structure under the original 2012 Regulations,” he said. “This is the only acceptable option for our members.”

MARKETING NEWS

SHEEP INDUSTRY WELCOMES SUCCESS OF LOVE LAMB WEEK A

packed week full of promotional work, from live cookery demonstrations to sampling sessions in Asda Antrim, Tesco Newtownbreda and at Belfast City Hall, was held last month for Love Lamb Week. Also supported by engaging and informative content on social media, the event has been deemed a great success by the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) and Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU). The week was aimed at encouraging the general public to rediscover their love for lamb, and purchase more Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQA) lamb. “Our mission was to show consumers how versatile, tasty and easy NIFQA lamb is to cook with,” said Cherrie Kenny, education services manager at LMC. “Furthermore, we wanted to educate consumers about what they should be looking for when purchasing lamb and

Food demonstrator Liz Brown is pictured with UFU and LMC representatives promoting Love Lamb Week 2018.

to encourage them to support our local farmers. “It was encouraging to see this high level of engagement with both LMC and the local farmers that were representing UFU and present on all three days of demonstrations. There was plenty of discussion and we were delighted to see consumers going straight to the lamb

section of the meat aisle afterwards. “It’s vitally important that consumers support our high quality NIFQA produce, especially with the uncertainty of Brexit just over the horizon. We have quality produce on our doorstep and LMC will continue to encourage everyone to support our sheep industry going forward.”

RED TRACTOR EMBARKS MCCOY’S CHIPS RETURN TO TV FOR A SECOND TIME THIS YEAR ON NEW CAMPAIGN

FU says a new million-pound TV advertising campaign launched by Red Tractor will help to give a welcome boost to the profile of the quality assurance scheme and the farmers behind it. “The majority of farmers in Northern Ireland are involved in the Red Tractor scheme and they are adhering to some of the highest food production standards in the world, including animal health and welfare and environmental,” said Ivor Ferguson, president of UFU. “With Brexit on the horizon, it is more important now that ever, we help consumers understand that the food we produce is safe, traceable, and farmed with care.” The first Red Tractor commercial aired on September 12 on ITV during an episode of Emmerdale. The animated adverts, designed to be fun and informative, will run for eight weeks on TV and digital channels. “Research shows that shoppers are twice as likely to buy Red Tractor labelled produce when they understand what the label stands for,” said Ferguson. “Red Tractor’s new campaign will help to boost this understanding and I would encourage people to look out for this label when shopping. In addition to the advertising campaign, Red Tractor has also announced it is planning to expand the scheme and introduce modules that specifically cover areas reflecting consumer demand such as organic, animal welfare focused or environmental enhanced. It also announced plans to strengthen farm inspections.

cCoy’s Chips has returned to TV screens with its popular When Flavour Calls advert, following the campaign’s successful airing earlier this year, which contributed to MAT growth of +55.8% for the brand. The advert, which ran up to September 16, reminded consumers of McCoy’s Chips unique snacking experience with a familiar chip shop chip taste in a convenient bag of crisps. The 20-second advert is set in a traditional fish and chip shop on a sunny Brighton seafront, in which the protagonist Sarah receives a mysterious phone call from Flavour. As she picks up the famous golden receiver and tries the irresistible full-on flavour of McCoy’s Chips, she soon realises the ominous eyeballing seagulls are after them in force. Led by the insight that flavour is the number one purchase driver for 51% of snackers, and capitalising on the nation’s love of fish & chip shops, McCoy’s Chips was the second largest NPD in the CSN market in 2017 and is currently worth £9.1m, with one pack sold every five seconds. “McCoys is one of our most successful brands and continues to drive growth in our portfolio and the wider category,” said Daniel Winslet, marketing controller at KP Snacks. “This second campaign for McCoy’s Chips this year will give the product a second burst of awareness, supporting retailers to capitalise on the nation’s love for the chip shop experience within a flavour packed crisp.”

EXPORT NEWS

CLOUD CORN TAKES TO THE SKIES

assengers on Air Tahiti Nui flights to and from the exotic islands of French Polynesia are now enjoying artisan popcorn from Belfast. Food NI member Cloud Corn, based in east Belfast, has begun supplying the airline serving international centres as well as hundreds of islands with its increasingly popular range of hand blended popcorn snacks. Based at Papeete, the Tahitian capital, Air Tahiti Nui’s network includes the US, France, Japan and New Zealand, as well as tourist islands in the south Pacific such as Bora Bora and the Cook Islands. The contract followed the Belfast artisan company’s recent participation in a major food trade show in Hamburg. The popcorn range was launched in March by Michael Heaslip, founder and managing director of Food Stories, which provides marketing and

From left, Jonny Murphy, local accounts manager, Elizabeth Curdy, operations manager, and Michael Heaslip, managing director, Cloud Corn.

distribution services to smaller food companies in Northern Ireland. “The growth of popcorn in the UK has been phenomenal over the past five years,” said Heaslip. “We saw an opportunity in the local market, and also outside the UK and Ireland, and decided to develop a range that

AUNT SANDRA’S TARGETS ROI MARKET WITH £300,000 INVESTMENT

ast Belfast sweet-maker and chocolatier Aunt Sandra’s has invested over £300,000 in the purchase and renovation of a new purpose-built production facility and shop, with support from Ulster Bank. The investment is From left, Jim Moore from Aunt transforming five previously Sandra’s and Keith Thompson derelict business units on the from Ulster Bank. Castlereagh Road in Belfast, while adding six jobs across retail, supervisory and skilled confectionery production roles to the 10 already employed by the business. Established in 1953, Aunt Sandra’s supplies a range of sweets, chocolate and other confectionery products to both consumers and trade customers. The business is part-owned by brothers David and Jim Moore with support from Jim’s son, General Manager Michael Moore. The expansion facilitates a strategy to enter the RoI market, increasing production capacity to meet growing demand for handmade confectionery, and includes four new boilers and a dedicated area to produce honeycomb; currently popular in gin-based drinks. The new premises also include a modern shop front, coffee house and private hire area for functions, corporate events and shows. 36

combines established and unique savoury flavours such as our Sweet Chilli BBQ popcorn.” The company, which has already signed up for the SIAL food expo in Paris in October, has also won business with retailers in Canada, France, and Spain.

REFRIGERATION RENTAL COMPANY EXTENDS RFID SYSTEM OVERSEAS

leading supplier of rented fridges, freezers and catering equipment is extending its use of RFID tracking to its Far East and Gulf operations after successfully deploying the technology in Europe. Lowe Rental has saved weeks of staff time, and achieved an almost 100% accuracy rate, since installing the system from CoreRFID two years ago at its headquarters in Northern Ireland and its operations in England, Scotland and Germany. Lowe rents out over 20,000 items worldwide including fridges, freezers, catering equipment and temporary kitchens and supplies high-profile events from Royal Ascot to the Singapore Grand Prix, the world’s largest food and beverage exhibitions and some of the biggest retail stores worldwide. Previously each item entering or leaving the warehouse was identified by a six-digit code, which had to be manually recorded by staff using a paper-based system. Now the codes have been replaced by RFID tags, which are detected automatically by RFID readers at the exits and the information downloaded to the database. The new system enables instantaneous reporting and has virtually eradicated human error. Audits which took one week under the old manual system can now be completed in under half a day, using a mobile phone reader app which can monitor the tags from up to 2m away. Lowe is now working with CoreRFID to extend the system to its warehouses in Hong Kong, Singapore, Shanghai and Dubai.

BUSINESS NEWS

FOOD & DRINK RECRUITMENT SEMINAR SET FOR OCTOBER 17 From left, Harry Hamilton, project facilitator, Harvesting Tomorrow’s Skills; Jordan Buchanan, Economic Policy Centre, Ulster University; and Tina McKenzie, CEO, Grafton Recruitment.

ith the number of job vacancies across NI’s food and drink industry estimated to total 800 by the end of the year, and the sector’s growth outpacing the number of applications, the industry faces a potential resource issue which could hamper its future growth. To address the problem, the Harvesting Tomorrow’s Skills (HTS) network is offering the industry’s HR directors and senior

business leaders the chance to participate in a seminar which will challenge perceptions and highlight ways to attract new talent to the sector. Taking place on October 17 in the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Craigavon, the half-day PR of HR event is open to all those involved in the recruitment, training and management of talent for local food and drink businesses. Delivered in partnership with Grafton Recruitment, the seminar will address key issues such as a changing labour market, growing staff opportunities, a skills deficit and the overall appeal of the industry to young people and jobseekers. “A well-trained skills pipeline is critical to the future success of all businesses, and none more so than those representing NI’s food and drink sector,” said Harry Hamilton, project facilitator of HTS. “To ensure a strong talent pool, we must dispel the myths and promote the benefits of the sector and the positive career opportunities it presents. This starts at school-age and extends to those already working in the sector who can be upskilled and retrained, adding more value through career progression.” Speakers include Andy Jarvis, Eximo Marketing; Jordan Buchanan, economist, Ulster University; and Sharron Russell, director for Work & Wellbeing in the Department for Communities.

ELECTRIC IRELAND JOINS PROPERTY AWARDS AS HEADLINE SPONSOR

lectric Ireland has joined the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards 2018 as the main sponsor of the event, which is open for entries until October 10. Three new categories have been added, to total 14 awards covering every aspect of the evolving property industry. “We are delighted to partner with the Belfast Telegraph in the 2018 Property Awards,” said Clare McAllister, sales and marketing manager for Electric Ireland. “Since we entered the residential energy market in late 2015, more than 80,000 households have chosen to switch their electricity to Electric Ireland. “This is down to our Smarter Living promise to make life better by offering simple, value-driven energy solutions and to our passionate, on-the-ground team who offer dedicated customer service to our growing customer base.” The awards, in partnership with Electric Ireland, offer a chance for agencies, developers, architects, designers and contractors to showcase their outstanding work at a glittering ceremony to be held on November 16 in the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Belfast.

From left, Clare McAllister, sales and marketing manager of Electric Ireland; Professor Alastair Adair, deputy vice chancellor, Ulster University; and Gail Walker, editor of the Belfast Telegraph.

Deputy Vice Chancellor Professor Alastair Adair. The closing date for entries is Wednesday, October 10 at 12 noon. Full details of categories and how to enter can be found at belfasttelegraph.co.uk/ property awards.

GENESIS CRAFTY RECRUITING UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP

A two-course lunch followed by entertainment will be hosted by TV personality Pamela Ballantine. A judging panel drawn from leading professional bodies within the industry will again be chaired by Ulster University

enesis Crafty embarked on a recruitment drive last month, less than a fortnight after it was rescued out of administration, offering around 40 full- and parttime positions. “We have a wide range of posts from full-time permanent jobs, to part-time temporary posts which might suit students or those just looking for some extra money in the run up to Christmas,” said Grace Cahoon, human resources manager at Genesis Crafty. The bakery currently employs more than 260 people, and was taken over by local businessman Paul Allen after entering administration on August 21.

APPOINTMENTS

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE... IN ASSOCIATION WITH...

Laura Stefan

TWO TRUSTEES APPOINTED AT GROCERYAID G

roceryAid has announced that two leading industry figures have been appointed to the Board of Trustees. Louise Stigant replaces Mike Taylor, having taken over the reins as MD of Mondelz in June 2018. “The importance of GroceryAid’s work has never been so apparent as our industry deals with mounting pressures and even finer margins,” said Stigant. “I’m looking forward to helping the charity support even more current and former colleagues across the UK in addition to raising awareness of the great work they do.” Helen Murray joined Wm Morrison Supermarkets in 2013, where she is currently special projects lawyer. She said:

“GroceryAid makes a critical difference to the lives of so many colleagues each year, and its work is now more important than ever. It’s a privilege to be able to use my legal skills and expertise in this way, and I look forward to making a positive contribution to the continued success of the charity.” Ruston Smith, chair of GroceryAid Trustees, said: “We are delighted to have Louise and Helen further strengthen our Board of Trustees. Their experience and knowledge will give further insight into the industry and I’m sure they will make a very valuable contribution to our longterm strategy of helping more colleagues in need.”

MOUNT CHARLES APPOINTS OPERATIONS AND DEVELOPMENT MANAGER

aura Stefan has been appointed Ireland operations and development manager at Mount Charles. She will be responsible for managing contracts across the company’s catering, cleaning and general facilities management portfolio in the Republic of Ireland. With 20 years’ experience in the facilities sector, Stefan has managed contracts in high profile environments including hospitals, banks and utilities companies.

Helen Murray

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

Louise Stigant

SHELFLIFE

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

OLIVE BRAND CRESPO UNVEILS NEW LOOK

ine food distributor RH Amar has unveiled a new look for Crespo, the UK’s best-selling brand of olives, in a bid to accelerate value growth in the £35m ambient olives category. Despite sales of ambient olives rising in value by +2.6%, and in volume by +2.8%, there is more headroom for growth, says Sam Higgins, senior brand manager for Crespo at RH Amar. Now Crespo is aiming to shake up the fixture and grow the branded opportunity with an eye-catching packaging refresh and round of foodie-inspired marketing support. “Our research shows that shoppers are

screaming out for more excitement from the ambient olives fixture,” says Higgins. “In particular, they told us that they often found the fixture dull and uninspiring, largely because of the proliferation of own label products, which currently accounts for more than two thirds of all sales.

CLOUGHBANE EXPANDS INTO KIDS’ MEALS F

ollowing an investment of over £200,000, Tyrone-based Cloughbane Farm has launched a new range of Lorna Robinson, convenience meals managing director for the children’s of Cloughbane Farm, enlists her grandchildren market. to launch Cloughbane Cloughbane Little Farm. Little Farm is a selection of healthy and convenient ready meals, created for children aged 1–6 years. Made from quality, locally sourced ingredients, the new range is cooked on the Robinson family farm, just outside Dungannon. The products have already secured listings to the value of £750,000 with retailers including Aldi, Henderson Group and Musgrave, with several others to be announced soon. Having been in development for three years, the launch of Cloughbane Little Farm is another significant development for the family business which now employs 50 people, having experienced 25% revenue growth since 2013. “When our own family grew, and my grandchildren were born, I was reminded of how difficult it can be for busy families to find tasty, nutritious and quick meal options for children,” said Lorna Robinson, managing director of Cloughbane Farm. “And so, with the same passion for quality and taste that goes into all our products, we started to develop Cloughbane Little Farm. “The meals have been rigorously tested throughout the development process and we are delighted with the result. Independent sensory analysis carried out at CAFRE compared Cloughbane Little Farm products to other children’s meals and the results show that panellists preferred the taste, appearance and texture of our range in every instance.”

“As a result, we are aiming to shake up the status quo by giving Crespo – the UK’s best-selling brand of ambient olives with a 14.3% share of all sales, and a 50% share of all branded sales – a major packaging overhaul to create some much-needed vibrancy and excitement at the point of purchase where shoppers often make their decision as to which products to buy.” The brand refresh will be backed by a comprehensive round of marketing support, including extensive sampling, social and digital recipe inspiration and competitions, as well as online and print advertising, and editorial partnerships with leading foodie media. IRI Total Market, 52 w/e 26/05/18.

NEW KINGSMILL 50/50 VITAMIN BOOST LAUNCHED

ingsmill 50/50 Vitamin Boost, an innovative new loaf, offers the great taste of Kingsmill 50/50 that consumers know and love with a boost of vitamins and minerals, according to Allied Bakeries. It contains iron and vitamin B6, which contribute to the normal function of the immune system, calcium and vitamin D for healthy teeth and bones, and niacin and vitamin B1 for energy release. Just two slices of Kingsmill 50/50 Vitamin Boost provide 30% of the reference intake of iron, vitamin B6, thiamin, niacin and vitamin D and 38% of the reference intake for calcium2 and folic acid. “Health is a key driver of grocery innovation and Kingsmill 50/50 Vitamin Boost is a significant innovation in the bread category which needs to keep meeting ever-changing population and household needs,” said Matthew Cullum, head of Marketing at Kingsmill. “Kingsmill 50/50 is already associated with health and Kingsmill 50/50 Vitamin Boost helps families up their daily vitamin and mineral intake while giving retailers the chance to leverage health benefits to drive category growth.” 39

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IN THE HOT SEAT TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m a professional chef for over 17 years, founder and managing director of Erne Larder, my preserve company in Enniskillen. I hand-make each and every single batch of our jams, chutneys and sauces. We create the only bacon jam made in Northern Ireland and the only bacon ketchup made in Ireland. My busy day-to-day routine takes up most of my time, but I love everything martial arts especially mixed martial arts.

IN THE HOT SEAT DECLAN O’DONOGHUE, MANAGING DIRECTOR, ERNE LARDER PRESERVES

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/AMBITIONS? I have everything I could ask for personally; an amazing wife who I’ve been with for over 16 years, two beautiful healthy kids and a great family. For my business. I want to continue to grow it through the whole of Ireland, which we have kind of achieved through the Lidl Kickstart. I have a distributor in England ready to take our products. Long term, I’d love to see our Irish Bacon Jam in the US, Australia, Europe and even on major airlines in miniature jars.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? About 16 hours of non-stop work, production, distribution and admin, phone calls and emails, I also try to make as much free time as I can to spend with my wife and two young kids. It’s a lot to juggle, believe me. WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Without a doubt getting shortlisted for this year’s Lidl Ireland Kickstart programme. For a small company like mine, it was an amazing achievement to have our product on the shelf of every Lidl store in Ireland.

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? My parents instilled that work ethic in me from a very young age, whether they know it or not. I watched them both work two to three jobs so my brother, sister and I could have what we needed. My dad was a fire fighter for over 25 years; the sacrifice he gave to his job was something I admired and something I can relate to as a chef. It was difficult to watch them both work so hard but now, as an adult, I understand why.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? There’s a lot of things I enjoy about it, from creating our hand-made preserves, to delivering them to our retail shops and building relationships with store owners/ managers and staff. I especially enjoy attending markets and food festivals, speaking to the public and seeing them enjoying our produce and, of course, then getting the sale, that’s what it all leads to in the end. WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? Hand making everything in small batches. We are growing at a fast rate and it’s quite difficult to keep on top of it all, then package it and deliver to shops and attend our weekly festivals, then being a good husband and father – it’s like being Clark Kent and Superman at the same time. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Hard work pays off. I was taught to work hard, being a chef from the age of 16, in a gruelling industry, working very long and unsociable hours, sacrificing time away from my family, friends and then girlfriend, now wife. I’ve learned the value of hard work. 42

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? I don’t really have a lot, but my biggest gripe is people who think it’s all about them. Thankfully there aren’t a lot around but they’re pretty easy to spot. It’s nice to be important but more important to be nice. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I’d love to be able to jive properly, you know the kind you see your mum and dad doing on holiday or at weddings. I know my good wife would love that for sure.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? On the sofa with my wife with a cup of tea on a Sunday night after a busy week. I love the north coast, and we spent a lot of time in the Coleraine/ Portstewart area when my wife was at university. It’s such a beautiful part of the country. Also, I think we are blessed and sometimes take for granted how beautiful Fermanagh actually is. Home sweet home. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? I have to say I’m a sucker for cheese, good old stinky cheese too, with some crackers, grapes and bacon jam, nothing else is better. HOW DO YOU RELAX? What’s that? Occasionally, we might get to a spa day for a massage and a bit of relaxation. Yes, even macho and stubborn chefs enjoy a spa day!