Ulster Grocer by Karen Donnelly

Grocer

NO.1 MAGAZINE FOR THE LOCAL GROCERY SECTOR

™

Over 40 years at the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

MARCH 2016

ULSTER

“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

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CONTENTS

email: info@ulstergrocer.com

Editor: Alyson Magee E: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com Contributors: Brian McCalden, Louise Coll, Seamus McCaffrey, Jason Winstanley, Chloe Ormiston Sales Manager: Mark Beckett E: markbeckett@greerpublications.com Senior Accounts Manager: Michelle Kearney E: michellekearney@greerpublications.com

Ulster Grocer is published by Independent News & Media Ltd. 5B Edgewater Business Park, Belfast Harbour Estate, BELFAST BT3 9JQ Tel: 028 9078 3200 Fax: 028 9078 3210 Web: www.ulstergrocer.com @ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer Subscription: £27.50 per annum £37.50 outside UK

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

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12-13 FIVEWAYS: Brian McCalden talks to Frank Hagan, manager of Fiveways in Newry, which won the Nisa Best Supermarket Store Award in 2013 and includes a butchery, off-licence, diner, barber’s, beauty salon, pharmacy and even a wedding shop.

Contents

Art Editor: Karen Donnelly Production Manager: Stuart Gray

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14-21 FOOD & DRINK NEWS: A bumper edition of our produce news pages this month includes a new regular column from Irwin’s Bakery, alongside significant investment in TV advertising, added value production and workforce skills for Moy Park. 24-29 HERITAGE & TRADITIONS: Who better to represent Year of Food & Drink’s Heritage & Traditions month than the Thompson family, and its Punjana brand, currently celebrating 120 years of importing and blending some of the world’s finest teas into Belfast.

31-33 UG MARKETING AWARDS 2016: Sponsors of this year’s Awards, and category winners from 2015, recently gathered at the Culloden Estate & Spa to officially launch the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016, which will also be held at the Culloden on Friday, May 6.

Independent News & Media Ltd © 2016. 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 Independent News & Media Ltd.

34-38 ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT: New Food Waste Regulations, applying to all businesses involved in the processing, distribution, preparation or sale of food, are a hot topic in this month’s feature, which also looks at innovation by wholesalers, retailers and manufacturers to reduce their carbon footprint.

50 IN THE HOT SEAT: Taking the chair this month is Liesa Johnson, director of Marks Marketplace, who assists small to medium sized businesses with innovation and stimulating growth. Working in the food industry for over 15 years, Liesa says every day makes her smile.

8 • Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011

ULSTER GROCER

Volume 51, Number 3 March 2016

www.ulstergrocer.com

NEWS

New ownership for Ulster Grocer F

or those who haven’t heard the news, Independent News & Media (INM) acquired Ulster Grocer from Greer Publications last month, alongside three other titles owned by James and Gladys Greer – Ulster Business, Northern Woman and Hospitality Review NI. INM is the parent company of the Belfast Telegraph and Sunday Life, as well as www.belfast telegraph. co.uk, NiJobfinder.co.uk, Propertynews.com and RecruitNI.com, and the four former Greer titles will be moving to new premises with the other INM businesses later in the year. In the meantime, we will continue to operate from our current site at Edgewater Business Park in the Belfast Harbour Estate and it will be very much business as usual with no change in personnel or operations. We would like to take this opportunity to thank James and Gladys Greer for their support and excellent stewardship of the titles over the years, and look forward to developing the magazine under the guidance and expertise of INM.

Richard McClean, managing director, INM Ltd (second right), and Simon Snoddy, finance director, INM Ltd (second left) pictured with Gladys and James Greer, Greer Publications.

Alyson Magee Editor

UFU hosts Prime Minister on Co Antrim farm P

rime Minister David Cameron recently visited a Ballymena dairy farm as part of his campaign to secure a ‘yes’ vote in the EU referendum in June. The Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) hosted the Prime Minister on a farm run by the Johnston family, which presented a unique opportunity for a face-to-face conversation about agri-food industry concerns. UFU President Ian Marshall said that, with farming here going through tough times, it was an opportunity to stress at the highest level of government the importance of a successful farming industry to underpin the food industry in Northern Ireland. “It’s easy for politicians to take farming for granted but it is a vital part of the UK economy, and that is even more so in Northern Ireland,” he said. The UFU’s current position on the EU referendum is ‘no compelling case’ has yet been made by Brexit supporters that farming here would fare better outside the EU – although it has stressed it will not be advising its 12,000 members and their families how they should vote. Marshall said the UFU message was that farmers delivered an affordable, secure food supply and the environment people wanted. “In the heat of the Brexit debate, it is easy to get hung up on EU subsidies, which are vital 4

for farmers,” he said. “But behind that is an industry that makes a huge contribution to the UK economy and shapes our countryside. I always welcome the opportunity to put that message across to politicians.” With farm incomes at crisis levels, UFU urged the Prime Minister to commit to a drive to simplify the CAP and make it more effective if he is successful in his drive to keep the UK in the EU. “We also underlined that farming could deliver jobs and growth for the local economy – but this depends on ways

being found to introduce more fairness to the food supply chain,” he said. “We all are all part of this chain from farm to supermarket shelf, but some of the players along it do a lot better than farmers.” Also at the meeting with the Prime Minister were key players from the food industry and the UFU’s commodity chairmen. Other issues raised included future export opportunities, supply chain issues, trade negotiations, farm support and the future of family farming in Northern Ireland.

NEWS

Innovation key to securing a sustainable future for poultry sector T

rade Minister Jonathan Bell and Agriculture Minster Michelle O’Neill have welcomed a highly innovative project which will turn surplus poultry litter into low carbon biogas and organic fertiliser. The Glenmore Project, led by Connective Energy Holdings, is an Anaerobic Digestion plant being constructed by Mallusk-based company Williams Industrial Services. The plant will be fuelled by a range of organic feedstocks, including 25,000 tonnes per annum of poultry litter from Northern Ireland producers. “In 2012, DETI and DARD jointly launched the Sustainable Use of Poultry Litter (SUPL) project,” said Bell. “Through a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition and the more recent SUPL Loan scheme, we have been able to encourage the development of commercially and environmentally sustainable solutions. “The Glenmore project is the first to reach

financial close under the scheme and will help our poultry sector to grow and provide low carbon energy for some of our most important manufacturers. The plant produces biogas which will power the trucks transporting the poultry litter and generate nearly 4MW of renewable electricity Trade Minister Jonathan Bell and Agriculture Minster Michelle O’Neill are for manufacturing firms pictured welcoming the project to turn surplus poultry litter into low carbon biogas and organic fertiliser. Bombardier and Montupet in Belfast, Newtownards, Newtownabbey and fertiliser in adjacent commercial forestry and Dunmurry further supporting industry here.” agricultural land, in accordance with local The Glenmore project, based in Ballybofey, requirements. is an example of a circular economy approach “The poultry meat sector is a significant to managing a bi product of livestock contributor to the local economy. The litter production. The £23m scheme includes £9.3m produced, however, presents a significant of support offered by Invest NI for the project environmental challenge which could under the SUPL Loan Scheme. The other put the growth of the sector at risk. This product from the AD plant will be a liquid groundbreaking project is an example of how digestate which is to be used as an organic Departments can work together.

Enterprise NI Start Up Loan fund reaches £2m milestone

tart Up Loans offered through Enterprise NI (ENI) have reached a £2m lending milestone in Northern Ireland. The milestone was marked by Trade Minister Jonathan Bell, Start Up Loan Chief Executive Tim Sawyer and ENI Chief Executive Gordon Gough; ENI is the delivery partner of Start Up Loans in Northern Ireland. Joining the trio was Fiona Lydon who set up Seriously Juicy, a detox juice manufacturing business from Fermanagh, with help from the Start Up Loan fund. “Start Up Loans provide another potential source of finance for business start-ups in Northern Ireland and further complement the existing loan funds available in the Northern Ireland marketplace, including those provided through Invest NI’s Access to Finance

initiative,” said Minister Bell. “They are well placed to assist those individuals with a strong business idea but with limited access to finance and I welcome the significant contribution they make in Northern Ireland. Passing the £2m milestone is testament to the effective engagement between the Start Up Loans Company and its delivery partners across Northern Ireland, and I look forward to seeing this positive progress continued.” Gough said: “The £2m that has been lent to date represents a significant amount of investment in companies at the early stage of their development. The fund has set in motion the business ideas of hundreds of entrepreneurs here in Northern Ireland enabling them to grow by helping to create profitable enterprises and jobs.” Lydon said: “The Start Up Loan fund

has been vital in providing me with the finance to start my business. The assistance that I also received from Enterprise NI and from our business advisor at Fermanagh Enterprise has been second to none and has really helped me navigate the complex environment that you are first faced with when starting up a new business. “We literally started at the kitchen table in the house and, with the support and encouragement we have received to date, we have now moved to a purpose-built facility to help us keep up with the demand. We are now selling all over the island of Ireland, and in the next few months, we will be exporting to the GB market and moving to the exciting next stage of growth.” If you are interested in applying for a Start Up Loan through ENI, visit www. eniloans.com or call 028 7776 3555.

NEWS

NIFDA Manifesto calls on Executive to prioritise food and drink T

he Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association (NIFDA) launched its 2016 Manifesto last month, calling on the Executive to help support Northern Ireland’s largest industry through a range of targeted measures. Ministers, MLAs and NIFDA members gathered at the event, which was held at Parliament Buildings, to learn how NIFDA aims to create more jobs in the local food and drink sector over the next three years with the support of the Executive. NIFDA Chairman Dr David Dobbin told those attending that the local industry needed the continued support of the NI Executive and Assembly if it was to continue to grow into existing and new export markets. In particular, he urged the Executive to move forward with the implementation of a food export marketing body as a priority item. “Our target is to grow our industry’s turnover to £7bn by 2020 and create 15,000 new jobs as outlined in the Going for Growth report,” he said. “However we need the continued support of the Executive. In the NIFDA Manifesto, we outline a range of

issues which require the Executive’s support to create an environment which will improve our international competitiveness and allow us to generate sustainable growth through increased export sales. “As Northern Ireland’s largest employer, we believe that the agri-food sector should be the cornerstone of the Executive’s economic strategy. We call on the Pictured are NIFDA Chairman Dr David Dobbin, Robin Newton MLA and NIFDA Executive to work with us Executive Director Michael Bell. to keep our cost and skill attractiveness. We have an excellent platform base internationally competitive and help upon which to grow the sector – with world market our excellent food and drink products, class innovation, food security and quality especially in key external markets. We need standards - and we are confident that with to address our higher energy costs, maintain continued government support, the industry rates relief for food manufacturers and get the will continue to be a leading light in the food export marketing body up and running. local economy and a major creator of new “We need government to continue its employment.” support for innovation and technology The NIFDA Manifesto is available to view advancements within the sector, and to at www.nifda.co.uk. promote skills development and sector

Moy Park sweeps the board at top awards ceremoney

oy Park has won five awards at this year’s prestigious Meat & Poultry Processing Awards, including a hat-trick of victories in the top three categories - Overall Processing Business of the Year, Retail Processor of the Year and Product Developer of the Year. The Meat & Poultry Processing Awards recognise and reward expertise, skill, innovation and entrepreneurship in the UK’s processing sector. As well as securing the top award in three of the most hotly contested categories, Moy Park was also awarded highly commended for Environmental Initiative of the Year and the company’s Brand Product Development Manager Mairead McCrory was highly commended in the Young Processor of the Year category. “Moy Park was an extremely worthy winner of the Overall Processor of the Year trophy as well as the Product Developer of the Year and Retail Processor of the Year awards,” said Rod Addy, editor of Meat Trades Journal. “Its commitment to investment in people, formidable new product development programme and wellresearched and innovative ideas, all earned it special mention from the judging panel. “As well as praising the company’s thoughtful, intelligent and objective plans for investment in people and training, the judges felt its commitment to green goals should also be a major source of pride.” Alan Gibson, UK & Ireland director at Moy Park, said: “Moy Park is a values-led company committed to delivering the highest standards for our customers - from product innovation to industry leading agriculture and operations - so it’s very rewarding to be recognised in this way.” 8 366• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

ADVERTORIAL

A Boost for sales and feedback with leading energy drink N

athan McCann, store manager at Spar Wards Rockmount, has been stocking Boost for the last three years and recently won £1,000 in the brand’s Grab a Grand retailer competition. “Boost is our best-selling energy drink - selling three times better than Red Bull,” he said. “We have great feedback from our customers about Boost who particularly like the new flavours that are launched, such as Red Berry. Along with a great price and superb flavour for customers, Boost also offers good margins for ourselves. “We receive fantastic support from Boost along with fun and interesting POS materials, such as the new humorous shelf stickers – every time someone removes a can of Boost, a funny phrase is revealed encouraging them to grab another. When we heard about their Grab a Grand trade promotion we didn’t hesitate to enter, it was an easy entry mechanic and we liked the fact that there were a number of prizes available. Even though we knew there were more chances to win, we were still really surprised when told that we were winners.”

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retail news – independents & symbols

Green Deli sprouts growth with six-figure investment A

homegrown Northern Ireland business, which includes four independent grocery stores across greater Belfast, has unveiled an ambitious expansion plan for 2016, with a £400,000 investment and a recruitment drive. The Green Deli is a fresh food chain operating inside convenience stores such as the Titanic Quarter, Cadogan on the Lisburn Road and the Ballynure Filling Station. The retailer offers fresh, healthy homemade food options in its in-store delis, as well as off site catering and a speciality off-licence located at the Titanic Quarter. The business currently employs 95 staff ranging from cashiers to area managers and is in the process of recruiting a company-wide catering manager to oversee the high standards across all stores. In addition, Andrew Davis, director at The Green Deli, says the firm is actively looking for suitable sites for two new stores in 2016. Davis started the company with fellow director, Graham Johnston, in 2010 with the Lisburn Road store. “We have seen considerable growth over the last five years, but we don’t want to stop there,” he Andrew Graham, director of The Green Deli, and Angie Fetherston, deli manager at the Titanic Quarter store. said. “Our focus is, and always has been, to provide fresh, healthy meal options along with our great range of homemade hot meals for customers. “The Green Deli is an independent local company and we are committed to supporting our local producers and providing the highest quality produce at our customers’ convenience and making sure we are competitive in our pricing. “In addition, we want our growth to continue so that we can reach customers in areas we don’t currently operate and we plan to open at least two new stores during 2016, with The Green Deli brand also going into one of our retail stores in the Dundonald area. This involves investing in retail spaces and recruiting staff to run these stores. Our ambitious growth plans will see us recruiting up to 35 new staff this year.”

Applegreen lists Free-ist products for stores in Ireland I reland’s largest independent motorway service station group, Applegreen, has listed products from Free’ist in Belfast, the Northern Ireland leader in ‘free-from’ snacks. Free’ist is supplying sugar-free chocolate bars, popcorn and marshmallows, including some gluten-free lines, to Applegreen’s network of forecourt stories across Ireland. “We are delighted to win this business with Applegreen because it will strengthen our position substantially in the Irish market, now one of our most important markets,” said Gerard McAdorey, chief executive of Free’ist. “Applegreen is a very dynamic, quality-conscious and consumer-focused company. “They were attracted by the potential of our extensive portfolio of sugar-free and gluten-free jams, biscuits, chocolates, popcorn and marshmallows in their forecourt stores. We will be working closely with the Applegreen team in marketing the products to attract ‘grab’n’go’ consumers in particular. Our snacks meet consumer demands for sugar-free snacks in particular.” Applegreen is planning to expand its network, which includes over 90 service stations in Ireland including a recently opened complex at Templepatrick in Co Antrim. Applegreen is also developing another Northern Ireland complex on the M1 motorway.

A hoppy Easter for Fairtrade chocolate T

he Easter Bunny recently visited Belfast City Hall to encourage the public and private sector, businesses and individuals across Northern Ireland to hop down to their local supermarket, independent retailer, shop, or go online and choose Fairtrade certified chocolate. Belfast has been a Fairtrade City since 2005 and is committed to purchasing products bearing the Fairtrade Mark. Buying Fairtrade chocolate makes a huge difference to the lives of cocoa farmers and their families in the developing world, through trade rather than aid. Available Fairtrade chocolate brands include Divine, Green & Black’s, Kit Kat 4 Finger, Dairy Milk, Mars, Maltesers, Rawr, Raw Chocolate Co., Meaningful Chocolate Co., and Tesco, Sainsbury’s, M&S and The Co-operative product lines. 8

retail news – MULTIPLES

SuperValu launches its SuperMums 2016 search E

ighty-five percent of mums across Northern Ireland have revealed their children’s health is their biggest priority, according to research conducted by SuperValu to launch the 2016 SuperMums campaign. The survey, which questioned over 200 mums across Northern Ireland on a number of topics, found that many find it difficult to plan meals for their children and are looking for quick and easy meal solutions. It was revealed the majority of mums spend over £100 per month on their children’s eating habits, with priorities of purchasing fresh, quality produce and making healthy choices. The majority of mums claimed the biggest challenges they faced were achieving a successful work-life balance and finding quality time to spend with their children. Holly Willoughby was voted the most inspirational ‘celebrity’ mum due to her perceived ability to achieve this. This year’s SuperValu SuperMums campaign, sponsored by Magnum and Robinsons, will award mums across every county in Northern Ireland at a prestigious ceremony in Parliament Buildings, Stormont on September 28. The successful campaign, which is now in its third year, is an opportunity for mums across Northern Ireland to be recognised for the endless dedication they give to their family, friends and communities. Anyone can nominate a mum for the competition, or mothers can nominate themselves, with the winner receiving a fantastic family trip

TV personality Claire McCollum, Sandra Overend MLA and SuperValu’s Kate Ferguson launched the campaign with Kate’s one-year-old twins Mya and Jackson.

to Disneyland Paris, courtesy of Clubworld Travel. Finalists will be presented with SuperValu shopping vouchers and luxurious hampers at the grand final, hosted by TV personality Claire McCollum. To enter SuperValu SuperMums, simply nominate online via www. supervalu.co.uk or www.facebook.com/SuperValuNI and describe what makes your nominee inspirational or worthy of the title ‘SuperMum’.

Visit to Asda headquarters spurs on NI food companies

Pictured are Chris Moore, national account manager, Irwin’s Bakery and Brian Conway, local buying manager at Asda NI.

Irwin’s Bakery secures contract for new Toastee Wheaten

rwin’s Bakery has secured a deal to supply over 100,000 packs of its new wheaten bread product Toastee Wheaten, and Stoneground Wheaten, to all Asda stores in Northern Ireland. Toastee Wheaten is a twist on the traditional cottage wheaten, which has been produced in a new compact shape specifically for toasting. “Irwin’s is delighted to extend its existing business partnership with Asda by securing a listing for its new Toastee and Stoneground Wheaten in all Northern Ireland stores,” said Chris Moore, national account manager, Irwin’s Bakery. “We developed our Toastee Wheaten in response to consumer trends, which have seen shoppers turn to portion controlled and convenient bakery goods. Toastee Wheaten is a perfect example of this as the slices are made to fit into a toaster, which in turn means less wastage.”

Pictured during their visit to Asda House in Leeds are, from left, Peter Geary, Antrim Hills Spring Water; Karl McCrum, Neill’s Flour; Lee Morrow, Morrow Foods; Graham Morrow, Morrow Foods; Jill Crawford, Just Live a Little; Michael Heaslip, Pop Notch Popcorn; Colin Ferguson, Avondale Foods; Michael McKillop, Glens of Antrim Potatoes; Jason Hempton, Dale Farm; Gemma Gray, Dale Farm; Eileen Hall, Cavanagh Eggs; Conor Daykin, Tasty Foods; John Weatherup, Brunch Box; and Tim McVicker, Forest Feast.

welve food companies from Northern Ireland, which are taking part in the 2016 Asda Supplier Development Academy (SDA), recently visited the supermarket’s headquarters in Leeds to gain a better understanding of the systems and processes involved in trading with Asda. Over the coming months, the Academy will cover a range of topics including supply chain, account management, marketing and NPD/ innovation. Supported by Invest NI, SDA forms a major part of Asda’s commitment to the Year of Food & Drink, as it aims to help the companies involved maximise their trading potential and boost sales as well as strengthening the local agri-food sector as a whole. “The visit to Leeds gave a great insight into Asda’s UK-wide operation and really helped us appreciate the opportunities which are accessible through the Academy,” said Michael McKillop, MD of Glens of Antrim Potatoes and an SDA participant. “The approach is very hands on and practical, and by taking steps such as refining our commercial skills and practices, we can unlock our potential and build a long-term trading relationship.”

My Life in the Grocery Trade Rhonda Montgomery, chief executive of Montgomery Food Consulting WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I am the chief executive of Montgomery Food Consulting and sub division Butchery Excellence Ireland. My role is to ensure that our staff delivers first-class service by creating long-term sustainable value for our clients and employees, based on strategic leadership, performance management, investor relations, risk management and succession planning. BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE? I have spent the majority of my career in the food manufacturing sector. I have worked as a technical manager in Ballygawley Pork and Elmgrove Foods; then progressed my career path in production and operations with Dunbia, Dungannon, where I worked for five years. I then made a career move as a general manager for Good 4 U Food & Drink. From there, I have worked for various other firms such as Linden Foods, Willowbrook Foods and ABP. I also have 18 years’ experience behind me working within various restaurants and hotels. I started my consultancy career in 2010, as ASDA Champion for leading salad producer Florette in the UK and, from there, I worked for many Irish brand names. Butchery Excellence Ireland was created in 2014, and is now an all-Ireland organisation with 140 members to date. Our client base is now ranging on an international level, working on projects in Republic of Ireland, Germany, UK and the Middle East.

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complete, eg BRC or SALSA. For butchers, I am organising road shows, events, campaigns, competitions and servicing butchers in between. I ensure accounts are up to date, send out the invoices and answer emails and make phone calls. WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Achieving CITI Micro Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 for the development of Butchery Excellence Ireland. I am the first entrepreneur from Northern Ireland to ever take this award home; therefore I was really proud to be representing my country. My trophy takes pride position in my boardroom, and winning £6,000 to reinvest back into the business was a great help with cashflow.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? I could say the best part is sampling new products through our BES competitions; there are always some tasty sausages, burgers, BBQ products and speciality fine foods to be tasted. It’s great to know that I’m playing a part in helping Irish butchers develop their product range and businesses. The worst part is the travelling I have to do; it is tiresome at the end of the week. BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY I don’t think anyone in the food sector would say there is such a thing as a typical day. Most of my days are spent travelling the country meeting new or repeat clients. I organise all projects and section them out to our team to

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I love spending my free time with my daughter Elle-Jo; she is four and, as I work so hard and am gone nights sometimes during the week, all spare time is spent with her and my husband Ivan. I do like to travel, visit family and friends and have an occasional night out to enjoy myself. TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW? I have a strong background in food and grew up on a farm, and I have a real love for all things food and extol the virtues of local produce. And of course, like other executives, I like to unwind with a small glass of bubbles, in particular Prosecco. I also enjoy watching films and reading books – Fifty Shades, I’ve just finished book three and Jamie Dornan still hasn’t rung me.

STORE FOCUS

Fiveways Nisa Extra, Newry Fiveways Manager Frank Hagan talks to Brian McCalden

Frank Hagan

ven executives from the GB-based multiples must be in awe of the evident success of leading Co Armagh independent store, Fiveways Supermarket, Newry. Family-owned and run, the Armagh Road facility would be best described as a shopping complex, so large is the offering in this border city. Colm and Brea Meehan took on the grocery store and forecourt back in 1988, when it had just two single petrol pumps and a small independent shop. It later became a franchisee of Henderson’s SPAR for almost two decades before converting to Nisa, and really expanding exponentially in recent years.

Today, the complex employs over 200 fulland part-time staff, offers 24-hour fuel (using a payment card) and is open each day from 6.30am to midnight and from 7am to 11pm on Sundays. There is a large, very busy car park, with 300 spaces and a truly incredible array of tenant stores – even boasting a wedding shop – and in-store the 10,000-square-foot core business offers a very busy, American-style diner; a hot food outlet that serves 700 (yes, 700!) dinners each Sunday alone. Manager Frank Hagan says the store has really taken off under its new branding, leading to a number of accolades including Nisa’s Best UK Supermarket Store Award

(2013), a listing in Northern Ireland’s Top 200 private companies in each of the last three years and a place on Investec’s Top 100 UK fastest growing mid-market companies in 2015. This is an achievement of which the business is particularly proud, as it spans all mid-market companies across every sector in the UK, and reflects the commitment to innovation, response to customer needs and strong work ethic amongst the management and staff of Fiveways. “Throughout all the developments, Fiveways has retained its local customer base,” says Frank. “When the new A1 dual carriageway was built to bypass Newry, on the main BelfastDublin route, that pushed the traffic away from the store – which originally sat right on the previous trunk route south – but that didn’t really have an impact. “We pride ourselves on not only price and value, but also on a very high quality in customer service and in using very large amounts of locally-produced produce, so we ‘give something back’ to the community as well. “Despite increasing competition from the multiples in particular, Fiveways has maintained competitive prices, quality of product, excellent offers and superb service, year after year. “Instead of two pumps, we now have four separate fuel islands, with two pumps each, as well as gas, solid fuel and other products. “There is a barber’s shop, a hair and beauty salon, a pet food store, a bridal store, a pharmacy, an in-store off licence, butchery counter, bakery, deli counter, a hugely popular hot food facility and our American-style diner. “While a bit smaller than the acres of

STORE FOCUS

store space in the multinationals, our level of convenience, with broad isles, well laid-out customer flow and quality, often homeproduced products fills the car park day-in, day-out. “People can pop-in for a few items or a trolley shop and won’t be left waiting in a long checkout queue. They will also be meeting local faces, amongst staff and management and be well aware they are supporting numerous local businesses through the range of fresh produce sourced by ourselves direct.” The manager notes that Nisa does not dictate what the store can buy in: “We receive three ambient and four fresh and frozen deliveries each week from Nisa but are free to order local bread – and bake our own instore – as well as red meat, poultry and other butchery products, and potatoes and many other vegetables sourced locally.” Fiveways reflects its environment, sitting on the junction of several major routes, towards Newry, Camlough, Armagh, Tandragee and Belfast, it is very well placed for local and passing trade. The original 1,500-square-foot store wasn’t anywhere near being large enough and, through the course of two major redevelopments over the past three decades, it now exceeds 10,000 square foot whilst maintaining its local touch.

Now joined by several other members of the Meehan family to keep the whole business ‘family-orientated’, proprietors Colm and Brea put a great deal of emphasis on continuity. There are many long-serving staff members among the 200 employees, such as Michael Devlin, Deborah Hempkin, Andrea Eccles, Nicola Murphy and Mary McCone; all of whom are still employees and have each clocked up over 25 years’ service with manager Frank Hagan leading his ever growing team to further successes. “We pride ourselves on this ethos,” says Frank. “That’s not something that is easily achieved and may be what the multiples are unable to copy.” “The Nisa Best Supermarket Award in 2013 was a major accolade and recognised much of this strategy and the way we target quality service, good prices and an outstanding range of products. “Much of that is down to the wholesaler, with Pat Lenaghan, our local Nisa manager spearheading a slick operation. “Costs are very competitive, with recent offers that were Nisa-backed being quality wine for less than £5, branded Nutty Krust for just £1, Moy Park chicken breasts for ‘half price’ at £5 and many others under their own label. “People love to shop locally and support

local traders but the price still has to be right and I believe we have achieved just that at Fiveways,” Frank concluded, adding that the packed car park is testament to that. The marketing ‘men in suits’ from the GB multiples may well have cause to catch their breath at the extent of this major supermarket complex, given an ever tightening level of consumer expenditure that sees even Tesco having to look to their laurels. Speaking on behalf of Nisa, Pat Leneghan, head of Retail Ireland said: “Fiveways is a great example of independent retailing. The team has invested significantly in the store to ensure it is state of the art when it comes to its retail offer. “Through this investment, the store has become a one-stop shop, now incorporating an instore bakery, sandwich bar and instore butchery as well as an impressive hot and cold deli, grocery department, off sales and fruit and veg department. “The store is considered to be a celebration of food, with the team constantly refreshing the range of products stocked to ensure customers never get bored with the choice available. The store also encourages its customers to try new products through food sampling and promotions, allowing them to become more adventurous with food. “The local community is truly at the heart of the store, everything from the design of the store to the products and services it offers is with the customers in mind. In addition to this, it supports many community groups and good causes so it can make a real difference to the local area. “Further to this, through its participation in the Making A Difference Locally scheme, which helps to raise money for the local area through selling specific products instore, it has assisted several charities including Southern Area Hospice, Drumgath Ladies Club and Newry Citizen’s Advice Centre. “They successfully provide their consumers with an impressive retail offer to challenge that of any multiple, but are truly community focused, which is a strong point of difference.” 13

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Moy Park sponsors new Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway on UTV Ireland M

oy Park has been announced as sponsor of the new series of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, which began on February 20 at 7pm on UTV Ireland. “As Ireland’s number-one poultry brand, we’re delighted to be partnering with UTV Ireland on this exciting project,” said Andrew Nethercott, director of Sales and Brand at Moy Park. “Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway is a firm family favourite and is a perfect fit for the Moy Park brand. Sponsoring this prime time programme allows Moy Park to extend our reach and appeal amongst our ever-growing Irish customer base.” The variety show is back for a season of live surprises, big name showbiz guests, high octane stunts, ambitious undercover set-ups and a whole host of shocks to unleash on both the studio audience and the viewers at home – including a star-packed blockbuster murder mystery, a series finale like never before, and the introduction of new presenter Stephen Mulhern as the host of ‘Ant V’s Dec’. Ronan O’Donoghue, head of Brand

Partnerships at UTV Ireland, said: “UTV Ireland is the exclusive home of the new series of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway, and we are delighted to be announcing our partnership with Moy Park. As well as being the official broadcast sponsor of the series, Moy Park will be engaging in licensing with Briege Finnegan, marketing manager of Moy Park, is pictured with Ronan O’Donoghue, head of Brand Partnerships at UTV Ireland. the Saturday Night Takeaway brand to maximise the Moy Park programme brand can be leveraged to brand’s association with the show. deliver activation of sponsorship off air. Moy “Sponsorship has moved on quite Park’s activation will include a ‘text-to-win’ considerably in our market and I am proud competition to win tickets to the show with to say the UTV Ireland have, yet again, been a major retailer. We look forward to working instrumental in progressing sponsorship with all parties in making this partnership a from a badging exercise to one where the huge success.”

Moy Park invests £4m in next generation ‘ready-to-eat’ facilities

Bell announces £8m skills investment by Moy Park

oy Park has announced a £4m investment in its facilities at Craigavon, positioning its ‘readyto-eat’ cooked chicken production for further innovation and growth. According to Moy Park, the ‘ready-toeat’ cooked chicken Pictured outside Moy Park’s Craigavon facilities are, from left, Moy Park Craigavon Engineering category represents Manager Neil Clarke, Engineering Co-ordinator John a key growth area. Davidson and project engineers Matt Foster and Fiona Finlay. The investment will enhance production capabilities and allow for continued innovation in this fast moving category. “Moy Park is committed to growing the business through investment in both our industry leading farming and operational facilities,” said Keith Irvine, supply chain director at Moy Park. “This investment further cements the company’s position as one of the most advanced producers of ‘ready-to-eat’ products in the UK and Europe as it enhances our ability to satisfy consumer demand for increasingly innovative, healthy, convenient and tasty products.” This latest investment will see advanced continuous in-line oven cooking and chilling technology installed at Moy Park’s Craigavon facilities, and will also deliver energy and process efficiencies. The development at Craigavon follows a £20m investment in Moy Park’s Dungannon facility which was announced in late 2015. The investment at Dungannon significantly increased production, delivered technology advancements and efficiencies, and also created an enhanced working environment for staff.

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

rade Minister Jonathan Bell has announced Moy Park is investing £8m to implement a skills and development programme across the group over the next four years. Invest Northern Ireland has offered Moy Park £1.4m towards its skills programme, which is designed to support the continued growth of this leading European food business. Moy Park is the second largest player in the UK Trade Minister Jonathan Bell is pictured with poultry sector and employs Mike Mullan, HR director (Europe) at Moy Park and Katharine Strain, head of Talent and 6,300 across its Northern Organisational Development. Ireland based processing facilities in Craigavon, Dungannon and Ballymena. “Moy Park is Northern Ireland’s largest employer and this £8m investment in skills development reinforces the company’s commitment to continuous improvement as a means to remaining competitive in its target markets,” said Bell. “Invest Northern Ireland has been working closely in recent years to help the manufacturer introduce lean techniques and supply chain management measures. This latest investment has enabled Moy Park to implement a comprehensive suite of training and learning initiatives across the entire company workforce, looking at leadership and management development, technical competences and functional skills.” Mike Mullan, Moy Park HR Director Europe, said: “As one of Europe’s leading food companies, we are committed to supporting our team members with outstanding training and development opportunities. This significant investment in skills and training, supported by Invest Northern Ireland, will be instrumental in sustaining our continual transformation, growth and improvement.”

Share the pork, sage and onion goodness Share the goodness with our newest flavour in the Moy Park Roast in the Bag family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; our delicious Pork, Sage and Onion Roast Chicken. Using cutting edge thermoformed packaging technology this innovative packaging technology enables the chicken to self-baste throughout the cooking process, which results in more succulent meat with an enhanced flavour. Straight from supermarket shelf to oven, this product offers consumers goodness in every juicy bite.

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FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Consumer insight and market update BY JASON WINSTANLEY, SENIOR INSIGHT AND RESEARCH MANAGER, MOY PARK

e have become used in recent months to soaring consumer confidence. Driven by the lowest levels of inflation for many years, coupled with reasonable wage growth, confidence has boomed and indeed, during 2015, recorded its first full calendar year of positive scores in the history of the GfK Index1. This sentiment was reflected in Asda’s latest Income Tracker which revealed that, in Q4 2015, NI families welcomed a 10.5% increase in household spending, and enjoyed the strongest year-on-year growth of all UK regions². Unfortunately for grocery, this strong positivity amongst consumers hasn’t always translated into growth success (and certainly not for the Big Four), not least because of the severe price deflation which has characterised the industry for these last 18 or so months. Instead, consumers have been able to spend their growing amount of disposable income in more discretionary areas, such as staying in hotels, taking holidays and making major household purchases3. One important result for our industry is that this increasing affluence has led to strong growth across the foodservice sector, as consumers continue to eat out in greater numbers, and with greater frequency4. However, evidence is starting to mount that 2015 may have seen a peak in these strong levels of consumer optimism; in February, GfK recorded a four point drop in its Consumer Confidence Index, which now stands at zero1. Whilst this is still a relatively good score in comparison to scores seen in 2014 and preceding years, the sharp fall is a notable one. This deterioration in confidence coincides with YouGov data5, which shows that, whilst consumers are still fairly confident about their own finances (only 30% expect their finances to worsen in the next year), they are

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becoming increasingly pessimistic about the future prospects for the UK economy. Between November 2015 and January 2016, the proportion of UK consumers expecting the national economy to worsen in the year ahead leaped from 27% to 39%. So what is the reason for this apparent erosion in confidence? Well, there are a number of factors, the most prominent of which is (and with apologies to those who are already sick of the subject…) the EU Referendum. With the media full of dire warnings of the consequences of either staying in or of leaving the EU, it is perhaps no surprise that consumers are starting to worry about the economic prospects for the future. However, Brexit isn’t the only driver of falling confidence; whilst it is true that consumers are continuing to become more affluent, the rate of increase in disposable income is slowing. Indeed, the gap between inflation and wage growth is now at its narrowest for exactly a year. The twin reasons behind this are that inflation, although still very low, is starting to creep up, and now stands at +0.3%, whilst wage growth has stalled at around 2%6. Therefore, many consumers will be starting to see growth in disposable income flatten out, and this is a trend which is likely to continue, as inflation slowly continues to climb. And, with a four month In/Out campaign ahead of us, political posturing about the future state of the economy looks set to continue to dominate the consumer mindset for much of 2016.

Sources: 1 – GfK UK Consumer Confidence Index, to February 2016; 2 – Asda Income Tracker January 2016 3 – Based on credit card data; 4 – M&C Allegra, February 2016; 5 – YouGov / EuroTrack, January 2016; 6 – ONS, January 2016

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Ice cream season is here 2

016 looks like a stellar year for Unilever Ice Cream, with some exciting new product launches tipped to tantalise the taste buds of Northern Irish consumers and propel strong growth in the ice cream category. “We have exciting innovations coming across the majority of our brands and all will be supported with strong marketing and in store campaigns,” said Nigel Thomson, marketing manager, Unilever Ice Cream. “Our two big launches for 2016 will be Magnum Doubles and Ben & Jerry’s ‘Wich family, combined with the continuation of the Wall’s Goodbye Serious campaign to drive Impulse ice cream sales in the peak of summer.” Magnum is set to launch the indulgent Magnum Doubles range in Peanut Butter, Caramel and Chocolate. Combining a thick, cracking outer shell of chocolate, each Magnum Double is dipped in a smooth and sumptuous sauce over decadent and delicious Magnum ice cream. Magnum Doubles will be the biggest launch for 2016 and will be supported from April through to August. Ben & Jerry’s will be moving into the snacking segment this year, with The ‘Wich, an on-the-go, hand-finished and individually-wrapped ice cream sandwich. The ‘Wich perfectly sand’Wiches two of Ben & Jerry’s favourite Fairtrade flavours - Cookie Dough or Chocolate Fudge Brownie between two soft-baked chocolatey chip cookies. To ensure ice cream lovers can enjoy the ice cream and cookie combo whenever and wherever, The ‘Wich up is also available in a Cookie Dough ‘Wich multipack, a Son of a ‘Wich sharing snack pack (featuring eight mini ‘Wiches) and the euphoric S’Wich up pint. Please contact your local Unilever sales representative for more information.

Mash Direct launches new Potato Rosti A

ward-winning brand Mash Direct has recently launched a new Gluten Free Potato Rosti, made from a selection of the tastiest home-grown potatoes, shredded with onion and lightly fried for a crunchy finish and full flavour. As with the whole Mash Direct range, they are 100% gluten free and contain no artificial colourings, flavourings or preservatives. The new Gluten Free Potato Rosti is the perfect healthy alternative to enjoy as a no fuss option for breakfast, lunch or dinner, says Mash Direct. The addition has already been a huge hit with consumers at the Mullahead Ploughing Match, and is predicted to be a top seller in the Mash Direct range. Six generations of the Hamilton family’s farming expertise goes into the expertly-produced, premium-tasting vegetable dishes, created fresh on the farm close to the shores of Strangford Lough. See the full list of products at www.mashdirect.com/products.

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

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Bakery sector insight - The bread basket BY CHLOE ORMISTON, CATEGORY AND SHOPPER INSIGHTS MANAGER, IRWIN’S BAKERY

or many retailers, March is range change time – the opportunity to have a spring clean. The bakery market is a category in decline, with value sales in bread and baked goods -8.4% (1) and cake sales flat +0.7% (2). Growth is challenging for many bakeries and, during range review, the importance of a category strategy becomes crucial. In Northern Ireland, the cost of an average loaf is now well under the £1 price point at 93p, -10% in the last year. Alongside falling volumes -2%, category strategies need to address how to bring value back into a low price, low-volume bakery market (1). At any range review, retailers will seek suppliers’ advice on achieving category growth. Generally the large branded suppliers will have a larger voice and be in a position to champion the category. But times are changing and now, more than ever, regional and niche brands have an equal part to play in

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

developing category strategy. Beyond pricing strategies, the remaining key drivers to growth are: availability, assortment and activation. In any typical category, 80% of purchases are a planned purchase (3), which highlights the significance of a fixture having good availability. Making space for the best-selling bakery lines will ensure shoppers have the ability to purchase their favourite items in a particular store, rather than going elsewhere. As brands are now seen across a variety of stores including the discounters, assortment enables category growth in impulse sales. Variety is where regional and niche brands can be of benefit to retailers. Bakery fixtures should feature premium lines, innovative products and quality local brands to encourage shoppers to trade up – as well as highlighting current food trends. These strategies will help in growing impulse purchases and adding much needed value to the category. Activation is also crucial to engage bakery shoppers. Health, convenience, snacking and indulgence needs are top of mind in purchase decisions and should reflect what is available

in the range. Three in four shoppers are keen to try new products if they are available (4). Listing new products will drive further loyalty from bakery shoppers, but also bring new shoppers to the category. It’s important to remember that making listing and space decisions on product sales performance cannot be the deciding factor. Generally 20% of branded SKUs account for 75% of branded spend, but the remaining 80% of branded SKUs feature in 66% of shoppers’ trolleys (3), so they are still valuable to the category. Space versus profit on the fixture is a key element to range decisions, but it’s important for retailers to ask themselves: ‘What job does the SKU do for the category? Is there a point of difference to its competitors? Who is the shopper? What is the shopper’s behaviour?’ Businesses with branded and private label supply, producing brands that add value to the category and using insight led innovation for NPD, will be well positioned to be involved in developing category growth strategies for the future. 1. AC Nielsen MAT 30.1.16, 2. KWP 4.1.16 3. KWP 25.2.16 4. IGD 2015

GET STUCK IN

Denny to take part in SPAR Craic 10K 2016 As part of their new campaign, Denny have announced they will be attending the upcoming SPAR Craic 10K which takes place in Belfast on St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, March 17th. The urban 10K starts at City Hall, linking west and east Belfast, taking in the Cathedral Quarter and finishing on the Titanic Slipways.

The competition runs until 16th April and is hosted on the Denny Facebook page.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT

DENNYEST1820

Denny will be waiting at the finish line to reward walkers, runners and their families with a free delicious Denny Gold Medal sausage sandwich in the Denny picnic area. Supporting this event is just one part of Dennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest campaign which is focused on rewarding loyal consumers and recruiting new consumers. The campaign encourages families to get out and about with their families offering consumers the chance to win 1 of 50 family weekend breaks away to Lusty Beg where they will enjoy a relaxing stay along with fun-filled activities like archery, kayaking and more. The campaign is supported through the line with TV, digital activation, sampling, PR, and in store promotions and activations across retailers.

WIN

1 OF 50 TWO-DAY FAMILY BREAKS AT

LUSTY BEG WITH

Pictured left to right: Marie Farrell, Denny Assistant Brand Manager, Orlaith Carland, Events Manager at Aisling Events, and Connla McCann, Director at Aisling Events.

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Iconic Tayto brand turns 60 T

ayto marked its 60th birthday on February 29, and is not celebrating alone with a high level of customer engagement and rewards planned for the year. “Sixty years in business is a great achievement and we have been producing crisps here at Tayto Castle since 1956, when local businessman Thomas Hutchinson created ‘Tayto’, before computers, decimalisation and calculators,” said Elly Hunter, marketing director for Tayto. “Back then the factory was only capable of producing a few hundred of packets of crisps a week, which were salted by hand before being packed in tins and delivered to local retailers. This is a far cry from today’s operation which remains familyowned, producing one million bags of crisps and snacks each working day at the castle and exporting products to 43 counties worldwide. “To capitalise on this landmark achievement of reaching six decades in business, a special Tayto 60th logo has been developed and this will be used throughout the year. Through trade engagement and a major marketing and PR campaign, we are hoping to reach all of our customers to let them know that, although it is our birthday,

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

they are the ones who are receiving the ‘presents’ - celebrating our 60th birthday alone was never an option for us. “There will be an active campaign across the retail sector from giveaways and prizes to special retro packs and associated items. We have created 18-pack, old-fashioned style boxes of our most popular flavour, Cheese and Onion, which will retail for £2.99. Each box offers customers the opportunity to win one of 60 prizes, including hotel breaks and entrance to visitor attractions such as Belleek Pottery, Giants Causeway and Titanic Belfast, sourced through Tourism Northern Ireland. Additional prizes include boxes of crisps, Tayto brand merchandise and family passes for our acclaimed Tayto Tours. Mr Tayto is pictured with Elly Hunter. “As well as a high-profile produced specially for the 60th birthday, marketing and PR campaign, retail activity including a vintage-inspired tea-towel, pencil will be further supported by online tin and mug. We are striving to keep the engagement across Tayto’s social media momentum and focus on Tayto’s birthday platforms, offering followers the chance celebrations throughout 2016.” to win crisps and other retro merchandise

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Irwin’s Bakery and Tourism Ireland promote Northern Ireland in GB I

n support of the Year of Food & Drink 2016, Irwin’s Bakery has teamed up with Tourism Ireland to promote a ‘visit Northern Ireland’ message to consumers via an onpack marketing campaign. The on-pack campaign will incentivise shoppers across Great Britain to visit Northern Ireland for its food and famous hospitality, and will run on packs of the bakery’s award-winning Rankin Selection range of traditional Irish breads. “2016 is a very exciting year for Northern Ireland and Irwin’s Bakery is delighted to partner with Tourism Ireland to promote Northern Ireland as a fantastic place to visit,” said Colette Wilson, marketing manager, Irwin’s Bakery. “The Year of Food & Drink is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the quality of our food and of course the warmth of our hospitality.

Paul Rankin is pictured with David Boyce, deputy head of Great Britain at Tourism Ireland.

“At Irwin’s we are passionate about our baking heritage and reputation for producing traditional Irish breads, including the Rankin Selection range, made in conjunction with top chef Paul Rankin. Partnering with Tourism Ireland gives us a valuable opportunity to showcase the Rankin Selection product range and reinforce

its authentic Irish heritage – as well as encouraging consumers to take the next step and visit Northern Ireland.” David Boyce, deputy head of Great Britain at Tourism Ireland, said: “Tourism Ireland is delighted to join forces once again with Paul Rankin for this special promotion to highlight Northern Ireland to potential holidaymakers in Great Britain. Northern Ireland is increasingly known for its excellent food offering, wonderful chefs and worldclass restaurants, and we welcome this opportunity to promote Northern Ireland as a great food destination.” The on pack competition, which will also run in the Republic of Ireland, is open until May 15 with five pairs of winners in with a chance of winning two nights B&B in a four star hotel, one evening meal, return flights and a Belfast Food Tour.

Dunbia invests in innovation D

unbia is investing close to £500,000 in strengthening its food development team, creating new positions responsible for conceiving, championing and developing new technologies in food processing as well as innovative products and concepts to satisfy and exceed customer needs. “Dunbia is a company driven by entrepreneurial vision and innovation,” said Tony O’Neill, deputy chief executive. “This latest investment highlights our continued commitment to exploring innovative ideas and driving the sector forward. The new

roles will align closely with our current business model but will keep us at the forefront by modifying existing products and processes as well as developing new and exciting products and concepts for the benefit of consumers. “We are actively recruiting and seek creative, passionate and driven individuals for positions including innovation project managers, food technologists and innovation chefs. As a company, we have won over 30 industry awards in the past four years which is testament to the quality and excellence of

Michael McWhinney, head of New Product Development at Dunbia, is pictured with Caroline Tierney, new product development technologist for Dunbia.

our products but also the calibre of our employees and it is on this strong record of success we want to continue to build.”

Sauce Works stirs up business with acquisition C

o Down-based Sauce Works has announced its acquisition of wholesale sauce business, Fat Frog Sauces. Owned by Stuart Decodts, Fat Frog Sauces will now be incorporated within the Sauce Works brand, with all production and sales transferred to Sauce Works headquarters in Crossgar. It has also been confirmed that Stuart Decodts will join Sauce Works as a key member of the sales team, in the role of sales and marketing executive. Family business Sauce Works has a long history in the production of sauces, since the Bell family commenced production over 20 years ago. “Although also a sauce business, Fat Frog Sauces has historically operated within the

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

Stuart Decodts, founder of Fat Frog Sauces, is pictured with David Bell, sales director of Sauce Works.

QSR (quick service restaurant) sector, therefore the acquisition complements our business as it expands Sauce Works’ customer base considerably and the additional volume will increase production,” said Paul Bell, managing director of Sauce Works.

“In addition to a wealth of new customers, we’re thrilled that Stuart Decodts is joining our sales team as Stuart’s knowledge of the sauce market will be invaluable as we further grow our business.” Stuart Decodts, founder of Fat Frog Sauces, said: “Being part of a larger entity will deliver more choice and value to Fat Frog customers, including the potential to develop ownbrand sauces as all Sauce Works products are produced locally. “Sauce Works is an established and respected name within the retail and foodservice sectors, and my customers will be in good hands. That’s one of the main reasons why I decided to stay on within the industry, and look forward to joining the sales team at Sauce Works, and helping to drive the business forward.” 21

ADVERTORIAL

McCormack ‘chips in’ new investment to cater for growth

The potato experts at McCormack Potato, Aiden, Brian and Barry McCormack, are pictured at their premises in Moy.

amily-run company McCormack Potato is celebrating a £100,000 investment in production facilities at its Moy premises to meet growing demand from the catering and foodservices industry for quality, fresh pre-prepared potatoes. “We’ve seen significant growth in client demand for freshly peeled and pre-chipped potatoes right across the foodservices sector and have invested in equipment and infrastructure to meet client needs, providing an even better quality supplier service,” said Barry McCormack, sales director. “McCormack Potato enjoys an excellent reputation as the go-to specialist for premium quality chipping potatoes, particularly in the quick service restaurant and takeaway sectors. We are also proud supplier to NI’s Fish & Chip Shop of the Year 2016, The Dolphin

Takeaway, Dungannon. Time saving and convenience, as well as quality, are huge factors for many food service clients and we have adapted to meet those needs with our latest freshly peeled, pre-chipped and vacuum packed portfolio.” Aiden McCormack, director, said: “Our development team spent over a year researching and trialling new state-of-the art machinery which expertly washes, peels, chips and vacuum packs client orders to hold freshness for longer. We are delighted with the response to this new service which offers the convenience of pre-prepared potatoes with longer shelf life and of course our trademark premium quality.” Northern Ireland, like the rest of the UK, is a nation of potato lovers with chips being eaten as part of an evening meal by 73% of adults. There were 1.67 billion potato servings out of home in the UK and chips continue to drive market growth, accounting for the majority of potato servings. Brian McCormack, who started the family potato business in the 1970s, said: “We hand-select only the finest grade, seasonal potato varieties for our new pre-prepared service and carry out stringent handling, eating-quality and flavour assessments. Right now we advocate Markies for the ultimate quality chips, roasties and wedges and offer them in pre-peeled whole or chipped formats. Pre-peeled Maris Pipers are currently our top choice for perfect boiled and mashed potatoes. We’re delighted to offer a new pre-peeled and chipped service and it underlines our commitment to continual investment and improvement.” For information on McCormack Potato’s services contact: Barry McCormack, Sales Director – T. 028 8778 4429; E: sales@mccormackpotato.co.uk; W: www.mccormackpotato.co.uk.

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Showcasing our heritage in quality food and drink by michele shirlow, chief executive, food ni

here could scarcely have been a better time to showcase our food and drink in Britain than on the eve of St Patrick’s Day, a key occasion within Year of Food & Drink’s theme for March – Heritage & Traditions. We organised a major promotional event in the House of Commons on March 16. It proved to be an immensely successful occasion that highlighted fantastic products from many local food and drink businesses to MPs, peers, officials and other visitors. Heritage and Traditions underpin the provenance which has long been such an 8 • •Ulster 3624 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

important feature of our food and drink. It’s a feature that commands the attention and respect of buyers, food writers and tourists. Indeed we can be proud of our tremendous heritage of quality, wholesome and safe food and drink production and processing ‘from field to fork’. Visitors were able to learn more about this heritage and to talk to many of the producers, both large and small, who are carrying it forward so enthusiastically through their dedication to the highest production standards and in the development of innovative food and drink for customers in the UK and other markets. Hundreds of quality and authentic products from our food and drink companies, mostly artisan and smaller businesses, were presented in one of the most important locations in the United Kingdom; an initiative supported by local politicians. On show were products from 14 Northern Ireland companies – everything from Irish

whiskey, tea, coffee and juices to meat, bakery, culinary oils, potatoes, eels, cheese and jams. We introduced politicians, officials and other guests to the superb flavours of Northern Ireland. They were also able to experience the rich flavours from Northern Ireland prepared by Paula McIntyre, a leading Northern Ireland chef and a great champion of artisan food and drink. It was a terrific opportunity to highlight the breadth and quality of the output from our processors and also our farmers in the ‘corridors of power’ at Westminster and was a further example of Food NI’s focus on intensely practical support for companies to expand sales in Great Britain, still our most important market outside Northern Ireland. Great Britain is also a market that’s easy to access and to service. It’s sound business sense to invest time and other resources on exploiting the huge opportunities there today. It imports upwards of £40bn of food and drink annually, which provides tremendous scope for both large and small companies and in all sectors of the Northern Ireland industry to grow sales there. Customers there are increasingly seeking to know more about who makes their food and where it comes from, a trend that benefits Northern Ireland because of our close proximity to this market and historic relationships. This is why we’ve been focusing resources on measures such as contacts with journalists, writers and, most recently, many of the most influential chefs - especially in the London area - to raise the profile of our food and drink in Britain. Our on going contacts with chefs in Britain are designed to encourage them to buy more of our products for their menus. Raising our profile there will increase awareness and boost sales.

Year of Food & Drink

continues with Heritage & Traditions MARCH 1 Bangor Beer Club - 8pm, The Salty Dog, Bangor Shortcross Gin Evening - Galgorm Resort & Spa MARCH 3 Comber Farmers’ Market - 9:30am-1:30pm, The Square, Comber MARCH 5 Year of Food & Drink Sampling - 10am-4pm, Tesco Newtownbreda MARCH 6 Mother’s Day specials Province-wide James Street South - 1-4pm MARCH 8-10 IFEX 2016 - Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast

MARCH 12 Artisan Chocolate Skills Workshop 10:30am-4pm, Ballycastle Town Centre

MARCH 19 Chocolate Ecstasy Tour - 11am-4:30pm, Neary Nogs, Belfast

MARCH 14 Four Seasons at Balloo/Tom Kitchin Dinner - 7-11pm, Balloo House, Comber Road, Killinchy

MARCH 19-20 LegenDerry Food Festival - 12-6pm, Guildhall Square, Derry~Londonderry Entertainment, excitement and local food.

MARCH 17 St Patrick’s Day specials Province-wide Salty Dog Gourmet Evening: Feast of Heritage – 7pm, Salty Dog, Bangor

MARCH 26 Ballymoney Market - 11am-3pm, Castlecroft Square

MARCH 18-20 St Patrick’s Day at St George’s Market Belfast Traditional music, special trader offers and family fun.

MARCH 28 Easter Market in Ballycastle - 11am-4pm, Marine Hotel, Ballycastle

The theme for April is Brewing & Distilling. For more information on getting involved in Year of Food & Drink 2016, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

Henderson’s highlights its 120 years of Heritage & Traditions A

s Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink continues with March’s theme of Heritage & Traditions, one of our leading local retailers and wholesalers is reflecting on its own local heritage and the support it has given to local farmers, growers and producers since 1897. Almost 120 years ago, John Henderson set up a stall selling locally-produced and churned butter, locally-laid eggs and local cheese. From this, a successful wholesale business followed, primarily selling out of St George’s Market, which of course has its own impressive heritage and is still thriving in 2016. Some years later, in 1923, the business was incorporated as a limited company. In 1929, William Agnew married John Henderson’s daughter and, in 1940, William joined the company as a salesman, taking a controlling interest when John Henderson retired three years later. William Agnew continued to run the company, with his son, John Agnew joining in 1957. John Agnew continues in his role to this day as Group chairman. ‘Local’ is a widely recognised value of the business, from staff and suppliers to local

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produce. The Group knows that shoppers’ demand for local produce will never wane, and Henderson Wholesale will continue their quest towards only providing locally-sourced produce for their retailers. At the moment, over 75% of fresh products are locally sourced by the Fresh Team at Henderson Wholesale. SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA retailers have a huge choice of fresh local products from the company’s own-brand label, enjoy local to the independent suppliers such as Irwin’s, Mash Direct and Clandeboye Yoghurt. Enjoy local has recently expanded, welcoming four further suppliers into the line; Cottage Catering in Dromore, McColgan’s in Strabane, Cookstown’s Big Pot Co. and Connelly Meats from Monaghan. This brings the amount of products within the enjoy local brand to 144 from 25 local suppliers. This expansion has been possible thanks

to the company’s continued investment to provide better services and opportunities for retailers, and choice for shoppers. In the past 12 months alone, Henderson Wholesale has invested £1m into fresh food. This follows the initial £25m invested in the agri-food industry to produce the own-brand label which launched in 2015. 2016 is the year when local food and drink will be honoured with themed months in Northern Ireland, and through their SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA branded stores and supermarkets. Henderson’s will continue to promote their local products, and champion their local suppliers like they have been doing for over 100 years.

THIS MONTH’S EVENTS:

Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 is a celebration of everything that makes local produce so good including epic landscapes, timehonoured traditions and the people and producers behind its food heritage. The theme for March is Heritage & Traditions.

Local business, Punjana, celebrates 120th ‘birth-tea’! T

he Thompson family, the family behind Northern Ireland’s best-selling tea, Punjana, is celebrating 120 years of importing and blending some of the world’s finest teas into Belfast.

In 1896 Robert Thompson trained in the art of tea tasting, and soon became known for his uncompromising devotion to quality. Third generation, Ross and David Thompson, share their grandfather’s passion and personally blend their range of award-winning teas.

R S Thompson

The state-of-the-art factory now produces tea for over a third of the country’s tea drinkers, equating to more than 50,000 cups of Punjana tea every hour (day and night). Joint Managing Director Ross personally tastes every blend to ensure the quality of Punjana meets the standard befitting Northern Ireland’s favourite cuppa.

Staff on a tea break at the Punjana Factory (L-R) Chloe Brooker, quality supervisor; Greg Earl, operations manager; and Christine McCluney, factory supervisor. Ross and David Thompson

Their quality approach has been endorsed by their considerable success in the prestigious Great Taste awards, where, over the last 10 years, the Punjana brand alone has won more gold awards than any other blended tea bag in these islands.

A selection of the Thompson’s award-winning product range.

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The Thompson family has come a long way since 1896, when tea was delivered in tea chests to grocer shops using public transport - with earliest packs of Punjana loose tea sold for just 2 shillings and 6 pence. The Thompsons, who created the Punjana brand name, inspired by an inscription carved on the Gillespie statue at Comber Square, launched with a TV advertisement which was to become one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic jingles. ‘Pick Punjana Tea’ was released coinciding with UTV’s first night of transmission in 1959.

Kenya tea garden pickers. A still from Punjana’s first TV advert.

As part of their anniversary, the family ventured back and explored the roots of their tea heritage with a dramatic journey from Kenya to Belfast, shown through an insightful video across their social media channels, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at the origins of the nation’s favourite cuppa.

Ross Thompson comments: “It takes a certain amount of courage to choose what is best over what is more profitable, so we stay focused on sourcing only the best possible tea leaves and can’t be persuaded by those which can be bought a little more cheaply from lesser gardens. Top quality Assam gardens have already held a strong fascination to generations of Thompson family tea tasters and it has undoubtedly helped to define the unique character and flavour of our hero brand, Punjana.” David Thompson, added: “Our exciting new range of Speciality Loose Leaf Teas has received significant recognition, winning dozens of Great Taste awards - gracing afternoon tea tables in exquisite locations throughout Northern Ireland, such as The Titanic Ballroom, National Trust properties and Hastings Hotels.”

Punjana Tea Dance visual.

Irish Open outdoor advertisement.

Aligning itself with local events, Punjana was appointed ‘official hot beverage’ to the Irish Open Golf Tournament, staged at the magnificent Royal County Down golf links and, in Belfast’s Ulster Hall, has helped revive an age-old tradition with their ever popular Punjana Tea Dances.

Visit ‘The Official Punjana Tea’ Facebook page. #DiscoverPunjana #120yearsoftea.

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GROCERYAID NEWS

Gillian Barker announces retirement from GroceryAid G

roceryAid, the charity for the grocery industry, has announced that its Director General Gillian Barker is to retire later this year. Barker has been with GroceryAid for 14 years, during which time the charity has grown from a benevolent fund with a turnover of £1.4, and 1,100 beneficiaries to an organisation with a net turnover in excess Gillian Barker of £4.5m supporting more than 10,000 current and former industry associates. “It is not without sadness that the time has come for me to say goodbye,” said Barker. “It has been so rewarding to work within this great industry on increasing the awareness of the charity and promoting the work that GroceryAid does. Every working day at GroceryAid has been a pleasure, thanks to the support of my great colleagues and Trustees. “I have thoroughly enjoyed all my years working in the grocery trade. All that has been achieved here at GroceryAid would not have been possible without the support of all those individuals who make this such a fantastic industry.” Barker has spent her entire career in the grocery industry.

Andrew Moore named new GroceryAid Fundraising president G

roceryAid is delighted to welcome Asda Chief Merchandising Officer Andrew Moore as new president of the GroceryAid Fundraising Committee. He will take over from Jason Tarry in April. “I am honoured to be taking on this role on behalf of Asda,” said Moore. Andrew “GroceryAid does important and fantastic Moore work helping colleagues in our industry and we are proud to continue our relationship with the charity.” Trevor Magill, wholesale director of Musgrave Wholesale Partners, has been elected chairperson of the GroceryAid Northern Ireland committee following the retirement of Cliff Kells from Tesco. Trevor “Cliff leaves very big shoes to fill, Magill having been chairman for the past nine years,” said Trevor. “However we have an enthusiastic committee and, with the continued great support from the food industry, I am confident that the charity will continue to prosper. On behalf of GroceryAid, I would like to thank Cliff for his hard work and dedication and wish him all the best with his retirement.”

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

With Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 now underway, this year’s Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are expected to be bigger and better than ever before.

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G rocer Market ingAwards ULSTER

2016

Shortlisted entries to be announced in the April issue Winners will be announced in the May issue

To book a table at the Awards, contact David Neill at david.neill@kerry.ie. The GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Gala Ball sells out fast, so don’t delay.

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

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G rocer Market ingAwards ULSTER

2016

Sponsors of this year’s Awards, and category winners from 2015, recently gathered at the Culloden Estate & Spa to officially launch the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2016, to be presented at the GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Ball on May 6

Pictured are, from left, John Hood (Invest NI – sponsor, Best Food Export Marketing), Ashling Curtis (Reach Retail – sponsor, Best Artisan Food Product Campaign), Julie McBride (FMI – sponsor, Best Marketing Campaign 2015), Brenda Mulligan (Henderson Group – 2015 winner, Joint Highly Commended Best Marketing Campaign, Green Retailer of the Year, Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion), Alyson Magee (Ulster Grocer), Stephen Lennie (Henderson Food Machinery – sponsor, Best Brand), Fiona Morgan (Newspread – sponsor, Best Artisan Food Product Campaign), Michelle Kearney (Ulster Grocer), Mark Beckett (Ulster Grocer), Tracy Hamilton (Mash Direct – 2015 winner, Best Food Export Marketing), Paul Gibson (Lidl – 2015 winner, Best Marketing Campaign) and Esther Jackson (White’s Oats – 2015 winner, Best New Product Launch/Relaunch).

G rocer Market ingAwards ULSTER

2016

Sponsored by:

Established FIELD MANAGEMENT IRELAND

1995

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

New advisory group to tackle manufacturing energy costs E

verything possible must be done to find a solution to combat energy costs for the manufacturing sector, according to Trade Minister Jonathan Bell. Recently announcing the establishment of an Energy and Manufacturing Advisory Group, the Minister said a strong, flourishing manufacturing sector was at the centre of the Executive’s vision for the Northern Ireland economy. “Recent job losses have shown that there is no room for complacency when it comes to manufacturing,” he said. “While we are doing well in the small to medium end, we need to ensure that large manufacturers can flourish and improve their efficiency in Northern Ireland. “Energy remains a significant challenge for manufacturing. While costs have fallen over the last 12 to 18 months and are now at a six year low in Northern Ireland, they have also fallen for our competitors so there is more to

be done. Trade Minister Jonathan Bell is pictured with David Dobbin, chairman of the new Energy and Manufacturing Advisory Group at Marlborough “Our job in government Engineering in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter. is to put the policies and strategies in place to support manufacturing but finding the solution to energy costs starts within manufacturing itself.” Dale Farm Group Chief Executive David Dobbin is to chair the Group and, with support from Ulster University Business School, expertise from across manufacturing and the energy sector will work together to find solutions. “Companies themselves are best placed to and recommendations, including identifying find effective energy solutions and strategies effective policies, strategies and examples that work for them; whether it is renewable of industry good practice, by March 1 electricity, combined heat and power or for inclusion in the forthcoming refreshed demand management,” said Bell. Economic Strategy and Strategic Energy The new Group was due to provide advice Framework.

Andrex demonstrates commitment to sustainability with launch of new Andrex A

ndrex, the UK’s leading toilet tissue brand, is fully committed to sustainability, and as part of its business strategy, is consistently looking for ways to become more sustainable through new innovation. The brand has long connected business growth to sustainable sourcing. Andrex owner Kimberly-Clark has a long-standing commitment to a 100% certified fibre supply and a preference for Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)-certified sourcing. The packaging used for dry Andrex toilet tissue is all recyclable and, in 2011, Andrex was the first branded bath tissue to use the new UK industry standard ‘Recycle Now’ logos to help consumers recycle packaging. The latest example of the brand’s commitment to developing new sustainable products is the launch of Andrex Classic White Compressed 16 Roll. A new innovation for the toilet tissue category in the UK, the roll is the same quantity and quality as the standard 16 Roll flat pack, compressed to make it 25% smaller; reducing the number of trucks on the road. Consumers simply squeeze the roll with their fingers to pop the core open and use as normal. The smaller compressed format contributes to a 25% reduction in trucks on the road and associated freight CO2 emissions in comparison to the 16 Roll flat pack; making it better for the environment - a powerful environmental message that has already resonated strongly with consumers. The Compressed pack has two facings, which allow the merchandise to be either front facing or side-on, giving retailers a second

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opportunity to effectively utilise their shelf space. “We’re excited about this new innovation as not only is it better for the environment, but there is absolutely no trade off on the product quality – it is simply the Classic White pack, just in a different format,” said Karel Van Der Mandele, marketing director for Family Care. The Andrex Classic White Compressed 16 roll is available to stock now. Andrex is also continuing to innovate on its moist portfolio. Moist toilet tissue is a fast-growing segment, and as more and more consumers adopt the ‘Clean Routine’ of using dry and moist tissue in tandem, ensuring the sustainability of Andrex Washlets is crucial. All Andrex moist toilet tissue products are biodegradable and Andrex has helped to drive high industry standards for ‘flushability’ to ensure that products don’t cause problems after use. They are made from 100% natural fibres, to help accelerate breakdown of the wipes once flushed.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

What impact will the Food Waste Regulations (Northern Ireland) have on my business? BY LOUISE COLL, ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR IN THE PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENTAL TEAM AT CLEAVER FULTON RANKIN, SOLICITORS

rom April 1, 2016, a change in the legislation, the Food Waste Regulations (NI) 2015 (‘the Regulations’), means a change in the waste collection requirements for food businesses. A business is classified as a food business if it is ‘an undertaking, whether carried on for profit or not, and whether public or private, carrying out any activity relating to the processing, distribution, preparation or sale of food’. The purpose of the Regulations in general is to provide for the separate collection of food waste and to place a duty on businesses to ensure food waste is not deposited in a lateral drain or sewer. It also places a duty on those who transport food waste to collect and transport such waste separately from other waste. From April 1, 2016, if you have a food business that produces 50kg or more of food waste per week, you must separate it from your landfill waste and have a separate collection in place to dispose of it. Food businesses include restaurants, cafes, shopping centre food courts, canteens, hotels, public houses that serve food, shops that sell food, supermarkets, schools and colleges that have canteens, as well as prisons, nursing homes and hospitals. It is the responsibility of each individual business to dispose of their waste in accordance with the Regulations. The new Regulations do not place obligations on house-holders and do not regulate for the disposal of beverages. The legislation sets out a series of regulatory requirements which come into force between 2015 and 2017. Other interesting developments relating to food waste include the recent adoption of a law in France banning supermarkets with a footprint of 400 square metres (4,305 square feet) from destroying unsold food. In addition, they must sign donation contracts with charities or face a penalty of €3,750 (£2,900). In England the Food Waste Bill was due to have its second reading to Parliament on March 4, 2016. The proposed bill would require supermarkets to donate unsold foods that are fit for human consumption for distribution. It will be interesting to see if this becomes an emerging trend throughout Europe.

This article has been produced for general information purposes and further advice should be sought from a professional advisor. Please contact our Planning and Environmental Team at Cleaver Fulton Rankin for further advice or information.

Please contact Cleaver Fulton Rankin on 028 90 243 141 or alternatively visit www.cfrlaw.co.uk 8 • •Ulster 3636 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

TAAP helps Tesco reduce surplus food waste T

AAP, a UK-based provider of mobile technology and easy-touse software, has developed a Food Surplus Application to assist with the disposal of surplus food waste in the retail sector. It is currently being deployed by Tesco into its estate of stores in the UK, and integrates with systems from Tesco partners – FoodCloud and Fare Share. When the rollout is complete, it will be in over 1,000 UK stores. Figures show that even though only 1% of food waste is generated by supermarkets, 55,400 tonnes of food was thrown away at Tesco stores in 2015, of which 30,000 tonnes could have been eaten equivalent to over 70 million meals. Using the Food Surplus Application, Tesco will deliver surplus food to charities in close proximity to its stores rather than throwing away perfectly good food. “We were very pleased to be selected to support Tesco in delivering this socially responsible project,” said Steve Higgon, CEO of TAAP. TAAP’s Food Surplus Application was first implemented and deployed to a number of test stores at Christmas 2015, and is now being rolled out to larger Tesco stores, with the aim to have completed the rollout and training by the yearend. Beyond technical delivery of the application, there are logistics involved around finding and working with charities and volunteers local to the stores, in addition to working around the days volunteers are available to collect, deliver, and distribute surplus food to people who could benefit from the service. The Food Surplus Application is available to all food retailers and can be used to query product, pricing, and waste services, in order to provide an audit trail and definitive record of which organisations receive which surplus products. The fully-integrated solution calls against Tesco’s internal data for product, pricing and waste systems. However, to ensure the system can be used by other retailers, it has been designed to allow those interfaces to be easily replaced with calls to any client’s own product, pricing and waste services data. The platform is flexible and adaptable to a client’s specific needs. The system uses barcode scanners on mobile devices to scan existing product data. At the point of scanning, the retail user indicates if the item can be donated, or is excluded. Donations (estimates) are posted, then accepted, by FoodCloud. Once accepted, the Food Surplus Application builds ‘virtual baskets’ into which the respective stores scan each product to record a complete audit trail of donations by weight, quantity, price and who they have gone to. This data is passed back to FoodCloud, and Tesco can mark the product as ‘waste.’ FareShare runs the platform via FoodCloud, by setting up the charities and co-ordinating associated activity. The system contains a training mode so that new staff/colleagues can be trained on a test account to assist with staff churn. Managers are able to receive notifications to advise when donations should have occurred, when product is wasted because the charity hasn’t collected the items, or has been collected. Tesco store internal operations are able to define store IDs, permitted categories of food donation by store, training modes and so on.

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Palmer & Harvey celebrates sustainability success after recycling effort P

almer and Harvey, the UK’s leading delivered wholesaler, successfully diverted over 99% of its general waste from landfill in 2015. Thirteen of its distribution centres achieved the 100% figure and, overall, 99.6% of all general waste across the business was diverted from landfill. An ongoing project over the past five years has seen the figure increase from 93%. In 2015, Palmer and Harvey recycled some 3,664 tonnes of cardboard and 600 tonnes of plastic wrapping. This has increased dramatically since the inception of the Costcutter contract with, as part of the agreement, drivers bringing back cardboard and plastic packaging from retailers for recycling. Without this service, the rubbish would have gone into the general waste collection. Sustainability is a key issue for Palmer and Harvey, with its employees actively ensuring waste is segregated and recycling plastic, cardboard, paper, glass, batteries and metals.

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Thanks in part to these efforts, Palmer and Harvey has been certified to the ISO 14001-2004 environmental standard for 12 years. As part of the objectives, a five-year plan was launched in 2012 with the aim of achieving 99% diversion from landfill. “As a business we are continuously

driving operational efficiencies,” said Mark Leonard, director of Group Operations at Palmer and Harvey. “This latest news demonstrates that we can provide added value for our customers, by saving them time and money, as well as showing our ongoing commitment to sustainability.”

ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

New food legislation to impact businesses I

n Northern Ireland each year, around 150,000 tonnes of food fails to be recycled and instead is sent to landfill. In response to this major issue, new legislation is being introduced on April 1, 2016 to tackle the matter and, as the threshold stands at 50kg, many cafes, hotels, restaurants and retailers stand to be caught up in this new legislation. Pamela Jordan, of RiverRidge Recycling, Northern Ireland’s largest waste management company, says: “This new legislation has outlined that any business producing more than 50kg of food waste per week must present this waste separately from other waste streams in a dedicated container for collection. “For many businesses, this may sound like a lot of unnecessary effort but it is necessary if they are to avoid penalties. Luckily I’m able to reassure all businesses, which the new legislation applies to, that with the correct waste management partner this change can be very simple and the business can in fact save money. “At RiverRidge Recycling, we’ve the right tools to help businesses reduce food waste with ease, and our highly efficient and effective procedures will ensure your businesses comply continuously with legislation, in order to save them money, year after year. “We take pride in helping business with

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identifying ways to extract savings by developing a waste management strategy that is bespoke to that particular business. This is achieved through our free waste management audit which allows us to identify the most cost-effective and efficient solution to managing your waste streams. “Currently we manage food waste services for a number of food manufacturing and retail businesses across Northern Ireland. We have always pursued a zero to landfill policy with food waste and are continually investigating new and more efficient landfill diversion strategies.” It is also anticipated that these changes will lead to economic gains and environmental benefits for Northern Ireland. It is reported the legislation aims to prevent the equivalent of 27 million tonnes of greenhouse gases. “At RiverRidge Recycling we view new legislation as a triple benefit, reduction in the

Pamela Jordan

amount of food waste sent to landfill, businesses can save money and lastly you can help our environment,” says Jordan. “Central to our strategy is supporting our green economy and new legislation allows businesses to play a part in making our environment a much greener and safer place to live for all.”

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

BREXIT issues must be debated says UFU

oth sides in the debate on the EU referendum need to set out, in detail, their vision of the future for agriculture in or out of the EU and the Common Agricultural Policy, says UFU. However it says that, to date, no ‘compelling argument’ has been made that agriculture would be better off outside the EU, and that those supporting Brexit need to rise to that challenge. The CAP is worth over £230m a year to farmers in NI. “We want this to be an informed debate,” said Ian Marshall, president of UFU. “For farmers, future financial support is the central issue. Tackling this is our current priority, but we will do all we can to encourage debate before the referendum – including bringing both sides together to make their case to farmers. “The CAP is vital for farm incomes and no alternative support measures have been put forward by Brexit advocates. In addition the EU is our biggest export market, and we would need firm assurances about access to that market, should the UK vote to leave. “We recognise the many problems of the CAP and have real concerns about the bureaucracy that surrounds it. This has to change, and if the UK remains in the EU, we would hope the government would be more vocal in pressing for that to happen.”

Agri-food advice: Tax changes on buy-to-let residential properties By Seamus McCaffrey, managing director of Omagh-based Matrix Business Services and expert columnist for UG covering tax and business issues.

evenue & Customs has recently announced a number of changes in the taxation of rental income from residential properties. Firstly, Revenue has been issuing questionnaires to people who own and rent out properties to establish whether or not they pay National Insurance on their income. There is a statutory get-out - where net rental income is less than the small earnings exception limit of £5,965 for 2015-16, no National Insurance is payable. If the net rental income is greater than £5,965per year, we can rely on the Special Commissioners’ case of Rashid v. Garcia (2002). In this case, the Commissioner ruled that the number of properties let and the amount of work put in by the landlord was not enough to categorise the income as being liable for National Insurance. Secondly, with effect from April 6, no deduction for Wear and Tear can be made against rental income from residential properties. The normal claim for Wear and Tear was 10% of the rental income less rates and insurance. The Wear and Tear claim is replaced by a claim for actual expenditure incurred in repairs, supported by an invoice and evidence of payment. Thirdly, with effect from April 6, there is a 3% Stamp Duty Land Tax surcharge on properties costing £40,000 or more used for residential letting. However, it would appear that the surcharge does not apply where a company acquires a residential property with the intention of development, but lets the property for a period before the commencement of the development. Fourthly, tax relief on borrowings to finance the purchase of buy-to-let dwelling houses is to be restricted. The changes are phased in over three years, starting from April 6, 2017. The effect of the rules is to restrict tax relief to the basic rate of tax, with the new rules applying to 25% of the relevant interest in the first year, 50% in the second and 75% in the third. The new rules do not apply to a business dealing in property or developing a property for sale, only to domestic property letting. The rules apply to individuals, partnerships and limited liability partnerships, but do not apply to limited companies. The fact that the new rules do not apply to companies, may increase the attraction of operating a residential property lettings business through a company. However, there are many factors to consider in selecting the appropriate structure: stamp duty land tax, capital gains tax and any annual profits required to be extracted from the company. Finally, with effect from April 6, 2019, capital gains tax on profit generated from the sale of residential buy-to-let is payable within 30 days of the sale of the property. The many changes in the taxation of residential buy-to-let properties are likely to have a significant effect on the economics of buy to let residential. Detailed consultation with solicitor and accountant, together with in-depth tax planning are now required.

Breakfast TV presenter turns auctioneer in Ulster I

Bill Turnbull

n one of his first public engagements since retiring as a BBC TV breakfast presenter, Bill Turnbull was scheduled to appear as a charity auctioneer during the Gala Dinner and Charity Auction of the Ulster Beekeepers Association on March 12. To be held at the Dunadry Hotel in Antrim, the gala event is part of the Association’s two-day conference at nearby Greenmount College, with 200 guests raising funds for Bees for Development, which helps people and their environment in developing nations. A patron of Bees for Development, Turnbull is one of the UK’s best known beekeepers and is backing this drive by fellow enthusiasts to raise £10,000 for a very practical self help charity. All four main beekeeping organisations on this island are supporting the event, including the Institute of NI Beekeepers of which Turnbull is president.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

Platinum sponsors continue support of Balmoral Show RUAS Chief Executive Colin McDonald celebrates the Balmoral Show 2016 platinum sponsors announcement with Bronagh Luke (Henderson Group/SPAR), Paul Gibson (Lidl), Stephen Murphy (Tesco), Patrice Ash (M&S) and George Mullan (ABP).

he Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank, has welcomed continued platinum sponsorship from SPAR, M&S, ABP, Tesco and LIDL for its 148th Show to be held over May 11-13 at Balmoral Park. “The close relationship with our platinum sponsors continues to grow from strength to strength,” said Colin McDonald, chief executive of RUAS. “Being associated with such key players in the agri-food sector helps the Balmoral Show promote agricultural excellence from the primary producers, through the processors, the new product innovators and the secure supply chain that delivers our food to the shop shelf.”

Sean Largey, commercial manager at Tesco NI, said: “The Balmoral Show is a key event in the Tesco Taste Northern Ireland campaign, at which we are able to share our support for local farmers and rural communities with visitors to the event. We are delighted to sponsor a wide range of activities at the Show including the popular Tesco Children’s Farm, Commercial Cattle classes and the helpful Tesco Showmakers. In addition, the Tesco Taste Northern Ireland cookery theatre will be cooking up a storm in the Food NI marquee.” Patrice Ash, M&S Lisburn manager, said: “Marks & Spencer is a long-standing sponsor and trade exhibitor at Balmoral Show and

UFU raises concerns over bank reports U

lster Farmers’ Union (UFU) says it is ‘seriously concerned’ by suggestions the Ulster Bank is adopting a significantly tougher approach towards some farm businesses. Reports have suggested the bank is giving farmers a number of stark choices, including immediate repayment or seeing their debt sold to a third party. “If this is the case, it is unacceptable and goes against all the assurances we have had in discussions with all the banks about how to handle the crisis farming families are going through,” said Ian Marshall, president of UFU. “He added that this draconian approach, even if it involves only a small number of farms, overturns years when banks recognised that farming went through occasional tough times, but was ultimately good business.” Marshall said he had contacted the Ulster Bank and Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill to raise his concerns.

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we’re proud to once again be supporting as a platinum sponsor in 2016. We will be sponsoring a selection of the beef livestock classes and look forward to welcoming many of our local producers to the cattle lawns at Balmoral Park. “Once again, we will be hosting the Farming for the Future Awards, a unique programme to help M&S supply partners and the wider farming community adapt to the challenges ahead.” Liam McCarthy, ABP Supply Chain Development manager, said: “ABP has increased its sponsorship and will be supporting a number of sheep classes this year, alongside our regular funding of beef cattle.” Paul Gibson, Sales Operations executive, Lidl Northern Ireland, said: “This sponsorship demonstrates our ongoing commitment to Northern Ireland and supporting the agrifood industry is central to that commitment.” Rounding up the platinum sponsors, Bronagh Luke, head of Corporate Marketing at the Henderson Group, said: “We are absolutely delighted to once again be supporting the Balmoral Show as a platinum sponsor for the sixth consecutive year. Balmoral Show is the heart and soul of the agri-community in Northern Ireland, and SPAR is proud to operate at the heart of Northern Ireland’s communities. “We will once again sponsor the SPAR family arena and we have an exciting array of activities planned, including cookery demonstrations from chef Paula McIntyre. We are again looking forward to showing our appreciation to our local suppliers at our annual Local Supplier Awards event.”

Dairy industry plea for Government help D

airy UK has urged the UK government to ‘lend its full weight’ to extend intervention, so as to create outlets for dairy products this spring and summer in the face of the threat posed by a growing oversupply in EU dairy produce. Dairy UK Chairman Dr David Dobbin has written to Farming Minister George Eustice to raise concerns about the rapidly increasing amount of skimmed milk powder being submitted into intervention. In his letter, Dr Dobbin says: ‘Despite depressed returns, the growth in global milk production, especially from Europe including the UK, is still rising and running well ahead of global demand. As a result, stocks of powder, butter and cheese are high and skimmed milk is being intervened across Europe, including the UK.’ Dr Dobbin said if the current milk supply production profile is maintained, the UK dairy industry is facing a large surplus of milk over immediate demand this spring peak.

Marketing news

Northern Irish pork industry launches ‘buy local’ drive L

ocal consumers are being urged by the Northern Ireland Pork and Bacon Forum to buy NI ‘Assured Origin’ pork in a bid to sustain the pig farming sector, which supports over 400 farming families and 2,000 local jobs. The call comes following a ‘challenging’ year with falling prices set to continue, according to Deirdre McIvor, chief executive of the NI Pork and Bacon Forum which represents the local pigmeat industry. “A variety of global market factors have resulted in difficult trading conditions – cheaper imports are coming into Northern Ireland which are creating a very challenging environment for producers and processors,” she said. “It is more important than ever that consumers buy Northern Ireland pork, as not only are they buying a product which has been produced to the highest quality standards in Europe, but they are helping to support our economy which includes our pig producers and thousands of people who are employed throughout the industry supply chain.” “A ‘buy local’ campaign last year was supported by high profile retailers including Tesco, Lidl, Asda and Spar. They all committed to stocking products carrying the ‘Assured Origin’ label – and this year the forum aims to continue that engagement with retail partners to ‘further champion Northern Ireland pork’.” The new 2016 campaign links in with Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink, and kicked off with a series of cookery videos on social media showcasing recipes designed to encourage consumers to cook with ‘Assured Origin’ products.

Bodyform launches campaign for new period ‘femojis’

ollowing the success of its Live Fearless campaign, which encourages and inspires women to be confident and daring in how they approach life, Bodyform is continuing to challenge category stereotypes with a new global campaign that calls for period emojis, or ‘femojis’, to be added to the official Unicode keyboard. With recent research revealing that up to half (45%) of UK women and girls find it difficult to talk about their periods with friends and family, the campaign aims to transform the consumer mind-set when it comes to feminine protection by helping women to overcome the social barrier of discussing their periods. What’s more, with emojis quickly becoming the fastest growing form of language in history and four out of five UK women and girls admitting they find emojis a useful way to express their feelings*, femojis are the perfect medium to generate conversation around this potentially uncomfortable subject matter. To tackle this head on, the six new femojis, which include icons to depict pads and periods as well as cramps, PMS, spots and bloating, enable women to express their thoughts and feelings in a more practical and engaging medium – reducing embarrassment, anxiety

and lack of confidence when it comes to broaching the subject of menstruation. Bodyform will launch its disruptive campaign with a call to action, inviting consumers to sign up to a petition to encourage Unicode to include six new femojis on the emoji keyboard to help girls and women talk more openly about their periods. Housed on Change.org, the petition aims to drive participation and motivate positive change – encouraging consumers to think differently about menstruation and the feminine protection market. The Change.org petition is already live, and you can sign up to it at: https://www.change.org/femojis-uk.

Forest Feasts fuels swimming stars of the future M

Commonwealth Junior Swimming Champion Conor Ferguson and Butterfly Junior Irish record holder Emma Reid joined young swimmers in Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex to officially launch the Forest Feast AquaSprint Junior Swimming League.

ulti-award winning dried fruit and nut business Forest Feast has renewed its sponsorship of Swim Ulster’s AquaSprint Junior Swimming League for the sixth year running. Hotly tipped to be a future Olympic Games contender, Commonwealth Junior Swimming Champion Conor Ferguson and Butterfly Junior Irish record holder Emma Reid, joined young swimmers in Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex to officially launch the partnership renewal and 30th anniversary celebrations. The annual Forest Feast AquaSprint Junior Swimming League sees more than 1,500 young swimmers from 25 clubs across Ulster compete in a series of league fixtures in four divisions, culminating in eagerly anticipated league finals in June 2016. Conor and Emma, both previous AquaSprint Club captains, took timeout at the launch to motivate and encourage the young competitors as they look forward to an exciting season of racing. “We are delighted to welcome Conor and Emma as this year’s AquaSprint ambassadors, helping us kick off an exciting season of competitions,” said Cara Gribben of Forest Feast.

EXPORT NEWS

Export-led growth essential to development of economic growth T

rade Minister Jonathan Bell has launched an Export Matters Action Plan, developed in conjunction with Invest Northern Ireland and IntertradeIreland to encourage companies in Northern Ireland to be active and successful in selling in a global market. “Export-led growth is essential to the development of economic growth and helps underpin sustainable job opportunities which can have a substantial ripple effect across the economy,” said Bell. “Growing our economy through increasing exports and external sales in Northern Ireland is the key aim of the Export Matters Action Plan. Our ambition

is twofold; to grow the value of exports and external sales outside NI by 80% by 2025 and increase the number of local businesses engaged in sales outside Northern Ireland. “It is through the implementation of Export Matters, we are seeking to assist those firms who are already competing successfully overseas as well as looking to find and support new exporters in order to increase and diversify our export base.” Key actions of the plan include: · The establishment of an Exports Forum – comprising Government, export support providers, local Government and businesses. · The development of a composite Trade

Trade Minister Jonathan Bell is pictured with Jacqui Dixon, chief executive, Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council and Trevor Lockhart, chief executive, Fane Valley.

Development and Overseas Event Programme across all export support providers. · The development and utilisation of the new Broad Economy Sales and Exports Sales Measure to provide a timely and reliable indicator of all manufacturing and services sales outside Northern Ireland.

Raising a glass to exports at The Old Bushmills Distillery

“E

xport is at the heart of our continuing success story,” according to David Gosnell, chairman of The Old Bushmills Distillery, one of Northern Ireland’s leading and oldest exporters. Gosnell was speaking at a Danske Bank Export First event held earlier this month at the world-famous Old Bushmills Distillery. The event formed part of the Danske Bank Export First programme, a business-

led support initiative by NI Chamber in partnership with Danske Bank and airlines partner Etihad. Speaking to an audience of 75 local businesses, the Old Bushmills Distillery chairman shared the inspirational story of how Old Bushmills Distillery continues to be a global leader in its field of hand-crafted, small-batch Irish whiskey. “The Old Bushmills Distillery has its heritage firmly rooted in authenticity and quality,” said Gosnell. “Bushmills Irish Whiskey is produced, aged and bottled at Ireland’s oldest working whiskey distillery, over 400 years old, in the village of Bushmills in Co Antrim. “Over the years Bushmills Irish Whiskey has won many awards not only for

its outstanding liquid but also for export and most notable in recent years, winning the Queens Award for Export in 1986 and again in 1991. “Our most recent export launch was The Steamship Collection which celebrates the 125th anniversary of the epic maiden voyage of the steamship SS Bushmills which took our whiskey to new corners of the world and indeed we are still exporting to over 40 countries worldwide. Export is at the heart of our continuing success story of Bushmills.” Ann McGregor, chief executive of NI Chamber, said: “We are hopeful that the forthcoming Export Matters Action Plan to be released by DETI during 2016 will provide a route map to increased export activity. The Department is committed to putting this proposal out to consultation in early 2016 and NI Chamber is part of a panel involved in the process to move forward on the Export Matters Action Plan.”

Pictured are Aaron Ennis (Danske Bank); Ann McGregor (NI Chamber); Minister Jonathan Bell; and David Gosnell (Old Bushmills Distillery).

Hannan Meats secures Intercontinental Hotel Groups contract

annan Meats has created gourmet burgers for the Stock Burger Co, the new restaurant and craft beer initiative being developed by the global Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG). The burgers are specially made from 100% Glenarm Shorthorn beef sourced by Hannan Meats in Moira, Co Armagh. IHG is developing a network of Stock Burger Co restaurants at its Holiday Inn chain. Hannan Meats is also supplying beef short ribs and rump steak aged in the company’s Himalayan salt chamber, the largest of its type in the UK and Ireland, to Stock Burger Co. 8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

The first Stock Burger Co restaurant and bar opened in January as part of a £3.5m development of the Holiday Inn in Brighton. “We were delighted to have been invited by the Stock Burger Co to develop a unique and outstandingly tasty burger for what is an immensely exciting IHG project that focuses on artisan food and drink producers,” said Peter Hannan. “It’s a very timely development that harnesses the tremendous potential of the fast growing artisan sector in the UK and will offer many of these smaller and quality-conscious enterprises a tremendous opportunity to grow sales. IHG is recognising

the premium quality and innovation that underpins the artisan food sector.” Simon Burdess, IHG vice president, food and beverage, Europe, said: “The launch of Stock Burger Co continues the story of IHG’s renewed vigour in the food and beverage area. Pete Hannan is making a burger for us exclusively from that product and it is truly amazing. There are nine classic burgers, including the Craft Beer burger, in which we use the Stock Burger IPA in the sauce.” Stock Burger Co takes inspiration from the growing gourmet burger and craft beer market. 43

TRANSPORT NEWS

Royal Mail joins the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme

he UK’s leading postal provider, Royal Mail, has joined the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS) to demonstrate its commitment to reducing carbon from road freight. Rachael Dillon The LCRS, which is managed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA) is a voluntary initiative to record, report and reduce carbon emissions from road transport. The scheme demonstrates the efforts of industry to cut carbon emissions and contribute to national carbon reduction targets. “The FTA is pleased to welcome Royal Mail to a growing number of companies that are focused on making carbon reduction and fuel efficiency a priority within their fleet operations,” said Rachael Dillon, FTA’s Climate Change Policy manager. “The scheme is free of charge and easy to take part in, whether you have one or 1000 vehicles. I’d encourage more companies to join this initiative.”

8 • •Ulster 3644 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

FTA searches for country’s top truck driver T

he search is on for the country’s top truck driver with the launch of the 44 tonne – heavy vehicle category in the FTA Truck Driver of the Year 2016 competition, in association with Mercedes-Benz Trucks. Drivers in this category of the contest are highly skilled professionals, travelling long distances often on long-haul journeys. Following the successful annual Van Excellence Driver of the Year event, FTA has, for 2016, introduced three separate contests celebrating the skills and abilities of professional drivers across the freight and logistics sector. Open to FTA members only, the competition will test driving skills (fuel economy and driver behaviour), manoeuvring ability, the drivers’ risk awareness, legislative knowledge and ability to identify pre-use vehicle defects. The 18-tonne, 44-tonne and van driver of the year contests will be held at

Mercedes-Benz, Wentworth Park, Barnsley, from July 12-14. “We’re delighted to be associated with the 2016 FTA Truck Driver of the Year competition, 44 tonnes, and host the event at Mercedes-Benz Wentworth Park, Tankersley, our new and used truck preparation facility,” said Mike Belk, managing director – Trucks, MercedesBenz UK. “Truck drivers deliver 85% of everything we touch and recognising their skills helps us highlight how important they are. Mercedes-Benz Trucks places a huge focus on both their role and their wellbeing, which is clearly demonstrated in the high levels of comfort and safety we build into the vehicles they drive. Good luck to all those entering.” Further information on the 2016 Driver of the Year competition can be found at http://www.fta.co.uk/events/driver-of-theyear-2016.html

BUSINESS news

Belfast business offers solutions to living wage concerns

FSB launches policy blueprint to boost business support

pecialist Cost Auditors (SCA) in Belfast has launched a new product it claims could help local companies in sectors such as hospitality and food processing address cost challenges from the forthcoming increase in the national living wage. The company says it can help companies offset the added cost by reducing gross payroll by up to 3%. “For example, if a company’s annual payroll costs £1m, SCA will now be able to rebate up to £30,000 spread over out over the 12 months of the year,” said John McGowan, business development director at SCA. “The significance of this is massive as it will provide much needed extra cash flow. “We are already saving many companies, both here in Northern Ireland, in Great Britain, and south of the border in southern Ireland with this payroll concept. One such company is Cherry Pipes, which has factories in Loughgall and Lurgan. “There are more than 500 companies across many business sectors here in Northern Ireland and in mainland UK using this concept; they understandably all have very serious concerns about the rise in the national living wage that comes into operation in April. “Concern is strongest in traditional low margin sectors such as catering, hospitality, construction and food and farming, an industry we are justifiably celebrated in the Year of Food & Drink campaign. “For many local businesses the only realistic option is a forensic review by experts of existing input costs to achieve significant savings.”

ith over a quarter (27%) of small businesses in Northern Ireland highlighting lack of business support as a primary obstacle to business success – FSB has published a policy paper detailing how existing initiatives can be more effectively drawn down. In addition to Northern Ireland having the lowest business birth rate in the UK, the figures obtained from FSB-commissioned research, conducted by the Ulster Business School in November, demonstrates the need for co-ordinated action to ensure better signposting and advice on government-funded business support offered by over 200 public funded organisations. The FSB policy discussion paper, Business Support in Northern Ireland, outlines how the myriad of advice and support for local small businesses can be made readily accessible to small businesses through a local Small Business Advice Centre Network operating throughout Northern Ireland and a Small Business Advocate. “Northern Ireland is a small business economy, accounting for over 75% of private sector turnover in Northern Ireland and sustaining more jobs than all large businesses and the public sector combined,” said Wilfred Mitchell OBE, policy chair for Northern Ireland. “Proportionately, the Northern Ireland economy has a greater reliance on small businesses than the UK as a whole, making protection and promotion of SMEs in Northern Ireland vital to boost the local economy.” For more information visit www.fsb.org.uk.

TOBACCO news

Sales momentum and partnerships take JTI to the top

TI’s sustained strategy of investing in its brands, people and the trade means it is now the number one tobacco manufacturer in the UK, according to the company, citing statistics from Nielsen1. Reaching this milestone, with a 42.4%i share of the £15bn tobacco market2, JTI’s portfolio of best-selling brands represents an ever increasing contribution to retailer tobacco sales. JTI has established itself at the top with the number one cigarette brand in Sterling and the number one RYO

brand Amber Leafi. JTI continues to invest in the trade through a combination of an award-winning sales force, merchandising solutions, JTI Advance, retailer engagement events and a Customer Careline, while offering a complete support package to help retailers maximise sales from tobacco. “JTI’s investment in its brands, people and the trade has been backed up by great partnerships, and on reaching this significant landmark JTI would especially like to thank

our trade partners for their support in making this happen,” said Daniel Sciamma, managing director UK of JTI. “At a time when there are new challenges and further restrictions due to come into force later this year, having the momentum behind our brands and becoming the number one tobacco manufacturer is very well timed.” 1: Nielsen Market Track December 2015 – combined cigarettes and RYO volume (RYO converted at 0.4g per stick); 2: JTI Estimates 2015

MultiCIG named UK’s biggest independent e-cig brand

ritish e-cigarette brand multiCIG has been named the UK’s biggest independent producer of electronic vaping devices. The Grocer recently published The Top Product Survey of 2015, using information compiled by consumer analysis group Nielsen, which revealed multiCIG as the largest and fastest growing independent e-cigarette brand in the UK, and the fifth largest e-cigarette brand overall.

multiCIG also showcased the biggest sales increase over the entire category, at 2,882%, compared to that of many tobacco rivals and other independents. “mutiCIG are delighted with these latest results,” said Christian Mulcahy, business development director at multiCIG. “Not only does the Nielsen data highlight the success multiCIG has achieved over 2015, but it also gives an indication for the future of

e-cigarettes in 2016. The data showed a total category increase in sales of 18.6%, proving that electronic devices remain extremely popular as an alternative to traditional tobacco.” Since its launch in 2013, multiCIG has won several awards, most recently receiving the Retail Industry Award for Best Product Launch of the Year for its range of multiVAPE e-liquids in September. 45

BUSINESS news

Northern Irish food firms among LSE’s most inspiring T

hree food processing companies are among six from the Northern Ireland agrifood industry included in a major report by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSE Group) on the UK’s 1,000 Most Inspiring Companies. The influential study lists Ballygarvey Free-Range Eggs from Ballymena, Genesis Crafty of Magherafelt and Unimush Ireland, Armagh, among a total of 21 companies from Northern Ireland. Ballygarvey has been producing free-range eggs since the 1960s. Genesis Crafty is now one of Northern Ireland’s most successful artisan enterprises with volume capability. It supplies traditional Northern Irish breads and other bakery products to multiple retailers throughout the UK and Republic of Ireland. Unimush is a leading supplier of stuffed mushrooms to retailers in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain. The other Northern Ireland agri-food companies listed by LSE Group are Mackle Pet Foods, Dungannon, Mount Charles Group, Belfast, a major supplier to foodservices and North Down Grain in Newtownards, a distributor of farm products and chemicals. The LSE report says ‘an insatiable appetite for the artisan, the alternative and the adventurous is helping feed the success of the UK’s food and drink industry, a key ingredient in the nation’s economic prosperity’. The study highlights the UK’s fastest growing small and medium sized enterprises based on turnover and profitability. They have achieved an annual growth rate of 50%. “High growth SMEs are the driving force behind the UK economy, developing the skills, jobs and growth we need,” said Xavier Rolet, chief executive of London Stock Exchange Group. “But ambition alone is not enough; their success must be highlighted and their growth properly supported with appropriate finance.”

NI small businesses could still be swayed, says FSB

significant proportion (43%) of the Northern Ireland small business vote on the EU Referendum could still be swayed, according to a snap poll published by FSB last month. In the first business survey conducted since the announcement of June 23 as the EU Referendum date, over half (55%) of small businesses questioned in Northern Ireland responded they did not feel informed about the forthcoming referendum. The survey also determined the areas in which small businesses are seeking further clarity. Across the UK, three out of four (75%) FSB members raised EU governance – ie how decisions are made within the EU – as the area that would have the highest influence on how they plan to vote. Other areas that scored highly included the free movement of people (70%), the cost of EU membership (69%), the administrative burden of regulation (68%) and the economic impact on the UK (64%). The FSB is neutral in the EU referendum debate and advises both the ‘Remain’ and ‘Leave’ groups to focus on these issues.

First Minister opens new Priory Press Packaging premises

First Minister Arlene Foster is pictured with Priory Press Packaging founder Ernest McConville and Managing Associate Mark McConville.

irst Minister Arlene Foster officially opened the new premises of Priory Press Packaging in Conlig, Newtownards earlier this month. Priory Press Packaging designs and manufactures carton board printed packaging for the food, health and beauty, gift and homeware sectors in the UK, Ireland and further afield. The First Minister cut a ceremonial ribbon upon entering the new premises, and took in an extensive tour of the impressive new facilities including the design studio, food prep and photography kitchen, and large production floor. This time last year, the family-run company operated under two roofs in Holywood and Bangor. The move, which was supported by Invest NI and Danske Bank, is part of the company’s growth strategy, whereby making the move to larger premises has secured more space needed for new machinery in order to offer existing and new customers a more efficient and quality driven service.

APPOINTMENTS

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New commercial manager appointed at Tesco NI Sean Largey

former stores director of Tesco Northern Ireland has been appointed as its new commercial manager. Sean Largey’s appointment will see him succeed Cliff Kells in the role, where he will lead a commercial buying team at Tesco Northern Ireland’s headquarters in

Newtownabbey. He will be responsible for all the commercial functions within Northern Ireland including the procurement of local food and drink products, currently at an annual value of over £550m. He will form dynamic links with suppliers and key stakeholders within Northern Ireland’s food and drinks industry to enhance Tesco’s compelling local offer, bringing to the table an unrivalled insight into customers that will ensure Northern Ireland customers benefit from a bolstered commercial function. Largey has enjoyed a 19-year career with the retailer, where he acted as store manager before moving into a stores director role, responsible for approximately 4,500 colleagues across 21 stores. “It is a great honour to take up the post as commercial manager at Tesco Northern Ireland, and even more so to succeed such a prolific figure as Cliff Kells,” said Largey. “For 20 years, Tesco has been supporting, and investing in, local food and drink businesses,

helping to bring their products to market, both here and in our UK stores. This has largely been dictated by customer demand, as interest and desire for locally-grown produce has increased over the years.” Brendan Guidera, director at Tesco Northern Ireland, said: “Paramount to Sean’s appointment was his leadership experience and, most importantly, his undisputable customer focus. He has a successful legacy at Tesco plc of managing stores and staff in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland and has played a key role to date in shaping and implementing regional strategy. “His years in store have allowed him to remain at the coalface, interacting with customers and seeing first hand what products they come in to purchase, and where the gaps may be. This knowledge is invaluable in this role as it means Tesco Northern Ireland can ensure it continues to respond to what stakeholders, especially customers, want from the regional product offer.”

Mount Charles Group bolsters senior team F oodservice and business outsourcing company The Mount Charles Group has announced the appointment of Leann Duffy as Group director of catering. Duffy joins the company from Marks & Spencer, where she spent 3.5 years in various roles including head of Hospitality Operations in Ireland, ending in her most recent role as head of Bakery Operations for its in-store hospitality department, managing 530 units across the UK and Ireland. Prior to this, she was the Ireland manager for the Compass Group. Her new position will include responsibility for the company’s extensive portfolio of catering, beverage and vending operations, which includes the Moy Park Group, Belfast International Airport and

Ulster Rugby, as well as a number of high street cafes and restaurants. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge of this new role with the Mount Charles Group,” said Duffy. “It’s a homegrown, local company that prides itself on offering a personal, tailored service and that’s something that really appealed to me, as it’s unique in a marketplace crowded with large multinational firms. “In my role as Group director of Catering I’ll be leading business development, strategic planning, and team management across the division, but ultimately my goal is to further grow the catering division and improve our offering for clients.” Other appointments include Amanda Costello-Harris as Health, Safety and

Leann Duffy

Environmental officer, Angela Maguire as area manager to the Contract Catering Services Division and Barry McLean as Procurement & Compliance officer.

Unit 2, 1 Edgewater Road, Belfast Harbour, Belfast BT3 9JQ Tel: +44 28 9077 0999 Fax: +44 28 9078 1172 www.contractpeople.com infoni@contractpeople.com

www.salesplacement.com infoni@salesplacement.com

SHELFLIFE

To see your product featured in Shelf Life, contact Mark at markbeckett@greerpublications.com or Tel: 028 9078 3235

TENA Lady expands night-time range with Mini Light E

xpanding its portfolio of night-time protection, TENA Lady, the UK’s leading bladder weakness brand*, has added an innovative new product to its range, TENA Lady Mini Night. TENA Lady is the only bladder weakness brand in the UK to offer a comprehensive range of products specifically designed for night-time protection. The brand’s unique launch offers the one in six UK women who experience night-time bladder weakness** a wider choice, meeting the specific needs of consumers who require a smaller, more discreet pad for bedtime use. Building on the success of the existing range, the introduction of TENA Lady’s smallest ever night-time product will address the rapidly growing night-time incontinence segment, which increased 14.6% in volume and 13.1% in value year on year in 2016.* Giving retailers the opportunity to offer customers products that offer superior

protection and peace of mind, the launch will also assist them in making the bladder weakness category easier to shop. Currently, one out of two women using incontinence daytime products also use nighttime protection, yet just one out of 10 women purchase specific night protection, offering a lucrative growth category for retailers who stock up on products designed for night use.*** High absorption keeps women dry and provides confidence all through the night. For extra convenience, and ideal for overnight stays and simple disposal, each towel comes individually wrapped and features a new feminine, contemporary top-sheet design. *IRI value & volume data 52 w/e 23.1.2016 **TENA Lady survey, 2014, of 2,000 women in the UK. ***Report TENA Night, TNS, December 2014, of women 45+ years with bladder weakness

Old El Paso launches Stand ‘N’ Stuff Soft Taco Kits

Limited edition chocolate stout launched by Mourne Mountains Brewery

ld El Paso has launched new Stand ‘N’ Stuff Soft Taco Kits, containing eight Stand ‘N’ Stuff Soft Flour Tortillas which are uniquely shaped to make them easy to fill and eat with delicious taco fillings so everyone can get involved in the fun. Smoky BBQ Seasoning Mix and a scrummy savoury Taco Salsa are all the key ingredients needed to make a MEX-tra special taco meal everyone will love. For further information, contact Joanne Beattie, brand manager at Valeo Foods NI on 028 9267 3316.

ourne Mountains Brewery has introduced a new, limited edition chocolate Belgian stout Chocolat Chaud to its portfolio of locally-produced beers. Master Brewer Tom Ray has created a very special stout, using raw cocoa nibs in the mash to give a deep, chocolately flavour. Orange peel and cloves late in the boil have added some Belgian spice to the brew, and it’s been fermented with a fruity, Continental yeast. The result is a robust and warming stout with plenty of body. “Our last two seasonal beers, Pumpkin Porter in the autumn and First Noel at Christmas were both extremely popular and we want to keep up the momentum in the New Year,” said Connaire McGreevy, founder of Mourne Mountains Brewery. “We decided to get the ball rolling with Chocolat Chaud, which is an intriguing brew with complex and somewhat unconventional flavours. We think it makes an excellent alternative to Easter eggs for adults, or to a pint of Guinness this St Patrick’s Day.”

Q&A

In the Hot Seat Liesa Johnston, director of Marks Marketplace TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I am a director of Marks Marketplace – a new resource for small to medium sized businesses that brings them innovation and practical help with stimulating growth. I have been involved in the food industry for over 15 years. I’ve worked with brand leaders and smaller organisations, so I feel lucky to have experienced a lot over a relatively short space of time. I have a genuine love for the industry and am proud of being involved in helping producers tell their story and building on Northern Ireland’s food reputation. I have two little boys, Rhys (7) and Rudy (4) and live in Muckamore with my husband Kyle. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Every day makes me smile. I am working with a team at the studio I have known for over 10 years. We support and trust each other, which makes it easier for us to provide the same service to our clients. Any given day is different. It could be researching the market, it could be connecting a client with a chef, it could be tasting products or it could be simply brainstorming (with our on-site design team) an innovative solution to a business problem. Whatever I happen to be doing, there is always a steady supply of tea – there is after all, a ‘tea’ in team. 8 • •Ulster 3650 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? What I’m doing now is so exciting - having the opportunity to build Marks Marketplace. I wouldn’t be anywhere else because I don’t think there is a better team to provide this service. I can honestly say that thanks to the unique combination of people, experiences and ability here, we are bringing a truly useful and unique resource to the NI business community. We are a sounding board for business owners, and an independent resource of practical optimism. We don’t just write a report with recommendations listed at the end, we have the practical skills to action positive change - when you walk the journey with the client, you’ve no option but to make it work. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? Great businesses are driven by constant innovation. I really enjoy helping clients to recognise opportunities and make the most of them. It’s hard-nosed business in the truest sense of sales and profits, but it’s also really creative. That and the constant supply of tea of course. WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? Trying to stay motivated in the evenings to go out for a run as part of my training for my

first half marathon, which my husband kindly entered me into as a Valentine’s gift. I am very capable at thinking of excuses not to go out. WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Recently I attended a seminar where Claire Harty, a local girl and Global Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Microsoft shared their mantra which I think is a great attitude – Come as you are Do what you love Be the best you can WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? Traffic… if anyone has worked on or near the Boucher Road in Belfast, you will have felt my pain. WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I don’t think you can describe it as a talent but being optimistic more often than not is something I would encourage for myself and for my children. Optimists are normally cheerful and happy. They are resilient. They are generally healthier. Optimistic people are often described as ‘lucky’ - because things seem to work out for them. But in reality, their outlook on life allows them to take risks, to make decisions, to try different things without the fear of failure that the rest of us have. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? Take more risks, don’t be afraid of failure, be optimistic and complete 13.1 miles hopefully faster than a walk. WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Anyone who lives by ‘If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got’. I think it’s vital to seek to change for the better in every aspect of life. It’s truly amazing what individuals can achieve by pushing boundaries of what is possible whether it is sports, work or personal. WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? Memories of my granny’s house, she had chickens, grew her own rhubarb and made blackberry jam. Her meals were always fresh and locally grown. Waking up in the morning to the sound of the cockerel, the house without central heating was often cool but the open fire in the lounge was always welcoming and the cake stand always full! WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? That’s a difficult one to choose with so many fabulous iconic brands and artisan producers from Northern Ireland. My favourite flavour influence is Asian and would be my first choice on any menu. HOW DO YOU RELAX? Nothing beats a good walk and fresh air to clear the head, either that or a spa day with my mum to recharge the batteries.

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