Ulster Grocer

N o . 1 m a g a z i n e f o r t h e l o c a l g r o c e ry s e c t o r

JTIUK-14-3059 SIlkCut Wave3 210x295 Ulster Grocer Ad_HR.pdf

1

26/11/2014

11:19

CONTENTS

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 50, Number 10 December 2014

www.ulstergrocer.com

38

Editor: Alyson Magee E: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com Contributors: Seamus McCaffrey Brian McCalden Senior Accounts Manager: Michelle Kearney E: michellekearney@greerpublications.com

19

20-21

Art Editor: Karen Donnelly Production Manager: Stuart Gray Accounts: Gerardine Carson

8-9 – MULTI-MILLION POUND MILESTONE: Brian McCalden reports on Co Down husband and wife team Tom and Ann McAvoy’s NISA Extra Rathfriland, a new 15,000-square-foot store featuring a wide array of groceries including many ranges produced on site.

Contents

Ulster Grocer is published by Greer Publications 5B Edgewater Business Park, Belfast Harbour Estate, BELFAST BT3 9JQ Tel: 028 9078 3200 Fax: 028 9078 3210 Web: www.ulstergrocer.com

8-9

22-27

Subscription: £27.50 per annum

£37.50 outside UK

19 – FOCUS ON FRESH: This month’s Q&A finds Neal Kelly, fresh food director at the Henderson Group for the past three years, enthused over the level of innovation coming through in meal solutions. Customers are looking for fresh foods which are local but also offering value, quality and excitement, he says.

Designed & Produced by: Greer Publications Design Tel: 028 9078 3200 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Tel: 028 9446 3911

20-21 – THE SUNBLEST KID: Starting out as a van boy 44 years ago, Gerry Cassidy retired last month as national accounts manager at Allied Bakeries. Valuing a personal touch and respect in the workplace, he is well known for his work with GroceryAid and other charitable enterprises.

@ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer

22-27 – FESTIVE FARE: As the countdown begins to Christmas, Ulster Grocer looks at festive food and drink on offer across the Northern Irish grocery sector.

Greer Publications © 2014. All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of Greer Publications.

32-33 – MEAT AND MORE: Agri-food is a buoyant sector, led by a thriving meat and poultry industry which includes Northern Ireland’s biggest business Moy Park, currently investing in biomass technology, while Dunbia Group CE Jim Dobson was recently named UK Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors in London.

ULSTER GROCER

Publishers: James and Gladys Greer

38 – RECRUITMENT REBOOT: A new location and fresh identities are positioning Sales Placement and Contract People to take full advantage of a recovering market in 2015, says June Wilson, director of Sales Placement.

8 • Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011

3

NEWS

Editor’s Comment: A mixed Christmas stocking for traders

N

ews good and bad for the local grocery sector over the past month, with many town centre traders expecting a reduction in costs under the recent rates revaluation but a disappointing show in the latest retail footfall figures.

The revaluation is expected to reduce the disparity between rates paid by town-centre traders and out-of-town shopping centres which boast the additional benefits of space and

parking but have historically paid lower rates.

Welcomed by many independent traders, the revaluation may be less warmly received by other sectors of the grocery industry typically located in retail parks and other out-oftown locations including multiple retailers, discounters and the bargain chains which are increasingly encroaching on food and drinks sales.

Sales figures continue to suggest the multiples

are struggling, while more positive reports are coming from the symbols and independents; many of which are seeing continued sales growth and feeling sufficiently confident to make major investments in new, refurbished and expanded stores.

Wherever you fall, may you enjoy a buoyant festive trading period, and great prosperity in 2015.

Alyson Magee

Retail sector supports Corporation Tax devolution push

A From left, Chancellor George Osborne is pictured with Joe Quail and Glyn Roberts in Downing Street.

NIIRTA visits Downing Street

T

wo of Northern Ireland’s leading independent retailers took part in the first ever Downing Street market to promote Small Business Saturday on December 6.

Chancellor George Osborne visited the street market, which saw NIIRTA members Joe Quail of Quails Fine Foods from Banbridge and Laura Brown of Arcardia Deli from South Belfast selected from millions of small businesses across the UK to be amongst the Small Business Saturday Top 100 invited to Downing Street.

“I am absolutely delighted that two of our members made it into the Small Business Saturday Top 100 and were invited to Downing Street to meet the Chancellor,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA. “They represent the very best of Northern Ireland’s expanding and confident independent retail sector.

Last year Small Business Saturday helped to bring an extra £10m to local small businesses in Northern Ireland - we are hoping to double that this year.”

Speaking about Small Business Saturday 2014, the Chancellor said: “Small business owners deserve our support. They are the ones who take the risks to create new opportunities and new jobs, that show off the UK’s ingenuity and innovation and I am glad that once again they will be able to be the focus of all our attention and support.”

8 364• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

s Northern Ireland approaches its own D-day - after Chancellor George Osborne tied the devolution of Corporation Tax to cross-party agreement over welfare reform, flags, parades and the legacy of the past – representatives from the local retail and business community are urging progress towards devolution.

Among organisations calling Former Secretary of State for NI Owen Paterson supported devolution of Corporation Tax at an event hosted by Grant Thornton, and is pictured with for local political leaders to partners Louise Kelly (Audit), Richard Gillan (Advisory) and Peter Legge (Tax). ensure the opportunity is not of the Consortium. “What is clear is that lost are the Northern Ireland Independent there is a need for a fundamental reform of Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA), local business taxation and we will be requesting branches of the Federation of Small a meeting with the Minister to start a Businesses (FSB) and Institute of Directors meaningful dialogue on how we can play an (IoD) and the Northern Ireland Chamber of integral part in his promise of a review of Commerce and Industry. the rates system post the 2015 revaluation.

“It is now critical that the current talks We must learn from the lessons of the reach a successful conclusion to ensure that large Retailer Levy, especially the damage these game changing powers are transferred higher taxes can have on attracting inward to the NI Executive,” said Glyn Roberts, investment to NI.” chief executive of NIIRTA. “Coming on the The Chancellor placed the conditional back of Corporation Tax reduction, more offer on the table as part of his autumn Foreign Direct Investment will lead to more statement announced earlier this month, jobs which will be a big long-term boost in which also included a reassurance to freight spending for our local retail sector.” operators that fuel duties will remain frozen Wilfred Mitchell OBE, policy chair of for the remainder of this Parliament, despite FSB NI, said: “We recognise the range of big falls in oil prices; a move welcomed by challenges facing our politicians but would the Freight Transport Association. stress that one of the main ways to boost The Food and Drink Federation (FDF), our local economy is by increasing the flow meanwhile, welcomed the Chancellor’s of wealth from outside of Northern Ireland.

Autumn Statement commitment to business One of the primary ways in which this can growth through a £45m package assisting be achieved is through increased export food and drink manufacturers with reaching sales and foreign direct investment; both emerging markets, abolishment of National of which will be achieved if we cut the rate Insurance Contributions for apprentices of corporation tax as this will increase our under the age of 25 and increased R&D tax competitiveness.” credits for businesses.

A more cautious note, meanwhile, was Concern has been expressed by the Ulster struck by the Northern Ireland Retail Farmers’ Union over a proposed cut of £30m Consortium. “It must be remembered though, in the Department of Agriculture’s budget for that corporation tax is not a magic bullet 2015/16, with the Union calling for frontline for the challenges facing retail and our high services to be maintained. streets,” said Aodhán Connolly, director

NEWS

NIFDA chairman calls for step change in activity

“M

arketing, innovation and competitiveness are the catalysts for growth, which Northern Ireland’s agrifood sector urgently needs if it is to reach its ambitious growth targets,” said Dr David Dobbin at the annual dinner of the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA).

Dobbin, also group chief executive of Dale Farm, was addressing an audience of 200 industry leaders at the event last month, which also included Iceland Founder and CEO, Malcolm Walker, as guest speaker discussing the retail group’s “rise, fall and rise again”.

“We now need a step change in activity if we are to achieve the targets set out in the AgriFood Strategy Board Report,” said Dobbin. “While government must play its part, we must look first and foremost to ourselves to take charge of our own destiny. We must develop a clear vision and winning strategy in each of our businesses and, above all, we must

make it happen.

“This includes a focus on the marketing of Northern Ireland food and drink in export markets if we are to realise our full potential, raising exports by 75% and creating the 15,000 new jobs projected.”

Reiterating NIFDA’s call for a food marketing body, he said: “Without such a dedicated resource focused on export markets, we will always be at a distinct disadvantage compared to our closest neighbours, and competitors, in the Republic of Ireland and Scotland.”

Des Moore, head of event sponsor First Trust Bank, said: “First Trust Bank is delighted to sponsor NIFDA’s 18th annual dinner. We are excited to be engaging directly with the Northern Ireland agri-food sector at this strategically important time when there is a singular focus on maximising the global potential for the industry.

“We understand the challenges the industry

Pictured are, from left, Des Moore, Head of First Trust Bank; Dr David Dobbin CBE, chairman of NIFDA; and Malcolm Walker, founder and CEO of Iceland.

faces and we intend to play a much bigger part in helping the sector exploit those opportunities.

The recent launch of a new suite of funding products designed to assist progressive agrifood businesses across Northern Ireland to modernise, develop and expand, as well as the further strengthening of our expertise in the sector are early indicators of that commitment.”

GroceryAid Bronze Achievement Award for Greer Publications

G

reer Publications has been awarded a Bronze Achievement Award in the seventh annual GroceryAid Achievement Awards programme, recognising the contribution Ulster Grocer publisher James Greer has made to the work of the Northern Ireland regional branch.

In particular, the support of GroceryAid events through advertising and the publication of regular features and news stories on the charity were recognised.

The Achievement Awards are designed to bring

recognition and thanks to companies supporting the charity.

“More than 398 volunteers help us to run the charity,” said Gillian Barker, director general of GroceryAid. “Many of these are volunteers on the regional branches and help us to raise awareness within the local business community, whilst providing local events that are a source of much-needed funds for GroceryAid. I’d like to personally thank everyone at Greer Publications for their work on the Northern Ireland branch and your continuing support of the charity.”

M&S lifts platinum award for ‘green’ credentials

M

arks & Spencer in Northern Ireland has achieved the highest standard – Platinum – in the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey.

Now in its 16th year, the Survey, generated

by Business in the Community’s ARENA Network campaign and supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and Charles Hurst Fleet Financial, annually assesses top businesses in Northern Ireland on environmental management, performance and assurance and is seen as a positive influencer to help organisations achieve a more sustainable way of doing business.

A total of 104 organisations participated in this year’s survey, and the average overall score was 74%. M&S was the highest scoring business from the retail sector, achieving

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

above 90% to win a Platinum award, and also demonstrated one of the biggest improvements in score compared with last year’s result.

Lead by M&S Newtownbreda store’s Plan A Champion, Annika Campton, the team from M&S was invited to participate in a Q&A session at the awards ceremony held in the Belfast Harbour Office, to highlight what has been executed in M&S stores to improve on this year’s score.

Environment Minister Mark H Durkan said: “Too many people think creating a better environment means weakening our economy; the challenge of the 21st Century is to invent new ways to deliver excellent environmental performance and create prosperity. The Benchmarking Survey highlights the need for businesses to see the environment as an

Annika Campton of M&S Newtownbreda is pictured with, from left, Philip Miley of Charles Hurst Fleet Financial, Peter Phillips of Marks & Spencer and Edward Wright, Business in the Community ARENA Network.

opportunity and not a barrier. A reduction of environmental impacts through resource efficiency and investment in sustainable technologies helps to grow their business.”

5

NEWS

SHS Group appoints new CEO

O

White’s Oats announces £1m investment plan

ne of

Northern Ireland’s largest privatelyowned companies, the SHS Group, has appointed Elaine Birchall as chief executive officer.

Elaine Birchall Birchall, who brings more than two decades of international business experience, took up the top role at the company’s Belfast headquarters last month and replaces Michael Howard who announced retirement plans earlier this year.

A graduate of Dublin City University, she has held senior positions within a number of multi-national organisations, including Colgate Palmolive and PZ Cussons. With a background in financial management, Birchall has directed finance, supply chain and general management operations for organisations based in the USA, South Pacific, Europe, UK and Africa.

As CEO of SHS Group, she will be responsible for developing and growing the business which has an annual turnover in excess of £400m operating across four divisions – Drinks, Condiments & Sauces, SHS Sales & Marketing and Corporate Services.

“This is an exciting time for us and Elaine is an extremely important addition to our established management team,” said Joe Sloan, co-founder and chairman of the SHS Group. “She has extensive leadership qualities and the experience needed to help accelerate our longterm plans. She brings a great depth of knowledge in our current and prospective markets and shares our ambition to push towards the next phase of our development.”

Birchall said: “I am honoured and excited by the chance to build on the great achievements the SHS Group has secured in recent years and lead such a successful and committed team. We have earned an enviable position within the market due to our ability to develop brands to their full potential and forge strong relationships with our strategic partners. I look forward to building on that approach and working with all areas of the business to identify and secure future growth.”

6

Trade Minister Arlene Foster is pictured at White¹s Speedicook with, left, James Mathers, general manager of White¹s and Trevor Lockhart, chief executive of the Fane Valley Group.

W

hite’s Oats in Northern Ireland is investing over £1m and creating 29 new jobs in a drive to expand sales of its porridge and snack products in Britain, Ireland and further afield.

The company, based at Tandragee in Co Armagh and part of the Fane Valley Group, Northern Ireland’s biggest farmers’ co-operative since 1994, is Ireland’s largest oat miller and a leading producer of porridge oats and other snack and breakfast products for international markets.

“This is a very significant expansion for White’s and is an integral part of our wider Fane Valley Group strategy to grow our business operations profitably by sharpening our focus on sales outside Northern Ireland,” said Trevor Lockhart, group chief executive of Fane Valley.

“White’s is operating in the immensely

competitive and fast moving breakfast cereal marketplace. We benefit particularly from our sustainable supply chain and close relationship with local farmers. This ensures the provenance, traceability and safety being increasingly demanded by consumers in all markets.”

James Mathers, general manager of White’s, said: “We have invested heavily in our mill in Tandragee in recent years from the most advanced photo scanning technology to more recently the installation of two new packing lines. The business now has the capability to produce multiple pack formats from traditional block bottom, vertical form fill and seal, sachet portioning, caddy and ‘eat on the go’ pots”.

“Health and convenience represent two key consumer trends which White’s is ideally placed to service. The benefits of regularly eating porridge oats has been well recognised by consumers and health professionals. Our focus is on producing healthy, convenient and natural products and making them available to time pressed consumers. The opportunities looking forward are very exciting.”

The company has won a series of Great Taste Awards and aims to double sales and profits over the next three years, with a new business growth strategy that involves process improvements, skills development and new marketing initiatives to raise its profile in its existing markets as well as the rest of Europe, US, Asia and the Middle East.

Current export markets include the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, Spain, the US, Russia, the United Arab Emirates, Malaysia, Hong Kong and China.

TS Foods invests £600,000 and creates 20 jobs

T

S Foods in Castlewellan is being assisted

by Invest Northern Ireland to invest £600,000 and create 20 new jobs, to expand sales in Britain of an innovative product.

The company has won business from Tesco and Asda in Great Britain for a new range of chilled stuffings.

The family-owned and managed business currently employs 49 people on a full-time basis, and its 20 new posts will include two in senior management.

“Securing the new business with Tesco and Asda in Britain to supply fresh stuffing as both branded and for the retailers’ private labels is a very exciting development for the company in a market that we have targeted for growth,” said Joanne Molloy, commercial director of TS Foods. “As well as the significant support for our investment in new plant, machinery and equipment, Invest NI’s food marketing advisory service in Britain helped us to pinpoint and exploit the developing business opportunity there for our new product.

“Our investment will also provide opportunities in Northern Ireland for

suppliers. More than 40% of goods, including ingredients, and services associated with this expansion will be locally sourced. We expect that 80% of the expenditure on developing, modernising facilities and revamping the existing production areas to increase productivity and efficiency will involve other local companies.”

John Hood, food and tourism director at Invest NI, which has offered £99,100 towards the expansion., said: “This is an immensely important strategic investment for the business because it is based on two significant retail contacts that will substantially increase its market position in Great Britain.”

Pictured are, from left, John Hood of Invest NI with Joanne Molloy of TS Foods.

NEWS

Cloughbane secures Tesco listing C

o Tyrone-based Cloughbane Farm Shop has undertaken an expansion project after securing a significant new listing with Tesco, extending its cook room to produce more ready meal dinners.

Tesco is listing its roast chicken, roast beef, turkey and ham and roast gammon ready meal dinners, along with lasagne plus individual and family chicken and broccoli bakes and cottage pies.

“The extension to the cook room facilities has increased the overall size of our main factory building by more than 30%,” said Lorna Robinson, managing director of Cloughbane. “This extension was built solely for ready meal dinners which are available within Tesco NI stores.”

Cloughbane, which won five UK Great Taste Awards this year, handcrafts all its products – and it uses quality, local ingredients with all meat sourced within a 50-mile radius of the company’s farm, and UK or Irish farmed pork and poultry products.

The company, which employs 40 and has been in business for 11 years, first started to supply Tesco with four lines in Northern Ireland in December 2012.

The new deal with Tesco, extending its listing to 11 lines, has also prompted a rebrand of Cloughbane’s products and in addition the new products are available in cartons after the company purchased a cartoning machine as part of the expansion project.

Pictured are Gerarda O’Connor of Tesco and Richard Robinson of Cloughbane Farm Shop.

AFSB congratulates Chris Elliott on award P

rofessor Chris Elliott’s recent success at the Queen’s Impact Awards Ceremony, where he won the Vice-Chancellor’s Impact Prize in the Enriching Societies Category and was announced as the overall 2014 winner for his work on the Integrity and Assurance of Food Supply Networks has been commended by the Agri-Food Strategy Board.

Prof Elliott is director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast and, earlier this year, published his review of food supply networks commissioned by the UK government in the wake of the horsemeat-in-beef scandal.

“Northern Ireland has a reputation for producing high quality, safe and wholesome food,” said Tony O’Neill, chair of the Agri-

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

Food Strategy Board, congratulating Prof Elliott. “That reputation, combined with our innovative and entrepreneurial food processing sector, has built an industry which punches above its weight on the global stage.

“Chris’s work on the security of supply chains across the UK and his detailed recommendations will establish good practice across the agri-food sector moving forward, and underline the importance of making sure that meeting consumer requirements are at the centre of the sector’s efforts. Companies who do not recognise the central role of their consumers and adjust their efforts to meet expectations are unlikely to be sustainable in the long term.”

7

STORE FOCUS

NISA Extra Rathfriland

The new NISA Extra Rathfriland represents a multi-million pound investment.

Co Down husband and wife team Tom and Ann McAvoy have reached another milestone, opening the latest phase of their grocery retailing business in Rathfriland, as Brian McCalden reports.

S

itting in his suite of offices upstairs from his new 15,000-square-foot NISA Extra store, Tom McAvoy has barely time to reflect on the last year for the business as his multi-million pound investment sees him at work for up to 80 hours weekly.

Although just officially opened at the beginning of November – appropriately undertaken by another local man, the entertainer and mind reader David Meade - the project was a long time in the planning.

Fellow Rathhfriland native Tom admits to some trepidation, as the initial work was done at the height of the current recession. Some might have thought his scheme to grow the original petrol forecourt (still across the road) from the original 1,800 to a 5,000-square-foot convenience store on the new site as crazy enough, but Tom and Ann’s target was much higher.

The couple now employ 150 full- and parttime staff on a much-expanded site, covering the 15,000 square feet of retailing and the same area again upstairs as offices, stores and an evergrowing home food manufacturing facility.

The new store range is extensive, as it now offers Maxol fuel pumps, ATM machines, a hot and cold food deli counter, a wide range of groceries, off licence, outside catering, Lottery ticket sales, Paypoint and flowers and plants but also now fills the chilled and bakery shelves and the deli and food-to-go section with vast amounts of own label products.

“We now manufacture 25% of all our products right here on the premises with staff at work from 4am daily, such is the demand,” 8 368• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

says Tom. “The deli now serves a range of fresh hot and cold foods and a very broad range of ready meals alongside own-label cakes, pastries and a complete range of home baked own-label breads.

“We are also tackling the catering sector and are even supplying a full take-away, threecourse Christmas dinner for less than £15 and will of course be supplying turkeys from our extensive butchery counter.”

RAPID EXPANSION Reaching the latest milestone in development at Rathfriland’s Milestone NISA was a journey in itself, and saw Tom and Ann acquire land opposite the original forecourt, starting with the opening of the initial convenience store and moving away from the Spar brand that he had successfully operated for 12 years.

“Conveniently located on Newry Street Rathfriland, we are just a short drive from Newry, Banbridge and surrounding towns like Mayobridge, Rostrevor and Annaclone,” he says, adding that it soon got to the point where they were massively overtrading and had to expand.

Property that had initially been well outside their budget had been marked down in the recessionary climate, and he was soon acquiring further adjacent buildings to fuel the expansion.

“Since our beginning, the business has quickly expanded into more than just a convenience store and petrol station. We now offer a complete shopping experience, with the likes of the deli counter, a bakery with products all made in store each day and a butchery

stocking local meat products making a big difference,” says Ann. “We also provide outside catering and off-sales stocked with beverages, spirits and wines from all around the world and that brings in considerable business too.

“The official opening event was at the start of November and, as Tom said, it was hosted by local celebrity David Meade along with Pat Leneghan from NISA and we even had Kevin McAllister from Q Radio broadcasting live during the day, such was the interest locally.

“Everyone was impressed by the store.

Our fresh fruit and veg display is covered by stainless steel pipes that emit a fine mist spray to keep the ‘Pink Ladies’ and other produce cool and tasty which was a major talking point and also that the whole store is laid out to allow both ease of access and the very latest, modern displays.”

PROFESSIONAL FITOUT Retail Interior Designers Edge Fit Design, from Lisburn - which was short-listed for the Food and Supermarket Design of the Year award at a London ceremony for their work in the store had a leading role.

Bryan Heaney, who worked with his fellow director Maurice Beckett on the project, noted that it was a changing concept which evolved over some time.

“Over two years or more, we saw various changes being incorporated into our plans for The Milestone, as we were putting a lot of emphasis on the flow of the shop itself and were determined to get it right,” he says. “The brief meant that we had to incorporate two

STORE FOCUS initial customer options, to go straight to the fruit, veg and grocery or choose to just pick up convenience shopping and I think we were successful in that.”

It works too as Tom is pleased to say that his average customer spend is up by in excess of £5 since opening. He puts a lot of emphasis on continuing development, planning a new instore cafe facility and additional pumps at the forecourt opposite which he has now re-signed to Maxol adding that, with the only forecourt in town, fuel sales are good but have scope to grow more. Overall, the business projections, backed by Danske Bank are proving to be better than target.

“We are now trading at the level we projected for this time in 2015, so that’s a very good indicator that the long hours are paying off and despite the initial worries over the recession, we are in a good trading position,” says Tom. “NISA has been great too as they allow us to retain our individuality – by creating a quarter of stock ourselves for example – yet maintaining three fresh, three ambient and three frozen deliveries every week.”

“That way we can compete with the three big Tesco supermarkets within ten miles of the store, supplying products under their label as well as big brands on very good terms indeed, with competitive prices very obvious in the new off sales for example.”

Promotions are ongoing too with a Christmas Fair in hand during December and the customer competition ‘Mini @ the Milestone’ whereby one lucky winner will have the opportunity to drive off in a new Mini Car before Christmas,

when “David Meade will return to pick out the lucky winner,” says Tom. “Since our beginning, the business has quickly expanded into more than just a convenience store and petrol station,” he says.

“It’s a complete shopping experience now.”

Unusually too, the store is also in a position to offer specialised training: “In the near future we intend to incorporate training in conjunction

with Southern Regional College in retail and food hygiene courses,” he says. “We now have the facilities and expertise to carry out these programmes on site.”

The Co Down couple has indeed reached a major milestone in business development, but it seems the entrepreneurs are only getting started with the future being bright and positive for this rural ‘hyper-convenience store’.

Pictured at the opening of the the new store are, from left, Carol McCready, business banking manager, Danske Bank; Tom McAvoy, Milestone Rathfriland; David Meade; Ann McAvoy, Milestone Rathfriland; and Pat Leneghan, head of Nisa Retail Ireland.

The 15,000-square-foot store features a wide range of groceries.

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

9

RETAIL NEWS - INDEPENDENTS

Top European award for Northern Irish sausages

N

orthern Irish butcher O’Kane Meats has clinched two prestigious European awards for the quality and creativity of its sausages.

Based at Claudy in Co Derry, the familyrun business came top at the recent Sausage Awards in Alencon, Normandy, competing against sausage makers, white pudding producers and charcuterie specialists from across Europe.

O’Kane, run by brothers Michael and Kieran, is the first Northern Irish butchery business to win the Champion of Britain and Ireland category in the annual competition organised by the Commanderie des Fin Goustiers du Duche d’Alencon.

The small company won the excellence

American Express highlights value of small shops

R

esearch commissioned by American Express, founder of Small Business Saturday in the US and an active supporter of the UK campaign, has highlighted that small shops provide £537m of added value services in the UK. As much as 60p in every £1 spent in independent businesses goes back into the local economy, while shopping locally offers social and community values over and above the inherent economic benefits, according to the credit card services provider.

The most common examples cited were checking in on elderly and vulnerable neighbours, lending a friendly ear or giving advice on personal matters, personally delivering products free of charge and creating or sourcing bespoke items.

Communities served by a greater proportion of independent small shops were said to benefit twice as much on average, enjoying £6,998 worth of added value services annually per shop on average against £2,956 in comparable areas with fewer independents.

Other advantages associated with areas boasting a greater number of independent shops were improved social interaction, and even friendships with shopkeepers, as well as a generally more positive and friendly feeling.

“American Express has a long history of working with small independent retailers and we recognise the role they play in their local communities,” said Rafa Marquez, UK managing director at American Express.

“This research shines a spotlight on those personal, added value services that take the notion of customer service to another level.”

8 • •Ulster 3610 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

award for its unique chicken and smoked bacon sausage in the European Creative Sausage category and also the top award for grilled Irish pork sausage.

“We’re really delighted to have won two very prestigious awards which recognise quality and innovation,” said Michael O’Kane.

“We’ve been in business since 1989 and have won over 100 product awards including Irish trophies for our sausages. Winning this award in the face of such intense competition is a marvellous achievement for the entire team at O’Kane Meats.”

There were also awards for two other Northern Irish butchers – Clogher Valley Meats, in Co Tyrone, and McAtamney

Michael & Kieran O’Kane

Butchers in Ballymena, Co Antrim in the creative sausage and grilled pork sausages categories.

The competition is open to butchers making their own products.

NIIRTA meets with new DSD Minister

A

delegation from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has met with newly appointed Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey.

“This was an excellent first meeting with Minister Storey, covering town centre regeneration and the transfer of urban regeneration powers to the 11 Newly -appointed Social Development Minister Mervyn Storey is pictured with NIIRTA CEO Glyn Roberts, Chair Nigel Maxwell and Planning Consultant Des Stephens. super councils,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA. “We fully support the draft DSD Regeneration Bill to pass these powers to the 11 councils and are concerned that is does not yet have full Executive approval. If these are to be the key economic change-makers delivering for local town centres and traders, then it is vital that they have the full range of powers to achieve this.”

GroceryAid Helpline offers improved Legal Support

G

roceryAid is offering an improved and expanded legal advice service on the GroceryAid Helpline, working with Law Express to offer a wide range of legal advice; both for business and personal use.

Law Express is a major legal advice and online information specialist that has extensive experience in many areas of the law, as well as useful contacts and information about law firms that can act on your behalf.

The confidential GroceryAid Helpline is available 24/7, including Bank Holidays, to assist grocery people across a wide range of subjects, from financial to personal issues. A web-based range of self-help tools and advice, including online chat, is also available.

To find out more about GroceryAid and its Helpline, email welfare@groceryaid.org.uk, call 01252 875925 or visit www.groceryaid.org.uk. For welfare advice, call the GroceryAid Helpline on freephone 08088 021122.

RETAIL NEWS - SYMBOLS

SPAR launches £350,000 Christmas campaign S

PAR Northern Ireland is investing £350,000 in its Christmas marketing campaign, which includes a new festive TV ad. The ‘There for Christmas’ ad aired for the first time during the screening of the Royal Variety Show on UTV from 9pm on Monday, December 8 although the public could view it online from the previous week on SPAR’s social media channels via Facebook (SPAR NI) and Twitter (@SPARNI) under #SPARkle.

The ad, which was filmed at four local SPAR stores - Lambeg, Lagan Valley, Knock Road, Belfast and Hillsborough – uses the well-known and classic feel good Chris Rea’s Driving Home for Christmas as its backing track.

Following in the steps of many of the big multi-national retailers, the Christmas brand ad moves away from traditional promotional content.

“Our 400 stores are a key part of many towns, villages and cities across Northern Ireland and our research tells us that many people have a special affinity with our brands,” said Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director at Henderson Wholesale, which owns and operates the SPAR franchise in Northern Ireland.

“We know that having an emotional

connection with shoppers really matters and this Christmas we’ve decided to move away from traditional tactical television ads with a bigger focus on what people really love about Christmas, to add a new dimension to our brand and bring our customers even closer.

“While playing out a series of Coming home for Christmas scenes, the ad cleverly delivers a connection between the festive scenes and the brand itself. In each scenario we pass a sign above the SPAR store which says something seasonal, for example SANTA, SPECIAL,

SURPRISE, SPROUTS and SPARKLE, all presented in the recognisable SPAR branding and fir tree.

“The new ad complements our wider Christmas campaign where the focus is very much on keeping it close to home, from locally sourced turkeys and gammon as well as locally grown vegetables and potatoes.”

The new ‘There for Christmas’ ad will also be brought to life with an outdoor advertising campaign and digital media using the #SPARkle hashtag.

Nisa launches new website N

isa has launched a new consumer website, www.nisalocally. co.uk, with the aim of driving consumer engagement and increasing brand awareness.

Designed for high visual impact, the site also includes an array of new features for consumers to enjoy including a recipes page, information on its new Heritage range and a look into its Making A Difference Locally charity. The new website is fully responsive to allow cross platform usability across mobile, tablet and PC. The continually evolving website provides Nisa members with the facility to develop their own store page, which is situated on the store locator, allowing them to communicate offers, feed in social links and communicate their in store offers and facilities locally, helping drive footfall and loyalty.

The new site will also enable Nisa to use more targeted consumer marketing though better understanding of what Nisa’s

customers like/share, the competitions they enter and products they add to their shopping list. The website will also provide more opportunities for suppliers to promote their products to Nisa shoppers.

“The new website really drives Nisa’s overall strategy of becoming a consumer-focused business,” said Etienne Botha, head of digital. “We have worked closely with our partners to create a website which is very impactful in terms of design and provides consumers with the user friendly functionality they want, and all the information they need about Nisa at a click of a button.

“The website allows Nisa to lead the way in online and convenience and stand out from its competitors online, and is the first step in Nisa’s online strategy to further improve the platforms through which it communicates. This paves the way for many exciting new initiatives already in the planning stages.”

Centra sponsors Ulster Rugby interval C

entra is giving young rugby players from across Ulster the opportunity of a lifetime, to play on the same hallowed turf as their Ulster Rugby heroes.

In a new sponsorship deal between Ulster Rugby and local independent retail group Centra, up to four Under 12 mini rugby teams from across the Province will play at each home match during the interval at the famous Kingspan Stadium this season. Girls youth teams and disability tag rugby sections will also be invited to participate.

‘Centra Half Time’ will allow children to display their rugby skills in front of thousands of supporters at the Kingspan Stadium, Ulster Rugby stars and popular mascot Sparky.

“Centra and its independent retail partners across Northern Ireland have supported the Ulster Rugby Summer Camps since 2008 and we are very proud of this association,” said Nikki McDowell, brand manager at Centra.

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

Pictured are Ulster Rugby stars Ruan Pienaar, Roger Wilson and Franco van der Merwe with young fans Adam Stafford and Amy-Lee Forrest.

11

RETAIL NEWS - MULTIPLES

Tesco helps Limavady onion company to ‘gro’ A

small Co Londonderry company which ‘knows its onions’ is the latest addition to Tesco’s growing portfolio of Northern Ireland suppliers.

Limavady-based Milgro, Northern Ireland’s only commercial onion grower, has just secured its first listing with the retailer for crispy tobacco onions and crispy chilli onions.

Milgro has been operating since 1989, and grows its onions in the Roe Valley on land which has been farmed for several generations by the Miller family, which owns the business.

Its first listing with Tesco has led Milgro to expand its premises and add two extra staff to its 10-strong team.

“The fertile soil on our land makes it ideal for growing tasty, delicious onions,” said Gerald Miller from Milgro. “Our son Ian came into the family business after university and wanted to expand our range by producing crispy onions.

“And it’s these crispy onions, in traditional tobacco style and chilli flavour, which are now being stocked in 15 Tesco stores across Northern Ireland. We are delighted with the listing, which enables us to bring our crispy onions to many more consumers, and we look forward to stocking in all Tesco stores.”

Sandra Weir from Tesco said: “These products prove that you don’t

Ian Miller and Gerald Miller from Limavady-based Milgro are pictured with Michael Creighton, manager of Tesco’s Limavady store.

have to go further afield to find amazing onions. They really are first class and are already selling well.”

Milgro has recently undertaken a re-branding project to highlight the fact its products are made with onions from Northern Ireland.

Co-op embarks on refurbishment of NI stores T

he Co-operative Food store in Ballyholme, Bangor, is to become the latest in Northern Ireland to benefit from a multi-million pound investment programme to transform customers’ shopping experience.

The Groomsport Road store is undergoing a £445,000 refit, making it the seventh Cooperative Food store in Northern Ireland to be transformed since the summer.

Each store has been redefined, with increased ranges of fresh produce, a focus on meal ideas and essentials, and improved in-store bakery ranges.

Recently re-launched stores include Oldpark Road, in Belfast, Longstone Street and Belsize Road in Lisburn, Beverley Road in Glengormley, Ballycastle and Castlederg.

In total, The Co-operative has so far this year invested around £3m in its Northern Irish stores, with more makeovers planned during 2015. The Co-operative’s new format stores

The Co-op on Belsize Road in Lisburn is among new-look Northern Irish stores.

deliver double-digit growth on average.

“I am delighted that there has been such significant investment in Northern Ireland, allowing us to roll-out our fantastic new food store formats to serve our customers here,” said Gary Macaulay, regional operations manager for The Co-operative Food in Northern Ireland.

“The new format stores form part of our

new food strategy, they’re delivering real growth and helping us to achieve our ambition of becoming the UK’s number one convenience food retailer. In addition to improvements to the store environment, innovations in our ownbrand, ‘Loved by us’, range, plus a commitment to lowering prices on hundreds of everyday essentials, under our ‘Fair and Square prices’ banner, are also contributing to growth.

“As a member-owned co-operative, our new-look stores will also work to establish a distinctive community connection. We are piloting dedicated colleagues, called Community Pioneers, which sees colleagues working to foster real community partnerships, from fundraising initiatives to volunteering opportunities and helping to understand and develop solutions to meet local needs – helping to deliver our purpose of ‘championing a better way of doing business for you and your communities’.”

Crust & Crumb to supply SuperValu pizzas T

en new jobs have been created at an Enniskillen pizza factory with the announcement of a £1m deal to supply Musgrave Retail Partners in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with a new premium range of stonebaked pizza.

Crust & Crumb, based in Derrylin, has developed the range of pizzas specifically for Musgrave and its SuperValu stores.

The pizzas are hand-stretched, topped with quality ingredients from local suppliers and stonebaked for an authentic taste.

The SuperValu Stonebaked Pizza range includes BBQ Chicken & Red Pepper, Meat Feast, Prosciutto Ham & Mushroom and Mediterranean Vegetable.

“With our new premium range of pizzas, we are catering for consumers’ growing expectations for the same quality taste from 8 • •Ulster 3612 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Pictured are Julie Cherry of Musgrave Retail Partners and Mark McCaffrey of Crust & Crumb.

their food, as they would from a restaurant or takeaway, but at much better value and convenience,” said Julie Cherry, trading manager at Musgrave Retail Partners NI. “At Musgrave we endeavour to work with local suppliers where possible and are delighted to award Derrylin supplier Crust and Crumb this significant contract,” she added.

Mark McCaffrey of Crust and Crumb said: “We are delighted to win this huge contract worth in excess of £1m, to develop a bespoke range of pizzas for Musgrave Retail Partners and its SuperValu stores. We pride ourselves on being one of Ireland’s leading manufacturers of fresh pizza and pizza bases for the retail and food service sectors, and this deal represents a significant investment in our company, growing our team further with the creation of 10 new jobs.

My Life in the Grocery Trade Alan McKeown, commercial sales manager at Doherty & Gray BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE. My career started in retail management, working over in London with Sainsbury’s in various roles for about eight years before moving back to Northern Ireland at the end of 1996 for the first Sainsbury’s store opening in Ballymena and then the hugely successful Forestside store. Still with Sainsbury’s and keen to develop my skill-set, I moved to a trading role for several years with a focus on working with local suppliers to grow the supply base both here in NI and open GB opportunities for many of our fantastic local companies.

In 2001, I joined PepsiCo as a national account manager for the Walkers brand.

This was a very exciting period, as Walkers crisps were still fairly new to the NI market and we had strong competition from Tayto.

Several years later, Quaker and Tropicana brands were also added to our day-to-day portfolio, which of course involved operating in very different and unique categories with their own challenges. More recently, I was head of the grocery channel for Ireland for three years across all three brands which I loved, yet it naturally involved a large amount of time away from home each week. As a result, I made the difficult decision to move to a predominantly NI-based position with Doherty & Gray, to allow more time to be spent with my family.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I manage all aspects of our commercial relationship with the retail multiples side of the Doherty & Gray business. I use my retail background and commercial experience to develop and grow not only our own Hull’s and Primavalley brands but additionally that of our retailers own label ranges. I am proud

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

to say that we work with all of the major multiples locally and also export to the GB and ROI markets.

WHEN DID YOU TAKE UP THIS POST? I took up my current position at the end of July this year – so still on a steep but enjoyable learning curve.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? The best parts are the variety and daily challenges that are experienced. I find it rewarding delivering solutions that overcome obstacles no matter how big or small. Working for a family business for the first time is also a change for me; however, being able to get decisions made quickly is fantastic. The worst parts are when you have worked hard to reach an agreement and then the goal posts change – but hey – that is the nature of FMCG sales as it is fast paced and continually evolving.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY Every day is different and, aside from the initial start of emails, phone calls and dealing with any immediate problems, there is nearly always unforeseen work to be completed the same day. I could be working on new product development, packaging, branding, project work or amending an ever-changing promotional calendar – really anything in pursuit of driving sales and ensuring I proactively engage with my customers to meet their needs.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? 1996 was an era of massive change for retailing as GB multiples set up in NI. Being part of the initial management team for the opening of Sainsbury’s Ballymena and Forestside was a time in my career that I will

not forget as it also brought me back home again.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? Being involved locally for the past 18 years, I have seen significant changes in local retailing and many businesses have flourished throughout this time. I remember when some suppliers were start up or small companies and, not only have they been able to stand the test of time, but they have grown, evolved and have export business to GB or indeed globally.

Whether large or small, retailers have invested heavily and across the board now offer a great retail experience for shoppers, no matter where in Northern Ireland they choose to shop.

Being part of this change has been the best part of my involvement.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? Life is so busy these days for everyone, so aside from being an unpaid taxi driver to my two children, I watch my son play football each week and I like my holidays and simply getting away from it all.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW? Nearly 18 years ago, I got married in Disney World Florida where some 30 family and friends also came out to join us.

13

GROCERYAID

Great turnout at the John Barrett lunch T

his year’s annual GroceryAid Sunday Lunch, renamed the John Barrett Lunch in memory of one of the charity’s leading supporters, was held in Deanes at Queens. As usual, the event was well attended, with 120 guests from across the grocery trade enjoying a splendid lunch as well as entertainment in the form of a comedian and music throughout the event. The annual lunch is a key fundraising event for the Northern Irish branch of GroceryAid. Organisers Gillian Ekin, Kerry Prentice and Trevor Magill.

Mrs Joan Barrett, Nicola Goldblatt, Cliff Kells, Bernie Kells and James Greer.

The Asda table.

Claire Best, Stuart Best and Gladys Greer.

Some of the Sainsbury party.

The Musgrave tables.

8 • •Ulster 3614 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Phil Barnes, Amy Barnes and Gerry Cassidy.

The Coca-Cola table.

The Courtney & Nelson party.

The Tesco table.

The SHS party.

The Henderson Group table.

candy ball

Another sweet night at the Candy Ball T he annual Candy Ball, one of the highlights of the GroceryAid fundraising calendar of events, was held back in October in the Culloden Hotel. An enjoyable night was again had by all, with another great line up of entertainment and fun. The event was strongly supported by manufacturers and suppliers, and the GroceryAid committee expressed its gratitude to the event sponsors and local companies generously donating prizes for the special draw, tombola and goody bags.

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

15

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

World Cheese Awards recognise local producers D

ale Farm gained two golds, two silvers and four bronze medals, including bronzes for two speciality cheeses, Boilie Goats’ Pearls and Causeway Coolkeeran, a cheddar made with Irish dulse seaweed at the recent World Cheese Awards in London.

“To be judged by some of the world’s most respected cheese connoisseurs and to come away with eight awards is a fantastic achievement and a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our expert cheesemakers,” said David Dobbin, chief executive for the Dale Farm Group.

“Following significant investment in our cheese processing facilities and in developing our products, we now have one of best range of cheese products of any company in the world. Earlier this year we purchased the Fivemiletown speciality cheese business, adding award-winning products such as Ballybrie, Boilíe and Ballyoak to our portfolio and we’re thrilled that the craft and quality of this range has also been acknowledged.”

Dart Mountain Dusk, a pasteurised cows’ milk cheese, from the recently established Dart Mountain Cheese Company in Northern Ireland also won recognition.

The cheese was launched in October, as the second line from the company following the launch of Sperrin Blue, a semi hard blue cheese, in March. Artisan Dart Mountain Cheese, based at Park in the Sperrins, is part of Tamnagh Foods which makes granolas and chutney.

“We are delighted to win this recognition at the first attempt with a cheese that we’ve just launched,” said Julie Hickey, cheese maker. “It’s a tremendous endorsement of the quality of our artisan cheese.”

8 • •Ulster 3616 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Dale Farm’s award-winning cheeses

Tamnagh Foods Sperrin Blue and Dart Mountain Dusk cheeses

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

Consumer Insight and Market Update

By Jason Winstanley, senior insight and research manager at Moy Park

W

ith Bonfire Night safely out of the way, the order has gone out loud and clear across retail to unleash Christmas, and it seems that the call has been heeded; all of a sudden, you can’t move for Christmas trees and seasonal stock. Not to mention the retailer TV adverts, all, it seems, not just vying for our purse strings, but also our heart strings. So, as Christmas fast approaches, just what is the consumer mood as we approach the grocery market’s most important time of the year?

Let’s start with consumer confidence. The first thing to say here is that we are in a much better position than we were a year ago; GfK’s measure of UK consumer sentiment stood at -2 in October, compared to -11 for the same month in 2013 (1). However, October was also the second consecutive month to see a fall, (albeit small), in the measure – the first time this has happened in over a year.

So, although confidence remains strong, it seems to be faltering a little and, interestingly, this appears to be following exactly the same pattern which was observed in 2013, when confidence, which had been steadily improving, was checked over the course of three months, in the run up to Christmas.

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

Yet, this checking of confidence is now occurring when inflation is only 1.2% (2), well below the Bank of England’s 2% target, and when the grocery market itself has actually entered a period of deflation for the first time in years – in the latest 12 weeks, like-for-like prices declined by 0.2%(3).

In fact, inflation is now so low that, on November 12, the ONS announced that

Households will find they have more disposable income than they did a year ago.” average wage increases, at 1.3%, have now overtaken inflation for the first time in five years (4).

So, what’s going on? Surely at a time when consumers are actually starting to become more affluent, their confidence should be booming, not faltering? Well, a clue to what’s happening can probably be found by referring back to last year’s confidence pattern. As

we have seen, confidence declined in the run up to last Christmas, but, in January, it leapt from -13 to -7. Although the reasons for this are far from certain, a very plausible theory is that consumers’ confidence wobbled slightly in late autumn as they assessed their pre-Christmas finances, but then surged when, in the New Year, they found themselves in a better financial situation than they had expected.

So, the evidence is that consumers will once more be taking a prudent approach to their Christmas spending. However, the crucial differences this year are that many prices will actually be cheaper than they were in 2013, and many, if not most, households will find they have more disposable income than they did a year ago. A prudent approach, cheaper prices and more disposable income seems to me like a recipe for consumer confidence to really surge forwards in 2015. That will be good news for the economy, but whether grocery reaps its own rewards remains to be seen.

Sources: 1 – GfK UK Consumer Confidence, October 2014; 2 – ONS, October 2014; 3 – Kantar Worldpanel, 12 weeks to 12th October 2014; 4 – ONS, November 2014

17

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

Andrew Ingredients celebrates 70 years with £750,000 investment L

isburn-based, family-run Andrew Ingredients is preparing for its 70th year in business in 2015, by announcing a major £750,000 investment plan.

The investment will include two new build projects including extended warehouse facilities and a new test bakery at its Ferguson Drive facilities, and reflects the company’s growth strategy to focus on developing business in the ROI market as well as sustaining business in Northern Ireland.

The warehouse will include four new loading bays and a refrigeration unit,

whilst the test bakery will enhance the company’s ability to support customers with product development, test products and the opportunity to showcase suppliers’ new products. Completion of both projects is expected by June 2015.

“The new facilities at our Lisburn site will not only equip us with the ability to continue to deliver excellence to the baking industry across the Island of Ireland but help mark our milestone of 70 years in business,” said Tim Andrew of Andrew Ingredients.

Since moving to the Ferguson Drive site

Mayor of Lisburn Andrew Ewing helps Tim and Mairead Andrew from Andrew Ingredients announce a major £750,000 investment plan to mark the company’s 70th anniversary.

in 2011, Andrew Ingredients has grown its overall business by 33% across the island of Ireland.

Irwin’s Bakery ‘rolling’ in awards P Pictured are Brendan Lappin, business development manager at Irwin’s Bakery picking up the Gold Blas na hÉireann - Irish Food Award with Blas patron Birgitta Hedin Curtin of the Burren Smokehouse (left) and Colin Lavery of Andrew Ingredients, a Blas sponsor (right).

ortadown-based Irwin’s Bakery has ‘proved’ the proof is in the pudding by winning big at top food awards in 2014.

Northern Ireland’s only indigenous plant bakery received accolades for its Rankin Selection Soda and Potato Farls at Great Taste 2014 and a Gold Blas na hÉireann - Irish Food Award for its traditional Irish Barm Brack with Whiskey.

In addition, Irwin’s picked up a highly commended Irish Quality Food Award for its Lidl own-label Cinnamon and Raisin Soda Bread,

as well as Tiptree World Bread Awards for the bakery’s iconic Batch Bread and Irish Whiskey Fruit Loaf.

“Winning these prestigious awards is a seal of approval for our commitment to excellence and our expertise in producing quality bread products,” said Colette Wilson, marketing manager at Irwin’s Bakery. “Irwin’s has been baking bread for over 100 years and we are delighted that traditional Irish products, such as Barm Brack, are recognised by consumers and the industry for superior quality and taste. We bake our much-loved loaves using traditional techniques and recipes, which have been perfected by our talented bakers incorporating the finest local ingredients.”

Willowbrook Foods celebrates awards success

C

o Down-based Willowbrook Foods is celebrating winning a slate of awards, including Gold at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards for its Lidl own-label Mediterranean Style Pictured at the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards Salad Bowl and two are, from left, John McCann, Willowbrook Foods; Ellvena Graham, head of Ulster Bank NI; Garth Cairns, Slurrykat; Guild of Fine Food and Niall McKenna, Errigal Mushrooms.

Great Taste Awards for its Luxury Rooster Mash and Creamy Curry Coleslaw.

Willowbrook was also crowned Best Local Supplier at the Henderson Food Service Awards, and named runner up at the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards for Best Agri-Business.

“We are incredibly proud of the five awards we have won in recent weeks as they celebrate the success we are having as a business, as innovators, as suppliers to the local community, and overall as a highquality, premium food company,” said John McCann, founder and director, Willowbrook Foods.

8 • •Ulster 3618 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Q&A

Focus on Fresh - featuring Neal Kelly, fresh food director at the Henderson Group HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WITH THE HENDERSON GROUP, AND WHAT IS YOUR CAREER BACKGROUND? I have been with the Henderson Group for three years now.

My entire career has been in food retail, wholesale and manufacturing. I worked within store management and buying for Sainsbury’s (dairy and bakery) at the start of my career, before returning to Northern Ireland in 2000, where I continued to work in food retail/wholesale. Immediately prior to joining Henderson Group, I was responsible for purchasing and logistics with Avondale, a prepared foods manufacturer based in Craigavon.

It is only when you are fortunate enough to forge a career in food retailing/manufacturing (for many people an unplanned direction), that you realise how vast the opportunities for personal development are, and how many great people work in our industry.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE AS FRESH FOOD DIRECTOR INVOLVE? First and foremost, I am here to develop and deliver Henderson Group’s strategy to be the undisputed wholesaler of choice for the full category range of fresh foods and food solutions which are required for our modern day retailers and, importantly, delivered to them in an efficient way (a 24 hour delivery service on all fresh orders).

We do that through having the best team and support network, which together are all dedicated to delivering the best solutions specific to Northern Ireland customers.

We deliver these solutions to a forwardthinking collective of retailers, whether they are our independent retail partners or the companyowned store estate.

WHAT IS THE HENDERSON GROUP’S SOURCING POLICY AND HAS IT EVOLVED OVER RECENT YEARS? The Henderson group has its family origins, like so many of our retailers, from a farming background. It is natural that the very first fresh foods which were provided from Henderson Wholesale were sourced from local suppliers.

That is a different model from retailers and wholesalers who have moved into Northern Ireland, who bring what is readily available to them from outside the province, and then layer local lines on top.

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

Sourcing local is something which we do by default; as I have said before, it is in our DNA. It is only after we have exhausted the local option (both brands and own brand) that we will layer important national brands and other products on top of the local range.

Neal Kelly

HOW MANY NORTHERN IRISH FRESH FOOD SUPPLIERS DOES THE HENDERSON GROUP WORK WITH? We actively trade with 165 local fresh suppliers, who are a combination of predominantly Northern Irish suppliers producing/packing Northern Ireland products as well as Northern Ireland manufacturers who use a combination of domestic and imported ingredients.

HOW WOULD A FRESH FOOD PRODUCER OR PROCESSOR GO ABOUT SECURING A SUPPLY RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HENDERSON GROUP? I observe a regular flow of new suppliers presenting their products and ideas either in our offices or our trading team visiting new sites and suppliers out in the field.

I also listen to our suppliers and the feedback they give me; I am proud when I hear how readily our trading team are available to listen and work in partnership with suppliers. Many of these suppliers are new, but we get as much insight from those we have been in partnership with for over 25 years.

Whether it is a retailer or a supplier, we are not a transactional business; we believe in partnership and I, and the whole senior team, encourage long term vision and investment strategies.

We service the combined needs of 425 retailers, from the largest community supermarket to the smallest city convenience store. Having access to this potential volume will allow us to deliver unique local developments for both our retailers and ultimately to Northern Ireland shoppers.

HOW WOULD YOU SAY THE QUALITY OF LOCAL FRESH FOOD COMPARES TO PRODUCE FROM OTHER REGIONS? Customers understand ‘local’; however, they want the ‘value’, ‘quality’ and ‘excitement’ boxes to be ticked too. I think that we are fortunate that suppliers who are able to further develop these product ranges with Hendersons exist locally, which makes me very excited for

the future.

In Northern Ireland, Henderson Group will always seek to deliver a balance of uniqueness, exclusivity and quality to our range as it develops. However, at every given opportunity, I will promote Northern Ireland food suppliers and products to fellow SPAR Trading Teams across in Scotland, Wales and England, past colleagues, and in corporate events.

WHAT LEVEL OF INNOVATION ARE YOU SEEING IN THE FRESH FOOD CATEGORY? The quality of prepared ‘main plate’ dinner products over recent years has developed beyond recognition from where it was only five years ago. This category was once referred to as ‘ready meals’ which instantly makes me think of macaroni cheese or a cheap lasagne. Local suppliers are now contributing to a category that has already revolutionised fresh convenience ranges; I predict this whole area has years of development still to go. Very exciting!

DOES THE HENDERSON GROUP HAVE ANY PLANS FOR 2015?

In one word … yes! We have some very exciting plans for next year. So, if new suppliers want to make contact and work with us to develop our range, we certainly welcome them. Our existing suppliers are briefed well each year so they are prepared and able to offer solutions to advance us on our journey.

19

PROFILE Gerry Cassidy

Gerry Cassidy... the Sunblest Kid A

personal touch and respect have been at the heart of Gerry Cassidy’s career at Allied Bakeries, as the national account manager retires after 44 years of service.

“I’m quite unique in that I started my career here and ended it here,” says Gerry.

“Even though we’re part of a multinational, there’s very much a family feel at Allied Bakeries and everybody speaks to each other on first name terms.

“We’re a big company with 320 employees, and it’s great we have that very human contact with our employees. The health and wellbeing of our employees is very important to us.

“People, no matter what role they have, need to have respect for one another. It’s not taken as seriously as it should be – people should try and earn the respect of their colleagues. I always respect the customers’ view.”

Respect for his colleagues and customers, and using his loaf, has resulted in Gerry progressing from his first appointment as a ‘van boy’ on April Fools’ Day 1970 to his final role heading account management across the island of Ireland.

In between were various positions as he worked his way up the hierarchy through door-to-door van salesman and supervisor, manager and wholesale salesman roles, including a stint with Allied Bakeries subsidiary Thompson’s and fitting in a course in sales management and business studies at Queen’s.

He cites his proudest moment at Allied Bakeries as his relationship with customers.

“I’ve dealt with all our customer base over the years, and would look on them as friends,” says Gerry. “With the size of Northern Ireland, we do have a great relationship with people in the trade. What

With the size of Northern Ireland, we do have a great relationship with people in the trade.”

8 • •Ulster 3620 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

I’m most proud of is relationships with the trade.”

EVOLVING MARKET Among changes Cassidy has seen across his career is consolidation of the local bakery sector. “When I started off, back then, there were 30 bakeries in Northern Ireland and now it’s down to the three main bakeries – Allied, Hovis and Irwin’s,” he says. “There has been a dramatic change in technology within bakeries. It’s all machine-operated now and the first person to lift the loaf is the consumer buying it.”

At the same time, the retail environment has rapidly evolved. As multiple retailers proliferated into Northern Ireland, Allied Bakeries expanded its client portfolio accordingly but never forgot its important customer base among symbol groups and independent retailers.

“We still have a very strong non-multiple business with Henderson, Musgrave and Food Force Ireland,” says Gerry.

Proud moments range from the successful 1990s introduction of Sunblest in the Republic of Ireland, where it is now established as a growing morning goods brand, to the recent introduction of

PROFILE Kingsmill Sandwich Thins in the Northern Irish market. “Kinsgmill is still the biggest bread brand in Northern Ireland,” says Gerry.

Driving Allied Bakeries’ strong position has been its ongoing investment in both production sites and innovation in the bakery market.

“Allied has invested massively in all bakery, which no-one else is doing in the UK,” he says, citing a £200m injection in its UK facilities over the last three years including £8m in its Kingsmill Thins production in Glasgow.

Innovation is currently focused on new bread formats such as the Kingsmill Thins, which are already selling “incredibly well” after only a few weeks on the market.

PHILANTHROPIC APPROACH Gerry is as well known for his charity work, as his career with Allied, which spans mentoring assistance for local food businesses through to his leading role in the local chapter of GroceryAid. He has a long-standing relationship with Dunmurry-based Tasty Foods through the Bridges in the Community programme linking smaller operations with big businesses to offer professional advice and guidance.

“Tasty Foods was a husband and wife team back then, and is now quite a large business,” says Gerry. “They called for advice the other day; that bond has kept going over the years.”

His work with the GroceryAid charity has been a point of pride, as well as a source of amusement earlier this year when he teamed up with Tesco’s Cliff Kells in a video

Gerry with Tesco’s Cliff Kells in a comic segment filmed for the Ulster Grocer’s Ball earlier this year.

demonstrating the various raffle prizes on offer at the Ulster Grocers’ GroceryAid Ball in the Culloden Hotel.

Few present will forget the pair in motor racing jumpsuits simulating a race track lap or appearing to share a bubble bath with Hastings Hotels’ iconic rubber duck.

Gerry has been involved in a further charitable endeavour Bethany Bereavement, which trains people to offer a listening ear and other support services to the bereaved, since 2011 and plans to continue working with the group in his retirement.

“I also have an interest in helping people with mental health issues,” he says.

“Mental health is an unseen loss, the loss of somebody’s mental wellbeing. If you

spend any time in Knockbracken (a Belfast Trust facility providing in-patient services for people with mental health problems), it has an amazing staff and it’s a dedicated, wonderful job people are doing in very difficult circumstances.

“To me, there’s a lot more volunteering people can do. I’ve been very lucky in my working life and now I’m retiring, I’m giving something back.”

Gerry also plans to assist one daughter, Jude, with her textile business and his other daughter, Amy, with his first grandchild - due to be born in April, 45 years to the month after he started out as a van boy at Allied Bakeries. Gerry Cassidy, the Sunblest kid, has come a long way.

Praise for Gerry Cassidy “Gerry Cassidy has played an enormous role in the Food Force Ireland business for many of his 44 years with Allied Bakery. Many of our members have grown up with Gerry in their business. His wealth of experience and knowledge together with his very personable charm has contributed greatly to the success of our bread category throughout the group.

“Personally he helped me enormously when I came to Food Force Ireland. His willingness to pass on his knowledge was so refreshing and assisted me greatly with the great learning curve of bread. Thank you on behalf of all the members of Food Force for your dedication and professionalism in looking after and developing our business.

“I also worked with Gerry on the Caravan (now Groceryaid) committee and together we worked hard on organising many events.

Yet again his dedication to the cause was paramount and he has gone on to run the

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

Ulster Grocers’ Ball with huge success and real panache.

“Happy and healthy retirement Gerry from everyone at Food Force Ireland. We’ll miss you.”

Debra Johnston, Trading Controller at Food Force Ireland

“Gerry commenced his working life in Allied Bakeries on 1st April 1970 as a van boy at the age of 15 and a half! Simon and Garfunkel were number one with Bridge over Troubled Water, Harold Wilson was Prime Minister, and the average cost of a loaf of bread was 9p!

“Gerry moved on from being a van helper to working in the Thompson Shops arm of the business, becoming the youngest manager in the business at the age of 20.

Gerry then moved into the role of van salesman, a role he held for 17 years before

progressing into the sales management team, and for the last 17 years worked very successfully as a national account manager.

“During this time Gerry contributed significantly to the growth of both the Sunblest and Kingsmill brands across a variety of key customers in the Northern Ireland market, and the tributes paid to him upon his retirement from a wide variety of people across the grocery trade is a reflection of the high esteem in which he is held by his friends and colleagues in the business.

“On his retirement from the business on 28th November 2014, Gerry had completed 16,312 days service, and he approached his last day as I’m sure he approached his first, (although there is no one still here who can corroborate this!) with his usual style of enthusiasm, dedication and focus.”

Eugene Wallace, National Account Manager at Allied Bakeries

21

FESTIVE FOCUS

Stock up for Shloer’s festive sales surge E

very year, Northern Ireland’s No. 1 adult soft drinks brand Shloer(1) sees a massive sales surge at Christmas; almost three-quarters (73%) of Shloer’s sales last year took place in the eight weeks leading up to the New Year(2) and, during the 2013 festive season, Shloer actually accounted for almost nine out of every ten bottles of adult soft drinks purchased in Northern Ireland(2).

To make the most of this tidal wave in demand, SHS Sales & Marketing, which distributes Shloer in Northern Ireland, is urging retailers to increase facings and stock levels for Shloer now to meet this annual uplift in sales.

“Shloer is by far the biggest-selling ASD brand in Northern Ireland accounting for around 70% of all adult soft drinks sales(1) which makes it a ‘must stock’ brand all year round, and Christmas is the time when sales really take off,” said Amanda Graham, marketing director of soft drinks at brand owner SHS Drinks. “The fact that around three-quarters of Shloer’s annual sales are made during November and December(2) shows just how important it is to re-balance the festive soft drinks fixture and give more space to Shloer to meet increased consumer demand and avoid out-of-stocks during this crucial sales period.”

Last Christmas, SHS Drinks expanded Shloer’s seasonal sales opportunity and brought some pizzazz and sparkle to festive soft drinks fixtures with the launch of Shloer Celebration Pink Fizz and Shloer Celebration White Bubbly; both of which feature ‘popping corks’. This year, consumers have even more choice with the recent arrival of new ‘share’ four-packs for the two best-selling Shloer variants - Red Grape and White Grape - which have been introduced to complement the current 750ml

Shloer bottles and expand the usage occasions for this popular brand.

SHS Sales & Marketing is supporting all Shloer lines and pack formats with tailor-made promotions during the pre-festive period, and the brand will also benefit from a Christmas consumer PR campaign, online competitions and social and digital media activity.

For sales and POS enquiries, contact SHS Sales & Marketing on 028 9045 4647 or at info@shs-sales.ie.

1 Nielsen Total Coverage Northern Ireland, Adult Soft Drinks Volume (Units) & Value (£m) MAT 11.10.14 2 Nielsen Scantrack NI Multiples Defined Adult Soft Drinks Unit Sales 52 & 8 w/e 04.01.14

WIN A CHRISTMAS HAMPER FROM Robert Roberts coffees are available in four varieties; Morning Roast, All Day Roast, After Dinner Roast and the recently launched Shipyard Strength 6. Made from the finest Arabica Sumatran beans which are known for their earthly full flavours, the new Dark Roast – Shipyard Strength coffee will give coffee lovers that full flavoured coffee hit.

For the chance to win a fabulous Christmas hamper from Robert Roberts, please answer the following question:

Q. Name two varieties of Robert Roberts own brand coffee?

Entries can be sent by email to: competitions@ greerpublications.com or by post to: Robert Roberts Hamper Competition, Ulster Grocer Magazine, 5b Edgewater Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9JQ, before Wednesday 31 December 2014.

Prize is as stated, no cash alternative, prize may differ from image shown. Winners will be selected at random from all entries received before closing date. Usual Ulster Grocer competition rules apply.

8 • •Ulster 3622 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

FESTIVE FOCUS

Brandy... a dog’s not just for Christmas N

estled amid the rolling green fields of Co Armagh and sourcing only top quality local ingredients, Mackle Petfoods is a local family-owned company with over 40 years’ experience working with specialist pet nutritionists to produce only the finest quality pet food products. Its brand portfolio includes Brandy, Brandy Complete, Cat Club, Jessie and Champion Professional.

Brandy has a strong local heritage dating back to 1971.

Brandy is made using only 100% Irish meat sourced from across the island of Ireland.

The use of 100% Irish meat is unique to the brand. Brandy is also fully traceable from farm to bowl. Northern Irish consumers are concerned about the provenance and quality of the products they feed their pets and really embrace the fact that Brandy uses only 100% Irish meat and has full traceability.

As a local Northern Irish company, Mackle Petfoods is proud to support local suppliers

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

by using only Irish meat in its canned products. Dog owners view their dog as a key member of the family so they want to feed them the best. Pet owners are looking for value but not at the expense of quality.

Brandy offers customers high quality products but at a value price. New to the range for 2014 is Brandy Variety Chunks in Jelly 12 Pack poultry selection. Brandy… because they’re 100% family!

23

FESTIVE FOCUS

WIN a Christmas hamper from F

amily-owned Henderson Group, owners of the SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXtra and ViVO Essentials franchises in Northern Ireland, have been distributing food and grocery-related products to the convenience retail sector for over 100 years.

It is now the largest operator of its kind in the country, supplying over 400 stores.

For the chance to win a fabulous SPAR Christmas hamper, please answer the following question: Q. What percentage of SPAR’s fresh product is sourced locally?

Is it: 20% 50% 75% Entries can be sent by email to: competitions@greerpublications.com or by post to: SPAR Hamper Competition, Ulster Grocer magazine, 5b Edgewater Business Park, Belfast, BT3 9JQ, before Wednesday 31 December 2014.

Prize is as stated, no cash alternative, prize may differ from image shown. Winners will be selected at random from all entries received before closing date. Usual Ulster Grocer competition rules apply.

8 • •Ulster 3624 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Photo for illustration purposes only.

No Christmas would be complete without the delicious taste of Strathroy fresh cream to add that something special to the Seasonal Pudding, or to make the Irish Coffees, that finish any festive evening perfectly.

Strathroy Fresh Whipping and Double Cream is presented in practical resealable containers, that help to protect the smooth, high quality cream within. The strong jar will not split easily, unlike the traditional peel back container, whilst the resealable lid prevents the cream from developing an ‘off-putting’ skin, or tainting from other products, when returned to the fridge. The packaging advantages of the Strathroy cream range are the key reasons why sales have doubled each year since the innovative container first appeared in the marketplace.

What’s more, Strathroy Fresh Cream is available at easily affordable prices. This holiday season, be it the festivities of Christmas Day itself, or any other party or dining occasion, treat yourself and your guests to a little luxury, without feeling any extra pain in your pocket!

Strathroy Fresh Cream can be purchased in most retail outlets including Tesco, Asda, Sainsburys, Supervalu,Centra and Dunnes.

FESTIVE FOCUS

Get the party started this Christmas with Supervalu C hristmas is just around the corner and SuperValu has customers’ festive needs wrapped up to suit every taste. Whether it’s a Christmas feast with all the trimmings, party nibbles or sparkling wine to toast the occasion, SuperValu has great value offers to help inspire consumers and their guests this party season.

SuperValu’s new Signature Tastes Party Food Selection will ensure every festive get together is celebrated with a luxury taste offering of Chicken Kebabs, Spring Rolls, Prawn Parcels, King Prawns and Mini Chocolate Eclairs.

Classic party favourites are available from BBQ Chicken Wings to Chinese and Indian selections, alongside a Classic Dip Selection or Tex Mex Trio, Olive or Antipasto platters and Trio Tapenade.

For the main event, impressive centrepiece dishes and trimmings include fresh turkeys and freshly prepared Pork Loin with stuffing, Turkey Joint and Gammon Joint with Honey & Mustard prepared by in-store butchers.

Serve up some great value trimmings, with Wilson’s Baby Potatoes or Maris Pipers, SuperValu Brussels Sprouts and Parsnips and Baxters Cranberry Jelly and Sauce.

Succulent starters include Honeydew

8 • •Ulster 3626 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Melons, SuperValu Coldwater Prawns, SuperValu Signature Tastes Antipasto Platter and SuperValu Signature Tastes Smoked Salmon.

More great value options for starters can be picked up, including Rankin Irish Stoneground Wheaten, SuperValu Chilled Soup, SuperValu Chicken Pate, SuperValu Soup Mix and SuperValu Crispy Mix Salad.

For some tempting sweet treats, enjoy SuperValu’s Signature Tastes Dessert Selection with mouth-watering offers available for Apple Crumble, Chocolate Pudding and Billionaire dessert.

Let the festive season sparkle with a buy one, get one free offer on Shloer and toast the New Year in style with Calogera Prosecco or Campo Viejo Cava, available in selected SuperValu stores. For the night-time nibbles, indulge guests with a delicious cheeseboard with SuperValu’s Cheese & Relish Selection.

“Christmas and the festive season is always so busy for people both socially and in preparation for the holidays and at SuperValu we believe we can make things a little easier for our customers,” said Julie Cherry, trading manager at Musgrave Retail Partners.

“We are delighted to extend our Signature Tastes range this Christmas with a selection of exclusive party food as well as offering an extensive range of festive food and drink that will allow our customers to get the party season wrapped up.”

Get the party started with...

ONLY

£4

SuperValu Signature Tastes Party Food Selection

EACH

Delicious Desserts...

ANY 2 FOR

Celebrate in style...

ONLY

£8

£4

EACH

SuperValu Signature Tastes Dessert Selection

Offers available in NI stores from 14th Dec - 3rd Jan SV Christmas Press Advert.indd 1

26/11/2014 11:32

Now in their 27th

year, the prestigious Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are Open for Entry

Grocer ULSTER

Market ingAwards

âœŚ

TM

40 Years At the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

2015

The 2015 Awards feature eight categories designed to showcase the very best that the local food and grocery retail industry has to offer: Best Marketing Campaign 2014 Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion Best New Product Launch/Relaunch Best CSR Initiative Charity Partnership Best Brand Best Artisan Foods Campaign Green Retailer of the Year Best Food Export Marketing Award

Winners will be revealed: When: Friday 22nd May Where: Gala Ball, Supporting Grocery Aid, Culloden Hotel, Belfast How to enter:

By Tel: 028 90783246

By Email: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com

Closing Date for Entries: Friday 27th February Why Enter?

This is a prime opportunity to generate positive PR, to raise your company profile within the grocery sector, to boost staff morale, to target potential customers and to network with key clients who will be in attendance at the Gala Ball. All entries will also benefit from editorial coverage in Ulster Grocer magazine and online at www.ulstergrocer.com

ULSTER GROCERS’

Gala Ball

Supporting GroceryAid

Friday 22nd May

2015

Friday 22nd May 2015 For all the latest news! Follow us on Twitter@ulstergrocer#ugmarketingawards

Are You In Control?

The difficult economic conditions of the last number of years have resulted in a huge “squeeze” for retailers, with customers having more time and less money to spend. This squeeze, coupled with a large reduction in the “white van man” and increased competition from discount operators, has resulted in reduced footfall and consumer spend.

Controls and procedures are required for virtually every aspect of every store, but some of the most important include the following; •

• •

•

Stock and purchasing controls – both physical and procedural Cash handling and till procedures Departmental controls in respect of stock and wastage, especially for deli and fruit & vegetables Back office controls, including price matching, credits and returns.

It is important to receive regular and timely information, as it is critical to identifying any issues which may be in place and taking corrective action to rectify same.

There are other options open to retailers to both increase footfall and reduce costs, such as; • Review of offering in the store – Can this be improved in any way?

– Can offer more through the deli or fresh food breads – What is the store known for?

– What is your “niche”?

• Wages levels – These need reviewed on a regular basis to tie in with weekly sales levels – An efficient staff rota is critical.

Promotions and offers are now commonplace throughout many retail outlets, and while they may attract additional footfall, this is usually at the expense of margin.

With the volume of footfall and spend coming in through the front door now seemingly less, it is now more important than ever for retailers to ensure that the “back door” controls and procedures are strong, and that adequate controls are in place throughout the store and reviewed regularly.

• Power costs – Most shops have coolers and fridges which run virtually constantly, along with the normal heating and lighting costs – Considation should be given to energy efficient equipment, with the carbon trust offering interest free finance options.

Central to strong procedures and controls are well trained and briefed staff, who fully understand why controls are required and who follow same. It is also important that the controls are tested and reviewed regularly to reduce the risk of them being bypassed, whether at the back door, tills or in the cash office.

The cliché that the secret to retail is “detail” is very much the case, and every week is a fresh challenge. However, it is important that housekeeping procedures are in place to ensure that the store is well placed for success.

If you would like some advice in respect of your store or on any of the issues outlined above, please do not hesitate to contact; Peter McGrath 028 8775 2990 peter.mcgrath@cavanaghkelly.com

Untitled-1.indd 1

27/11/2014 15:16

Q&A

In the Hot Seat Aimee Beimers, founder of Keen Nut Butter TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF Simply put, I’m the luckiest person in the world.

I get to do what I love every day - I’ve always been such a supporter of artisan food that it’s incredible to have the opportunity to be a part of the industry in Northern Ireland, especially at a time when we’re getting such recognition from the rest of the world.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Wake up at 4:45am to get caught up on any emails or business from the day before. If I don’t get up at this time, I feel like I’m running to catch up. I’ve got two small children so once they’re up, it’s all about the morning chaos and then, once they’re in school, I’m either off to meetings or cycling over to the factory. Once there, it’s anything from lending a hand with the smooshing of nuts to working with our sales and marketing team to take care of our retailers.

Depending on the day, I may leave the factory in the early afternoon to get the children or I may be off running errands or in meetings with Invest NI who have been hugely supportive of Keen.

Evenings are spent cooking with the children and then catching up on any final business of the day - reviewing the end-of-shift reports from the factory and ordering any supplies needed.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Several highlights off the top of my head... having Ulster Rugby players drive by shouting ‘We love Keen!’ as we dropped off more supplies for them, having a distributor say that we were the ‘most requested brand of the year’, and moving into our new factory last month - a monumental group effort by the entire Keen Team made it happen.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? I love seeing people relate to what we’re trying to do - make simple, healthy food that tastes amazing. This could be through a market, where someone is tasting our products for the first time, or it could be having a Keen fan come up from Dublin to visit the factory.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? One of the hardest tasks is ensuring that the entire supply chain is running smoothly, and dealing with suppliers running out of raw materials. As a start-up, we can’t always buy in as much bulk as we’d like so we have to rely on fast turnaround - when this doesn’t happen it can have serious knock-on effects for production.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? The entire contents of the book ‘The Places 8 • •Ulster 3630 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

You’ll Go’ by Dr. Seuss is the best advice anyone can ever receive about life. Read it today.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? People who complain about little things that can be easily solved or who look for the negative in situations. Life is too short for such things.

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? To forever be cool to my children - something I’m failing at already.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? To develop Keen into a known brand for producing healthier versions of familiar foods and to use the influence of Keen as we grow to inspire people to refocus their diets on simple whole foods. To help with this, we’ve begun work on a Keen cookbook that will hopefully be launched for Christmas 2015. In the next five years, I’d like to be in a position to encourage other food start-ups to go beyond their kitchens either through the creation of incubation units or developing a support network so that knowledge can be shared amongst small producers.

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? My daughter, Charlie (8). She is entirely her own quirky person and isn’t influenced by what others think, yet is also kind, funny and very clever. We could all do to be a bit more like Charlie.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? The Australian Kimberley region. My husband and I circumnavigated Australia on a tandem recumbent tricyle about 11 years ago and had the opportunity to feel what it’s like to be entirely alone in such an awe-inspiring place. If I could transport myself there for a few hours, I would!

On the flip side, my other favourite place is New York City - I like extremes.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? Oh my. This should be a top 20 list that I could easily fill with food made in Northern Ireland!

Choosing just one, I would have to say Kasundi made by Passion Preserves as it turns my carrot salad into a thing of joy.

HOW DO YOU RELAX? I love cycling - even if it’s just to the factory, I always feel like a kid whenever I’m on my bike.

MARKETING NEWS

Glens of Antrim Potatoes support local school projects G

lens of Antrim Potatoes has helped two schools in Co Antrim reap the rewards of partnership through a cross-community education project.

The initiative saw P6 and P7 pupils from Glenann and Glengormley working together to plant, nurture and harvest Irish ‘Lumper’ potatoes over a six-month period, while learning about the history of the Irish Famine.

The planting assignment - which stems from an on-going partnership between both schools - was launched in April when Glens of Antrim Potatoes donated raised beds, Irish Lumper seeds, equipment and step-by-step growing instructions to the campaign.

The Lumper potato almost disappeared

from cultivation as a result of the potato famine of the 1840s but was brought back to life in 2007 by Michael McKillop of Glens of Antrim Potatoes as part of a variety development programme.

“As a business, we’re incredibly proud to have played a role in re-introducing the Lumper to market and we’re delighted to be able to share this historical spud with children and families across Northern Ireland,” said McKillop. “Through this initiative, we’re not only helping young people to learn how to work together but we’re educating them about both the heritage of our local food and showing them where the food on their plate actually comes from.”

Michael McKillop from Glens of Antrim Potatoes is pictured with Emily Drumgoole from Glengormley Integrated Primary School and Ciaran Sharpe from Glenann Integrated Primary School, Cushendall.

Sports nutrition insights offered at Milk It seminar

Pictured are, from left, Dr Sharon Madigan, Anna Watkins MBE, Wendy Martinson OBE, and Professor Kevin Tipton.

H

igh-profile guest speakers including Olympic gold medallist rower Anna Watkins, MBE shared their sports nutrition insights at a recent Dairy Council for Northern Ireland Milk It seminar.

Watkins, who hails from a dairy farming family, told delegates how milk had played a big part in her training regime in the run up to the 2012 Olympics.

“We had a lot of dairy”, she said, “milk and yogurt mainly, which are great sources of protein and other nutrition that we needed while training and competing, and to help us recover.”

Lead nutritionist to the GB Rowing Team, Wendy Martinson OBE, confirmed that dairy is an important part of an elite rower’s diet.

“We have been using milk with our athletes for years” she said. “There are lots of sound nutritional reasons why, including its protein, electrolyte and calcium content.

Plus it tastes good. In just three weeks during the training for London 2012, the 52 Team GB rowers went through 33kg yogurt and 500 milkshakes.”

A capacity audience at the MAC in

Belfast, which included sports nutrition professionals, coaches, PE teachers and nutrition students, heard that milk can be equally useful in other sports too.

Kevin Tipton, professor of Sport, Health and Exercise Science at the University of Stirling, discussed the science that underpins recovery strategies after exercise including the potential role of milk.

The seminar was chaired by Dr Sharon Madigan, head of Performance Nutrition at the Irish Institute of Sport, and is part of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland’s Milk it for all it’s worth’ programme, designed to communicate to young people the importance of good nutrition for sport and a healthy, active lifestyle. This includes a programme for post primary schools developed and delivered by the Dairy Council’s Sport and Exercise nutritionist Stephanie Ingram.

White’s Oats joins Ulster Rugby sponsors T

andragee-based White’s Oats has announced a sponsorship agreement with Ulster Rugby to supply its range of porridge oats and breakfast cereals to the Ulster Team as part of their nutritional programme.

Oats and oat-based products have surged in popularity in recent years amongst sports nutritionists and active sports people alike for their low GI and low saturated fats. Jonathan Davis, head of Strength and Conditioning at Ulster, said: “At Ulster Rugby, White’s Oats will form part of the players’ strict nutritional programme and provide them with a targeted energy source timed to release for peak performance on the pitch.”

White’s Oats already have strong connections with Ulster Rugby - Ulster Captain Rory Best’s family grow oats for White’s and revealed that White’s porridge for breakfast has been a tradition passed down over generations in the family.

James Mathers, general manager of White’s Oats, said: “At White’s Oats, we have been at the heart of Ulster homes for generations. It is a great honour for us to be able to supply our awardwinning range of breakfast cereals to the team as part of their balanced nutritional plan and we wish them every success for the rest of the season.”

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

James Mathers general manager of White’s Oats, with Ulster Rugby players Roger Wilson, Ian Humphreys and Declan Fitzpatrick.

31

MEAT & POULTRY FOCUS

UFU raises issues over beef

P

otential losses under CAP reform, ID Cross Compliance and export access are among issues recently raised by the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) in relation to the local beef sector.

UFU has highlighted that many beef farmers may face big losses under the newly reformed CAP following a DARD presentation at the recent LMC/AFBI beef conference.

“Overall, there were some positive and encouraging messages coming out of the beef conference in relation to genomics and how efficiencies can be made at a farm level but the figures displayed by DARD’s Head of Policy and Economics Norman Fulton were a bleak reminder that the beef sector will experience some tough choices and significant difficulties through the CAP transition period,” said Ian Marshall, president of UFU. “Beef farmers have been left with the feeling that DARD do not value their contribution to the wider rural economy and fundamental importance of the sector to the objectives of the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s Going for Growth report.

“Ensuring direct support is maintained is crucial for the sustainability of the family farm in Northern Ireland and now more than ever there is a real need for DARD to re-assess options which can help protect the beef industry.”

UFU has, meanwhile, submitted a list of concerns to the Agriculture Committee of the NI Assembly in relation to cattle ID cross compliance, after some herd keepers did not receive notification of a new threshold in 2014 regarding the number of single missing tags permissible at inspection. Other EU member states were said to be more flexible with regards to the threshold, while the quality of tags available in NI was also cited as a problem.

UFU also met with DARD officials last month to discuss ways to accelerate access to new export markets for Northern Ireland’s red meat industry, with UFU Deputy President Ivor Ferguson highlighting the potential of markets such as China, Japan, USA and the Philippines.

Further, last month UFU also met with Tesco’s Director of Agriculture Tom Hind and Northern Ireland Commercial Manager Cliff Kells to discuss a range of issues including lamb procurement and promotion, red meat specifications, Tesco’s sustainable beef and lamb groups, and the pork price differential.

“We have encouraged Tesco to think longer-term about market signals and to ensure there is more communication and transparency when it comes to specifications,” said Marshall. “It would be of mutual benefit to retailers and supplies if there were to be consultation with industry on specifications and also if retailers would share the evidence they use to support certain specifications.”

8 • •Ulster 3632 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Three agri-food companies recognised

by Ulster Bank T

hree high achieving agri-food companies have been awarded at the Ulster final of this year’s Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards, which saw a record year for entries.

The Food and Drink award went to Avondale Foods in Craigavon while Waringstown agricultural engineering firm SlurryKat was named best Agri Business, and Moy Park took the title for top Women Led Business.

The winners were selected from almost 200 entries across Ulster and were presented with prizes in the provincial stage of the awards, which are Ellvena Graham and Andy Mills from Ulster Bank present Brian Moreland from Moy Park (centre) run in association with Invest Northern Ireland, with an Ulster Bank Business Achiever Award for InterTradeIreland, the Belfast Telegraph and winning the top Women Led Business.

SmallBusinessCan.com Representatives from the companies were on stage at Riddel Hall at Queen’s University Belfast’s Executive Education Centre to collect their awards in the Ulster final of the all-island scheme.

All three category winners went forward for all-island judging. With Avondale Foods picking up the all-island Food and Drink Award and Moy Park’s Janet McCollum receiving a judges’ Recognition Award.

“A number of Ulster businesses stood out for particular recognition and we are delighted to be able to shine a light on their achievements,” said Andy Mills, regional director of Business Banking, Ulster Bank.

The overall winner will receive a comprehensive prize package including a £40,000 publishing bursary, business mentoring from Enterprise Ireland and a full-service communications workshop.

Moy Park invests in biomass technology

M

oy Park has secured major partnership investments in biomass technology and long term biomass fuel supply to improve sustainable fuel efficiency.

The committed investment will be delivered through renewable energy specialists Land Energy and Cofely and fund manager SDCL backed by the UK Green Investment Bank, which will see 86 biomass boilers being installed at the company’s farm base in England by the end of 2015.

“As a renewable energy source, biomass not only ensures our farms are more sustainable, but also delivers additional welfare benefits for the birds, through enhanced environmental conditions on farm,” said Alan Gibson, UK and Ireland director of Moy Park. “Biomass also improves fuel efficiency which contributes to overall sustainability.

“As a responsible business, sustainable production is central to our long-term strategy

and our ambitions to grow the company through delivering higher welfare fresh locally farmed poultry for our customers and consumers.”

The announcement adds to the significant on-going investment in biomass by Moy Park suppliers. In recent months, 68 biomass boilers have been installed by farm owners on Moy Park’s managed farms in GB with more planned for the rest of the year and in Northern Ireland, 280 poultry houses will have biomass heating systems installed by growers by the first quarter of 2015, with 105 currently in place.

Moy Park, which is widely recognised for leading the way in sustainable best practice, said the biomass projects will replace LPG fuel with wood pellets sustainably sourced and, in total, will reduce Moy Park’s emissions by 18,500 tonnes of CO2e per annum.

Eight local MPs support CCTV in slaughterhouses

E

ight local MPs - Jeffrey Donaldson, Mark Durkan, Lady Hermon, Naomi Long, William McCrea, Alasdair McDonnell, Margaret Ritchie and Sammy Wilson – have signed a parliamentary motion in support of mandatory CCTV cameras in UK slaughterhouses.

The Early Day Motion 177 in the House of Commons was tabled by Grahame Morris MP and now has the support of MPs from across the political spectrum.

The campaign stems from Animal Aid’s undercover investigations inside nine UK slaughterhouses, which found welfare laws being broken in all but one. In March 2012, two men were jailed for beating and burning pigs with cigarettes as a result of Animal Aid’s footage.

Other breaches filmed included: animals being kicked, slapped, stamped on, and picked up by fleeces and ears and thrown into stunning pens; and animals being improperly stunned and coming round again, or suffering painful and sadistic electrocution instead of being stunned.

Ten leading UK supermarkets already require their slaughterhouse suppliers to have CCTV installed, and a June 2014 YouGov poll found that 76% support mandatory CCTV in slaughterhouses; rising to 87% when taking into account only those who expressed a view.

A Number 10 Petition supporting the motion has attracted more than 38,000 signatures to date.

MEAT & POULTRY FOCUS

SPAR NI commits to local pork industry this Christmas T

he Henderson Group has struck a deal with FC Robinson to supply Robinson-branded ‘Assured Origin’ NI Pork Christmas Gammons across their stores throughout Northern Ireland this Christmas.

FC Robinson, an award-winning local pork product supplier, is promoting premium quality ‘Assured Origin’ Christmas Gammons across the butchery and retail sectors in the build up to the busiest retail period of the year.

According to Alvin Donaghy at FC Robinson, consumers are unaware that a lot of the gammons available at Christmas are imported from other parts of the EU, particularly Denmark.

“The products we supply from FC Robinson are 100% ‘Assured Origin’ NI Pork, yet in recent years the Christmas gammon market has become increasingly saturated with imported produce,” he said. “This year we are working with partners such as The Henderson Group to support local produce and to educate consumers that ‘Assured Origin’ Christmas Gammons are guaranteed to be the best quality ham you can have with your

Christmas dinner.”

This latest deal with FC Robinson underpins The Henderson Group’s commitment to support local suppliers and producers, and will help to sustain over 400 farming families and 2,000 jobs in the local pig farming industry.

“Our customers expect us to support local businesses and supply quality products,” said Steven Kennedy of The Henderson Group. “Our relationship with FC Robinson allows us to do both in Pictured are, from left, Deirdre McIvor, executive director of the Pork & the build up to the festive period Bacon Forum; Steven Kennedy from The Henderson Group; and Alvin by promoting ‘Assured Origin’ NI Donaghy from FC Robinson.

Pork Christmas Gammons.” tells shoppers that the product conforms to some Norman Robson, chairman of the Pork & of the highest possible standards throughout Bacon Forum, said: “The commitment made by Europe, and when it comes to Christmas dinner The Henderson Group and their relationship it also guarantees that the ham is going to taste with FC Robinson genuinely helps us protect delicious.” our local industry. The ‘Assured Origin’ label

Lidl awarded inaugural NI Pork Champion status The presentation, made by Norman Robson, chairman of the Ulster Pork & Bacon Forum, celebrates Lidl’s commitment to sourcing and promoting Assured Origin NI Pork products across their network of 37 stores throughout Northern Ireland.

“Lidl has been a strong supporter of our industry since they came into the NI market and we felt it was time to recognise their support by making them our inaugural NI Pork Champion; their commitment genuinely helps us protect Pictured are, from left, Deirdre McIvor, executive director of the Pork our local industry,” said Robson. “We & Bacon Forum; Paul Gibson, sales operations executive for LIDL NI; are engaged in the ongoing process of and Norman Robson, chairman of the Pork & Bacon Forum. recognising and rewarding producers, he Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum, operator suppliers, retailers, restaurateurs and butchers of the Assured Origin scheme to promote who source locally and support the ‘Assured Northern Irish pork products to shoppers Origin’ scheme and look forward to making throughout Northern Ireland, has presented Lidl more announcements celebrating their efforts with a certificate officially recognising its status over the coming months.”

Lidl has committed to working with suppliers as an NI Pork Champion.

T

who support the local pig farming industry, helping to sustain over 400 farming families and 2,000 local jobs.

“Lidl has been operating successfully in Northern Ireland for 15 years and our success has been built on supplying the best available produce using the best local suppliers from across Northern Ireland,” said Paul Gibson, sales operations executive for Lidl NI. “All the fresh pork in our own label Strathvale brand is Assured Origin NI Pork and we are delighted the Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum have recognised our commitment to support the local industry.”

The NI Pork Champions platform is part of an ongoing communications programme to reward industry champions and educate and encourage consumers to look out for the ‘Assured Origin’ label when shopping in supermarkets, convenience stores or butcher counters. NI Pork Champions’ are chosen based on their support for ‘Assured Origin’ product and commitment to supporting the local pig farming industry.

Dunbia director wins national IoD award J im Dobson OBE, chief executive of the Dunbia Group, has been named UK Director of the Year (Large Company) by the Institute of Directors in London, beating off competition from across the UK to scoop the prestigious national title.

Head quartered in Dungannon, Dunbia is a meat-processing company with 13 sites across the UK and Ireland, a workforce in excess of 4,000 people and an annual turnover of £800m.

Judges said Dobson, who co-founded the company with his brother Jack in 1976, won the award because ‘he is a very innovative and focused leader with a strong understanding of the market and competitors’.

“It is a great honour to be named UK

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

Director of the Year but I don’t see this as an individual award,” said Dobson. “I am accepting this award on behalf of everyone who works in Dunbia - my brother Jack who has been with me as we’ve grown the company from a small butcher’s shop to what it is today, our management team across the group and every single one of our employees who work tirelessly to make Dunbia a company we can all be rightly proud of.”

Listed in the Sunday Times Top Track 100 and ranked in the Top 10 companies in Northern Ireland, Dunbia has seen a 6% increase in sales since 2013.

“Dunbia’s success is a combination of organic growth and strategic acquisition which has consolidated our operation and put

us is a very strong position for the future,” he said. “We are the largest processor of lamb in the UK, handling over 1.7m lambs per year and a further 1.1m cattle and pigs to supply local, national and international markets.

“The foundation of our success is threefold.

It is a combination of long-term business partnerships with some of the UK’s largest retail multiples, a true understanding and respect of and a commitment to our suppliers and a strategic expansion programme which has brought us our on-going success. We plan to build on these principles to ensure future long-term growth for our company.”

Dunbia was recently was named Meat Management UK Manufacturer of the Year 2014.

33

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

Funding cuts threaten AgriSearch projects

Agri-food advice: Capital allowances annual investment allowance Seamus McCaffrey, managing director of Omagh-based Matrix Business Services, is joining Ulster Grocer as an expert columnist covering tax and other business issues related to the agri-food sector.

T

Pictured at their AGM, the AgriSearch Board of Trustees includes, from left, Ian Marshall, Michael Bell, Allistir Mitchell, Chairman James Campbell, Secretary Jason Rankin and John Henning. Standing are, from left, Oisin Murnion, Mervyn King, Wilbert Mayne, Henry Jordan, John Martin, Phelim O’Neill and William Hanna.

R

ecent cuts in government funding and changes in the costing model for projects carried out by the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) are hampering the work of AgriSearch, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council, said Chairman James Campbell at AgriSearch’s AGM. “Over this past year AgriSearch committee members, most of them farmers and all of them unpaid volunteers, worked their way through a DARD consultation process and had several new research projects approved in principle for cofunding,” he said. “These projects could be of real practical value in helping make NI Farming Plc more competitive and more environmentally friendly. But work on these projects won’t start this year much to the frustration of those on the AgriSearch board and our sheep, beef and dairy advisory committees.

“This is not in keeping with the regional government’s acceptance of the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s report. That report urged the NI government to commission research into ‘best practice’ systems for sustainable intensification on-farm.

It also called for a doubling in the draw-down of EU funding for agri-food innovation over the coming three years.”

Historically, research projects selected for support by AgriSearch have been co-funded by DARD and carried out in co-operation with AFBI, said Campbell, with the continuation of agricultural research in the province an issue for DARD and AFBI to address urgently. “Farming, like any business competing globally, must continuously innovate to survive and thrive,” he said.

The UK government has an Agri-Tech Strategy fund worth £160m to support advances in ‘sustainable intensification’ with the livestock sector as a priority, identified by Campbell as an opportunity for NI farmers through AgriSearch, while “further opportunities for AgriSearch exist in the EU Horizon 2020 programme, which is investing €4bn in agri-food research and innovation over six years.”

AgriSearch plans to work with Animal Health and Welfare NI over the coming year to boost herd health and performance, and continue forging closer links with the Livestock and Meat Commission for NI. Three new Trustees were welcomed onto the Board at the AGM, Allistir Mitchell, Michael Bell and John Henning. The research levy collected on cattle processed in Northern Ireland has been raised this year for the first time since AgriSearch was founded by farmers in 1997 to 40p a head; 10p of which will go to Animal Health and Welfare NI. The levy on lambs remains, after 15 years, at 5p a head and on milk at 0.02p per litre, equal to £1.60 per 8000 litre lactation.

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

he annual investment allowance (AIA) was established to allow businesses to claim a 100% up front allowance for capital expenditure incurred on qualifying plant, machinery and equipment.

The Capital Allowance legislation does not define plant and machinery but it has evolved to include all pieces of equipment, machinery, vans and lorries used in the business; for example, a cold store is qualifying expenditure in the agri-food sector. Motor cars are excluded. Integral features in premises used in the food industry are eligible for Capital Allowances. Integral features can include electrical systems, cold water systems, space or water heating systems, powered ventilation, air cooling or air purification as well as floors or ceilings which form part of these systems. Lifts, escalators and moving walkways external solar shading and active facades (mechanically operated venting systems which allow heat to leave the buildings in summer but insulate in winter) are also classed as integral features.

The expenditure must be incurred in the accounting period in which the claim is made and the invoice must be paid during the accounting period of the claim or within four months after the end of the accounting period.

The signing of a hire purchase or finance agreement within four months after the year end satisfies this requirement. The eligible expenditure for an AIA claim is the amount of the invoice excluding VAT and net of any grants received. Costs incurred to enable the plant, machinery, equipment to operate may be added to the cost of the equipment, for example, the electrical costs directly associated to the installation of a cold store would be eligible for AIA. In order to claim AIA, the equipment must be used for the purpose of the taxpayer’s trade and must be in use at the end of the accounting period in which the claim is made.

Companies which are controlled by one person or same group of persons must share a single AIA. This rule does not apply where they operate from different premises or carry out distinctly different operations.

Since its introduction in 2008, the AIA has been subject to various changes. Most recently the annual allowance was increased to £500,000 for expenditure incurred from April 2014 to December 31, 2015 and eligible for up to 100% write-off. From January 1, 2016 the limit is reduced to £25,000. The taxpayer is free to allocate the AIA as he or she sees fit. To the extent that expenditure is not claimed under AIA, it is eligible for annual writing down allowance at either 18% for plant, machinery, equipment or 8% for integral features.

The reduction from January 1, 2016 to £25,000 for the amount of expenditure allowable for AIA claim creates tax planning opportunities and has cash flow implications. The current ability of a business to write off immediately up to £500,000 expenditure on eligible plant and machinery has a significant effect on the amount of income tax/corporation tax payable. Subject to commercial considerations, it may be appropriate to carefully time expenditure on eligible plant, machinery and equipment to maximise the available AIA, bearing in mind this is a timing issue.The AIA accelerates tax relief that would otherwise be available using writing down allowances. The cash flow and tax implications on the business require to be carefully analysed.

34

EXPORT NEWS

Dale Farm secures first cheese export contract in Japan D

ale Farm has secured its first cheese export deal in the Japanese market, signing what it described as a ‘significant contract’ with major food manufacturer Hoko Co. Hoko will be importing Dromona cheddar for use in its cheese production process, through which it seeks to bring the taste of natural cheddar to Japanese consumers.

Hoko Co sells dairy and frozen foods into the retail, wholesale and catering sectors. The company imports high quality natural cheddar cheese from across the globe, which is then processed to create cheese products suited to the tastes and dietary preferences of Japanese consumers.

The company visited Dale Farm’s cheddar production facility at Dunmanbridge, Cookstown, Northern Ireland earlier this year.

“We are delighted to have secured this significant contract with Hoko Co Ltd, one of Japan’s leading food manufacturing companies,” said Stephen Cameron, commercial director of Dale Farm. “Our Dromona cheddar reflects the quality and flavour that Hoko is looking for in order to deliver the authentic taste of cheddar cheese to the Japanese consumer.

“The amount of dairy being imported by Japan has increased by over 20% in the past year so the market represents a substantial growth opportunity for our business.”

Doherty’s expands GB trade

G

luten-free specialists, James Doherty (Meats) in Derry is expanding its business in Britain as a result of a deal with Central Foods, based near London with a depot in Nuneaton.

Central is now distributing Doherty’s range of gluten-free Irish pork sausages, cocktail sausages, meatballs and burgers.

The new agreement follows the success of the Northern Irish meat business in winning a listing from Ocado. It already supplies Asda in the UK with a range of meat products.

“Central is an excellent fit for us because it supplies meat products to over 210 independent delivered wholesalers, as well as the larger national and regional wholesalers, and larger end-user caterers across the entire foodservice industry,” said Brian McQuaid, sales manager at Doherty’s. “Gluten-free is now an important market for us because of the fast growing demand for such products, especially popular meats such as pork sausages and burgers.”

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

Pictured at the recent food innovation exhibition SIAL in Paris, where the new Japanese export contract was announced are, from left, Agriculture Secretary Elizabeth Truss; Stephen Cameron, commercial director and Alison Blair, export manager of Dale Farm; and Toshihiro Meguro and Junya Masuda of Mitusi, co-ordinator of Dale Farm’s new contract.

Ballyrashane targets European markets with £8m investment

N

orthern Ireland’s oldest dairy cooperative, Ballyrashane Creamery, has unveiled a new state-of-the-art £8m ‘high care’ butter plant for the production of a new ‘textured’ butter aimed at croissant bakeries in Europe.

According to Ballyrashane Chief Executive, Nigel Kemps, the new 35,000-square-foot production, chilled and deep freeze facilities – which are amongst the most advanced in Europe – will double manufacturing capacity of

butter and enable the business to increase sales of its innovative premium butter products, initially in target European markets.

“As well as enhancing our butter product offering and ensuring we can capitalise on the demand for our high-end textured butter products in locations such as Belgium, Germany and France, the new equipment and technology will improve overall efficiency and thereby make us more competitive all-round,” he said.

Dairy Council secures EU grant

T

he Dairy Council for Northern Ireland has secured EU funding to build export markets for local dairy products, targeting the Middle East, South East Asia China, Japan and Russia.

Funding totalling £790,000 has been awarded through two programmes, set to run for three years.

35

BUSINESS NEWS

Finnebrogue among fast growth UK companies L

ynn’s Country Foods, better known under the Finnebrogue brand and a major supplier of pork and venison products to retailers in Britain and the Republic of Ireland, is the only food company among just five in Northern Ireland listed in the inaugural Investec Bank Mid-Market 100, a countdown of the UK’s fastest-growing private companies.

Finnebrogue, based at Downpatrick in Co Down, is a longstanding supplier of venison from its own estate to major UK retailers including M&S. The business has since diversified into the development of pork sausages to M&S and other retailers.

The business, set to hit a turnover target of £45m this year, now includes The Good Little Company focusing on sustainably-developed pork sausages, burgers and bacon. Employing upwards of 170 people, the company has two factories in Downpatrick. The company has its sights set on exporting quality sausages in particular.

The overall Investec Mid-Market 100 is made up of companies from a broad range of industries, most notably manufacturers and food and drink. These sectors collectively account for almost two fifths of the UK 100 companies, with 20% and 19% respectively.

Gilfresh Produce among liP recipients G

ilfresh Produce, a family-run vegetable-growing company based in Loughgall which employs approximately 130 staff, is among 40 organisations from across Northern Ireland celebrating Investors in People (IiP) accreditation.

Derek Baker, permanent secretary for the Department for Employment and Learning, congratulated all the organisations receiving the prestigious business award at a celebration event held in Hillsborough Castle.

“Investors in People presents the opportunity for all organisations to improve performance, with 71% of them achieving the business results

expected from their staff engagement and 23% reporting higher than anticipated benefits,” he said. “IiP also acts as a catalyst for continued business improvement. Indeed Investors in People is ‘Raising the Standard’ by updating the core IiP Framework to reflect modern best practice in people management for high performance.”

William Gilpin, managing director of Gilfresh Produce, said: “The Investors in People programme has really helped transform our business.

We now have a clear strategy to help us move forward, engage more with our people than ever before and as a result are seeing substantial improvements in production efficiencies throughout the company.”

Local Domino’s franchisee lifts UK award C oleraine businessman Joggy Dhillon of Domino’s Pizza has been awarded the British Franchise Association HSBC Franchisee of the Year Award for Customer Service at the HSBC Franchisee of the Year Awards.

Dhillon was recognised for his consideration of customers, taking them into account during

his upcoming store refurbishment, and his community spirit which includes sponsoring local charity events such as Tidy Northern Ireland’s One Big Shine Up and Comic Relief, as well as being an astute businessman.

“It is fantastic to be recognised for excellence in customer service by the franchise industry

and as a professional business,” said Dhillon.

“Winning this award is great acknowledgement for the amazing team I’m privileged to have working with me. They all work extremely hard to ensure client satisfaction is paramount to all activity, and I’m so proud to be honoured for my work with our local communities.”

Promotional marketing agency celebrates 20 years E

levator Promotional Marketing, which lays claim as Northern Ireland’s only promotional marketing agency, is celebrating 20 years of ‘transporting local and major brands to the top floor of campaign success’.

Since its inception in 1994, Elevator has been at the forefront of successful promotional marketing strategies for leading brands throughout Ireland and the UK, including Tennent’s NI, Subway, Stena Line, Danske Bank and Dale Farm.

The Belfast-based company has scooped awards for its Translink, ‘Just the Ticket’ promotion, ‘Tayto Nation’ and Tennent’s 8 • •Ulster 3636 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Pictured are, from left, Geoff Johnston, director; Grace Sawyers, account manager; Sara Callanan, managing director; and David Nightingale, senior designer.

‘Football Fanatical’. Earlier this year, Elevator picked up bronze in the highly competitive FMCG category in the APMC Promotional Marketing Awards, for its ‘Golden Ticket’ Tayto promotion.

“Continually delivering successful and fresh innovative marketing campaigns has been at the core of Elevator’s success,” said Sara Callanan, founder and managing director. “Our aim is not only to deliver a great campaign, but we also pride ourselves on getting to know our clients and their products really well, therefore delivering added value and effective promotional ideas, marketing advice and solutions.”

TRANSPORT NEWS

Henderson Wholesale seeks efficient logistics solutions from CHEP

C

HEP, a leading global provider of pallet and container pooling solutions, is collaborating with Henderson Wholesale, part of the Mallusk-based Henderson Group, which owns the SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVOXTRA, VIVO and VIVO Essentials franchise in Northern Ireland.

The aim of the partnership is to find new opportunities for improvement in logistics efficiency, worker safety, sustainability and sales performance. Henderson Wholesale supplies over 400 stores from its warehouse near Belfast.

“CHEP is more than a pallet company to our business,” said Alan Abraham, warehouse manager at the Henderson Group. “They act more like a facilitator between retailer and supplier, joining forces with our entire team to find ways to make the supply chain work

better for us all.”

“They’ve done the research to understand our operations and now they’re bringing us solutions that can help improve areas such as health and safety and supply chain efficiency, which are crucial to the way we operate our business. For example, CHEP identified an opportunity to maximise our transport fleet by utilising empty vehicles. This reduced our carbon footprint and created a revenue stream for us.”

Working together with CHEP, Henderson Wholesale identified a potential benefit for their convenience shopping store format by introducing the benefits of easy-to-handle display pallets. These half and quarter pallets are typically used as pre-packaged platforms for promotional displays on the retail sales floor. The platforms provide retailers with

flexibility in product placement, better stock control and reduced stock outs, as well as higher sales.

“CHEP pooled pallets fit into our Corporate Social Responsibility strategy Tomorrow Matters,” said Abraham. “This strategy focuses on People, Place and Planet – three areas that the Henderson Group strives to enrich through various initiatives. Reusable pallets meet our sustainability position. Plus, I know CHEP pallets are durable and reliable. I know that when our suppliers use blue pallets, the flow of goods is not going to be inhibited in any way.”

FTA Transport Manager Conference returns to Belfast

E

nvironment Minister Mark H Durkan will be the keynote speaker at the Freight Transport Association’s Transport Manager Northern Ireland conference, to be held at Titanic, Belfast on March 3.

The event will also include sessions by Transport Regulation Unit Head Donna Knowles, Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland Chief Executive Keith Morrison and the Police Service of

Northern Ireland.

The conference, sponsored by Volvo Trucks and Brigade Electronics, will give transport managers the information and assistance they need to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing transport scene in Northern Ireland, covering key issues facing transport managers in the year ahead and providing invaluable advice that is relevant to everyday operations.

TOBACCO NEWS

New pack design for BH Dual

J

TI has introduced a new look across packs of B&H Dual, to reinforce its position as the fastest growing sub-premium, cigarette brand [1].

Available across all channels from the beginning of December, both B&H Dual 10s and 20s will feature a bolder, blue design. The new packs will be supported by a ‘text to win’ competition in January 2015, giving 80 retailers the chance to win £250 worth of B&H Dual stock.

“Not only is B&H Dual the fastest growing subpremium cigarette brand, it’s also the second largest capsule brand in the UK[1], having almost doubled its share of the market in the past year [ii],” said Jeremy Blackburn, head of Communications at JTI. “The brand is thriving within a growing capsule segment and now holds a 11.2% market share of the capsule category (2). Retailers should capitalise on the success of this well-performing brand and segment by stocking their tobacco gantry with B&H Dual.”

JTI’s capsule brands command a 40.3% share of the segment [iii], with Sterling Fresh Taste on Demand and B&H Dual two of the top three best-selling capsule brands.

[1] Nielsen Market Track Sept’ 13- Sept ‘14. 2 Nielsen Market Track YTD Sept’14. [i] Nielsen Market Track Sept’ 13- Sept ‘14. (ii) Nielsen Market Track YTD Sept’14. [iii] Nielsen Market Track YTD Sept’14.

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

JTI publishes booklet to combat illegal trade

T

he JTI Communications team has developed a new trade booklet, Take a stand against Illegal Tobacco, aimed at a wide range of stakeholders to help create greater understanding of the impact of illegal trade in the UK. The booklet explains exactly what is illegal when it comes to tobacco, who is behind the illegal trade, what JTI is doing to combat the issue, and what more could be done.

Despite progress made over the last decade, the UK has remained a primary target for tobacco smugglers as a result of having the second highest prices for cigarettes in Europe, says JTI. It says the recent announcement from the EU to ban 10s, menthol and pouches of tobacco under 30 grams coupled with proposals to introduce plain packaging is a gift for criminal gangs across the UK.

37

BUSINESS PROFILE

A reboot for recruitment specialist A relocation and fresh identity mean the newly separate entities Sales Placement and Contract People are ideally situated to maximise opportunities and expand further in 2015 says June Wilson, director of Sales Placement. By Alyson Magee.

I

t turns out June Wilson is not just a people person, with the director of Sales Placement having already befriended a sea lion outside her new offices on Edgewater Road in the Belfast Harbour Estate.

Colleagues recently watched with trepidation but little surprise as their lively leader traversed the large, jagged rocks separating Edgewater from the Irish Sea in three-inch heels to meet the local and even engage in a little communal clapping activity.

The only surprise for the Belfast team – also comprising two recruitment consultants, eight office-based managers of external sales teams, three finance and payroll operatives and one warehouse manager – was that June failed to line up the sea mammal for one of her recruitment positions.

While enjoying her “room with a view”, the new, purpose-built offices also afford ease of parking and transport from deliveries coming into Belfast Harbour, two on-site training rooms, two interview rooms and larger warehousing space for the contracts side of the division.

“Although I’m recruitment director, I still actively recruit across sectors like FMCG, health, pharmaceuticals, beauty and sportswear,” says June. “I’m not just sitting in an office.”

Described variously as Auntie June and a psychiatrist of the recruitment world, she has been with the company for almost 15 years and has worked with some clients from the beginning.

In 2008, she became a director/shareholder of the business, which was known as Sales Placement Contract People (SPCP) until its recent introduction of a new, refreshed corporate identity, aimed at reflecting the distinct identities of Sales Placement and Contract People in the Republic of Ireland to support a significant growth strategy.

Next year marks the 42nd year of operation for recruitment specialist Sales Placement and the 20th for outsource service provider Contract People.

“Becoming Sales Placement and Contract People makes them more effective, being an allIreland operation,” says June. “We will continue to work very closely with each other. We’re offering different services but to the same clients.

“Recruitment can cover maternity roles and fixed-term contracts whereas Contract People is very much field marketing and temporary payroll positions. The synergies are there - we work hand-in-hand and can shout across the office or we’re meeting candidates all the time who are out of work and looking for temporary employment.”

Beyond recruitment, services extend to field marketing and research including mystery shopping, consumer perception and store auditing, merchandising, sales blitzing, point of sale management and payroll.

Contract People has received a series of

8 • •Ulster 3638 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

June Wilson

accolades for its services, most recently silver for Outsourced Sales Team, Ireland and UK and bronze for Local Campaign for New Product Launch at the Field Marketing and Brand Exp Awards in London.

With Sales Placement and Contract People’s collective candidate listings totalling 10,000 people looking for long and short-term work, clients include Coca-Cola, KP, Proctor & Gamble, McVities and Diageo, for which it runs the all-Ireland technical team and refrigeration contract.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve diversified,” says June. “We’ve always been known for sales and marketing staff and now admin staff as well. We have again won a contract for Phoenix Gas across all sectors. We offer everything right across the board.”

“We are offering services at high street pricing but the crème de la crème in servicing,” she says.

“We always interview our candidates to get a good idea of the personality and the skills. We

will always make a point of meeting our clients so we can get a good understanding of what will work and what won’t work, and we don’t just fire CVs at our clients.”

Permanent recruitment opportunities have increased this year and are expected to continue to do so into 2015, with more marketing positions coming on stream again.

“We do recruit for blue chip companies but also for small, local business,” she says. “We have a ‘no job too small’ ethos – we’re also trying to help people who are starting out and have opened on their own. We’ll try to guide them and help them with their sales process.

That’s why they come to us; they know it’s our speciality and we can save them money and time in recruiting the right people with a speedy turnaround.”

The collective group had a turnover of £16.5m in 2013, expected to grow in 2014, and employs 505 field staff across the UK and Ireland with offices in Belfast and Dublin.

APPOINTMENTS

People on the move...

Gavin Price

in association with

Bavaria appoints Price as account manager G

avin Price has joined the sales team at Dutch brewer Bavaria as national account manager, with a remit to grow the brand’s sales in the convenience sector, servicing accounts such as Bargain Booze, Spar, Coop, Waitrose and One Stop.

His recent experience as business development manager for Bic UK & Ireland, where he consistently delivered growth across all accounts, ensured he was Bavaria’s first choice to promote the brewer’s premium 5% beer and innovative range of alcohol-free beers.

“I’m working hard to develop my knowledge of the category, the routes to market, our competitors and the market trends, but I’m confident my more than 25 years’ experience will strengthen our relationships with major players in the convenience sector and reflect our continuing success in the multiple sector,” he said. “We recognise the convenience sector’s need for new products and fresh ideas to attract consumers that now shop little and often.”

Rob Page, managing director of Bavaria UK, said: “Gavin’s ability to deliver consistent growth on all the accounts he works with was a strong factor in his appointment, as was his experience as a retail store manager; experience that affords him a customer’s perspective on products like ours. His excellent communication skills and commitment to client satisfaction proved persuasive factors – he’s a team player and self-motivated which is important in a small team like ours.”

Karen McLaughlin joins The BuyCo as senior buyer K

aren McLaughlin has Karen McLaughlin joined The BuyCo as a senior buyer at its Belfast branch, having spent the last 10 years performing key trading roles with the Co-op in Manchester and Musgrave Retail Partners in Northern Ireland.

As senior buyer, she will be using her professional and regional experience to maintain a close relationship with local suppliers and local retailers.

The BuyCo is a joint venture created by Palmer and Harvey and Costcutter Supermarkets Group, which has £5bn of buying power. It uses the combined volumes to negotiate the best cost prices possible, offering retailers the most competitive prices. Suppliers are able to access a consolidated, efficient route to market and an increasing number of stores, as well as more than 50,000 mini multiple, independent and symbol stores.

Robin Anderson joins CIP Insurance Brokers Robin Anderson

R

obin Anderson has joined CIP Insurance Brokers Ltd after gaining over 30 years’ experience with a large insurance company, calling with farmers, contractors and other rural businesses.

With CIP, the NI-based and family-owned independent brokers, he will help clients compare premiums and polices from a range of major companies to identify the cover and cost best suited to their needs.

With a head office in Crumlin, Co Antrim, CIP operates provincewide, specialising in providing policies for farmers, their families and other rural businesses.

email: email. karengraham@greerpublications.com lauragirvan@greerpublications.com

SHELFLIFE

shelf life

To see your product featured in Shelf-life, contact Michelle at michellekearney@greerpublications.com

Halo Foods announces multi-million pound investment in Honey Monster

H

alo Foods has announced a multi-million pound investment to boost its share in the cereal category, starting with the return of the much-loved Honey Monster character after several years away from the nation’s TV sets.

Halo is launching a reformulated, re-branded version of its iconic cereal, which will see the introduction of a new name, Honey Monster Puffs. The new product features a revised recipe with less sugar and more honey, as well as a reinvigorated packaging design with traffic light nutritionals on front of pack – making it one of the first branded cereals in the UK to proactively display this information to consumers.

“The Honey Monster was a staple of family breakfasts for decades,” said Andy Valentine, marketing director at Halo Foods. “Our research has shown us that consumers still have a strong feeling of nostalgia, trust and loyalty towards him, so it’s fantastic that we’re able to bring him back.”

Genesis Crafty launches Naughty Nibbles cake pots

G

enesis Crafty has expanded its core offering with the launch of new Naughty Nibbles, an extensive range of 11 cake pots available throughout Northern Ireland from September.

Described as ‘a sweet selection of deliciously dinky treats’, the Naughty Nibbles range is packaged in handy re-sealable buckets perfect for sharing and ideal for multiple usage occasions from midmorning snacking to teatime or entertaining. All are suitable for home freezing.

The full Naughty Nibbles range includes an assortment of mini fruit, chocolate and confectionery varieties, launching in around 100 locations in Northern Ireland, supported by in-store sampling.

Naughty Nibbles are available in Centra, Eurospar, Tesco, Spar, SuperValu and local independent stores.

“Naughty Nibbles is a significant new product range for us at Genesis Crafty, showcasing our promise to innovate while remaining true to our traditional, homemade values, said Brian McErlain, managing director of Genesis. “A number of Naughty Nibbles products are inspired by favourites from our core range but in a new bite-sized format with convenient, resealable packaging, to provide a convenient treat for consumers, whether snacking, sharing or entertaining.”

40 00

www.ulstergrocer.com www.ulstergrocer.com

Irwin’s Bakery biscuits are a ‘cut’ above the rest

P

ortadown-based Irwin’s Bakery plans to ‘take the biscuit’ this Christmas, following investment in a state-of-the-art biscuit machine at its cakes and biscuits division, Howell House.

Irwin’s Bakery’s Christmas biscuit range includes Howell’s Handmade Shortbread Stars, White Chocolate and Raspberry Cookies and Cinnamon Oaties Stars, made with locally-sourced oats from Tandragee and sprinkled with sugar.

These, together with other traditional Christmas treats - Howell’s Handmade Chocolate Puddings, Madeira cake, which is available in plain, fruit and iced varieties, and Christmas Fruit Squares – make up Irwin’s Christmas lines this year.

“This Christmas, Irwin’s will bake an additional 800,000 single biscuits on top of our existing biscuit production schedule,” said Colette Wilson, marketing manager at Irwin’s Bakery. “As well as doubling capacity, the new biscuit machine helps maintain the rough, traditional texture of the biscuits, which ensures our products retain a home-made quality that customers look for when it comes to purchasing. Christmas is a key trading time and, in addition to our biscuit range, we will be producing Luxury Fruit Cake and Christmas Snowy Buns as well as our iconic Nutty Krust breadcrumbs, the perfect ingredient for stuffing.”

Re-launch for Cat Club

C

at owners see their cat as not just a pet, but as an important member of the family and they want to feed them only the best.

But our feline friends can be fussy creatures and cat lovers know that palatability and quality is vital. They are looking for a high quality, tried and trusted cat food but at a value price, which Cat Club offers.

As part of the Cat Club re-launch, new improved formulations have been introduced across the range, improving the quality and palatability of the brand. Cat Club has also undergone a packaging redesign which will increase the brand’s identity on shelf.

A new departure for Cat Club is the introduction of a new Poultry Selection Chunks in Gravy 6 Pack, to complement the current Cat Club Variety Chunks in Jelly 6 Pack, offering the customer value for money and the retailer strong margins. Cat Club has a proven sales record so the re-launch can only increase sales for retailers. Cat Club will also be supported by a strong advertising campaign and promotional activity throughout the coming months.

Why not visit Cat Club on Facebook at www. facebook.com/ catclubcatfood.

“Cats love their Cat Club!”

CHARITY NEWS

Tesco provides major boost for charities T

esco is capping off a remarkable year of charity fundraising within its stores in Northern Ireland by once again supporting the long-running Christmas Family Appeal.

Organised by The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul, the appeal provides presents to children and families in need throughout Northern Ireland. Last year gifts of toys and clothing were presented to 11,150 children.

“We are one of the largest employers in Northern Ireland and therefore we feel it is important to play a part in the communities in which we operate and to support the work of charities that help people within those communities,” said Caoimhe Mannion, marketing manager for Tesco NI. Last month Tesco NI celebrated raising an incredible £500,000 for Diabetes UK since a partnership between the two organisations started in March 2013. The money collected among staff and customers here is part of £15m that Tesco has

raised UK-wide to fund research into diabetes and supporting newly diagnosed people.

Tesco NI also permits all-store collections for a number of local charities each year.

In 2014 charities that have benefited include Red Cross (over £8,000 raised), NI Cancer Fund for Children (£16,000) and Age NI (£8,300), while a Children’s Emma Corry from Diabetes UK is pictured with Geoff Purcell and Jackie Brogan from Hospice collection is Tesco Ballymoney. due to be staged this month. charities, while the Tesco Eat Happy Project The FareShare organisation is also working helps kids understand where their food comes closely with Tesco NI to distribute food to from among other initiatives.

Centra helps Action Cancer reach 500,000 schoolchildren L

Pictured celebrating Action Cancer’s milestone achievement are Emily and Jessie McDowell with programme puppets Mambo and Jazz.

ocal cancer charity Action Cancer is on target to reach almost half a million schoolchildren with its Health Action programme, sponsored by independent retail group Centra.

The unique health promotion programme has delivered healthy lifestyle messages to more than 480,000 young people since its launch 11 years ago.

Figures released by the charity reveal that cancer prevention sessions, featuring information about being fit and active, eating well, being safe in the sun and avoiding the dangers of smoking and alcohol, have been brought to more than 1,000 nurseries, schools and colleges in Northern Ireland.

Action Cancer and Centra formed a partnership in 2003 in support of the award-winning Health Action project, which is the only one of its kind in the province. The number of young people taking part in Health Action roadshows is at an all-time high, and is fuelled by more than £1m of funding raised by Centra stores and Musgrave Retail Partners staff.

“Centra retailers in Northern Ireland have committed their long-term support to Action Cancer’s life-saving work in schools, and they are proud to continue providing funding and promotional support to the programme as a way of giving something back to the community,” said Nikki McDowell, brand manager at Centra.

Supervalu aims to raise over £100,000 for Action Cancer S uperValu is getting into the Christmas spirit, with 37 stores across Northern Ireland hosting a variety of festive-themed activities in-store for customers in December to help reach their £100,000 target for Action Cancer.

Events will include Mince Pie and Mulled Wine Tasting evenings, Signature Tastes and Christmas Party Food Tasting evenings alongside competitions to win everything you need for the perfect Christmas party. Action Cancer’s Reindeer food will be sold in-store and Surprise Santa Letters will also be available for a small donation to the charity.

The money raised goes towards Action Cancer’s Big Bus mobile detection unit which began operating in 2006. The Big Bus has visited over 1,000 workplaces, community groups and SuperValu stores in that time, providing vital cancer screening and information services for men and women.

“SuperValu and its independent retailers have supported Action Cancer since 2006, providing £1.25m of funding for the Big Bus,” said Donna Morrison, marketing manager of SuperValu. “With the season of goodwill around the corner, our stores will be getting involved with everything from colouring competitions for the kids to family hamper giveaways. All will be Christmas themed to encourage customers to donate and help SuperValu reach its fundraising target.

8 • •Ulster 3642 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Pictured getting ready for the season of goodwill is Santa’s Little Helper and Action Cancer patron Nuala McKeever, along with Santa Claus aka Chris Lindsay from Action Cancer, SuperValu’s Donna Morrison and Action Cancer’s Stacey Graham.

Seasons Greetings Protect your business this Christmas ...

The Police Service of Northern Ireland wishes you a happy, peaceful and prosperous festive season.

Keep Windows Clear – don’t allow Christmas decorations, posters and advertising block the view of staff. If your staff can see potential threats they can take appropriate action.

worth paying particular attention too. As are people who remain on the premises for an extended period of time without purchasing anything or looking at goods.

Cash Handling/ Till Limits – Christmas is a busy time for everyone, don’t allow large amounts of cash to build up in tills, make sure till limits are being adhered to. Don’t cash up in public view.

Right to Arrest - remember, any person may arrest someone who they reasonably suspect is committing a crime or has committed an offense of shoplifting within their view. Only arrest if you have seen a theft or crime being committed first hand. Identify yourself and say "I am arresting you for the theft of.....".

Remember suspects must be told they are arrested and why. Once in a secure area of the premises, ask them to produce any goods not paid for. If not produced, do not search, wait for the police. If faced with a violent situation back away. Do not put yourself or others at risk.

Staff Training – Christmas is a popular time for the use of casual staff, so ensure that all casual staff are trained in your procedures and know what to do in the event of a robbery or till snatch.

Identifying Shoplifting - make sure your staff are aware of what to look for when identifying shoplifting. 'Customers' who avoid eye contact, avoid staff and look up at CCTV cameras may be

Report any suspicious activity to the Police

Pick up fresh and local ingredients for the perfect Christmas Dinner‌

Merry Christmas from