EXTRA THICK PERFECT FOR TOASTING 2022SEPTEMBER
•2023.Reforming the UK-wide business rates system to ensure online and out-of-town businesses are paying the same rate as high street businesses.
GROCERULSTER 50 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry TM NO.1 MAGAZINE FOR THE LOCAL GROCERY SECTOR 2022SEPTEMBER STORE FOCUS: KILKEEL BUTCHER’S SHOP, DELI, BAKERY, STEAK HOUSE, COCKTAIL BAR & REGIONAL RETAIL SUPPLIER CUNNINGHAM’S BUTCHERS HAS GROWN ITS SALES BY 1000% IN 12 YEARS GREAT TASTE AWARDS 2022: PRODUCTS FROM BALLYLISK, BARONSCOURT, CORNDALE & MORELLI’S HAVE RECEIVED THE COVETED THREE STARS & WILL COMPETE FOR THE NI GOLDEN FORK FOCUS ON PACKAGING & RECYCLING: A ROUNDUP OF SECTOR INNOVATION FEATURING ABBEY LABEL SYSTEMS, DC PACKAGING TAPES, GRADEALL INTERNATIONAL & PRINT LIBRARY GO FETCH: ONE YEAR AFTER ITS LAUNCH BY RNN COMMUNICATIONS, FETCH IRELAND IS THE FASTEST GROWING MICRO-INFLUENCER PLATFORM IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND IRELAND 8-9 15-20 27-31 BUSINESS SECTOR LAUNCHES ACTION PLAN ADDRESSING COST-OF-LIVING CRISIS Reduced VAT, a further business rates holiday and establishment of a rural town and village infrastructure investment fund are among proposals published by local trade groups to address the impact of the cost-of-living crisis on the business sector.
‘Fears that many will simply go under in the next months without government assistance are keenly felt and we cannot continue on this path of destruction any longer.‘We are pushing customers away due to having to raise prices to keep pace with these rising costs, which is therefore having a detrimental impact on trade and consumer‘Interventionconfidence.isrequired by the UK government, as well as the limited powers of NI Executive ministers, to stave off the worst of this crisis on business owners and provide tangible support and resources that could keep trade viable. ‘We call on both governments to consider our proposals and engage with the business community on how best to implement urgent actions that can alleviate these crippling pressures.’
• Restoring the business rates holiday introduced in the pandemic, which concluded in July 2022, to run until April
‘For too long this issue has been dominated by inflexibility and intransigence but Northern Ireland is now facing into the most difficult of winters,’ reads a statement by the Group. ‘It is our view that the scale of the current economic challenge is such that it demands a swift resolution to the impasse.’
Lack of progress around Northern Ireland Protocol negotiations could potentially magnify the impact of the cost-of-living crisis, according to the NI Business Brexit Working Group. Comprised of 14 trade bodiesincluding the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association, Ulster Farmers’ Union, Dairy Council, Logistics UK, Manufacturing NI, NI Grain Trade Association and NI Meat Exporters Association - the Group is urging the UK and EU to get negotiations, stalled since February, back on track.
• Removing VAT from energy bills to reduce energy costs.
• Northern Ireland Executive to establish a Rural Town and Village Infrastructure Investment Fund to ensure small and midsized towns and villages are supported during the economic crisis.
• Support from the UK government for devolved nations to reduce business rates by providing increased financial support through block grants.
24-25
Actions outlined in the plan include:
In a joint statement, leaders of the 15 business organisations publishing the plan said: ‘We are at a critical juncture as a perfect storm of factors is causing devastation for the retail and hospitality sectors and could see thousands of businesses threatened over the next months if no action is taken. ‘Out of control energy bill increases, labour shortages, inflation, National Insurance increases and sky-high business rates – the highest in the UK – are risking the business climate of Northern Ireland.
• Reinstating the reduced hospitality VAT rate applied during the pandemic to support businesses relying on discretionary income and tourism spend.
FEARS INFLATIONARYWILLPROCRASTINATIONPROTOCOLEXACERBATEWOES
The action plan, Perfect Storm - The Cost of Doing Business, was published on August 23 by Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster, NI Takeaway Association and 12 chambers of commerce across Northern Ireland, after Consumer Price Inflation reached a 40-year high of 10.1%.
• Reducing VAT to 17%.
Meanwhile, the NI Business Brexit Working Group - a consortium of 14 trade bodies, the majority of which are involved in food production, manufacture, retailing and logistics –is flagging up the stalled NI Protocol negotiations as likely to magnify the impact of the cost-of-living crisis.
The Group is calling for an urgent resumption of Protocol negotiations between the UK and EU with a focus on removing unnecessary costs and barriers from GB-NI supply chains. It dismisses the NI Protocol Bill as likely to ‘create a myriad of reputational, legal and commercial risks for many of our businesses’.Whilewe have all heard the warnings of difficult times ahead, consumer affairs commentator Martin Lewis’ impassioned plea for government action ahead of “catastrophic” energy price rises is bringing home the imminence of the threat.Time for local and national government to shake off their various forms of stasis and take urgent action to avert an economic and health crisis.
This year’s contenders are Ballylisk of Armagh Single Rose Brie cheese, Baronscourt Estate Wild Sika Venison Loin, Corndale Chorizo Picante and Morelli’s Raspberry Sorbet. Local producers have also been shortlisted in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, to be announced in September, and at the Blas na hEireann Irish National Food Awards and Great British Food Awards, both in October.
The latest grocery market data from Kantar suggests consumers are already beginning to trade down to own-label and value lines as prices rise and their discretionary income falls. Will shoppers continue to pay a premium for local artisan produce amid escalating food and energy costs this autumn and winter? Will they continue to patronise Northern Ireland’s burgeoning independent deli sector as inflation rockets?Withour excellent local producers and independent retailers offering the diverse, high-quality experience likely to entice shoppers back to our beleaguered high streets and village centres, what a shame it would be if the inflationary crisis resulted in their demise.
As our high-quality local food sector continues to innovate and expand, the cost-of-living crisis is of great concern.
4 Volume 57 Number 9 SEPTEMBER 2022 Editor: Alyson Magee E: a.magee@independentmagazinesni.co.uk Tel: 028 9026 4175 Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Sam Butler Sales Executive: Judith Martin E: j.martin@mediahuis.co.uk Tel: 028 9055 4260 Art Editor: Helen Wright Ulster Grocer c/o Mediahuis UK Limited Belfast Telegraph House 33 Clarendon Road Clarendon Dock Belfast BT1 3BG ulstergrocer/www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/business/ www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer@ulstergrocer £37.50£27.50Subscriptions:perannumperannum (outside UK) Designed & Produced by: Mediahuis UK Limited Tel: 028 9026 4000 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Tel: 028 9446 3911 EDITORIAL COMMENTemail: info@ulstergrocer.com www.ulstergrocer.com Ulster Grocer is a part of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). If you believe you have been unfairly treated, you can contact IPSO in writing via its website for guidance on what to do. The service is free. IPSO can then advise on whether it’s likely you have grounds for a complaint and what to do about it. The normal procedure is for the complainant to then contact the publication’s editor directly. If no agreement is reached, the complainant can go back to IPSO to look for an adjudication, or for it to take over the complaint. Full details are available at www.ipso.co.uk. Alternatively, email complaints@ipso. co.uk, or inquiries@ipso.co.uk, or telephone 0300 123 2220, or the out-of-hours emergency number: 07659 152 656. Or write to: IPSO, c/o Halton House, 20-23 Holborn, London EC1N 2JD.
WINTER IS COMING FOR THE TRADE
Proactively addressing this threat, Retail NI has published an action plan alongside Hospitality Ulster, NI Takeaway Association and 12 chambers of commerce across Northern Ireland proposing steps local and national government could take to prevent a decimation of the retail and hospitality sectors in the difficult months ahead.
As summer draws to a close, welcome to the editionSeptemberofUlster Grocer Northern Ireland producers have made another good showing at this year’s Great Taste, the prestigious awards organised by the Guild of Fine CongratulationsFood.toall local recipients of one, two or three stars, which are celebrated in our Great Taste feature over ps15-20.Bythe time this magazine lands on your doorsteps, the winner of the Golden Fork from Northern Ireland - selected from local recipients of the top three-star award – will have been announced.
Asda is to remove best before dates from almost 250 fresh fruit and vegetable products in its stores across the UK to help customers reduce food waste and save money.
SUPERMARKETS REMOVE BEST BEFORE DATES FROM FRESH PRODUCE
The fund was established in memory of Denis Lynn, founder of Finnebrogue and Foundation Earth, who died tragically last year.
FINNEBROGUE ANNOUNCES QUEEN’S FOODSCIENCE SCHOLARSHIP IN MEMORY OF FOUNDER
The Denis Lynn Scholarship for Sustainable Food Innovation is a generous bursary of £20,000 towards tuition fees and living expenses for a student on the Advanced Food Safety master’s degree, within the School of Biological Sciences and Institute for Global Food Security (IGFS) at Queen’s University Belfast.Theaward will also include an internship at Finnebrogue Artisan in Co Down, one at the international non-profit organisation Foundation Earth, and a third placement at an internationally renowned food producer.
There will be one Denis Lynn scholar at Queen’s annually and that student will have the opportunity to secure a job with the Co Down food company, subject to successfully completing their MSc.
“Denis was a visionary who worked tirelessly in his personal life and work life to deliver positive change for the planet and people,” said Christine Lynn, Denis’s wife and a Finnebrogue director. “It is our hope that this scholarship will support others with the same ambition.
Asda is replacing the dates with a code to be used by store colleagues to maintain quality and freshness, while specialist green grocers in over 250 stores have received training in Asda’s fresh produce operation.
NEWS 5
To find out more about the scholarship, including eligibility criteria, see Scholarships | School of Biological Sciences | Queen’s University Belfast (qub.ac.uk).
Launching the Denis Lynn Scholarship for Sustainable Food Innovation are Professor Sharon Huws, IGFS, Queen’s University; Professor Chris Elliott, IGFS, Queen’s University; Christine Lynn, Finnebrogue Artisan; Tara Lynn, Finnebrogue Artisan; and Helen Carrick, development and alumni relations office, Queen’s University.
Queen’s University and Finnebrogue Artisan have launched a new post-graduate scholarship in memory of Denis Lynn, the founder of Finnebrogue.
“Denis wanted to build a more sustainable food industry and what better way to honour his memory than through continued research and development in this field.”
Tesco, the Co-op, Morrisons and Waitrose have already removed best before dates from selected items, with the latest research published by climate action group WRAP indicating the average family throws away £60 of food and drink every month.
Additional guidance online and on packaging will help customers understand how to best store and prepare fresh food, with tips to reduce food“Reducingwaste. food waste in our business and in customers’ homes is a priority, and we are always looking at different ways to achieve this,” said Andy Cockshaw, head of technical at Asda IPL. “We know for customers this has become more important than ever in the current climate as many families are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and are looking to make savings wherever theyCatherinecan.” David, director of collaboration and change at WRAP, said: “Our research has shown that date labels on fruit and veg are unnecessary – getting rid of them can prevent the equivalent of seven million shopping baskets’ worth from our household bins. “Storing most fruit and veg products in the fridge, below 5 degrees, will keep them fresher longer. We know that wasting food feeds climate change and costs us money. The influence of no date label or the right date label on what we use and what we throw away is huge.”
From September 1, Asda will remove dates from fresh produce such as citrus fruits, potatoes, cauliflowers and carrots.
In July, M&S announced it was removing best before dates from 300 lines of fruit and vegetables across its stores following a successful trial, citing apples, potatoes and broccoli as among the most commonly wasted items.
The Taste Autumn foodie fortnight culminates with three events on September 24 including the flagship Tide and Turf Food Festival in Portavogie.Ajam-packed day will include cookery demonstrations by celebrity chefs Theo Randall and Suzie Lee, and a host of food and drink stalls showcasing the best of local produce with a focus on seafood and beef. Live music and children’s activities including a funfair will help to keep the entire family entertained, while free buses will run from Bangor, Newtownards or Portaferry. For a full list of Taste Autumn events and to purchase tickets, go to tasteautumnvisitardsandnorthdown.com/
£150m drinks canning factory in Newtownabbey, set to create around 200 new jobs, has been given planning permission. Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP) has received the go-ahead to build the 42,585-square-metre facility at Invest NI’s Global Point Business Park. The company aims to use the plant to maintain supply to key customers such as Diageo and Coca Cola and meet demand for a growing customer base in Ireland, the UK and ApproximatelyEurope.160 jobs will be created on site at the manufacturing facility, while another 30 indirect jobs will be created for suppliers and business at the site.
BY ALLAN PRESTON Anew
AMP is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is 75% owned by Ardagh Group, an international packaging group that has its origins in glass manufacturing in Dublin in the 1930s. The company said a focus on using metal cans can contribute to a circular economy by using a significant amount of recycled content to meet sustainability targets.
“With other major projects in the pipeline, such as the Belfast Region City Deal Queen’s University Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre and the Sensata Technology Centre, this highly desirable site is fast becoming a hub of manufacturing excellence.”
NEWS NEW6 £150M DRINKS CANNING FACTORY IN CO ANTRIM TO CREATE 200 JOBS
AMP first revealed its intention to build a factory at the site in November 2021, with planning permission granted by Antrim and Newtownabbey Council at a meeting last month. “We are delighted to be granted planning permission to deliver a new innovative manufacturing facility in Newtownabbey and progress closer to the creation of nearly 200 new jobs for the local employment market whilst also supporting circular economy growth,” said David Spratt, CEO of AMP Europe. “We appreciate the excellent support from the council and the constructive engagement with the local community.”
Antrim and Newtownabbey is said to be the only council in Northern Ireland achieving a 30-week target set for major planning applications, including a £10m Dobbies flagship store at The Junction in Antrim processed in under 25 weeks. drink market over September 10-24. Week one starts with the Taste Portaferry Food Tour on September 10, followed by a series of events in Donaghadee that includes a Taste Donaghadee Food Tour and Taste Donaghadee Artisan Market on September 17. Week two kicks off with No 14 Georgian House Jazz in the Garden in Comber on September 18, followed by a unique dining experience as the newly opened Bull & Claw in Portaferry teams up with Echlinville Distillery on SeptemberFamily-friendly21. stargazing at Ballyhalbert’s Burr Point on September 22 will include a hot chocolate as guests explore the skies with the Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy Society and their telescopes. Dine at the Dock at Portavogie on September 23 will be hosted by celebrity chef Theo Randall who has curated a five-course tasting menu with the team at South Eastern Regional College. The evening will offer a rare opportunity to dine in an unusual pop-up restaurant that has been transformed from a fish market into a magical marine-themed world.
An artist’s impression of a new £150m drinks canning factory to be built in Newtownabbey.
TASTE AUTUMN SET FOR SEPTEMBER 10-24 IN ARDS AND NORTH DOWN Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down is set to showcase seafood, beef and harvest foods through a packed programme of restaurant experiences, meet-the-maker events and an artisan food and
Stephen Ross, Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, said the planning approval news had cemented the Borough’s reputation as “an economic stronghold”.“TheArdagh facility is part of a high-quality portfolio of manufacturing projects planned for Invest NI’s Global Point Business Park in Newtownabbey,” he said.
Brian Magill, SERC hospitality and catering lecturer, and Oscar Johnston are looking forward to Taste Autumn in Ards and North Down. Photo credit: Graham Baalham-Curry
BURGEONING
Musgrave works to achieve its net zero ambition by 2040.
Musgrave Northern Ireland has invested £3.2m in the rejuvenation of four local company-owned SuperValu stores, including its Portstewart site which officially launched on August 12 with celebrity chef Suzie Lee and Dave and Steve Flynn from The Happy Pear in attendance.Creatingsix additional jobs in the local area, Musgrave invested £1.1m in the store, adding a new hot and cold deli counter, Moo’d Ice Cream bar and expanded in-store bakery.
Examples of products on the shop shelves of popular high street retailers include Trip CBD infused drinks created with relaxation in mind and listed by Sainsbury’s.“WhileCBD usage in the UK is steadily rising, there are still a significant number of people who haven’t tried it yet.” says Helga Slater, MD, Product of the Year. “We don’t have to look further than its success in the US where CBD products have won Product of the Year awards three consecutive years in a row, to see the direction we’re likely to be headed in. “This is a category that is rich in innovation, and we’re excited to see where it goes.”
Now in its 19th year, Product of the Year’s winning products are chosen by more than 10,000 UK consumers (conducted independently by Kantar on behalf of POY) making it the nation’s biggest annual survey of product innovation.
Currentlyoptions.undergoing a £600,000 transformation, the Dairy Farm store in Dunmurry will be the next relaunch, closely followed in September by Portglenone, which is receiving a £720,000 makeover and Omagh, which will launch later in the year following an investment of £730,000.
“Our rejuvenated SuperValu stores are truly stores of the future,” said Caroline Rowan, head of retail operations at Musgrave Northern Ireland. “In addition to the £2.7m sustainability fund, Musgrave NI has committed to empower SuperValu and Centra retailers to become net zero by 2040. “We have also invested £850,000 in energy saving materials across these four rejuvenated SuperValu stores, making them as efficient and green as possible.
In addition, the introduction of electronic shelf edge labels in the stores will save a combined total of 28,000 sheets of paper per year.
“Built with the community at their heart, each SuperValu store will offer the same great value to customers with offers on over 200 big brands every week and over 400 cheaper own brand products, up to 33% cheaper than the better-known brands. “And with more than 500 of our branded products price-checked against Tesco, we aim to deliver the best value for our customers across our entire range.” DESPITE CBD OIL MARKET
MANY CONSUMERS STILL SCEPTICAL
The revitalised store now has a one-ofa-kind off licence stocking premium wine, beer and spirits as well as a dedicated Zero Zone with a wide range of alcoholfree drinks
NEWS 7
Steve and Dave Flynn from The Happy Pear with Rowan,Carolinehead of retail operations at store.PortstewartSuperValunewly-revitalisedlaunchIreland,NorthernMusgraveattheofthe
Seven out of 10 UK consumers say they have never tried a CBD (Cannabidiol) product, according to new research by Product of the Year, the UK’s biggest survey of product innovation. However, this is predicted to change rapidly in a market tipped to reach a value of $47bn by 2028. The research was conducted online in July 2022, with UK consumers asked if they’d ever tried a CBD product and if they had, which types they’d used. One of its most commonly knownderivatives, CBD oil, and vapes ranked top of the products tried, polling 19% of the votes. Cannabidiol blended into food and/or drinks drew in 10% of the votes and infused gummies failed to rank at all. First discovered in 1940, cannabidiol is a long-misunderstood substance and can be used for everything from pain relief to skincare, inflammation-reduction and anxiety.Product of the Year asked CBD consumers the main reason they used it, with pain relief, stress/anxiety relief and sleep issues all ranking equally with a third of the votes each (33%).
Aligning with Musgrave NI’s sustainability commitments, the stores are powered using green electricity and feature digital screens, energy efficient LED lighting and top-grade energy efficient refrigeration systems as
MUSGRAVE NI INVESTS £3.2M IN REVAMP OF FOUR SUPERVALU STORES
STORE FOCUS 8 Cunningham’s Butchers, KILKEEL
“That brought the business to five butchery counters, a restaurant, takeaway deli and bakery, so there is a lot going on every day,” says James. “We are producing all our butchery, bakery and ready meals in house, which is our niche.”
A BUTCHER’S
SHOP, DELI, BAKERY, STEAK HOUSE, COCKTAIL BAR & SUPPLIER OF PREPACKED PRODUCE TO RETAILERS ACROSS THE REGION, CUNNINGHAM’S HAS GROWN ITS SALES BY 1000% IN 12 YEARS & SEES ONLY FURTHER OPPORTUNITY ON THE HORIZON, MANAGING DIRECTOR
James had not initially planned to step into the family business, completing a degree in economics and master’s in finance at Queen’s University Belfast. However, working in the shop while finishing off his master’s dissertation, he took a new look at Cunningham’s and its untapped potential. And his education has certainly been put to good use, with the business growing its turnover by 1000% over the last 12 years and expanding from three to 70“Inemployees.2010,an opportunity came along to expand our production into the retail sector within our local community,” says James. “This was through the two Henderson SPAR retail outlets situated in our hometown of Kilkeel. “What we offered was fresh local produce, including both pre-pack meats and deli offerings. This was a very challenging but somewhat daunting time for our family business as we were bringing the business into an area of retail that we had little to no experience in.”
A MULTI-AWARD-WINNING SHOP
Applying what would become his standard approach of rigorous market research, James trialled innovations to find the right products for the two outlets, while also developing a new ordering system to improve efficiency and restocking.“Thisprocess became very successful, and it enabled us to increase the range of products we sold, not only in the supermarkets, but in our main shop as well,” he says. With the boosted turnover facilitating expansion of Cunningham’s production site and team, by 2012 the business was supplying a further seven Henderson stores and four privately owned shops, including a new butcher’s shop in one of theHavingoutlets.opened its second standalone store in the Quays Shopping Centre Newry in 2019, Cunningham’s then unveiled its third butchery concession in partnership with Henderson Retail in its new EUROSPAR Newcastle last summer.
JAMES CUNNINGHAM TELLS ALYSON MAGEE For many independent retailers, the pandemic boon is waning as shoppers return to their old habits. Not so for Cunningham’s Butchers, which is putting the ‘d’ into diversification and continuing to post year-on-year growth amid a floundering grocery sector as inflation rockets. “We’ve a really unique business here,” says James Cunningham, managing director. James and his brother Christopher represent a fourth generation of the family business, established in 1919 by his great grandfather James Cunningham and continued by his grandparents Tony and Gertrude. His father, also called James, was involved in Cunningham’s as well as teaching and farming, until he suffered a serious stroke at the beginning of 2022; only recently returning home to the care of his family after six months in hospital.
The last decade has also seen James develop the original Kilkeel store into a multi-award-winning site, with its string of accolades most recently including Best in Northern Ireland at the Farm Shop and Deli Awards 2022 and also extending to Best Butcher Shop in the UK and Ireland in 2018 and 2019. In 2014, Cunningham’s purchased and knocked down a hardware store beside its Kilkeel shop, adding a carpark which James says has been a gamechanger for theThebusiness.additional space also allowed for expansion of the original shop in 2016, adding a new food hall with a butchery, fresh food deli, hot food counter and home-made gelato ice-cream, as well
The breadth of its offer attracts shoppers and diners of all ages and geographic locations, with visitors often travelling from Lisburn, Belfast and over the border from the Republic of Ireland.
Training is a priority, with all employees undergoing Level 3 Food Hygiene, an apprenticeship scheme operated with the local college and a focus on opportunities for promotion.“Wedo regular talks in our local primary and secondary schools showcasing the work we as a business put into our trade, which we hope will offer students a pathway to butchery, one of the most fulfilling and skilled trades,” says James. His wife Donna, with which he shares daughters Charlotte and Sophia, has recently left her role with a plc to manage accounts for the family business, affording James more time to get back out on the shop floor and plan the next evolution of the business.
“By employing local people, you are bringing the whole community to your shop,” he says. “So many customers are on first name terms with staff.”
“We have plans to open more shops in the future,” he says. “We have a brand and a passion for food, and we will continue to bring it to neighbouring towns in our area where there are currently no butcher shop offerings.”
FOCUS ON LOCAL PRODUCE “We only sell the best local produce,” says James, with beef, lamb and potatoes from the family farm supplemented by other local farmers. “We are very lucky in Northern Ireland to have so many wonderful artisan food producers.”
James says Northern Ireland’s butchery sector is flourishing, with the pandemic having reinforced the importance of shopping locally. “We are able to offer quality and service supermarkets can’t compete with,” he says. “All of our beef sold over the counter is still taken in on the bone, the same way we have done it for 100 years.“We source as much as we can from our own farm or a network of local farmers and are lucky to have the work force that we can take the time to bone the beef. With the restaurant, we use all of the animal. Bones make the best gravy stock, and we make our own beef dripping.”
Cunningham’s boasts its own Himalayan salt chamber behind the butchery counter, creating theatre while serving as an educational tool for customers on the advantages of dry aging.The business uses traditional outlets such as newspapers and radio for marketing, as well as embracing social media across Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat and particularly Facebook.
“We have over 16,000 followers across our channels, and we used this to promote our online shop which was so successful during lockdown,” says James.
STORE FOCUS 9 as a 50-seater steak house and cocktail bar. A more recent addition to its extensive offer, during the pandemic, has been Whisk developmentDescribingBakery.of the new store layout as a huge time drain, but worth the effort, James says: “With so many different departments, from butchery to deli, ice cream to the bistro, we had to make sure first and foremost that the customer’s journey around the shop was natural and enjoyable.“Everything was driven towards fresh food, which helps offer the business the maximum opportunity to increase customerEfficiencyspend.”andhygiene were also a focus, with the new kitchen separated into pre-pack and deli, restaurant service and cleaning areas, alongside a modernised butchery with dedicated packing.“Weinstalled a new EPOS system into our new food hall, allowing us to see in greater detail the top performing products and customer basket items,” he says. “We now have tailored a number of lines into multi-buy options so customers can mix and match items that complement each other. This has been a big factor in almost doubling average customerYoungerspend.”shoppers are a strong demographic for Cunningham’s, driven by its extensive range of healthy, glutenfree and vegetarian options.
“We do a number of videos as well of our history and tradition, showing people a glimpse at the inner workings of our business. Customers love a story and if we can show them our farm, how we rear our animals and then follow it through to how we produce our sausages or steaks, they really buy into what you’re trying to do.”
With the business open every day and operating four nightshifts per week, staffing has not been without challenges, says James, but Cunningham’s has been fortunate in recruiting most of its employees from within a 20-minute radius from the shop.
Fruit and veg is delivered fresh from a supplier in Newcastle, fish from the harbour in Kilkeel and local honey from the Silent Valley reservoir.
“All the fresh food and cooked items are produced in store by our own staff,” says James. “We produce over 1,000 product lines fresh every week. We never sacrifice on quality but understand our customers want quality, value and service; something we know we excel at.”
COLERAINE AND NEWTOWNARDS JOINTLY NAMED HIGH STREET OF THE YEAR
Coleraine and Newtownards have jointly scooped the prestigious High Street of the Year award, battling High Streets across Northern Ireland for the coveted prize. Wardens of Newtownards received the sought-after Overall Retailer of the Year award, with Shauna Corrigan from McGrane’s in Keady voted Northern Ireland’s best retail employee.
Jay Thattai, Voice For Locals founder, said: “We all have our personal favourite local independent retailers close to where we live. It has never been more important to Voice For Locals and really show how important they are to communities across Northern Ireland. “It is those retailers who encourage people into cities, towns and villages to enjoy the unique local choices, quality and personal touch on offer. “It is brilliant to see local consumers voting for their favourite independent retailers and being proud of the fantastic contribution they make to the high streets.” NI Independent retailers on both sides of the Irish border have confirmed their support for the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol in Northern Ireland. Leaders of The Fed (Federation of Independent Retailers) say MUP in the Province would create a ‘level playing field’ and allay fears of cross-border trading.Themove follows the recent publication of a paper by the Department of Finance Tax Strategy Group on tax excise. The report warned the Irish government that the introduction of MUP in the Republic in January 2022 could ultimately lead to less tax being paid due to people shopping across the border. Stormont opened consultation on the introduction of MUP earlier this year, and the Fed responded by confirming it was strongly in favour of the move. “It’s certainly a good thing and would make things equal for retailers on either side of the border,” said Martin Mulligan, president of The Fed in the Republic of Ireland. “It would be particularly good for those retailers whose stores are on, or close to, the border.”JoeArchibald, president of The Fed in Northern Ireland, said: “One of the main benefits of MUP for smaller retailers with off licences is the fact that the big multiples and supermarkets will have to charge the same prices, so they will no longer be able to undercut independents by selling cheaper alcohol as loss leaders. This should level things up and give everyone a fair crack of the whip.”
Over 10,000 votes were cast for Retail NI’s High Street Heroes awards, with old favourites and new faces picking up gold, silver, and bronze across a range of categories last month. The initiative shone a light on Northern Ireland’s independent retailers, with the public choosing their favourite retailers in an online vote.
RETAILERS REPEAT CALLS FOR MINIMUM UNIT PRICING ALCOHOLONIN
Joint winners of High Street of the Year, Coleraine and Newtownards, join Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, and Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, at the High Street Hero Awards. Joe Archibald, Coleraine store owner and NFRN NI president.
RETAIL NEWS – INDEPENDENTS 10
Glyn Roberts, chief executive of Retail NI, said: “The High Street Heroes Awards is a wonderful celebration of Northern Ireland’s independent retailers. The winners are based across Northern Ireland showing a brilliant regional response to the campaign and emphasising the community support for retailers.“Ithas been a very difficult year for independent retailers, but this campaign has shone a light on how valued they are in their community, and the vital role they play in keeping the local economy alive. As they work to remain viable in this difficult business climate, it is only right that we celebrate and champion the sector.
“It is really good to see many independent retailers from some of our smaller rural towns getting the recognition they deserve at our High Street Hero Awards.”
In an exclusive reception at Hinch Distillery, retailers across the region were celebrated with Chill Off-Licence in Derry/Londonderry, Harkins Pharmacy in Maghera and Murrays Nearby in Cullyhanna all picking up gold.
Northern Ireland Office Minister Lord Caine addressed the event. High Street Heroes NI was a joint initiative from Retail NI and Belfast Live supported by Camelot and Voice for Locals.“Icongratulate Coleraine and Newtownards on winning the prestigious High Street of the Year Award, which highlights how highly valued retailers in these areas are to their local communities,” said Lord Caine, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Northern Ireland. “The UK government is committed to making NI a better place to live, work, invest, and do business, and we will continue to support the growth of Northern Ireland’s high streets by building a stronger economy and through major investment such as the Levelling Up Fund and the upcoming UK Shared Prosperity Fund.”
Nearby, S&W Wholesale’s new symbol brand introduced in April 2021, has reached a milestone of 100 stores now carrying the fascia across the island of Ireland.The100th addition to the Nearby family opened on July 21 in Creeslough, Co Donegal, with other recent debuts including four stores in Dublin, one in Meath and one in Co Down. “With ambitious plans for our symbol stores, our mission from the get-go was simple,” said Sara Fearon, brand marketing officer. “We wanted to build a brand that would create a better shopping experience for consumers and help our retailers’ business thrive.
As the 100th shop to open under the symbol group, Nearby Creeslough in Co Donegal was at the centre of the milestone celebrations, giving away Nearby goody bags and big prize scratch cards and broadcasting the celebrations live on Highland Radio. Store owners Annette and Danny have been working with S&W Wholesale for over seven years, and their shop boasts all grocery essentials including an in-store butchery, hot and cold deli, extensive fresh range, off licence, post office and Irish lottery services.
Maurice Little, Nearby NI sales manager, said: “Nearby is a unique symbol store offering as we don’t go into a business and take over, quite the opposite in fact. We work with the owners to understand what makes their store unique, help them implement the Nearby brand and ultimately grow their business.”
Niall Creighton and Gail Boyd who own Creightons EUROSPAR of Finaghy, Creightons EUROSPAR of Balmoral and Creightons SPAR of Blacks Road.
NEARBY CELEBRATES THE OPENING OF ITS 100TH STORE
“Reaching the milestone of 100 stores in one year is a testament to all the hard work and dedication from our team and our retailers. We can’t wait to see what the next year brings for Nearby.”
CREIGHTONS EXPANDS RETAIL NETWORK WITH ACQUISITION OF JD HUNTER & CO
RETAIL NEWS – SYMBOLS 11
South Belfast family-run retailer Creightons has acquired JD Hunter & Co Supermarket in Markethill, Co Armagh.Owned and managed by the Henderson Group since 2019, JD Hunter & Co employs 145 people from the local community, all of whom will remain in continuous employment under the new ownership.TheCreighton family operates three well known independent businesses under the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands and has bought the Armagh business outright for an undisclosed sum. “The Creighton family have been highly successful, award-winning independent retailers working with Hendersons for many years,” said Ron Whitten, chief financial officer, Henderson Group. “We have enjoyed a close working relationship during this time, and welcome the news of this acquisition, which consolidates our partnership even further.”
Niall Creighton said: “We are honoured to have the opportunity to take over a store that has been family-run since the early 1900s, which mirrors our own family business, which was established by my father 86 years ago in 1936. “Expanding the Creightons company name, which has become synonymous with community retailing over the years, has always been our long-term strategy, and we look forward to bringing even more to the community, always keeping locally sourced products and partnerships at the forefront of the business.”
The addition of stout brings rich complex coffee aromas mingled with light bitter notes, while rich infusions of chocolate malt and roasted barley are also used to accentuate the character and further deepen the colour of theInspiredliquid. by a vintage beer style, the bottle is produced in bespoke dark glass, with a unique crown cap and flip-top closure and a label design offering a nod to the world of stout.Black Irish is exclusively distributed internationally through Kirker Greer Spirits, with listings in Finland, Germany, Netherlands and Singapore, as well as the UK and Ireland.
“We delightedareto have Black Irish listed in Tesco stores and bring this GreerCCOsaidNortherntoexpressionuniquedirectlyconsumersinIreland,”JohnSoden,ofKirkerSpirits.
Black Irish, Irish whiskey made dark with the infusion of Irish stout, has secured a new retail listing across Tesco stores in Northern Ireland and via the multiple retailer’s website.Atriple-distilled blended Irish whiskey matured in deepcharred American ex-bourbon casks, Black Irish is made dark with stout, chocolate malt and roasted barley.
Lidl Northern Ireland is planning to create a new store in Coleraine next year, creating 18 additional local jobs as part of a major transformation of its retail estate across the region.
The Riverside Regional Centre in the main retail park in Coleraine and is home to several major stores including B&Q, Dunelm and Currys.
RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES 12 LIDL NORTHERN IRELAND ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW COLERAINE STORE
HELLBENT NOW SUPPLYING ITS BOEREWORS SAUSAGES TO LIDL UK
The small company has also been shortlisted for the final stage of the sausage category in the influential Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards (IFQA), which will be held in Dublin later in the year. It has also won recent business for an innovative sausage supplied to EUROSPAR/SPAR in Northern Ireland. “IFQA is a competition which is closely watched by retailers throughout Ireland and now in Great Britain,” said Ludik. Hellbent was shortlisted in the prestigious all-Ireland awards for its South African Chakalata coiled beef sausages. The distinctive sausages are made from 90% Irish beef seasoned with authentic South African Chakalaka curry spice along with onions and tomatoes.Chakalaka spice is popular throughout South Africa for spicy meals including breads, stews and curries.
The discount retailer said it has lodged a full planning application to Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to relocate and replace its existing store within the Riverside Regional Centre retail and leisure complex with an ambition to open the new store later next year. At least 18 new jobs will be created as part of the multimillion-pound investment in the area, adding to the 22 team members already employed locally. Around 200 construction jobs will also be needed during the build.
Louis Ludik of Hellbent, now supplying Lidl UK with Northern Irish beef sausages.
BLACK IRISH WHISKEY SECURES A LISTING ACROSS TESCO’S NI STORES
Hellbent, IrelandNorthernaproducer of South African-style meat products, has secured a listing for its alreadyvanLudikfoundedfromUKsausagesBoereworsoriginalcoiledwithLidlasaspecialbuyAugust25.Hellbent,byLouisandSchalkederMerwe,hassuppliedmeat products including the award-winning Irish beef coiled sausages to Lidl Northern Ireland.
CGI image of the proposed Coleraine store.
The new Lidl store will follow the retailer’s modern ‘Concept’ design and sustainability standards and will feature a larger 1,670 square metres of sales space and wider aisles within a site expanding to more than 2,400 square metres. Enhanced parking, electric charging points and new landscaping will also be included.
Lidl Northern Ireland has invested significantly in the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council area in recent years with new stores already created in Ballymoney and Limavady. It is also currently progressing with construction of a new store and additional new jobs in Strabane.
Linda Moore, store manager at Frew’s News, said: “Boost Juic’d has been flying off our shelves this summer. Everyone loves it especially Pineapple & Guava Punch and Mango & Tropical Blitz. “We display the Juic’d range alongside other 500ml cans so consumers can decide for themselves if they want to take advantage of the unbeatable value. We look forward to introducing the new flavour to the display.”
Gareth Hardy from Hardy Distribution, Boost’s exclusive distributor in NI, and Linda Moore, store manager at Frew’s News.
Source:
2
FOOD & DRINK NEWS BOOST EXPANDS
Adrian Hipkiss, marketing and international business director at Boost Drinks, said: “The release has performed fantastically so far, which goes to show the value in listening to the huge demand from customers and consumers for a new brand in the 500ml can space. “When surveyed, 74% of consumers saw Juic’d as being something ‘new and different’ to the existing category (2).” The range is available to buy for just £1 RRP, with the goal of helping retailers to communicate great value on fixture, while still delivering excellent margins. The brand will be continuing to activate a cross-channel marketing strategy with touchpoints across OOH, digital advertising, PR, social media as well as a creative activation. 1 - IRI GB Symbols & Independents and NI Convenience sales to 31/10/21; - Ink Research Boost 500ml Quantitative Study - 198
JUIC’D RANGE WITH NEW SOUR PUNCH
Boost Drinks says widespread demand in Northern Ireland for its Juic’d range has led to expansion of the range here with new flavour Tropical Fruit SourThePunch.launch joins the three existing energy drink flavours launched in 500ml cans in May. Sales of 500ml cans are up 28% to £232m (1), with 500ml cans now the fastest growing category in energy drinks.Boost sold 50,000 cases of Pineapple & Guava Punch, Mango & Tropical Blitz and Watermelon & Lime Twist in the first four weeks of their launch, making it one of the most successful new lines in its history.“Sales of Boost Juic’d have proved extremely popular and showing no signs of slowing down,” said Gareth Hardy from Hardy Distribution, Boost’s exclusive distributor in “Therefore,NI.we are excited to launch a fourth flavour to the family with Tropical Fruit Sour Punch. Customer feedback highlights that the £1 price mark and super tasty flavours make it very appealing to the NI public.”
TROPICAL FRUIT
Another significant retail development that will benefit local food and drink producers is the acquisition by Creighton’s EUROSPAR (Belfast) of Markethill’s JD Hunter and Co. It is positive news as Creighton’s has long been an exceptional supporter of innovative smaller companies in its existing outlets at Balmoral, Finaghy and Blacks Road. Not only does Creighton’s sell local produce, it also produces a wide range of high-quality own brand foods, using local ingredients in its own professional kitchen facilities at its very impressive flagship BalmoralCreighton’sstore.has a philosophy and commitment to seeking out local producers, particularly at the annual food hall at Balmoral Show. They have led the way in many retail innovations, for example, championing their own beef on their butchery counters and holding local supplier days. I am sure that the group will continue to grow profitably… and continue their invaluable backing for smaller food and drink companies here.
BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI
Finalists in one of the most important annual events for smaller food and drink companies hoping for growth in retail, and in the Republic of Ireland, have been emerging in the Blas na hEireann Irish National Food Awards in October.Manycompanies have been busy announcing their success in reaching the final stages of what has long been one of the most popular competitions, especially for smaller and artisan producers. They’ve been displaying great pride and tremendous enthusiasm for the awards, the winners of which will be announced at a colourful series of events in Dingle in October.It’sanother marvellous set of awards in which our companies have a successful track record. Blas na hEireann results follow the UK Great Taste awards, which saw dozens of local companies collecting the coveted stars. Six local companies are now through to the final stage of Great Taste this month which will see the award of a golden fork for a regional winner. Good luck to every one of them. It would be tremendous to see further local success in the finals of both competitions; events which attract the attention of top retailers and leaders in hospitality. We’ve won Blas in the past –Mill Bay Oysters from Andrew Rooney’s Rooney Fish on Carlingford Lough, now one of the biggest oyster farms on the island of Ireland, won the Blas Supreme Champion title a couple of years ago. By winning that award, Mill Bay firmly put Northern Ireland on the map for both oysters and seafood; it was akin to the successes of Hannan Meats in Great Taste in successive years for our superb local beef, pork and lamb. Indeed, it would be a tremendous boost for our vibrant food and drink industry if our companies collect both titles, something which hasn’t happened… yet. I hope it is something that we will see soon as I believe we’ve certainly got the innovative and delicious products and highly professional companies to win both. The popularity of Blas with the smaller companies is certainly evidenced in the enthusiasm of their social media posts about the finals. It was also great to see Foodovation at the North West Regional College in Derry adding further support to the smaller companies they’ve already helped to prepare for marketing events such as Blas. We really do have a very skilled and dedicated ecosystem here for the benefit of smaller companies in particular. Food NI is privileged to be an integral part of thatThere’secosystem.clearly great enthusiasm for Blas because of its focus on products from across the island. Over the years, the event has proved to be a stepping stone to success, especially for new companies which have gone on to triumph in other nationalAnotherawards.important feature of Blas is the final judging session at Dingle, an event at which successful companies are welcome to take part. It’s a very colourful and entertaining occasion attended by top retailers. It really is a few days when all people talk and think about is food and drink, producers share stories, swap ideas and form collaborations, and buyers seek out new talent. This year each of the four provinces of Ireland will be showcasing excellent food and drink from their region. It’s something we are really looking forward to being part of. We are also hugely fortunate here in having a successful and growing network of delis, farm shops and symbol groups such as Henderson’s committed to supporting local producers, especially smaller enterprises, with original foods. They are helping smaller producers reach a much wider audience.
FOOD & DRINK NEWS 14
FOOD COMPANIES CONTINUE TO WIN RECOGNITION IN NATIONAL AWARDS
Encouragingly, EUROSPAR and SPAR across Northern Ireland have helped the companies with sales and, perhaps more importantly, expert mentoring in key disciplines such as marketing, merchandising, packaging and labelling. Henderson Group has also supported the smaller companies by involving them in creative meals such as The Chef and Kitchen ranges.
As a result of this commitment and the growth in delis and farm shops, smaller companies have greater opportunities to reach a much wider audience than ever before.Thenetwork, furthermore, has been enhanced recently by investments such as the development by Corries in the launch of its Fayre retail concept involving the Corries Meats, Knott’s Bakery and Four Seasons established brands. The first in a planned series of Fayre food halls has recently opened its doors in east Belfast and is enjoying great business.
Hendersonrigorousown
As were Kennedy Bacon Dry Cured Gammon Roast; Kilmegan Sparkling Apple Juice; L’Artisan Foods 3 Cheese and Caramelised Pear Quiche and Meatballs; Long Meadow Apple Cider Vinegar; Linwood’s Shelled Hemp and Cold Milled Flaxseed; and Maud’s Piemonte Hazelnut.
More single stars went to McCracken’s Pale Irish Ale; Milgro Original and Flame Grilled Steak Crispy Onions; Punjana Special Everyday and Signature Blend Tea Bags; Quails 28-day Himalayan Salt Aged Tomahawk Steak and Beef and Caramelised Onion Sausage Roll; Springmount Farm Honey and Free Range Eggs; Suki Black Bush Tea Pyramids; and Tartine at the Distillers Arms PickleRoundingSauce.out the one-star awards were Berties Bakery Toaster Wheaten and Four Big Pancakes; The Croft Farm Shop Erin Grove Wheaten Bread; Symphonia Irish Apple Rum; and Yellow Door Apple, Rosemary and Raisin Soda Bread, Beef Rendang and Seared Irish Chicken with Herbs, Home Cured Bacon and Dijon Cream Sauce. process and achieve gold star status for five products not only celebrates the craftmanship of our production experts, but also shows consumers the quality they can expect from Dale Farm-owned brands.”
GREAT TASTE 2022 15 THREE-STAR GREAT TASTE AWARDS FOR BALLYLISK, BARONSCOURT, MORELLI’S & CORNDALE
Four local products have received the top accolade of three stars in Great Taste 2022, including Ballylisk of Armagh Single Rose Brie cheese, Baronscourt Estate Wild Sika Venison Loin, Corndale Chorizo Picante and Morelli’s Raspberry Sorbet. Only 1.7% of the 14,205,2022 entries submitted to this year’s awards, operated by The Guild of Fine Food, received the coveted three stars required to compete in the regional finals.
Local two-star awardees included: Burren Balsamics Balsamic Jelly and White Balsamic Jelly; Suki Tea Makers Breakfast Tea; Forest Feast Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds; Long Meadow Blossom Burst Cider; Maud’s Pistachio Verde Ice Cream; McCracken’s Black Irish Stout; Punjana Tea Bags; and Rooney Fish Millbay Oysters. Picking up one star were Ann’s Pantry Sugar Free Oven Wheaten, Spelt Real Soda, Spelt Christmas Pudding, Custard Tart, Sugar Free Irish Wheaten Loaf Mix and Spelt Real Soda Mix; Dromona Pure Butter and Dromona Extra Mature Cheddar; Mullins Strawberry Ice Cream and Gourmet Sticky Toffee Pudding Ice Cream; and Dale Farm Honeycomb Ice Cream.Kestrel Foods won stars for Forest Feast Sea Salt and Cider Vinegar Nut Mix, Sea Salt and Black Peppercorn Nut Mix, Acti Snack Peanut Butter Trail Mix and Milk Chocolate Salted Caramel Almonds. Mash Direct lifted stars for Beer Battered Onion Rings, Chilli Baby Bakes, Champ and Skinny Fries, and Morelli’s for its Clotted Cream with Caramelised Fig Ice Cream, Butter Rum with Boozy Raisin flavour, Calypso Coffee and Gianduia ice creams. Further one-star awards went to Dundarave Estate Spiced Plum and Damson Jam; Deli Lites Tex Mex-inspired Plant-Based Burrito; Echlinville Distillery Irish Pot Still Gin; and East Coast Seafoods Ballyhornan Smoked Salmon.
brands SPAR Enjoy Local Peppered Rump Steak, Desserts by The Kitchen Salted Caramel Apple Pudding, The Chef Chicken and Ham Bake and The Kitchen Butternut Squash and Sweet Potato Soup were all successful.
DALE FARM SCOOPS FIVE GOLD STARS AT GREAT TASTE 2022 Dairy company Dale Farm has scooped gold stars at Great Taste 2022 for Dromona Extra Mature Cheddar, Dromona Pure Butter, Mullins Strawberry ice cream, Mullins Sticky Toffee Pudding ice cream and Dale Farm Honeycomb ice cream. This is the 14th year Dale Farm has been recognised at Great Taste, bringing its total number of gold stars to 82. “It is wonderful to see products from across our Dale Farm, Dromona and Mullins ranges being recognised by the food industry once again for their fantastic flavour and great quality,” said Sharon Campbell, Dale Farm. “Every product in the Great Taste awards is meticulously blind tasted by chefs, cooks, buyers, retailers, restaurateurs, food critics and writers. “To have been through that
Regional winners and a Supreme Champion will be announced at the Great Taste Golden Fork Ceremony to be held in London’s Southwark Cathedral on September 5.
Alastair Crown, founder of Corndale, with some of his charcuterie. Corndale Chorizo Picante is among three-star winners at Great Taste 2022.
ADVERTORIAL 16 COMPANY : HENDERSON GROUP Have a gold star dining experience at home, THANKS TO SPAR AND VIVO’S OWN-BRAND RANGES
Wondering what’s for dinner tonight? With SPAR and ViVO own-brand ranges receiving six more stars at the Great Taste awards, there has never been more choice on your doorstep. The Kitchen, enjoy local and The CHEF ranges have seen five of their products awarded stars this year, which means there are now 24 Great Taste award stars giving the seal of approval on our products. Here’s the rundown of this year’s winners…
The newly launched Chicken & Ham Bake from The CHEF range was awarded one star. Developed in collaboration with local artisan product, Irish Black Butter, the judges said the bake was a “lovely combination of quality ingredients”. It’s easy to see why this dish is a family favourite, the delicious bake is handmade, restaurant quality by a team of cooks, headed up by Henderson Kitchen Chef, Carl Johannesson. Carl commented: “We wanted to create a range of meals for all occasions, providing shoppers with a long list of options which would be full of flavour and a no brainer when it came to planning a night in.”
Picking up the most stars was The Kitchen range, with the Bread & Butter Pudding receiving two stars; the judges described it as “indulgent, honest and truly delicious”. The desserts should be at the top of every customer’s list as the judges also described the Salted Caramel Apple Pudding as “delicious” and awarded it with one star. Also receiving one star was the Butternut Squash & Sweet Potato Soup, a hearty lunchtime option.Youcan be assured your meal will be of the highest quality, as The Kitchen range is made up of local products from top suppliers across Northern Ireland such as DailyBake, Big Pot and Davison Puds.
If steak is on the menu, make sure it’s “lean, mouth-watering” Peppered Rump Steaks from the enjoy local range, like all products in this range, they are sourced locally from farms by K&G McAtamney, and were awarded with one star. These award-winning ranges are perfect for all occasions, whether it’s date night, a family party or just a weeknight off from cooking. With flavour packed mains, sides and desserts from the best local suppliers, there’s no need to venture further than your local SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO or ViVOXTRA store when deciding what’s for dinner this week.
Guild of Fine Food picks Punjana tea Thompson’s Tea, the fourthgeneration family business blending Northern Ireland’s bestselling tea, has been recognised at the Great Taste awards, with honours going to their original Punjana blend, and their premium Thompson’s Signature Blend.Thompson’s hero brand, Punjana, winning two stars maintains its position at number one, having won more stars than any other tea brand in the allimportant Blended Tea Bag category. Thompson’s Tea, from their tea blending and packing facility in Belfast, now produce tea for more than one third of Northern Ireland’s tea drinking population, with over one million cups of Punjana enjoyed each and every day. As fourth generation Thompsons, they share a rare passion for quality and take great pleasure in selecting teas from only the very finest gardens in Assam, Kenya and beyond. These tea leaves are highly prized and command a greater price. These are the leaves which find their way into the Thompson’s blends.
“IT TAKES A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF COURAGE TO CHOOSE WHAT
BEST OVER WHAT
Ross Thompson, joint managing director, comments: “For generations of Thompsons, tea has been our obsession. We care about every single pack of tea that we produce and select teas only from growers who share our passion for making something special. These teas are grown in exotic climates, far from home, but our frequent visits to tea gardens in Kenya and Assam have helped us forge trusting relationships with growers, based on our mutual love of great tea.” Their considerable success in the prestigious Great Taste awards is undoubtedly due to their obsessive love of quality and the fact that they personally taste-test each and every blend they produce. This is their personal assurance that the tea inside every pack they ever produce will be the same award-winning taste and flavour that Northern Ireland tea lovers have been enjoying since 1896. IS IS PROFITABLE.”
ADVERTORIAL 18 COMPANY : THOMPSON’S TEA
MOST
the best tasty onion in NI Milgro,andcommercialIreland’sNorthernonlygrowerproducerof onion products, have had their Crispy Onions recognised at the prestigious 2022 Great Taste awards. Milgro’s Original Flavour and Flame Grilled Steak Flavour Crispy Onions were each awarded one star by the Great Taste judging panel. The award-winning Crispy Onions are made from locally grown onions, when in season, which gives the products great provenance. They are then prepared and produced in the dedicated BRC AA accredited facilities on the Miller family farm, situated in Myroe, in the heart of Limavady’s Roe Valley. These latest awards follow on from the 2021 Irish Quality Food Awards, when the North coast company’s Flame Grilled Steak Flavour was awarded Gold, and Original Flavour received a Bronze award. Indeed, the Flame Grilled Steak flavour Crispy Onions have also been named as a finalist for the 2022 awards. There is a great sense of pride for the company, who list Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Henderson Group and Asda as stockists of the award winning Crispy Onions, as well as being the supplier of The Greengrocer branded whole onions to Henderson Group, encompassing EUROSPAR, SPAR, VivoXtra amongst their stores. Milgro have most recently secured a supply agreement with S&W Wholesale, giving the company an all-island presence. Milgro Crispy Onions can also be found in many local independent butchers across Northern Ireland.Thewelcome return of shows such as IFEX, Balmoral and the Royal Highland Show in Scotland, have provided Milgro with a platform to showcase the versatility of their products beyond retail customers, with a marked increase in supply to recognised foodservice providers. Whilst the company has enjoyed an increased recognition of their products and brand since the pandemic, there are no thoughts to rest on those laurels, with further expansion for the range of products on the horizon, with innovation at the heart of those exciting plans. The final word goes to Gerald Miller, Milgro’s founder and managing director: “The team at Milgro are sincerely proud and humbled to receive these Great Taste awards, which we believe offer great recognition for the work done here at Milgro to ensure we have the crispiest and best tasting crispy onions on the market.”
ADVERTORIAL
COMPANY : MILGRO MILGRO,
With Nutella B-Ready already a firm favourite in the category, the high-profile introductions of Kinder Cards, Duplo and Nutella Biscuits represent the logical next step in this journey following the successful performances of these brands across Europe. Each of the products in the biscuits range are available in single-serve and multipack formats, helping to meet changing shopper needs and offering the right balance between on-thego and at-home consumption. With 98% of shoppers buying sweet biscuits, and one in six of those shoppers purchasing biscuits in convenience stores, it is vital to have the right range on the shelves to maximise sales in the sweet biscuit category.
Total Biscuits
TOP TIPS FROM FERRERO Provide fair share to different product types by aligning biscuit segment’s share of sales with shelf space to ensure the right amount of variety.Merchandise effectively by locating products in the right place to maximise sales. For example, place treating products towards the eyeline to maximise impulsivity. Place brands together on the shelf to maximise brand visibility, attract shoppers and improve shopper navigation of the fixture. This is a proven technique with Kinder products seeing a 20% uplift when sold alongside each other.
KINDER CARDS Expanding Ferrero’s presence in the biscuit category, Kinder Cards brings the distinctive milk and cocoa taste that the brand is loved for to a new aisle. By expanding Kinder’s presence in store, the range will grab the attention of existing shoppers as well as attracting new ones to a widely recognised and trusted family brand. The single-serve packs also provide shoppers with an ideal treat for the whole family to enjoy on the go during afternoon activities. DUPLO The Duplo biscuit bar features two delicate layers of crispy wafer, sandwiched between a smooth hazelnut centre and coated in delicious milk chocolate. At 100 kcals each and individually wrapped, Duplo is a delicious on-the-go treat for any time of the day. Consumer testing in the UK and Ireland shows a wide appeal across age groups, particularly amongst adults aged 2445, due to its distinctive nutty taste and flavour, and creamy texture. This research shows
Having established a very strong position across chocolate, sugar confectionery and spreads, Ferrero has ambitious plans to become a major player in the sweet packaged foods sector. Biscuits naturally form a key pillar of those growth ambitions.
NUTELLA BISCUITS Nutella, the nation’s favourite chocolate hazelnut spread brings excitement to the biscuit category with its Nutella Biscuits. The golden baked crunchy biscuit, enclosing a creamy heart of Nutella, has already had an initial positive consumer response since its launch in Ireland at the start of 2021. In a category of over 300 brands, Nutella Biscuits has secured itself in the top 40 biscuit brands, and is already worth over €1.3M after just over a year in the market.
21
ADVERTORIAL COMPANY : FERRERO
The ‘Toastie’ proposition was strongly endorsed by Northern Ireland consumers who showed a strong desire for a great tasting, extra thick slice3 Hovis Soft White Toastie will be supported at launch by an impactful shopper campaign that will include outdoor, in store point of sale and trade press. The activity will launch at the end of September. In addition, Hovis Soft White will unveil its newly evolved pack range design for the Medium and Thick loaves. The bags have a more contemporary ‘look and feel’ achieving an enhanced stand out on shelf to assist the shopper to navigate the bread fixture.
22 ADVERTORIAL COMPANY : HOVIS
HOVIS® SOFT WHITE TOASTIE LAUNCHES IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Hovis is Northern Ireland’s Kantar no. 1 food & drink brand1, demonstrating the strength and popularity of the brand with Northern Ireland consumers. Hovis Soft White is the no 1 brand in both the Medium and Thick pre packaged white categories2 and is perfectly positioned to launch a Hovis® Soft White Toastie in Northern Ireland and extend the Extra Thick category. Hovis Soft White ‘Toastie’ will launch this September across Northern Ireland. This loaf features an ‘Extra Thick slice ‘ that is ideal for toasting or creating the ultimate super sandwich!
Trevor McCrum, commercial director, Hovis Ireland, comments: “We are excited to be launching Hovis “WE ARE EXCITED TO BE LAUNCHING HOVIS SOFT WHITE TOASTIE IN NORTHERN IRELAND AND ARE CONFIDENT THAT CONSUMERS WILL ENJOY THE EXTRA THICK SLICES.”
ADVERTORIAL Soft White Toastie in Northern Ireland and are confident that consumers will enjoy the ‘Extra Thick slices’. In addition the new Hovis Soft White pack design will create strong impact in the bread aisles, ensuring that Northern Ireland’s no. 1 pre packaged white bread brand is perfectly placed for future years!” 1Source:Thedate for this year’s ranking was collected in the 52 weeks to October 2021. Data is sourced from 650 demographically representative households in Northern Ireland in which Kantar record their take home groceries. It comprises of over 200 FMCG categories which are recorded by KANTAR Worldpanel on a continuous basis including those in the beverages, food, health and beauty and home and care sectors. Kantar provided households with barcode scanners in order to scan the goods that they had purchased for at home consumption 2 Nielsen Scantrack EPOS Total Northern Ireland Pre Packaged White Bread MAT Unit Share to 16th July 2022 3 Independependent online consumer validation conducted by Cognisense Northern Ireland. “IN ADDITION THE NEW HOVIS SOFT WHITE PACK DESIGN WILL CREATE STRONG IMPACT IN THE BREAD AISLES, ENSURING THAT NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO. 1 PRE PACKAGED WHITE BREAD BRAND IS PERFECTLY PLACED FOR FUTURE YEARS!” 23
Where fetch really excels is as part of a larger campaign eg in supporting a product launch. fetch can really complement and drive forward a wider brand campaign, create noise online, reach thousands of new eyeballs, and also create 50+ pieces of new and original content, that can be repurposed byWebrands.worked with a spirit brand to launch their ‘make at home’ Christmas cocktail range. The campaign with fetch Ireland was one tactic within a much larger PR campaign that included media relations, advertorials and sponsorship. fetch further elevated the campaign messaging and cut-through by engaging with its network of micro-influencers, delivering widespread access to niche, engaged audiences for the brand. This particular campaign reached over 50,000 people and created 40 pieces of unique and innovative content for the brand to repurpose on its own social media platforms.
WHAT SORT OF FEEDBACK HAVE YOU RECEIVED FROM MARKETING MANAGERS WHO HAVE USED FETCH IRELAND? The feedback we have received has been extremely positive. The top compliment we receive about fetch is the time we save in-house teams and agencies. Influencer marketing can be extremely time-consuming, from finding influencers that work for the brand, to researching and contacting them and managing a big mailout.Wemanage the campaign from start to finish including all contact with the influencers, coordination of mail out and collation of results for post-campaign reporting. So, we’ve done the research, we have the database, and our digital dashboard launches products to our fetch community.
ADVERTORIAL COMPANY : FETCH IRELAND
HOW MANY PIECES OF CONTENT WOULD YOU EXPECT AN AVERAGE CAMPAIGN TO PRODUCE?
DO THE INFLUENCERS GET PAID? No, fetch Ireland works on a gifting basis and that’s how we have built the platform. It’s free to join for micro influencers (over 5,000 followers) and influencers genuinely only participate in campaigns for brands/services that they are interested in. Influencers are gifted a product from a brand and in return for the goods/experience, they create and share pictures, videos and information about the product on their social media channels.FetchIreland works so well because the influencers request to work with the brands - this is the point of difference. Our community actively chooses to work on the campaigns that they deliver superb content for. This is why the content is so authentic and engaging. Fetch Ireland is open for business, and Christmas campaign booking slots are now available. To discuss your campaign brief, simply seeJolene.kelly@fetch-ireland.comemail:or
HOW DOES FETCH IRELAND WORK FOR BRANDS? fetch Ireland works with participating brands to schedule campaigns or ‘drops’ – mailouts of products/services/ experiences – which are then sent to influencers who have been hand-selected based on relevance to the brand/brief. Influencers apply to take part in a campaign, and the fetch team selects those influencers who are the best fit for the campaign based on their profile, audience and suggested content.
www.fetch-ireland.social Jolene Kelly 24
One year ago, communicationsintegratedagency, RNN Communications, launched Ireland’s first micro-influencer platform, fetch Ireland, connecting brands with the micro-influencer community across the island of Ireland. Now the fastest growing micro-influencer platform in Northern Ireland and Ireland, fetch hopes to have surpassed 500 registered micro-influencers before the end of the year.In one year, 500 pieces of unique content have been created for over 20 brands. fetch Ireland works directly with brands, and with distributors, advertising and PR agencies, and even tourism providers, to help bring their products and services into the social media newsfeeds of their target audience. Ulster Grocer sat down with Head of Services Jolene Kelly to discuss how fetch Ireland is benefiting brands in the FMCG and drinks sectors and beyond, and what makes its offering so different.
HOW DOES FETCH IRELAND WORK WITHIN A MARKETING CAMPAIGN? IS IT COMPLEMENTARY TO OTHER TACTICS?
In exchange, the approved influencers will create content about the product, eg product reviews, promotion of offers/ discounts or new product launches, bringing the brand directly to their own niche audience, increasing awareness of a brand’s product/service and reinforcing its credibility and authority. There’s one single cost for a campaign which reaches 20 influencers and includes end of end campaign management, postage and packaging and reporting. Optional bolt-ons for increasing the campaign are no problem, and we can build bespoke campaigns.
We all know that content is king, but we also appreciate the amount of time (and money) it takes to create compelling content. Each fetch campaign results in an average of 40–50 pieces of content… and content that’s often superb in terms of quality, creativity and originality. This content is then able to be repurposed by the brand and shared across all their social media channels.
A year of fetch Ireland
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK?
I always end my day planning the one ahead with a to-do list. This helps me relax and sleep well knowing that the next day is planned out. I get up around 7am, have coffee and breakfast outside, if the weather allows. I get my three boys sorted and off to school, then start tackling my list. I normally begin by sorting online orders and a run to the Post Office. Then brewing and bottling my kombucha. At lunchtime, I like to get a walk or run. Then it’s home again for either meetings/calls or delivery to my stockists. The evening is filled with cooking and family time. It usually involves running one or two of the kids to football training etc. Then, I normally jump back on the computer to reply to emails and plan the next day before bed.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I’m a citizen of Australia and have been a vegetarian from the age of eight.
Before Moocha Kombucha, I was working as a graphic designer in a large advertising agency In Hollywood, Co Down. Being a graphic designer enabled me to design all the branding, labels, website and promotional material for the company and helped to keep the start-up costs to a minimum.
WHAT IS THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB? I love the flexibility of working for myself. Having a young family and being my own boss means I’m able to work around the kids and be home early in the evenings for homework etc. Although as the company has grown and needs more of my time dedicated to it, this has proved more difficult.
My Life in the Grocery Trade NAME: BRONAGH QUAIL ROLE: MANAGING DIRECTOR COMPANY: KOMBUCHAMOOCHA BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT
HISTORY TO DATE
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? At the moment it’s just me working full time at Moocha Kombucha, so I have to do it all - brewing, bottling, deliveries, marketing, bookkeeping, markets, as well as managing the social media channels. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming, but this is where the daily to-do list becomes so important as it’s very easy to get distracted. We are currently upscaling our kombucha brewing equipment. This will allow us to increase production even further. I’m planning on taking on staff to help out with the day-to-day running of the businesses as well as deliveries. I also have a new product which I’m developing and hope to release early next year.
The highlight this year has been winning a total of five Great Taste award stars. We took home one star for our lemon and ginger flavour, one for our Aronia berry flavour, one for our lemon and ginger healing pots. But the star of the show was our original flavour which took two stars. This was our first time entering our kombucha into any awards and it was great to see all our hard work getting recognised. Another recent highlight is being asked to supply our kombucha into a five-star hotel. They are going to serve our kombucha in their spa as a refreshing drink to guests after treatments.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE?
It often feels like there is no time to relax! Between family, work and markets at the weekend it’s a busy space that I am in at the moment. I love to cook and find it relaxing. While I am vegetarian, the rest of the family eat meat and so I’m often seen with three or four pots on the go at once. I love to experiment with flavour and to see what I can create from what I’ve grown in my garden. I find it relaxing when I can listen to podcasts while I work. I really enjoy Steven Barnes’s Diary of a CEO and Caroline O’Neill’s Dig for Success podcast. Listening to other people’s success stories in business is such a great way to stay motivated when you are working by yourself.
BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY
The firm only uses certified boards, sourced from sustainable forests, vegetable-based inks, and vegan friendly glues to produce packaging for customers which include Fortnum and Mason, Mash Direct, McAtanmey Butchers and retailers Dunnes and SuperValu. Using state-of-the-art, anti-viral technology for water-based coatings across all print means all packaging is more hygienic to touch, yet fully biodegradable, compostable and recyclable, allowing customers to meet targets for corporate responsibility and sustainable practice. Geoff Truesdale, director, Print Library, says: “We are seeing a real shift in the industry for sustainable products and rightly so. It is something we pride ourselves on, as well as great customer service and efficient ordering and supply chain“Weprocesses.wantour customers to enjoy a high-quality product that leaves a lasting impression, with no adverse impact on our environment.”
One of Northern Ireland’s market leaders in print packaging is boosting business by placing sustainability at its core. Print Library in Newtownards has produced cardboard sleeves, cartons and boxes for food and lifestyle customers across the UK and Ireland for more than 20 years. Investing £3m during that time, the business has not only improved efficiencies, but paved the way to become one of the most sustainable printers in Northern Ireland.
“We are keen to grow our market in the Republic of Ireland and to bolster that we launched an online portal for clients to reorder packaging they regularly need to save on lead times. This combined with our new machinery increasing productivity by 30% means we are ready to grow and are excited to take our team of skilled craftspeople on that journey with us.”
Printing firm at cutting edge of sustainable packaging
PRINTING THE FULL PACKAGE IN A WORLD POST-COVID It’s not just sustainability that has had an impact on Print Library’s business model. The business has survived two recessions, Brexit and a pandemic. This is something the company has used to its advantage as Print Library continues to trade across the UK and Ireland having set up supply chain corridors that allow a completely undisrupted service.
Print Library currently employ 15 staff and is looking to expand its operations, including apprenticeship training schemes.
Covid-19 also presented its own challenges, and opportunities, leading to a £250,000 investment in specialist machinery with ground-breaking antiviral technology as Michael Thompson, co-founder, Print Library, explains: “We can now offer customers a coating which reduces transmission of viruses on touch points. This can be used on food sleeves and boxes, which is key for the FMCG sector as it boosts customer confidence in the products on shelf.
The Print Library team includes Jay Gregson, sales and account manager; Michael Thompson and Geoff Truesdale, founders; and Andrea productionMcMaster,manager.Geoffsaysthenewanti-viralcoatingwillbeagamechangerforconsumerconfidence.
Geoff founded the business with Michael Thompson in 2001, after years of working together in the industry and they have seen unprecedented growth in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector which now makes up 85% of the business.Geoffcontinues: “We have worked hard as a team to achieve AA BRCGS Global Food Safety Standard recognition and the globally recognised FSC and PEFC accreditations, which show our commitment to ethical practices. Our business has seen 17% growth year on year, even during the Covid pandemic and that’s something we have put down to our sustainability ethos, which sets us apart from competitors. “We’ve expanded the team, taking on a female apprentice to try and encourage more women into the print manufacturing industry. We have installed vehicle electric charge points on site and have sustainably sourced PPE for the factory floor. We must practice what we preach and the proactive measures we take on site echo our values off-site, which shows we are a company you can not only trust to deliver but trust right from the source.”
28 ADVERTORIAL “WE WANT CUSTOMERSOURTO ENJOY A ENVIRONMENT.”IMPACTWITHAPRODUCTHIGH-QUALITYTHATLEAVESLASTINGIMPRESSION,NOADVERSEONOUR COMPANY : PRINT LIBRARY
Available in 10oz, 20oz and 22oz sizes plus a 4oz size for tasting, the cups have the prestigious Flustix No Plastic certification by Din Certco and are the only UKCA mark registered paper cups for 10oz and 20oz. “We all know that plastic is no longer seen as the answer, and anyway, paper delivers so many advantages beyond its sustainability credentials, as it can easily be printed across the whole surface in CMYK or spot colours,” says Gabbitas. “So, you can actually put a whole poster into consumers’ hands or run competitions which link through to your current digital campaign with QR codes.”
FOCUS ON PACKAGING & RECYCLING 30
UKCA MARKED PLASTIC-FREE PAPER CUPS Seal is introducing the first ever UKCA mark-registered paper cups to market, made in the UK for the brewery and leisure industries, and offering the best enviro-credentials in the category. “If people really care about the environment, this certified homecompostable and recyclable, repulpable, biodegradable, free from PLA and PE range of paper cups is a must,” says Gabbitas.
Itsnotpaper bags look, feel and handle like paper, but not one tree has been chopped down to make them. They are set to revolutionise the UK and world bag markets over the next few years.
Itsnotpaper bags are made in the UK, and the material used to make them has been through a rigorous Life Cycle Assessment to ensure that it is sustainable, end-to-end. They can be printed just like conventional paper bags and behave in the same way, with the same flexibility and wet-strength.
SEAL PACKAGING launches new sustainable solutions
COMPANY : SEAL PACKAGING
COMPOSTABOWL After nearly three years in development, Seal Packaging launched Compostabowl earlier this year. “Compostabowl combines a high-quality bagasse bowl with an optional high-clarity lid made from 100 per cent recycled and 100% recyclable rPET, giving maximum presentation with superb environmental credentials,” says Gabbitas. “Further enhancing its environmental appeal, Compostabowl is certified to TÜV Austria (S0086) – the highest standard for home compostability.”Compostabowl adds an eco-friendly feel to any foodservice offering and its ergonomic design make it both easy to hold for food on the go, while enhancing presentation of shelf-ready product.
ITSNOTPAPER BAGS
“By using renewable sources such as agri-fibres as a raw material, instead of wood, the production of Itsnotpaper bags have up to 38% less carbon emissions than conventional paper bags,” says Gabbitas. “They contribute to a reduction in deforestation, and the material used has so far saved more than one million trees.“The agri-fibres we use to make the material for Itsnotpaper bags are abundant and renewable. By turning what would otherwise be waste into a valuable resource, we are supporting communities in India by paying farmers for something they previously burnt, causing air and land pollution.”
Luton-based Seal Packaging (Seal) has been acquired by experienced industry professionals Kevin Curran, Sally Gabbitas and Kevin Prosser as a vehicle to launch new ranges of innovative and sustainable packaging. With the tagline Packaging with integrity and a new website, Seal is aiming to help its clients achieve net zero by ensuring the sustainability of its products’ raw materials, usage, and endof-life, to protect the environment. Several new innovative products are currently being launched including: the first UKCA marked plastic-free paper cups; the Itsnotpaper bag range, a viable and sustainable alternative to traditional paper bags; and Compostabowl, the brainchild of Kevin Curran, who has been a thought-leader and leading figure in the packaging industry for over 30 years. “The environment is one of our core concerns and, working closely with a tried and trusted range of national and global suppliers, we are striving to develop and introduce new and eye-catching products that reflect ever-changing market trends and today’s stringent environmental requirements,” says Sally Gabbitas, director, Seal Packaging.
“Working closely with envoPAP – the UK’s first certified B Corporation company in the paper and packaging industry –and a leading UK-based bag specialist, we are proud to have developed Itsnotpaper bags,” says Gabbitas. “This is the first time in my career that I’ve been able to promote a product which is certified marine“Adddegradable.tothatthe fact that Itsnotpaper bags are 100 per cent recyclable and can be recycled in conventional paper recycling streams, and that we also have 100% compostable certification, makes these innovative bags a genuine sustainable alternative to traditional paper bags.”
“Farm24 is one of the biggest annual social media initiatives for the agricultural industry and in recent years it has become a key date in our calendar,” said Ian Stevenson, chief executive, LMC.
PRODUCTION PRESSURES AT NSA EVENT
The study was conducted by the School of Marketing, which offers leading digital marketing apprenticeships and has more than 4,000 learners in more than 20 countries.
LMC HIGHLIGHTS IMPORTANCE AGRICULTUREOF DURING FARM24
FERMANAGH & OMAGH IS AREA OF UK MOST DOMINATED BY AGRICULTURE
“The traditional family farm is the main farming type in Northern Ireland with over 99% of farm managers being farm occupiers, spouses and other family members.“Itisoften said that livestock reared on family farm units are cared for equally as well, if not better than, the family members themselves. “In a broader sense the initiative also provides a platform to inform the public about ongoing workstreams within the agricultural sector. Over the course of the 24-hour period, LMC shared positive messages about our local red meat industry by underlining the nutritional, health and environmental benefits of beef and lamb produced by Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured farmers.” HIGHLIGHTS
“By sharing a broad range of content across various social media channels, the general public are afforded an opportunity to virtually join farmers on the job for one day.
UFU
“When it comes to skills, there are some common themes that employers are looking for across a range of jobs; however in the current climate, budgets for training are likely to be cut, and the skills gap could widen. “SME owners can take advantage of the Apprenticeship Levy scheme to bring in new staff or train current ones in digital and data-led programmes, with the vast majority of the training cost covered by the levy.”
Pressures faced by sheep farmers since early spring, due to the rising cost of production, were raised with industry and retailers by representatives from Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) attending the NSA Sheep Event in Malvern on July 27.“Travelling to NSA’s event was too good of an opportunity to miss as it gave us the chance to speak face-toface with key individuals who need to be aware of the challenges facing our sheep farmers in Northern Ireland,” said Pat McKay, beef and lamb chair, UFU. “Farm inputs during spring and throughout the summer to date have soared, putting huge financial pressure on farm “Whilebusinesses.lambprices have been fairly strong this season, which was good to see, in recent weeks we have witnessed market returns falling sharply in a very short space of time. It stresses how vulnerable our sector is and the need for confidence to be instilled in our producers as store lamb and breeding sales get underway. “Tesco and Asda, as well as processors, took the time to speak to us at Malvern and we reiterated the need for strong farmgate prices for the sheep sector.” Ian Stevenson, chief executive, LMC.
“This data shows that some industries really dominate in certain areas of the UK, however that doesn’t mean there’s only one type of job available, as there can be a huge variety of roles within a business sector,” said Ritchie Mehta, CEO of the School of Marketing.
33 AGRI-FOOD NEWS
More than 40% of all businesses in Fermanagh and Omagh are involved in agriculture, making it the area of the UK most dominated by the sector.
Participation in Farm24 has helped farmers bridge the gap between the farmgate and consumer’s plate, according to the Livestock and Meat Commission (LMC).Hosted by Farmers’ Guardian, the annual online initiative was held over August 4-5, showcasing 24 hours in farming and highlighted farming’s immense contribution to society.
A study by marketing training hub School of Marketing has analysed ONS data to determine the number of businesses from specific industries in every local authority, and subsequently identify areas dominated the most by singleFermanaghsectors. and Omagh was found to be most dominated by agricultural, forestry and fishing, with 40.30% of all businesses in the area from the industry, the highest in the list. Mid Ulster was the sixth most dominated by one sector, again agriculture, accounting for 31.58% of businesses.
Daryl McLaughlin, UFU beef and lamb policy officer; Clement Lynch, hill farming vice chair beef; Pat McKay, lamb chair; and Alastair Armstrong, hill farming chair.
Pictured launching the competition in Northern Ireland are Nadene Caldwell, Northern Ireland senior women’s international; Conor McMenamin, Northern Ireland senior men’s international; and budding young footballers Aria and Lucia Halsall.
Every product with the Eat Well health seal of approval is an entry into the competition, provided shoppers scan their SPARKS card. The competition is open until September 27 across all stores. As well as the training, there are thousands of other prizes up for grabs including match tickets, kits, equipment, signed merchandise and Eat Well products.
CELEBRATES THE GOLDEN HOUR
IN M&S FOOD/EAT WELL COMP
All entrants will also be entered into a grand prize draw to win £10,000 to enjoy their ultimate golden hour moment. *according to Kantar data healthier choices under the campaign banner Eat Well, Play Well.
M&S Food Eat Well and the Irish Football Association is launching a game changing competition for youth football teams to win a training masterclass with Northern Ireland national football teams. Know a child who fancies their chances of becoming a future Northern Ireland star, or a local grassroots or school football team needing a bit of help with their freekick set pieces? Then help them be in with a chance to win this fantastic prize by picking up Eat Well products in M&S Foodhalls across the nation, and then nominating your local team to go into the draw.
£10,000, spa breaks for two and free wine for a whole year.
Entries close on December 16 with no purchase required and one entry permitted per person.
M&S Food has partnered with the England, Scotland, Cymru and the Northern Ireland National Football Teams, to use the power of football and the influence of some of the UK’s biggest footballing heroes to help families make Refresco UK, the bottler and distributor of Old Jamaica, and sees the brand focusing on the Golden Hour period of 5pm until 7pm, when its hero product, Old Jamaica Ginger Beer, is most commonlyLaunchedconsumed*.lastmonth, the campaign aims to solidify Old Jamaica’s position as the UK’s number one ginger beer brand and drive sales and consumption.Thecampaign is running across both consumer and trade channels. Central to both elements of the campaign is a
WIN A TRAINING MASTERCLASS WITH NI FOOTBALLERS
Joe Major, head of marketing at Old Jamaica (Refresco).
Old Jamaica is bringing back the Golden Hour this summer with the launch of a new campaign utilising augmented reality (AR) technology for the first time. At a time when home and work lines are becoming more blurred than ever, Old Jamaica is on a mission to invite the nation to find a moment to chill out after the day’s work is done. The fully integrated campaign follows a £500,000 investment by
I HEART WINES OFFERS LOCAL WINE LOVERS A CHANCE TO WIN HOLIDAY£10,000 iheart Wines is offering one lucky person the chance to tick the Trip of a Lifetime off their bucket list, be it deepsea diving in the Great Barrier Reef or watching the ball drop on New Year’s Eve in Times ahundredsUnitedDistributedSquare.byCraigavion-basedWines,iheartisgivingawayofamazingprizesincludingonce-in-a-lifetimeholidayworth
£50,000 prize pot. To bring the campaign and competition to life for consumers, a bespoke AR filter is being developed that will allow entrants to ‘discover their sunset vibe’ via their mobile phones.Thefilter will determine each user’s sunset vibe and determine their prize from a range, including daily prizes for outdoor relaxing and over 20,000 free and half price coupons redeemable against the Old Jamaica range.
“We’re delighted to launch this amazing competition to make someone’s dreams come true and reward them on the back of a very difficult two years, especially for those who haven’t managed to get away abroad already,” said David Greenlees, brand manager for United Wines.
“For your chance to win the Trip of a Lifetime plus hundreds of other incredible prizes including a spa break for two and free wine for a year, head over to i heart Wines’ competition page, social channels, or pick up a promotional bottle in store where all you have to do is scan the QR code found on the neck hangers attached to the i heart Wines range.”
David Greenlees, brand manager for Craigavonbased United Wines, and Hollie Sweetlove launch the competition.
34 MARKETING NEWS OLD JAMAICA AR CAMPAIGN
STRENGTHENING TIES WITH IRISH WHISKEY’S BIGGEST EXPORT MARKET
35
The Passport initiative aims to incentivise tourists on trips to Ireland to visit the numerous Irish whiskey distilleries and was developed with support and advice from the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, which had previously developed a Kentucky Bourbon Trail passport. Passports are available to be picked up at Irish whiskey distilleries across the country’s five regions, and visitors collecting at least five stamps including one from each region may apply for an IrishWhiskey360° champion pin and be added to a mailing list for future offers andNorthernnews. Ireland-based distilleries participating in the passport scheme include Old Bushmills, Echlinville, Rademon and Hinch. The US remains the largest market in the world for Irish whiskey, with over 5.9 million cases (71 million bottles) of Irish whiskey sold in the US in 2021, a 15% increase on 2020. Tourists from the US also form the largest visitor segment for Irish whiskey distilleries, which are aiming to rebound in 2022 following a pandemic-related 87% collapse in visitors in 2020 and 2021.
Other US companies invested in the Irish whiskey industry include Beam Suntory, owner of Kilbeggan Distilling Company and Cooley Distillery; BrownForman, owner of Slane Distillery; and Sazerac, owner of Lough Gill Distillery and the iconic Paddy brand. information see irishwhiskey360.com/passporthttps:// £22M DISTILLERY VISITOR CENTRE
IN NEW
Making the joint announcement, Economy Minister Gordon Lyons said: “This multi-million investment will see the transformation of this historic Belfast building, and create 49 new jobs, contributing over £1.7m of additional annual salaries into the local economy.
“The J&J McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience will boost our economy as both an export business, and a tourism offering.”TheDepartment for Communities and Invest Northern Ireland have provided a combined £1.9m of support towards the project.John Kelly, CEO of Belfast Distillery Company, said: “We launched McConnell’s Irish Whisky in 2020 and we have already achieved significant success in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia and China.“The J&J McConnell’s Distillery and Visitor Experience will become the home of our brand and will help us to take our business to the next level in the global whiskey market. The support we have received from across government has been vital to making this ambition a reality for us.” This project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.
andLyonsofficer,commercialFarrell,andClaireAmbassadorAssociation;WhiskeyUSCronin;ConorchiefPearseBrewingDistilling.
For more
“The United States is our number one market for Irish whiskey sales and for visitors to Irish whiskey distilleries,” said William Lavelle, director of the Irish Whiskey Association. “We look forward to deepening our connection with the US, in particular to welcome more American tourists to Ireland and to our great whiskey distilleries.”
EXPORT NEWS
Economy Minister Gordon Lyons, Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey and Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd have visited Belfast Distillery Company at Crumlin Road Gaol to welcome the company’s £22.3m investment.Themajor investment includes plans to regenerate the A Wing of the Crumlin Road Gaol into the J&J McConnell’s Distillery and world-class visitor experience.TheDepartment for Infrastructure has provided Belfast Distillery Company with the lease to develop its distillery within the historic Grade A listed building.
The Pearse Lyons Distillery has particular ties to the US, with its late namesake having left Ireland in the 1970s and founded the animal nutrition and drinks company Alltech in Kentucky.Having revived the Lexington Brewing and Distilling Co in Kentucky, Pearse and Deirdre Lyons embarked on a four-year restoration and development of the Pearse Lyons Distillery in The Liberties, which opened in 2017.
BELFAST DISTILLERY COMPANY INVESTS
&
US Ambassador to Ireland Claire Cronin recently visited Pearse Lyons Distillery in Dublin to mark the close ties between the Irish and American whiskey industries and discuss the Irish Whiskey Association’s new IrishWhiskey360° Passport.
John Kelly, Belfast Distillery CEO; Deirdre Hargey, Communities Minister; Gordon Lyons, Economy Minister; John O’Dowd, Infrastructure Minister; and Mel Chittock, Invest NI interim CEO. William Lavelle, director of the Irish
Ulster University Business School’s Food and Consumer Testing Suite (FACTS) has been undertaking taste tests with members of the public for SPAR’s ownbrand Enjoy Local range over the past four years, providing real and robust data to inform its development.
“Not only did we see commitment to grow, right across Northern Ireland, but also a drive to get more people into better jobs.”
Northern Ireland biggest businesses have seen profits soaring by almost 50% year-onyear, Ulster Business can reveal.
36 BUSINESS NEWS SPAR
Alongside attracting new investors, Invest NI also supported reinvestment by local companies such as Deli Lites in Warrenpoint and Stone Bakery in Crossmaglen.
SPAR NI has collaborated with the Consumer Insights Lab on Ulster University’s Coleraine campus to create the first Virtual Reality (VR) grocery store facility on the island of Ireland. Modelled on a real-life Henderson Group SPAR store, it will enable the company to gain even further data on how and why local shoppers choose specific groceries in a store environment.
INVEST NI HIGHLIGHTS STRONG PERFORMANCE DESPITE ECONOMIC & DELIVERY CHALLENGES
This first collaborative project saw 10 members of the public ‘shop’ in the VR lab, choosing between products available on the shelves at SPAR NI stores across Northern Ireland, ranging from big brands, own brand lines including Enjoy Local, The Kitchen and The Greengrocer’s, plus a range of fresh and artisan products from local suppliers. “Our first project in the Consumer Insights Lab has shown us the key influential factors when making product choices, from price to promotion and freshness,” said Jonny Agnew, general manager, Henderson Kitchen. “These and the further insights we have gained from working with Dr Amy Burns at the FACTS have been invaluable to the development of our own brand Enjoy Local“Werange.care about the ever-changing behaviour of shoppers, especially with the changes to lifestyles and living costs in recent years and months, and this continued partnership will help us build a more robust brand and shopping experience for our retailers and shoppers.”
More than 2,500 offers totalling £99m were made to businesses throughout Northern Ireland in 2021/22, contributing £573m investment in the local economy and almost 3,548 new jobs, according to Invest NI. “Nearly 1,900 businesses sought our support in 2021/22,” said Mel Chittock, interim CEO, Invest NI.
“Considering the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and wider economic challenges the year brought, it was reassuring to see so many businesses still committing to investment, whether through innovation, exporting, skills development or job creation.
The Ulster Business Top 100 Northern Ireland Companies 2022 list, with A&L Goodbody, shows combined pre-tax profits among the biggest firms rose by 46% to £1.367bn, up from £936.8m.Combined sales among the Top 100 companies rose by just 2.6% during the same period, from £26.1bn to £27.7bn; down from 10.4% growth in the Top 100 a year previous. The list uses data from Dun & Bradstreet and the latest accounts filed to Companies House in the UK, with data including more recent filings for many firms covering the period since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.Ofthe100 companies making the list, just eight declared losses for their last financial year. Moy Park has topped the list once again, posting turnover of £1.46bn and pre-tax profits of £82.7m for its latest filed accounts, followed by W&R Barnett with turnover of £1.27bn and pre-tax profits of £51.3m, coming in the second spot. “While the last two years have been some of the trickiest periods for business and wider society in a generation, the performance of many of our biggest businesses is testament to the hard work which goes into running a Top 100 company,” said John Mulgrew, editor of Ulster Business Dr Amy Burns, director of the Food and Consumer Testing Suite at Ulster University, with Jonny Agnew, general manager, Henderson Kitchen at the new Consumer Insights Lab at the UU Coleraine Campus.
Some 2,000 (77%) of the offers made in 2021/22 were outside of Belfast, supporting the Department for Economy’s objective of a strong regionally balanced economy.Ofthe3,400+ new jobs to be created, 70% will pay salaries above the NI Private Sector Median and 2,000 (nearly 60%) of the new jobs to be created will be outsideNorthernBelfast.Ireland’s attraction to internationally mobile businesses also remained strong, with a further 15 new investors choosing to invest in Northern Ireland for the first time, including ASOS, Workrise and Agio.
NORTHERN IRELAND’S BIGGEST BUSINESSES SEE PROFITS RISE BY 46%
NI CREATES VIRTUAL WORLD AT ULSTER NEW LAB
UNIVERSITY’S
Peter Stafford, partner A&L Goodbody; John Mulgrew, editor of Ulster Business; and Justin Coleman, director, Moy Park.
With an inquisitive and problem-solving nature, he will ensure Drinksology Kirker Greer is racing ahead of the competition, having come from one of the leading Formula One constructors McLaren. Whilst at McLaren Racing, Bell managed the worldwide air freight and road operation, heading up a team accountable for the trackside stock control and component lifting, ensuring the F1 cars were built to the correct specification for practice, qualifying and race. He supported business transitions from Brexit adherence to the implementation of the F1 cost cap and, during the Covid-19 pandemic, set up the production and delivery of 8,000 trolleys to the NHS.
operations,KirkerofshapeBellmanager.BellappointmentannouncedKirkerownerdistributorpremiumgrowingspiritsandbrandDrinksologyGreerhastheofMattasoperationsInhisnewrole,willhelpthefuturetheDrinksologyGreerglobaldocumenting how the company operates, mapping process flows and finding ways for the business to become more efficient in its global expansion.
“The Fed has a long history of supporting independent retailers and they need our help and support more than ever,” he said. “I am looking forward to rolling up my sleeves and helping members tackle the myriad issues facing them.”
BOOST DRINKS APPOINTS JON FRANCIS AS WHOLESALE CONTROLLER
In his new role, Stafford with work closely with new National President Jason Birks, the Fed’s national executive committee, national finance committee, national councillors and senior management to build on the federation’s successes and to help shape the next stage of its development.
Matt Bell, operations manager, Drinksology Kirker Greer.
37
TOFFICERheFed(FederationofIndependentRetailers)hasappointedGrahamStaffordasitsnewchiefoperatingofficer(COO).StaffordjoinedtheretailtradeorganisationinJulyandwillbebasedatitsheadofficeinDurham.Previouslyhehas worked as COO for Amazing Instore and in senior roles for Nokia andStafford’sSony. introduction to the news trade came at the age of 15 when he worked as a paperboy for his local independent retailer.
Sacha Donnelly, events co-ordinator, Hinch Distillery.
Jon Francis, wholesale controller at Boost Drinks. Simon Whitaker.
MATT BELL TO SHAPE DRINKSOLOGY KIRKER GREER’S GLOBAL OPERATIONS
The business has plans to further expand its distribution within the UK and Irish convenience and foodservice channels with its growing functional drinks portfolio as well as building its international footprint in overseas markets.
Graham Stafford, chief officer,operatingTheFed.
APPOINTMENTS THE FED NAMES GRAHAM STAFFORD AS NEW CHIEF OPERATING
Functional drinks brand Boost Drinks has appointed Jon Francis as its new wholesale controller, following the retirement of longstanding team member Simon Whitaker. Whitaker retired on July 29, following an impressive 47 years in the industry including nine years at BoostFrancisDrinks.began his new role at the end of July and brings with him a wealth of experience in the wholesale sector and functional drinks market. He joins Boost Drinks from AG Barr, where his career spans 15 years, most recently as sales controller for Booker, Bestway and Costco. Boost will celebrate its 20th anniversary in Northern Ireland in 2023, and the appointment of Francis comes at a pivotal moment in the company’s history.
EVENTS CO-ORDINATOR APPOINTED AS DISTILLERY NEARS COMPLETION
Rapidly
Co Down Irish whiskey and gin distillery Hinch has appointed Sacha Donnelly as its new events co-ordinator, joining its 50-strong team. The Newry native’s appointment will see her identify and report on business tomanagingopportunities,salesoperationsreachfinancialandcustomer targets. She will plan and coordinate business and social events, in addition to coordinating weddings, working closely with the couple getting married to ensure their big day goes off without a hitch. This often involves managing vendors, coordinating with other wedding professionals such as photographers and florists, and overseeing any number of other tasks related to ensuring everything is perfect on the day. Donnelly will spearhead a new itinerary of activities to further boost the profile of the distillery, while her digital aptitude will allow her to ramp up the distillery’s online presence via social media networks. Having achieved First Class Honours in Event Management from Ulster University, she has experience in the retail and hospitality industries.
The product was developed inhouse after the Forest Feast team noted it had become a home-made hit on Instagram and Tiktok, as part of a clean-treat trend. Forest Feast North African Deglet Nour Dates have a delicious chewy sweetness, which combines perfectly with creamy smooth peanut butter and a generous drenching of Belgian Milk Chocolate for a double-dipped delight. The product launched last month in Tesco, to be followed by other retailers and fine food wholesalers with an RRSP of £3.50 for 140g.
SHELF38LIFE To see your product featured in Shelf Life, contact Judith Martin j.martin@mediahuis.co.ukat or Tel: 07765 183176 BUSHMILLS REVEALS IRELAND-EXCLUSIVE 2022 CAUSEWAY COLLECTION EXPRESSIONS Bushmills Irish Whiskey has revealed two new expressions from its 2022 Causeway Collection, including a world’s first, with both releases limited edition and only available to purchase on the island of Ireland. The two expressions - a 2002 Vermouth Cask and a 2012 Pomerol Cask – were unveiled by Bushmills Master Blender Alex Thomas at a trade launch in Dublin ahead of their general release on August 26. The 2002 Vermouth Cask lays claim as the world’s first ever vermouth caskfinished Irish single malt whiskey release. Matured in oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels for over 18 years, the one-time-release whiskey is then aged for nearly two years in unique vermouth casks from the Piedmont region of Italy. The second exclusive release for the Irish market is a 2012 Pomerol Cask, first aged in oloroso sherry butts and bourbon barrels before being finished in rare Pomerol wine casks for a further four years.Both non chill-filtered, the 2012 Pomerol Cask is bottled at 54.2% ABV and priced at £100, and the 2002 Vermouth Cask bottled at 48.2% ABV and priced at £225. FOREST FEAST LAUNCHES DOUBLE DIPPED PEANUT BUTTER & MILK CHOCOLATE DATES
from September 12. Soya free and suitable for vegetarians and vegans, the goo-ey tomato and mozzarella flavour rice balls are the first plant-based arancini on the market.
Alex Thomas with her first Causeway Collection expressions as master blender.
July 2022 FIRST ARANCINIVEGAN AVAILABLE IN TESCO ASEPTEMBERFROMward-winningplant-basedcheesealternativeSheeseislaunchingAranciniBallsinTesco
The 200g packs of eight arancini balls can be found in the plant-based section of the chiller aisle, priced at £4.Made on the Isle of Bute in Scotland, Sheese’s range of dairyfree, vegan cheese products provides a delicious and versatile alternative for those on plant-based diets, with dietary restrictions such as lactose intolerance or just fancying a tasty alternative to dairy.
IRI
“We listen to what our customers want on their plates and, with more and more people wanting to try alternatives to dairy, as well as the growing number of people in the UK who follow a plant-based diet, we decided to bring a unique, truly delicious and exciting new product to UK shoppers,” said Nigel White of Bute Island Foods, makers of Sheese.
Snacking brand Forest Feast has launched a new world first innovation - Double Dipped Peanut Butter Milk Chocolate“Take-homeDates.chocolate is still growing 4.8% YoY*, but for the first time since pre-Covid we are starting to see that growth slow down**,” said Bronagh Clarke, marketing director at Forest Feast. “With the cost of living rising and health on the agenda, consumers are being more selective about the treats they choose, actively opting for quality over quantity. Our Forest Feast brand is growing 26% YoY.”
Source: * May 2022 ** Mintel
&
CLASSIFIEDS WANT TOCOMPANYYOURGET HERE...ADVERTISENOTICED?CONTACTJUDITHMARTINON07765183176 OR j.martin@mediahuis.co.ukEMAIL:
WANT GETCOMPANYYOURTO ADVERTISENOTICED?HERE... CLASSIFIEDS ONJUDITHCONTACTMARTIN07765183176 OR j.martin@mediahuis.co.ukEMAIL:
WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Go for it – from my wife when I outlined my idea of an artisan bakery to her.
WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE?
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS?
WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK?
42 NAME: LEIF JENSEN ROLE: OWNER COMPANY: LEIF’S BROT BAKEHOUSE
Energy prices, especially electricity, have become a major concern. They just keep rising all the time, making life difficult for a small bakery business. We have to keep a tight grip on all our expenditure.
To grow the business in terms of products and sales of sourdough and other artisan breads in Northern Ireland and especially in the Republic. I want people to regard my bakery as the place to go, especially early in the morning for the freshest and tastiest breads. Our breads have also been sold by Tom and Ollie at St George’s Market and other food markets. As well as increasing ordinary customers, I want to grow our business with hospitality outlets.
TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF
I am an experienced chef and artisan baker with a passion for natural sourdough and other specialist breads. I am originally from Hamburg in Germany. I gained my culinary qualifications and initial grounding as a chef there before moving to Michelin restaurants in rural France for experience. I subsequently learned from expert French bakers in the restaurants how to master the skills for crafting classic French breads such as brioche and baguettes. I was executive chef at Dinner by Heston Blumenthal at the classy Mandarin Oriental Hotel in London. I was also a chef at L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon in London’s Soho, an acclaimed French restaurant. In Hamburg, I was chef at Le Plat du Jour, a specialist in French cuisine that’s popular with local people and tourists. I was, furthermore, a chef at Ox after arriving in Belfast on a sailing ship in the Tall Ships event for the Maritime Festival in 2018.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Setting up and equipping the bakehouse in Bessbrook. I’ve always wanted to own my own artisan bakery and to introduce the distinctive breads I grew up loving, especially in Germany, to Northern Ireland.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB?
My day starts early – around 5am –when I prepare the bakery and the range of breads that are my speciality. The bakehouse is open before nine for people to buy fresh breads, especially our immensely popular sourdough varieties. I bake breads and also enjoy talking to customers who call at the shop throughout the day.
I love creating artisan breads for people here. Bread, Brot, is a significant part of German cuisine, with the largest bread diversity in the world. I grew up with many varieties of artisan breads and came to love black breads, Schwarzbrot, such as Pumpernickel, in particular. This is a coarsely ground rye bread, and distinctively tasty, that’s traditionally made with a sourdough starter. I’ve enjoyed helping people here to sample the range of delicious European breads. Feedback from villagers and others is hugely encouraging.
My wife for her patience and tremendous support over the years. She encouraged me to set up the bakehouse in Bessbrook and backed me in developing the business.
WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE?
It would have to be my homeland and especially around the Hamburg area. Artisan breads continue to be popular in Germany and other European nations where the traditions of small bakeries have survived. You’ll still see queues every morning at boulangeries in France for breads fresh from the oven.
Spending time with my wife, who is from Botswana, and two young children is the way I relax. I endeavour to spend as much time as possible with them. We try to get out into the country around Northern Ireland as much as practicable.
Q&A
I already supply a number of restaurants, hotels and cafes around the area.
WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE?
Running a business, especially at this time of spiralling costs for energy and essential ingredients. It’s become very challenging. Building the customer base is another important issue for us and we’ve reached out by taking part in food markets here, such as Warrenpoint, and in Dublin.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? Artisan breads, of course. I love sampling new breads from around the world and creating my own varieties for shoppers and hospitality outlets here.
HOW DO YOU RELAX?
IN THE Hot Seat
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE?
