Grocer ULSTER
™
40 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015
NO.1 MAGAZINE FOR THE LOCAL GROCERY SECTOR
Costa Express can help you turn 1m2 of floor space into an extra profit stream for your business. There is no capital outlay, installation is free and easy and consumables are provided. All you need do is add milk and watch your profits rise.
To fi nd out what Costa Express can offer you, contact:
ROI tel: 021 500 3526 NI tel: 02892 688349
CONTENTS
email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 50, Number 9 October/November 2015
www.ulstergrocer.com
52-53
16-19
Editor: Alyson Magee E: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com Sales Manager: Mark Beckett E: markbeckett@greerpublications.com Senior Accounts Manager: Michelle Kearney E: michellekearney@greerpublications.com Contributors: Seamus McCaffrey, Karen Blair
21-40
Art Editor: Karen Donnelly Production Manager: Stuart Gray Accounts: Gerardine Carson
@ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer Subscription: £27.50 per annum £37.50 outside UK
Designed & Produced by: Greer Publications Design Tel: 028 9078 3200 Printed by: W&G Baird, Antrim Tel: 028 9446 3911
50
16-19 TESCO TASTE: Now its seventh year, the festival showcasing local food and drink annually in Custom House Square, Belfast welcomed visitor numbers up by 20% this year while the fabulous Belfast Community Gospel Choir livened up the opening ceremony with a ‘flash-mob’.
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
42-43
21-40 FOOD FORCE IRELAND: The buying consortium now boasts 72 local Nisa retailer members, and added a new component of supplier awards to its successful annual Direct Supply Trade Day in the Culloden Hotel, which attracted record exhibitor and visitor numbers in its fifth year. 42-43 PRINT PERFECT: McGowans Managing Director Brian Crawford tells UG how the business, already offering the highest level of digital printing technology available in NI, is seeking to expand its presence further with a £500,000 investment in its Belfast site. 50 THE SWEET SMELL OF SUCCESS: Find out who was there with our picture special from one of GroceryAid’s leading fundraising events of the year, the Candy Ball. Next up for GroceryAid is the John Barrett Luncheon on November 15 (see p4 for details).
Greer Publications © 2015. 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.
52-53 BIG NIGHT IN: The nights are drawing in, and the comfort of home beckons. What could be better than a night in with the new Shloer Limited Edition Punch, SPAR’s premium Hand Stretched Sourdough Pizza range or the Meals Made Delicious ready meals range available across the Henderson Group brands. 54-56 PAPER POWER: UG looks at the latest innovations in Paper cleaning & toiletry products including dry and moist toilet tissue from Andrex, and the latest TENA Men and Bodyform lines from SCA.
8 • Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011
ULSTER GROCER
Publishers: James and Gladys Greer
3
NEWS
Supply Chain Forum to address business challenges T
ony O’Neill, chairman of the AgriFood Strategy Board (AFSB), has announced the formation of a Supply Chain Forum to help Northern Ireland’s £5bn agri-food industry develop responses to current business challenges. The new forum met for the first time this month, and will draw all parts of the supply chain - including farming and processing organisations, banks and retailers - together to collaborate and respond quickly and effectively to marketplace requirements. The Forum has been developed by AFSB, with support from Agriculture Minister Michelle O’ Neill and will be chaired by Tony O’Neill. “Virtually every sector of the farming industry here has been affected adversely by volatile market conditions over the past few months,” he said. “Our industry continues to experience serious difficulties from the continuing impact of the Russian ban on dairy and other foods; weakening demand in a number of key markets, especially China, and others where purchasing power has been hit by tumbling oil prices; the global oversupply of milk; and weather conditions affecting crops such as potatoes, cereals and vegetables.” Initially, the Forum will look at fostering a greater understanding of the roles and requirements of all links in the chain, he said. “There needs to be much greater appreciation of farm issues right along the supply chain. Retailers are recognising increasingly that it is in their own interest to deliver a fair return for farmers without producers, they have nothing to sell. And consumers have to recognise that the days of cheap food are drawing to a close.” NIIRTA has welcomed progress toward the establishment of a Supply Chain Forum, after a meeting with Agriculture Minister Michelle O’ Neill. “The establishment of a Supply Chain Forum bringing together producers, processors and retailers has been a long term NIIRTA objective,” said Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA. “It is vital that we have a single and effective supply chain which improves communication and promotes stronger partnership.”
8 364• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
NIIRTA welcomes new Town Centre First Planning Policy T
he Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has welcomed the publication of the new Strategic Planning Policy Statement, which includes for the first time a new Town Centre First Retail Planning Policy. DOE Minister Mark H Durkan MLA published the policy statement, which incorporates the old draft PPS 5, in a written Glyn Roberts is pictured, centre, with Environment Minister Mark H statement to the Assembly. Durkan, right, and Angus Kerr from the Planning Service at the launch “Since our establishment as a of the Strategic Planning Policy Statement. business organisation 15 years ago, NIIRTA has been lobbying for the publication shop vacancy rate in the UK of 17.3% we of a Town Centre First planning policy,” said need to establish a Northern Ireland Town Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA. Team, bringing together the Executive, “We are delighted that at long last this policy councils, retail and hospitality sectors to agree is published and that it will be the guide for a comprehensive regeneration plan.” the 11 councils. NIIRTA also welcomed Belfast City “Out of town retail development has been Council’s new Regeneration and Investment a key contributing factor in the decline of our Strategy published last month. town centres, drawing away trade, resulting in The retail body recently launched a thousands of independent retailers closing and #CutTheBizCost campaign and published a a significant loss of net employment. 15 point plan to address high business cost at “While this new policy is good news, we a roundtable meeting of retailers and MLAs face a massive task in tackling dereliction in and a separate meeting with the Finance our town and city centres. With the highest Minister and First Minister.
John Barrett Luncheon set for November 15
T
he annual John Barrett GroceryAid Sunday Luncheon will take place on Sunday, November 15 from 1-6pm at Deane’s @ Queen’s Belfast. One of GroceryAid’s most popular events in Northern Ireland, the John Barrett GroceryAid Sunday Luncheon raises funds for the charitable body aiding current and former grocery sector workers in need of assistance. A superb social occasion featuring great food and fantastic raffle prizes, the Luncheon raises valuable funds to assist many local beneficiaries. Tickets are £70, and the day includes a Champagne reception, a choice of two starters, mains and desserts apiece, a cheese board and tea and coffee. Entertainment is provided by the Ian Hannah Experience. Tickets are allocated on a first come, first served basis – contact Trevor.magill@ musgrave.ie or claire.feeney@musgrave.ie.
NI stages a strong presence at Anuga
F
ourteen local companies travelled to Cologne over October 10-14, to showcase the Northern Ireland food and drink offer at the world’s leading food fair Anuga. Invest NI organised stands in the Meat and Fine Food halls, with beef, sheep meat and pork among the products on display, as well as products from award-winning artisan food enterprises. Dale Farm and Greenfields exhibited independently in the Dairy Hall. “Anuga is a significant event for our agri-food industry as it provides a valuable platform for companies to showcase their products on an international stage,” said John
Hood, director of Food and Tourism at Invest NI. “Northern Ireland exports food and drink products to over 70 countries worldwide, selling into leading international retail and food service organisations. This food fair is an unparalleled opportunity for local companies to present their skills, products and services to a world-wide audience and further build on their successes.” A delegation from the Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) also attended the show, to view the NI showcase, lobby industry representatives and discuss marketing issues with both local and foreign processors.
NEWS
Exciting year ahead for Northern Ireland
Y
ear of Food and Drink events are now beginning to take shape. We have a series of themes for every month next year. And it’s going to be extremely busy and very exciting for the industry and wider public. I am confident that we’ll have a great deal to celebrate during 2016. Among food and drink products to be marked during activities in designated months are Brewing & Distilling (April), Dairy (June), Seas, Rivers and Loughs (July), Meat (August), Bread and
Baking (September), Harvest (October), and Christmas and Premium Foods (December). While we gear up for the year ahead, it’s important to acknowledge the achievements of our companies. We’ll be counting on them to continue to fly the flag for our food and drink in awards throughout 2016. For instance, a record number of our members secured medals at the recent Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards in Co Kerry. We’d hope to do even better in both the UK Great Taste Awards and Blas na hEireann during 2016. The Great Taste judging will also be held here next year. This will bring many of the UK’s top food writers and chefs to Belfast. No fewer than eight Food NI producer members scooped gold at the Blas. They were Broighter Gold Rapeseed, Limavady, Co Derry for Thai Infused Rapeseed Oil, DJ’s Ciders and Juices. Lisburn, Co Antrim for Tempted? Sweet Cider, Dart Mountain Cheese Company, Dungiven, Co Derry for Sperrin Blue Cheese, Glastry Farm for Blackcurrant Sorbet, Hannan Meats, Moira, Co Down for Smoked Chicken Breast, Heatherlea Bakery, Bangor, Co Down for Rich Fruit Loaf, Linden Foods, Dungannon, Co Tyrone for Inishvale Irish Hereford Fillet Steak (entered by Lidi) and White’s Oats, Tandragee, Co Armagh for Porridge Pots with Golden Syrup.
BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI
Silver medals were awarded to White’s Oats, won with its Aldi Porridge Pots with Berry Fruits. There were two silvers for Long Meadow Medium Cider and Blossom Burst Cider, Johnsons Coffee was successful with its Bellagio Espresso Blend as was Avondale Foods for its Signature Taste Pasta with Feta and Slow Roasted Tomato Salad and Abernethy with smoked butter. Bronze medals were won by Neary Nogs for Orange, Basil and Poppyseed Rebel Fudgery, Morelli’s Salty Caramel Ice Cream and Linwoods Aldi Large Pancakes. Irwin’s took three bronzes for Irish Batch Bread, Connell Bakery White Bap and Tesco Barm Brack Bronze, Whitewater Brewery’s Belfast Black and Armagh Cider Company’s Doyle’s Honey Cider. Hannan Meats also gained an award for the export potential of its successful Smoked Chicken Breast product. Northern Ireland cider producers captured most of the awards in this category, strengthening our reputation as Ireland’s centre for cider production. Dart Mountain Cheese emerged successful in one of the most hotly contested categories for Irish cheese. This is a very significant achievement for such as a small and essentially artisan business.
Food and drink at heart of tourism for 2016 T
ourism NI has launched a major initiative aimed at putting food and drink at the heart of the Northern Ireland visitor experience, and held a series of road shows across Northern Ireland. The Year of Food and Drink 2016 will be a year-long celebration aimed at boosting Northern Ireland’s reputation as a destination. The year will see a series of events and industry development programmes celebrating quality, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in the food and drink sector. The initiative, led by Tourism NI and involving a wide range of partners and key organisations in the food and drink industry across Northern Ireland, is intended to stimulate trade, tourism growth and an increase in visitor spend. Tourism NI is supporting the initiative, with the development of master classes and mentoring programmes and a series of events and advisory road shows.
Pictured are, from left, Priscilla McAllinden, Newry, Mourne and Down Council, Kathryn Thomson, Tourism NI, and Simon Dougan, Yellow Door, at the Co Down roadshow to publicise the upcoming Year of Food and Drink 2016.
5
NEWS
Hughes Mushrooms doubles turnover and scoops Waitrose award H
ughes Mushrooms, a rapidly growing Dungannon-based business which has doubled its turnover in four years to £29m, received a prestigious Waitrose Way Award at the House of Lords in London earlier this month. The family-run processor employs nearly 100 people at its main packing facility, and currently supplies the UK market with over 240 tonnes of mushrooms each week. In addition to Waitrose, Hughes Mushrooms also supplies leading national retailers Sainsburys and Aldi and has an own-brand ‘Filled Full Of’ range of stuffed mushrooms also experiencing strong growth since its launch in 2014. The company works with a network of over 25 growers across Northern Ireland, enabling it to supply a vast range of various specification white and chestnut mushrooms. The Waitrose Way Awards recognise and reward best practice to suppliers that have made outstanding efforts and achievements in supporting the leading retailer to deliver its ethical and sustainability objectives.
6
Daniel, Emmet and Ciaran Og Hughes collected the award at the House of Lords in London.
“We are incredibly proud to win this national award,” said Emmet Hughes, director, Hughes Mushrooms. “We’ve been working with Waitrose for seven years and this is a very strong endorsement for the work we are doing. It’s great that our mushrooms, and the business behind it, are getting recognition at the very highest levels within the food retailing industry in the UK. It’s
also a result of the hard work and dedication of our employees and network of dedicated growers in Northern Ireland. “Our growth in recent years has been fuelled by a surge in consumer demand for locally-produced, healthy, high quality mushrooms. We have plans for further growth and awards like this place us in a very firm position.”
NEWS
Population growth and foodservice highlighted as key opportunities D
espite the current challenges in agriculture in Northern Ireland, delegates at the fourth annual Appetite for Growth conference were given an upbeat message about the opportunities that may exist in the future for the industry as a result of the fast growing population in Great Britain and the rise in popularity of eating out amongst consumers. Dr Clive Black, keynote speaker at the event, advised that capitalising on these trends should form a major part of any business growth strategy over the next few years, with GB’s population set to expand from 64.5 million to around 80 to 90 million by 2050, and food service set to continue on an upward trend. He also advised that a strong currency is good over the long term as it forces companies to look at areas where they can improve, including taking advantage of international sourcing within their supply chains. The conference, hosted by the Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) and supported by Bank Of Ireland UK and Invest NI, brought together a wide range of industry experts to explore topics including research and innovation, emerging trends in the UK retail sector, and developing an export strategy. Other speakers on the day included Sandra Sullivan from Food and Drink Exportese and Stephane Durand of the Agri-Food Quest Competence Centre at Queen’s University. “The latest trends emerging in the UK retail sector have huge implications for the local industry here,” said Michael Bell, executive Chairman of NIFDA. “35% of calories currently consumed in the UK are at restaurants and cafes, and this is set to grow as consumers look to purchase affordable treats, whilst being more selective on pure supermarket expenditure. The supermarket sector has changed vastly
Pictured are, from left, Sandra Sullivan, director, Food and Drink Exportese; William Thompson, head of Agri Northern Ireland, Bank of Ireland UK; Dr Clive Black, head of Research, Shore Capital; John Hood, director of Food and Tourism, Invest NI; and Stephane Durand, project manager, Agri-Food Quest Competence Centre.
over the last ten years in line with consumer spending habits, and this is forcing food and drink manufacturers and processors to explore future growth areas and to invest more resources in innovation, adding value and export. “We have great networks of support like NIFDA available in Northern Ireland and we have recently helped 90 small and medium sized business to develop a successful export value added/provenance strategy through our Access 6 programme. We look forward to seeing more businesses here capitalising on their growth potential and further expanding our world class food and drink sector.”
Montgomery Food Consulting secures SuperValu NI partnership
M
ontgomery Food Consulting has been named as the official approved partner for deli and butchery counter training for SuperValu stores in Northern Ireland. The partnership with Musgrave NI, which supports 35 SuperValu stores and its independent retailers across Northern Ireland, is expected to result in two additional jobs for the Aughnacloy-based consultancy. The exclusive package for SuperValu NI stores will encompass deli and butcher counterpoint layouts, labelling, daily, weekend and seasonal planograms and training. Montgomery Food Consulting was founded in 2000 by Rhonda Montgomery, and the company has grown to a team of seven, based at its state-of-the-art premises opened by Minster Arlene Foster last year following a £250,000 investment. “We’re confident that our training academy, and deli and butchery programme are amongst the best in the business, and this partnership with Musgrave will enable the SuperValu stores in Northern Ireland to raise the standards in deli and butchery excellence,” said Montgomery. Geoff Johnston, SuperValu customer manager for Musgrave NI, said: “Musgrave Geoff Johnston, regional manager, SuperValu Northern Ireland and Rhonda Montgomery, CEO Montgomery Food Consulting. NI is delighted to be partnering with Montgomery Food Consulting in providing expert training to our SuperValu deli and butchery staff across Northern Ireland. Since working in a number of SuperValu stores earlier this year, it has been evident their efforts have made a real impact to the store and its sales.” 7
RETAIL NEWS perspective - INDEPENDENTS
Emerson’s picks up sustainability award in London Gavin Emerson
E
merson’s Supermarket has been awarded the Most Sustainable Independent Retailer of the Year accolade at the Retail Industry Awards held last month in London. The event, which rewards excellence and outstanding achievements across a variety of different categories, also saw Emerson’s highly commended in the Drinks Retailer of the Year category for The Wine Store. “This has been an amazing year for Emerson’s Supermarket,” said Gavin Emerson, owner of the business. “We have finished rolling out our £2m investment, we have relocated Uluru Bar & Grill under our roof and the city’s Post Office is also in store. “To win this award and, to be ‘highly commended’ for The Wine Store, is testament to the teams working in each department in the store. “We are constantly seeking ways to enhance our customer offering so it was appropriate for us to let our customers know the green initiatives we have running through all elements of the store. “We were able to demonstrate to the judging panel that we source our energy from renewable sources, we strive to source our produce as locally as possible to reduce food miles, we recycle 100% of our cardboard back to the mills which equates to 100 tonnes per annum. We use LED lighting throughout and we have our own heat recovery system which is great for efficient water usage. “Furthermore, all waste food which is beyond human consumption is sent to a local farmer. Supermarkets have a responsibility to be as green as possible. In the grand scheme of things we are one supermarket in one town in Northern Ireland but that makes it even more important for us to let people know we care about our environment.”
Retailers reminded of minimum wage increase T
he NFRN (National Federation of Retail Newsagents) is reminding members that the national minimum wage has increased from £6.50 per hour for all adults over the age of 21 to £6.70 from October 1. The increase comes amid the Federation’s warning to Government that members are desperately concerned about the upcoming national living wage. In its recent response to the Low Pay Commission - the body that gathers evidence and recommends increases in the minimum wage to the government - the NFRN has warned that 12% of respondents to a Federation annual survey fear they will have to close their
businesses following the introduction of the national living wage, a new hourly rate of pay for adults over 25 years old, to be introduced in April. “Our members are reminded to ensure they update their systems to take into account the increase in the national minimum wage,” said Ralph Patel, national president of NFRN. “Unfortunately, we fully expect many members to have to reduce staff hours and try to take on the work themselves to make ends meet.” The NFRN is encouraging members to write to their MP about their concerns regarding the NMW and the NLW. A template letter is available on the website: https://www.nfrnonline.com/NMW_Letter.
Donnelly’s Bakery & Coffee Shop voted Most Loved in NI
B
allycastle-based Donnelly’s Bakery &Coffee Shop has been named the Most Loved Bakery in Northern Ireland, recognising the high quality of its cakes and bakes, fantastic range available and the excellent service and welcome on offer. As part of this year’s Craft Bakers’ Week (September 28–October 3), bakeries across the country encouraged customers to vote for them as the Most Loved Bakery in Northern Ireland. “It feels fantastic to be voted as the Most Loved Bakery in Northern Ireland,” said Eugene Donnelly, director of Donnelly’s Bakery & Coffee Shop. “Bakeries are an important part of any community, and it is great to see that we are so ‘loved’ by our customers from Ballycastle and all over Co Antrim. We would like to thank all those who voted for us for their continued support both towards us and the art of craft baking.” Hannah Marriage, chair of Craft Bakers’ Week 2015, said: “Bakeries have been a feature on our high street for generations and have become an incredibly important part of communities all over the country. Some bakeries are over 100 years old, and have passed recipes down through the generations, including many delicious regional specialities.” Craft Bakers’ Week 2015 also helps to support the work of Make-A-Wish UK, raising £20,000 last year. 8 368• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
Eugene Donnelly, director, is pictured with staff members at Donnelly’s Bakery & Coffee Shop.
RETAIL NEWS – SYMBOLS
Henderson Group supporting NI’s largest external defibrillator network T
he Henderson Group launched plans earlier this month to install Northern Ireland’s largest network of external, public access defibrillator devices. Over 300 of the Mallusk-based Group’s SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO branded outlets have signed up to a new campaign to install AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) outside their stores, with the full support of Dr Michael McBride, Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer. It is intended that the 300 new devices will be installed and available for public use throughout 2016. Community and store fundraising at each outlet signed up will fund the devices, aiming for £1,500 to purchase the product, its temperature controlled cabinet and installation. With around 1,400 cardiac arrests occurring each year in Northern Ireland outside of hospitals, it is vital bystanders perform CPR and Pictured are NI Chief Medical Officer Dr Michael McBride with Henderson Group Head of Corporate Marketing Bronagh Luke and Sales & Marketing Director Paddy Doody. make use of an AED device if readily available. “At the heart of our business we are passionate about local,” said Bronagh Luke, head of Corporate Marketing at the Henderson Group. “We hope that every local community will get behind their store’s fundraising campaign and ensure more life-saving devices are on hand, and we encourage retailers and communities to educate themselves with lifesaving practices should an unfortunate incident occur in their area. “We will have an education campaign running alongside the fundraising campaigns both digitally via specially produced ‘how to use’ videos, and with printed, practical information readily available in store. We know it is not enough to only have the devices in situ; education on community resuscitation and defibrillator usage is a priority.” For further information on the fundraising campaign, visit www.heartofourcommunityni.com
TODAY’S DONAGHMORE MAKES THE CUT
T
oday’s Donaghmore has been ranked in the Top 100 independent retail stores in the UK by retail marketing specialist Newtrade, following assessment in August by the Independent Achievers Academy (IAA). The Top 100 ranking results from scores achieved in an
independent store assessment carried out by Elevate Retail Solutions, Newtrade’s performance measurement partner, and evaluation of information provided on entry forms. The finalists for the IAA will be announced at the Local Shop Summit at Lord’s Cricket Ground, London this month.
Whiterocks, Portrush named NI’s Top Beach Spot W
hiterocks Beach, Portrush has been named Northern Ireland’s Top Beach Spot in a search by local convenience brand Centra, supported by Tourism NI. The stunning beach, situated off the Causeway Coastal Route in Co Antrim, beat off competition from other popular locations including Portstewart Strand and Benone beach in Co Londonderry and Co Down’s Murlough Beach and Helen’s Bay. The online search gave people across Northern Ireland the chance to share their favourite beaches across the Province. With a number of award-winning beaches, Northern Ireland is surrounded by beautiful coastline which boasts impressive stretches of golden sand. “This was a really popular choice among our voters and is a fantastic example of the impressive coastline we have on our doorstep,” said Nikki McDowell, brand manager at Centra. “As a beach spot, Whiterocks is an exciting and fun location, offering so much throughout the year for families, water sports enthusiasts, walkers, horse riders and more. “With the support of Tourism NI, as well as our 80 independent retailers across every region, we will continue the search for more Centra Top Spots and encourage everyone to get involved by sharing what they love about Northern Ireland.” The search for Centra’s Top Spots will continue into the festive season; see www.facebook.com/CentraNI or visit www.centra.co.uk/topspots. Celebrating the announcement at Whiterocks Beach, Portrush are Centra’s Jennifer Morton along with local Centra Ballymoney store owner, Glenn Biesty.
9
RETAIL NEWS - MULTIPLES
Belfast mother crowned NI 2015 SuperMum
Geraldine Cassidy is pictured with Musgrave NI Managing Director Michael McCormack and runners-up Siobhan Rice and Claire O’Hanlon.
B
elfast mother of three Geraldine Cassidy has been announced as Northern Ireland’s top mum at a prestigious awards ceremony held at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Thirty-six mums from across Northern Ireland were honoured at the SuperValu SuperMums ceremony which saw Co Down’s Siobhan Rice announced as a runner-up alongside Co Tyrone’s Claire O’Hanlon. Dairyfarm SuperMum Geraldine was crowned the winner by a judging panel for dedicating much of her life to the care of children. Over a period of 15 years, Geraldine, as a foster carer, opened her home to almost 80
8 • •Ulster 3610 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
children, from new born babies to pre-teens requiring urgent short-term care. “I really can’t believe I have won, I didn’t realise my daughter Fiona had even nominated me,” she said. “To be told I am the SuperValu SuperMum for 2015 has left me totally speechless, especially as I was nominated amongst so many wonderful mums. “I just love children and enjoyed every second of being a foster carer. It was heartbreaking at times having to let the children move on but my children and husband were a great support throughout this time.” Donna Morrison, marketing manager of SuperValu, said: “Congratulations to Geraldine on being crowned SuperValu SuperMum 2015. This year we were overwhelmed with wonderful mums and their selflessness and Geraldine truly is a SuperMum, not only raising three children of her own but caring for so many children who needed support. “There are so many inspirational mothers across Northern Ireland who show such humility when dealing with life’s challenges. I would like to congratulate all 36 of our SuperMum finalists as they are all very deserving.”
New design unveiled by SuperValu Fintona
Celebrated chef Neven Maguire officially launched the newly designed SuperValu in Fintona, Co Tyrone at a recent Taste of Tyrone Food event. Pictured are, from left, SuperValu‘s Geoff Johnston, Store owner Garvan Hegarty, chef Neven Maguire and Karen Hegarty.
STORE FOCUS
Trust your partner... Declan Watson tells UG about his Centra store in Portaferry. Declan Watson
B
usinessman Declan Watson opened his Centra store in Portaferry at the turn of millennium and has built up a successful business over the years. He has seen many changes in the market but has always managed to stay one step ahead. This year Declan took the decision to completely overhaul his store by introducing the brand new Centra format and offer. Ulster Grocer caught up with Declan to learn about his life in retail and see what prompted him to make the change… “I have owned this store since 2000 and I had gone through a couple of minor refits over the years but nothing too radical. Overall the shop was performing well but it was beginning to look a bit dark and jaded and I thought it was time for a change. I knew Centra had done a lot of market research and had developed a substantially new store format and offer on the back of this research. I was impressed with what they’d done and thought a lot of the concepts and ideas would work for my business.’’ I worked closely with Centra, and together we developed a plan for my store which really showcased the fresh offer, re-aligning the whole store to accommodate a larger fresh range and a massively enhanced Food to Go area, as well as introducing improved coffee facilities and new-in store bakery. Centra had the insights to show how consumer behaviours were changing and how my store could adapt to meet these changes. The extent of the change was significant but over the years I have learnt to trust my Regional Manager and the team at Centra.” 8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
The first thing you notice in Declan’s store is the natural light and the colour. I asked Declan about this and the changes to his shop. Declan said, “The natural light and the new LED lighting open up the entire store and give the place a real lift. We took down the large shelving in front of the windows, replacing them with smaller display units and removed the window graphics to let in more natural light. Customers have reacted to this simple change by spending a lot more time browsing than before. New brighter LED lighting and new flooring, combined with the new in-store communications have made the store much brighter and fresher- it’s simply a nicer place to shop.”
The widened first aisle is full of colour and is a real showcase for the overall store, with an extended fruit and veg offer, bakery features and a wide range of Ready to Cook and Ready to Heat meal solutions in the new Fresh for You brand which is exclusive to Centra and SuperValu. Declan says, “As with a lot of independent stores, we want to source as much produce locally as we can. Musgrave continues to have a strong track record in this area, with, for example, an on-going commitment to source all fruit and vegetables from local suppliers when in season. Our new extended ‘Free From’ range has been a great success already and we were the first Centra store to stock the new locally produced ‘Fresh for You’ range of meals. This range is displayed in dedicated fridges in the first aisle and has proved a big hit with customers with sales surpassing all of my expectations.” I asked Declan about the Food To Go offer in the shop an area he seems particularly proud of and I can’t help but wonder if Portaferry is ready for such a comprehensive offer. “You’d be surprised – whilst Portaferry is a small rural town people here have increasingly cosmopolitan tastes, especially when it comes to Food To Go and coffee. Both are big drivers of footfall and sales, so it was vitally important that we got these areas right”. Declan points me towards a fryer that is used to produce his new in-house southern fried chicken. The fryer, Declan tells me, is
11
STORE FOCUS
coffee available in 12 and 16 oz. cups and we have a selection of syrups to go with them. On the dock itself the milk dispenser is down below so as to free up space for pastry displays, we have croissants/pain au chocolate in the morning and treats such as doughnuts for lunch and the afternoon. That’s what I really like about the new Centra design, it’s smart. They thought about every aspect of the store to make it more efficient as well as appealing.”
specially designed so that the cooked chicken is crispy on the outside and succulent and moist in the middle. “Our hot Food To Go counter is now first class and the chicken is excellent. I’ve had to add another shift onto the deli counter to keep up with demand. We have ten new Centra gourmet sandwiches and I think – without bias – that these are the best sandwiches in Portaferry! We display a sample of each sandwich under glass, to create a bit of theatre for the shopper and these really sell the product. Already you can see a pick-up in trade, with customers coming back to try the different options. I hope to have the counter 8 • •Ulster 3612 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
open all day at some stage, to develop a late afternoon and evening trade. We also extended the cold counter with our selection of carved cooked meats which are always a big seller. We introduced a self-serve porridge/ soup dock to enhance our Food To Go offering and to help the flow in-store, particularly in the busy morning period; this freed up space at the deli counters and improved speed of service for customers.” Declan’s store does a strong trade in coffee and pastries as is evident by the steady stream of people at the coffee dock. “That coffee dock is a smart piece of kit. The new digital machine provides bean to cup
You can see that Declan has a great repertoire with his staff and there is a genuine rapport between them. “Portaferry is small town and a very close community. I like to think of the store as a microcosm of that close knit community. We have a common goal to make this store the best it can be and I think that this unified goal has brought us closer as a team. The training provided by Musgrave has helped a lot too, with every staff member now understanding their place in the business and how their contribution helps to drive the business forward.” So what’s the secret to your success? Decland said, “Unfortunately there is no quick fix for success in retail. It takes a lot of hard work and motivation but it has its benefits too. It helps to have a good team behind you and a business partner that you can trust but ultimately if there is one secret to success -it is to know your customer. Know who they are and how they shop, if
STORE FOCUS
you can do this and get the right ranges and offers in place, you can stay ahead of the competition and it will give your business a good fighting chance.” I ask Declan, has the upheaval been all worthwhile? “Yes, absolutely, I’m delighted with the end product. It has been hard work but Musgrave were fantastic throughout and they have been with us through every stage of the process from the first plan through to opening day, with on the ground support and expertise at every step of the process. Whilst it’s still early days, the results to date have been extremely positive in terms of footfall, sales and profit which are all up significantly, with the Coffee, Food To Go and Bakery categories all substantially
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
exceeding expectations.” Nigel Maxwell, Centra Sales Director said, “We’re delighted with the new Centra proposition and how it’s been delivered in Declan’s store in Portaferry - which now showcases the best of Centra and represents a truly different and better offer, versus what we had before and also our competitive set. Whilst it’s still early days, the results to date have exceeded all expectations and the Musgrave team are really excited about the potential of the new Centra proposition as it’s rolled out to other Centra stores over the next 12-18 months. My thanks go to Declan and his team for all their hard work in implementing the new offer in Portaferry and I look forward to seeing the store go from strength to strength over the coming months and years. ”
13
DROMONA PROFILE
Dromona – The real taste of home
D
uring the past three months, Northern Ireland’s much loved butter and cheese brand Dromona has appeared across various media channels. This heavyweight marketing campaign, Dromona: The Real Taste of Home, celebrates the quality of the products within the range, how Dromona butter and cheese have a constant presence in homes across Northern Ireland, and the many ways in which the brand is used as part of family meal times.
Dromona is a trusted brand that consumers know delivers on quality and taste.” The campaign is part of a strategic drive by Dale Farm to continually build its brands, and ultimately sales, for its retail partners and the dairy farmers who supply it with milk. 14
“Our Dromona advertising campaign highlights how the brand has a constant presence in the heart of the home and how Dromona can play an important part in the lives of busy mums,” said Caroline Martin, head of Marketing for Dale Farm. “Dromona butter and cheese have a role to play at almost every meal time – from Dromona butter being spread on hot toast to Dromona cheddar being grated on the family lasagne. Dromona is a trusted brand that consumers know continually delivers on quality and taste – and we’re proud of that.
“The campaign will not only thank families of Northern Ireland for their ongoing support but also inspire and encourage a love of hearty home cooking, as we approach the colder months ahead.” Filmed in locations across Northern Ireland, Dromona: The Real Taste of Home will appear at strategic outdoor advertising sites during October and will air on TV during November, supported by further integrated communications including press giveaways, recipe features and social media activity.
TESCO TASTE festival
Keeping Tesco Taste fresh in its seventh year BY CLIFF KELLS, COMMERCIAL MANAGER OF TESCO NI
Pictured at this year’s Tesco Taste Festival in Custom House Square are, from left, Cliff Kells (Commercial Manager, Tesco NI), Brendan Guidera (Store Director, Tesco NI), Alastair Hamilton (Chief Executive, Invest NI), Caoimhe Mannion (Marketing Manager, Tesco NI), Tony Hoggett (Operations Director, Tesco UK), Jonathan Taylor (Operations Director, Tesco UK North) and Matt Simister (Commercial Director Fresh, Tesco UK).
K
eeping events like the Tesco Taste Festival fresh in its seventh year was always going to be a challenge, and one that the whole Tesco NI team and our local suppliers rose to magnificently. We are all tremendously proud of this successful event which has become a fixture in the calendar, and continues to be biggest showcase of local food and drinks
across the year. Visitor numbers were 20% up on the 2014 event, thus giving more opportunities for our fabulous local food and drink companies to showcase and sell their excellent products to the Northern Ireland public. It is simply a fantastic Festival and a credit to all who made it possible. This year we were also able to show-case locally-produced products and companies big and small, to senior colleagues from Tesco UK who made their first visit to the Festival – Tesco UK Operations Director Tony Hoggett, Tesco UK Commercial Director (Fresh) Matt Simister, and Tesco UK (North) Operations Director Jonathan Taylor. They were incredibly impressed with what they saw and heard, and we, as the local team, were very proud indeed, to promote the Festival as an unbeatable showcase for the industry. Right from the very start, the official opening ceremony heralded a spectacular weekend. Tesco NI Store Director Brendan Guidera’s opening speech was followed by Invest Northern Ireland Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton, who paid particular attention to the successful Tesco programme
which invites artisan companies to set up ‘pop-up’ shops in the foyer of large stores. Guests were surprised and delighted when the fabulous Belfast Community Gospel Choir staged a ‘flash-mob’ during the official proceedings, appropriately reflecting the pride and passion ‘in the room’. Throughout the weekend, Taste of Ulster chefs provided mouth-watering cookery demonstrations using local produce, to the public. Roving clowns, magicians and Irish dancers, plus a climbing wall and petting zoo, ensured visitors were kept entertained, complemented by musical performances from the much-loved repeat visits from both Willie Drennan Band and Fiddler Adams. We all know that you all work incredibly hard. You have much to be proud of. From a £50m per annum Tesco sourcing value from Northern Ireland when we arrived in 1997, to over HALF A BILLION POUNDS worth of sourcing from Northern Ireland today – we have achieved so much. So far! Plans are already underway for the 2017 event, and in the meantime, my very best wishes for a busy run-up to the festive period and my personal best wishes.
Roy Lyttle - a growing business
A
We're Feeding Local Industry To Feed You!
With 2016 designated Year of Food & Drink in Northern Ireland, the big focus will be on local sourcing offering an opportunity for producers, processors, retailers and caterers to highlight their locally sourced produce and support for the economy. Roy Lyttle Ltd, 90 Portaferry Road, Newtownards, BT23 8SN Tel: 028 91812072 • Mobile: 07785 902886
16
round the shores of Strangford Lough on the Ards Peninsula, the air is a little warmer. This creates good conditions for growing vegetables which is what the Lyttle family has been doing for nearly 30 years. The primary crop in the summer is scallions and in the winter, leeks. These are grown, Father and son Roy Lyttle and Alex Lyttle harvested, prepared, packed to specification and finally delivered by Roy Lyttle to clients. Parsley and herb celery, (or soup celery) are also grown for processors who produce washed, chopped soup vegetables and ready-made soups supplied to the major multiples across the UK. Roy Lyttle also grows organic vegetables, including a range of cabbages, leeks, carrots, parsnips, swedes and purple sprouting broccoli. Since 2007, the business has been growing organic potatoes for independent retailers and box schemes. Roy and Sheila’s son Alexander has also started growing chives and intends to extend the range of fresh herbs. A purpose-built viewing gallery facilitates visiting groups of school children and many other interested parties on tours of the vegetable preparation and packing process which shows how many other subsidiary industries benefit from the growing of vegetables. The tours build trust and highlight, ‘We’re feeding local industry to feed you!’ on the company banner. Roy Lyttle is working to extend the season of availability of supply in order to reduce imports. Increasing orders show that consumers are becoming more interested in where their food comes from, and support local producers.
TESCO perspective TASTE festival
Cookstown sizzles at Tesco Taste E
stablished in 1937, Cookstown, Northern Ireland’s leading pork brand had another great year at the Tesco Taste Festival at Custom House Square from September 18-20. “We always enjoy participating in the Tesco Taste festival and thanks to the efforts of Caoimhe and her team, the event has gotten bigger and better each year,” said Trevor Mounstephen, Tesco account manager. “The show gives us a great opportunity to speak directly to the public, to let them try some of our products and to remind them why Cookstown is the brand for them. From bacon and gammon to fresh pork, ham and sausage we have all their breakfast, lunch and dinner needs covered.” This year Cookstown had a selection of their famous sausages (and don’t forget the accompanying sizzle!), their new Bacon Delights (fully cooked, 100% lean, bacon medallions which can be microwaved in two minutes), sausages rolls and some premium cooked ham for people to try. As well as this, people were able to pick up some great bargains with Cookstown also selling their fabulous products at special Tesco Taste discounted prices. Working with over 120 Northern Irish Farmers, Cookstown is proud of the fact that all their meat is locally sourced and this helps the company to ensure the best animal welfare standards, production chain traceability and supply of the highest quality pork products in the local market.
Visitors sample 1,500 cups of Robert Roberts coffee
R
obert Roberts had an incredible couple of days at this year’s Tesco Taste NI show. Feedback from consumers was fantastic as the much loved coffee brand sampled over 1,500 cups of coffee over the course of the threeday event. Many customers commented on how impressed they were with the Robert Roberts coffee capsules and vowed to hunt them out during their next trip to Tesco. Speaking after the event, Joanne Beattie, brand manager for Robert Roberts, said she was “thrilled to see the Tesco Taste event growing year after year. “We always love coming to this show because it gives us the opportunity to interact with our customers and sample both new and existing products,” she said. “This year we had some fantastic feedback on our coffee pods which are compatible with Nespresso machines and also received rave reviews on our chocolate. “The show has always been a great help to us with regards market research and new product development. In previous years we had customers come to our stand and ask us to make a really strong coffee, something that would ‘energise them in the mornings’; on the back of this advice we launched our Shipyard strength coffee in Tesco NI and have seen it grow in popularity year on year. We will look forward to next year’s event once again.”
Family business enjoyed a strong presence at weekend of local food
F
amily-owned dried fruit and nut company Forest Feast flew the flag for the ‘giants’ of the NI economy – agri food businesses at Tesco Taste NI last weekend. Over 60 local food businesses showed their strength at the exhibition in Custom House Square, many of which are owned and operated by local families, including Forest Feast. Visitors to Brother and sister Thomas and Esmee Hall of the show experienced family-owned dried fruit and nut company Northern Ireland’s rich Forest Feast are pictured on stand at Tesco Taste. and vibrant food scene, with Forest Feast showcasing their range of international ‘Street Food’ inspired snack products by transporting visitors through their photo booth to the exotic backdrops of India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Spain and the USA.
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
17 5
TESCO perspective TASTE festival
Kerry Foods brings Fire & Smoke to Tesco Taste A
t the recent Tesco Taste NI event, Kerry Foods fired up the cooked meats category with sampling of the new Denny Fire & Smoke Range. Commenting on Kerry Foods participation at the Tesco Taste event, Mark Hewitt, National Account Manager said “We were delighted to be here again having supported the show each year since its inception. Along with our market leading dairy brands, Golden Cow and Coleraine, this year we featured Fire and Smoke from Denny, our new range of sliced cooked meats. Tesco have welcomed the opportunity to re-invigorate the cooked meats category through this exciting and innovative product range. Fire and Smoke is a sensational premium crafted meat which has taken inspiration from the pitmaster craft of the American Deep South using fire and smoke cooking methods to create seven pre-packed lines spanning ham, chicken, turkey. By offering consumers great taste and choice it inspires usage and ultimately category growth. We have seen an excellent response in store so far and judging by the numbers of consumers at our stand enjoying the great taste we expect sales to go from strength to strength.” Fire and Smoke has already picked up a number of awards, the latest being an Anuga Taste award for New Innovation as well as an Irish Quality Food Award win and a Checkout National FMCG award for best new food product launch.
Florence Montgomery from Kerry Foods is pictured on the Fire & Smoke stand offering samples from the Denny Fire & Smoke range.
Morrow Foods offers quality pâtés, stews and soups
Morrow Foods We have been making gastronomic pâtés and delicious, hearty soups and stews for the whole family since 1996 Morrow Foods, Unit 1, FBIC, 45 Tullywiggan Rd, Cookstown, Co. Tyrone BT80 8SG Tel: 028 8676 3559 Email: accounts@morrowfoods.com • Web: www.morrowpate.co.uk
8 • •Ulster 3618 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
C
ookstown-based Morrow Foods was established in 1996, initially creating fine pâtés and then adding great stews and broths to its portfolio. Its range of products is supplied to Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, local shops, restaurants and supermarkets across the UK and Republic of Ireland. Its range of pâtés is chicken liver-based, and available both in a 500g tub for catering and delicatessen counters and a handy on-shelf tub of 113g. The chicken liver pâté range available includes: Plain Chicken Liver Pâté, Chicken Liver Pâté with Brandy, or Garlic or with Peppercorns and a Chicken Liver Pâté with Smoked Bacon is the pipeline. The 500g tub has a shelf life of 14 days and the 113g prepacked tub, 21 days. Morrow Foods’ healthy, restaurant quality ready meals are Beef Stew with Irish Stout and Irish Stew made from a traditional recipe using lamb, and are handcrafted using locally sourced meat and vegetables. Both varieties are available in 450g packs in cases of four units. Both dishes can be microwaved in minutes, freezable and offer shelf life of 18 days. Vegetable Broth with a Spud and Chicken Broth with a Spud ready meals are produced the same way as the stews, handcrafted using locally-produced chicken meat, vegetables, potatoes and barley. Again, these are available in 450g packs in cases of four, are microwavable and freezable and have a 14-day shelf life. The business has a focus on delivering good quality gastronomic products, free from additives and preservatives and works closely with local suppliers to ensure only the best ingredients are used in its pâtés, soups and stews. To ensure freshness to its customers, everything is freshly made each day and usually delivered on the day it is made.
TESCO perspective TASTE festival
Tesco Taste Festival 2015 Exhibitors showcased their latest innovations at this year’s Tesco Taste Festival, held in Custom House Square, Belfast over September 18-20.
Alex Lyttle and Kendall Glenn (RL Produce).
Leigh Morrow and Carla Bratty (Morrow Foods).
Jean Trimble (Kerry Foods).
Craig Blaney (Robert Roberts).
Joanne Molloy, Victoria Brady and Stephen McNeice (TS Foods).
Stefan Szymara, Ruth Sloan, Muffin Man and Colm Mathers (Irwin’s Bakery)
Tim and Dennis Graham (Graham’s of Dromore).
Trevor Mountstephen, Helen Bell and Wendy Donaldson (Cookstown).
Joanne Diamond, Gemma Broughan and Brenda Hegarty (Genesis Crafty).
Colin Ferguson and Dawn Cann (Avondale Foods).
Lisa Johnston, Barry Spence and Bryan McDermott (Ormo).
Gavin Thompson, Robert Burnside and Emma Weir (Doherty & Gray).
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
19 5
Innovative Thinking from the Tray Sealing Specialists launching the MPEio Compact Tray Sealer - Made in the UK
MPE i-0 Fully Automatic Inline Tray Sealer HFM and MPE UK manufacture an extensive range of tray sealers, sandwich sealers and a wide selection of tooling for many packaging concepts. The HFM and MPE range of machines offer throughputs from 15 to 240 packs per minute, all machines in our range are capable of MAP/Gas Facility. The HFM and MPE team have many years experience in the tray-sealing industry, also we are proud to boast that we have a great understanding of production requirements to which customers expect and we offer the highest level of service around our team are quick and responsive to all enquiries which is what has helped build our reputation within the tray sealing and packaging industry. HFM and MPE offer a superb level of after sales service, and with this philosophy in place it has helped our business grow from strength to strength. So for excellent service and peace of mind give our team a call to discuss your present or future tray sealing and tooling requirements.
Specifications Length: 3000mm Width: 900mm
Features Seals upto 45 ppm Ideal inline tray sealer for use in a variety of applications, meat, fish, poultry, vegetables, fruit and ready meals. PLC control E-RAM Sealing Technology 1-5 Impression Tooling Gas Facility is standard on this machine Easy and quick changeover All Electric Machine Can be supplied with print registration and ICE Coder Printer at an additional cost
A NEW company with an established reputation in the food industry Unit 5, Madines Site, 79 Downpatrick Road, Crossgar BT30 9EH
Tel: 02890 994 202 Mob: 075 8149 3156 www.hendersonfoodmachinery.com • sales@hendersonfoodmachinery.com
Providing solutions suited to your requirements. Call us now, we’re here to help...
FOOD perspective FORCE IRELAND
Awards introduced as new feature at 2015 show
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
5
FOOD FORCE IRELAND
Bigger and better than ever - Food Force Ireland trade show in its fifth year F
ood Force Ireland’s fifth annual Direct Supply Trade Day, held in the Culloden Hotel on September 28, has been our biggest to date in terms of both exhibitors and visitor numbers. It caps off another fantastic year for Food Force Ireland, which has seen our membership numbers grow significantly across Northern Ireland. Food Force Ireland has been negotiating the best deals for its local Nisa members for over 20 years, and its success is evident as the buying group is one of the few showing consistent turnover growth despite the challenging retail trading environment which continues to prevail. Many of our members, including our Chairman Henry Emerson, have been with the group from the start. What we offer is collective negotiating power to gain lower prices and promotional offers on produce for our retailer members through long-term trading partnerships with local suppliers. It is also a flexible relationship, with our retail members able to tailor their buying to their own unique offering and even extend it to one-off deals. Force Force Ireland also operates an end-of year, performance-driven trading agreement with suppliers which generates income from individual growth incentives.
Last year was a tumultuous one for Food Force Ireland, with Nisa attempting a takeover which ultimately failed. Nisa set up its own local office, and a new productive and mutually beneficial agreement was reached between the retail group and Food Force Ireland. The two entities are collaborating on retail offers, marketing and recruitment. This year, we took the show to the next level with a new feature, supplier awards. For the first time, awards were made recognising
FFI Bakery Supplier of the Year, Chilled Supplier of the Year, Ambient Supplier of the Year and Account Manager of the Year. Food Force Ireland is going from strength to strength, and we aim to keep our offer fresh for our retail members and supply partners.
Debra Johnston Trading Controller at Food Force Ireland
Dale Farm - a force to be reckoned with D
ale Farm, Northern Ireland’s leading dairy company, continued its winning streak at this year’s Food Force Ireland event, walking away with the award for ‘Chilled and Frozen Supplier of the Year’. Dale Farm was delighted to win the much coveted accolade which recognises the strength of the relationship between Dale Farm and Food Force members. A key benefit of attending the event is the opportunity to grow long standing relationships with customers and showcase new innovative product developments. Nigel Cairns, commercial director for Convenience and Food Service at Dale Farm, is very passionate about the importance of working hard on developing mutually-beneficial relationships between the supplier and the retailer. It is through the annual trade show that Nigel believes the showcasing of Dale Farm’s new products demonstrates to Food Force members the company’s commitment to spearhead growth within the dairy category. Whilst Dale Farm has been supplying its dairy products to families across Ireland for generations, the company continues to analyse emerging trends to ensure its product portfolio reflects the needs of today’s consumer. The Food Force Ireland show was a great opportunity for Dale Farm to allow retailers to taste and experience its latest new products.
Ulster Rugby’s Andrew Trimble lines out with Caroline Martin, head of Marketing for Dale Farm and his team mates Robbie Diack & Wiehahn Herbst.
At the event, the company showcased Dale Farm Protein Milk - a new range of fresh milk products enriched with 50% more natural milk protein than standard milk. This latest innovation from Dale Farm is the first fresh protein-enriched milk to be produced in the UK and is the company’s first step into sports nutrition.
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
/dalefarmni dale_farm
www.dalefarm.co.uk #RealTaste
“It tastes as good as it looks!” Almost 60 years ago we opened our family bakery in Strabane producing bread, confectionery and savoury pastry, fresh daily, using quality ingredients seasonally sourced from local growers and producers. Our food carries our name. So we take great pride and care in ensuring that every product lives up to the same high standards we set when it started all those years ago. We won’t make it unless it tastes as good as it looks!
If you have a range opportunity you would like to discuss, are interested in becoming a supplier or you would like to join our team please contact us on +44 (0)28 7138 2797 or by email sales@mccolgans.ie
McColgans UG Advert AW.indd 1
21/10/2014 14:34
FOOD perspective FORCE IRELAND
Valeo Foods showcases retail business and Robert Roberts coffee T
he team from Valeo Foods was thrilled to be invited to the Culloden Hotel this year for what turned out to be one of the busiest and most successful Food Force Ireland events to date. This year, the Valeo Foods team took two stands, one to showcase the retail side of their business and the other to display their Robert Roberts ‘Coffee to go’ offering. Commenting on their product range, Maria Losty, commercial manager for Valeo foods in Northern Ireland, said: “this year we decided to focus on a smaller number of key deals for our Food Force members and the results have been fantastic. Deals on Evian, Libbys, Right Guard and Rowse Honey products have gone down extremely well and we’re delighted that our offers have been well received.” The Robert Roberts Coffee stand was also on hand throughout the event to keep Food Force members and other stand holders energised with a host of coffee options from lattes and cappuccinos to Americanos and even Luxury Kenyan teas; all of which were gratefully received. Mark Austin, sales manager Robert Roberts, Out of Home Coffee, said that he was thrilled to be showcasing the company’s coffee range and was excited by feedback he had received from Food Force members. “We look forward to this event every year as it gives us the opportunity to showcase our machinery and demonstrate first-hand
how the installation of a Robert Roberts coffee machine can open up a lucrative extra revenue stream for Food Force Ireland members,” he said.
Mark Austin of Robert Roberts with Grainne Keenan from Emersons
Cookstown tastes success at Food Force Ireland C
ookstown, Northern Ireland’s leading pork brand, was delighted to once again participate in the recent Food Force Ireland event in the Culloden Hotel on September 28. “This event is very important to us at Cookstown,” said Kingsley Burrows, account manager. “It gives us the opportunity to engage with store owners and managers in a more relaxed setting outside of the usual busy store environment. We have developed a strong relationship with Debra and the Food Force Ireland team, and thanks to events like this, we are delighted to have enjoyed steady growth in our business over the past six years”. “The show gives us a great opportunity to speak directly to the public, to let them try some of our products and to remind them why Cookstown is the brand for them. From bacon and gammon to fresh pork, ham and sausage we have all their breakfast, lunch and dinner needs covered.” Established in 1937, the Cookstown brand has a great range covering all pork categories including bacon, gammon, fresh pork, ham and sausages. If you are interested in stocking the Cookstown brand or to find out more about the sizzling range, please contact a member of the sales team on +44 (0) 2886 763321 or email info@cookstownbrand.com.
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
5
FOOD FORCE IRELAND
Hovis used its loaf at Food Force Ireland N
“We would like to congratulate Food Force Ireland for a ow a regular event in its sales and marketing calendar, Hovis tremendous event which just gets bigger and better each year and Bakeries Belfast was delighted to have been involved in the already we look forward to the next event.” Food Force Ireland event. Both Hovis brands play a significant role within the bread category with Food Force members; Hovis with its wide range of breads, and Ormo with morning goods. The timing of the show this year was perfect as Hovis was able to showcase its recently launched range of Hovis Good Inside Bread loaves, thins and wraps with baked in Omega 3 from flaxseed oil, fibre and wheatgerm. This has been supported by a national campaign with TV advertising that represents a £5m investment. New Ormo products also were featured including Ormo Granary Wheaten and Ormo ‘Midi’ Soda Farls. Billy Thompson, business unit manager, Hovis said: “For Hovis the Food Force Ireland Trade Show was a fantastic opportunity to meet with its members in a relaxed atmosphere, to review our year to date business and discuss opportunities to grow sales. We had lots of positive feedback from members, many of whom availed of the Special Trade Show deals we had on offer on Billy Thompson, David Mills and Bill Shannon of Hovis. the day.
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
FOOD perspective FORCE IRELAND
Grocery sector well represented at FFI
Fantastic opportunities on the horizon for PJT Sales & Distribution P
Tony Taggart and Jonathan Burnside (Unilever)
Neil McConkey (Santander) and Glyn Roberts (NIIRTA)
JT Sales and Distribution Ltd would like to thank FFI & all its members who visited our stand at the Culloden hotel. It was a great success. It's been a very busy time for PJT recently. Mark & Judy Toland have just returned from Cologne, Germany, where they attended 'Anuga', the world's leading food fair which runs bi-annually. Here, manufacturers from over 187 countries from around the world, launch many food and beverage ranges. Mark says "we are constantly looking to add new and innovative products to our current portfolio & look forward to making an announcement on some exiting new ranges very soon!" Judy adds, "we are also working with our international business partners to source even more wellknown branded products, which we believe will benefit our customers across the country". To ensure you are kept updated with their current sales offers and all new product listings please call the PJT Sales team on +44 28 43771277 or via the website www.pjtsales.com
BRANDY, IS PROUD TO SUPPORT LOCAL RETAILERS
Because they’re 100% family www.macklepetfoods.com
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
facebook.com/brandydogfood
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
5
FOOD FORCE IRELAND
Dohertys proudly support fifth FFI event P
roudly supporting the fifth Food Force Ireland trade event was Dohertys, a long established business now run by the sixth generation of the Doherty family. Originally in retail butchery the company has developed into one of Northern Ireland’s leading producers of meat products with a long tradition in chilled and frozen manufacturing. Produced in a modern processing factory accredited to BRC Grade A, Dohertys products, both traditional and gluten free, are popular with consumers throughout Northern Ireland, northwest of the Republic of Ireland and Scotland. Unique recipes, in the family for over 100 years, and a strict attention to quality of ingredients and processing systems has enabled the Doherty brand to survive and prosper in an increasingly competitive retail environment.
E: mail@jdm.co.uk T: 028 7126 7884
Doherty Meats
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
FOOD perspective FORCE IRELAND
Kerry Foods showcases new Fire & Smoke range K
erry Foods focused on its highly successful Denny Fire & Smoke Range launched earlier this year at the Food Force Ireland trade show Commenting on Kerry Foods participation at the Food Force Ireland event, Patrick Donaghy, National Account Manager, Kerry Foods said “We were delighted to be here again, having supported the show each year since it started. We featured Fire and Smoke from Denny, our new range of sliced cooked meats at the show. The response from the members was very positive, welcoming the opportunity to re-invigorate, the cooked meats category through this exciting and innovative product range. Fire and Smoke is a sensational premium crafted meat which has taken inspiration from the pitmaster craft of the American Deep South using fire and smoke cooking methods to create seven pre-packed lines spanning ham, chicken, turkey and two deli counter lines. By offering consumers great taste and choice, Fire and Smoke inspires usage and ultimately category growth. Judging by the numbers of consumers already enjoying the great taste of Fire and Smoke we expect sales to go from strength to strength.” Fire and Smoke has already picked up a number of awards, the latest being an Anuga Taste award for New Innovation as well as an Irish Quality Food Award win and a Checkout National FMCG award for best new food product launch.
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
5
FOOD FORCE IRELAND
Delivering quality, efficient, reliable and cost effective chilled foods E
stablished in 2004, Fresh2u is a chilled food sales, marketing and distribution business based in Newry. For a wide range of chilled food brands manufactured both locally and internationally, Fresh2u provides the following services: • Brand building through account representation at head offices and direct to stores • Order capture via EDI, email and fax for daily delivery to central distribution centres • Direct sales to store through an experienced van sales team • In store merchandising and product placement • Picking and logistics for manufacturers who have no route to market With an established, efficient chilled network throughout the UK and Ireland, products are delivered to its purpose built chilled warehouse in Newry and prepared for forward distribution. Through HACCP and associated procedures
such as real time temperature monitoring/ recording both in its warehouse and on its vehicles, Fresh2u ensures its products are correctly received, stored and delivered. Its commitment to suppliers and customers is to deliver a quality, efficient, reliable and cost effective solution through hard work and integrity. As its lead brand, Hafner sausages have been a huge success story, enjoying significant year on year growth for each of the last 11 years. Their brand is now widely available through Eurospar, Spar, Vivo, Food Force Ireland, Dunnes Stores, Supervalu, Mace, Centra and Asda. Hafner Sausages are still made using the original recipe that Friedrich Hafner invented in 1883, which was famous throughout Dublin at that time. There are numerous stories of queues of people on George’s Street in Dublin anxiously waiting to get their premium Hafner Sausages, Indeed, it is said that people travelled from all over the island
just to try Hafner Sausages. Today, Fresh2u constantly hears stories in Belfast of how people travelled by train during the 1940s and 50s to buy the sausages for their own and neighbouring familes. Today, the brand is still a favourite in Northern Ireland due to the unique flavour from the original recipe. To complement its very successful range of premium carved cooked poultry from Hogans Farm, Fresh2u also joined forces with Brady Family Ham earlier in 2015 to extend its offering in the Northern Ireland market. Brady Family ham is a premium product which is allowed to age in vats for three days, allowing the muscles of the ham to mature thus helping to achieve the sweet and delicate flavour of the ham. Traditional Brady family curing methods are slow in comparison to the modern methods. The hams have no added water as the slow cooking process allows any excess water to be removed, producing a unique flavour and texture.
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
FOOD perspective FORCE IRELAND
TS Foods celebrates recent Irish Quality Food Awards success L
eading local fresh and frozen food company TS Foods was among top food suppliers from across Ireland attending the Food Force Ireland Supplier Trade Day at the Culloden Hotel. Based in Castlewellan and founded in 1978, TS Foods is a family run business employing a team of loyal and dedicated staff producing high quality innovative products for over 30 years. This was recognised most recently when the company was awarded the top spot in the Side Dish category for their Cranberry, Apricot & Orange stuffing at the Irish Quality Food Awards in Dublin. Joanne Molloy, commercial director, commented on the award: “We are delighted to have been awarded the category win at the IQFA. We are very proud of the award which is testament to the high quality of our stuffings and recognition of the skilled team at TS Foods. We are looking forward to a busy few months in the run up to Christmas when we will be launching a number of new products with both existing and new
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
customers in GB and Ireland.” The TS Foods Stuffing Brand is a trusted family favourite within Northern Ireland having a loyal following established over the past three decades. Only the finest ingredients are used in its freshly prepared Stuffing and Breadcrumb range offering the customer quality, convenience and value for money. Its inspiring range of delicious premium stuffings includes Cranberry Apricot & Orange, Smoked Bacon & Leek and
Premium Sage & Onion flavours. This range has been developed not only to be enjoyed at Christmas, but as the perfect accompaniment to any meal throughout the year. TS Foods’ other trusted brands include The Tony’s Chippy range of Battered Pasties, Sausages and Burgers, which offer customers a traditional chip shop taste straight from the oven. For more information on any of product range, please contact sales@tsfoods.co.uk.
We are delighted to have been awarded the category win at the IQFA. We are very proud of the award which is testament to the high quality of our stuffings and recognition of the skilled team at TS Foods.”
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
5
FOOD FORCE IRELAND
Pictured on the Allied Bakeries Ireland stand at the Food Force Ireland trade show are, from left, Ian Waide (Sales Operations Manager), Malcolm Caughers (Business Development Manager), Colin Stevenson (General Sales Manager), Suzanne Courtney (National Accounts Manager) and Neil Gardner (Business Development Manager).
Allied Bakeries celebrates 25-year relationship with Food Force Ireland A
llied Bakeries Ireland staged a successful presence at this year’s Food Force Ireland trade show in the Culloden, attracting new business and picking up awards for Bakery Supplier of the Year and Account Manager of the Year. Northern Ireland’s largest bakery* has a long-standing relationship with Food Force Ireland, dating back to its conception over 25 years ago and going back generations with some of the founding members of the buying group. Allied Bakeries delivers six days a week into over 100 sites, supplying a full range of bread, morning goods and rolls. In common with Food Force Ireland, the bakery prides itself on service and quality and putting the customer first. Allied Bakeries also appreciates the ethos of Food Force Ireland, with its member stores all unique in creating and maintaining their own personality, while embracing innovation and providing a wide range of products at excellent value to ultimately deliver a pleasurable shopping
experience for customers. “The whole team were delighted to be awarded Bakery Supplier of the Year by Food Force Ireland, particularly as this has been voted for by the Food Force members,” said Colin Stevenson, general sales manager of Allied Bakeries Ireland. “We pride ourselves on our brands (Kingsmill, Sunblest, Allison and Burgen) and our quality - but ultimately it is the people that deliver on our service promises on a daily basis, so to get this recognition is fantastic.” Alongside the award for Bakery Supplier of the Year, Suzanne Courtney - national accounts manager at Allied Bakeries Ireland
and the focus of this month’s In the Hot Seat Q&A (p66) - picked up the Account Manager of the Year accolade. “I was overwhelmed to win this award,” she said. “However, I very much view it as a team effort; our sales team in Allied Bakeries is excellent, with a great mix of experience, fresh thinking and drive that creates results and enables Debra Johnston and I to have a great working relationship.” Allied Bakeries is looking forward to working in partnership with Food Force Ireland over the next 25 years. *Nielsen, total bakery w/e 18.07.15
The whole team were delighted to be awarded Bakery Supplier of the Year by Foodforce Ireland, particularly as this has been voted for by the Food Force members.” Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
FOOD FORCE IRELAND Colin Stevenson (Allied Bakeries Ireland), Ian Shaw (Russell’s Food & Drink) and Suzanne Courtney (Allied Bakeries Ireland)
Jonathan Crawford (Crawfords of Maghera)
Sam Boyd and Nigel Cairns (Dale Farm) and Rowan Black (Food Force Ireland)
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
FOOD perspective FORCE IRELAND
New supplier awards introduced at Food Force Ireland trade show FFI Bakery Supplier of the Year 2015 Finalists: Allied Bakeries Ireland Irwins Linwoods Suzanne Courtney (Allied Bakeries Ireland)
Winner: Allied Bakeries Ireland FFI Chilled Supplier of the Year 2015 Finalists: Kerry Foods PRM Dale Farm Winner: Dale Farm FFI Ambient Supplier of the Year 2015 Finalists: Tayto Group Northern Snacks Britvic NI Winner: The Tayto Group FFI Account Manager of the Year 2015: Suzanne Courtney, Allied Bakeries Ireland
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
Paddy Crilly, Alan Cro
ssen, Jill Uprichard and
Brian Savage (Tayto
Group)
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
5
For over 25 years PRM are proud to be working hand in hand with the local Northern Ireland Independent retail trade, offering a route to market for leading local and national chilled brands. PRM recognises and appreciates the opportunities that exist with Food Force Ireland members to grow together and offer the best of local and national brands. The trade show in September was a perfect opportunity to speak to the decision makers in a relaxed, but professional atmosphere to present and discuss the brand plans for the year ahead. In the FMCG world, seldom do suppliers and retailers get this opportunity to liaise so openly and informatively. We have no doubt the trade show has been, and will be, of great benefit for growing our business together. For further information on the Fresh Food Kitchen, Galberts and complete range of PRM brands available, to further increase your sales and services, contact PRM at:
T: 028 9262 0200 www.prmgroup.co.uk
Working with PRM to deliver your impulse ice-cream requirements are the Unilever HB team of Tony Taggart and Jonny Burnside. PRM exclusively supply Ice-Burger, ChocIce, Loop the Loop, Maxi Twist, King Cone & Brunch. Carte Dor Scooping is the premium option for customers increasing footfall and sales. A range of take home ice cream products are available via PRM.
Managing Director Philip Morrow with Commercial Manager Michael Stewart and Business Development Manager David Connolly continually provide the leading national and international brands with tailored business plans for Food Force Ireland members. Local relationships are key to deliver improved service. PRM’s field sales developers are available to advise and support your needs to continually improve your service and sales.
FOOD FORCE IRELAND
A great day for exhibitors & visitors
Neil Johnston (Ulster Maid) with McAnerneys of Armagh
David O’Meara (G4S) and Paul Hill (DP Supermarkets)
Dermot McCullagh (Strathroy Dairy) with Eamon Lynch and Peter Rice (Spring Island)
Gwen Rafferty and Brian Ogle (Mackle Pet Foods) with Brian McNicholl
Mark Mooney, Rachel Watt and Kerryann Willoughby (Point Four)
Philip Morrow (PRM), Sean Conway and David McCallan (JC Stewart)
John Cullen (GRH Food Company), Thomas McCracken (Crawfords of Maghera) and Paul McFadden (Brady Family Ham)
Paul Hegarty (Doherty Meats) and Tracey Douglas (JD Hunter)
Paul Lappin and Stephen McCann (Linwoods) and Joe Conway (Newells Stores)
Daniel Boyd and Justine Toland (PJT Sales) with Dermot Convery (Crawfords of Maghera)
Moya Francis (SHS), Chris McDonald and Gery Crory (Milestone Rathfriland)
Contact Food Force Ireland on: ✆ 028 9092 3130 foodforceireland@btconnect.com
IRWIN’S perspective BAKERY PROFILE
Irwin’s Bakery invests £40,000 in sweet makeover for Howell’s Handmade N
orthern Ireland’s leading bakery Irwin’s has invested £40,000 in a rebrand of its Howell’s Handmade range of products. The investment, which will see the product range renamed Howell’s, includes the purchase of a bespoke state-of-the-art labelling machine that will improve overall efficiency, drive volumes and increase production capacity. In addition, the investment will see the creation of eight new lines of biscuits, cakes and cupcakes. “Howell’s is an integral element of the Irwin’s brand family and our investment in this state of the art machinery comes at an important time for the business, as we look to grow the Howell’s brand,” said John Hopkins, director of sales, Irwin’s Bakery. “The new machinery means we can comfortably meet demand in the run up to the busy festive period, as well as the ability to explore other business opportunities due to our increased capacity. “As part of the rebrand we are also launching eight products, which will be available in the new packaging. The biscuits, cakes and buns will feature twists on classic
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
flavours and include Chocolate Fudge Cake and Lemon Iced BiteSized Cupcakes. The concepts for the new range were developed based on consumer and retailer insight and the desire for innovative products, whilst retaining the products’ handmade credentials - which our shoppers love. Our aim is to attract new consumers while highlighting to our loyal shoppers that Pictured at Howell House in Saintfield are John Hopkins, Director of Sales, Irwin’s we will continue to Bakery, and Marion Sneddon, Despatch Stores Supervisor, Irwin’s Bakery. develop new products and maintain the highest quality standards.” Iced Cupcakes and Lemon Iced Bite-Sized The new Howell’s range will include Cupcakes. The RRP for each product is £2. Raspberry Marble Cake, Lemon Drizzle Cake, Howell’s products are stocked across Chocolate Fudge Cake, Raspberry & White Northern Ireland in Tesco, Asda, Sainsbury’s, Chocolate Biscuits, Lemon Drizzle Biscuits, Henderson Group, Musgrave Group and Salted Caramel Oatie Biscuits, Chocolate independents.
41
McGOWANS PROFILE
Print perfect: making ideas happen across the grocery sector Already offering the highest level of digital printing technology available in Northern Ireland, McGowans is seeking to expand its presence in the buoyant grocery trade with a £500,000 investment in its Belfast site, Managing Director Brian Crawford tells UG.
N
o customer is too big or too small for McGowans from major multiple retailers and global brands through to independent shops and artisan producers. The digital printer boasts a workforce of over 100 operating across 100,000 square feet of space in Belfast and Dublin. Operating in Belfast since 2011, the decision was made to move into purpose built premises on Heron Road in 2013, which coupled with their industry knowledge has allowed McGowans to make impressive inroads into the Northern Irish market. “When we started four years ago, it definitely sent a ripple through the industry,” says Brian. “We have a prolific can do attitude to business, and this is reflected in the fact we have doubled our turnover in the last two years, which is testament to the experienced team we have both north and south of the border.” Already offering the capability and capacity to meet all grocery sector needs from leaflets and promotional point of sale to in-store display units and outdoor media, McGowans is set to further boost its site on Heron Road in Belfast with a £500,000 investment in new technology to expand on its already impressive resources.
8 • •Ulster 3642 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
“In Belfast, we currently cater more for the short to medium runs normally requiring quick turnarounds,” says Brian. “Everything from business cards, flyers and booklets through to posters, banners and boards, with larger orders being completed in Dublin.” The Belfast site also manages McGowan’s all-Ireland direct mail business. “Whether it’s sending out personalised membership details and offers to customers or price lists and marketing material from brands direct to the outlets that sell them, we can print, pack and dispatch it,” he says. Investment is not limited to McGowans’ Belfast site, with the business undergoing a major rebrand this year whilst also investing significantly in new technology, to the tune of €2m in its Dublin facility. Dublin offers what Brian calls the “heavy lifting” back up, with a bigger site and more pieces of kit facilitating longer runs and catering for the more complex jobs. “No one on the island of Ireland, never mind the North, has our capabilities so rather than compete with ourselves, we plan our production around where best adds value to our customers. We
have the best equipment in the country so it makes sense to currently re-direct the more multifaceted jobs that require cutting, shaping, gluing and finishing to the factory in Dublin.” “Because we have dual site capability between Belfast and Dublin, we can back each other up,” he says. “The commitment to invest over the years has meant we have similar technology in both locations, therefore affording us the luxury that many of our competitors don’t have. People are shifting their work towards us because we have an excellent reputation of getting it right first time. We have reputations to protect, our customer’s and our own. “Our position as a market leader in digital print has recently secured us the exclusive licence to the Faster Display system for Ireland, which is an innovative point of purchase display system. It can fold down to A2 but more importantly, can be a fully functional pop up display in less than 30 seconds. These new units are proving to be hugely popular across our client spectrum as they’re so simple to use and very cost effective.” WORKING ACROSS THE GROCERY TRADE While seeking to expand its presence in the grocery trade, McGowans already supplies a wide range of retail and brand customers with print services both directly and through third parties. For example, it currently prints posters, banners and outdoor media for Lidl on a weekly basis. While the contract is currently serviced in Dublin due to its capacity to complete larger jobs, the investment scheduled for the Belfast site will enable it to handle such work in the future. As its reputation grows, the printer is increasingly picking up direct business with major operators including M&S, Primark, Coca-Cola and Tesco as well as local brands such as SHS and Wineflair. Acknowledging that growth is returning to the grocery sector, Brian is keen to highlight the “breadth and depth” of McGowans’ offer, which provides a full turnkey solution. “Some of our competitors can only fulfil certain print needs”, he says. “However, we have a much wider capability which means we have a much
McGOWANS PROFILE more rounded offering for our customers. In addition to print, we are also experts in kitting and fulfil this requirement for a number of our key clients. This involves collating kits which include a vast array of point of sale, from shelftalkers to aisle fins and header boards to posters. These kits are then distributed to the end user via the retail customer’s network.” Offering a one-stop shop allows McGowans to achieve more than cost savings for their customers. “In the past, customers might have worked with several print partners depending on the print requirements, which meant coordinating the different elements to one central location for kitting and distribution,” says Brian. “Because we’re printing it all centrally, your transport costs are reduced as well as the concern about getting all elements to the one location at the same time. “Another key benefit of this is the ability to react to market changes and having the freedom to change an offer last minute and not fret about waiting for it to arrive from a certain supplier for it to be kitted with the rest of the elements.” While the economy has seen a quicker recovery south of the border, the burgeoning artisan food and drinks market is definitely showing signs of growth in Northern Ireland, and McGowans is eager to become involved in the Year of Food and Drink 2016. “There’s no brand or retailer too small for
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
what we do,” says Brian. “We work with one-man bands right up to multi-million pound businesses. I recently met with a group of artisan producers who were looking for cardboard displays and banners for trade shows next year, and at the same time, the multiples are approaching us because we not only have the expertise but also the capacity, volume and kitting abilities that they need. “If we can look at what is good about the north, our food sector is in a very positive place and we just need to continue to help drive it forward,” he says. “McGowans already prints for clients in England and France, and is keen to boost its export trade further while also offering back up services to retailers and grocery brands,
sending printed materials to Ireland from England or further afield. “We’ve established ourselves in Northern Ireland with purposebuilt premises, and will continue to invest in both our people and equipment to future proof the organisation for years to come. We have significant expansion plans for 2016, and our track record of dealing with customers of all sizes is testament to the McGowan ethos that has made us Ireland’s leading digital printer. “Our message is simple. We have a solution for your business, and our new tagline ‘making ideas happen’ for our clients is what the company is about.” For further information, please give Brian a call on 02890 730960.
43
FOOD & DRINK NEWS
Johnsons Coffee gets ready for a new arrival L
Philip Mills, sales director at Johnsons Coffee is pictured (right) with David Pattison, managing director of Plantations.
eading Northern Ireland coffee roaster Johnsons Coffee is getting ready for an exciting new arrival; it’s very own home grown coffee beans. For over 100 years, the Johnson family has been producing coffees of true excellence with the finest Arabica beans from around the globe expertly selected and brought to Johnson Coffee for roasting. Now the Lisburn company has cultivated locally-grown coffee plants, which will yield fruit and produce their own exclusive coffee beans. The project, which is a collaboration between Johnsons Coffee and leading local horticulturalist David Pattison, has produced over a dozen coffee plants, which are being carefully nurtured and cared for. “Coffee is grown around the equator in countries rich in volcanic mineral soils having specific temperature and rainfall tolerances,” said Philip Mills, sales director at Johnsons Coffee. “We have replicated the growing conditions to allow us to produce and roast coffee grown right here in Northern Ireland. We’re really looking forward to producing and tasting our very own home grown cup of Johnsons Coffee.” Pattison said: “It has been a very interesting challenge, replicating the climatic conditions, with temperature, humidity and light all being important factors that need to be considered. I am very pleased that the plants are all very healthy and I am sure in time they will bear fruit and produce good coffee beans.” Whether the first cup will match up to the other award-winning blends and brands that Johnsons Coffee produce, time will tell. However, there is no doubt about the experience and expertise that has been gained, as well as the educational value of the project, with many staff from local coffee shops, restaurants, business and hotels now being able to understand and see the complete process at first hand of how a cup of coffee is produced. “This is not a long-term plan to grow our coffees locally, but I’m certainly looking forward to my first cup of Northern Ireland coffee,” said Mills.
Profitable year for Northern Ireland food processor
N
orthern Irish-headquartered beef processor C&J Meats has more than quadrupled pre-tax profits and maintained turnover in excess of £36m despite a ‘challenging’ trading environment. Based in Armagh, C&J Meats, which specialises in the supply of beef cuts and trimmings from selected premium cattle for both home and export markets, has reported steady growth last year. For the year to November 30, 2014 C&J’s turnover remained steady at £36.4m compared to £36.9m the year before. The company’s UK operations accounted for the majority of this figure, contributing £25.3m, which was a small increase on £25.2m in 2013. Despite this, pre-tax profit increased from £50,503 to £242,192. However, turnover in Europe took a hit and fell from £11.8m to £11.1m. The company supplies meat to customers in European markets such as the Netherlands. The company expects the outcome for the year to be ‘satisfactory’. Another local meat processor, Eurostock Food Group, has meanwhile reported good growth in its business last year. Profits almost trebled at the Lurgan-based meat group as the business adapts to an increasingly competitive marketplace. Eurostock achieved pre-tax profits of £1.4m for the year ending January 31, up by 176% on a year earlier. Turnover climbed by 12% to £49m over the same period. The company’s directors said that they ‘expect another good year of progress’ in 2015/16. The company operates two manufacturing sites, Lurgan and Hindley Green near Wigan.
44
Martin and Ciara McGrath are pictured with a member of staff at Costa Coffee Shop on their wedding day.
MARRIAGE FOLLOWS CHANCE MEETING IN COSTA
A
couple who met at the Costa Coffee Shop in Johnsons Court, Sligo and got married a year later returned to the café for both the wedding proposal and on their wedding day. Martin and Ciara McGrath met by chance in the Costa, when Martin was there with his five children and Ciara helped his son Thomas who had fallen and was crying. “I went over and picked him up,” said Ciara. “Martin came back and we got chatting. That day started at 1pm and by 5pm, we had arranged to meet up the next week.” Now a couple, Martin and Ciara continued to visit the Costa when they were in Sligo and, three months later, Martin proposed with his kids holding up signs which collectively read: ‘Will you marry our Daddy?’ The couple returned to the Costa on their wedding day for a coffee.
My Life in the Grocery Trade Katie Lawlor, new product development manager at Keogh’s Farm BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE I’ve been with Keogh’s since I finished my degree in Food Technology with DIT in 2011. During college, I completed work placement in Bord Bia and also worked in a small artisan food business, Olive Deli in Skerries Co Dublin. My jobs have always been connected to food in some way.
to get some information about the market, researching food trends, tasting new flavours or working on packaging design. WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Probably working on our more innovative products such as our Shamrock & Sour Cream flavour- a world first. And, more recently, our multipack of crisps. It’s shaped like a small potato bag and hand stitched so unlike any other multipack of crisps out there.
WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? It’s quite a broad job description but, in a nut shell, I manage all stages involved in creating new products and refreshing existing ones for both fresh potatoes and potato crisps. WHEN DID YOU TAKE UP THIS POST? The company has grown at a rapid rate since I joined in 2011. Previously I held the quality and marketing manager positions but I was given the opportunity to focus solely on NPD when I returned from maternity leave in August; needless to say I jumped at the chance. WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? Best- Receiving praise from a customer about our products, from flavours to packaging. It’s really motivating when a customer is as excited about a product as you are.
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? Definitely spending time with my family, my husband Brendan and our baby, Freya. Worst- Sometimes projects can take time, I normally like to move quite quickly on an idea but you have to consider a range of variables before jumping in. BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY It really varies and depends on what stage a project is at. I could be sifting through data
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW. When I finished school, I began a degree in German & Irish in Trinity College Dublin, I thought I wanted to be a teacher but it just wasn’t for me. Leaving that course and completely changing direction was the best decision I’ve ever made!
Previously I held the quality and marketing manager positions but I was given the opportunity to focus solely on NPD when I returned from maternity leave in August; needless to say I jumped at the chance.”
45
COOKSTOWN PROFILE
Cookstown invests in the future Construction is underway on a new chilling facility at Cookstown.
Andrew Irwin, site director at the Karro Food Group Cookstown plant.
C
ookstown is a leading provider of fresh pork, bacon, sausage, gammon and ham in Ireland, supplying most of the multiple and independent retailers with private label product as well as having one of the most popular pork brands in the market. Cookstown also has a very successful export business, supplying top quality pork products to many international markets including the United States of America, the United Arab Emirates and Asia. Established in 1937, Cookstown has grown dramatically over the years and has changed ownership several times, most recently becoming part of the Karro Food Group, one of the United Kingdom’s leading pork processors with plants across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. UG caught up with Andrew Irwin, site director at the Karro Food Group Cookstown plant, who was recently awarded the title of Plant Manager of the Year at the Meat and Poultry awards, to find out what’s happening at Cookstown. INVESTMENT “Over the past 12 months we have invested over £8m at Cookstown on a number of major site improvements to support us in our plans to better meet retailer demand, provide consumer choice and stay ahead of the competition,” he said. “We are very excited about our new state of the art, chilling facility which is due for completion in early 2016. We are one of the first organisations in the world to utilise this new technology which will provide for greater efficiencies in carcass chilling and production, improved meat quality and increased slaughter capacity to more than 30,000 pigs. 46
In addition we will also be able to grow our butchery capacity and process more added value lines. “We are also developing and expanding the office facilities at the site and we are looking forward to finishing our new multi-level extension in the next few weeks. This area will include a new reception, marketing suite, NPD kitchen and meeting facilities which will provide a better employee and visitor experience. COOKSTOWN BUSINESS MODEL “Since becoming part of the Karro Group in 2013, we have focused on developing a balanced business model which enables us at Cookstown to balance retailer, consumer, currency and seasonal fluctuations. To us, this means expanding our Cookstown consumer brand into the Republic of Ireland, strengthening our business to business relationships and growing our export business with a current focus on the Chinese market. AGRICULTURE “At Cookstown, we recognise that our farmers are an integral part of our business and we are very proud of our strong farming links across the whole of Ireland. In fact, some of our farmers have worked with us for several generations. “All our meat is sourced locally from our 150 Irish farmers both North and South, with whom we work closely to ensure the best animal welfare standards, production chain traceability and supply of the highest quality pork products in the local market. COOKSTOWN BRAND/MARKETING “Cookstown has been a brand leader for over 70 years with campaigns including George Best’s Best family sausages, Pat Jennings and the Cookstown Sizzle, Local Pork No Porkies and VIP (Very Important Pork). Over the past 12 months we have re-focused our
commitment to driving the Cookstown brand forward and simply reminding consumers and retailers that we are still the best. “We have refreshed the Cookstown logo and are in the process of rolling out new brand packaging across all categories. We are delighted with this new look and feel. The brighter logo and new packaging definitely provide a greater impact. “This is just the beginning of the journey, we are very excited about the rest of our plans for the brand which includes a multi-channel marketing campaign to reinforce the key message of taste and create desire for the product. As part of this, we have agreed a two-year deal to brand the taxi rank at the George Best City Airport.” The brand isn’t standing still when it coming to new products either. Andrew said: “We are always looking for new and exciting ways to meet consumer needs, through product functionality, taste, convenience and packaging. In the past 12 months, we have launched two exciting new products. Our unique Cookstown Bacon Delights are fully cooked medallions which can be eaten hot (two minutes in the microwave) or cold. They are 100% lean so perfect for people on protein rich diets or those trying to lose weight. Our Cookstown Honey Cured Prime Fillet of Ham is our best gammon yet. Prime hand cut fillet of ham, infused with blossom honey throughout. The 1.4kg joint is the perfect accompaniment for any family occasion and especially for the upcoming Christmas season.” The honey cured joint recently received the bronze award in the Cured Charcuterie category at the Blas na hEireann Irish Food & Drink Awards. If you are interested in stocking the Cookstown brand or to find out more about the sizzling range, please contact a member of the sales team on +44 (0) 2886 763321 or email info@cookstownbrand.com.
APPLEGREEN PROFILE
Bringing Applegreen service areas to Northern Ireland
Applegreen hosted an official launch event for its first local motoring service area at Templepatrick last month, and plans are underway to expand its presence across the Province.
A
pplegreen’s first foray into the Northern Ireland market is generating a buzz, with the Irish service station provider’s innovative format providing numerous facilities for the motoring public rather than just fuel stops. Combining stylish architectural design with a wide array of retail and foodservice outlets, the Applegreen format has already proven a success in the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain, and last year entered the US market. Following on from Applegreen’s first local site, a £6.25m investment on the M2 between Glengormley and Templepatrick, plans are underway to open an identical service station across the road on the northbound M2 while a pair of sites is also planned for both sides of the M1 near Lisburn in 2016. While the Templepatrick location initially involved 75 new jobs when it first opened in April, its workforce has since been extended to 120 full- and part-time staff members following its success. An official launch day was held in September, inviting the public to enjoy a 48
variety of entertainment on offer and view its foodservice outlets which include The Bakewell, Burger King, Subway, Chopstix, Lavazza and Northern Ireland’s first Greggs. “I am delighted to announce the opening of our newest and first Motorway Service Area in Northern Ireland, which will also create a significant number of new jobs in the area,” said Joe Barrett, chief operations officer of Applegreen, following the opening of the Templepatrick site. “We look forward to developing our business even further in Northern Ireland over the coming years.” Established in 1992, Applegreen is a leading operator of service stations in Ireland and the United Kingdom. With a 12% share of the fuels market in the Republic of Ireland, the business employs around 2,600 people, and operates over 150 forecourt sites. In 2014, the business entered the service station market in the East Coast of the United States and has opened four sites there since April 2014. Applegreen has a number of strategic
partnerships with international brands Burger King, Subway, Costa Coffee, Greggs and Chopstix. The business has its own food offer through the a Café/Bakewell café brands. It has recently won a range of industry awards including; Shelflife Grocery Management Awards 2015 – Forecourt Manager of the Year – Mantas Ambraziejus, Site Director at Applegreen Templepatrick; Ireland’s Forecourt and Convenience Retailer Awards – Best Food To Go – Applegreen Mount Merrion; Forecourt/Convenience Store of the Year, Category 3 with C-Store 1,751 sq ft plus – Applegreen Lusk Northbound; and Forecourt Retailer of the Year – Applegreen Lusk Northbound. It has also won the prestigious AIM Award for CSR/Customer Care for the Applegreen Rewards Programme; The International Loyalty Award for Best New Loyalty Programme in 2013; and The Retail Excellence National Store Award and Store Manager for 2014 won by Applegreen Mount Merrion.
APPLEGREEN PROFILE Staff at Northern Ireland’s first Greggs outlet.
Face painting was among kid-friendly activities on offer at the open day.
Chopstix staff dressed up for the open day.
The spacious interior of Applegreen Templepatrick.
Founded in 2009, the Applegreen Charitable Fund nominates two different charity partners as beneficiaries every two years. The fund has donated around €1m to its nominated charities over the last five years. Applegreen stations are owned by Petrogas Global, which posted a net profit of €2.7m on revenue of €517.5m for the six-month period to the end of June while 23 new sites were opened in the UK and Ireland over the same period.
Plans are underway to open an identical service station across the road on the northbound M2 while a pair of sites is also planned for both sides of the M1 near Lisburn in 2016.” 49
CANDY BALL
Another sweet night at the Candy Ball The annual Candy Ball, one of the highlights of the Grocery Aid Fundraising calendar of events, was held earlier this month 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. 1.
2.
3.
5.
7.
4.
1. Willam Cherry and David McWilliams, Courtney & Nelson. 2. Gerry Cassidy with Tima and Maggie Straker, of Grocery Aid. 3. Adrian McNally, GM of the Culloden Hotel, with Jill and Lloyd Graham of United Biscuits. 4. Mark Beckett, Ulster Grocer, and Micola Beckett. 5. Gary and June Wilson, Sales Placement. 6. Helen and Norman Coalter, United Biscuits, and Julie and Jason Harvey, Musgrave NI. 7. Andrew and Ingrid Moore, Mondelez, Adrian Moore, Courtney & Nelson, and Jackie White and Brian Pennington, Mondelez. 8. Tony and Angela Abbate, Aidan McManus, Claire and Maurice Largey, and Conor and Lisa McCann, JTI.
6.
8.
THE SWEETEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR
50
BIG NIGHT IN
Meals Made Delicious A
busy lifestyle calls for a quick and tasty tea time and SPAR have come up with the perfect solution. ‘Meals Made Delicious’ is a bespoke new range of handcrafted quality oven and microwaveable ready meals with a premium artisan look and feel. This new range has been designed to generously serve two, offering up dishes that are popular family favourites. From tender roast beef in a rich peppercorn sauce to delicious vegetarian lasagne, a side of Cajun potato wedges or rice, finished off with a homely apple and blackberry crumble or indulgent gooey chocolate mud cake, there is something for everyone who wants good quality food oven ready in around 30 minutes. The range has been developed to allow shoppers to choose from main meals, side dishes and desserts. Each dish is presented in a foil tray that can also be used in the microwave to speed things up. All five brands continue to source from producers close to home and as a result the whole range is produced right here on our doorstep. These really delicious, top quality dishes recreate the home cooking standard without the hassle of doing it yourself. There are 14 tasty mains, 14 sides and six mouth-watering desserts to choose from. Mains retail at £3.99 or 2 for £7, sides at £1.99 or 2 for £3.50 and the dessert range are £2.99 each. It is available in selected SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, VIVOXTRA and VIVO Essentials stores.
Relax… it’s hand stretched S
PAR’s new hand-stretched premium Pizza range is made from a true Italian recipe. The slow-rising (semolina) dusted sourdough crust and a tomato and extra olive oil enriched sauce, topped with delicious quality toppings creates the most amazing authentic pizzeria taste sensation. With shoppers often opting for a take away pizza, the Italian Premium pizza range is an alternative at a fraction of the price at £4 or when on promotion 2 for £7! Perfect for a great night with friends or family!
Linden Foods wins award for Lidl burgers L
Pictured are Jacqueline Fitzpatrick, senior account manager, and Gillian Armstrong, new product development at Linden Foods.
8 • •Ulster 3652 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
inden Foods picked up an award for its Lidl Inisvale Selection Irish Hereford Cheddar and Onion Beef Burgers at the recent Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards. The product was named winner in the category of Burgers and Meatballs, while Moy Park scooped the Poultry category with its Good Kitchen Roast in the Bag product. Winners were announced at a glittering black tie Gala dinner held at the Mansion House, Dublin last month. More than 30 products from 22 Northern Ireland companies, both large and small and across most sectors, picked up awards at the event. The Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards were launched in 2013 for the retail sector. They are based on the Quality Food Awards in the UK, launched in 1979. Expert judging panels are comprised of chefs, cheflecturers, home economists, food writers, and consultants, restaurateurs, food technologists and representatives from regional food groups, all of whom bring their extensive knowledge to bear in the process.
BIG NIGHT IN
Shloer makes nights in a cause for celebration
“E
ntertaining and socialising with friends and family at home is at the very heart of Shloer’s ‘Here’s to Good Times’ brand identity and most of our marketing activity drives Shloer’s association with events such as big nights in,” says Amanda Grabham, marketing director Soft Drinks at SHS Drinks whose portfolio includes, Shloer - Ireland’s biggest selling adult soft drinks brand.¹ As the chilly autumn nights draw in and consumers are less inclined to venture out, Shloer is introducing a new flavour for its 2015 autumn/winter Limited Edition Punch. Crammed with delicious red grape, crisp apples and sumptuous blackberry flavours, Shloer Apple & Blackberry Punch is the latest in Shloer’s series of popular Limited Edition Punches which herald the changing seasons and bring some sparkle and theatre to the adult soft drinks fixture. The new line is packaged in 750ml glass bottles and replaces Shloer Strawberry Punch - this year’s spring/summer Limited Edition. Rolling out during October, the new flavour is being supported by high profile social media and consumer PR campaigns. Marketing activity will be focused on highlighting the new flavour along with tips for home entertaining, the theatre of the serve, serving suggestions, seasonal recipes and 8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
competitions. Suggestions for creating a ‘wow’ factor at social gatherings such as Halloween, Bonfire Night and Christmas parties include serving Shloer Apple & Blackberry Punch in a large jug with fresh blackberries and sliced apples, or other seasonal fruit; and going one step further by freezing the berries into ice cubes and popping them into the punch; or jazzing up the punch with a stick of cinnamon to add some complementary spicy notes. With the festive season approaching, SHS Drinks is also advising retailers to allocate sufficient space and facings for Shloer to meet the significant uplift in demand for this top-selling brand during the key Christmas trading period. “Shloer is by far the biggest-selling adult soft drinks (ASD) brand¹, accounting for over two-thirds (68%) of adult soft drinks sold through multiple grocers in Ireland¹ and as Shloer tends to be the adult soft drinks brand that shoppers buy for social occasions, Shloer’s share of adult soft drink sales are even higher when consumers are celebrating and entertaining during the festive season,” says Grabham. “Shloer accounted for eight out of 10 packs of all adult soft drinks sold in December 2014.² “The two biggest sellers in the Shloer range are White Grape and Red Grape which
together accounted for just over half (55%) of Shloer bottles sold last December,² so these two lines are absolute ‘must stocks’. However, because of the popularity of the Shloer brand at Christmas and the fact that Shloer accounted for nine out of the top ten selling adult soft drink skills last December, it’s also worth considering expanding the range on offer in the lead up to the festive season to make the most of the incremental sales opportunity.” SHS Drinks recommends including Shloer Rosé; Apple & Blackberry Limited Edition Punch - last Christmas Shloer Berry Punch performed extremely well with sales up by 71% on the previous Christmas²; Shloer Celebration Pink Fizz and White Bubbly so that those that don’t drink alcohol don’t have to miss out on the opportunity to toast a special occasion; and the new lower-calorie Shloer Light Red and White Grape variants which were launched this year to meet the needs of consumers who are conscious of their calorie intake, but still want to treat themselves.” 1 Nielsen Scantrack: NI Multiples Defined Adult Soft Drinks Category, MAT 000 Units & Shloer Unit % share 52 w/e 15.08.15 2 Nielsen Scantrack: NI Multiples Defined Adult Soft Drinks Category, MAT 000 Units & Shloer Unit % share 4 w/e 03.01.15. 53
PAPER CLEANING & TOILETRY PRODUCTS
Consumers feel the benefit of using dry and moist toilet tissue
HOUSEHOLD PAPER PRODUCTS The paper products category is worth £94m to the convenience sector, and £6 of every £10 spent in the category is on Andrex products. While the market as a whole grew by just 0.3% over the past year, Andrex has shown strong value growth of 4.6% within Nielsen’s impulse read. Andrex Puppies on a Roll has seen the largest year-on-year value change of any variant, increasing by £1.7m. The impulse channel has outperformed the entire market over the last year, and now represents 7.4% of a category worth £1.1bn. (1) Andrex remains the toilet tissue brand leader, accounting for nearly 50% of sales within the impulse channel. Quality of toilet tissue remains important to shoppers and for this reason branded toilet tissue tends to trade heavily in impulse with branded products representing 90% of the sector. IMPULSE TRENDS Changing consumer behaviour is driving an increasing use of smaller convenience stores as shoppers begin to conduct smaller, more frequent shops. Andrex is responding to this trend by increasing shopper choice in
54
this channel through smaller packs, recently launching a price marked Andrex Quilts two roll pack. Andrex’s best performing SKU is the Andrex Classic White four roll pack. Worth £13m within Nielsen’s impulse read, it represents 17% of the overall toilet tissue category in the impulse channel.(2) Within the impulse channel, Andrex Washlets are likely to continue growing, as more consumers are starting to see and feel the benefits of using dry and moist toilet tissue. This is an underpenetrated part of the category that offers opportunities for incremental retail sales, as consumers continue to adopt ‘The Clean Routine’ of using both dry and moist toilet tissue in tandem. Andrex is encouraging consumers to consider how fundamental being clean is to their physical and emotional wellbeing – and how essential toilet tissue is to helping them feel truly clean. In a new strategy which aims to drive value back into the toilet tissue market, Andrex has been working to reposition the category as ‘intimate care’, which shares characteristics with a number of personal care categories.
INTIMATE CARE MERCHANDISING Ensuring shoppers are able to make an informed choice on tissue products is vital. Consumers are often presented with a huge range when they visit the toilet roll aisle and with so many brands talking about functional attributes like ‘softness’, it can be difficult for even savvy shoppers to make an informed choice. Andrex is working closely with retailers to create an improved aisle experience, reflect shoppers’ needs and bring to life the importance of intimate care in store by providing retailers with POS materials and tailoring all materials around the requirements of the customer. In store, Andrex recommends locating toilet tissue and facial tissue next to health and beauty products, which reinforces their credentials as personal care categories. A good toilet tissue range needs to accommodate many shopper needs. Two roll and four roll formats are essential, along with a premium variant offering. Dry and moist shoppers spend 26% more on the total category than dry shoppers alone, so Andrex recommends that retailers position dry and moist tissue together in store, in order to reinforce the habit of using both in the shopper’s mind. In one key retailer, this has resulted in a 9.3% uplift in the percentage of dry toilet tissue customers buying moist toilet tissue. Driving reconsideration in this way is a key element to improving the category performance in the longer term. 1. Source: Nielsen Scantrack, 52 W/E 23/05/2015
PAPER CLEANING & TOILETRY PRODUCTS
SCA crew triumph in Artemis Challenge F
ollowing the most successful campaign by an all-female team in Volvo Ocean Race history, Team SCA has proven itself again, finishing first in the VO65 class and ahead of Volvo Ocean Race opponent Dongfeng Race team in the 2015 Artemis Challenge. In a close race, the inspirational team battled their all-male rival to secure an impressive win – again proving their worth as a competitive female team in a male-dominated arena. UK sailors Dee Caffari, Annie Lush, Libby Greenhalgh and Abby Ehler were among the 10-women international Team SCA crew securing victory in their category. Team SCA has continued to champion women’s empowerment along with sponsor SCA, the leading global hygiene and forest products company behind household brands TENA, Bodyform, Velvet, Cushelle, Plenty and Tork. The latest victory follows an outstanding performance in the Volvo Ocean Race, where Team SCA became the first all-female crew to take line honours in 25 years. Team SCA was only the fifth all-female team to compete in the Volvo Ocean Race, and the first to do so in 12 years. “SCA chose to support an all-female team because globally about 80% of the retail products SCA makes are purchased by women,” said Sally Barker, UK and Ireland managing director of SCA. “This gives SCA a natural interest in the field of hygiene and the empowerment of women and their freedom to participate fully in society – socially, educationally and professionally.”
Stirling Gravitas is back to front TENA Men’s latest commercial S
uper suave Stirling Gravitas, a man in control of all aspects of his life, has returned to front TENA Men’s latest digital video showing men how to keep control with new TENA Men Protective Shield. Whether it’s pitching on the golf course when lightning strikes, performing intense surgery whilst a brass band plays or smoothing icing on the cake as a tornado hits, nothing distracts Stirling Gravitas in life, not even urine leakage. Not only does fictional character Stirling Gravitas demonstrate how men can keep control whatever the occasion, but the video also sees him introduce TENA Men’s latest product TENA Men Protective Shield. Perfectly engineered for dealing with light urine leakage, new TENA Men Protective Shield, manufactured by leading global hygiene company SCA, is designed for those drips and dribbles experienced by one in four UK men over the age of 40. The most ground-breaking feature of the shield is the colour. It is black, meaning it is suitable for the dark underwear often favoured by men and making it the most discreet product in the range. Launched as part of TENA Men’s Keep Control campaign, the video aims to inject humour and help to reduce the stigma surrounding male urine leakage. The full video can be found online at https://youtu.be/0IvlrM7UrIU. “Stirling Gravitas is adept at maintaining focus, whatever the distraction,” said Donna Wilson, brand manager for TENA Men. “That’s why we’ve brought him back to show men that a few drips and dribbles shouldn’t keep them from being in control.”
56
Bodyform relaunches Ultra String Towels I
n response to consumer demand, Bodyform is relaunching its unique Ultra String Towel product in the UK. The unique towels have been specifically designed by the feminine hygiene brand to be worn with string underwear, satisfying a key consumer requirement and filling a gap in the market. Temporarily discontinued in June 2014, the SCA-owned brand received its biggest ever response to a delist with many shoppers turning to social media to publicly voice their desire to see Bodyform Ultra String Towels back in stores. “We have listened to our shoppers by bringing back Bodyform Ultra String Towels which fulfil unique consumer requirements and therefore have a key role to play in the breadth of our range,” said Janet McQuillan, brand marketing controller at Bodyform. “With the reintroduction of Bodyform Ultra String Towels, we continue to empower women by giving them the choice to feel comfortable and confident in their favourite underwear, whatever time of month it is.” Specially shaped with SecureFitTM technology, Bodyform Ultra String Towels have been created to meet the key category needs of discretion and comfort. The ultra-thin design incorporates wings for extra security, providing the same great protection as regular Ultra Towels, enabling women to wear string underwear rather than full briefs during their period. Bodyform will support the relaunch and drive consumer engagement through ‘Back by Popular Demand’ posts on its social channels.
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
AGRI-FOOD NEWS
Agri-food advice: Change to the Taxation of Dividend Income By Seamus McCaffrey, managing director of Omagh-based Matrix Business Services and expert columnist for Ulster Grocer covering tax and business issues.
T
here is a major change to the income tax rates on dividends with effect from April 6, 2016 which will increase tax liabilities for the shareholders of many owner-managed limited companies. The notional 10% dividend tax credit is to be abolished. A new £5,000 dividend allowance will be introduced regardless of income levels. The dividend rates from 2016/17 will be basic rate: 7.5%; higher rate: 32.5%; additional rate: 38.1%. The new rates will increase the effective rate of tax on dividend income by at least 6% for all company owners. For most taxpayers below state retirement age, taking a dividend will remain more tax
efficient than taking a salary or bonus in 2016/17. For those above state retirement age, the savings from taking dividends will be lower as no employees’ national insurance contributions are payable. Owners who can withdraw funds through pension contributions, interest or rental payments from their company will find they are more tax efficient. The changes in the taxations of dividend income will also impact on company shareholders who intended to draw accumulated profits as dividend income during their retirement. For such people an alternative tax strategy requires consideration, for example under the right circumstance, a company purchase of own shares is a valuable method of exiting a business. If certain conditions are met, the receipt of the proceeds is treated as a capital disposal for which capital gains tax entrepreneurs’ relief and its 10% tax rate may be available. In
Dunbia farmer wins UK Outstanding Farmer award
UFU criticises renewables decision
T
Matthew Brownlee is pictured (second right) with, from left, Matt Hood, The Co-operative Food director of fresh trading; Matthew Dobson, Dunbia managing director; Kenny Linton, Dunbia agriculture manager; Ciara Gorst The Co-operative Food senior agricultural manager; and actress and host Debra Stephenson.
L
oughgall farmer Matthew Brownlee has been named The Co-Operative Food’s Outstanding Farmer of the Year at a gala awards ceremony in Manchester. Brownlee, who began a beef finishing and suckler enterprise in 2012, beat off competition from farmers across the UK to take the title. “Matthew is an exceptional young farmer who has changed the focus of the traditional family farm and turned it into a very successful beef enterprise in just three years and is now supplying Dunbia with over 650 prime cattle a year,” said Jim Dobson, chief executive of Dunbia. “He is extremely forward-thinking and progressive, constantly looking at ways to improve the profitability of his operation. He really is an outstanding farmer, and I am delighted that he has been recognised nationally by The Co-operative Food.” Matthew recently joined the Dunbia Dairy Calf to Beef Scheme, which links the dairy and beef industries to create a short integrated supply chain which will provide a consistent and sustainable supply of quality beef.
58
order to avail of this strategy, the company must be an unquoted trading company; the vendor must have owned the shares for at least five years before the transaction and be resident in the UK in the tax year of purchase. In addition, the vendor’s shareholdings must have been substantially reduced following the rate and the vendor cannot be connected to the company after the sale. A company with both a trade and a property business must take care that it is able to demonstrate that trading constitutes more than 50% of the activity of the company. If a shareholder decides to use this exit strategy, it is advisable to seek clearance from Revenue, that all of the conditions are satisfied. In summary, the new tax regime for dividend income from April 6, 2016 requires a review of tax strategy in relation to annual dividend income and innovative thinking with regards to minimising tax payable on the sale of shares in owner managed companies.
he Ulster Farmers’ Union has criticised last month’s decision by the Department of Enterprise Trade and Investment (DETI) to launch a two-week consultation on the early closure of the Northern Ireland Renewable Obligation (NIRO) for onshore wind generation. While in June, the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) said it was closing its Renewables Obligation support for onshore wind generation, DETI Minister Jonathan Bell at that time said he did not intend to follow the Westminster government’s policy with an early closure of the scheme here. “This was welcomed by the UFU, but now the plan is to close the NIRO scheme in March 2016,” said Gary Hawkes, rural enterprise chairman of UFU. “This is a year earlier than planned, and to give only two weeks of consultation is inadequate in light of the implications for the small scale renewables sector in Northern Ireland.” The UFU will lobby DECC in London to extend the consultation period and allow small scale wind to continue to avail of the NIRO until March 2017. “The early closure will put at risk the use of small scale turbines located on day to day farming business,” he said. “These are farms that would use wind energy to not only reduce energy costs, but to boost energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.”
MARKETING NEWS
SCA wins corporate engagement award for Team SCA sponsorship G
lobal hygiene and forest products company SCA has been recognised in this year’s Corporate Engagement Awards (CEA) for its sponsorship of Team SCA in the Volvo Ocean Race. At a ceremony held at the London Marriott Grosvenor Square, SCA was presented with the Gold Award for ‘Best alignment of brand values for a sponsorship activity’ for its 18-month long campaign to raise awareness of women’s health and hygiene issues and to support the empowerment of women. The pinnacle of the campaign was SCA’s sponsorship of Team SCA in the 2014/5 Volvo Ocean Race, the world’s toughest ocean race. The CEAs celebrate the best corporate partnerships, sponsorships and CSR programmes. It also honours those who creatively collaborate to produce insightful and engaging projects and campaigns which benefit all parties involved. Catching the judges’ attention was SCA’s sponsorship of Team SCA, one of the most successful all-female teams in Volvo Ocean
Race history. SCA’s supporting campaign created a legacy by supporting women’s empowerment on a mass scale, with the company aligning its brand values by developing products, services and initiatives throughout the race to benefit customers and communities worldwide. Throughout the campaign SCA conducted outreach work with local NGOs and the Water Supply and Sanitation Collaborative Council (WSSCC) which involved menstrual hygiene workshops and train-the-trainer sessions with local communities to break down the taboos surrounding menstruation. SCA’s sponsorship campaign also featured the launch of ‘Amazing Women Everywhere’, a digital initiative that gathered stories about amazing women from around the world, bringing the celebration of women’s empowerment to life. “We are honoured that our sponsorship of Team SCA has been recognised as leading the way in corporate sponsorship practice,” said Sally Barker, UK managing director of SCA.
Hannah von Koppenhagen (centre) receives the award on behalf of SCA
“For SCA, the race was all about empowering women, building a high-performance team, cooperation and driving towards common goals with a clear strategy, which have many similarities with SCA’s own business values.” SCA is parent company to household brands TENA, Plenty, Cushelle, Velvet and Bodyform as well as leading B2B brand, Tork.
Deep RiverRock celebrates 10 years as Belfast Marathon sponsor Pictured are, from left, Deep RiverRock Sponsorship Manager Rob Crabbe, Mencap Ambassador Pamela Ballentine, Belfast Lord Mayor Arder Carson and Mencap Ambassador Jessica-Jane Applegate MBE.
C
elebrating ten years as title sponsor of the Belfast City Marathon, the island of Ireland’s leading water brand Deep RiverRock has renewed its partnership for a further three years. Since Deep RiverRock came onboard as title sponsor in 2006, the Belfast City Marathon has seen 168,243 participants cover more than 4 million miles. Over the decade, the sporting event has evolved to
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
become a not-to-be-missed family day out with something to suit all ages, fitness levels and lifestyles. Now with an 8 Mile Walk, a Fun Run, the full marathon and much more besides, the event has captured the hearts and minds of the community. The 2016 Deep River Rock Belfast City Marathon, which will take place on the May Bank Holiday Monday, May 2, was officially launched by Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor
Arder Carson and David Seaton, technical race director at Coca-Cola HBC’s Visitor Experience in Knockmore Hill in Lisburn. “As the country’s number one water brand with its roots in Tullynacross, Co Antrim, Deep RiverRock is delighted to continue its long standing partnership with Belfast City Marathon in 2016,” said Rob Crabbe, sponsorship manager of Deep RiverRock. “With a shared vision to encourage more people to lead active lifestyles, Deep RiverRock’s partnership with Belfast City Marathon is a perfect fit. “With the resurgence of interest in running, the numbers continue to grow each year and draws athletes, families and tourists from across the island of Ireland. Deep RiverRock is proud to be associated with such a world class event that resonates so well with the local community and as a company we are honoured to have played a part in the success of what is now a key event in the sporting calendar.” The Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon also one of the biggest fundraising events in NI, with the 2016 event supporting Mencap. For more information, visit www.BelfastCityMarathon.com.
59
EXPORT NEWS
Abernethy Butter listed by Fenwick’s Food Hall Newcastle A
bernethy Butter has become the first artisan product from Northern Ireland to be listed by the new high-end food hall at Fenwick’s flagship store in Newcastle. The family business is supplying its range of three handcrafted butters – original, smoked and seaweed and sea salt – to the new food hall, which has been refurbished in a multi-million pound investment. Allison Abernethy, who runs the multi-award winning gourmet butter business with husband Will on their family farm at Dromara, Co Down, says Fenwick’s approached the company to become a supplier. “We were delighted when such a prestigious and influential retailer as Fenwick’s rang us to ask us to supply all three butters in our range and without us having to provide initial samples,” she said. “They had heard about the butters and wanted to include them in the new food hall. It is very exciting business for us.” Abernethy uses fresh milk from neighbouring dairy farms for hand churning, hand rolling and hand packing of the butter which includes only a pinch of salt.
Quirky local baker launches first retail product C
raft baker Krazibaker, formed in 2013 by experienced baker Mark Douglas to revive interest in traditional Irish griddle breads at farmers’ markets around Northern Ireland, has launched Irish shortbread in a tin as its first packaged product for retail. The shortbread gained a UK Great Taste Award earlier in the year, and is made using hand churned butter from Abernethy Butter, another local Great Taste winner. “I decided to develop the biscuit tin in response to the demand for the shortbread following its popularity with Great Taste judges,” said Douglas. “I saw the need for a product that travellers could take with them on their flight. Being able to use the Great Taste symbol in the shortbread tin is a tremendous badge of taste and quality. I’ve also found response to the new product at markets across Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland has been tremendously encouraging.” Based in Dromore, in rural Co Down, Krazibaker is among a group of artisan companies behind the launch of a country market at Belfast International Airport, the region’s main airport, and believed to be the first airside market at any airport in the world. “What also led me to set up my own artisan business was my experience visiting markets around Europe on city breaks,” said Douglas. “I saw that most sold local artisan breads brought into the markets from bakeries elsewhere. It seemed to me that baking on site might just appeal to shoppers now more concerned than ever about how the food they consume is produced.”
60
Fenwick’s is the first major GB retailer to list Abernethy Butter products outside London, where it has been supplying Fortnum and Mason for several years, as well as top chefs such as Heston Blumenthal, Marcus Wareing and Andy McFadden.
Fiji develops a taste for Northern Irish biscuits F ijian families are now enjoying Tim Graham traditional Irish shortbread and oat biscuits from Graham’s Bakery in Dromore, Co Down. The breakthrough business on the Pacific island follows Graham’s first export deal in the US with a specialist food distributor in Chicago. The bakery, which has extensive business in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland for its cakes, buns and biscuits, also supplies Spinney’s, one of the biggest supermarket chains in the United Arab Emirates. “We’ve been focusing on developing our sales outside Northern Ireland for several years and had been exploring opportunities in a number of markets including the US and Canada,” said Tim Graham, sales director of Graham’s. “We’ve linked up with Providence Food in Chicago, a company which has an extensive network of contacts. The company was impressed by the quality of our shortbread and oat cookies and also by the contemporary Irish look of our packaging. “An initial contract followed quickly with repeat business which we shipped during the week. The cookies are now on sale in a number of retail outlets including Marianos in Chicago, which has a network of supermarkets in Illinois state specialising in original products from many parts of the world. “We’ve also been informed that the biscuits and cookies have been listed by a leading food retailer on Fiji. It’s a tremendous boost for the bakery to be doing good business in the US and even as far away as Fiji.” Graham’s Bakery is a third generation family business that started producing a range of freshly baked breads, cakes and buns in 1956.
TOBACCO NEWS
JTI launches scheme to recycle UK cigarette waste
J
TI is launching a new initiative to provide people across the UK with a free way to recycle cigarette butts and associated smokers’ waste for the first time. The Cigarette Waste Brigade is a partnership between JTI and TerraCycle, a world leader in developing solutions for hard-to-recycle materials. Cigarette butts are not biodegradable but this new collaboration makes this waste recyclable in the UK for the first time. All the collected cigarette waste will be recycled by TerraCycle into a variety of useful plastic products, such as delivery pallets, with any remaining tobacco or paper being composted. Businesses, retailers, community members and consumers wishing to clean up litter hot-spots and pave the way for similar action in their local community can sign up to the Cigarette Waste Brigade at www.terracycle. co.uk to collect cigarette waste and send it to TerraCycle for free. Cigarette butts, cigar butts, ash, used and unused cigarette filters, rolling paper, inner foil packaging and outer plastic packaging are all accepted. “This initiative will encourage smokers to make the responsible choice of recycling their cigarette waste and reduce the number of cigarette butts that are littered in communities around the UK,” said Charlie Cunningham Reid, head of Corporate Affairs and Communications at JTI UK. “The Cigarette Waste Brigade is also a great opportunity for retailers to play a prominent role in their local communities by recycling cigarette waste that is being generated near their premises.”
8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011
Holborn Yellow Rolls Out House Refresh
J
TI is unveiling a new look across the Holborn Smooth Taste range. Reinforcing the brand’s position within the Value RYO (roll your own) category, the modernisation will see a new yellow pack design, as well as a change in name from Holborn Smooth Taste to Holborn Yellow. Maintaining the same quality tobacco blend, the house modernisation will provide a brighter, contemporary look which will feature two rotational inner designs explaining the origins of the Holborn name and its iconic elephant motif. From mid-October, the new packs will be available across all channels in 9g, 20g (non-PMP and PMP) and 40g SKUs, all including papers. Bespoke POS and promotions within the wholesale channel will support the refresh, including an offer of £5 off when retailers buy an outer of either Holborn Yellow 9g or 20g. This promotion will be widely available from wholesalers across the UK throughout November for three to four weeks. “As a long-standing success story for retailers, Holborn has become a brand synonymous with both quality and value for existing adult smokers,” said Jeremy Blackburn, head of Communications at JTI. “Representing 32.5%, RYO remains the largest sector within the UK tobacco category¹, with Value RYO driving its growth (1). New look Holborn Yellow will ensure retailers continue to capitalise on the growing profit opportunity of Value RYO.” ¹Nielsen MarketTrack YTD Aug 2015
61
BUSINESS NEWS
Delta Packaging extends international operations Grazyna Henclewska, deputy minister of Economy of Poland with Terry Cross, chairman of Delta Packaging.
Hip ‘hops’ hurrah for Mourne Mountains Brewery
Connaire McGreevey, founder of Mourne Mountains Brewery, is pictured with Aisling Lavery from Ulster Bank, sponsor of the award.
B
elfast-based business Delta Packaging has expanded its international operation with the opening of a new, 10,000-square-metre purpose built factory in Gliwice Poland, which operates under the name European Packaging Solutions. In 2014, Delta Packaging announced a £40m investment plan involving the construction of a purpose-built factory in Poland. The facility, which was officially opened on September 28, is fully operational and will support the expansion of the company’s European supply chain network. The Gliwice factory will manufacture
sustainable, folding carton board packaging products for the retail food, food service, beverage, pet food, confectionery, household goods and electronic consumer product sectors. Delta also has a 200,000-square-foot factory in West Belfast. “We have invested significantly in the Gliwice factory, as this strategic base will form a key part of Delta’s ongoing expansion plan,” said Terry Cross, chairman of Delta Packaging. “By 2020, we aim to position European Packaging Solutions as the default carton supply choice in the region, employing over 100 people with sales of €30m.”
Adelie Foods takes a bite of the Irish food-to-go market C hilled food to go manufacturer Adelie Foods has acquired Irish food manufacturer and distributor The Bite Group, with the aim of strengthening its existing manufacturing and distribution operation and gaining access to the growing Irish food-to-go market. “I am delighted that we have been able to acquire Irish food-to-go manufacturer and distributor, The Bite Group,” said Mark Keating, director of international business at Adelie Foods. “This will further strengthen our intention to be the leading food-to-go supplier in the UK and Irish markets. I am extremely excited by the opportunities that the deal will provide both us and our customers for future growth.” The Bite Group has been in business for 17 years, and supplies a wide range
62
of quality brand and private label chilled ready-to-eat foods, and third party products, to the retail, foodservice and coffee chains. Michael Keough, founder of The Bite Group, said: “The deal is a great opportunity for both businesses and will allow us to extend our existing customer offer and enable them to share with us the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. I am looking forward to working with Adelie and hopefully creating more employment opportunities within the region in the future.” The Bite Group invested in a new 20,000-square-foot state of the art production facility in Enniskillen in 2007, and has distribution centres in Enniskillen, Belfast, Dublin and Cork.
C
raft beer producer Mourne Mountains Brewery has scooped the Best New Business award at the Greater Newry Area Business Awards, hosted by the Newry Chamber of Commerce and Trade. Founded in January 2015 by entrepreneur Connaire McGreevy, the company’s mission is to produce honest, quality, local beer that is brewed by hand in small batches in the Mournes. After setting up the business, Connaire hired master brewer Tom Ray to develop a range of beautifully executed and brilliantly crafted beers made using the finest ingredients and fresh spring water from the Mourne Mountains. “We’re really delighted that the brewery’s early success has been recognised by our local business Chamber,” said McGreevy. “We’ve been operating since early 2015, with a formal launch event taking place in early September and the support we’ve already received from the local community has just been fantastic. “Although the business is still in its infancy, we’ve made a great inroads to date, with a robust distribution network in place across Northern Ireland. We have very ambitious plans for the future, hoping to break into the Republic of Ireland market within the next 12 months and the UK market thereafter.” The new range, which is produced using water from the Spelga Dam, includes three core brews; Mourne Gold pale ale, Red Trail red IPA and Big Rock wheat beer. The brewery has also created two special seasonal brews to date; Mourne Mist Pilsner and East Coast IPA.
APPOINTMENTS
People on the move...
in association with
Dobbin appointed chairman of Dairy UK
D
r David Dobbin CBE, chief executive of United Dairy Farmers and Dale Farm, was elected chairman of Dairy UK last month at the organisation’s AGM. “I am acutely aware that I am taking on the chair of Dairy UK at a time when our industry faces significant challenges along the supply chain for farmers and processors alike,” he said. “While we look to the Government and EU Commission to support the dairy sector in the current global market crisis, we must look first and foremost to what we can do ourselves.
“We must continue to be market rather than production led, continue to build our international competitiveness and continue to create added value through product and process innovation. There are clearly opportunities to promote British dairy produce and increase our market share in our home market, as well as grow exports. Dairy UK has an important role to play in all of this.” Paul Vernon from Glanbia Cheese and Peter GiørtzCarlsen from Arla Foods were appointed vice-chairs of Dairy UK.
New appointments at Ground Espresso Bars
N
Jonny Ross
Louise Moss
Irene Hannahway
David Dobbin
orthern Ireland business Ground Espresso Bars, which includes standalone cafes as well as concessions in Waterstones, Next and Tesco, is expanding its workforce. Jonny Ross has been appointed regional manager to construct and maintain relationships with all store managers to ensure customers receive the authentic Ground Espresso Bars experience, and provide business development support. He has a BSc Hons Psychology degree, and worked for Starbucks for nine years, progressing from barista to store manager to coffee trainer before assuming the role of people manager at Apple Premium Reseller. Louise Moss has joined as training and development manager, responsible for creating and delivering training programs for the teams, improving the managerial skills of store managers, implementing health and safety procedures, and organising external training when required. Previous roles include the Streat regional manager and house manager at The Mac. Kris Martin has been appointed Waterstones store manager, in charge of day-to-day operations as well as hospitality and coffee training, concession maintenance, and team management. He was previously assistant manager for Ground’s Sprucefield store. Irene Hannahway, meanwhile, has joined as Lisnagelvin store manager, overseeing day-to-day operations, staff training, food merchandising and quality checks. Hannahway has over 20 years’ experience in a range of well-known coffee shops.
Moy Park announces senior appointment
M
oy Park has appointed experienced business advisor Michael O’Neill to drive the company’s Continuous Improvement programme. With over 15 years’ experience, O’Neill joins Moy Park from Invest NI, where he was responsible Michael O’Neill for supporting a range of companies in realising productivity improvements. Having also worked at the Centre for Competitiveness and Bombardier, he has a proven track record of implementing process improvements to achieve business objectives. At Moy Park, he will play a pivotal role in driving innovation to maximise operational effectiveness and efficiencies, working closely with teams right across the company. “We continually invest in our innovative operations and processes to ensure we are the most effective and efficient organisations of our kind in Europe,” said Paul Longstaff, head of Supply Chain Development and Continuous Improvement at Moy Park. “The appointment of Michael O’Neill to the role of Continuous Improvement Lead reflects our commitment to this goal. His significant experience will drive forward our on-going work in this area ensuring we remain at the cutting edge of high quality food production.”
63
SHELFLIFE
To see your product featured in Shelf-life, contact Mark at markbeckett@greerpublications.com or Tel: 028 9078 3235
IRN-BRU ‘scores’ phenomenal sales for retailers A
G Barr is delivering growth in the £748m flavoured carbonates category* with a £6m marketing investment in IRN-BRU, the No.1 flavoured carbonate brand**. A national TV campaign this summer has raised the brand’s profile with the popular ‘Gets You Through’ TV adverts and this has been enhanced by the announcement that IRN-BRU will be the Official Soft Drink Partner of The Football League for the next three years. The
three-year deal involves clubs across the Sky Bet Championship, League One and League Two. “IRN-BRU has always been a big supporter of football but this landmark deal signals our biggest season yet,” said Adrian Troy, head of Marketing at AG Barr. “We’re delighted to be partnering with The Football League to build on the popularity of our brand and to share our passion for football with fans and their communities.” The partnership with The Football League is the biggest ever for IRN-BRU in terms of its scale and enhances IRN-BRU’s rich heritage of sports sponsorship which also includes the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL). Demand for IRN-BRU is being further boosted thanks to its first national football on-pack promotion which gives football fans the chance to win the ‘Ultimate Match Day Experience’. IRN-BRU is offering fans the chance to win VIP match packages for any Sky Bet Football League fixture or Ladbrokes SPFL match as well as exclusive IRN-BRU branded footballs. The promotion is running on 500ml big cans and 500ml x 4 multipack cans, both regular and sugar free. Consistent investment in IRN-BRU has built shopper loyalty that drives incremental category sales and this heavyweight brand support plan is creating lots of shopper demand for IRN-BRU. Retailers in Northern Ireland should stock up on both the regular and sugar free variants to make the most of this huge sales opportunity. TRADE ENQUIRIES: 0035 3162 50620 *Nielsen Scantrack, Value Sales, MAT to 15.08.15, Total UK Coverage. **Nielsen Scantrack, Vol Sales, MAT to 15.08.15, Total UK Impulse.
Vita Coco Oil introduced to NI market G
lobal coconut water brand Vita Coco has launched a premium Vita Coco Oil in the Northern Irish market. Organic, 100% raw, extra-virgin and cold pressed, it offers a healthy alternative to butter with a higher smoke point than most oils. Coconut oil is digested differently, providing lasting sustainable energy and is also known to boost the immune system, making it a perfect cooking partner or secret ingredient in a morning smoothie for wellness and fitness fans. A handbag hero for quick applications including a go-to cuticle moisturiser or remedy for chapped lips, Vita Coco Oil can also be used as an all-body moisturiser for super smooth skin, a gentle makeup remover, and an anti-bacterial make-up brush cleaner. It can also be paired with other super-powered natural ingredients including sugar, honey, avocado or egg whites for fantastic hair and face masks perfect for restoring moisture to dried or overprocessed hair post-summer, or used for oil pulling to improve oral hygiene, whiten teeth naturally, and help skin issues like acne, psoriasis and eczema. Vita Coco Coconut Oil Jars are available in Tesco nationwide, Dunnes Stores, and select Boots.
64
Q&A so lucky to be surrounded by a great group of people. We all work really well together and our different skill sets complement each other. Plus, it’s good to laugh and my colleague Eugene never disappoints us with a perfectly timed joke. WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? Simply getting into work in the morning! I do the dreaded school run and am playing a game of beat the clock most mornings. I do however manage it, but it’s a stressful time. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? To get to know your customer. Everyone is different and it’s very important to understand the specific needs of the customer in order to build a strong working relationship. WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? Being unnecessarily cc’d on emails. Wastes so much time. Either I need to know or I don’t. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I would love to be able to sing. I used to think I could until I watched a video at a friend’s wedding of me murdering Sweet Caroline on the karaoke machine.
In the Hot Seat Suzanne Courtney, national account manager for Allied Bakeries TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I am a national account manager for Allied Bakeries. I have been with the company nearly 15 years, having started as a sales analyst and working my way up through the ranks in sales, to my current role. I am married with two young boys, Will and Max, who are six and four and I live in Belfast with my husband Scott. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Everyone says that no two days are the same in this business and I have to agree. Although mine definitely have three constants: meetings, emails and copious cups of coffee. I am mostly office based, but do try to get out into trade as much as I can, as I really enjoy meeting with my customers and seeing our products on the shelf. 66
WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? It would have to be winning the Account Manager of the Year Award at the recent Foodforce Ireland Supplier Trade show. I was totally shocked and delighted, especially as I have only been in this role for just around a year. Our product quality and exceptional service means that I am able to spend more time focusing on future planning and making strategic decisions to move our business forward, as well as supporting the customer on business as usual issues. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Bread is a difficult business to be in, delivering six days a week with a short shelf life is certainly not for the faint hearted, and I am
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? To continue to enjoy success in my job, but also to maintain a good work life balance. I currently work four days a week and that is extremely important to me, I am fortunate that Allied Bakeries have been supportive in enabling me to do this. This leaves time to pick up my boys from school, take them on play dates and get the all-important homework done. WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? A bit of a cliché but the person I admire the most is my mum. She has such a positive attitude and has always provided infinite support to me and my brother. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? Scott and I were lucky enough to have a few child-free days in New York in March which is an amazing city; however I love nowhere more than the North Coast, the people, beaches and great restaurants are second to none and only an hour away! WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? A traditional roast on a Sunday, especially now that we are into the colder months. October is my favourite month in the year; I love the change in the season. HOW DO YOU RELAX? Nothing beats time with my friends on a Tuesday night. There are nine of us ‘The Tuesday Night Girls’, we meet up and have a glass of wine and a catch up.
perspective
AMBIENT BRC ACCREDIATED FOOD GRADE WAREHOUSING • Order fulfilment from individual case to full Pallet pick. • Specialising in the Food and FMCG Markets. • Full Contract Packing and Re Working Services. • Daily deliveries via own transport network to Independents & Multiples throughout Ireland and the UK. • Stock control via fully integrated warehouse management system complete with on line customer portal. • HMRC Excise Bonded Warehousing giving deferred VAT & Excise duty on Alcohol. • International Shipping, Import & Export Clearance, Container Handling, Port Logistics, Devanning and Palletising.
please contact simonwoodside@woodsides.com or call 028 9334 3006 The Woodside Group, 61 Carrickfergus Road Ballynure, Co Antrim, BT39 9QJ. • website: www.woodsides.com
For further information 8 Grocer | JANUARY 2011 364• •Ulster Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011