Ulster Grocer

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

YEARBOOK JANUARY 2016

NO.1 MAGAZINE FOR THE LOCAL GROCERY SECTOR

ULSTER GROCER YEARBOOK AND DIRECTORY JANUARY 2016

Tesco fresh beef

100% from Northern Ireland

Tesco fresh chicken

100% from Northern Ireland

Tesco Good for Northern Ireland

Tesco fresh pork

100% from Northern Ireland

Tesco fresh milk

100% from Northern Ireland

Tesco fresh eggs

100% from Northern Ireland

• Over £550m worth of local products purchased annually • Over 90 local suppliers • Over 1,200 local products • Over 8,000 employees

/tastenorthernireland

FOREWORD Volume 51, Number 1 January 2016 Editor: Alyson Magee E: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com Contributors: Michele Shirlow, Donald McFettridge, Seamus McCaffrey, Jason Winstanley Manager: Mark Beckett E: markbeckett@greerpublications.com Senior Accounts Manager: Michelle Kearney E: michellekearney@greerpublications.com Art Editor: Karen Donnelly Accounts: Gerardine Carson Publishers: James and Gladys Greer Ulster Grocer is published by Greer Publications 5B Edgewater Business Park, Belfast Harbour Estate, BELFAST BT3 9JQ Tel: 028 9078 3200 Fax: 028 9078 3210 Web: www.greerpublications.com www.ulstergrocer.com @ulstergrocer www.facebook.com/ulstergrocer Subscription: £27.50 per annum

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36 • Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011

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Delivering sustainable agri-food competitiveness through collaboration

by MICHELLE O’NEILL, MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE & RURAL DEVELOPMENT

I

would like to start by wishing you all a very Happy New Year and I hope you enjoyed a peaceful and restful festive season.

As Agriculture Minister, one of the joys of Christmas is looking at the traditional dinner and knowing that every single piece of food on the plate has been produced here. As we clear away the festive leftovers, it is an appropriate time to look back briefly on the last 12 months and forward, with hope, to the year ahead.

The last year has been one of challenges and successes. Yet again, local companies punched far above their weight at the 2015 Great Taste Awards, with 70 firms being awarded almost 200 stars from the Guild of Fine Food, and a total of 45 awards were won by local companies at the recent Blas Na hÉireann, Irish Food Awards.

The sales of local food and drink continue to rise, estimated at almost £5bn in 2014.

Conversely, however, primary producers have suffered significant pressure on farmgate prices. The dairy sector has endured particularly difficult trading conditions and I was pleased that, after much negotiation, I was able to secure an enhanced package of EU targeted aid, worth £5.1m, for dairy farmers in the north of Ireland.

I will continue to explore every avenue to support all of our farmers at this challenging time.

In the longer term, the sustainable competitiveness of the entire agri-food sector will only be delivered through a collaborative approach, with the supply chain acting as one. To help the sector in reaching this vision, I recently established the Supply Chain Forum and I look forward to seeing tangible outcomes from its work through 2016.

For my Department, the coming year will also be of significant importance as we will start to roll out elements of the new Rural Development Programme (RDP), providing support to farmers and their families, food and drink companies and the wider rural community. I launched the first elements of the RDP – Business Development Groups and Forestry Grant Schemes – in November. I look forward to more schemes being opened for applications through the coming year.

2016 will be the Year of Food & Drink for the north, a celebration of the wonderful food and drink that we produce from our land and seas. We will be actively promoting the wealth of our culinary produce to visitors and locals alike and I would encourage you to support local events which will be taking place throughout the year.

It only remains for me to say that it has been an honour and privilege to serve the agri-food industry over the last five years. I have been proud that I have been able to deliver for local people right across the north and I wish you all every success in the year ahead.

2016 will be the Year of Food & Drink for the north, a celebration of the wonderful food and drink that we produce from our land and seas.”

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email: info@ulstergrocer.com

CONTENTS

www.ulstergrocer.com

24-29

10-12

38-39

65-67 31-36

52-53 8 364• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

CONTENTS

email: info@ulstergrocer.com

www.ulstergrocer.com

10-12 YEAR IN PICTURES: UG looks back over the highlights and key events of the past year, from investment by Willowbrook, White’s and McColgan’s to EUROSPAR’s 15th birthday in Northern Ireland and Lidl lifting Best Marketing Campaign at the UG Marketing Awards 2015.

13-21 REFLECTIONS AND FORECASTS: Key government and industry bodies, and representatives from the grocery sector, offer their commentary on the highlights and challenges of the year just past, alongside plans and predictions for the year to come.

31-36 STAR STORES: UG takes a look at some of the finest grocery stores across the Province, including independents and shops partnered with Centra, Mace, SuperValu, Nisa, Today’s, SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO, Costcutter and Asda.

Contents

54-55

38-39 TROUBLE AHEAD: The Henderson Group continues to outperform tough trading conditions in the grocery market with rising sales, store numbers and market share, Paddy Doody tells UG, but the Living Wage is a concern.

46-47 FIGHTING TALK: Musgrave NI has set its sights on leading the local convenience sector by 2018, Managing Director Michael McCormack tells UG, having embarked on a programme of upgrading its stores and revising its offer with new product ranges and enhanced training and marketing services.

46-47

52-53 GREAT ADDITIONS: The countdown to IFEX 2016 (Titanic Exhibition Centre, March 8-10) is underway, and organiser Fresh Montgomery unveils the latest developments including a partnership with the Guild of Fine Food to introduce IFEX’s first Great Taste Market.

54-55 LOVE LAMB: With local sheep farmers facing significant challenges, the Livestock & Meat Commission of Northern Ireland is in the third year of a promotional campaign, Lamb – The Naturally Fresh Choice, aimed at boosting lamb sales in the domestic market.

65-67 ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS 2016: Entries are now open for the 28th annual Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, which will see winners announced during the GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Gala Ball at the Culloden Hotel on Friday, May 6.

ULSTER GROCER YEARBOOK 2016

13-21

24-29 YEAR OF FOOD & DRINK: As the first month of Northern Ireland’s great food, drink and tourism opportunity gets underway, UG looks at plans for Breakfast Month, alongside a showcase of the latest products on offer in the breakfast category.

75-104 TRADE DIRECTORY 2016: UG’s indispensable, annual guide to the grocery sector includes comprehensive, alphabetical listings of agents and companies, retailers, trade organisations and brands.

8 • Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011

5

NEWS

Toasting a buoyant 2016 for the grocery sector Y

ear of Food & Drink is now underway, and starting to take shape with producers, suppliers, retailers and the hospitality sector all embracing the first theme of Breakfast Month, and Ulster FRYday in particular.

The Year got off to a fantastic start with confirmation of the BBC Good Food Show coming to Belfast for the first time in October, and Tesco announcing a £500,000 programme of events for 2016. While the major retail

groups have greater resources at their disposal to get involved, it’s equally important and a great opportunity for smaller shops and producers to explore opportunities for instore activity or presence at local festivals and events throughout the year. Keep an eye on Ulster Grocer and the websites and social media of Tourism NI and Food NI as more plans come on stream throughout the year.

Hope you enjoy our biggest edition, the Ulster Grocer Yearbook. We feel it provides

A thank you to our readers and advertisers

I

would like to take the opportunity to wholeheartedly thank all of our advertisers, contributors and, of course our valued readers, for loyal and continued support throughout 2015.

Some memorable moments from my first year as manager include our very own Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, Tesco Taste, the Food Force Ireland trade event and the Candy Ball.

Ulster Grocer is most definitely not an army of one – a genuine thank you also to the design, editorial and production teams for keeping me on track in 2015.

We have already kicked off the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 with an exciting breakfast theme.

A critical year lies ahead with a packed calendar and more events to come, so stand by to play your part.

Ulster Grocer is fully committed to NI Year of Food & Drink, and we will also continue to publish the latest news, developments and trends in the grocery sector. I look forward to a fantastic year working with existing advertisers, and building new relationships with food producers, suppliers, retailers and service providers.

Mark Beckett

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a comprehensive picture of an increasingly dynamic local grocery sector, and if you feel anything is missing from that picture – please let us know.

A Happy New Year to all our readers and advertisers, and best wishes for a buoyant year of trading ahead.

Alyson Magee Editor

BBC Good Food Show launches new Belfast event

Pictured are, from left, BBC broadcaster Nigel Barden, First Minister Arlene Foster, Tourism NI Chairman Terence Brannigan, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and BBC Good Food Show representative Laura Biggs.

Y

ear of Food & Drink got off to a great start this month with the announcement the BBC Good Food Show is coming to the Belfast Waterfront over October 14-16 as the first event in a three-year deal.

Organiser River Street Events made the announcement at a banquet held

by Tourism NI in the Ulster Hall to kick of Year of Food & Drink.

The Show will bring the winning food and entertainment format to Belfast, alongside established events in Scotland, London, Harrogate and Birmingham. BBC Good Food Show Northern Ireland will host live cookery demonstrations in the 800-seat super theatre featuring TV favourites Paul Hollywood, The Hairy Bikers and James Martin, plus local star Paul Rankin.

All celebrity chefs and local faces will make an appearance on the Interview Stage, while the Tasting Theatre will be an excellent showcase of regional produce.

The Belfast Waterfront venue has undergone a £29m investment, and will provide the perfect setting for the Show, as well as being an ideal city location with excellent transport links.

NEWS

Conference to place ‘Focus on Food’

Pictured at the conference launch are Cllr Deirdre Hargey, chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee and Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, together with (from left) Gareth McCaughey of The Muddler’s Club, Will Taylor of Glastry Farm, Angelina Fusco from Tourism NI, and Oscar Woolley of Suki Tea.

W

ith Northern Ireland embarking on a Year of Food & Drink, Belfast City Council once again will place the Focus on Food at a one-day conference, aimed at driving the city’s culinary renaissance and examining the importance of food and hospitality to the local tourism industry.

The conference – organised with support from the Department of

Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) through its Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme and Tourism NI – will take place at St George’s Market on Tuesday, February 23. The keynote speaker will be top chef and food writer Valentine Warner.

Figures for 2014 from Tourism NI estimate food and drink accounted for a third of the £751m spent by overnight visitors and 40% of the £282m spent on day trips by local residents.

“The aim of the Focus on Food: Our Recipe for Tourism Success conference is to see what more can be done to maximise the economic benefit of food tourism, not only for Belfast, but the region as a whole,” said Councillor Deirdre Hargey, chair of Belfast City Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee.

“It will look at the long-term development of food tourism in the city, and is designed to promote Belfast’s food tourism message; inspire the industry to collaborate and create new visitor experiences; engage producers, farmers, fishermen, chefs and outlets to better promote the food message to visitors; encourage the use of local produce; and enable those in the industry to share experiences, challenges and opportunities.

“Last year’s conference was a huge success, with a key message being the desire for more events which allow the industry to network and collaborate.”

To register for the conference, visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ belfastfood.

Tesco launches £500,000 Year of Food & Drink programme

T

esco Northern Ireland launched a £500,000 programme, aimed at providing a platform for the local food and drinks industry to engage with the Year of Food & Drink initiative led by Tourism NI and Food NI, earlier this month.

The year-long programme, which encompasses established local suppliers and artisan producers, will include in-store food fairs, multistore sampling, radio and press advertising, PR and media support and the annual Taste Northern Ireland Festival.

The launch event brought together local food and drink producers at Tesco Northern Ireland’s flagship Extra store at Knocknagoney, and was officiated by DARD Permanent Secretary Noel Lavery.

“Year of Food & Drink 2016 is an opportunity to celebrate our food and drink successes and capitalise on these through trade and consumer communications,” said Lavery. “It is also an opportunity to harness the benefits of these successes to drive quality, innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship in our food and drink sector.

“I welcome Tesco’s commitment to the local agri-food sector which has seen an increase in annual investment from £50m in 1997 to £550m in 2015. Major investments in locally-sourced produce demonstrate the potential to build long-term sustainable supply chains on this island.”

Brendan Guidera, store director for Tesco Northern Ireland, said:

Pictured at the event are Brendan Guidera, stores director, Tesco Northern Ireland; Michele Shirlow, Food NI; and Noel Lavery, permanent secretary to the Minister, DARD.

“The Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink is a celebration of everything that is delicious here and what’s more it pays homage to our local food and drinks businesses – an industry that is truly bolstering the Northern Irish economy.”

7

GROCERY SECTOR ANALYSIS

You’re listening to your customers, aren’t you?

BY DONALD C McFETRIDGE, RETAIL ANALYST AT ULSTER UNIVERSITY BUSINESS SCHOOL

I

t almost goes without saying that, globally, 2015 was an extremely challenging and competitive year for retailers in both the food and non-food sectors; this trend looks set to continue throughout 2016.

Unfortunately, it is all too easy to become complacent about the status quo in Northern Ireland’s food retail sector. After all, to the uninitiated, it would appear that very little has changed during the past year, with the exception of a few notable store openings and closures.

That, however, is far from the case. Much has changed and, in my opinion, it’s not the retail sector itself to which we should be exclusively paying attention: it’s the consumer!

Arguably, too much time is devoted by industry insiders into concerns and rumours about whether or not there will be a new – and undoubtedly significant – entrant to the food retail sector in NI; however, not nearly enough time is allocated to actual consumer considerations.

While it is, of course, important to consider the implications of a new entrant to the marketplace, it is the latter of these areas which I would like to respectfully consider in this short article, ie consumer considerations.

THE CHANGING CONSUMER When retailers are asked if they’re listening to their customers, they invariably insist, most emphatically, that they are not just listening to what their customers want, they are also keen to stress that they are responding positively.

But are they?

One of my major concerns about the global retail food sector, and Northern Ireland in particular, is that many operators are simply paying little more than lip-service to their customers.

In some instances, it would appear as if they are not listening at all, or – if they are – they’re not hearing – or responding – to clearly-articulated customer needs, requirements and demands.

This situation needs to change, and it needs to change quickly, in the struggle for survival in the retail grocery sector.

First, and foremost, retailers need to take 8

cognisance of the fact that the consumer has changed, and changed irrevocably over the past 10 years.

In 2016, consumers will become even more canny, cool and calculating as they respond to the food retailing offers available to them in a wide variety of retail formats and contexts.

Contemporary consumers are reluctant to respond to what they consider to be ‘fake’ retail propositions. For example, it has been argued that the days of BOGOFFs are numbered in an era where food waste has become an everyday topic of conversation, and in times where many consumers still feel economically straitened.

Food shoppers expect – and, in fact, demand, CLARITY and CONSIDERATION in CONTEXT. This is not about to change.

It will, in my opinion, increase as consumers continue to evolve during 2016 and beyond.

There are, of course, a number of key trends to which the best food retailers are already responding. For instance, one example is the fact that today’s food shoppers are demanding more ‘food to go’ and onsite food provision along with better, and improved, retail environments in which to purchase and consume.

More than ever, I believe that it is imperative for food retailers to reconsider the basic tenets of Philip Kotler’s seminal work on Atmospherics as a Marketing Tool. This work is dated 1973, but never has it had such an important place for those keen to retain their position in the food retailing hierarchy.

One lesson to be considered, based on Kotler’s recommendations, is to group ingredients for single recipes in one specific area of the store instead of spreading those recipe products across the whole store.

This, of course, goes against one of the basic premises of supermarketers when they do their best, scientifically, to try to get consumers to ‘walk the whole store’. It is, however, what more and more customers are saying they want, so why aren’t retailers listening and responding to this change in consumer demand?

Clever retailers will want to lead the sector in order to maintain competitive advantage; they cannot be followers. They need to be able to intuit what customers want and provide it for them without having to be told to do so.

What all this amounts to is the need for a much deeper knowledge and thorough understanding of consumer behaviour and its

application in the world of food retailing.

Every retailer worth his (or her) salt knows that too much consumer choice leads to consumer confusion, yet they continue to bombard them with new products and the extension of certain product categories and ranges. However, when consumers experience ‘confusion’ this, in turn, can lead to consumer ‘frustration’ which must be avoided at all costs.

Retailers must, of necessity, place greater emphasis on LISTENING to their customers, on actually HEARING what their customers are saying, and RESPONDING to changing consumer demands.

It’s simply not good enough to claim to be hearing what customers want; there must be proof of that in the physical store environments.

That’s where a clear understanding, and working knowledge, of basic environmental psychology is most useful; it helps retailers to more fully understand what makes consumers respond positively with APPROACH behaviours, or respond negatively with AVOID responses.

We all know that when we hear of certain brands or retailer names we respond in two basic ways: we either think positively (approach), or negatively (avoid).

Mehrabian & Russell and Donovan & Rossiter have much to teach contemporary food retailers – not just here in Northern Ireland, but globally. Their well-acknowledged and well-received research on environmental psychology has a well-deserved place in retail store environments today as much as it did when it was first published.

THE FUTURE I believe that 2016 will continue to present many challenges for food retailers in this geographic region.

The best food retailers will seek, or attempt, to develop better conceived, more fully developed and cleverly implemented methods of meeting the demands of consumers in the year ahead.

While there is much to be praised in the local retail food sector, there is still much to be learned as we all, together, seek to rise to the challenges of constantly changing consumers, in a marketplace where the new retail paradigm will undoubtedly yield great rewards for those who fully understand it, and particularly for those who REALLY listen to, and GIVE their customers what they want.

NEWS

Active Packaging secures first BRC accreditation for NI A

ctive Packaging, an Omagh-based supplier of packaging solutions to a customer base all over Ireland, was recently the first packaging agent from Northern Ireland to secure the prestigious BRC accreditation for Agents & Brokers.

This global standard is designed to promote best practice in relation to product safety, quality and the operational criteria required to fulfil obligations with regard to legal compliance and consumer protection.

This professional recognition will help strengthen Active’s position throughout Ireland as one of the leading suppliers of innovative packaging solutions.

Customers can deal with the experienced team at Active, safe in the knowledge that all packaging is sourced under these stringent BRC guidelines.

Active Packaging is an innovative, flexible packaging company providing solutions for the food industry, with a focus on rapid response and reliability.

Food industry sectors for which the company currently provides solutions include meat and poultry, fresh produce, snacks and confectionery, tea and coffee, cheese, seafood, bakery and dry food. Popular solutions include stand up pouches, microsteam packs, ovenable films and high barrier top web films.

Active Packaging has recently added Digital Print Solutions and Packaging Mock Ups to their portfolio, which many customers are now availing of for a much more impactful and quicker route to market for new product launches.

The benefits of these short-run, fast turnaround digital print runs are obvious and are now being embraced by NPD teams and brand managers across all sectors.

For further information, contact Active Packaging on 028 8224 1616, at sales@ active-pkg.com or visit www.active-pkg.com.

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

Pictured celebrating the accreditation are Marion Kelly, Mark Mulholland, Roisin Kerrigan, Stephen Maguire and Edelle McIvor, all from Active Packaging.

9

YEAR IN REVIEW

Ulster Grocer looks back at 2015 in pictures

ok Fine Foods Manager Trade Minister Arlene Foster (now First Minister) joined Willowbro announce a £2.3m investment, Steven McCann and Joint Managing Director John McCann to creating 55 jobs, at the company’s Killinchy production site.

White’s Oats Brand Manager Danielle McBride shows off new branding introduced following significant investment in repositioning the Tandragee-based company’s range of porridge oats and oat-based cereals.

Paddy Doody, sales & marketing director and Neal Kelly, fresh foods director at the Henderson Group are joined by Paula McIntyre to launch the new SPAR own brand range. The enjoy local range SPAR and EUROSPAR stores will support 22 local producers, valued annually at £25m.

Pictured at the launch of IFEX 2016 are Salon Culinaire Director Sean Owens, IFEX Event Manager Caroline McCusker from Fresh Montgomery and Belfast Met student Kimberly Anderson.

Musgrave held its annual Store of the Year awards in Newcastle . Pictured with MRPNI’s Acting Managing Director Damian McCarney (far right) are the three winning retailers, from left, Michael Boyd of Mace Toomebrid ge, Ciaran O’Kane of SuperValu Dungiven and David Kelly of Centra, Trench Road.

10

of the Year at the Savage & Whitten Wholesale was named 2015 Symbol Operator are, from left, Bill Today’s Group Trade Show Awards in Ascot. Pictured at the awards managing director of S&W Laird, managing director of Today’s Group; Mark Windebank, commentator. rugby , BBC Wholesale and chairman of Today’s Group; and Ian Robertson

YEAR IN REVIEW

Celebrating 15 years of EUROSPAR in Northern Ireland are, from left, Des McVeigh, independent owner of EUROSPAR Warrenpoint, the first EUROSPAR in Northern Ireland which opened in 2000; Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director at the Henderson Group; and Gregory Cochrane, manager of the first Henderson Retail-owned EUROSPAR, which also opened in 2000 on Rathgael Road, Bangor.

Henderson Wholesale held its Local Supplier of the Year awards at the Balmoral Show.

Pictured are, from left, John Hopkins from Irwin’s Bakery; Neal Kelly, Fresh Food director, Henderson Wholesale; Eugene Wallace from Allied Bakeries; Ashley Orr from Willowbrook Foods; Alistair McQuillan from Karro; Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing director, Henderson Wholesale; and Lance Hamilton, Mash Direct.

Chalet Costcutter, Portadown won the Best Customer Service Awards at the inaugural Supermarket Group Awards in Liverpool.

Pictured are, from left, Chris Lappin, Tom Fraser and Feargal Sherry and, back row from left, Andrea Donaldson, Sarah Power, Craig Crossey-Truesdale and Teresa Moore.

Moy Park again leads the Ulster Grocer Top 25 Local Food & Drinks Companies with turnover of £1.2bn and profits of £33.8m. Pictured is CEO Janet McCollum.

McColgan’s Quality Foods announced it was investing £7.3m, and creating 43 jobs, at its Strabane site. Pictured with former Trade Minister Arlene Foster are John Hood, Invest Northern Ireland; Grainne Hampton, managing director, McColgan’s Quality Foods; and Chris Bannon, Invest Northern Ireland.

2014-2015 from Ahead of its triumph in the eighth leg of the Volvo Ocean Race support boat. UG Lisbon to Lorient, Team SCA greets spectators on the Team SCA attended with the Swedish hygiene and forest products company.

Food Force Ireland Debra Johnson welcomes retailers and suppliers Direct Suppy Trade Day in the Culloden Hotel.

at its fifth annual

Musgrave NI held its annual SuperValu SuperMums event at Stormont.

Winner Geraldine Cassidy is pictured with Musgrave NI Managing Director Michael McCormack and runners-up Siobhan Rice and Claire O’Hanlon.

11

YEAR IN REVIEW

Pictured at this year’s Tesco Taste Festival in Custom House Square are, from left, Cliff Kells (commercial manager, Tesco NI), Brendan Guidera (store director, Tesco NI), Alastair Hamilton (chief executive, Invest NI), Caoimhe Mannion (marketing manager, Tesco NI), Tony Hoggett (operations director, Tesco UK), Jonathan Taylor (operations director, Tesco UK North) and Matt Simister (commercial director fresh, Tesco UK).

Caoimhe Mannion, John Hopkins, sales director of Irwin’s Bakery, is pictured with Joeys and Snowy Tesco Northern Ireland’s marketing manager. Tesco listed Jammy Joeys from Irwin’s Bakery in over 700 stores across GB.

Pictured at the welcome reception held for delegates attending the North America – EU Congress in Northern Ireland are, from left, Wesley Aston (UFU), Arlene Foster (Finance minister), Ivor Ferguson (UFU), Barclay Bell (UFU), and Ian Marshall (UFU president).

Lidl continued a stellar year in the local grocery trade with a £20m investment in its Nutts Corner distribution centre and the top accolade of Best 2014 Marketing Campaign at the UG Marketing Awards 2015. Pictured at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, held during the GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball at the Culloden Hotel, are, from left, Linda Fitzgerald, Desi Derby and Glen Cinnamon from Lidl, Brian Crawford of sponsor McGowans, Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell, Paul Gibson of Lidl and James Greer, publisher of Ulster Grocer.

12

to Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 is officially launched the trade at a series of road shows. Pictured at the Co Down event are Priscilla McAllinden (Newry, Mourne and Down Council), Kathryn Thompson (Tourism NI) and Simon Dougan (Yellow Door).

Baronscourt Estate was named regional Golden Fork winner in the finals of Great Taste 2015, which saw 153 entries from Northern Ireland gain gold stars.

NIIRTA Chief Trade Minister Jonathan Bell launched Independents Day alongside Ivan McIlroy.

Executive Glyn Roberts and Ballyhackamore independent trader

COMMENTARY DEPARTMENT OF ENTERPRISE, TRADE AND INVESTMENT

We have a great story to tell O

ur food and drink industry continues to go from strength to strength. We have some of the best food and the best

DETI Minister Jonathan Bell

restaurants in the world with two of our restaurants recently receiving Michelin stars and the exciting announcement that the Boat House in Bangor was number 50 in this year’s list of the Sunday Times Top 100 restaurants.

Food tourism generates £350m per year for the local economy and the 2016 Year of Food & Drink will help to showcase the great food, produce and hospitality here.

We have a great story to tell, and this is a very exciting opportunity to really celebrate our food sector.

In addition, the importance of the agri-food sector to the local economy cannot be underestimated. It is one of our most successful industries with a proven track record for growth. As joint lead for the executive response to the AgriFood Strategy Board’s Going for Growth Strategy, I am working alongside industry leaders to promote growth and innovation across the sector through these challenging times.

We can boast some world-class produce,

not to mention talented chefs, restaurants, skilled cookery schools and a rich food heritage, all of which is becoming better known, especially in GB, which is our key market. With 2016 the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink, this will enable us to continue to raise our profile nationally and to promote food tourism here on the international stage.

Good quality food and dining is a vital part of the tourism experience – with many tourists already saying it is a key factor when choosing Northern Ireland for a short break.

Visitors enjoy finding local food on menus, with many opting to dine in those places which serve distinctive and authentic dishes based on fresh, regional produce. I have no doubt that 2016, the NI Year of Food & Drink, which includes a series of events and special food or drink themes for each month, will help to entice even more tourists to Northern Ireland.

2016 will bring further potential and opportunity. I am confident the industry will do everything possible to fulfil it.

INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND

Helping local business secure new sales N

orthern Ireland’s reputation for world class food and drink was upheld in 2015, with another successful haul of awards, at the Irish Quality Food Awards, Great Taste Awards and Blas Na hÉireann, Irish Food Awards.

Invest NI Director of Food & Tourism John Hood

Invest Northern Ireland’s celebration event to recognise the achievements of the companies involved was a fitting build up to Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink in 2016 when our pure, natural, quality products will form the core of the food tourism experience.

We welcomed journalists from Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania and Turkey to sample our premium quality food for themselves. They were highly impressed with the innovative and quality products on display and were excited to share their experiences with potential future visitors to our shores. As well as being the platform to host international media guests, the Northern Ireland celebration of food and drink event also formed the backdrop for local companies to get in front of the 43 buyers in attendance.

Hosting visits by retailers and foodservice organisations remains an immensely important component of Invest NI’s marketing strategy to assist the faster growth of our £4.8bn food and drink industry. Last year, our Meet the Buyer events helped over 600 companies to showcase their products to international buyers including major UK retailers, Great Britain foodservice

companies as well as leading Republic of Ireland, European and Middle East buying organisations. In October and November alone, over 40 food buyers representing Great Britain, Republic of Ireland and Spanish retail and foodservice buyer groups met over 120 local companies.

Invest NI’s longstanding strategic focus to assist companies win business abroad and the very practical support we provide to our food and drink companies, both large and small, are making an impact. Last year, with our help, food and drink companies secured £23m of new sales with first time customers.

Our stands at Anuga Food Fair and Food Hotel China in 2015 also offered unparalleled opportunities for local companies to present their skills, products and services to a worldwide audience and build on their successes.

We encourage food and drink companies to use Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink 2016 as a platform to showcase their products and win new business. We will continue to play our part in helping local businesses maximise the commercial opportunities available through sales to GB and exporting to markets including the Republic of Ireland and the Middle East.

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COMMENTARY AGRI-FOOD STRATEGY BOARD

Research is key to growth of agri-food S

ignificant progress was made last year in the implementation of key recommendations put forward by the AgriFood Strategy Board Going for Growth strategic action plan especially in areas such as the Farm Business Improvement Scheme, new marketing structures, supply chain integration and greater support for innovation across a broad range of themes.

Among the most important developments in 2015 was the launch of the Agri-Food Quest Centre at Queen’s University Belfast,

Agri-Food Strategy Board Chairman Tony O’Neill

now under the able leadership of Stephane Durrand. The centre was set up to: • Develop the agri-food industry research agenda through mapping the needs of the local industry based on the Going for Growth strategic pillars; • Identify relevant science and technology experts who can provide solutions to these needs; • Facilitate partnership between research experts and the agri-food business to stimulate innovation and competitiveness; and • Help build an improved and sustainable R&D infrastructure supporting the Northern Ireland agri-food sector.

The need for an agri-food competence centre was a key feature of our report. It identified the need for such a strategic focus on measures to assist our companies, both large and small and across all sectors, to win more business in the global marketplace that will increase employment opportunities and strengthen the local economy.

Accelerating the growth of innovative food and drink products that meet the requirements of customers in global markets was a key theme in Going for Growth, the primary aim of which is to grow the agri-business sector here by 60% by 2020 to a turnover of £7bn from the current £4.6bn and increase sales outside Northern Ireland by 75% to £4.5bn.

The board saw the need for a research

focused body that would be industry-led and would work closely with existing organisations such as our two universities and the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute to improve the ability of local companies to compete successfully and profitability abroad.

Our recommendation that industry must take the lead was designed to ensure that the research is commercially and market focused.

This collaborative approach to research and innovation is intended to lead to the growth of a sustainable, profitable integrated agri-food supply chain in Northern Ireland. Last year also saw the start of discussions to improve understanding across the supply chain.

The centre is already developing research projects to a value of £6m over five years from Invest NI and with industry in-kind contributions. It has identified key research themes such as Hygiene and Shelf-life, Innovation in Processing and Packaging, Safety and Traceability and Bi-Products and Sustainability.

The centre’s leading-edge research in these and other areas will also have a far-reaching impact on the retail and foodservice sectors here, because the themes are just as relevant to local retailers and consumers.

The solid progress achieved in 2015 will assist the industry as it endeavours to harness the benefits from our first Year of Food & Drink in 2016.

GLENS OF ANTRIM POTATOES

Innovation all the way for Glens of Antrim 2

Glens of Antrim Potatoes Managing Director Michael McKillop

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015 was another progressive year for the team at Glens of Antrim Potatoes, thanks to our constant focus on the consumer, innovation and new product development.

As always, the customer is at the heart of our sales and marketing drive and we believe this has enabled us to maintain our position at the forefront of Ireland’s potato industry.

Being crowned in March as one of the 1,000 Companies to Inspire Britain by the London Stock Exchange was a tremendous coup for everyone at Glens. The award recognised the strength of our long-term business strategy and the positive impact the company is making in terms of economic growth and job creation.

Naturally, growth is key to our future and, to ensure our products are kept at the top of the shopping list, we continue to invest in our business and our people.

Central to our plans for 2015 was the

£1.25m we invested in new packaging machinery and our new chill store. This, coupled with further investment in new packaging designs and formats, is further evidence of how our business is changing and becoming ever more consumer-centric.

2016 will see the fruits of this investment as the new ranges and packaging formats roll out across supermarket shelves.

Innovation and NPD will remain core to our business going forward and 2016 will see a number of very exciting new developments for the company – bringing a slightly more ‘alternative’ flavour to our already extensive range. With issues such as health and diet maintaining their lead at the top of the news agenda, our future plans will inject some fresh thinking into the debate, and give the consumer even more ‘food for thought’. Watch this space...

COMMENTARY NORTHERN IRELAND FOOD and DRINK ASSOCIATION

Helping the sector continue to flourish O

ver the past year, the local food and drink sector has faced major challenges in the form of intense price competition and falling returns. A general fall in commodity prices, adverse exchange rates, a price war on the high street and the ending of EU milk quotas have all played their part – and the

NIFDA Executive Director Michael Bell

challenges are set to continue.

Whilst NIFDA has no control over currency fluctuations and commodity markets, we can help local companies by providing support and guidance where it’s most needed. For example, in 2015 we pioneered training in the Grocery Suppliers Code of Practice (GSCOP) in Northern Ireland, aimed at supporting local companies by providing them with a clear understanding of what their rights and obligations are.

After lobbying for an export-focused food and drink marketing body for many years, 2015 finally brought the long-awaited announcement of the creation of a new food and drink marketing body. Given that around 80% of our commercial food and drink income comes from outside Northern Ireland (some £4bn), the importance of our export market cannot be overstated. Just how effective such a body could be was demonstrated by NIFDA’s involvement in Access 6, an EU-funded INTERREG project which provided training and mentorship to 90 food and drink related SMEs in border regions in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and western Scotland. The 90

companies supported by the programme achieved €23m in export sales growth and a total of 362 new jobs. This points to further exciting opportunities for growth for local companies with the support of a dedicated food and drink marketing body, and we are hopeful that a working model will be established as soon as possible.

In 2015, we also launched a study into the current skills gap facing the Northern Ireland food and drink manufacturing and processing sector. With 15,000 new positions expected to be created in the sector by 2020, it is imperative that we have a pipeline of skilled workers ready to fill these roles.

Following this study, we will be agreeing a detailed action plan aimed at improving the perception of the food and drink sector and attracting the talent we need to grow the industry.

Looking forward, we are encouraged by the reduction in the rate of corporation tax to 12.5% by 2018, which will give local food and drink businesses increased confidence to invest and expand their operations. With the right support, we have no doubt our local food and drink sector can meet the challenges ahead and continue to grow and flourish.

ulster farmers’ union

Supporting sustainable local supplies E

veryone recognises that food and farming are of great importance to the Northern Ireland economy; that being said, profitability

Ulster Farmers’ Union President Ian Marshall

and market volatility remained one of the biggest issues facing farming families throughout 2015. For far too long now, we have been calling for a well-functioning supply chain that delivers profitability for all players. When you see locally-produced items being sold at bargain basement prices, it’s hard to not feel undervalued as a producer.

The concern is always that farmers’ margins are being squeezed to pay for a supermarket price war.

The UFU has been meeting all the major supermarkets, both locally and with the other UK farm unions nationally, to press the message that if they want local supplies that can only happen if farming is profitable and they too have a responsibility to ensuring this happens. At a time when some of the major supermarket players are under growing pressure to reassure shareholders, this is not an easy battle – but it is one where we are making some headway and will continue to fight.

Unfortunately the industry is dependent on EU subsidies to help produce the food we eat.

These payments will bring relief to farm families facing a major cash flow crisis this winter. However, the twin problems of poor prices and volatility that lie behind this crisis will be eased, rather than solved by these support payments.

Like our 12,000 farmer members, we have to believe better times are ahead.

We remain fully engaged with DARD and DETI to ensure the opportunities for the industry in the Going for Growth strategy are delivered. The farming and food industries have proved over the years that they are here to stay. This is an ideal foundation for growth, to build an even more successful industry that can deliver jobs across Northern Ireland. From the smallest convenience store to the biggest supermarket, the word ‘local’ appears on many shelves. That is a huge commitment to the industry, and it is one we as farmers really welcome and appreciate as the entire industry, from farm to fork, prepares to celebrate the 2016 Year of Food & Drink in Northern Ireland.

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COMMENTARY COSTCUTTER SUPERMARKETS GROUP

Independent retailers must adapt and review their offer T

he grocery sector has undergone major change and 2016 will see continued challenge from the discounters and online, especially with Amazon and Google entering

Costcutter Head of Business Development Adrian O’Brien

the grocery delivery market.

Despite this, independent retailers can continue to grow; however they must adapt and review their offer. More than ever, retailers must ensure they offer a first class store and service that truly meets the needs of their customers and this includes having the right partner for their business with expert support to drive footfall.

The demand for fresh will continue to grow and it is no longer a ‘nice to have’, it’s a ‘must have’. Retailers need to tailor their offer to meet customer requirements. Not every store demands a supermarket-sized fresh offer and it’s about knowing the market, and giving their customers what they want, when they want it.

The role technology plays in the independent sector is going to increase significantly, both to create greater efficiencies within store operations and also as a way to drive greater customer engagement and footfall. We will be expanding our digital focus, further developing our ActivHUB portal and mobile apps, as well as supporting

our retailers’ social media engagement, particularly through Facebook, which we have already used to drive tangible increases in sales for our retailers.

As in previous years, there will be further consolidation in order that retailers can compete with the advance of the discounters and the multiples.

Retailers who continue to adapt their stores have reason to be positive. With rising demand for fresh and food to go, it is crucial that these are executed well in store. Retailers can’t underestimate the importance of getting the basics right; delivering the right range at the right price, integrated with a high quality own brand. Where independent retailers can really win is through giving exceptional customer service and having a truly local offer that meets local demand, something the multiples and discounters cannot achieve.

Competition won’t go away but as consumers continue to change their shopping behaviour and move away from big box stores, in favour of convenience, this presents a further opportunity for retailers.

GRANT THORNTON

Helping companies maximise their potential T

Grant Thornton Head of Food and Beverage Charlie Kerlin

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he food and beverage industry has become Northern Ireland’s largest export and manufacturing sector, thriving mainly on the quality and reputation of our local produce. Currently around 200,000 people are employed across the supply chain, exporting £1.3bn worth of produce across the world. By 2020, the food and beverage industry is projected to generate sales of £7bn, with a significant growth in export sales outside of Northern Ireland.

Food and beverage is, and has been, a key sector for Grant Thornton locally, nationally and internationally, and we work closely with some of the industry’s highest-profile brands.

In recent years, we have helped companies successfully advance their business through the delivery of clear and focused advice, providing a network of support across audit, tax and advisory services.

Our national and international connections have allowed Grant Thornton to bring specialised sub-sector expertise to our clients.

In addition, we exercise our understanding

of larger corporate entities to assist them with business risk, process improvement and corporate governance matters. We also assisted clients with market research and market entry strategies in international markets, all of which have generated positive results.

At Grant Thornton, we have positioned ourselves at the forefront of sector-focused thought leadership, engaging with key stakeholders through roundtable discussions on issues such as exporting, innovation, brand development, financing and operational efficiency. We have hosted key industry events aimed at delivering expert advice to local businesses, the most recent of which saw the editor of The Grocer provide insight and commentary on the latest food and beverage developments.

2016 is set to be a hugely important year for the local food and beverage industry, and Grant Thornton is looking forward to playing its part in ensuring Northern Ireland companies maximise their vast potential.

COMMENTARY NISA

Maintaining high recruitment and retention levels 2

015 has been a transitional year for Nisa. Following a disappointing 2014/15 financial year, the new executive team has managed to recruit to a level that replaces the

Nisa NI Sales Manager Pat Leneghan

lost Costcutter volume and has returned the business to positive growth.

As for the Northern Ireland market place, it continues to be challenging. Our members feel the increasing pressure of poor planning decisions, red tape and excessive regulation.

The 2015 Rates Revaluation created winners and losers. Auto pension enrolment has also added more cost, not to mention the imminent Living Wage. The jury is still out on the effectiveness of devolving planning powers to local councils but the early signs are not encouraging.

Nisa is ‘joined at the hip’ with NIIRTA, an organisation that lobbies more than ever against ever increasing business costs, with some significant successes and, as a business, we encourage every independent retailer to support this organisation.

Through our strength of range, delivery service levels and support structure, Nisa maintains high member retention and recruitment levels with retailers continuing to be attracted to our low cost, low fees model.

We opened our 100th store – Nisa Local at Nettle Hill in Lisburn.

Our Heritage own label range has recently

received significant investment, with each product being reformulated and rebranded to create a strong looking brand which incorporates good quality products. This has been acknowledged within the industry with a number of award wins.

The range also includes a number of products by Northern Ireland producer, Willowbrook, including the Heritage stir fry range, Heritage mash potato, Heritage salad bags and salad bowl and Heritage coleslaws.

It was also rewarding to see so many Nisa retailers winning a variety of retail awards during the year. Hughes Nisaextra of Camlough won the UK Retailer of the Year at the Retail Industry Awards in London. At local awards, Nisa had their best ever year; Hughes Nisaextra won the medium store of the year, Crawford’s of Maghera won best bakery, The Milestone in Rathfriland won the Deli of the Year and took the overall Retailer of the Year prize. All these members cherish their independence and see Nisa as the guardian of the entrepreneurial, non-loan tied, grocery trade independent operator. They understand that Nisa works hard for them to enable them to succeed in the market place.

JTI

Significant changes are on the way W

JTI Head of Communications Jeremy Blackburn

ithout doubt, 2016 is going to be an important year for tobacco in Northern Ireland and those retailers who follow best practice principles in category management and operate responsibly will benefit from what continues to be the most significant contributor to store turnover1.

By now you are probably aware that there are more significant changes on the way – changes to the way tobacco products are manufactured, packaged and sold – with the EU’s new Tobacco Products Directive, or TPD 2 for short.

In May 2016, manufacturers will stop producing packets of cigarettes with less than 20 sticks, or packs of hand rolling tobacco under 30 grams. But don’t worry, you have a whole year, until May 2017, to sell your existing packs.

To assist retailers in navigating their way through these changes that lie ahead, JTI has produced a guide that provides the key facts and dates relating to the EU Tobacco

Products Directive. The document is free and downloadable from www.jtiadvance.co.uk.

This is the first step in what will be a continued, pro-active programme of support from JTI ahead of the legislative changes. For the time being though, it is business as usual – retailers that maintain range and availability will ensure their shop remains a destination of choice for existing adult smokers.

The award-winning JTI sales force will also be on hand to offer support and advice to help retailers. To get in touch with their local JTI representative, retailers can call the JTI Customer Careline on 0800 163 503 to arrange a visit.

As proven by retailers who took action to get ready ahead of the retail display ban, preparation is key. By working with JTI, retailers will be able to benefit from expert advice and experience, as well as leading brands such as Sterling, Mayfair and Amber Leaf in 2016 and beyond.

1: 24% – IGD Research 2012 (Symbols) 17

COMMENTARY SUPERVALU, CENTRA AND MACE

Sales and margins rising for Musgrave NI retail partners M

usgrave NI has been focused on transforming its brands over the past 12 months, to implement a new and innovative proposition for SuperValu, Centra and Mace.

SuperValu and Centra Sales Director Nigel Maxwell

Significant change in shopping habits was identified following research, with an outcome that consumers are led by convenience, shopping little and often. As a result it was apparent the time was right to drive our brands forward in the convenience market; to meet our customers’ needs and ultimately give our retail partners a better consumer offer.

We worked with experienced independent retailers and launched our ‘stake in the ground’ stores, where we showcased the new propositions and the very best in what today’s convenience shoppers want.

Owners Garvan Hegarty of SuperValu Fintona, Declan Watson of Centra Portaferry, Paul Steele of Mace Kilrea and Declan Hoey of Mace, Belfast Finaghy Road North have led the way across all three brands, and 2015 saw their stores transformed into modern, consumer-led stores with new product ranges and high-tech fit-outs. In all cases, the results have beaten even our own stretching targets.

Shoppers are enjoying a better shopping experience with more focus on Food to Go, coffee, meal solutions and fresh fruit and

vegetables. A greater emphasis on the store environment has led to a brighter and fresher look and feel thanks to new LED lighting, new flooring and an in-store communications package.

This is a really exciting time for us; there are some signs that the economy is picking up, and with consumer confidence growing, this is reflected in the results to date.

Feedback has been very encouraging with shoppers responding positively; as a result our independent retailers continue to see a significant rise in sales and margins across their stores.

The brands will continue to evolve throughout 2016, with several refurbishments already underway and large numbers planned for the months ahead. We will work with all our retail partners to implement this new offer across Northern Ireland over the next 18 months.

We will also grow our store numbers as we attract new retailers to work with us, to share the benefits of what our great brands have to offer.

CENTRA CLAUDY

An exciting time to be in convenience T

his year business has been growing for the store following the completion of major renovations in 2014, increasing the size from 1,400 to 2,000 square feet.

Centra Claudy is a family-run business

Centra Claudy owner George Gormley

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and, since buying the store in 2001, it has been gradually developing into a strong local convenience shop with a dedicated team of staff.

A big part of driving the store was identifying the key areas that would benefit the business and offer much more to the loyal and expanding customer base.

Hot food has played a significant role in the store’s success adding to the good reputation of the quality deli counter. Introducing a dedicated hot food kitchen and counter has helped to increase footfall as well as grow overall shop sales.

Following our achievements at the EIQA National Q Mark Awards in 2011 and 2012, named Best Convenience Store in Northern Ireland for Hygiene and Food Safety, we are aiming for similar success in 2016 having received the top grade five rating from the Foods Standard Agency.

Other features that have enhanced the store include wheelchair access and a more spacious layout, while the new ranges developed by Musgrave, including Fresh for You, have received great feedback.

Over time, the size of the store became our main issue; however being able to invest in the expansion has allowed us to make better use of the space and offer more to our customers.

Other issues retailers face include ongoing competition from the large multiple supermarkets and, as a store located close to a big city such as Derry~Londonderry, it’s important to build a strong local customer base.

There are definitely signs of improvement following the economic downtown. However there is always room for improvement within the business, ensuring you are meeting customer demand, keeping things fresh and ensuring our customers get the best in quality and value.

There is still plenty of room in the market for local convenience retailers and Musgrave NI has played a great part in driving Centra’s enhanced offering forward. Identifying the change in shopping habits, with customers preferring to shop little and often, this is a really exciting time to be in the convenience trade.

COMMENTARY HENDERSON GROUP

Evolving alongside retail landscape T

Henderson Group Retail Director Mark McCammond

he retail landscape continued to evolve in Northern Ireland throughout 2015.

The way people shop for their everyday goods changed even more, and we evolved alongside those changes.

This can be mostly seen in the rapid expansion of Henderson Group’s supermarket brand, EUROSPAR. Larger than the convenience stores of SPAR, EUROSPARs started to pop up in communities and rural areas across the country, as the brand delivered towards the needs of the shopper.

2014 saw the Group plan for the roll out of new EUROSPAR stores and in 2015, the plan was implemented successfully. While we celebrated 15 years of the brand here in Northern Ireland, we were able to celebrate the six new stores which opened this year.

We also announced that eight more would be opening by the end of 2016, meaning that we will surpass the 50th landmark in total EUROSPAR store numbers. We currently

stand at 47; 18 of those are company-owned.

This is testament to how this niche brand delivers for shoppers. Where the brand was once a bit of a mystery, and maybe not as understood as it’s SPAR counterpart, the idea of a small supermarket right in the heart of communities and towns has been embraced by our retailers as great business opportunities.

A majority of the new EUROSPARs that have opened are conversions from the smaller SPAR stores, with owners recognising that they could provide more for their shoppers, whilst rivalling the out-of-town multiples.

Our supermarkets provide a range of services under one roof from butchers to the Post Office, not to mention a product selection of over 6,000 lines.

2016 will see the 50th EUROSPAR open in Northern Ireland, and if 2015’s 7% growth of the brand is anything to go by, its success won’t stop there.

FSB NORTHERN IRELAND

Long-term strategic support for our agri-food sector T

FSB NI Policy Chair Wilfred Mitchell OBE

he agri-food sector in Northern Ireland remains the most significant contributor to our local economy. Figures published earlier this year by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), reveal that the Northern Ireland food and drinks industry is worth approximately £4,510m per year – with sales continuing to increase.

Whilst there are a number of multinational businesses within the food and drink sector located across Northern Ireland, the thriving small business sector has flourished in matching global reputation and growth outside of Northern Ireland through hard work, research and development, and innovation.

As 2016 marks the Year of Food & Drink in Northern Ireland, the potential for ambitious and successful growth in this sector is a potential that has been realised by policymakers within the Programme for Government, Going for Growth and the NI Economic Strategy. However, further support is required in terms of lessening the burden of

regulation and developing long-term viability plans, particularly within the sector.

Food suppliers should be attaining a fair price for their product, to ensure the continuance of the high quality produce that Northern Ireland is globally famed for, rather than operating at a loss, as occurred in 2015. This was realised last year, with the dairy farming crisis, as livelihoods and farm businesses that had been passed through generations were placed in threat of severe debt and consequent wipe-out.

The reduction in dairy prices alone meant that over £220m was taken out of the Northern Ireland economy in the first nine months of 2015. This figure will be all the more devastating to the agri-food sector with similar pressures being faced in the production of beef, cereal and vegetables.

It is therefore vital in the Year of Food & Drink that the required long-term, strategic support for our agri-food sector is realised to ensure that the standard of food and drink being showcased, retains its global reputation, from farm to fork.

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COMMENTARY ASDA NI

2015 – a year of celebration 2

015 saw Asda celebrate its 50th anniversary – and its 10th in Northern Ireland – a landmark anniversary which was shared across the business, with our colleagues, within the local communities where we operate, and of course, with our customers. While this milestone gave us the chance to reflect on the past, our focus continues to be on the future.

Asda NI Senior Director George Rankin

Central to our 50th birthday was the launch of our Save Money, Live Better campaign, which saw Asda adopt the strapline made famous by our parent company, Walmart. This marked a natural step forward for the company and one which resonated with our customers. Our marketing campaign also saw the return of the famous ‘pocket tap’ – a subtle nod to our history coupled with our renewed commitment to help customers make the most of every penny.

That commitment stems from our understanding of the issues affecting consumers and much of this is driven by Asda’s Income Tracker – a recognised tool which informs, engages and delivers valuable insights into consumer spending power. Its findings resonate loudly in Northern Ireland where families still remain worst off of all regions with £95 less to spend per week than the average UK household – reinforcing the relevance of our Save Money, Live Better commitment.

Of course, we couldn’t do it without the support of our colleagues: their passion, enthusiasm and dedication connects us with our customers and set us apart from other retailers. Longevity of service is recognised

and rewarded by Asda and this year, our ‘Big Anniversary’ event saw 24 colleagues recognised from across Northern Ireland with their years of service to the business totalling 675 years.

Another factor to our success is the connection we’ve established with the communities where our stores are based. On the ground, this is delivered through both our Community Life initiative as well as our charitable trust – the Asda Foundation – and is brought to life through the sterling work of our Community Life Champions. Together they have supported a huge range of charities, groups and organisations in their local areas.

Buying local also remains central to our business. From the announcement of GB-wide contracts for companies such as Forest Feast to hosting regional ‘Meet the Buyer’ events in our stores, our local buying team continues to support the Northern Ireland economy by offering business development and export opportunities to NI-based food producers and processors.

Having announced our commitment to support the NI Year of Food & Drink, we look forward to further boosting the reputation of local food, farming and retail.

LIDL IRELAND

Investing to sustain growth 2

015 has been a hugely exciting year for Lidl. In order to sustain the growth we are experiencing, Lidl is investing heavily in its property portfolio. In fact, £20m is

Lidl Ireland Head of Public Relations Aoife Clarke

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currently being invested at the Nutts Corner distribution centre, which will see an increase in its footprint from 28,000 to 33,000 square metres.

Our office facility is also being expanded and fully modernised with new open plan working, to facilitate collaborative working practices amongst the ever-increasing workforce. Work on the office building will be complete in time for Christmas and the warehouse completed by the end of February 2016. The investment extends beyond the warehouse as Lidl NI opened our first city centre location in Belfast last December and we are also in the process of rebuilding our Banbridge store, with a new concept design. Our Lisnaskea store has also received an extension and modernisation this calendar year and we have also been actively planning for further expansion across the Province. In the pipeline, we have plans for Andersonstown Road to be demolished and rebuilt, with work commencing in the next few weeks. These changes are a result of our commitment to enhance the shopping

experience we provide to our ever-increasing customers.

2015 has seen our biggest investment to date in the community. In May we sponsored the first Heroes of Youth Awards in Northern Ireland with the Daily Mirror NI, which were aimed at recognising the remarkable achievements of 11 young people from across the Province. Also in May, we became Platinum sponsors of the Balmoral Show. The Lidl Green Barn became a very popular attraction at the event, giving us the opportunity to engage directly with our customers and also gave the opportunity for many of our local suppliers to engage directly with visitors. We estimate 45,000 people passed through the barn and 75,000 samples were tasted over the three days. In July, Lidl Northern Ireland embarked on their biggest community project to date, with an investment of over £300,000, becoming host port sponsors to the Belfast Tall Ships Festival. At the event, we again took the opportunity to showcase our local suppliers and charity partners to many of the estimated 600,000 visitors who attended the event.

COMMENTARY SAVAGE & WHITTEN

A major expansion beyond ambient goods S

avage & Whitten have just completed an extremely busy and successful 2015.

In the early months of the year, we had to deal with a 15% sterling to euro currency swing, making our export business into the South of Ireland very difficult. This challenging situation remained throughout the

Savage & Whitten Managing Director Mark Windebank

year although our team have risen to the task and exports are still in growth.

In August, we opened our chill/fresh/freeze operation based in Newry to supply the Today’s store network, as well as independent traders north and south of the border. This was a hugely significant step for our business, which has traded solely in ambient goods for almost 100 years. The relatively simple part of the development was to invest in the warehouse, fridges, freezers and vehicles necessary for operations and logistics. The more difficult task was to recruit and acquire the skills and experience required to develop the range and deliver the IT functionality needed to operate in this fast-moving market. However, once again, our team pulled together and we now have in place a very professional operation.

The opening of the chill/fresh/freeze facility was quickly followed in September by our move into a brand new state-of-the-art ambient warehouse giving us 40% more capacity, essential to meet the requirements of our fiveyear business plan. Alongside the warehouse move, we introduced a major change in working practice with the commencement of a night shift for picking.

Allied to our investments in Re-Scan EPOS

systems during 2014, the major investments in chill/fresh/freeze and ambient during 2015 mean Savage & Whitten with the Today’s brand are ready to meet the challenges of the ever-competitive and demanding grocery marketplace. We now have over 120 fascia stores north and south of the border and we continue to strengthen the business development team in order to provide the total service required by a Today’s retailer.

I have no doubt that 2016 will be a challenging year for our industry, with the advent of the new Living Wage in April likely to mean increased overheads for many retailers. This alongside continued grocery price deflation and the increase in discounters and on-line retailing are not making life easy for our traditional customers. The good news for the convenience sector is that consumers continue to shop little and often with an emphasis on the right products being truly convenient.

Savage & Whitten ‘s mission in 2016 will be to help our retailers meet the demands of their consumers with a quality range of products across every category, hence increasing basket spend and delivering the margins required for continued success.

FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY

Gearing up for the NI Year of Food & Drink W

e are on the cusp of a very exciting year in Northern Ireland; one that explores our food heritage and the local produce we have on offer. It’s a time for celebration and

Food Standards Agency NI Director Maria Jennings

showing recognition for the things we’re proud of, from the landscape to the sea and everything in between.

As the government department responsible for food safety matters in Northern Ireland, it’s the Food Standard Agency’s job to use our expertise and influence to ensure food businesses and producers are supplying food that people can trust throughout the NI Year of Food & Drink.

Our work touches everyone – after all, we all eat. By being genuinely open and engaging, we aim to find ways to make the consumers’ voice heard, both in our policy making and delivery, and in their relationships with the food industry. In 2016 and beyond, it’s our duty to ensure consumers have all of the information they need to make safe, healthy choices about the food they eat.

We are currently in the process of putting in place a law that makes it compulsory for food businesses to display their Food Hygiene Rating. This means that consumers can see, before they purchase food in a restaurant, café, or shop, how seriously the business takes

food hygiene.

We also recently launched our new, online tool, MenuCal for food businesses in Northern Ireland. This free tool will help businesses manage allergen information and calculate calories. Consumers will feel more confident to ask about allergenic ingredients when eating out and will hopefully make healthier choices by being more informed about the calories in the food they order. Using this tool, businesses also have the potential to increase their profitability by making smarter choices about the food they serve, tailoring their portion sizes to reduce the food’s energy value or changing the ingredients to give a healthier option.

These are just some of the ways we aim to fulfil our strategic plan and support for the food and drink industry in NI for the year.

This way we can help to ensure that food is safe, is what it says it is and gives consumers access to an affordable, healthy diet, now and in the future. Our legislative and policy making decisions ensure the work we do makes food safety, standards, nutrition and dietary health, across the entire food chain, a top priority.

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ADVERTORIAL

Are you still recovering from the Busy Holiday Season?

Unifiller offers tips on how to “lighten the load” by optimising production capacity with depositing and decorating machines.

T

rying to keep up with demand during one of the busiest times of the year can be difficult. Instore bakeries often bring in extra staff, juggle vacation times, incur overtime expenses, or work non-stop to keep up with demand. If that’s not enough, bakeries are also faced with the challenge of rising ingredient prices they have little to no control over. Not everyone can increase their prices to offset these additional costs, since there’s still a need to remain competitive. That’s when bakeries need to resort to some creative problem solving. Portioning equipment can play a big part in amping production, while increasing long term ROI.

Here are some tips from Unifiller on how to optimise production with portioning machines: • Automate cake & cupcake decorating.

Squeezing a pastry bag all day, every day, can create muscle fatigue and inconsistency in product appearance. Unifiller offers equipment that can ice a cake in 1.3 seconds, apply top and bottom decorative borders in one go or ice cupcakes with beautiful consistent rosettes.

The equipment is designed to be user-friendly with minimal training required for any entry level operator!

• Consider using portion-controlling depositors. A depositor can help manage ingredient costs as it reduces product waste through depositing accuracy, increases production yield, reduces injuries or injury claim costs by automating the depositing process, and frees up staff for other production activities. Unifiller offers depositors for all needs – anywhere from a portable compact tabletop depositor to depositors that can be used over full production lines.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH • Incorporate transfer pumps. Not only can a transfer pump remove the danger of lifting heavy bowls, but it can also keep your production flowing 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When shopping for a transfer pump, look for one that simulates gentle hand scooping, maintains the integrity of products and is equipped with an product sensors to ensure precise hopper levels at all times.

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

For more tips on how to “lighten the load” and prepare for Valentines Day, visit www.unifiller.com

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with

Exciting year ahead for

key industry

by michele shirlow, chief executive, food ni

The year ahead, 2016, will be an immensely exciting and extremely important period for Northern Ireland’s vibrant food and drink industry.

O

ur first ever Year of Food & Drink will be a marvellous showcase of the quality, outstanding taste and innovation underpinning what is now a £5bn industry providing around 100,000 jobs across an extensive supply chain and now our biggest manufacturer.

What is also hugely important is that it is an industry that is continuing to grow and come up with products that are attracting the attention of customers worldwide.

Food and drink is an industry driven by passionate people who love developing original and premium quality products.

And it’s an industry that cares deeply about customers and service. We already sell over

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

£1bn worth of products to customers in more than 60 countries.

A year-long programme of food festivals and other local community led events is being developed and will showcase a key sector or food message each month. There will be great opportunities for retailers, caterers, foodservice and distribution businesses here to strut their stuff by supporting this very important initiative by listing and promoting more local products.

We have the quality of products which deserve support and will provide excellent returns for those prepared to back them.

Greater sales of local food and drink here will have a very positive impact on the local economy and could create hundreds of new jobs in business, both large and small, that are deeply rooted in Northern Ireland, enterprises that are here to stay.

The initiative is being driven by Tourism NI, which has been busy promoting our food and drink as a key experience for visitors. Food and drink is also one third of visitor spend and thereby also contributes to economic growth. Food and drink is recognised as a key consideration when people consider a break or holiday. We want them to experience our unique and tasty food and drink and to look for the products in their supermarkets, delis and restaurants

when they return home.

Food NI’s focus will be on creating awareness of the huge range of products the industry offers in Northern Ireland. We are also working with Tourism NI and Invest NI to assist companies in developing sales abroad particularly in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland. Tourism Ireland recently launched the Year of Food & Drink to key food media in GB at an excellent event at the Good Housekeeping Institute in London.

Chef Theo Randall was joined by local chefs and producers such as Niall McKenna, Derek Creagh, Mark Douglas demonstrating griddle breads and James Huey from the Walled City Brewery.

The benefits from such exposure in Britain, still our most important market for food and drink, as well as the Republic, our single biggest export market, will be substantial for local producers, hospitality providers and the wider community.

I see no reason why it shouldn’t result in a significant increase in sales of our food and drink in Britain and the Republic in both retail and catering sectors. It would be marvellous to see more Northern Ireland food and drink listed on the menus of more restaurants and hotels in both markets.

We are already inviting people across Great Britain and in the Republic to come here and enjoy 366 days of culinary celebration – where they will discover the best of local produce and have the chance to experience the spectacular scenery and wonderful coastline and friendly people that makes Northern Ireland and our food and drink so special.

Year of Food & Drink 2016 is an excellent example of joined-up government working with the private sector for the benefit of everyone here.

Year of Food & Drink kicks off with

Breakfast Month N

orthern 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.

Kicking off 366 days of celebration is Breakfast Month.

Last year’s Shake-Up-Your-Wake-Up Breakfast Awards saw the Best of The Market Breakfast at St George’s Market Bar and Grill in Belfast announced as the Northern Ireland winner, and overall runner up restaurant for the whole of the UK. There were thousands of votes cast online by regulars and the public, which placed St George’s Market Bar & Grill as the best in Northern Ireland. The restaurant is owned by The Mount Charles Group, with its breakfast cherry picked from the fantastic artisan producers in the market itself. The traditional dry cured bacon, sausages and eggs were from local, free-range farms and St George’s stall holder Pheasants’ Hill Farm using sustainable farming methods. The soda and potato bread was from Chrissie, a local baker and stallholder at St George’s Market who uses her grandmother’s old-fashioned recipes using real buttermilk, all handmade on her farm in Killinchy. The black and white puddings were courtesy of Conakilty and even the butter is a Great Taste award winner, hand churned in Dromara by the wonderful Abernethy Butter Company.

Healthy focus for Breakfast Week 2016 B

reakfast is undergoing a revival, led by on-trend pop up breakfast cafés, all day breakfast restaurants and grab‘n’go innovations. Now the organisers of Breakfast Week (January 24-30) have joined forces with TV presenter and model Vogue Williams, who won the ITV Bear Gryll’s Mission Survive programme, to call on the nation to make it their mission to rethink breakfast.

Breakfast Week is organised by AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds on behalf of UK cereal farmers and producers, who grow and make the foods we all enjoy at breakfast.

AHDB research shows that when people skip breakfast: • three in ten (30%) say they lack energy and one in seven (14%) feel grumpy • they consume an extra 252 kcals a day • they are twice as likely to reach for a bag of crisps or a biscuit mid-morning than breakfast eaters.

Yet, with the help of a few simple tricks and ideas, anyone can make up a tasty breakfast to enjoy at home, at work or on the go that will keep them smiling throughout the morning. Studies show that eating breakfast can give you more energy, help reduce stress levels, improve concentration and mood and may even help you to manage your weight.

“I always feel healthier and happier when I eat breakfast,” said Williams. “It’s my favourite meal of the day and I’m really glad to be involved in this year’s campaign because I’m learning lots of fresh ideas on how to shake up my mornings with breakfasts that I love.”

To find out more about Williams’ ‘Mission Breakfast’ to create a series of quick and simple breakfasts in under three minutes, and other activities around Breakfast Week, visit www. shakeupyourwakeup.com.

BREAKFAST MONTH EVENTS: Four Tourism NI roadshows: January 19 - Join the Food Revolution Derry~Londonderry Roadshow – Guildhall

January 20 - Join the Food Revolution Enniskillen Roadshow - Killyhevlin Hotel

January 21 - Join the Food Revolution Armagh Roadshow - Marketplace Theatre

January 22 - Join the Food Revolution Belfast Roadshow - Stormont Hotel

January 24-30 Breakfast Week www.shakeupyourwakeup.com

January 26 – Food NI breakfast event Europa Hotel

January 28, 1-5pm Routes to Market for Food and Drink Products Ulster University, Coleraine Campus

January 29 - Ulster FRYDay Share breakfast images on social media using the hashtag #UlsterFRYday, tagging @Food_NI and @ NITouristBoard

The theme for February is Love Local.

For more information on getting involved in Year of Food & Drink 2016, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.

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

25

Supporting

Breakfast Month

www.henderson-group.com

year of FOOD & DRINK - breakfast month

LowLow has ambitious growth plans for 2016 Amanda Ryan, senior brand manager of LowLow at Kerry Foods, talks to UG. HOW IS LOWLOW’S PRODUCT PORTFOLIO PERFORMING? 2015 was a big year for LowLow. In September, the brand underwent a radical make over. This was based on the insight that consumers want more natural products in both ingredients and appearance. We rebranded the whole range so it has a more natural look and feel. Dairy credentials are also important to our core target market, so we have called these out on packs. And we even launched exciting new variations, such as Emmental spreadable cheese and Sweet Chilli Snack Bites.

Supported with TV, extensive digital and a sampling campaign, the relaunch has had a really positive impact on the brand, with post re-launch sales uplifts ranging from +22% on natural cheese to +86% on the cheese snacking range.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PRODUCT PORTFOLIO We’re proud to make delicious dairy our consumers can feel good about. Our cheese is cleverly made from 100% natural ingredients and Irish semi-skimmed milk so that our consumers get great taste and dairy goodness,

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

along with 33% less fat.

Our Snack Bite range consists of Caramelised Onion, Sweet Chilli, Roasted Red Pepper and Cranberry. Each pack contains five delicious mature cheese slices with wholesome multigrain toast and chutney. These are perfect for consumers who want a healthy convenient snack that is tasty, and they can look forward to eat but is still good for them.

Our original spreads range allows consumers all the benefits of delicious spreadable butter, with 81% less fat. They are versatile, and can be used in spreading, baking and melting.

TELL US ABOUT ‘FOOD TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT’ Food to feel good about is core to our brand’s proposition. We believe food that tastes good should also do you good. We believe in real food that is naturally full of goodness. We also believe that being healthy shouldn’t mean sacrificing either. This is at the heart of everything we do, from product development to band communications. This really comes through in our TVCs, which hero delicious healthy hearty food, and our digital presence

where we try to inspire our core target to live a life that makes them feel good. Our Facebook page content is very upbeat, optimistic, clever, and resonates with our fans.

WHAT DOES YOUR MARKETING PLAN FOR 2016 INVOLVE? We have a very ambitious growth plan for 2016, and are investing in a strong campaign to match this ambition. The January/February campaign will see a focus on LowLow butter spreads with a new TVC. The JanYOUary campaign will include heavy weight TV, digital and sampling campaign. We will continue sampling throughout 2016, because we know the power of our brand is in its taste. 96% of consumers would recommend LowLow products to a friend (sample size 11,000; WorkPerk research August 2015).

Quarter one of 2016 will see an exciting new on pack promotion ‘2 for 1’ beauty treatments with special packs of LowLow. All consumers need to do is pick up a promo pack, go to www.lowlow.ie/beauty type in their unique code, pick their salon, print off their voucher, and 2 for 1 beauty treatments on us.

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YEAR OF FOOD & DRINK - BREAKFAST MONTH

Love breakfast?

It’s got to be Cookstown C

ookstown, Northern Ireland’s leading pork brand, is delighted to be supporting Food NI and Tourism NI during Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016. And what better way to get involved and celebrate Breakfast Month, than to tuck into a yummy Cookstown breakfast.

“Families in Northern Ireland have been enjoying our Cookstown bacon and sausages for over 75 years, sure even the great George Best and Sir Pat Jennings loved a Cookstown breakfast,” said Alastair McQuillan, head of consumer foods at Karro, Cookstown.

However, its famous sausages and bacon are not the only breakfast offerings in the Cookstown portfolio. “If you don’t have time to make a full breakfast or are watching your weight, our Cookstown Bacon Delights are a great alternative,” said Alastair. “The fully cooked bacon medallions can be eaten hot (two minutes in the microwave) or cold, and they are virtually 100% lean. In fact, they are so convenient that you need to start boiling the kettle and toasting your bread well before you pop the delights in the microwave.

“If you just want something a bit simpler with your cuppa in the morning, why not try one of our Cookstown sausage rolls. We have just expanded the range, adding jumbo and buffet sausage rolls to our existing cocktail sausage roll offering, so even the hungriest breakfast lovers are catered for.

“At Cookstown, our brand promise is to have quality, locally-farmed, fresh product in the market. We also recognise the importance of value for money for our consumers and so we moved to an everyday value pricing-platform across our entire range some time ago which continues to this day.

We believe our consumers recognise that the Cookstown brand provides both quality and value for money, and subsequently we are seeing more and more repeat buyers across our categories.”

Established in 1937, the Cookstown brand has a great range covering all pork categories including bacon, sausages, ham, gammon and fresh pork. If you are interested in stocking the Cookstown brand or to find out more about the sizzling range, please contact a member of the sales team on +44 (0) 2886 763321 or email info@cookstownbrand.com.

8 • •Ulster 3628 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

love a cooked breakfast

Stock up now!!!

Contact a member of our sales team on: Tel +44 (0) 2886 763321 Email info@cookstownbrand.com

My Life in the Grocery Trade Danielle McBride, brand manager for White’s Oats.

WHAT IS YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I’m brand manager for White’s Oats, one of Ireland’s oldest brands and a market leader within the Northern Ireland cereal market.

I’ve held the role for over five years.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE I started my career with Cantrell and Cochrane in a sales and marketing support role. In 2007, I moved into a category management role for Westland Horticulture, during which time a promotion led me into product and brand management. In 2010, I took up the position of brand manager for White’s Oats, a role I’ve held ever since and I love it.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? I have principal accountability for developing and implementing the marketing and communication plan for White’s range of oat based cereals, including strategy development, positioning, pricing and promotion across a range of markets both domestic and international. I’m also responsible for analysing consumer and market trends to identify new product opportunities. In a fast moving and competitive marketplace such as breakfast cereals, it’s important to keep abreast of current trends. Last year, we launched a high protein and high fibre porridge under the ActivOat brand to tap into the growing number of consumers looking to support busy active lifestyles.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? I would have to say that the best part of my

job is having the autonomy to work on a brand with such heritage and provenance and to do so within a young, energetic and dynamic team. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work on White’s repositioning and to communicate the back story behind the brand. White’s is celebrating its 175th harvest this year and with that much history behind it, it was a challenge to define a clear positioning for the brand but one which I relished and very much enjoyed working on.

The worst part of the job… I would say these are more challenging aspects to the job than anything. Trying to grow market share in a market which is restrictive in terms of its size, however, as a market leading brand with an award-winning track record in producing great tasting porridge oats, this has allowed us to be proactive and look outwards towards other markets in order to grow the business.

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY No one day is constant; that’s what I love about the role, however January is a typical month in that it’s a busy time for the porridge and oat category with consumers seeking a healthy new start. I’m currently involved in developing brand plans for the month ahead with a focus on Farmhouse Breakfast Week at the end of the month. Farmhouse Breakfast is an initiative set up by the Home Grown Cereals Authority to champion the most important meal of the day and to remind us of the benefits of starting the day with a healthy and nutritious breakfast, and so it’s an ideal platform to communicate the nutritional benefits of porridge to consumers.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? I would say starting the year winning the

8 • •Ulster 3630 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Ulster Grocer Marketing Award for Best Brand/Product Re-launch and then finishing the year by winning the CIM Marketing with Excellence award for food and drink.

These awards recognise the best marketing achievements in Ireland and acknowledge the strength of our strategic marketing campaign for the repositioning of the White’s brand.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED IN THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? Easily the people; from our customers who are passionate about supporting local brands knowing they’re getting the highest quality in food standards and who work collaboratively with us in making that local connection to consumers, to the wonderful producers we work alongside within the local food community.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND FROM A DAY AT WORK? Swimming and pilates.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW? I spent time in the Australian outback teaching for School of the Air, a far cry from what I do now!

STAR STORES

Celebrating excellence in grocery retailing Symbol groups and multiple retailers operating in the local grocery sector have nominated shops standing out from the crowded retail market as ‘star stores’.

CENTRA PORTAFERRY: BOOSTING SALES THROUGH ENHANCED OFFER

D

eclan Watson, owner of Centra Portaferry, has transformed his store to create a better offering for his customers as well as playing a major part in the evolution of the Centra brand.

Investing in Centra’s new store format and customer offer has resulted in an increase of profit and sales and has changed the opinion of the local community, attracting customers to enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable shopping experience.

Improvements to the store have included a larger fresh offer and an extended food to go area with new coffee and bakery sections. New LED lighting and a wider first aisle has resulted in a brighter and more spacious store.

Customers’ opinion of the store has changed dramatically, with many spending more time to browse the enhanced offering. Centra Portaferry was the first store in the retail brand to stock the new locally-produced Fresh for You range of meals which has proved a great success along with the new extended free from range.

Footfall to Centra stores is heavily driven by food to go and coffee, so it was crucial the new concept ensures customers get the best in quality and service. The store now offers new in-house southern fried chicken, a new range of gourmet sandwiches along with an extended cold counter and a new coffee dock including new digital coffee machines and additional ambient displays.

“I couldn’t be happier with the results and, since the concept has been introduced, sales remain strong,” said Declan. “Centra has

Declan Watson

thought about every aspect to make the store more efficient and the staff and local community have really been a great support throughout.

“I feel our focus on the new fresh offering has really helped to drive business forward and Centra have helped by adding an extensive range of new fresh products.

“The results across footfall, sales and profits continue to grow and, year on year, we have definitely seen signs of improvement. 2016 will see us fixed on maintaining the standards, focused on the enhancing the fresh offering and keeping up with hot food trends.”

MACE KILREA: SPACIOUS, BRIGHT, INVITING SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

S

teele’s Mace, located in the close community town of Kilrea in Co Londonderry has undergone a recent major refurbishment, and the 2,200-square-foot store now showcases the best of what Mace has to offer.

After 15 years in retail, store owner Paul Steele felt the time was right to build on what he had established, a strong business with loyal customers and good trade from passing commuters, and upgrade his

Paul Steele

store to the new Mace brand proposition.

With a change in trade as customers looked for a more comprehensive offer, Paul felt the new format would be a perfect fit for his business.

Mace Kilrea now offers its customers a more spacious, brighter and inviting shopping experience, resulting in improved sales and profit.

Food to go and coffee has undergone the biggest transformation, now offering a new Mace destination self-serve dock with a new digital coffee machine with a range of bean to cup coffees, speciality teas and hot chocolates.

The new and improved coffee dock has proved very popular, now displaying bakery options with linked deals, and a self-serve area for porridge or soup has freed up space at the deli counters and increasing staff productivity.

A brand-new in-store bakery has been a welcome addition to the store with breads and pastries baked daily, little and often to enhance the offering with minimum waste.

The hot and cold delis were increased in size including a new offer in both and there was also a new range of ready to heat and ready to cook meal solutions and fresh meat ranges in the new chill units.

“This has been the most significant revamp the store has received in almost two decades and I’m delighted with the outcome,” said Paul.

“The store is much smarter, modern and up to date and is consistently busier than normal.

“Everything has improved throughout the store and thanks to the hard work of all of the staff, the great results in sales, footfall and profits continue.”

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STAR STORES

NISA EXTRA MILESTONE: PLACING LOCAL COMMUNITY AT ITS HEART

O

ver the past 12 months, there has been a dramatic change in Milestone Nisa Extra as the company has spent in excess of £2m on developing a newly refurbished shop, resulting in the store being extended from 4,000 to 15,000 square feet.

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 store employs a high calibre of staff to ensure food hygiene and food legislation is covered. For example, employing staff with food technology, chef and general catering qualifications has allowed the store to prepare recipes on healthy eating, slimming products and nutritious foods as well as indulgent foods.

Understanding that money is a concern for a lot of their customers, the store spends a great deal of time cross referencing pricing to ensure products are offered at competitive prices. To aid this, the store has a large

amount of storage space and often buys by the pallet to ensure it can promote items even beyond the promotional dates.

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.

As this is a new development, technology has been incorporated to ensure the best possible

experience is provided to its customers. The store has electronic tills with touch card technology to speed up transactions and reduce queuing time. It also has LED screens in the carpark to let those passing by know of its range of products and services.

Furthermore, as social media becomes more important for businesses, it has an active Facebook and Twitter account which promotes the business to the wider community. This is supported through the store’s own website which it uses to inform its customers of the services and products available.

The team have been astounded by the success of its new approach, it listens to its customers and tries to make changes to suit their budget and lifestyle. Sales are up phenomenally since the new store was opened.

SUPERVALU FINTONA: FRESH OFFER AND A MARKET FEEL

H

usband and wife team Garvan and Karen Hegarty have been the driving force behind SuperValu Fintona’s recent refurbishment.

Their ambition to create an impressive forward-thinking supermarket for Fintona has been in the making since they purchased the store in 2006. And, thanks to SuperValu’s new proposition and support, their aspiration has finally been able to come to fruition.

SuperValu Fintona, a family store located in rural Co Tyrone, has led the way for the SuperValu brand in Northern Ireland with a new format and selection of ranges that suit the modern-day shopper.

As a national award-winning store, for their provision of fruit and Garvan and Karen Hegarty

32

vegetables, it was essential they got this right, allowing customers to see the full extent of what they had to offer.

Other areas which have benefited from the new proposition are food to go with a new range of gourmet sandwiches, a new coffee dock area with digital machines and improved beans, a new in-store bakery and the new Fresh for You meal solutions range, which has received positive feedback from the customers.

The layout of the store played a key role in the transformation, opening up the first aisle into a more spacious, less cluttered area, where customers can browse the new fresh ranges giving the store a market feel.

The store has also made better use of the full store including new display units and energy efficient LED lit refrigeration units.

SuperValu Fintona has now built a reputation for excellent coffee, an exceptional fresh offer and has developed a good free from range which sets it apart from other convenience stores.

“The results speak for themselves,” said Garvan. “SuperValu Fintona’s sales and profits are up and the new features are proving very successful including the hot deli and self-service hot chicken cabinet, which are new to the store.

“The local community is vital to the success of the business and, by investing into their consumer needs, they have responded positively.

We now have an increased footfall with people travelling from further afield to shop here.

“Myself and my wife, Karen are absolutely delighted with the new store, we are so proud of the outcome; it has been 12 months of hard work but we are looking forward to continuing the success in 2016 and seeing the brand develop and get stronger over this time.”

STAR STORES

TODAY’S DONAGHMORE: IN TOP 100 UK INDEPENDENT RETAIL STORES

A

local neighbourhood convenience store and forecourt has been recognised by the Independent Achievers Academy for making it into the Top 100 of Independent Retail stores in the UK. Today’s Extra Donaghmore Store Manager Stephen Brown told Ulster Grocer this was the highest accolade the store has received in 2015.This is recognition of the hard work put in on a daily basis by the management and staff, which keeps the store trading to such a high standard.

Another development for the store included a refit at the beginning of the year, including investment in new energy efficient dairy cabinets and chilled fruit and veg units along and a new store layout, which now puts a major focus on the chilled and fresh food categories in line with current shopping trends.

Another new layout feature, a ‘power aisle’ allows customers to shop the complete range of special offers on their current promotional leaflet, as well as their extensive range of £1 saver deals as they come into the store.

As a busy Today’s Extra/Emo Fuels forecourt site, a good ‘food to go’ offering is essential to the ongoing success of the business.

“We have invested in our existing hot food/deli counter, with the appointment of a new chef, who is now providing a new choice of meals/snacks including the popular breakfast baps, meal deals, lunchtime specials and dinners,” said Stephen. “This has been a great boost for footfall and sales have increased dramatically, making early mornings and lunchtimes a busy period.

“Being a local store, we also like to be aware of our local customers’ needs and regularly stock products and offer services that are not available elsewhere in the village. We aim to give back to the community where possible, and take pride in supporting the local community events and charity groups by offering sponsorship throughout the year.”

With the poor summer weather, Stephen commented that sales of soft drinks, ice cream and seasonal lines were not what he had forecast but,

although sales have been a challenge in this area, he is pleased with the increase in other areas, particularly within the new ranges of chilled and fresh food. “We have a new range of over 1,200 products now available online to order directly from our Today’s wholesaler Savage & Whitten, covering chill, fresh, frozen and fruit and veg to choose from,” he said. “With S&W Wholesale supporting and driving a more extensive offer on range, price and local promotional activity, this has helped us to drive sales to an all-time high within the store.”

Stephen is looking forward to an exciting and busy 2016 for the store. With further investment planned for the site, a new food-to-go concept, along with the introduction of an improved hot drinks to go offering, will form part of the plan to drive sales and footfall further in the Today’s Extra site in Donaghmore.

Speaking on behalf of the Today’s team from S&W Wholesale, Michael Skelton (sales director) told Ulster Grocer: “We are delighted with the new improved Today’s Extra store and how it has been received in Donaghmore. This store represents the way forward for the Today’s Group with a new look store and improved customer offering.”

Today’s team in Donaghmore

SPAR CAVEHILL ROAD: CREATING A MORE SHOPPER-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

S

PAR Cavehill Road had been run by Norman Porter for over 35 years when, in 2015, his daughter Jenny took over the business in partnership with long-serving store manager Frank Quigley. Since the start of the year, the store has undergone a significant refurbishment.

“Trading in 2015 has been challenging with the ever-changing shopper trends and with our new partnership in place, it was vital that we continued to deliver the high-level of customer service that our local community were used too. Lucky for us, we had the support and guidance of Norman to do this,” says Jenny Reilly, new store owner.

Recognising the need to modernise, in September SPAR Cavehill underwent an interior redesign, helping to breathe new life into the Owners Jenny Reilly and Frank Quigley

store and creating a much more vibrant, shopper friendly environment.

This wasn’t without its challenges as Jenny and Frank vowed to keep the doors open throughout the process. So whilst pressure remained to ensure the least possible disruption, the new store developed a larger produce section, extended dairy offering and a range of exciting new services such as Barrista Coffee and Quinns Ice-cream.

“Our employees have been the shining stars who have provided consistency and a high level of service to our shoppers’ through-out the store refurbishment,” said Jenny. “This is a unique store and has a strong and well-established history within the Cavehill area and any changes needed to embrace our individuality but at the same time modernise and develop to meet the changing needs of our shoppers. We wanted to create a welcoming store which was well laid out and offered a one stop shop.”

The impressive new in-store imagery tells the story of the store’s distinctive heritage, creating a heart-warming and friendly atmosphere.

The significant investment has also resulted in longer opening hours, an extended range of fresh produce including various meal solutions, gluten free options and also a newly revamped Subway franchise. The store has seen an increase in sales since the store finished its refurbishment and the feedback from shoppers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Looking to the future, both Jenny and Frank are excited about the new opportunities their changes will bring. The store will continue to source locally, aim to satisfy shoppers’ needs and invest where possible in the local community.

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STAR STORES

EUROSPAR KILKEEL: TRANSFORMATION FOR HENDERSON REtAIL–OWNED STORE

E

UROSPAR Greencastle underwent a complete transformation in the summer of 2015. The store changed over from the SPAR brand and grew significantly in size. This was to accommodate the extra product range, facilitate a more spacious shopping experience and the addition of 16 new full-and part-time employees.

“It has been a very successful year for the store with strong LFL growth pre the refit and a further sales boost post-transformation,” said Gregory Cochrane, store manager. “We have continued to benefit from the new SPAR own brand product launches such as ‘enjoy local’ and ‘meals made delicious’, which came out earlier this year. We have also seen considerable sales growth across our locally-produced product lines too and we are very proud to be the first ever retail outlet to stock Sea Source products, which are sourced from Co Down, the ports of Annalong, Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie.

“The store has continued to go from strength to strength and, with such positive shopper feedback, it had become evident we would have to look at extending the store and 2015 became the year to do it.”

In order to complete the transformation, EUROSPAR Greencastle closed for two months, allowing for a complete refit and extension of the interior and also an expansion of the forecourt which now offers 16 petrol pumps instead of the original eight.

Employees also underwent a comprehensive training and development plan in order to best prepare them for the new brand and change in product range. The already award- winning team undertook an intensive customer service course, led by the Henderson Group Training Academy, to ensure staff were prepared for the new opening.

“The staff at Greencastle are already very capable and experienced in delivering excellent customer service; this development opportunity

EUROSPAR Greencastle Street, Kilkeel

through the Academy helped to prepare for the new in store changes,” said Gregory. “They are a highly-motivated team and the store closure provided us with the opportunity to build a store plan based around what employees’ strengths and interests were. For example, employees got the chance to learn their key categories from other bestselling Henderson Retail stores.”

Extensive research has gone into delivering the best possible store for the shoppers of Kilkeel and surrounding areas. With an enlargement of 2,500 square feet to accommodate the local Cunningham’s butchers and several new services such as Post Office, Quinns Ice-cream, Barrista Coffee, a Subway franchise, and a Daily Deli, store sales have increased by 66% per week.

The introduction of the Post Office, Subway franchise and produce department, which has tripled in size, has also proved particularly popular with shoppers and had a significant influence on store footfall.

EUROSPAR Greencastle now welcomes an additional 3,500 shoppers per week, bringing their total to over 11,000 per week.

VIVO ESSENTIALS LISNARICK: ESTABLISHING ITSELF IN THE COMMUNITY

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n December 2014, new family owners, the Maguire’s, set foot inside what would become their VIVO Essentials Store which is situated between Castle Archdale Country Park and Castle Archdale Marina. The unit, originally a small convenience store, forecourt and restaurant, required extensive work to modernise and rebuild the family’s new business venture.

Work began in early January 2015 and, with an investment of over £500,000, the store and the site were given a complete facelift. An 1,100-square-foot VIVO Essentials store, a Top Oil forecourt hosting two islands of petrol pumps and a new diner

has been created utilising the most modern and energy-efficient material possible.

The store now houses energy efficient lighting, new dairy and fresh cabinets, a Barista Coffee Bar and a Morelli’s ice-cream unit to name a few. The new contemporary layout and surroundings have created a very shopper-friendly atmosphere.

The store began trading on May 22, bringing on board 12 local full-and part-time staff.

“Despite what was a difficult summer weather wise, our first couple of months trading was very encouraging,” said Catherine Maguire, owner. “We have and continue to

Vivo Essentials

34

work very hard to establish the new store within the community. Our Store Manager Karen Armstrong, who comes with over ten years’ experience, has been instrumental in helping to ensure our first year has been a success.”

As with all VIVO Essentials stores, the shop stocks local produce and does have some very exclusive products on its shelves too. This includes local butcher’s, Maguire Meats, and Mallard Homebakes.

With all new businesses comes challenges and this VIVO Essentials Store has been no exception.

“As the site had lain dormant for some time before we bought it over, our greatest challenge has been to rebuild up a customer base, get to know what our shoppers’ habits are and to develop as we learn,” said Catherine. “We are focusing on building the profile for the store in the local community and in particular how we can adapt to encourage the passing trade to visit our store too - thus the investment in our forecourt and the opening of a new diner, Archies, in November.”

VIVO Essentials, Lisnarick, is located in the happiest place to live in UK (Fermanagh Omagh District) according to a recent survey by the Office for National Statistics.

STAR STORES

SUPERSHOP: MAJOR REFIT FOR PORTADOWN INDEPENDENT RETAILER

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015 has proved a very successful year for Malcolm Hall’s Supershop in Annagh Bridge, an independent retailer in partnership with Costcutter, which has seen weekly sales increase by more than 15% following a major refit.

“Managing an extensive refurbishment was a major challenge for us, but the benefits have been considerable,” said Malcolm.

“Our customers have really responded well to the new-look store, particularly our extended bakery, coffee and fresh produce offers.

“Supporting our local community is really important to us so, as well as working closely with local schools and charities, the past year has seen us successfully launch a home delivery service for elderly customers who find it getting out hard. We’ve had a fantastic reception to the service.

“Our refit extended our fresh and chilled offering from 3.75m to 10m, our bakery extended from four small baskets to a 2.5m bespoke wall unit and our new in-store bean-to-cup coffee machine has seen coffee sales increase 60% month-on-month.

“We introduced new breads, cheeses, olives and meat products to meet demand from our Eastern European customers, and launched meal deals to cater for the local business lunchtime trade.

“We recognised a real need for a far wider convenience offering on the community’s doorstep, so took the necessary steps to expand our fresh produce range and bring in produce from local suppliers. What’s more a free-to-use ATM has driven increased footfall and contactless card payments are increasingly popular with our customers.”

With access previously an issue, particularly for mothers and parents

Malcolm Hall is pictured, centre, with shop staff.

with pushchairs, the work included re-paving the front of the store, removing a step and installing automatic doors.

And in addition to the refit, the business upgraded its till system and back office, enabling sales to be analysed in much greater detail and inform changes to its range. “We find listening to customer feedback extremely important and have created a customer newsletter and social media programme, with promotions, special offers and competitions,” said Malcolm. “We’re looking forward to continued growth next year, despite tough competition.”

COSTCUTTER CHALET STORES: CUSTOMER FOCUS KEY TO SUCCESS

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espite tough competition from established supermarkets in the area, Costcutter Chalet Stores in Portadown has seen its weekly turnover increase from £19,000 to over £40,000 over the past 12 months. Around 7,000 customers visit weekly, buying some 20,000 items.

“Establishing ourselves within the community has been vital to our success and this year saw us not only topping Costcutter’s customer satisfaction surveys, but also saw us win Costcutter’s customer service award, as

voted for by the public, beating some 2,700 other stores,” said Craig Crossey-Truesdale, owner of the store. “Our new hot food range has also proved a real success for drawing customers in. We now produce mouthwatering meals ranging from beef stroganoff and burgers to pies and lasagnes, all prepared on site.

“Launching our hot food-to-go and new Costa Coffee Machine have made a real difference to our business, helping us develop a solid base of regular and loyal customers.”

After talking to local customers, Costcutter Chalet Stores also just launched a new Chicken & Burger Bar, open Thursday to Saturday 5-9pm, to draw in the weekend crowd looking for a quick takeaway option.

“We’re particularly excited to see how this helps increase footfall and sales,” said Craig.

“Listening to customer feedback has really helped us develop and refine our offering.

We’ve taken on nine new staff in the past year to deal with our expanded offering which, as well as the new Chicken & Burger Bar, has seen us launch a delivery service for the elderly in the community.”

In business only 18 months ago, Craig has worked to create a team who are not only great at their jobs, but also care about the community. “So as well as encouraging staff to spend time talking to and engaging with customers, our staff have personal development plans including attending retail management courses and studying for accreditations, to keep them incentivised,” he says. “Customer demand is constantly changing, so we’ve found it absolutely vital to keep listening to what they want and adapting our offering to suit those needs.

“2015 has seen us become firmly established as the community’s store. We’re excited to see how our new Chicken & Burger Bar is received by customers and we will continue to listen to feedback and change accordingly – I’m confident that by doing this, our business will continue to grow.”

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STAR STORES

ASDA ENNISKILLEN: ATTRACTING CROSS-BORDER SHOPPERS

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sda was first introduced to Enniskillen in November 2005 when the supermarket chain acquired the Safeway/Morrisons stores throughout Northern Ireland. In 2007, Asda invested a further £20m in a new purpose-built 41,000-square-foot store in the town, bringing its full offering to shoppers in Fermanagh and beyond. Having just celebrated its 10th anniversary of trading in NI (and 50th in the UK), Asda Enniskillen now employs 400 full and part-time colleagues and is recognised as one of the region’s top performing stores.

Much of the store’s success has stemmed from its location which, together with its reputation for value and choice, has attracted a steady flow of cross-border shoppers. To reflect this, and as part of its commitment to deliver services to meet local needs, a Bureau de Change was introduced to the store in 2015 which, along with established services such as home delivery, Click & Collect and an electric car charging point, has been a welcome addition to the store.

Cultivating relationships with local suppliers remains central to Asda’s business model and in a drive to support the local economy, the Enniskillen store hosted a regional Meet the Buyer event in autumn 2015. Designed to give smaller food companies and artisan producers an insight into supplying to Asda, the event was a huge success for the 14 businesses who attended, stimulating ideas and potential trading opportunities for the future.

Community is central to Asda’s overarching strategy – making the areas around the store a better place to live and work for Asda customers and colleagues alike through its Community Life initiative.

In Enniskillen this is brought to life by Simon Harron, the store’s dedicated Community Life Champion who works tirelessly with local groups and voluntary sector organisations such as The Beacon Centre, the Enniskillen food bank and BKN-upCycling Shop. By supporting the work of Asda’s national breast cancer charity, Tickled Pink, his efforts

36

Asda Enniskillen General Store Manager Michael McFadden is pictured with Fresh Section Leader Dale McClean.

are making a positive difference to many in the local area.

As always, the Asda Enniskillen colleagues are the cornerstone to the store’s success. Their loyalty and dedication is recognised annually through the supermarket’s ‘Big Anniversary’ event and this year, customers were delighted to see Claire Leonard and Tommy Dillon commended for their combined 50 years of service to the store.

Store manager Michael McFadden commented: “Our Enniskillen store continues to go from strength to strength thanks to the efforts of our great team and the support of our loyal customers. We look forward to another successful year of trading in 2016.”

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RETAIL PROFILE

Focusing on convenience, value and local produce Henderson Wholesale Sales & Marketing Director Paddy Doody.

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n a difficult grocery market, facing food deflation, an ongoing shopper focus on price and increased competition from discounters, the Henderson Group continues to grow year on year. In November, the Group was named Company of the Year at a local business awards show.

The success of the company has led to a recent £25m investment, which will see a complete transformation of the HQ site based in Mallusk. The investment will cover the purchase of new land with a distribution centre which will be fully renovated. It will facilitate business growth and secure employment across all four companies within the Group.

The Group expects to finish 2015 with like-for-like retail sales up by 1.6%, a slight increase in total store numbers and growth in market share.

“We are taking share off our competitors because we continue to grow in a market where food inflation is running at a negative of 0.5%,” says Paddy Doody, sales and marketing director at Henderson Wholesale.

A focus on value, convenience, local provenance and the building of the SPAR and EUROSPAR brands is proving successful for the business. Alongside this, an ongoing investment of £25m which has been earmarked for 2016 will upgrade wholesale operations and over 100 retail projects in both independent and co-owned stores.

“Business is positive,” he says. “We’re on plan in terms of how we’re performing. Our company-owned estate is around 30% of our total business, leaving the remaining share, 70%, across our independent stores.”

Each sector of the business brings its own advantages, with the Group afforded total control of its own stores but independent retailers also bringing an entrepreneurial 38

While the Henderson Group continues to outperform tough trading conditions in the grocery market with rising sales, store numbers and market share, absorbing the rising costs of the living wage and rates revaluation is a major concern, Henderson Wholesale Sales and Marketing Director Paddy Doody tells UG. spirit. “That’s what you get with an independent operator,” he says. “It’s their business, their livelihood, their pride and joy.”

With like-for-like sales up by 1.6%, “in the current environment, anything that’s plus is encouraging because currently the only channels showing significant growth are the discounter channels and online

shopping. For a mature business like ours, we believe this performance is commendable; particularly when you see how the multiples are performing.”

The Henderson Group’s convenience store format is benefiting from evolving lifestyles, as shoppers move away from weekly towards top-up shopping.

Independently-owned SPAR Culmore, Londonderry, opened in 2015. In partnership with Henderson Wholesale, the store – which is just under 3,000 square feet, displays SPAR’s new contemporary look.

RETAIL PROFILE One more positive change on the horizon is the forthcoming reduction of Corporation Tax in Northern Ireland. “We see this purely as a way we can increase investment in our business to create jobs,” he says. “I suppose it levels the field, particularly with the Republic of Ireland, where it has proved to be a very effective way of growing their economy.”

The SPAR Christmas TV advert.

The Group is working with its retail partners to identify areas for improving profitability.”

Total store numbers should finish the year with a net gain of four. “We’ve opened some, we’ve lost some,” he says. “There’s always a churn in your business. What we are finding is the stores we are losing are smaller stores which are becoming economically unviable whereas the stores that we are gaining are bigger stores.”

EUROSPAR, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in the Province last September, is the fastest growing symbol for the Henderson Group. It currently has 47 stores and is expected to well exceed 50 by the end of 2016. As well as upgrades from SPAR stores to the larger EUROSPAR format, the growth includes conversions; notable examples of which include the well-known JC Stewart shop in Magherafelt sold to the Kelly family towards the end of 2015.

Aside from the EUROSPAR brand, the Group also now operates and supplies 282 SPARs, five VIVOXTRAs and 78 VIVO/VIVO Essentials throughout Northern Ireland.

For 2016, “we’ve identified over 100 projects between company-owned stores and independent stores that will have a total investment of over £25m,” says Paddy.

For example, Creightons has acquired a former company-owned 800-square-foot Shell kiosk, located beside the King’s Hall in Belfast. It is currently being transforming into a 6,000-square-foot EUROSPAR which is due to open in March. “That’s a huge investment,” he says. “It will be a flagship store.”

The Henderson Group has also continued to invest in its terms, offering reduced wholesale prices for partners carrying the reduction through to their retail prices. “In other words, we’ll maintain the margin but pass the good value on to our shoppers. It is essential this is passed on to maintain loyalty and value.

“Food inflation is a factor of commodity prices but, more so, it’s a factor of changing

dynamics within the store as shoppers continue to be very savvy and seek out value, promotions and deals. They are less brandloyal than they’ve been in the past.”

Previously a shopper may have come in, for example, with a specific brand of teabags in mind but now will choose whichever one is on promotion. “If you’re buying everything on promotion, that’s driving down your retail sales,” he says. “We’re not necessarily driving the shopper down that way but we’re highlighting there is value within the store and it’s not hidden.”

RISING COSTS FOR RETAILERS “One of the biggest challenges we face is rising costs, and within that I would strongly highlight the Living Wage and the rates revaluation,” says Paddy. “The Living Wage will hit every one of our customers and the rates revaluation will hit about half of our customers.

“If we look at the living wage, the retailer will either have to accept a lower level of profit or look to make cuts elsewhere and make efficiencies within their business.”

The Group is working with its retail partners to identify areas for improving profitability, with the whole agri-food chain from producers and processors through to retailers likely to feel a further squeeze on profits. “The living wage is very onerous and we are as a company, and also as a body through our membership of NIIRTA and CBI, very disappointed in government,” he says. “To absorb that level of cost increase will require some substantial changes.”

At the same time, the Province will be feeling the impact of the Gallaher and Michelin closures. “That’s money straight out of the local economy and that will affect every single business, whether you sell food or tyres,” says Paddy. “It will be felt a lot wider than just Ballymena.”

MARKETING PLANS FOR 2016 An investment of £4m has been allocated for marketing in 2016, with a focus on the four areas of shopper value, fresh meal solutions, local provenance and building the SPAR brand. “No other local retailer in Northern Ireland is investing that sort of money to talk directly to the shopper,” says Paddy.

Henderson Group’s ongoing support for local produce aligns with Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016, in particular its new enjoy local brand introduced in 2015.

“We try and source as much of our food on the island of Ireland as we can,” he says.

While other retailers may source the bulk of their produce from elsewhere and only pay lip-service to local sourcing, the Henderson Group is unique as a local company, supporting local businesses and getting the best deals for shoppers.

“Shoppers like local food,” he says.

“They see it as fresher and better for you but shoppers still want value. I don’t think local products have to be cheaper, they just have to be competitive.”

The new enjoy local brand extends to 144 lines across dairy, bakery, meat, vegetables and ready meal categories among others, and is supported by TV ads – including SPAR’s Christmas spots – promotional door drops, press, radio and online activity with a focus on products and pricing.

Consumer research has established SPAR as one of the best places to shop locally, “so we have that resonance with the shopper and, if you’re a prospective retailer, that should give you comfort. If you partner with us, you’re partnering with a very strong brand.”

CSR is an important part of the business from green initiatives – Henderson Group was named Green Retailer of the Year at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2015 – to charitable work including a double-matched payroll donations scheme commended by Downing Street and a new Heart of our Community campaign introduced in 2015 to install over 300 public-access defibrillators outside SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVO stores in Northern Ireland.

“We’re the only local Northern Ireland retail group, and no-one else can say that to the same extent. Our investment credentials are unimpeachable because we have consistently year after year invested in technologies in our warehouse in infrastructure, in our retail estate, in marketing our brands and in price reductions and price competitiveness for our retailers.”

39

RETAIL COMMENTARY

Rates reform is key challenge for 2016

BY NIIRTA CHIEF EXECUTIVE GLYN ROBERTS

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015 was a good year for NIIRTA. We continued to grow as a business organisation with not just new retail members joining but a significant amount of suppliers to the sector coming on board as members.

NIIRTA also secured a big win in achieving, at long last, the new Town Centre First Retail Planning Policy. Â Since our establishment as a business organisation 15 years ago, NIIRTA has been lobbying for the publication of a Town Centre First planning policy. We are delighted that at long last the DOE published this policy, which will be the guide for the 11 councils.

Out-of-town retail development has been a key contributing factor in the decline of our town centres, drawing away trade, resulting in thousands of independent retailers closing and a significant loss of net employment.

Turning to 2016, radical reform of business rates is the key challenge for Stormont. That is the top priority for NIIRTA in 2016. With a consultation on business rates due to close in late January, radical reform is urgently required to make to make rates fair, cost effective and fit for purpose in a rapidly changing economy.

With the date and the rate of Corporation Tax now agreed, the next big issue for the NI Executive and local political parties is business rates reform.

NIIRTA will soon be publishing its own alternative Programme for Government, setting out our thoughts on changes to rates and other key policy challenges.

Our alternative Programme for Government will set out new ideas for each of the new nine government departments and it will be one of the most comprehensive policy plans of any local business organisation. We will be hosting an event for new candidates from each of five main parties to give an elevator pitch to our members.

In 2016, our local retail and service sector as a whole is facing a perfect storm of cost, such as rates, auto enrolment pensions, the national Living Wage and energy, as well as the ever-growing burden of red tape and regulation.

It is the cumulative impact of all these costs and red tape, which narrow margins and 40

Nigel Maxwell, NIIRTA chairman, with Peter Robinson, former DUP leader and First Minister, Arlene Foster (now First Minister and DUP leader), and Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA chief executive, at the DUP Business Breakfast 2015.

restrict growth potential. A number of our members have indicated that expansion plans for their businesses are being put on hold as they struggle to afford to pay these crippling costs.

The introduction of a compulsory Living Wage will have a detrimental impact on independent retailers in Northern Ireland.

This will lead to retailers having to reduce staff hours, work more hours in their business

Deputy First Minister, Martin McGuinness, MLA, at the launch of the Building Retail: North and South report published by NIIRTA and Retail Excellence Ireland with the support of Sean Murphy, Retail Excellence Ireland, and Glyn Roberts, NIIRTA.

and ultimately cancel their investment plans. To introduce this measure with no consultation undermines the independent Low Pay Commission and is a reckless way to impose a massive burden on small businesses.

NIIRTA has concerns that the proposed increase in the employment allowance to ÂŁ3,000, which is positive for independent retailers, is unlikely to fully offset the increase in costs brought by the new over 25s national Living Wage rate. If the Chancellor is serious about supporting small businesses being able to afford this, why not offer a matching income tax allowance, pound for pound, for small businesses to offset this increase?

Our members want to pay their staff a Living Wage, but what the Chancellor is proposing is unaffordable given the perfect storm of costs and regulation facing small businesses and independent retailers.

Unless the issue of high costs is addressed, the creation of jobs and new investment will be reduced at a time when Government needs to be doing more to support our private sector.

With Assembly elections in May, NIIRTA will be redoubling its efforts to engage with the political parties on policy and ensure the new NI Executive Programme for Government is both pro-business and progrowth.

RETAIL NEWS – SYMBOLS

Entries open for 27th SPAR Omagh Half Marathon T

he 27th SPAR Omagh Half Marathon and 5k Fun Run was launched earlier this month, with organisers hoping for another record-breaking year.

Almost 4,000 runners took to the streets of Omagh last year, to walk or run in either race, and this year’s event on Saturday March 26, is expected to attract even more runners.

All runners in the Half Marathon must pre-enter by March 20, while 5K participants can register in advance or on race day. Both races start at Omagh Leisure Centre and pass through the town centre before taking in the suburbs of the town.

“Our event continues to appeal to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities,” said Michael Ward, race director. “The Half marathon course is regarded as one of the fastest in Ireland with many runners achieving their coveted PB and, in 2013, the male course record was broken by Stephen Scullion of Clonliffe Harriers in an amazing time of 64.46 minutes. Anyone who enters before March 20th will be in for a chance to win a Calor gas barbecue.”

Bronagh Luke, head of Corporate Marketing at Henderson Group, said: “We are delighted to be the title sponsor of the Omagh Half Marathon and 5K Run. At SPAR, we are strong supporters of healthy lifestyles, and we see our involvement with the Omagh Half Marathon as an embodiment of what SPAR stands for in relation to supporting local community initiatives.”

In 2015, Omagh Half raised £4,500 for RNIB Northern Ireland,

Pictured launching the 27th SPAR Omagh Half Marathon are, front row from left, Omagh Harriers’ Enya Haigney, 2015 Omagh SPAR 5k female winner and Sean Corry, 2015 Omagh SPAR 5k 2015 male winner and, back row from left, Ann-Marie McGlynn, 2014 European XCountry Captain winning bronze team medal and NI 10k & 5k Road Champion, Martin McLaughlin SPAR Omagh Half Marathon race secretary and Sara Murphy, SPAR brand manager.

supporting people with sight loss. This year’s chosen charity will be Foyle Hospice, which provides palliative and end-of-life care for patients suffering from cancer.

Entries have now opened online at www.athleticsni.org, or pick up an entry form at Omagh leisure centre, McGales furniture shop or any SPAR shop in Omagh.

Costcutter spreads the love with major value campaign

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ostcutter Supermarkets Group is launching a major value campaign for its 2,600 independent store owners, which will see the traditional January promotions period extend through to the middle of March.

The all new ‘Love Local Deals’ campaign will feature Love £1 Deals, Love Half Price or Better and ‘killer deals’ on everyday essentials from major brands and also the group’s Independent own brand. The footfall-driving campaign kicked off on January 7 and runs until March 9, supported by over £500,000 investment in marketing and media including consumer leaflets, in-store marketing, POS, press and digital advertising and social media activity.

“January is the traditional focus for retailer discount campaigns, with February and early March often neglected, other than specific promotions for Valentine’s Day, Shrove Tuesday and Easter, if that falls early,” said Daniel Quest, retail director at Costcutter Supermarkets Group.

“We want to help members to drive maximum footfall and increase their sales across the first quarter of next year and Love Local Deals will help our retailers maintain momentum and keep their customers visiting more frequently and shopping more often.”

A full suite of POS material is available to retailers, including complete gondola end

bays, hanging signs, header boards, side fins, barker crowners and 90 degree shelf barkers, and will enable retailers to create high impact in-store theatre for their customers.

Retailers wanting to go the extra mile can also purchase bollard wraps, branded polo shirts, floor graphics, name badges and outdoor banners to really drive home the Love Local Deal message. To help retailers at this busy period, orders for the POS kits can also be placed via Costcutter Supermarkets Group’s free ActivMOBILE app.

And following a successful pilot programme, which saw members drive increased sales, Costcutter Supermarkets Group is rolling out its social media training programme to all its retailers in 2016.

Initially focusing on Facebook, the social media training programme will equip Costcutter Supermarkets Group’s retailers with the tools and knowledge to develop their online presence and engage with their customers, as part of a long-term investment in IT and digital platforms to create in-store efficiencies and drive customer footfall.

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retail PROFILE – led lighTING

LED installation allows retailers to save up to 70% on lighting costs Light Footprint Director Stephen Logan tells UG about the benefits retailers can reap from converting to LED lighting.

Among Light Footprint’s recent LED lighting conversion projects is SPAR Ballygally.

owners’ expenditure decisions and/or finance is not always available through traditional channels. Since 2010, we have supported a large number of our NI clients in their successful applications for Carbon Trust 0% Interest Energy Efficiency Loans and/or supply-side grants. The great news is that for the foreseeable future, these schemes appear to remain available for businesses looking to invest in green technologies.

We know that many clients prefer their own ‘trusted’ contractor to work instore and, as such, we can offer our services on either a ‘supply/finance application only’ or work with one of our experienced partners to deliver a full ‘supply, finance and installation’ offering.

Last month alone has seen the conversion to LED for SPAR Ballygally, Today’s Local (Conlig) and SPAR Woodbourne, with savings of 66.67%, 71.52% and 69.94% respectively.

Don’t just take it from us. “Light Footprint worked with me from start to finish,” said John Harrison of Today’s Local Conlig. “They arranged a visit to one of their past projects, so I could get an understanding of what they could do for me. The team set out the financials clearly and helped secure a grant for the project. The results are fantastic with lighting levels higher than before, great for my customers and great for me. I’m delighted with the results and would highly recommend talking to Light Footprint if you’re thinking about moving to LED.” Contact Light Footprint on 028 9051 7057 or info@lightfootprint.com for more information or to arrange a site visit from one of their team.

Light Footprint has also installed LED lighting for the Today’s Local in Conlig.

W

ith almost six years’ experience in LED lighting conversion projects, Light Footprint has already converted over 100 retail sites in Northern Ireland, delivering average savings in the region of 65-70%.

With long daily running hours indicative of the retail sector, this means standard paybacks are around the two-year mark and, as Light Footprint LED luminaires come with a minimum of five years warranty, in the words of our clients, it really is a ‘no-brainer’.

In many instances, lighting levels have also increased across the stores and the instant start-up of LED delivered the extra advantage of allowing offices and stockrooms to be 42

effectively switched on/off with sensors when not occupied.

We know there are many options for retailers in today’s LED market but as a Carbon Trust Accredited Supplier, we undergo an annual assessment to reassure clients that we continue to deliver what we say we can.

With experience in over 500 projects across many industries, we can support savings and performance claims through a wealth of case studies.

While there are signs showing the local economy is starting to see a turn-around, we appreciate that capital investments are not always at the forefront of small business

Carbon Trust Implementation Services Accredited Suppliers have undergone an independent accreditation process to demonstrate their skills and experience in delivering low energy, high performing solutions.

For further details visit www.carbontrust.co.uk/implementation.

FRANCHISE PROFILE

SUBWAY seeks new franchises to reach 100 stores target

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he SUBWAY brand is one of the most popular franchise opportunities, with more than 44,000 SUBWAY stores worldwide in over 110 countries. In 2015, the brand celebrated the opening of its 2,000th SUBWAY store in the UK and Ireland, over 90 of which are currently located in Northern Ireland. With plans to have 100 stores open in the region by the end of 2016, the SUBWAY brand is actively seeking new franchisees to be part of the success story as it continues its expansion.

New SUBWAY franchisees can be confident in the strength of the SUBWAY brand as it is globally recognised and has built up the support and loyalty of millions of customers worldwide. Being a SUBWAY franchisee allows you to sell superb products that are known and loved around the world.

Stephen Coulter is a SUBWAY franchisee and owns a store at Holywood Exchange in Belfast. The opening day of the store was the result of almost 12 months spent researching, planning, training and preparing – having taken the decision to leave his job as a general manager for a large restaurant chain and become his own boss.

“I had been watching the SUBWAY brand closely for a long time,” said Stephen. “Once I’d decided that I wanted to make a move from my management job in the restaurant sector, I started looking around at business opportunities, specifically franchises. It made sense for me to stay within the sector that I knew well, but to apply my knowledge and experience and work for myself.”

Stephen employs seven full-time staff at the store, and is keen to lead by example. He takes the time to get to know his regular customers and can be found – more often than not – working behind the counter, serving customers and making Subs.

“My advice to anyone considering buying a franchise is simple; just

Stephen Coulter

do it – but be prepared to work hard, and that means being very handson in your store, especially in the early days.

“It’s really hard work running your own business, there’s no doubt about that, but it’s one of the best things I have ever done, and what’s more important, I really enjoy it. We’re learning new things every day and making the most of all the opportunities.”

As the SUBWAY brand continues to expand, it is always looking for new franchisees to become part of its success story. There has never been a better time to start thinking about what new opportunities may be out there.

For more information, call 0800 0855 058 (UK) or 1800 413 076 (Eire); email franchiseopportunities@subway.co.uk, or visit www.subway.co.uk/business.

43

RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES Asda President & CEO Andy Clarke.

Sainsbury’s lists Ewing’s organic smoked salmon

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Asda celebrates 10 years in NI with £3m investment A

sda has reaffirmed its commitment to the Northern Ireland market as it unveils plans to invest a further £3m during 2016 to enhance its store network.

Addressing an audience of industry stakeholders, Asda President and CEO Andy Clarke said that, after 10 years of successful retailing in Northern Ireland, he is pleased with the performance of the region’s 17 stores and paid tribute to colleagues and customers alike for their continued support.

Asda has pledged an additional £500m investment in lowering prices, predicting another year of intense pressure for supermarket retailers against a turbulent global economic backdrop.

“We’ve enjoyed 10 years of strong retailing here and look forward to more growth in the future,” said Clarke. “There’s no doubt that the retail sector as a whole has permanently changed to reflect the shopping habits of customers today.

“But we know our customers better than anyone else and we need to structure our offer to meet their changing needs. This knowledge has shaped our plans to make our bigger stores easier to shop, laying them out in a way that’s relevant to today’s customers by removing fringe, marginal ranges and providing services that they need. We call this Project Renewal and the £3m investment is specifically designed to continue to meet the demands of our customers in Northern Ireland.”

According to the data from market analysts, Kantar, Asda’s market share in Northern Ireland grew to 17.4%, an increase of 2.2% yoy, with online growth showing a marked increase of 22.5% yoy – equating to 5.9% of total sales.

“The Northern Ireland market continues to be important, offering great potential and, while the wider UK market context may mean that we have to re-assess our involvement in some developments, we are committed to investing £3m in eight of our Northern Ireland stores, including £750,000 in a new petrol filling station in Strabane.”

During his visit, Clarke also highlighted the success of Asda’s local sourcing policy, with over £300m of produce annually sourced from 105 island of Ireland food producers.

To help drive its local supply model forward and create new business opportunities for local companies, Asda has launched a Supplier Development Academy. Eleven local food processing companies will participate in the six-month programme which aims to boost innovation, generate additional sales and optimise export opportunities via Asda’s GB store network.

“As part of our commitment to Year of Food & Drink, we’re proud to support our suppliers through this unique Academy which is entirely focused on growth,” he said.

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wing’s Seafoods has won its first significant contract with a major UK supermarket chain, supplying organic smoked salmon to Sainsbury’s.

Based in Belfast for more than 100 years, Ewing’s is supplying salmon sourced from Glenarm Organic Salmon Company in 100g packs to all 13 Sainsbury’s supermarkets in Northern Ireland.

“We are delighted to have secured the business with Sainsbury’s in Northern Ireland,” said Crawford Ewing, commercial director.

“It’s a marvellous boost for the company and gives us a very strong platform for further growth with such a prestigious retailer.

“Our continued success owes a great deal to the very close relationship that we’ve developed with Glenarm Organic Salmon, which produces some of the finest fresh salmon on the market today. They provide excellent fish for us. The cold waters around our coasts also help to ensure superb texture and superb flavours of the salmon and the other fish we source from suppliers in Kilkeel and Portavogie.”

SuperValu Dromore store owner Eddie Poole, along with wife Meena, collect the Best Shop Layout Award from Matt Goddard of award sponsor PepsiCo (left) and host Kevin Threlfall (right).

Poole’s SuperValu, Dromore scoops top industry award

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oole’s SuperValu, Dromore has been awarded Best Shop Layout at the prestigious Independent Achievers Academy (IAA) Awards.

The awards, which took place in London recently, recognised the top performing retailers across the UK including SuperValu Dromore’s store owner Eddie Poole.

The Best Shop Layout was awarded to Eddie for re-arranging his shop to make it feel fresh and spacious, allowing customers to shop much easier and improving signage to guide shoppers.

The store has also benefitted from curved aisles, to make the off-licence more appealing with barrel displays to help promote current offers while the coffee machine and bakery creates an inviting aroma of freshly-brewed coffee and baked bread.

Eddie Poole has previously gained success at the awards, with his SuperValu Moira store named the UK’s Best Shop in 2013 and picking up the Effective Ranging award in 2014.

“This is a fantastic achievement for SuperValu Dromore to pick up this award,” said Poole. “The changes made to the store have really benefited our customer’s ease of shopping and this has been reflected in our sales.”

TESCO PROFILE

New Year, same focus – the retailer with local at its heart The strength of the multiple retailer’s relationships with local suppliers is at the heart of its success, Tesco Northern Ireland Stores Director Brendan Guidera tells UG.

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rom the apple groves of Armagh to the North West’s meat processing plants, the distilleries of Mourne to the farms of Mid Ulster, Tesco Northern Ireland’s local sourcing commitment is far-reaching.

It boasts a considerable and longestablished contribution to the overall economy of the Province, the various micro economies in agri-dependent regions and the continued growth of Northern Irish food and drink businesses.

For two decades, we have been steadfast in our support of local producers and are proud to have been the first major retailer in Northern Ireland to champion home grown products.

In 2015 alone, we purchased over half a billion pounds worth of indigenous products. This equates to more than 1,000 products being stocked in stores from over 90 producers.

Seen by many suppliers as the ‘gateway to growth’, we have been credited with not only enabling previously unknown food and drink brands to bring their products to the mass market here in Northern Ireland, but have been recognised as a facilitator to their export capabilities; allowing them a springboard from which to branch out across the British Isles.

2016 especially marks a milestone year for Tesco Northern Ireland – reaching a staggering £0.5bn of investment in local produce from more ‘humble’ beginnings of just £50m in 1996 – a fitting achievement as we enter the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink.

Profiling the quality and rich heritage of Northern Ireland’s food and drink offering is of prime importance to us and, in 2016, our focus will be no different. Having long shared and voiced the same objectives as those behind the Year of Food & Drink initiative, we are confident that the Tesco involvement and complementary programme of activities will make a splash, both for our suppliers and customers.

From celebrating the wealth of fresh produce, craft beers and spirits, quality meat, poultry and dairy through in-store sampling, to helping tell the story of some of the region’s most iconic brands through engaging, shareable video content, we will continue to

Brendan Guidera

support those suppliers already in our stores as well as constantly being on the look-out for the latest product innovations, that allow us to keep delighting families across the Province.

Our Newtownabbey-based buying, marketing and technical team understands what our customers want in Northern Ireland and have tremendous knowledge of local suppliers. It’s this local knowledge that helps ensure we have the right range of local products for our customers and we can respond quickly to changing customer needs, while giving tailored support to our suppliers or those who want to become suppliers.

In addition to the quality of the products on our shelves, it is the strength of our relationships which are at the heart of our success. We are proud of the relationships we forge with suppliers, many of whom have been in partnership with us for 20 years.

Long-term relationships provide certainty, which allow suppliers to continue to innovate and invest for future growth, a process that can take years to produce commercially viable volumes.

Having good relationships with suppliers is crucial to our business. Our supply base is diverse and varies from suppliers with turnovers of less than £500,000, to large international suppliers with turnovers of tens of millions of pounds. Irrespective of size and scale, we look to work with those who share our passion for Northern Ireland’s rich and enviable cache of local products.

In partnership with those suppliers, Tesco Northern Ireland will look to further enhance the Province’s reputation for food and drink and most importantly, continue to enhance the economy of the Province through investment in its most promising and exciting industry.

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Musgrave NI Managing Director Michael McCormack

Musgrave NI sets target of leading local convenience sector by 2018 Following extensive consumer research, Musgrave NI has embarked on a programme of upgrading its stores and revising its offer with new product ranges and enhanced training and marketing services, Managing Director Michael McCormack tells UG.

RETAIL PROFILE – MUSGRAVE NI MUSGRAVE HAS UNDERGONE A WELL PUBLICISED RESTRUCTURE OVER THE PAST YEAR. WHAT HAS BEEN ITS FOCUS AND ARE YOU SEEING ANY RESULTS FROM THE CHANGES YET? Musgrave’s intention is to run market-leading brands, which are responsive to the needs of the Northern Ireland consumer, and which deliver a sustainable profitable business for our retail partners. By 2018, we will be Northern Ireland’s number one consumer choice in convenience shopping. We will be the preferred partner for retailers looking for a retail partnership via SuperValu and Centra and we will operate the number one symbol (MACE) and wholesale (Marketplace) brands in the market.

In order to reach this destination, we began to implement our plans in 2015 and we are making good progress against those plans. Following extensive consumer research and having engaged with our retailers, we upgraded a number of stores with a revised offer which included new product ranges, a new environment, refreshed communications and an updated training package. We have tested this new offer very successfully in a number of stores – SuperValu Fintona, Centra Portaferry, Mace Kilrea and Mace Moneen.

We are delighted with the results, with all stores showing significant growth year on year. Our focus for 2016 will be all about implementing this refreshed offer across our full estate.

HOW HAS THE LAST YEAR OF TRADING BEEN FOR THE GROUP? The market continues to be challenging and highly competitive, but we are pleased with the progress we are making with each of our brands.

The performance of our test stores has been well above our expectations. We have developed all the categories that are important to our shoppers – fruit and veg, food to go, meal solutions, coffee, bakery and free from – and each of these categories has delivered excellent sales and margin growth. Consumers have responded by shopping more often in these test stores, and buying more each time they shop. We are confident that as we rollout this new offer into all stores, the results will be similarly positive.

HOW HAVE YOU FOUND THE TRADING ENVIRONMENT IN NORTHERN IRELAND OVER THE PAST YEAR? Northern Ireland in 2015 is a more confident, diverse and dynamic place where food and beverages are playing an ever greater role in people’s lives – particularly with the younger consumers, aged 18-35 years, who are very interested in food.

While the past number of years have seen difficult economic conditions, more people are back working and becoming busier, we are seeing a smaller number of big grocery trolley shops, and many more smaller shopping

trips for dinner or for lunch. This is a great opportunity for convenience retailers.

During 2015, we commissioned a number of pieces of research – it is very important to us in Musgrave NI to understand the latest trends, and in turn, to continuously innovate and evolve our offer to help our retailers’ success. One of the big trends we saw in our research is the blurring of retail and foodservice. Retailers are really moving into the arena of freshly prepared food and drinks in their stores. Some retail outlets that we saw in London are taking this very seriously, offering gourmet burgers, stone baked pizzas, rotisserie chicken and ‘superfood’ salads.

Several other retailers are doing a great job offering full sit-down options with restaurant quality menus, while others are focusing on a good fresh offering throughout the day – breakfast pots, soup and salads for lunch, pizza and noodle-based meals for dinner.

One category that all retailers are developing their offer in is beverages. Several are offering very sophisticated coffee, flavoured coffee and juices, while others are doing well with a simpler offer. I have no doubt that coffee will continue to grow, and will be a category that retailers can maximise to drive differentiation and footfall.

The market continues to be challenging and highly competitive, but we are pleased with the progress.”

Underpinning all of this food and drink innovation is the mega trend of health and wellbeing. In our research, it emerged that so many people are embracing a healthier, more active lifestyle. Their interest in and demand for healthier foods and the associated information around traceability, nutrition etc will only continue to grow.

And of course technology is continuing to impact and influence the retail sector greatly. Consumers are exposed to a 24-hour ‘food feed’ from all channels: YouTube clips showing ‘how to…’, TV cooking shows like Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals and the Great British Bake-Off, blogs such as Deliciously Ella and of course Facebook and Twitter to follow your favourite recipes, food deals and chefs. To quote one of the participants in our research ‘The phenomenon of people photographing their meals means that you are bombarded by pictures of amazing lunches that people are eating elsewhere’.

There is dynamism to the food and retail scene that I have not seen previously. This is

a time of real optimism and positivity for the convenience sector in particular. Finally, it is important for retailers to focus on innovation and the really exciting emerging food trends, but never to forget that value continues to be important for the vast majority of Northern Irish shoppers.

MUSGRAVE’S OVERALL BUSINESS HAS UNDERGONE SOME CHANGES IN GB – WILL THESE HAVE ANY IMPACT ON ITS ACTIVITY IN NI, SUCH AS MORE RESOURCES CONCENTRATED ON ITS OPERATIONS HERE? The sale of our GB business will not affect our Northern Ireland business in any negative way.

We are absolutely committed to growing our business in Northern Ireland over the coming years and we will be investing further in this market to grow our store numbers. Over the past 12 months, we have been working more closely with our Republic of Ireland colleagues in SuperValu, Centra and Daybreak. This will allow us to move at a pace to implement brand initiatives both North and South.

WHAT WILL BE THE FOCUS FOR THE GROUP IN 2016, AND WHAT PLANS ARE IN PLACE? After a year of brand development and successful testing that development during 2015, 2016 will be all about bringing our newly refreshed brands to the Northern Ireland market. We will be investing in and upgrading our store network. We will be adding new stores to each of our brands SuperValu, Centra and Mace. We will continue to bring innovative, local and on-trend products to the Northern Ireland consumer. We are investing in strengthening and growing our teams to support this growth agenda, and will re-launch our brands with strong national and local marketing. Each of our brands is well positioned for growth in 2016.

WHAT IS YOUR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE OVER OTHER RETAIL GROCERY GROUPS? Musgrave was established in 1876, and is Ireland’s largest grocery and food distributor, serving over 5,000 shops across Ireland. This scale brings buying power, innovation and a pipeline of new initiatives, expertise in retail and a support structure for the independent retailer that is unrivalled. Musgrave NI operates significant brands in the symbol (Mace) and convenience sectors (Centra and SuperValu) of the market and brings island of Ireland learning and support to the brands. Our people are experts in retail and committed to working with our retail partners to ensure long term success and profitability for their stores.

Musgrave’s intention is to be Northern Ireland’s number one consumer choice in convenience shopping – and I am totally confident that we have the scale, the people, the ambition and the brands to achieve this.

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GROCERYAID

GroceryAid: A year in review 1.

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1. GroceryAid’s Northern Ireland Committee includes, front row from left, Gerry Cassidy, Cliff Kells (chairman), Mairead Catterson and Mark Gowdy and, back row from left, Des McCullough, Paddy Murney, David Neill, David McWilliams, Trevor Magill, Gillian Ekin, Jonathan Verner and James Greer.

Committee members not pictured include Bronagh Luke, Alison McCluskey, Candida Corscadden and Lloyd Graham.

2. GroceryAid NI Committee Chairman Cliff Kells (Tesco) is pictured, centre, with UG Manager Mark Beckett and Amy Bennington of Power NI at the launch of the UG Marketing Awards 2015.

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3. Cliff Kells, chairman of the Northern Ireland regional branch of GroceryAid, is pictured (centre) presenting Ulster Grocer Publisher James Greer and Editor Alyson Magee with a Bronze Achievement Award in the seventh annual GroceryAid Achievement Awards programme, recognising contribution to the work of the grocery sector charity.

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4. GroceryAid NI Committee Treasurer Mark Gowdy joins NIFDA Executive Director Michael Bell to celebrate £2,730 raised at the NIFDA Awards Dinner, half of which went to GroceryAid. 5. At the GroceryAid Grocers‚ Ball in the Culloden Hotel, Karen Douglas of Mackle Petfoods collects the star prize of a 10-day trip for two to Florida from Mark Hewitt (right) of sponsor Kerry Foods and Tim Straker of GroceryAid.

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6. Paddy Murney of sponsor Coca-Cola Kellenic, Cliff Kells of Tesco and Gerry Cassidy (GroceryAid Committee) are pictured at the Deep RiverRock BBQ held at Titanic Belfast in support of GroceryAid in June.

7. Ian Blemmings (Coca-Cola) receives the Manufacturers Cup from Lloyd Graham (GroceryAid Golf Committee) during the GroceryAid Annual Golf Day at Belvoir Park in July.

8. UG Manager Mark Beckett and his wife Micola enjoy the Candy Ball held at the Culloden Hotel in October.

Thank you for supporting our industry charity in 2015. Hope to see you at events in 2016 including the GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Gala Ball on May 6 and the Candy Ball on September 30.

Cliff Kells, Chairman of GroceryAid NI 8 • •Ulster 3648 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

GROCERYAID

The John Barrett GroceryAid Lunch 2015 T

he John Barrett GroceryAid Lunch 2015 was held on November 15 in Deanes at Queens, Belfast, attended by 125 guests from a wide representation of the food wholesale and retail industries. A champagne reception, sponsored by Sainsbury’s, was followed by a delightful four-course meal from Michael Deane’s kitchen.

A well-supported fundraising raffle included an Apple ipad from SHS, a Tayto tour and a year’s supply of crisps, an Apple watch from Kerry Foods, a Merchant Hotel overnight stay from ASDA, vouchers for Spar from Hendersons, £150 vouchers from Tesco, a year’s supply of Sunblest products, Veho 360 speakers from Savage & Whitten, a 16gb Asus

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

tablet from White’s, and tickets for the PRM hospitality suite in the SSE Arena for the Kevin Bridges concert.

The entertainment was music by The Ian Hannah Experience, and comedy from the inimitable Ollie McMahon, sponsored by Musgrave NI. The event was also supported

by ASDA and Coca-Cola Hellenic BC.

4.

1. Sean Largey, Sharon Magill, Stephen Magill, Gloria Largey and Neil Simms.

2. Joe Sloan, Robin Howard, John Stewart, Pat Sloan, Michael Howard and Nikki Stewart.

3. Pat Connolly, Alan Gilmore, Nicola Goldblatt, Mandy Jones, Joan Barrett, Michael Quinn and Mary Quinn.

4. Una Lilley, Kevin Lilley, Kerry Magill, Trevor Magill, Ann Gracey and Tony Gracey.

5. Des McCullough, Wilma McCullough, Neil Kelly and Claire Kelly.

6. Damien Barrett, Lynda Barrett, Neil Luke and Bronagh Luke.

7. Lorraine McCammond, Mark McCammond, Beverley Davidson and Sam Davidson.

8. Gareth Devlin, Orla Devlin, Paddy Murney and Denise Murney.

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FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

The cost of the Living Wage In the latest of a series of expert opinion pieces, Cleaver Fulton Rankin Associate Solicitor Aisling Byrne looks at the impact of the Living Wage on the agri-food sector.

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imes have been tough for the agribusiness sector, and the introduction of the National Living Wage (NLW) in April 2016 could be an additional worry. National Minimum Wage (NMW) workers over 25 will, from April 2016, see an increase in their hourly earnings, with the National Living Wage (NLW) starting at £7.20 per hour. Legally, this will be the lowest rate for over 25s, with the current NMW becoming the lowest for 21-24 year olds. The rise from the current NMW of £6.70 to the NLW of £7.20 is a 7.5% nominal increase, the largest since 2004. Thereafter, the NLW is expected to rise, reaching £9 by April 2020.

The Chancellor’s announcement regarding the NLW during the Summer Budget in July 2015 was positive news for the six million workers set to benefit. However, financial institutions, retailers and the agribusiness sector have been doing the numbers, and have concluded that it is more complicated than simply paying workers more. The NLW is expected to cost 60,000 jobs and reduce hours worked by four million a week, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility.

Tesco Chief Executive Dave Lewis has voiced concerns, citing NLW and soaring business rates, as a ‘lethal cocktail’ which could potentially result in shop closures and job losses.

Employers seem divided over how to manage the higher costs caused by the NLW. While some are investing in technology that can handle manual tasks typically carried out by low-paid workers, others are planning to absorb the costs. A cross-sectorial survey carried out by CIPD, of more than 1,000 employers, found 41% felt that the higher wage would not increase the organisation’s wage bill, with only 22% feeling that it would to some extent. In light of these changes, now is the time for HR to step up and evaluate how best to improve organisational structures and therefore challenge cost-cutting.

The risk of too much change is obvious. Decreases in allowances and out-of-hours payments, reductions of bonuses and profit shares may upset current employees used to such rewards. Some organisations may try to work around the law, freezing recruitment or hiring staff on a selfemployed basis to ensure the NLW does not apply to them.

Demographics of workers may change, as the increase applies only to over 25s, and employers may be hit with discrimination claims as a result. Whilst equality law provides an exemption to ensure that pay bandings do not contravene discrimination law, this could be challenged on the grounds that it breaches European law.

Employers also need to keep employees on all levels happy. To reach £9 per hour by 2020, the NLW will have to rise by 6 to 7% per year, while the average salary will remain at 2%. Larger pay rises for lower level employees could dissatisfy the higher level employees.

Encouragingly, research carried out by PwC shows that a number of larger companies plan to keep one rate for all workers. This may be due to not employing large numbers of under 25s, or to simplify their business structure, or simply to avoid potential discrimination claims in the future. Evidence shows that the employer benefits from paying skilled workers ‘skills pay’. Workers are more productive, so fewer employees are required. Paying staff a wage reflecting ability will likely improve retention rates, preventing them leaving for a small increase elsewhere, thereby reducing recruitment costs. However, for employers in the agri-food sector, the introduction of the NLW may have a more significant impact.

Ultimately, the success of the NLW will be down to how those businesses in all affected sectors deal with the implementation of the increase.

Aisling Byrne is an associate solicitor at Belfast law firm Cleaver Fulton Rankin. She specialises in Employment Law and handles wideranging employment and discrimination cases. She also lectures on the MSC course in Digital Media Communication at the University of Ulster.

Please contact Cleaver Fulton Rankin on 028 90 243 141 or alternatively visit www.cfrlaw.co.uk 8 • •Ulster 3650 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Consumer Insight and Market Update: Consumer Sentiment

BY JASON WINSTANLEY, SENIOR INSIGHT & RESEARCH MANAGER AT MOY PARK

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS? In recent years, shopping habits have changed considerably and, almost certainly, irreversibly, with the advent of the ‘savvy shopper’ (almost a decade into this phenomenon, surely these are now just ‘shoppers’!) This has seen traditionally loyal customers encompass multi-channel opportunities and increase their repertoire of retailers beyond a single main store.

However, one area which clings to traditions is Christmas; so let’s take a look at whether any of these changes have manifested themselves in how we shop for and use our Christmas groceries. Moy Park research throughout November, December and into January paints an interesting picture of how shopper thinking evolves in the run up to Christmas, and how their behaviour then eventually plays out. For instance, is the traditional two-trolley battle in the supermarket a couple of days before Christmas still the way that most of us shop? Well, that sort of shopping behaviour certainly seems to be on the wane. When questioned at the start of January, only 29% of shoppers said that they had done a single

big grocery shop, and a fifth of these had done so via on-line channels. So, fewer than a quarter of shoppers are now engaging in that single frenzied in-store shop. The largest group of shoppers (40%) actually carried out several major shops and, again, almost a fifth of these were done over the Internet.

Another interesting aspect of the research was the way in which shoppers’ own expectations of how they will make their Christmas grocery purchases evolves in the run up to the big day. On November 6, almost seven in 10 of those shoppers who planned to buy one expected that they would buy their Christmas Day centrepiece fresh in store close to Christmas. However,

by December 17, this number had fallen to only 39%. So what happened in between these dates to cause this fall in expected in-store participation? Two key factors are at work here – one is the availability of good quality frozen product, which was strongly merchandised and, in many cases, promoted, in store during December. For many shoppers, especially those seeking value, this availability meant that the

proportion of consumers who had already bought frozen product leapt from 19% on December 8 to 29% by December 17.

The second factor at play is the increasing popularity of specific Christmas customer ordering services. Whilst the proportion of shoppers content to just order through the normal on-line channel remained steady throughout November and December at between 5% and 7%, the percentage who expected to make use of an ordering service rocketed from only 7% at the start of November to 21% by December 17, with an optimistic 6% still hoping to use such a service in the final week before Christmas.

However, one traditional element which does remain in place is our liking for the Christmas dinner, with 59% of us choosing turkey. But, inevitably, most of us (82%) had some Christmas day leftovers, with almost a fifth of these fed to pets... who probably didn’t care how the shopping had been done in the first place!

Source: Moy Park research, November and December 2015 and January 2016.

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IFEX PREVIEW

‘Great’ additions to IFEX 2016 IFEX 2016 March 8–10, Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast

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his March, Northern Ireland’s biggest food, drink, retail and hospitality event – IFEX 2016 – will open its doors at its new home the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast featuring more ingredients for a successful show than ever before.

Organised by leading events company Fresh Montgomery, the trade expo has partnered with The Guild of Fine Food to introduce the first ever Great Taste Market to IFEX, which will house many ‘great taste’ producers from across NI and ROI. From cheese producers to tea houses, the Great Taste Market has already attracted many leading names including Burren Smokehouse, Cavanagh Free Range Eggs, Cashel Blue, Goodness Grains, S D Bell and Yellow Door.

“The addition of the Great Taste Market was introduced to further build on IFEX’s growing status as the trade expo which showcases thousands of innovative new products and services over three days,” said Caroline McCusker, IFEX event manager.

“IFEX is set to become the ultimate destination for all those in the food, drink, retail and hospitality industries, and for visitors it’s a ‘one stop shop’ for discovering and tasting some of the best food and drink products that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

For small producers, the addition of the Great Taste Market at IFEX provides the perfect platform to connect with key buyers, make valuable contacts and increase awareness of their products.

As well as the array of exciting food and speciality products on offer, IFEX will feature a host of culinary competitions. Returning this year is the Salon Culinaire, which will house almost 250 industry and student chefs. The Salon Culinaire is hotly anticipated as the place where the ‘best of’ culinarians in Northern Ireland are formally acknowledged – including Michael Deane, Chris Bell and Roisin Gavin – who were first recognised on the IFEX stage.

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Birgitta Hedin Curtin, The Burren Smokehouse is pictured with Bobby Kerr and Toby Wand, managing director, Fresh Montgomery.

Skills are high on the agenda and the Salon Culinaire, which raises the bar in terms of culinary skills in Northern Ireland includes The ChefSkills Theatre, La Parade des Chefs and Edible Art (cold display).

Running over the three days, the ChefSkills Theatre sees an exciting series of back-to-back, live, competitions, including the hotly contended Department of Agriculture and Rural Developmentsupported IFEX Northern Ireland Chef of the Year and Northern Ireland Junior Chef of the Year accolades.

La Parade des Chefs, featuring four teams of eight, from outstanding NI culinary colleges, go head to head to serve 60 covers daily in a ‘real time’ restaurant. For this team competition, preparation, service, timing and team work are every bit as important as the quality of cooking. The winning team will offer the ‘whole package’ of hospitality skills.

Long-standing Salon Culinaire

Director Sean Owens said: “This year I’m confident that we’re going to discover some extraordinarily talented young chefs, and to have uncovered and encouraged new talent to flourish at IFEX is what the event for the food, drink, retail and hospitality industries is all about.”

Bigger and better than ever before, The ChefSkills Theatre and La Parade des Chefs are designed to nurture the talents of the Province’s young chefs.

For those who hope to compete, ChefSkills and the team event, La Parade des Chefs, are now open for entry.

IFEX 2016 is taking place from Tuesday, March 8 to Thursday, March 10 at the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast. The show opens daily at 10am and runs until 6pm on Tuesday and Wednesday, and to 4pm on Thursday.

Follow IFEX on twitter @IFEX_NI or via Facebook.com/IfexBelfast or log onto to register your attendance for free now at www.IFEXexhibition.co.uk.

IFEX is Northern Ireland’s PREMIER showcase of the latest food & drink products, catering equipment, interiors, technology and services for the food, retail and hospitality industries.

FREE TO ATTEND

Exciting New Venue - The 2016 event will take place on 8-10 March at the brand new Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast

Find out more and register today at www.ifexexhibition.co.uk 3260 IFEX16 Ad A4 Ulster Grocer.indd 1

ORGANISED BY

15/12/2015 12:39

MEAT PROFILE Colin Smith

LMC campaign highlights ‘Lamb – The Naturally Fresh Choice’

BY LMC INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT MANAGER COLIN SMITH

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he current challenges for the Northern Ireland sheep farmer remain significant.

A weakening in the value of the euro in recent months has put pressure on export markets and therefore we have seen no shortage of lambs placed on the market locally compared to last year and this has in turn put pressure on farmgate prices. Many farmers will have warmly welcomed receipt of their single farm payment if they are one of the 95% of eligible recipients the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) paid before the end of December 2015. This may help remedy a difficult year in terms of cash flow.

Whilst the export market remains the most significant outlet for Northern Ireland lamb, the Livestock and Meat Commission for Northern Ireland (LMC) continues to promote lamb on the domestic market. The existing promotional campaign is now in its third year and has returned some very positive results to date in terms of recognition of Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured (NIFQAS) lamb products. Research has shown that 80% of consumers in Northern Ireland recognise the FQAS logo on lamb products and therefore the messaging encourages consumers to always check if the lamb they buy is NIFQAS. However the challenge to convince the 40% of consumers here who do not eat lamb to change their meal choices remains a priority. LMC’s beef and lamb watch indicates that, in the last 12 months, commitment from major retail outlets to stock local lamb has improved, in some cases significantly; however the competition from New Zealand lamb remains strong.

The autumn 2015 promotional campaign spanned all forms of local media from August until December. The use of the 20-second TV edits allows for a higher frequency of activity.

The advert highlights key points associated with purchasing lamb and reminds consumers to buy lamb that is NIFQA through voiceover and numerous displays of the logo on screen.

The advert also directs audiences to the LMC 54

consumer website (beefandlambni.com) to find various lamb recipe ideas and promote the NIFQA mark further. A 30-second radio edit, ‘Lamb Pleasure and Provenance’ is used to complement the TV activity and to stress the versatility of lamb as a meal choice. The campaign reach is extended through print material and digital activity on well-known local sites in addition to google ads and social media activity. The social media activity to date has generated some excellent returns in terms of directing traffic to LMC’s consumer website. Outdoor activity for autumn 2015 included advertising across sites close to all of the key multiple retailers. Over the past 12 months, we have trialled the employment of store points at security barriers to target shoppers as they enter the shop and trolley handle adverts to target customers as they shop.

The final element of LMC’s Lamb marketing campaign is in post primary schools where LMC delivers over 300 school cookery demonstrations designed to give pupils confidence when preparing and cooking lamb dishes. This programme has been

delivered for many years and is an important part of LMC’s work. To complement LMC’s education services, a new website was launched in November 2015, ‘Food4Life’ (food4life.org.uk). Food4Life is an interactive, internet-based resource designed to support teaching of the Northern Ireland Home Economics Curriculum for Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and A Level. As well as classroom resources and nutritional information, the site contains a range of recipes specifically for school pupils. They have been created to take account of the time available in class and are tailored to help develop a range of culinary skills. Each recipe is broken down to provide you with a list of the required ingredients and equipment with a detailed step-by-step guide through the method.

Going forward, LMC plans to introduce new creative in the final years of the advertising campaign and has recently carried out in-depth research into the consumer behaviour of red meat purchasers in Northern Ireland. This will allow us to tailor the new campaign more specifically to influence purchasing habits.

LMC Education Services Manager Cherrie Kenny is pictured with Cookery Demonstrator Liz Brown and pupils from Friends School.

ST Ck BEEF & lamb

with confidence

With 80% consumer awareness for Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured Lamb and 82% for NIFQA Beef, you can be sure that customers are on the look out for our logo because they know it means high quality and locally sourced Beef and Lamb.

That’s because we at the Livestock and Meat Commission NI are promoting NIFQA Beef and Lamb on TV, Outdoor, Press, Radio and Online all through 2016.

So when you stock Northern Ireland Farm Quality Assured Beef and Lamb, you can be confident it will race off the shelves.

For consumer recipes & much more visit beefandlambni.com

LMC_210x297_Ulster_Grocer_Nov15.indd 1

02/12/2015 13:17

FOOD PROFILE

Focus on consumer products and innovation deliver continued growth for Dale Farm Dale Farm doesn’t see a recovery in global dairy market prices this year but, in the meantime, is focusing on consumer markets closer to home which offer more stability and added value, Group Chief Executive David Dobbin tells Alyson Magee.

David Dobbin

D

ale Farm continues to confound the market, increasing its turnover, investing in innovation and paying its farmers the best price it can in spite of the oversupply crisis in the global dairy market.

Owned by farmer co-operative United Dairy Farmers, the business posted turnover of £320m for the year to March 31, 2015, up from £293m the previous year. Pre-tax profits were down yoy, largely due to reduced returns for bulk dairy goods. Northern Ireland is a net exporter of dairy goods, exacerbating the impact of the low prices currently prevailing in international markets.

With record returns in 2013 followed by the lowest prices for many years in 2014, “what makes it even worse if you’re a farmer is that you’ve come off a really good return to one that’s turned poor fairly quickly,” says David Dobbin, Group chief executive at Dale Farm. “A lot of farmers enjoying the good returns were starting to invest in expansion, and had almost completed that expansion whenever the market fell.”

As well as escalating production, contributing to the market plunge were sterling’s strength against the weak euro, Russia’s import ban imposed in August 2014, and a slowdown in Chinese demand. Further, instability in North Africa and the Middle East has depressed what were formerly strong export markets for Dale Farm and the Northern Irish dairy industry.

“The Chinese market went from buying a huge amount of dairy down to about a quarter of its previous year,” says David. “So, with the Russian ban on EU imports, the two biggest importers of dairy products in the world sharply slowed down together, milk output was up and then we had the quotas 56

ending in April 2015 which further stimulated EU milk output. Just to give you some indication of the overall balance, last year we saw international demand for dairy products fall for the first time in living memory.

“The main concern at the moment is how long the current market imbalance is going to last. We’d hoped that, towards the end of 2015, we would have seen a recovery but that hasn’t happened and with recent EU milk output going up further, a recovery in 2016 looks increasingly unlikely.”

While producers in the US and New Zealand have cut back, continued overproduction in Europe – and the Republic of Ireland in particular, where production was up over 40% yoy in November – “is enough on its own to maintain this oversupply situation,” says David. “So we’re waiting for something to break.”

SUPPORTING ITS FARMERS Being co-operative owned, Dale Farm is focused less on profit as ensuring its farmer owners, currently under huge financial pressure, get the most competitive milk prices they can. “So what we’re trying to do is to maximise the price we can pay them,” says David. “In the milk price league paid to farmers, we’ve gone almost to the top of the league.

“Our strategy is benefiting our farmers but no amount of effort on our part can change the wider markets. These have to come into balance but we’ll probably have to wait for another spring and summer to pass before we see EU milk output moderating.”

A reversal or easing of any of the factors currently contributing to low global prices – such as Russia reopening, increased demand from China or a subsidence in European production – could kickstart global markets, he says.

One silver lining for farmers facing low prices has been reduced costs, due to low oil prices and bumper grain and soya harvests.

“That’s taken a little bit of pressure off,” says David, “but a lot of them are going to struggle to survive another year of what we’ve just gone through so it’s our hope, and theirs, that sometime in 2016, we’ll see the markets turn.”

As the chairman of Dairy UK, which estimates collective losses of £200m for its members over the last year, David says Dale Farm is performing relatively well to have turned a small profit last year.

“We’re seeing significant consolidation brought about by the market pressure,” he says. In the local market, mergers between Ballyrashane and Town of Monaghan Co-ops and Fane Valley and Lakeland Dairies are creating all-Ireland businesses “and we at Dale Farm have become the only remaining indigenous company of any size.”

In the wider UK market, meanwhile, the sale of Dairy Crest’s main dairy division to Muller has elevated Dale Farm to an overall number three position. While its competitors in the number one and two slots are much bigger, “the one advantage that we have is that we’re generally more agile,” says David.

“We’re still at a size where I know all the guys working in the business units by their first names, and we can move fast on things when we have to.

“In a way, we’re surviving the cut but we’re not complacent, or in any way celebrating, because we know that the farmers who own us are under big pressure and there’s more of this difficult market situation to come.”

Having invested in the business and welcomed growth, “we’re putting a lot of effort now into new product development and innovation, and that also drives sales and helps realise better returns.”

FOCUSING ON CONSUMER MARKETS “Our strategy has been to pull away from the lower returning commodity markets and get further into consumer products, largely in the British Isles and Europe,” he says, “and that strategy has been the right one because consumer prices haven’t fallen the way these export markets have and, secondly, if we can sell into the UK, there’s less of a currency impact.

“We continue to export; last year exports were about a third of our total turnover but what we’re exporting is moving away from milk powders towards specialist protein or cheese or butter products.”

While turnover hasn’t grown at the same

FOOD PROFILE

Pictured at his gym in Belfast, rising boxing star Brendan Irvine joined Gillian Hetherington of Mary Peters Trust and Caroline Martin of Dale Farm to announce the 2015/16 Dale Farm Athletes Academy winners.

Brendan is one of the five who will attend a unique master class in 2016 as well as receive a bursary from Dale Farm.

rate due to falling prices and a reduction in powder sales, Dale Farm has increased its output by 80% over the last three years.

Milk and yoghurt have been performing reasonably well, and cottage cheese and desserts are growing categories, but the standout product categories have been cheese and butter.

Following investment in its Cookstown cheese production site and acquisition of Ash Manor in Wales, consumer cheese sales have doubled over the last year led by sliced and grated lines and butter sales are up by 60%. With Ash Manor, “we’ve been able to use their customer base and their ability to pack cheese to handle the increased output coming from Cookstown,” says David.

“And in the case of Fivemiletown, it’s a relatively small craft business but it’s given Dale Farm a wider range and improved cheese credentials in the cheese sector. We’re now able to produce everything from a Brie to a smoked blue cheese or goats’ cheese.”

Investment is earmarked for Fivemiletown, which is largely about increasing throughput.

A recent innovation in the category, low fat soft cheese Quark is “part of our wider range where we’re in almost every category of cheese now,” he says. “The only category of cheese we’re not in is mozzarella.”

On the NPD front, another development is a step up from producing the lower value whey protein concentrate WPC35 into the higher concentrate WPC80, which is used for health, nutritional and body building products and baby food. “We get a much better return for WPC80 so we’re actively entering that market,” says David.

Another big launch for Dale Farm in 2015 was its Protein Milk line, which was introduced “in response to consumer interest in our protein products,” says David. A natural, enhanced protein drink, it can be used in the same applications as regular

milk, but helps people rehydrate quicker and replenish muscle.

While proving popular with younger, active people, Protein Milk is ideal for all ages and Dale Farm plans to introduce brand extensions targeting specific consumer groups including middle aged and older people looking for help in maintaining their muscle mass.

Following on from developing its yoghurt lines with low or zero fat and sugar, Treasure Pots, a new Spelga clean label line aimed at kids with no added sugar and just yoghurt and fruit content, was introduced last year.

“There’s a big drive in the market away from sugar,” he says. “We still make icecream products and dessert products that have sugar and fat in them but they’re generally treat or indulgent products but what we are doing is giving the consumer the choice between healthy and indulgent and, more and more, we can make products which are healthy and indulgent.”

Since acquiring Mullins two years ago, sales of the ice-cream brand have grown by around 50%, with Dale Farm taking the brand into the Republic of Ireland.

Other innovation in the pipeline includes relaunching the Spelga Cottage Cheese range following investment in production facilities and new livery and pack formats for yoghurt; both in the spring.

And in addition to product innovation, “we’re continuing to try and reduce the amount of packaging we have and to improve the recyclability of our packaging,” says David. “We made a major move from Tetra Pak into plastic because it was easier to get plastic bottles recycled and collected in the waste stream. Our own plastic bottles are produced now on the site where we fill our liquid milk using more recycled material. We’ve been doing a lot in this area, as well as reducing our water and energy consumption.”

STRONG MARKETING ACTIVITY With the business refocusing on consumer markets, marketing-wise, “we’ve been on almost a full assault on every front,” says David.

Sports sponsorship extends from partnerships with Ulster Rugby and the Irish Open and the Dale Farm Athletes Academy with Mary Peters distributing bursaries to emerging talent across all sports, to sponsorship of sports days at local primary schools.

In 2015, Spelga and Dromona were both supported with TV campaigns, while social media and digital activity has been ramped up across all the brands.

Year of Food & Drink will be a focus in 2016 with plans to include further social media activity, radio advertorials, promotions and competitions and in-store demos including artisan in-store activity featuring Fivemiletown cheeses.

SUPPORTING LOCAL JOBS The business now has eight UK manufacturing sites, across its Dale Farm, Spelga, Dromona, Fivemiletown and Mullins brands employing over 1,300 people. Combined with its farmer suppliers, “we’re providing a livelihood for a lot of local people,” says David.

Dale Farm has stepped up its graduate recruitment programme to around a dozen graduates a year, going into every part of the company from product development, marketing, finance and quality control to procurement, and is also taking increasing numbers of placement students.

“Across the board we’re seeing growth in value and growth in volume and I suppose our aim is to try and ensure that that ultimately reaches the farmers owning the business so it makes it worth their while to be a shareholder,” he says. “As a co-op, we’re motivated more by cash management than profits.”

57

advertorial

Hafner’s Sausages - going from strength to strength T

he legendary Hafner’s Sausage brand is enjoying continued growth in Northern Ireland, with a recent extension into the UK multiples (Asda) in addition to strong performance across Food Force Ireland, the Henderson Group (SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO), Dunnes and Musgraves (Supervalu, Centra, Mace).

The sausages are still made using the original recipe that Friedrich Hafner invented in 1882, which was famous throughout Dublin at that time. There are numerous stories of people travelling down from Northern Ireland by train to join the queues of people on George’s Street in Dublin anxiously waiting to get their premium Hafner Sausages. Indeed, it is said that people travelled from all over Ireland just to try Hafner Sausages.

Today, the brand is still a favourite and there are a number of products available, including the recently successful promotional packs, as well as a soon-to-be-launched Hafner’s ‘Prestige’ product. Consumers have responded favourably to the new look labelling, referencing the brand’s heritage and iconic logo, which was launched over the summer and volume continues to grow month on month.

In terms of taste awards, Hafner’s sausages have won many awards, including the Great Taste Award, while the new Hafner’s Prestige Sausages have been honoured by the award of Irish Champion, European Grilled Sausage at the 2015 ‘Commanderie des Fins Goustiers du Duche D’Alencon’ in France.

As a brand that’s committed to long-

Paddy Mallon, owner of Mallon Foods

Debra Johnston (Food Force Ireland) and Paddy Mallon

term growth in Northern Ireland, Hafner’s sausages aim to delight more and more consumers across the Province with the delicious peppery taste and unique spicy flavour of their sausages – try them for your breakfast tomorrow.

Sandra Weir (Tesco), Paddy Mallon and Debbie McAllister (Tesco)

8 • •Ulster 3658 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

MALLON’S LOW FAT GLUTEN FREE SAUSAGES – THE GREAT TASTING LOW FAT SAUSAGE With many consumers seeking low fat and/ or gluten free options to suit their lifestyle and eating choices, Mallon’s has won over many satisfied shoppers with its Low Fat Gluten Free Sausages. Not only does this product offer less than 3% fat, it’s also a great tasting sausage, along with being gluten free.

People love the texture and taste from the sausages, which are made using specially selected cuts of pork, with lean meat, carefully prepared by the staff at Mallon Foods in Monaghan. Having such a lean meat content means each Mallon’s Low Fat Gluten Free sausage has only 45 calories.

Mallon’s brands are the highest awarded sausages in terms of taste, with over 150 awards, and its Mallon’s Low Fat Gluten Free Sausages have won a Great Taste Award, among others, helping to keep great tasting product high on the list of Mallon’s achievements across the range.

With listings across Northern Ireland in Tesco, Asda, the Nisa Group and a large number of leading independent stores, the brand is readily available – look out for them in a store near you, especially just after Christmas when people’s New Year diet resolutions kick in.

FOOD PROFILE

Innovation boosts Moy Park’s brand credentials Andrew Nethercott, director of Brand Marketing at Moy Park, talks to UG. Roast in the Bag comes in two flavours, Extra Tasty and Garlic & Herb, and is available in Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and GB, where a number of convenience retailers have listed the products.

Pictured at the CIM Marketing Excellence Ireland Awards are, from left, Aisling McTeague, brand marketing assistant, Andrew Nethercott and Briege Finnegan, brand marketing manager, Moy Park.

HOW WAS THE LOCAL MARKET FOR MOY PARK IN 2015?

Like the rest of the UK market, the Northern Ireland market has certainly struggled for growth. Sales are up about 0.5% in volume, so essentially flat in a deflation food market.

Retailers’ promotional strategies have impacted basket size, which is down 3%.

Consumers are buying less but more frequently.

Fresh coated poultry has seen some value decline, down 5%, but sales are up 4.7% for fresh birds and fillets. Pockets of the market are performing well but the overall context is flat. From a Moy Park perspective, the brand is well positioned to utilise its heritage and provenance. Consumers are buying into a category they trust.

WHICH NEW LINES WERE LAUNCHED IN 2015 AND HOW ARE THOSE PERFORMING? A number of new product lines were launched in 60

2015. Our Roast in the Bag chicken was a first to market, using thermoformed packaging technology, which is unique to that product and allows the chicken to self baste while cooking. Shelf-to-oven products meet growing demand for added value in the fresh chicken market. The Good Kitchen

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE YEAR FOR MOY PARK? We were delighted with our Irish Quality Food Award and CIM Marketing Excellence Ireland Award wins for our Roast in the Bag product range. From a marketing perspective, winning those awards, and using the brand as a vehicle to drive innovation in products and categories, was a highlight.

Other highlights included attendance at key consumer shows, including the Balmoral Show. We had a strong presence there with our Drive an egg campaign, in support of Cancer Fund for Children, which launched at Balmoral with activation around the Irish Open. We’ve been involved with the Irish Open since it first came to Northern Ireland in 2012 - it’s a great opportunity to support the brand credentials.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2016?

Going forward, we are embarking on a brand refresh. The focus will be family, fun and happiness, and Moy Park providing a feel good factor – the campaign will be built around those themes.

To address consumer needs, Moy Park will also be developing products, and adding new lines and new flavours, including a new variation of Roast in the Bag. We’re also looking at a new twist on the much-loved chicken kiev.

WILL YOU BE INVOLVED IN ANY ACTIVITY AROUND YEAR OF FOOD & DRINK? It’s a very exciting time for Northern Ireland, and a chance to highlight the quality of our food. We’re committed to growing the sector, and will be working with Food NI and Tourism NI to support events throughout the Year of Food & Drink.

Moy Park’s Roast in the Bag range.

FOOD PROFILE

Musgrave and NI’s Top Chippy get behind new premium Chippers brand

Pictured helping NI’s top chippy select the perfect potatoes for chips at McCormack Potato, Moy are, from left, Managing Director Brian McCormack; Malachy Mallon, Dolphin Takeaway; and Sales Director Barry McCormack.

M

cCormack Potato, Moy has extended its popular Nature’s Harvest retail range of potatoes by launching an exciting new premium brand, Chippers – the perfect potatoes for chips. Chippers appeals to chip loving families and take the guesswork out of choosing the best seasonal varieties of potatoes for making the very finest, tastiest homemade chips, roasties and wedges.

The premium quality chipping potatoes found in Chippers bags also have a unique pedigree. A new promotional sticker on the bag tells delighted customers they are the same top quality potatoes supplied

by McCormack’s to Northern Ireland’s number one fish and chip shop, the Dolphin Takeaway, Dungannon which recently scooped the Regional Winner (NI) title in the prestigious National Fish & Chip Awards 2016.

A unique proposition to potato consumers in the UK and Ireland marketplace, Chippers officially launched at the start of December 2015 and has already been listed by Musgrave with availability in SuperValu, Centra and Mace stores throughout the Province.

Chippers is also available to shoppers through a growing number of independent grocery stores in NI and ROI. “We’re a nation of chip lovers and we also adore our own homemade chips” said Barry McCormack, Director at McCormack Potato.

“However, our research shows that shoppers are confused about which potato varieties make the perfect chips at home.

“We’re very excited about our new premium Chippers brand of potatoes which solves that dilemma, making it easy for customers to choose the perfect seasonal potatoes for making amazingly good homemade chips every time. You really can taste

Pictured launching the new Nature’s Harvest Chippers at SuperValu Supermarket, Coalisland are, from left, Barry McCormack, director, McCormack Potato with Brenda O’Neil, assistant store manager.

the difference and they’re fantastic for making perfect roasties and wedges too – always firm favourites on the family menu.

“Our family-run business has over 40 years’ experience in the potato industry and only the most flavoursome seasonal varieties make the grade for our Chippers bags. Right now, for example, Markies are amazingly good but that will change throughout the year. Of course weather and soil conditions all make a difference to the annual potato harvests, but it’s our job to ensure Chippers customers enjoy the perfect quality chipping potatoes all year round.

“Our premium eating-quality Chippers are graded with larger potato sizes for easier chipping and come unwashed to lock in freshness, quality and nutrients, keeping them in their finest condition from field to fork.

The premium packaging has been carefully designed to attract the busy family shopper and the 5kg family value size bag means Chippers is attractively priced. The robust, quality paper bag comes with convenient handles for easy lifting and carrying and keeps potatoes fresher for longer at home. Chippers has already been snapped up by Musgrave and we’re equally proud to have Malachy Mallon from the award-winning Dolphin Takeaway on board as our ambassador.”

The Dolphin, also a UK top 10 chippy, has been supplied by the potato experts at

McCormack’s for over 26 years and owner Malachy Mallon is delighted to endorse the new Nature’s Harvest Chippers brand.

“This is a top quality product and one which I am proud to recommend,” he said. “There’s an exact science behind the perfect chip; I believe that the experts at McCormack’s are the only suppliers in the industry to fully understand that. Correct storage, temperature, sugar content and exact dry matter percentages as well as the size, texture and handling quality of the potato all play very important roles. The perfect chip should be deliciously fluffy but slightly creamy on the inside with just the right amount of golden colour and delicate crispy bite on the outside. Choosing the right potato is crucial for making award-winning chips.”

The new Nature’s Harvest Chippers consumer brand is now available for retail trade orders and immediate delivery.

The brand will be supported in 2016 by an integrated marketing and PR campaign, rolled out across traditional and digital media platforms.

INCREASE YOUR SALES AND PROFITS NEW! Nature’s Harvest Chippers – perfect potatoes for chips. Also great for roasties and wedges.

For more information or to place an order, call Sales Director Barry McCormack on 028 8778 4429, email: sales@mccormackpotato.co.uk, fax 028 8778 4234 or visit www.mccormackpotato.co.uk.

61

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

Weather critical factor in continuing success of Open Farm Weekend

BY BRIAN McCALDEN

From left, John Best, chairman of Food NI, is pictured with William Thompson, Bank of Ireland UK head of Agriculture NI, Nigel Logan of Hillstown Farm in Randalstown, and Barclay Bell, Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend chairman.

T

he sun was shining in mid January as the Bank of Ireland launched its Open Farm Weekend 2016 at Hillstown Farm Shop, in rural Randalstown.

Speaking at the event, Ulster Farmers’ Union Deputy President Barclay Bell said that getting such good weather is an allimportant factor in farming success – and not just for actual agricultural processes, such as harvesting.

Speaking in his capacity as Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend chairman, he recalled previous years when farmers threw open their gates to the public for the now annual event and unfortunately suffered poor weather.

“Like most agricultural practices, good weather is a requirement,” he said, adding that he hoped they would be lucky in 2016.

“Last year, 21 farms opened to the public and we would like to have a similar number participate in 2016 with a particular call to expand farm numbers in the west of the province, in the Tyrone and Fermanagh areas.”

He added that this is a particularly important year too as it will coincide with the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016, which is being coordinated by Tourism NI, supported by Food NI. “With 2016 designated as the Year of Food & Drink in Northern Ireland, we are looking for farmers to volunteer and help to tell their part of the food chain story to a wide and captive audience. This is an exciting time for our industry to really showcase our excellent produce and be part of this important celebration.

“From the small artisan outlets right up to 62

the large-scale producers, we want to hear from you if you would be interested in hosting this summer.”

Nigel Logan, owner of Hillstown Farm Shop and an Open Farm Weekend Host, took a break from serving breakfast at the launch event to explain his past experiences.

“There is a great deal of work involved in ensuring everything is spick and span and in organising facilities for visitors, but it’s worth it.

Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend Chairman Barclay Bell addresses the audience.

“Last year – blessed with some good weather – we had hundreds of visitors and the entire front field was packed with cars.

It really is a great platform to explain to consumers – children especially – just how food makes its way to the grocery store shelves and chillers, from ‘field to plate’.”

William Thompson, head of agriculture NI at Bank of Ireland, said: “We are delighted to continue our support of the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend especially given the NI Year of Food & Drink 2016.

“The initiative is a great marketing opportunity for food producers or those with farm diversification projects to open their gates.

“Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend does indeed help to educate people about how their food is produced and highlights the value of the agriculture sector to Northern Ireland.”

Food NI chairman and 2015 Open Farm Weekend host John Best also encouraged farmers and artisan producers alike to take part.

“The range of food and drinks that our members are producing is more diverse than ever before,” he said. “We have always had great raw ingredients but there is a growing number of artisans who are really pushing boundaries.

“As part of the Year of Food & Drink, each month celebrates the diverse aspects of our agri-food industry.

“January’s theme was breakfast month and we were appropriately treated to a wonderful breakfast at Hillstown Farm Shop, who are Food NI members and recipients of the Great Taste Awards.

“There is a full programme of training and support in place for the 2016 initiative and project managers are on hand throughout the year to offer advice and guidance to participating farmers.”

To register interest, email kcairns@ufuhq. com or call 028 9037 0222.

The 2016 Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend will run over June 18-19. For more information, visit the website www. openfarmweekend.com, follow on Twitter @ BOIopenfarm and like Open Farm Weekend on Facebook.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union-led initiative, principally supported by the Bank of Ireland, has been running since 2012 and has attracted almost 60,000 people throughout that time. It has also made important strides in helping promote food education through a dedicated schools programme.

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

AgriSearch AGM focuses on research projects

James Campbell, chairman, with Michael Bell, left, and John Henning, right, respectively incoming chairman and vice chairman of AgriSearch.

I

n spite of major reductions in staff numbers and cuts in government funding, Northern Ireland’s Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is expected to focus significant resources on research in sheep, dairy and beef production; news which was welcomed by AgriSearch at its recent AGM. AgriSearch, funded by levies on sheep, beef cattle and milk, seeks to drive excellence and innovation on farms by commissioning research projects of relevance to local farmers.

One such AFBI project led by AgriSearch has brought together

support from the DARD Research Challenge Fund, Zoetis, Genus and AI Services, to implement novel breeding strategies across 10 commercial suckler farms in Northern Ireland.

Another recent project has been conducted at Linden Foods, in conjunction with the Livestock and Meat Commission, to assess the robustness of an EID sheep tag-reading system.

AgriSearch is a funding partner of RamCompare, a sheep industry consortium across the UK to drive genetic improvement forward by ensuring commercial data from processing plants and commercial flocks is included in genetic evaluations.

Genetic improvement across the dairy, beef and sheep sectors has been identified as an area in which Northern Ireland agriculture has lagged yet it offers great potential for improving livestock and farm business performance.

AgriSearch Project Manager Jason Rankin serves on the steering committee of the new Centre for Innovative Excellence in Livestock (CIEL). Should a CIEL bid for capital funding be successful, almost £28m of public funding will go towards capital investment in British livestock research including £3.6m in AFBI Hillsborough.

AgriSearch Chairman James Campbell’s term in the chair is due to end in 2016. The chair designate of AgriSearch is Michael Bell, executive director of the NI Food and Drink Association. Well known banker and cattle breeder John Henning has agreed to serve in the voluntary post of vice chairman. Also joining the board is Peter Morrow, owner of Morrow Communications.

Beef prices need to strengthen, says UFU U lster Farmers’ Union Beef and Lamb Policy Chairman Crosby Cleland has said prices paid for beef need to strengthen, as farmers finishing cattle continue to suffer heavy losses.

This time last year, beef producers were receiving in the region of 360p/kg, which is as low as prices can be if livestock coming off a farm here are to break even. “Unfortunately, at the end of 2015, producers saw no improvement in the

market in the run-up to Christmas, which has always been a feature of the beef trade,” he said. “As a result, prices well below the cost of production have left many finishers with losses that top £200/head.”

Beef producers have had to live with sustained downward price pressure on prices, while many farmers will also be adjusting to reduced payments within the new CAP system. “Processors seek to blame weak demand for these poor prices,” said

Cleland. “But the reality is those same businesses continue to pay upwards of 35p/kg more for cattle in Great Britain than here. There is no justifiable reason for this, especially when you consider that the difference was only 5p/kg this time last year.

“What is clear is that all producers should be negotiating hard for better prices, and they need to resist pressure to accept the quotes currently on offer.”

Finnebrogue lifts Ulster Bank Business Achievers award A n Ulster agri-food company has been named amongst the island’s top achievers in business, crowned at a prestigious ceremony in the Mansion House Hotel, Dublin.

Family-owned Finnebrogue, based in Downpatrick, secured the Food & Drink award in the prestigious Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards against stiff competition from companies across all four provinces.

Having already enjoyed success at the Ulster provincial stage of the awards, Finnebrogue continued to impress the judges with its high-quality products, which are a favourite of top chefs Heston Blumenthal and Paul Rankin.

“Winning the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Award has validated what I and the rest of the team at Finnebrogue, who are all passionate foodies, strive to achieve day in day out,” said Jo Discombe, business director at Finnebrogue. “The award recognises that we are delivering a product which is consistently excellent but also that we continue to exceed customer expectations.”

Run in partnership with Invest NI, InterTradeIreland, and SmallBusinessCan.com, the awards recognise the achievements of companies from across the island in a wide range of sectors.

“As we get ready to launch our Entrepreneurial Spark hub in Belfast early next year, this is the kind of entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to innovation and improvement that we want to help develop and promote,” said Richard Donnan, head of Ulster Bank Northern Ireland.

Pictured at the presentation are Ian Murphy, Invest NI, and Denis Lynn, Finnebrogue.

63

MARKETING NEWS

Bodyform launches New York pink ticket promotion T

o encourage women across the UK to take a chance and challenge them to seize the day, Bodyform is launching a new on-pack promotion offering consumers the opportunity to instantly win a once-in-alifetime trip for two to one of the world’s most exciting and iconic cities, New York.

Following the successful launch of its award-winning innovation, Roll.Press.Go. Ultra Towels, Bodyform is continuing to invest with a through-the-line campaign to drive category interest with the pink ticket promotion – arguably the brand’s biggest, and most exciting, on-pack promotion to date.

The Bodyform pink ticket campaign will be executed via multiple media platforms including: YouTube, Facebook, radio, video on demand, shopper media, PR, vlogger outreach, consumer press, trade press and exciting giveaways on Twitter.

With 10 once-in-a-lifetime New York trips to be won, the pink ticket promotion utilises a unique ‘stopper’ on pack to disrupt routine shoppers. This, teamed with an instant win mechanic, inspires excitement and anticipation as consumers open their packs of

Bodyform to see if they have found one of the 10 pink tickets hidden inside the promotional packs.

The brand is also offering a £10 ‘golden moments’ experience voucher for everyone purchasing a pink ticket promotional pack of Bodyform, which can be redeemed against more than 2,000 amazing experience choices. All consumers need to do to claim their free £10 voucher is head to the dedicated microsite www.bodyformpinkticket.com and enter the unique code found on promotional packs.

“The Bodyform Pink Ticket promotion is all about driving fun and excitement in the category, and we want to share this excitement with all of our consumers and retailers,” said Janet McQuillan, marketing manager of Bodyform. “What better way to do this than by offering your shoppers the chance to try an exciting new experience?”

The Pink Ticket promotion is now live and will run until June 30.

Promotional packs of Bodyform, manufactured by SCA, are available in most major supermarkets and good independent retailers.

Vita Coco launches Take a sip, win a trip F

rom February 8, Vita Coco is set to launch its biggest on-pack promotion to date, Take a sip, win a trip. The promotion, which will be rolled out across all Vita Coco SKUs in retailers across Ireland, urges consumers to ‘take a sip in the right direction’, by entering the competition to win their very own tropical island retreat. Through a simple entry code neck tag, consumers will be driven to a Vita Coco micro-site where they will have the opportunity to win an exclusive trip to ‘Simple Island’, where the weather is good and life is simple. The promotion captures the essence of the brand’s simplicity – just natural hydration, no messing around... just like sticking a straw into a green coconut.

The promotion, which will be marked across 1.3 million-plus bottles in the UK and Ireland, is set to drive sales, partner volume and awareness for retailers nationwide. It will be supported in-store with shelf-talkers, partner displays, general shippers, at-store advertising and additional off shelf displays. As well as in store, Vita Coco is conducting a large social and digital activation around living the island life.

“At this time of year, we are all being inundated with over complicated ways to change our lifestyles in order to get healthy,” said Giles Brook, CEO of Vita Coco EMEA. “We at Vita Coco are urging consumers not to overhaul their lives, but to make simple, tiny steps (or sips) to make them a little bit better.”

Vita Coco Coconut Water is currently sold at over 40,000 (18,500 in Europe) retailers globally and, in Northern Ireland, can be purchased at Avoca, Centra, Mace, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, independent health stores, many office sites and other leading independents.

The coconut water industry is on track against predictions to be worth £100m in UK by end of 2014. Vita Coco is currently the fastest growing brand in the UK’s non-alcoholic beverage category (IRI 2013 52 week sales to Dec 31st ‘13). The brand grew by 117% in 2013.

64

Tim McCauley from the McVities Jaffa Cakes, Anne Hannon from Marie Curie and Johnny Davis from the Pioneer Group celebrate £46,000 raised at the 2015 events.

Mud Madness cleans up for Marie Curie T

he call is out to splash and make cash for the McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mud Madness, Northern Ireland’s messiest ‘off-road’ challenge – which is holding four events across two days in April. Last year, £46,000 was raised by the events for the charity Marie Curie.

Over the past four years, £120,000 has been raised by McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes. The twice-yearly event is one of the most popular and talked about adventure experiences, which supports Marie Curie nurses working night and day, in people’s homes across Northern Ireland and in their Belfast Hospice offering vital emotional support specialist round-the-clock care.

Children aged six to 11 years old can enter the McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes Mini Mud Madness on Saturday, April 16 at 5pm, with a second event for 12-16 year olds taking place at 5.45pm. For participants over 16, there are two events on Sunday, April 17 at 11am and 2pm.

“Marie Curie provide a crucial service to families here, and we’re delighted to be able to help raise vital funds so they can continue to help those facing a terminal illness,” said Tim McAuley from McVitie’s.

“McVitie’s Jaffa Cake Mud Madness is always a great adventure for all ages, and we’re really looking forward to April when the four challenges in total across two messy, mud-splattered days will allow every age and ability to have great fun.”

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

Entries are now open for the

a ma nnua l rk aw etin ar g ds

G rocer Market ingAwards ULSTER

2016

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.

E

ntries are now open for the 28th annual Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards, which will see winners announced during the GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Gala Ball at the Culloden Hotel on Friday, May 6.

The Gala Ball has been a highlight of the grocery trade’s social calendar for many years, now organised by GroceryAid – the grocer’s benevolent fund formerly known as Caravan.

The Awards are open to any company involved in retail grocery trading, from producers to suppliers and wholesalers, as well as individual retail outlets. Always hard fought with each category well represented, the Awards are widely regarded as the highest marketing accolade businesses can achieve in the sector.

The Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are recognised as a mark of professionalism, and raise the profile of companies short-listed and those going on to win each category.

Entries should be submitted by a deadline of Friday 26th February, with short-listed entries to be showcased in the April edition and winners in the May Ulster Grocer.

G rocer Market ingAwards ULSTER

Sponsored by:

2016

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

65

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

.

A Lidl surprise at last year’s Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards L

idl continued a stellar year in the Northern Ireland grocery trade at last year’s Awards, walking away with the top prize of Best 2014 Marketing Campaign for its #LoveLidl NI/Lidl Surprises campaign.

“Our customers are at the heart of our marketing strategy and our aim with this campaign was to really make a positive difference in the local communities we serve,” said Linda Fitzgerald, brand manager at Lidl.

“We wanted to provide new and existing customers with an opportunity to taste and learn about our products whilst also engaging with our customers in a meaningful way.”

Last year’s saw £44,345 raised for GroceryAid, with other winners including the Henderson Group, Asda, Cloughbane Farm, Mash Direct, Squeeze Wheatgrass and White’s Oats.

For Best Marketing Campaign 2014, two entries in the category were highly commended, the Henderson Group with its SPAR Hearts and Minds Christmas campaign and Mackle Petfoods with its Brandy campaign which took the top prize in 2014.

Cloughbane Farm Shop led the Best Brand category, with Irwin’s Bakery as highly commended, while in the Hunky Dorys-sponsored category of Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership, Asda lifted

Pictured at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards 2015, held during the GroceryAid Grocers’ Ball at the Culloden Hotel, are, from left, Linda Fitzgerald, Desi Derby and Glen Cinnamon from Lidl, Brian Crawford of sponsor McGowans, Miss Northern Ireland Leanne McDowell, Paul Gibson of Lidl and James Greer, publisher of Ulster Grocer.

the top award and Tesco NI/Diabetes UK was highly commended.

Best New Product Launch/Relaunch, sponsored by Dennison Commercials, went to White’s followed by two highly commended entries, from Musgrave/SuperValu and Nisa Retail.

Green Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Power NI, went to Henderson Retail, while independent retailer JC Stewart of Magherafelt picked up a highly commended accolade.

Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion, sponsored by NI Resourcing, went to the Henderson Group, with CPM/Suntory highly

commended for Lucozade Sport.

Finally, Mash Direct was recognised for Best Food Export Marketing, while the new category of Best Artisan Foods Campaign went to Squeeze Wheatgrass.

“Entry numbers for the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards continue to grow year on year,” said James Greer, publisher of Ulster Grocer. “With this year’s awards falling in the middle of the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016, we are expecting even greater interest than usual as businesses in the grocery sector raise their marketing game to make the most of it.”

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.

So what are you waiting for?

Excitement is in the air in this critical year of food and drink This is a prime opportunity to generate valuable PR, raise your company profile within the grocery and food sector, target potential customers and network with key clients who will be in attendance at the Gala Ball.

Register your interest today!

Download an entry form and see the full list of entry requirements: www.ulstergrocer.com/awards-distribution/marketing-awards/ or contact Mark Beckett on 028 9078 3235 / markbeckett@greerpublications.com Fee: An administration fee of £100 plus VAT will be charged to enter.

All entries will benefit from editorial coverage in the magazine.

Entries must be received by Friday 26th February.

8 • •Ulster 3666 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

ULSTER GROCER perspective MARKETING AWARDS

Ulster Grocer 2016 Marketing Awards categories Best Marketing Campaign 2015 Best Marketing Campaign could potentially involve a corporate, brand or project campaign, and food suppliers, grocery wholesalers and retailers are all eligible to enter. While the subject matter of the campaign may be any aspect of grocery retailing, the marketing campaign should include some or all of the following elements – press, TV, radio, outdoor, in-store POS/merchandising, PR, website, leaflet, digital and SMS activity.

Best Brand Among the most prestigious and tightly fought categories, Best Brand welcomes entries outlining marketing activity aimed at building a brand of any size in the Northern Ireland grocery market. The brand could be, but is not limited to, food and drink, and equally could be a retail brand from independent stores through to multiple and discount retailers.

Judges will examine the effectiveness of any brand building activity in relation to PR, advertising and Sponsored by: marketing campaigns, brand visibility and customer loyalty, and take into account the results achieved in relation to the size of the business.

on marketing activity. This category is open to retailers of any size from single shop traders to national groups operating in the Northern Ireland market. Entries should outline any environmentally-friendly activity undertaken in grocery retailing from local sourcing through to in-store green initiatives such as LED lighting, solar panels, green management systems and communicating green activity to customers.

Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion Best In-Store Consumer Sales Promotion could be a standalone promotion by a retailer or supplier. Equally, it could potentially involve a joint promotion between two companies, for example, two manufacturer/brand owners running a cross-promotion on complementary products or a retail group and a manufacturer working together on a promotion. Entries are welcome involving both exclusive single-store promotions and activity running across a group of stores.

Best Artisan Food Product Campaign Introduced last year for the first time to recognise an emergent category in the local grocery sector, Best Artisan Food Product Campaign recognises that small producers often have limited marketing resources at their disposal but can make clever use of them. This category is open to producers, manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers marketing artisan food, and entries should outline any press, TV, radio, outdoor, in-store POS/merchandising, PR, website, leaflet, digital and SMS activity. Entries outlining any activity underway for Year of Food & Drink are welcome.

Best New Product Launch/Relaunch For Best New Product Launch, entries are invited from brand owners outlining their marketing activity to launch any new grocery product (not limited to, but including, food and drink) into the marketplace.

This may include any of the following: press, TV, radio, outdoor, in-store POS/merchandising, PR, website, leaflet, digital and SMS activity. Pre-existing products which have been relaunched with new branding, and a complementary marketing strategy, are also eligible for entry. Please note: this category covers the marketing of new or relaunched products, rather than the new product development process.

Best Food Export Marketing Exports are a vital part of the business mix for Northern Ireland producers, and this award recognises efforts to successfully market, gain access and launch local products into international markets (from the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain to the other side of the world). Any local food, drink or other grocery product which has successfully Sponsored by: gained access to new markets, secured new customers in existing markets or boosted existing export contracts are eligible for entry.

Best CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership Best Corporate Social Responsibility or Charity Partnership is focused on the strength and commitment shown by retailers, producers, wholesalers and suppliers to CSR/charity initiatives and partnerships rather than the marketing of such activity. Open to any business operating in the retail grocery sector, from small producers and independent retailers through Sponsored by: to large suppliers and multiple retailers, this category will also be judged on tangible results from the partnerships.

Green Retailer of the Year Green Retailer of the Year is one of only two categories in the Awards (alongside CSR/Charity) which are not judged exclusively

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

67

EXPORT NEWS

Exports to Republic boost Around Noon’s business A

round Noon, a local specialist in innovative ‘grab and go’ quality convenience foods, has achieved 40% growth in sales during 2015 driven by a sharp increase in business in the Republic of Ireland.

As a result of focusing on developing business in the Republic, sales in this important market now account for 50% of the company’s turnover.

“We are now benefiting from a strategic decision a few years ago to invest time and other resources in a series of initiatives to expand our business in the Republic, our closest market place,” said Gareth Chambers, CEO of Around Noon. “This approach has also led to initial business in Scotland and England, business we are also keen to grow over the next few years.

“The Republic is becoming an immensely important market for us. We’ve developed good business especially with ‘grab and go’ food retailers there which appreciate a supplier committed to quality and in the development of the type of innovative tastes that their customers are seeking in what is now a very dynamic and sophisticated industry.

“We work alongside our customers in creating original products offering outstanding taste.

For example, we developed around 200 new products this year to meet the specific requirements of individual customers.”

Established in 1989 by Sheila and Francis Chambers, Gareth’s parents, Around Noon employs 170 people at a state-of-the-art processing plant at Newry. The company sources supplies for its products from other local businesses including Irwin’s Bakery in Portadown, Rich Sauces in Newtownards and Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt in Bangor.

Around Noon currently has a portfolio of around 600 products, including gourmet sandwiches, paninis, wraps, smoothies, juices, fresh fruit and yoghurt.

Around Noon CEO Gareth Chambers.

Dunbia wins pork business in India D

unbia has delivered its first pork order to India, and is exploring opportunities in Canada for beef.

The Dungannon-based business has further orders for pork, processed at its Ballymena site, following delivery of the first shipment at the end of December.

Welcoming what he hopes will be a “long and profitable relationship with India,” Jim Dobson, chief executive of Dunbia said: “The shipment represents a significant opportunity for Dunbia and our pig farmers in one of the world’s largest and fastest growing economies.

“The first container has been very well received by our Indian customers and we are currently consolidating further containers for shipment.”

Dunbia is also exploring opportunities in Canada for beef, and has received provisional approval from the Chinese authorities to supply pork to this important market.

“It’s all very positive news for the Northern Ireland agri-food

industry and bodes very well for the future but we cannot rest on our laurels,” he said. “We need to exploit every opportunity and seek further new markets such as the US, the Philippines and Australia.”

Dunbia exports to around 20 countries and is a leading supplier of beef, lamb and pork to supermarkets throughout the UK and Ireland, including Sainsbury’s and Asda.

Ulster Farmers’ Union (UFU) Deputy President Ivor Ferguson has welcomed the announcement Northern Ireland can now export beef and pork to two key international markets as a positive step for the agri-food industry.

The UFU has identified access to new markets as a key objective, and is pleased DARD has worked hard with industry to gain access to Canada for beef and to India for pork. “Currency and demand in these markets will ultimately dictate the success of these initiatives.,” he said. “But exporting is a long-term strategy, and the more markets we have available, the better will be our position to trade when opportunities arise,” said Mr Ferguson.

Abernethy wins business at London’s Holborn Dining Room

T

he prestigious Holborn Dining Room in London, part of Rosewood Hotels and Resorts, is now using handmade butter from Northern Ireland’s Abernethy Butter.

The restaurant, which has an impressive reputation for serving the very best seasonal and locally-sourced British cuisine, is serving the Abernethy range of three handmade and hand rolled butters – original, smoked and seaweed with sea salt.

“This is another very prestigious customer for us and a further endorsement of the outstanding taste and premium quality of our product range,” said Will Abernethy.

The Dromara-based business now sells around 80% of its products outside Northern Ireland, mostly in GB. The deal with Holborn Dining Room establishes Abernethy as a leading supplier of hand crafted butters to high-end restaurants in Britain. Other clients include the PH Group of hotels, Heston Blumenthal, Marcus Wareing and Andy McFadden.

It also secured business recently with Fenwicks in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and from Butler’s Pantry in Dublin, and is an established supplier to Fortnum and Mason in London.

68

APPOINTMENTS

People on the move...

in association with

Lorraine Butler appointed managing director at CPM C PM has announced the appointment of Lorraine Butler as its new managing director. Lorraine has more than 20 years’ industry experience in highly-targeted sales industries and will oversee the execution of CPM’s Famous for Sales strategy in the island of Ireland.

CPM offers client specific-tailored field marketing and sales strategies to augment its clients’ business performance, optimise costs and create brand success.

Butler joins CPM after 13 years with eir Business, where she held a number of sales leadership roles, most recently as sales director for Enterprise Markets, where she led Ireland’s largest direct sales team.

Prior to eir, Butler worked in the recruitment, software and hospitality industries. She is a qualified professional coach and mentor in conjunction with DIT & IBEC, a graduate of DIT where she holds a BA in Management, and also holds an MSc in Business Leadership & Management Practice from UCD Smurfit Business School. She is also a Council member of the Sales Institute of Ireland.

“This is such an exciting time to be joining CPM,” said Butler.

“There is clear evidence of a change in consumer mind-set as consumer confidence is returning in the island of Ireland. CPM leverages the power of our expertise in technology and market insight to offer our clients a competitive advantage to drive their business forward.

Lorraine Butler

“I’m excited to partner with clients to take advantage of the market opportunity in this new calendar year, creating mutual success and offering an outstanding consumer experience.”

CPM is a leading partner in the island of Ireland for outsourced field marketing and sales solutions working for clients to deliver long-term and short-term tactical campaigns, and provides direct employment for over 500 people nationwide. CPM Ireland forms part of CPM International, one of the world’s largest outsourced field marketing and sales companies. CPM is a part of Diversified Agency Services, a division of Omnicom Group Inc.

NIIRTA elects Rowan Black as new president T

he Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) has elected Lisburn independent retailer Rowan Black as its new president at its AGM. Black replaces Paul Stewart, who has stepped down after serving 15 years as NIIRTA president, following the sale of his JC Stewart store in Magherafelt.

“I’m delighted to have been elected NIIRTA president and want to, on behalf of our 1,600 members, pay a special tribute to the hard work and dedication of Paul Stewart,” said Black. “As president of NIIRTA over the past 15 years, Paul has made a huge contribution to our growth as a business organisation and indeed the entire independent retail sector in Northern Ireland.

“In recent years, NIIRTA has nearly doubled its membership and become the authoritative voice of the independent retail and wholesale sector, setting the agenda for the future of our town centres.

From left, Paul Stewart passes the presidency of NIIRTA to Rowan Black.

“2016 will be a significant year for NIIRTA when we publish our alternative Programme for Government, setting out our policy agenda for each of new nine NI Executive departments and newly elected MLAs.” Outgoing NIIRTA President Paul Stewart said: “As I move on to new challenges, I wish NIIRTA every success for the future. It has come a very long way in the last 15 years and has advanced the policy agenda for independent retailers, with the establishment of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme and the publication of the Town Centre First Retail Planning Policy among its many achievements.”

Black is managing director of Greens Food Fare, a family-owned grocery store in Lisburn, employing 110 people. He is also a local Justice of the Peace, has served on the NI Committee of the Institute of Directors and been a governor and trustee of two local schools.

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

69

tobacco NEWS

E-Lites back on TV with ATL campaign for New Year Holborn Yellow rolls out house refresh

J E

-Lites, the UK’s most recognised e-cigarette brand1, was back on TV from December 26 to tap into additional seasonal sales in and around the New Year. Supporting its E-Lites Curv range, which launched earlier this year, the campaign will also include press ads in national daily newspapers such as The Mirror, The Sun and Daily Star.

Designed to deliver a superior and convenient vaping experience, E-Lites Curv is already the fastest growing rechargeable starter kit on the market2.

From its unique oval shape, to the simple one-touch charging system which offers a convenient 2.5 hour charge time, E-Lites Curv differentiates itself from other available products within the e-cigarette category.

“The E-Lites Curv TV ad achieved significant cut through amongst the relevant target audience when it first aired back in August, and we expect it to have a big impact this time around,” said Jeremy Blackburn, head of Communications at JTI. “Retailers looking to make the most from e-cigarettes should take the time now to get their range right and stock up on E-Lites to become a destination shop for vapers.”

In the last two years the e-cigarette market has increased by 63%3, with two million existing adult smokers now vaping4. E-Lites is the fastest growing e-cigarette brand in the UK5.

For more information on E-Lites Curv and the E-Lites range, visit www.e-lites.co.uk or call 0800 112 3401.

1: E-Lites scored the highest for awareness amongst consumers compared to its competitors, TNS Omnibus Q1 2015. Brand Awareness = top of mind, spontaneous and prompted. 2: Nielsen Scan Track Q2 vs Q3 2015.

3: Nielsen Market Track YTD 7/11/2015 vs last YTD. 4: TNS Tracker 2015; 5: Nielsen latest 4 week period up to we 10/10/15 vs 4 week period prior, share of sales.

TI has unveiled a new look across the Holborn Smooth Taste range.

Reinforcing the brand’s position within the Value RYO (roll your own) category, the modernisation will see a new yellow pack design as well as a change in name from Holborn Smooth Taste to Holborn Yellow.

Maintaining the same quality tobacco blend, the house modernisation will provide a brighter, contemporary look that will feature two rotational inner designs explaining the origins of the Holborn name and its iconic elephant motif.

From mid-October the new packs will be available across all channels in 9g, 20g (non-PMP and PMP) and 40g SKUs, all including papers. Bespoke POS and promotions within the wholesale channel will support the refresh. “As a long-standing success story for retailers, Holborn has become a brand synonymous with both quality and value for existing adult smokers,” said Jeremy Blackburn, JTI head of Communications.

RYO is the largest UK tobacco category.

JTI launches 17s across the Sovereign house

Re-shaping an original – new look, same blend

J

TI has launched new 17s across the Sovereign house to offer retailers a balance of value, quality and profit. The new packs were available from the end of October at an RRP of £6.50.

The Sovereign house has seen steady growth since its introduction leading to a 4.3% share of the Ready Made Cigarette (RMC) market and a 37.4% share of the super value sector1. These new packs ensure the house remains at the forefront of this emerging price segment.

“Sovereign is a well-recognised tobacco brand with a history of introducing extensions that meet consumer demand,” said Jeremy Blackburn, JTI head of Communications. “With Sovereign Blue, Sovereign Sky Blue, Green and Dual all available in 17s, at a super value price point, the entire house is a must stock for any retailer looking to capitalise on this profit opportunity.”

Retailers will be able to take advantage of wholesale deals in October on Dual, Green & Sky Blue variants, which will be highlighted on point of sale material in cash and carry tobacco rooms.

T

he Camel Blue brand has been given a new look for its KS 10s & 20s pack formats. Available since late 2015, the new look will help reinforce Camel’s position in the premium cigarette category.

While maintaining the same quality smooth tasting American tobacco blend that has become synonymous with the brand, the house modernisation will deliver a contemporary design that existing adult Camel smokers expect.

“Camel is a long-standing success story within the premium cigarette category,” said Jeremy Blackburn, JTI head of Communications. “Holding a 17.1%1 share of the Ready Made Cigarette (RMC) tobacco market, the premium segment remains significant for retailers and this house modernisation across both the 10s and 20s pack sizes will further strengthen retailer opportunity for good margins.”

For more information on the Camel house modernisation, retailers should speak to their local JTI representative or call the JTI Customer Careline on 0800 163 503 to arrange a visit. Retailers can also visit www.jtiadvance.co.uk for further information, support and guidance on tobacco retailing.

1: Nielsen MarketTrack YTD August 2015

1: Nielsen Market Track June 15

72

Supplier of the Year

FINALIST

Thank you for continuing to work with us as one of your key suppliers.

You’ve supported our award-winning Sales Force and you’ve inspired & shaped our online presence too!

Roli Ranger, Surrey

I can’t mention enough how much support our JTI rep has offered he’s been wonderful in more ways than one Kam Nijjer, West Midlands

www.jtiadvance.co.uk Visit JTI Advance - Built to Support Your Business Can’t access JTI Advance?

Call our Customer Careline Team on 0800 163 503

SHELFLIFE

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

New Kettle Bites baked for a lighter eat K

ettle has launched a healthier product, aimed at female consumers looking for lighter, ‘better-for-you’ snacks without compromising on taste.

New Kettle Bites are wholegrain and lentil snacks, made using unique baked technology, which offers all the taste and quality that consumers expect from Kettle but with fewer calories and less fat.

‘Better for You’ is a significant category in snacking worth £140m at RSV per annum, and lighter products that offer taste combined with

health benefits are in strong growth of 20% year on year*. Last year, Kettle launched a Baked Handy Pack range, adding to its Baked Sweet Potato products, which received great consumer feedback, and is now looking to build sales even further in this area, taking Kettle into more everyday snacking occasions.

The new range consists of four tasty seasonings, across two different product bases – Lentil Curls and Wholegrain Waves – offered in both multi-pack and handy pack formats. The Lentil Curls are available in Sweet Chilli and Mozzarella & Pesto, and the Wholegrain Waves in Maple Barbecue and Coconut, Lime & Chilli. Each pack contains less than 100 calories and 50% less fat than standard crisps.

“Our consumer research has definitely confirmed that consumers are looking for snacks that offer great taste, but also a lighter eat, for everyday snacking,” said Andrew Slamin, marketing director, Kettle Foods. “Our unique manufacturing capability has enabled the development of Kettle Bites, the perfect new snack for those who want something lighter when snacking but don’t want to compromise at all on taste.”

The range will be supported by a wide ranging consumer campaign including advertising, sampling, PR and digital activity to raise awareness and prompt trial of the new products. *Nielsen data to 12th September 2015, includes Ready to Eat Premium Popcorn

Irwin’s launches two new varieties of popular loaf I

rwin’s has invested in the creation of two new varieties of its popular Softee range.

Developed in response to an increasing demand for variety in pan Irwin’s Bakery Marketing Manager Colette Wilson. bread and 80% of consumers not reaching the daily recommended intake of wholegrains*, Irwin’s has introduced Softee Wholegrain and Softee Brown and White to the Northern Ireland market.

Irwin’s launched its original Irwin’s Softee loaf in 2009 and it has since become one of the Portadown-based bakery’s most successful brands, with year-on-year sales growth of 53% **.

“Irwin’s is committed to growing its range through new product development and innovation,” said Colette Wilson, marketing manager, Irwin’s Bakery. *British Journal of Nutrition 2015; ** AC Nielsen NI 52 weeks to 7.11.15

74

The force awakens as Volvic launches Star Wars range

V

olvic, in collaboration with Disney UK, has created a range of Star Wars-branded collectable, limited-edition natural mineral water bottles designed with Star Wars characters. With hydration an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, the Volvic water bottles are designed to make drinking water more fun for families.

The bottles are available in five characters, Chewbacca, Stormtrooper, Darth Vader, C-3PO and Boba Fett. Families and fans of Star Wars across the country were able to purchase these limited-edition bottles from a wide range of retailers from December 1, ahead of the release of the new film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

“We are really excited to launch our collectable limited edition bottles of Volvic water featuring Star Wars characters,” said Adrienne Toner, brand manager at Volvic.

Trade Directory

2016

agent & company index | 76-91

retailers guide | 92-95 brand index | 96-104

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

ACTIVE PACKAGING LTD

38 ESPRESSO 253 Abbey Road Millisle Co Down BT22 2JG T: 028 9186 1437 W: www.38espresso.com PERSONNEL: Business Development Manager: Ryan Bell M: 07766503410 E: ryan@38espresso.com TYPE OF BUSINESS: 38 Espresso are a coffee roaster, equipment supplier and service company.

We specialise in providing high quality coffees or bespoke blends tailored to our customers requirements and desired profiles, all roasted locally in Co Down.

The coffee is backed up with full training and servicing from our in-house team.

38 Espresso are also the agent for Jacobs Douwe Egberts range of products in Northern Ireland.

Unit A3 Omagh Business Complex Gortrush Industrial Estate Great Northern Road Omagh, Co. Tyrone, BT78 5LU T: 028 8224 1616 F: 028 8224 9393 W: www.active-pkg.com E: sales@active-pkg.com Personnel: Sales Manager: Stephen Maguire E: stephenm@active-pkg.com New Product Development/Account Manager: Edelle McIvor E: edelle@active-pkg.com Account Manager: Roisin Kerrigan E: roisin@active-pkg.com Type of Business: Active Packaging are an innovative flexible packaging company providing solutions for all your requirements. We supply a full range of high quality printed and plain films throughout Ireland which you will find on the shelves of all the major retailers. We’re the first Packaging Agents from NI to secure the prestigious BRC accreditation for Agents & Brokers.

We now also offer Digital Print Solutions for mock-ups and short-runs of printed film, which will give our customers instant results, reassurance and speed to get to market. The benefits of digital print runs are obvious and are now being embraced by NPD teams and brand managers across all sectors.

Main brands: • Up to 10 colours Flexographic & Rotogravure print • Microwave Film & Pouches • Ovenable Printed films • Top Web film • High Barrier Tray Lidding Film • Flow Wrap Film for breads, biscuits and cheese • Top and Base Thermoforming Film • Stand Up Pouch with Steam release Valve, easy opening, rounded corners • Extended Shelf Life Film for produce • Printed Laminated Film for coffee with gas release valve • Peel & Reseal Top Web Film for meat & cheese slices • Plus many other products…

8 • •Ulster 3676 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Allegro Distribution Unit 3 Balmoral Business Park Boucher Crescent Belfast BT12 6HU T: 028 9068 3040 F: 028 9068 2644 W: www.allegro.ie PERSONNEL: General Sales Manager: Chris McGrath T: 028 9068 8788 TYPE OF BUSINESS: Sales, Marketing and Distribution Main brands: Superglo Firelighters Firelog Firepak Eco logs 4head Astral Blistex Dentyl Bazuka Treatment Gel Dentinox Ibuleve Speed Relief Otex Express Fenjal Del Monte Just Juice Kiwi Glade Mr Muscle Oust Pledge Toilet Duck Brillo Goddards Shout Autan Raid Spontex Nivea Nivea for Men Elastoplast Atrixo Valley Gold Diabetic jams

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

ALLIED BAKERIES 2-12 Orby Link Belfast BT5 5HW T: 08432 080 401 W: www.alliedbakeries.co.uk PERSONNEL: General Manager: Peter Henry General Sales Manager: Colin Stevenson Operations Manager: Alan Browne Logistics Manager: Clive Kerrigan Senior Brand Manager: Elva O’Connor TYPE OF BUSINESS: Bakery Goods Production, Sales & Distribution Main brands: Allinson Burgen Kingsmill Sunblest Really Good

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

Ireland’s Specialist Supplier to the Food Industry

ANDREW INGREDIENTS 27 Ferguson Drive Knockmore Hill Industrial Park Lisburn Co. Antrim BT28 2EX T: 028 9267 2525 E: sales@andrewingredients.co.uk W: andrewingredients.co.uk TYPE OF BUSINESS: Leading food and bakery ingredients supplier.

PRODUCTS: Bakery ingredients, flour, bread, cake and confectionery mixes, gluten free mixes, icings, dried fruit, savoury and sweet sauces, colours and flavours, baking powders, raising agents, sugar, fats & oils, decorations, equipment etc.

Main brands: Macphie Ireks Carr’s Flour Braun Sonneveld BFP AB Mauri Cardowan Creameries Olenex Flemings Ingram Renshaw Tom Chandley Culpitt Odense Kudos Dobla Meneba

ARYZTA Food Solutions Grange Castle Business Park Clondalkin Dublin 22 E: info@aryztafoodsolutions.ie W: www.aryztafoodsolutions.ie Telesales ROI: 1850 777 000 Blaris Industrial Estate Unit 2 5 Altona Road Lisburn BT27 5QB Co. Antrim T: 0800 973 282 E: info@aryztafoodsolutions.ie W: www.aryztafoodsolutions.ie PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Peter Jackson Commercial Director - Retail: Nigel Scully TYPE OF BUSINESS: ARYZTA Food Solutions (formerly Cuisine de France) provides a quality bakery, food-to-go and beverage offering to the retail market.

Bringing you the very best in retail solutions from our well-known and loved brands: Cuisine de France Seattle’s Best Coffee Otis Spunkmeyer Tim Hortons

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TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

Costcutter, Supershop, kwiksave BOYNE VALLEY GROUP Drogheda Co. Louth Ireland T: +353 41 9870300 F: +353 41 9870339 W: www.boynevalley.com Personnel: Business Manager NI: Claire Meehan M: 07825 141881 Sales Representative: Linda Marks M: 07825 141882 Group Managing Director: John Harkin Commercial Director: Paul Kinch Head of Brands: John Tolan Type of Business: Manufacturer and distributor of food and non-food products.

Main brands: Boyne Valley Honey McDonnells Chivers Jelly and Jams Erin Homecook Panda Spreads Don Carlos Giovanni Di Firenze Bonne Maman Koka Lakeshore Harvest Fare Lifeforce Yazoo Irish Breeze Killeen

Brady Family Ham O’Brien Fine Foods Timahoe, Donadea Naas, Co.Kildare E: info@obrienfinefoods.ie W: www.bradyfamily.ie T: +353 (0)45 – 863650 PERSONNEL: Managing Director: John O’Brien Commercial Account Manager: Elaine Donohue E: elaine.donohue@obrienfinefoods.ie T: +353 (0) 876507934 Business Development Representative (Northern Ireland): Paul McFadden E: paul.mcfadden@obrienfinefoods.ie T: +44 (0)7468607011 Brand Manager: Audrey Aspell E: Audrey.Aspell@obrienfinefoods.ie TYPE OF BUSINESS: O’Brien Fine Foods, owners of the Brady Family brand, specialise in the production of both deli and pre-pack sliced cooked meats. The family owned company produces award winning own label and branded ranges.

Brady Family continues to prosper within the cooked meats category and is currently the number 1 brand within the premium segment in ROI. This is reflected in the leap the brand made to number 46 in the Top 100 brands 2015 compiled by Kantar (up from 75 the previous year).

Brady Family Ham is made from 100% Irish pork, using only one single pork joint and contains no added water.

Costcutter Supermarkets Group Ltd (Northern Ireland) Unit 1B McKinney Industrial Estate Mallusk Road Newtownabbey BT36 4PX T: 028 9034 2660 W: www.costcuttersupermarketsgroup.com PERSONNEL: Chief Executive: Darcy Willson-Rymer Trading Director: Huw Edwards Marketing Director: Jenny Wilson Retail Director: Daniel Quest Sales Director: Duncan Jelfs Head of Business Development: Adrian O’Brien T: 07747 752580 Business Development Managers: Damien O’Donnell T: 07920 825505 Jim Cummings T: 07798 846093 Gordon Leonard T: 07507 604330 Brian McKenna T: 07747 752546 Simon Scott: T: 07747 752725 Michael Lavery T: 07918 651104 Type of Business: Supermarket Group Main Brands: Costcutter, Supershop, Kwiksave

8 • •Ulster 3678 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

Elevator Dale Farm Ltd 15 Dargan Road Belfast BT3 9LS T: 028 9037 2200 F: 028 9037 2211 E: info@dalefarm.co.uk W: www.dalefarm.co.uk Personnel: Group Commercial Director: Stephen Cameron Commercial Director - Branded Products: Jason Hempton Commercial Director Convenience and Foodservice: Nigel Cairns Type of Business: Dairy manufacturer Main brands: Dale Farm Dromona Spelga Loseley Rowan Glen Fivemiletown Mullins Ice Cream

2 Pilot’s View 18 Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE T: 028 9073 0899 E: info@elevatorpromotions.com W: www.elevatorpromotions.com

GENESIS CRAFTY 31 Aughrim Road Magherafelt BT45 6BB T: 028 7963 2465 F: 028 7963 4207 E: hello@genesisbreads.com W: www.genesiscrafty.com

Follow us on Twitter @ElevatorPM Type of Business: Specialist promotional marketing agency which aims to deliver results-orientated creative promotional marketing campaigns for our clients. We create, implement and project manage a wide range of promotional mechanics across a wide range of different media, including on-pack campaigns, instore promotions, sampling, roadshows, coupons, joint promotions, press promotions, on-line campaigns, and trade and salesforce incentives. Our campaigns regularly deliver significant sales increases, providing tangible and measurable returns on investment for our clients, including Tennent’s NI, Tayto, Dale Farm, White’s and Irwin’s.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/genesiscrafty PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Brian McErlain General Manager: David Walmsley Technical & HR Director: Damian McErlain Product Development Director: John McErlain Commercial Manager: JP Lyttle National Account Manager: Catherine Hunter Brand Manager: Oonagh Gallagher Financial: Orlagh Gillespie Business Development: Paul McErlain Business Development: Bernard Monaghan TYPE OF BUSINESS: Genesis Crafty produce and distribute hand crafted morning goods, bread and cake throughout NI, UK and ROI via both retail and foodservice. We are six brothers who are also six bakers. We take pride in baking everything the truly artisanal way creating the best taste and texture for you!

CORE PRODUCTS: Genesis Crafty Sliced Oven & Toaster Wheaten Genesis Crafty Original, Round and Wee Sodas Genesis Crafty Butter Sultana, Cherry, Wheaten, Plain & Cheese Scones Genesis Crafty Original, Big, Blueberry & Chocolate Chip Pancakes Genesis Crafty Raspberry Jam Bakes, Lemon Bakes, Snowballs, Almond Bakewells, Raspberry Macaroons, Pineapple Cups & Iced Tops

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

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TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

GM Marketing Ireland Ltd

HENDERSON GROUP

5th Floor Lesley House 25 Wellington Place Belfast BT1 6GD T: 028 9026 7080 F: 028 9043 4466 E: info@gmmarketing.co.uk W: www.gmmarketing.co.uk

Hightown Avenue Mallusk Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT36 4RT T: 028 9034 2733 F: 028 9034 2484 E: info@henderson-group.com W: www.henderson-group.com

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gmmarketing PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Gerard McAdorey T: 028 9026 7080 Commercial Director: John Kelly T: 028 9026 7080 National Account Controller: Gary Martin T: 028 9026 7080 Buying Controller: Martin McCauley T: 028 9026 7080 Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator: Steve McDonagh T: 028 9026 7080 Financial Controller: Lynette Curtis T: 028 9026 7080 Type of Business: Sales & Distribution Company Why GM? We are a unique Sales and Distribution Company who are the chosen route to market for a number of leading FMCG brands within grocery and foodservice. We are an innovative company with unrivalled industry experience, who are always taking products places.

HENDERSON FOOD MACHINERY LIMITED Unit 5 Madines Site 79 Downpatrick Road Crossgar Co. Down BT30 9EH T: 028 9099 4202 E: sales@hendersonfoodmachinery.com W: www.hendersonfoodmachinery.com TYPE OF BUSINESS: Global supplier of New and Used Processing and Packaging equipment.

Catering for all sectors including: • Contract Packers • Bakeries • Ready Meals • Seafood • Desserts • Meat Cutting Plants • Vegetables • Fruit and many more...

MAIN BRANDS: Ishida Baader Seydelmann Yamato Multivac Treif GEA CFS Koppens JBT Frigoscandia Reiser Handtmann Weiler Formax Linco Hobart Kronen DC Norris Stephen BCH

PERSONNEL: Chairman, Henderson Group: John Agnew Joint Managing Director: Martin Agnew Joint Managing Director: Geoffrey Agnew Chief Finance Director: Ron Whitten Group Operations Director: Patrick McGarry Trading Director: Alan Fitzsimmins Fresh Foods Director: Neal Kelly Group Property Director: Mark Adrain Human Resources Director: Sam Davidson Sales & Marketing Director: Paddy Doody Head of Corporate Marketing: Bronagh Luke Head of Brand Marketing: Brenda Mulligan PR & Communications Manager: Victoria Poole Channel Sales Managers: Stephen Gibson, Sarah Halliday Regional Sales Manager (Supermarkets): Paul Deans Regional Sales Managers: David Bennett, Jonathan Finlay, Donal Bryce, William Bill Trading Controller: Glen Howe Trading Managers: Edward Burns, Brendan Dumigan, Eugene McCabe, Michelle Dineen, David Quigg Fresh Foods Trading Controller: Nigel Dugan Fresh Foods Manager (HRL): David Hamilton Fresh Foods Development Manager (HRL): Healey Martin Fresh Food Trading Managers: Steven Kennedy, Iain Dickson, Alistair Kelly, Noel McGregor New Product Project Manager: Jane Pyper Fresh Food Buying Manager: Eddie Blair Henderson Print Manager: Alan Ritchie TYPE OF BUSINESS: Symbol Group Wholesaler for SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXtra and ViVO Essentials in NI. NUMBER OF STORES: Henderson Wholesale Ltd service over 400 stores across the five brands.

8 • •Ulster 3680 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

HOLYWOOD PARTNERSHIP Unit B 17 Heron Road Belfast BT3 9LE T: 028 9073 8582 M: 07824 635 499 E: holywoodpartnership@hotmail.co.uk Like us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/holywoodpartnership

HOVIS BAKERIES IRELAND Apollo Road Belfast BT12 6LP T: 08707 288 888 (office hours) F: 028 9038 8558 W: www.hovis.co.uk W: www.ormobakery.co.uk

PERSONNEL: Operations Director: Mr Neil Lawden

PERSONNEL: General Manager: Mark Higgins

Sales Director: Mr Bryan Sterling

Commercial Director: Trevor McCrum

Company Accountant: Mr Alistair Campbell

Business Unit Controller: Ben Daggett

Sales and Distribution Manager: Mr Clarke Sterling

Business Unit Manager: Billy Thompson

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Sales, Merchandising and Distribution Company.

Ireland Brand Manager: Jackie Kirk

Holywood Partnership is a sales and merchandising company focusing on FMCG business, with leading brands of hosiery, pharmaceuticals, confectionery and fruit pot range. The Northern Ireland grocery trade is covered by our efficient sales and merchandising service. The company welcomes new customers and looks forward to meeting more in 2016.

MAIN BRANDS: Pretty Legs Hosiery Leg Wear International Fruity Pot Range Galpharm Pharmaceuticals Holywood seasonal confectionery County multi cards

Category Insights Manager: Barry Spence TYPE OF BUSINESS: Based at Apollo Road, Belfast, Hovis Bakeries Ireland bakes and distributes quality bakery brands such as Hovis, Nimble, Ormo and Mothers Pride.

The company also bakes retailer branded and foodservice breads and morning goods for customers in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

MAIN BRANDS: Hovis Ormo Mothers Pride Nimble

Interactive (IrlAND) Ltd Units 6/7 Grange Park Trench Road Mallusk Newtownabbey BT36 4LA T: 028 9083 1730 F: 028 9083 1731 E: mark.stuart@inter-active.org PERSONNEL: General Manager: John Flanagan M: 07919 122947 Commercial Manager: Mark Stuart M: 07919 122946 Sales Manager Laundry & Homecare: Ian Cochrane M: 07867 306343 Sales Manager Baby, Health & Beauty Care: Allyson White M: 07765 897305 Business Development Executive: Enda McDaid M: 07920 148780 Business Development Executive: Harry Dunlop M: 07920 148680 Business Development Executive: Colin Espie M: 07900 584163 Business Development Executive: Paul Ritchie M: 07920 148580 Max Factor Business Development: Jillian Crawford M: 07810 801662 TYPE OF BUSINESS: Sales, Marketing and Distribution to the Grocery trade.

Main Brands: House & Home: Duracell; Fairy; Febreze; Ambi Pur; Flash; Viakal; Vortex; Ace; Ariel; Bold; Bounce; Daz; Dreft; Lenor.

Personal Care & Beauty: Tampax; Always; Alldays; Aussie; Head & Shoulders; Herbal Essence; Pantene; Shockwaves; Silvikrin; Wash & Go; Wella; Max Factor; Lasting Color; Loving Care; Nice n` Easy; Nice n` Easy Root Touch Up; Perfect 10; Olay; Old Spice; Braun; Gillette.

Health & Wellbeing: Pepto-Bismol; Vicks; Crest; Fixodent; Clear Blue; Oral-B. Baby & Family: Pampers; Pampers Kandoo; Infacare Snacks: Pringles.

Electrical Personal Appliances: Trevor Sorbie; Remington; Nicky Clarke Electrical; Carmen Haircare; Carmen Girls; Glamouriser; Dreamland Electric Blankets; Warmnite Electric Blankets MISSION STATEMENT: Our mission is to fulfil customer satisfaction within our distribution channels and to represent our principals according to their world leading standards of innovation, service and quality.

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

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AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

JAMES E. McCABE 4 Annagh Drive Portadown Craigavon BT63 5WF T: 028 3833 3102 F: 028 3833 5916 PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Robert Davis Sales Manager: Michael Millar Marketing Manager: Leonie Bond MAIN BRANDS: Scotch Whiskey: The Famous Grouse; Whyte & Mackay; Teacher’s; The Claymore Malt Whiskey: Highland Park 12 Y-O; Laphroaig 10 Y-O; Isle of Jura 10 Y-O Irish Whiskey: Kilbeggan; Connemara Single Malt; Tyroconnell Single Malt Canadian Whiskey: Canadian Club Bourbon: Jim Beam Family; Jim Beam Devil’s Cut; Jim Beam Signature Craft; Maker’s Mark Rum: Brugal Cognac: Courvoisier Brandy: E & J Gallo; De Lange Napoleon Vodka: Stolichnaya; New Amsterdam; Vladivar; Boru; Skyy Gin: Adnams Copperhouse; London No. 3; Bulldog Liqueurs & Speciality Drinks: Jägermeister; Aftershock; Sourz; Droli Sambuca; Luxardo Sambuca; Sauza Tequila; 901 Tequila; Drambuie; Bols Liqueurs; Glayva; Galliano; Luxardo Amaretto; Irish Mist Honey; Campari; Midori; Ouzo 12 Port, Sherry & Vermouth: Dow’s; Warre’s; Harvey’s; Cinzano Fortified Wine: Buckfast Tonic Wine Beer/Craft Beer: Finn Irish Craft Pilsner; Foxes Rock Irish Pale Ale; Adnams; Kentucky Ales; Metal Man Cider: Älska Swedish Cider; Armagh Cider Premium Mixers: Bottle Green New Zealand: Villa Maria Estate; Esk Valley; Nobilo; Mud House; Leftfield Australia: Hardys; Banrock Station; McWilliams; Hanwood Estate; Evans & Tate California: Barefoot; Gallo Family Vineyards; Turning Leaf; Dark Horse; Apothic; Geyser Peak; Ravenswood; Mondavi Woodbridge Chile: Errazuriz; Caliterra; Gato Negro; 35 South; Acon Cagua; Montes; La Palma; Frestia Argentina: Nicholas Catena; Argento; La Celia South Africa: Boschendal; Tall Horse; Douglas Green France: Cordier; Mestrezat Chateau; La Chablisienne; Jean Durup Chablis; Cellier Des Samson; Bougrier; Guy Saget; Louis Bernard; Louis Jadot Germany: Three Princes Italy: Orsola Prosecco; Cinzano Prosecco; Bolla Prosecco; Canti Wines; Villa Lanata; Antinori; Settesoli; Gruppo Italiano Vini Spain: Faustino; Senorio De Labarta; Pleyadas; Freixent Cava Champagne: Laurent Perrier; Alfred Gratien; Piper Heidsieck

8 • •Ulster 3682 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Johnson Brothers (Belfast) Limited

jti

137 Hillsborough Old Road Lisburn BT27 5QR T: 028 9267 9121 F: 028 9266 8800

Members Hill Brooklands Road Weybridge Surrey KT13 0QU United Kingdom Customer Careline: 0800 163 503 W: www.jti.com/uk Trade website: www.jtiadvance.co.uk E: ukcustomercareline@jti.com

Personnel and Positions: Chairman: Michael Y Johnson

Key personnel: Managing Director UK: Daniel Torras

Joint Managing Directors: Dermot W.M. Johnson M Andrew Johnson

Head of Corporate Affairs: Charlie Cunningham-Reid

incorporating Johnson Brothers (Distributing) Limited

Financial Director: Richard J Johnson Group Sales Director: Philip Mills Johnson Brothers (Belfast) Limited: Sales Manager: Neil Patton

Head of Communications: Jeremy Blackburn Head of Sales UK: Andy Stevens Head of Marketing: Dilek Akin Lokmanoglu Head of Key Multiple Grocers: Steve Dyas

Johnson Brothers (Distributing) Limited: General Manager: Ivan Thompson

Head of Wholesale, Symbols & Independents: Richard Kellaway

Sales Manager: David Lewis

Head of Convenience: Jan Louw

Type of Business: Selling & Distributing Agents Pure Coffee Manufacturer

Type of business: Tobacco and e-cigarette manufacturer.

JTI – Japan Tobacco International – is a leading international tobacco company with headquarters in Switzerland. JTI is Northern Ireland’s No 1 tobacco supplier manufacturing well known cigarettes such as Sterling – the UK’s No.1 cigarette brand, Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut, Mayfair & Sovereign. We supply leading Other Tobacco Products including Amber Leaf – the No.1 tobacco brand, Hamlet cigars, Holborn Yellow, Benson & Hedges and Sterling Rolling. In the Emerging Products category we continue to develop the E-Lites brand, with the launch of E-Lites Curv – a game changing state-ofthe-art next-generation e-cigarette.

Distributor/Agent: Selling & Distributing Agents

Main Brands: Mayfair, Amber Leaf, Benson & Hedges, Camel, Sovereign, Sterling, Silk Cut, Hamlet, Holborn Yellow and E-Lites

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

KP Snacks Ltd KARRO Food Group 70 Molesworth Road Cookstown Co. Tyrone BT80 8PJ T: 028 8676 3321 F: 028 8676 8524 E: colin.glennon@karro.co.uk W: www.karro.co.uk W: www.cookstownbrand.com Personnel: Sales: Trevor Mounstephen Marketing: Sinead McLaughlin E: Sinead.McLaughlin@karro.co.uk Type of Business: Manufacturer of branded, own label, foodservice and commodity products for multiple proteins.

Distributor/Agent: O’Kane Foodservice Main brands: Cookstown McGee’s Butcher

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

c/o Northern Snack Foods Lissue Industrial Estate East Lissue Road Lisburn Co. Antrim BT28 2RB E: snackpartners@kpsnacks.com W: www.kpsnacks.com Personnel: Northern Ireland Business Account Manager: Ricky Watts E: wattsr@kpsnacks.com Type of Business: Manufacturer and Distributor of Savoury Snacks & Nuts Main brands: McCoys Hula Hoops Hula Hoop Puft KP Nuts Space Raiders Skips Discos Frisps Brannigans Roysters Mini Chips Choc Dips Phileas Fogg McCoys Thick Cut Golden Hoops

LacPatrick Dairies (ROI) Limited Head Office Monaghan Creamery Coolshannagh Monaghan Co. Monaghan Ireland T: +353 (0)47 81400 F: +353 (0)47 82940 E: office@lacpatrick.com LacPatrick Ballyrashane Creamery 18 Creamery Road Coleraine Co. Londonderry Northern Ireland BT52 2NE T: +44 (0)28 7034 3265 F: 44 (0)28 7135 1653 E: receptionb@lacpatrick.com LacPatrick Artigarvan Creamery 47 Berryhill Road Artigarvan Strabane Co. Tyrone Northern Ireland BT82 0HN T: +44 (0)28 7138 2275 F: +44 (0)28 7138 2059 E: receptiona@lacpatrick.com LacPatrick prides itself on its exceptionally high quality dairy products.

The company supplies leading retailers, food service and industry customers across the globe with fresh dairy products from our manufacturing sites. Our portfolio extends to a large range of quality milk, cream, butter, buttermilk, yoghurts and desserts that are produced for leading retailers’ own brands as well as for our own Ballyrashane and Champion brands, and in a number of bulk sizes for our industry customers.

A significant part of the business is exportled with powdered milk, cheese and butter being distributed worldwide. LacPatrick’s LP brand powdered milk brand has an excellent reputation for quality in World Powder Markets, and is a brand leader in West Africa.

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TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

Lindt & Sprungli Ltd light footprint Northern Ireland Office Premier Business Centre 20 Adelaide Street Belfast BT2 8GD T: 028 9051 7057 E: info@lightfootprint.com PERSONNEL: Retail Sector Contact Lyndsay Glenn M: 07886 643447 E: lyndsay@lightfootprint.com Why Light Footprint for Retail LED LIGHTING Projects: • 6+ years experience in LED Lighting conversion projects.

• Over 100 retail sites already converted in Northern Ireland.

• 500+ Projects to date across all industries.

• Average savings in the region of 65-70%.

• Average paybacks around the 2 year mark.

• 5 years warranty on all Light Footprint LED Luminaries.

• Potential for increased lighting levels along with high savings in running costs.

• Our LED fittings are fully compatible with sensors / controls for extra savings.

• Carbon Trust Accredited Supplier.

• Wealth of past project case-studies.

• In the words of our clients a ‘no-brainer!’

Carbon Trust Implementation Services Accredited Suppliers have undergone an independent Accreditation process to demonstrate their skills and experience in delivering low energy, high Performing solutions. For further details visit www.carbontrust.co.uk/implementation

Linden foods Granville Industrial Estate Dungannon Co. Tyrone N. Ireland BT70 1NJ T: +44 28 8772 4777 F: +44 28 8772 4714 E: sales@lindenfoods.com W: www.lindenfoods.com Personnel: Managing Director: Gerry Maguire Head of Business Development: Elaine Willis Marketing Executive: Pauline Gordon Type of Business: Award-winning red meat primal processing and retail manufacturer.

Part of the Fane Valley Group of Companies.

KETTYLE IRISH FOODS Manderwood Business Park Lisnaskea Co. Fermanagh Northern Ireland BT92 OFS T: 028 6772 3777 F: 028 67723888 E: info@kettyleirishfoods.com W: www.kettyleirishfoods.com Personnel: Managing Director: Maurice Kettyle Senior Sales Manager: Gemma Jennings Type of Business: Award-Winning Artisan Dry-Aged Beef.

Part of the Fane Valley Group of Companies.

8 • •Ulster 3684 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Unit 310 Q House Furze Road Sandyford Dublin 18 Ireland T: +353 1293 6909 F: +353 1293 6913 E: lbrick@lindt.com Account Manager: Ronan Martin T: +353 1293 6909 M: +353 8641 07437 E: rmartin@lindt.com Type of Business: Confectionery Main brands: Lindt Lindor Lindt Excellence Lindt Gold Bunny Lindt Bear Lindt Swiss Luxury Selection

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

LYNAS FOODSERVICE LIMITED Louganhill Industrial Estate Coleraine Co. Londonderry BT52 2NR T: 028 7035 0600 F: 028 7035 7340 E: admin@lynasfoodservice.co.uk W: www.lynasfoodservice.co.uk PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Andrew Lynas Deputy Managing Director: Ian Crowe Finance Director: Alistair Magee Head of Sales: Melvyn Bacon

Mackle Petfoods 40 Corrigan Hill Road Moy Dungannon Co.Tyrone BT71 6SL T: 028 8778 4641 F: 028 8778 4955 W: www.macklepetfoods.com brandydogfood catclubcatfood Personnel: Managing Director: John A. Mackle Sales and Marketing Manager: Gwendoline Rafferty Type of Business: Pet food manufacturer

Food Outlet General Manager: Nigel McCullough

FOOD OUTLET COLERAINE Louganhill Industrial Estate Gateshead Road Coleraine BT52 2NR T: 028 7035 3765

Main brands: Brandy Brandy Complete Cat Club Jessie Champion Professional Naturo

Maxol Oil Limited 48 Trench Road Mallusk Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT36 4TY T: 028 9050 6000 F: 028 9050 6025 E: post@maxol.ie W: www.maxol.com The Maxol Group 3 Custom House Plaza IFSC Dublin 1 T: +353-1-6076800 F: +353-1-6076850 E: post@maxol.ie W: www.maxol.com Type of Business: Forecourt & Convenience Retailer Main brands: Maxol Maxol Auto 24 Maxol Lubricants Maxwash Moreish

FOOD OUTLET BELFAST 46 Montgomery Road Belfast BT6 9HQ T: 028 9070 4795

FOOD OUTLET LONDONDERRY Buncrana Road Derry/Londonderry BT48 OLY T: 028 7126 1080

Causeway Prime Manager: Jon Neely Type of Business: Foodservice NUMBER OF STORES: “1 Foodservice, 3 Food Outlets” 8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

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TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

McCORMACK POTATO LTD McColgan’s QUALITY FOODS LTD Dublin Road Industrial Estate Strabane BT82 9EA T: 028 7138 2797 E: sales@mccolgans.ie W: www.mccolgans.ie PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Brian McColgan General Manager: Grainne Hampton Commercial Director: Roy Wilkinson TYPE OF BUSINESS: Manufacturer of convenience food including pies, slices, pasties, sausage rolls, jambons, quiche. Foodservice and retail, chilled and frozen. Own label specialists.

Brands include McColgans, Bakers Best, Strathmourne Foods, McColgans Choice Cuisine.

DISTRIBUTION: Multi temperature deliveries across NI, ROI and GB daily.

25 Aghinlig Road Moy Dungannon BT71 6SR T: 028 8778 4429 F: 028 8778 4234 E: sales@mccormackpotato.co.uk W: www.mccormackpotato.co.uk PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Brian McCormack Sales Director: Barry McCormack Sales Director: Aiden McCormack TYPE OF BUSINESS: One of NI’s most trusted and reliable potato suppliers. Over 40 years’ industry experience, providing superior quality, value and personal service to top clients and brands across the UK & Ireland. Extensive range of finest seasonal potato varieties unwashed/ brushed, fully washed, peeled or chipped. Nature’s Harvest own brand, including baby potatoes and Chippers.

Specialist in traditional floury table potatoes, Kerr’s Pinks, Maris Piper, Queens, Rooster and chipping varieties. Expertly sourced from the best local growers in NI & ROI, with capacity to import from top UK & European growers to meet clients’ all year round requirements. Fast and reliable distribution infrastructure. State-of-theart cold storage facilities for guaranteed freshness and availability. Competitive pricing, consistent quality guaranteed with full traceability from field to fork. Expect attention to detail - only potatoes that meet stringent handling, eating-quality and flavour assessments make the grade.

DISTRIBUTION (UK & IRELAND): Wholesale, Retail, Pre-packers, Processors, Restaurant & Food Services, Catering & Hospitality, Fast Food & Takeaway, Chip Shop Specialist.

MAIN BRANDS: Nature’s Harvest – (8 varieties, 3 sizes) Chippers – Perfect Potatoes for Chips (5kg)

8 3686 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011 4• •Ulster

Moy Park Ltd The Food Park 39 Seagoe Ind. Estate Portadown Craigavon Co. Armagh BT63 5QE T: 028 3835 2233 W: www.moypark.com Personnel: Senior Commercial Manager Ireland: Colin Freeman Brand Marketing Manager: Briege Finnegan Account Manager: Ronan Magee Type of Business: Moy Park is one of the UK’s top 15 Food companies, Northern Ireland’s largest private sector business and one of Europe’s leading poultry producers.

Moy Park supplies branded and own label chicken products to leading retailers and foodservice providers throughout the UK, Ireland and Europe and is the industry leading manufacturer of organic, free-range and higher welfare chicken and turkey.

Distributor/Agent: Neil McMullan Ltd 28 Halfpenny Gate Road Moira Craigavon Co.Armagh Northern Ireland BT67 OHW T: 07831 566827 Main brands: Moy Park O’Kane Castle Lea

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

Musgrave ni MULLINS ICE CREAM Craiglea Gardens Kilrea BT51 5QZ T: 028 2954 0003 E: info@mullins-icecream.com W: www.mullins-icecream.com CONTACT: Peter Lynn T: 028 2954 0003 E: p.lynn@mullins-icecream.com Type of Business: Manufacturer of Ice Cream and Sorbet for Retail and Foodservice.

Musgrave Retail Partners NI 1 – 19 Dargan Drive, Belfast, BT3 9JG T: 028 9078 7100 F: 028 9078 7101 E: succeed@musgrave.ie W: www.musgravegroup.com Musgrave MarketPlace NI Head Office 1-15 Dargan Crescent Duncrue Road Belfast, BT3 9HJ T: 028 9078 4800 W: www.musgravemarketplace.co.uk E: marketplace@musgrave.co.uk

NISA RETAIL LIMITED Waldo Way Normanby Enterprise Park Scunthorpe North Lincolnshire DN15 9GE Main Office: 01724 282028 E: helpdesk@nisaretail.com W: www.nisaretail.com Personnel: CEO: Nick Read Business Unit Director for Symbol: Nigel Gray

BELFAST: 1-15 Dargan Crescent Duncrue Road Belfast, BT3 9HJ T: 028 9078 4800 Manager: Garry Williams

Marketing Director: Ian Bishop

DERRY: Pennyburn Industrial Estate Buncrana Road Derry, BT48 0LU T: 028 7130 5700 Manager: Justin Williamson

Business Manager – Local Supply: Jonathan Verner

LURGAN: William Street Lurgan, BT66 6JD T: 028 3832 2771 Manager: Colin O’Hare

Head of Retail (Ireland): Pat Leneghan

Sales Manager (Ireland): Steven O’Doherty Store Development Manager: Paul Cherry IT Manager: Bryan Lurring

PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Michael McCormack Trading Director: Ciara McClafferty Finance Director: Alan Cunningham SuperValu Centra Sales Director: Nigel Maxwell Wholesale Director: Trevor Magill Marketing Director: Michelle Fennell HR Director: Catherine Lambe SuperValu Customer Manager: Geoff Johnston Centra Customer Manager: Norman Bennett Wholesale Sales Manager: Tom Kinnier Communications Manager: Kate Ferguson TYPE OF BUSINESS: Musgrave Northern Ireland (MNI) comprises the retail and wholesale segments of Musgrave Group in Northern Ireland and supports 360 independent retailers through the SuperValu, Centra, Mace and DayToday brands and 2,800 wholesale customers through the Musgrave MarketPlace brand across the province.

MAIN BRANDS: SuperValu, Centra, Mace, Musgrave, MarketPlace, DayToday

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

87 5

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

Sales Placement Northern Snack Foods Ltd Lissue Industrial Estate East Lisburn BT 28 2RB T: 028 9262 2820 W: www.northernsnackfoods.com Personnel: Martin McClinton M: 07850 410917 Contact North West: Nigel Morton M: 07720 967492

Unit 2 1 Edgewater Road Belfast Harbour Estate Belfast BT3 9JQ T: 028 9077 0999 W: www.salesplacement.com PERSONNEL: Recruitment Director: June Wilson TYPE OF BUSINESS: FMCG, Licensed Trade, Food Service, Retail Marketing, Tech Sales, Digital, Advertising/Media, Pharma, IT, Telecoms.

Contact Belfast/Greater Belfast: Jonathan Lamont M: 07545 927064 Type of Business: Distributor of Snack foods Main Brands: Hunky Dorys Crisps O’Donnells Velvet Crunch King KP Meanies Rancheros

CONTRACT PEOPLE Unit 2 1 Edgewater Road Belfast Harbour Estate Belfast BT3 9JQ T: 028 9077 0999 W: www.contractpeople.com PERSONNEL: Director: Allan Rutherford Client Service Director: Russell Johnston TYPE OF BUSINESS: We are one of Ireland’s leading Specialist Field Marketing agencies providing a face and voice for our clients brands at the point of purchase. Sales Outsourcing, Merchandising, Auditing, Technical Services.

8 • •Ulster 3688 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

SHS Sales & Marketing 199 Airport Road West Belfast, BT3 9ED T: 028 9045 4647 E: Info@shs-sales.ie W: www.shs-sales.ie

Personnel: Sales Director: Des McCullough General Sales Manager for Northern Ireland: Michael Whitely Type of Business: FMCG Distributor Main brands: Airwick Askeys Batchelors Condensed Canned Soups Batchelors Canned Vegetables Bloo Bonjela Bottlegreen Branston Beans Brasso Chewits Cillit Bang Colgate Cookeen Crisp & Dry oils Crosse & Blackwell Canned Soups Crosse & Blackwell Canned Vegetables Dettol Disprin Douwe Egberts Coffee Durex E45 Farmlea Finish Flora Oils Gaviscon Harpic Jeyes Jordans Jucee Kleenoff Lemsip Lypsyl Maguire & Paterson Matches & Firelighters Marigold Mars Milk Drinks Mr Sheen Napolina Nurofen Organix Baby Food Palmolive Parozone Parsons Primula Princes Food & Drink Ryvita Sanex Savlon Shloer Senekot Silvo Snapple Soft & Gentle Steradent Strepsils Tunnocks Vanish Vileda Windolene Woodwards Gripe Water

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

TENNeNT’s ni ltd

Strathroy Dairy Ltd Shergrim Omagh Co.Tyrone BT79 7JD T: 028 8224 0948 F: 028 8224 6280 E: info@strathroydairy.com W: www.strathroy.co.uk Personnel: Managing Director: Patrick Cunningham

TENNANT & RUTTLE DISTRIBUTION LTD 2010 Orchard Avenue Citywest Dublin 24 T: 00353 1466 6600 F: 00353 1466 6699 E: sales@tandr.ie Personnel: Managing Director: Geoff Beggs

Operations Director: Aidan McCarron

Sales & Marketing Director: Neil Keogh

Director ROI: Ruairi Cunningham

Sales Director Ireland: Kevin Keating

Commercial Director NI: Eamon Lynch E: eamon@strathroydairy.com

Financial Director: Ray Woodroofe

Commercial Director ROI: Phelim McCarron E: phelim@strathroydairy.ie Financial Controller: Jim McCann IT Manager: Damien Harkin Quality Control Manager: Tracy Doyle Type of Business: Dairy Processing: Milk & Cream Main brands: Strathroy Bainne Ur Erganagh Various Private Label Brands

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

Northern Ireland Sales Manager: Roy Dempster M: 07793 406622 Type of Business: Distribution, Sales & Marketing Company Main brands: Ferrero Kinder Tic Tac Nutella Barr Soft Drinks Irn Bru Rockstar Energy Drinks Perfetti Van Melle Mentos Fruittella Chupa Chups Storck Werther’s Original Kinnerton Character Confectionery Hershey Resses Nature Valley Lily O’Brien’s Ragu Chicken Tonight Mugshots Aunt Bessie’s Standard Brands, Sunny Jim Sofidel, Nicky, Regina Kittensoft and Thirst Pockets Paper Products

15 Dargan Road Belfast BT3 9LS Customer Services: 0800 66 55 22 Head Office (Switchboard): 028 9595 2100 PERSONNEL: Managing Director: Tom McCusker

Off Trade Sales Director: Duncan Millar Marketing Director: Brian Beattie Customer Services Manager: Gary Clarke Type of Business: Manufacturer and Distributor of Premium Beers, Ciders, Wines and Soft Drinks.

Tennent’s NI offers a global portfolio of market-leading Beer, Cider and Soft Drink brands to the Grocery Channel throughout Northern Ireland.

Off Trade Brands: Soft Drink Brands: Finches, Tipperary Natural Mineral Water, JWV+, Cacaolat, POW Beer Brands: Tennents, Corona, Clonmel 1650, Menabrea, Budweiser, Stella Artois, Becks, Bass, Leffe, Hoegaarden, Spaten, Franziskaner, Brahma, Heverlee, Lowenbrau, Roundstone Cider Brands: Magners, Blackthorn, Olde English, Addlestones, K

89

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

Today’s Savage & Whitten Wholesale Ltd Unit 1a Carnbane Business Park Newry BT35 6QH T: 028 3026 3521 F: 028 3026 3143 E: info@sandwni.com W: www.savageandwhitten.com PERSONNEL: Todays Team: Sales Director: Michael Skelton NI Business Development Director: Brian Ross Todays Store Development: Maurice Little & Gerry Nelson Business Development Managers: Mark Forsythe, Mark Nesbitt & Paul McMullen Liaison Officer: Rachel Holmes Business Development Manager ROI: Arron Potts S&W Team: Managing Director: Mark Windebank Operations Director: Norman Savage IT Director: Richard Whitten Sales Director: John Whitten Trading Director: Alan Dorman Finance Director: Barry Duffy Marketing Director: Julie Burden Warehouse Manager: Philip Hughes Transport Manager: Sean McNeill IT Manager: Conor Duffy HR Manager: Jill Cowan Type of Business: Savage & Whitten are the Symbol Group Wholesaler for Today’s Extra, Today’s Local & Today’s Express.

8 • •Ulster 3690 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

United Biscuits Foods Division PO Box 3 Hillsborough Co Down BT26 6JU Office: 028 9268 2644 F: 028 9268 3804 E: grahaml@unitedbiscuits.com W: www.unitedbiscuitsfoods.com Personnel: General Manager: Barry Maloret Business Account Manager: Lloyd Graham Business Account Manager: Darren Shirlow Type of Business: United Biscuits Foods Division are one of Northern Ireland’s leading Ambient Foods Distributors / Service Providers, delivering a Comprehensive Sales and Distribution Service.

Manufacturers: Barry’s Tea Bonduelle Ltd Calypso Soft Drinks Ltd Cofresh Snack Foods E Flahavan & Sons Ltd Tangerine Confectionery Ltd Topps International Valeo Foods Ireland W & R Jacob & Co (NI) Ltd Wagg Dog Foods

United Biscuits UK Ltd PO Box 3 Hillsborough BT26 6JU T: 028 9268 2644 F: 028 9268 3804 W: www.unitedbiscuits.com Personnel: National Sales Manager: Dave Cutler NI Business Account Manager: Tim McAuley NI Business Development Manager: Helen Coalter Type of Business: United Biscuits is a leading European Biscuits, Baked Bagged Snacks and Cake Company. It manufactures and supplies popular household brand names including McVitie’s, Jacob’s, Go Ahead!, Chocolate Digestives, Digestives, Hob Nobs, Jaffa Cakes, Penguin, Club, Mc Vities Snackbars, McVitie’s Breakfast, Jacobs Cream Crackers, Crispbreads, Mini Cheddars & Carr’s.

Biscuits Distribution Company: United Biscuits UK Ltd Aghnatrisk Road Culcavey Hillsborough Co Down Northern Ireland BT26 6JU T: 028 9268 2644 F: 028 9268 3804

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

AGENT & COMPANY INDEX

Ulster Exhibitions Limited 18 Maryland Industrial Estate Ballygowan Road Belfast BT23 6BL T: 028 9044 9340 W: www.u-ex.co.uk Contact: Peter Corbett E: peter@u-ex.co.uk Type of Business: Supplier of event and display services and products Main Brands: Revostage Portable Staging Mark Bric Easystands Plex Display

White’s Speedicook Ltd

10 Flush Park Lisburn Co. Antrim BT28 2DX T: 028 9267 3316 F: 028 9263 1131

Scarva Road Tandragee Co. Armagh BT62 2BZ T: 028 3884 0592 F: 028 3884 1895 E: whites@whitesoats.com W: www.whitesoats.com

Personnel: Managing Director: Gareth Bradley

PERSONNEL: General Manager: James Mathers

Commercial Manager: Maria Losty

Sales and Marketing Manager: Mark Gowdy

Brand Manager: Joanne Beattie

Business Development Manager: Stuart Best

TYPE OF BUSINESS: FMCG

Brand Manager: Danielle McBride

VALEO FOODS

Valeo Foods is a leading producer and innovator of high quality, category-defining branded food products, with a proud history that dates back to 1845.

We are passionate about food and our portfolio of iconic food brands, which are tried and trusted by consumers for their quality, wholesomeness, nutrition and fun.

We operate a diverse FMCG business across many categories with both company owned brands and those of blue chip partners. This combines food production, brand development and innovation, distribution and sales.

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

Trade Marketing Executive: Esther Jackson Type of Business: Oat Manufacturer. Breakfast Cereals Main Brands: White’s

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retailers guide

CO-OPERATIVE RETAILERS THE NORTHERN IRELAND CO-OPERATIVE PART OF THE CO-OPERATIVE GROUP REGIONAL OFFICE Shore Commercial Park 75 Belfast Road Carrickfergus BT38 8PH T: 028 9335 8604 W: www.co-operative.coop Regional Operations Manager: Nic MacLennan

MULTIPLE RETAILERS ASDA NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE Junction One Retail Park Antrim BT41 4LL T: 028 9448 5700 W: www.asda.com Senior Director: George Rankin

DUNNES STORES HEAD OFFICE 46-50 South Great George’s Street Dublin 2 T: 00 353 1475 1111 F: 00 353 1475 4405 W: www.dunnesstores.com

ICELAND HEAD OFFICE Second Avenue Deeside Industrial Park Deeside Flintshire CH5 2NW T: 0800 328 0800 F: 012 4481 4531 W: www.iceland.co.uk

LIDL NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE Dundrod Road Nutts Corner Crumlin Co. Antrim BT29 4SR T: 028 9082 5090 F: 028 9082 4339 W: www.lidl-ni.co.uk

8 • •Ulster 3692 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

MARKS & SPENCER HEAD OFFICE Waterside House 35 North Wharf Road London W2 1NW T: 020 7935 4422 W: www.marksandspencer.com

TESCO NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE Abbey Retail Park Church Road Newtownabbey BT36 7GU T: 028 9570 4627 W: www.tesco.com

Chief Executive: Marc Bolland

Store Director for NI: Brendan Guidera

Group Finance Director: Helen Weir

Commercial Manager for NI: Sean Largey

Executive Director of Marketing: Patrick Bousquet-Chavanne Director of Human Resources: Tanith Dodge Director of Property: Hugo Adams Director of M&S Direct: Laura Wade-Gery Director of Foods: Steve Rowe Director of Retail: Sacha Berendji Director of Communications: Dominic Fry Area Manager for Northern Ireland: Ryan Lemon

SYMBOL GROUPS COSTCUTTER SUPERMARKETS GROUP LTD (NORTHERN IRELAND) Unit 1B McKinney Industrial Estate Mallusk Road Newtonabbey BT36 4PX T: 028 9034 2660 W: www.costcuttersupermarketsgroup.com Chief Executive Officer: Darcy Willson-Rymer Trading Director: Huw Edwards Marketing Director: Jenny Wilson Retail Director: Daniel Quest

SAINSBURY’S SUPERMARKETS LTD NORTHERN IRELAND OFFICE Forestside Shopping Centre Upper Galwally Road Belfast BT8 4FX W: www.sainsburys.co.uk Regional Operations Manager: Nigel Macaulay Category Trading Manager: Rich Squire T: 020 7695 0031 Regional Supply Chain Manager: Paul McAlinden T: 028 9064 7386 NI Commercial Buyer: Claire McAlinney T: 028 9064 6913

Sales Director: Duncan Jelfs Head of Business Development: Adrian O’Brien T: 07747 752580 Business Development Managers: Damien O’Donnell T: 07920 825505 Jim Cummings T: 07798 846093 Gordon Leonard T: 07507 604330 Brian McKenna T: 07747 752546 Simon Scott: T: 07747 752725 Michael Lavery T: 07918 651104

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

retailers guide HENDERSON GROUP Hightown Avenue Mallusk Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT36 4RT T: 028 9034 2733 F: 028 9034 2484 E: info@henderson-group.com W: www.henderson-group.com Chairman, Henderson Group: John Agnew

Trading Managers: Edward Burns, Brendan Dumigan, Eugene McCabe, Michelle Dineen, David Quigg Fresh Foods Trading Controller: Nigel Dugan Fresh Foods Manager (HRL): David Hamilton Fresh Foods Development Manager (HRL): Healey Martin

Joint Managing Director: Martin Agnew

Fresh Food Trading Managers: Steven Kennedy, Iain Dickson, Alistair Kelly Noel McGregor

Joint Managing Director: Geoffrey Agnew

New Product Project Manager: Jane Pyper

Chief Finance Director: Ron Whitten

Fresh Food Buying Manager: Eddie Blair

Group Operations Director: Patrick McGarry

Henderson Print Manager: Alan Ritchie

Trading Director: Alan Fitzsimmins

TYPE OF BUSINESS: Symbol Group Wholesaler for SPAR, EUROSPAR, ViVO, ViVOXtra and ViVO Essentials in NI.

Fresh Foods Director: Neal Kelly Group Property Director: Mark Adrain

NUMBER OF STORES: Henderson Wholesale Ltd service over 400 stores across the five brands.

Head of Corporate Marketing: Bronagh Luke Head of Brand Marketing: Brenda Mulligan PR & Communications Manager: Victoria Poole Channel Sales Managers: Stephen Gibson, Sarah Halliday Regional Sales Manager (Supermarkets): Paul Deans Regional Sales Managers: David Bennett, Jonathan Finlay, Donal Bryce, William Bill Fresh Foods Development Manager (HWL): Laura Johnson Trading Controller: Glen Howe

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

Marketing Director: Michelle Fennell HR Director: Catherine Lambe SuperValu Customer Manager: Geoff Johnston Centra Customer Manager: Norman Bennett Wholesale Sales Manager: Tom Kinnier Communications Manager: Kate Ferguson

NISA Nisa Retail Limited Member Support Centre Waldo Way Normanby Enterprise Park Scunthorpe DN15 9GE T: 017 2428 2028 E: firstname.surname@nisaretail.com W: www.nisaretail.com FASCIAS: Nisa Extra, Nisa Local, Loco, Independent fascia

Human Resources Director: Sam Davidson Sales & Marketing Director: Paddy Doody

Wholesale Director: Trevor Magill

MUSGRAVE NI Musgrave Retail Partners NI 1 - 19 Dargan Drive Belfast BT3 9JG T: 028 9078 7100 F: 028 9078 7101 E: succeed@musgrave.ie W: www.musgravegroup.com Day Today 1 - 15 Dargan Crescent Duncrue Road Belfast BT3 9HJ T: 028 9078 4800 DayToday/Online Support: 028 9078 4810 Managing Director: Michael McCormack Trading Director: Ciara McClafferty Finance Director: Alan Cunningham SuperValu Centra Sales Director: Nigel Maxwell

Chief Executive Officer: Nick Read Chief Financal Officer: Robin Brown Marketing Director: Ian Bishop Operations Director: Jonathan Stowe Business Unit Director (Symbol): Nigel Gray Business Unit Director (Indies & Specialists): Steve Leach Trading Director: Stewart Smith Business Manager Local Sourcing: Jonathan Verner Head of Retail Ireland: Pat Leneghan T: 079 5035 5991

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TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

retailers guide Sales Manager Ireland: Steven O’Doherty T: 00 353 87 291 3016 Store Development Manager: Paul Cherry T: 078 5502 8099 IT Manager: Bryan Lurring

Today’s Savage & Whitten Wholesale Ltd Unit 1a Carnbane Business Park Newry BT35 6QH T: 028 3026 3521 F: 028 3026 3143 E: info@sandwni.com W: www.savageandwhitten.com Today’s Team: Sales Director: Michael Skelton NI Business Development Director: Brian Ross

Transport Manager: Sean McNeill IT Manager: Conor Duffy HR Manager: Jill Cowan Type of Business: Savage & Whitten are the Symbol Group Wholesaler for Today’s Extra, Today’s Local & Today’s Express.

FOOD FORCE IRELAND ltd 7 West Bank Road Belfast BT3 9 JL Trading Controller: Debra Johnston T: 028 9092 3130 E: foodforceireland@btconnect.com

Today’s Store Development: Maurice Little, Gerry Nelson Business Development Managers: Mark Forsythe, Mark Nesbitt, Paul McMullan Liaison Officer: Rachel Holmes Business Development Manager ROI : Arron Potts S&W TEAM: Managing Director: Mark Windebank Operations Director: Norman Savage IT Director: Richard Whitten Sales Director: John Whitten Trading Director: Alan Dorman Finance Director: Barry Duffy Marketing Director: Julie Burden Warehouse Manager: Philip Hughes

8 • •Ulster 3694 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

TRADE ORGANISATIONS DAIRY COUNCIL NORTHERN IRELAND Shaftesbury House Edgewater Business Park Belfast BT3 9JQ T: 028 9077 0113 F: 028 9078 1224 E: info@dairycouncil.co.uk W: www.dairycouncil.co.uk

FOOD NI LIMITED BELFAST MILLS 71-75 Percy Street Belfast BT13 2HW T: 028 9024 9449 E: info@nigoodfood.com W: www.nigoodfood.com Facebook.com/foodni Twitter: @Food_NI Chief Executive: Michele Shirlow

Food Standards Agency Northern Ireland 10A - 10C Clarendon Road Belfast BT1 3BG T: 028 9041 7700 F: 028 9041 7726 E: infofsani@foodstandards.gsi.gov.uk W: www.food.gov.uk/northern-ireland Facebook.com/FSAinNI Twitter: @FSAinNI Director: Maria Jennings Twitter: @MariaJenningsNI

THE LIVESTOCK AND MEAT COMMISSION (NI) Lissue House 31 Ballinderry Road Lisburn BT28 2SL T: 028 9263 3000 F: 02892 63 3001 E: info@lmcni.com W: www.lmcni.com Chief Executive: Ian Stevenson

NATIONAL FEDERATION OF RETAIL NEWSAGENTS Yeoman House Sekforde Street London EC1R 0HF Head Office: 020 7253 4225 Helpline: 0800 121 6376 W: www.nfrnonline.com Membership Services Manager: Nicky McGrath E: nicky.mcgrath@nfrnonline.com Vice-President: Gwen Patterson

NATIONAL PHARMACY ASSOCIATION 38-42 Peter’s Street St. Albans Hertfordshire AL1 3NP T: 017 2785 8687 E: npa@npa.co.uk W: www.npa.co.uk Representation Manager NI: Anne McAlister T: 028 9266 1730

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

retailers guide NORTHERN IRELAND FOOD CHAIN CERTIFICATION Operations Centre Lissue House 31 Ballinderry Road Lisburn BT28 2SL T: 028 9263 3017 F: 028 9263 3003 E: info@nifcc.co.uk W: www.nifcc.co.uk Operations Manager: Noel Lavery Company Secretary: Valerie McCann

NORTHERN IRELAND FOOD & DRINK ASSOCIATION Belfast Mills 71-75 Percy Street Belfast BT13 2HW T: 028 9024 1010 F: 028 9024 0500 E: info@nifda.co.uk W: www.nifda.co.uk Executive Director: Michael Bell E: mbell@nifda.co.uk PA to the Director: Joan Sherman E: joan@nifda.co.uk

NORTHERN IRELAND INDEPENDENT RETAIL TRADE ASSOCIATION (NIIRTA) 245 Upper Newtownards Road Ballyhackamore Belfast BT4 3JF T: 028 9022 0004 F: 028 9022 0005 E: info@niirta.com W: www.niirta.com Facebook.com/niirta Twitter: @niirta Chief Executive: Glyn Roberts Office Manager: Lisa McMaster President: Rowan Black Chairman: Nigel Maxwell

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

NORTHERN IReLAND PORK & BACON FORUM 475 Antrim Road Belfast BT15 3DA T: 028 9037 0222 F: 028 9037 1231

ULSTER FARMERS’ UNION 475 Antrim Road Belfast BT15 3DA T: 028 9037 0222 F: 028 9037 1231 W: www.ufuni.org

Chairman: Seamus Carr

Chief Executive: Wesley Aston E: wesley@ufuhq.com

Executive Director: Deirdre McIvor E: deirdre.mcivor@ufuhq.com

PETROL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION/ RETAIL MOTOR INDUSTRY FEDERATION 201 Great Portland Street London WIW 5AB T: 020 7580 9122 F: 020 7307 3406 W: www.rmif.co.uk Membership Manager for PRA: Steve Coombe T: 078 3137 3205 E: steve.coombe@rmif.co.uk

SAFEFOOD 7 Eastgate Avenue Eastgate Little Island Co. Cork Ireland T45 RX01 T: 00 353 21 230 4100 Helpline (NI): 0800 085 1683 E: info@safefood.eu Twitter: @safefoodnetwork Chief Executive: Ray Dolan

ULSTER CHEMISTS’ ASSOCIATION 2nd Floor Strand House 102 Holywood Road BELFAST BT4 1NU T: 028 9065 6576 E: info@uca.org.uk W: www.uca.org.uk Secretary: Adrienne Clugston

95

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX 35 South McCabes

Argento McCabes

Bazuka Treatment Gel Allegro

4head Allegro

Ariel Interactive

BCH Henderson Food Machinery Company

901 Tequila McCabes

Armagh Cider McCabes

Becks Tennent’s NI

Askeys SHS Sales & Marketing

Bellagio Johnson Brothers

Astral Allegro

Benson & Hedges JTI

Attrixo Allegro

BFP Andrew Ingredients

Aunt Bessie’s Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Blackthorn Tennent’s NI

Aussie Interactive

Blistex Allegro

Autan Allegro

Bloo SHS Sales & Marketing

A

AB Mauri Andrew Ingredients Ace Interactive Acon Cagua McCabes Addlestones Tennent’s NI Adnams McCabes Adnams Copperhouse McCabes

Bold Interactive

B

Aftershock McCabes Airwick SHS Sales & Marketing Alfred Gratien McCabes Alldays Interactive Allinson Allied Bakeries Älska Swedish Cider McCabes Always Interactive Amber Leaf JTI Ambi Pur Interactive Antinori McCabes Apothic McCabes 8 • •Ulster 3696 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

BAADER Henderson Food Machinery Company Bainne Ur Strathroy Dairy Banrock Station McCabes Barefoot McCabes Barr Soft Drinks Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd Barry’s Tea Barry’s Tea UB Foods Division Bass Tennent’s NI Batchelors Canned Vegetables SHS Sales & Marketing Batchelors Condensed Canned Soups SHS Sales & Marketing Bazooka Candy Brands Topps International UB Foods Division

Bolla Prosecco McCabes Bols Liqueurs McCabes Bonduelle Bonduelle Ltd UB Foods Division Bonjela SHS Sales & Marketing Bonne Maman Boyne Valley Boru McCabes Boschendal McCabes Bottle Green McCabes Bottlegreen SHS Sales & Marketing Bougrier McCabes Bounce Interactive Boyne Valley Honey Boyne Valley

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX Brady Family Ham O’Brien Fine Foods

Camel JTI

Chocolate Digestives United Biscuits UK

Brahma Tennent’s NI

Campari McCabes

Chupa Chups Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Brandy Mackle Petfoods

Canadian Club McCabes

Cillit Bang SHS Sales & Marketing

Brandy Complete Mackle Petfoods

Candyland Tangerine Confectionery Ltd UB Foods Division

Cinzano McCabes

Brannigans KP Snacks Branston Beans SHS Sales & Marketing Brasso SHS Sales & Marketing Braun Interactive Braun Andrew Ingredients Brillo Allegro Brugal McCabes Buckfast Tonic Wine McCabes Budweiser Tennent’s NI Bulldog McCabes Burgen Allied Bakeries Butterkist Tangerine Confectionery Ltd UB Foods Division

C Cacaolat Tennent’s NI Caliterra McCabes Calypso Soft Drinks Calypso Soft Drinks Ltd UB Foods Division 8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Canti Wines McCabes Cardowan Creameries Andrew Ingredients Carmen Girls Interactive Carmen Haircare Interactive Carr’s United Biscuits UK Carr’s Flour Andrew Ingredients Castle Lea Moy Park Ltd Cat Club Mackle Petfoods Causeway Prime Lynas Foodservice

Cinzano Prosecco McCabes Clear Blue Interactive Clonmel 1650 Tennent’s NI Club United Biscuits UK UB Foods Division Cofresh Cofresh Snack Foods UB Foods Division Colgate SHS Sales & Marketing Connemara Single Malt McCabes Contract People Sales Placement Cookeen SHS Sales & Marketing

Cellier Des Samson McCabes

Cookstown Karro Food Group

Centra Musgrave NI

Cordier McCabes

Champion Professional Mackle Petfoods

Corona Tennent’s NI

Chef Sauces & Pickles Valeo Foods Ireland

Costcutter Costcutter

Chewits SHS Sales & Marketing

Courvoisier McCabes

Chicken Tonight Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Crest Interactive

Chippers McCormack Potato

Crisp & Dry oils SHS Sales & Marketing

Chivers Jelly and Jams Boyne Valley

Crispbreads United Biscuits UK

Choc Dips KP Snacks

Crosse & Blackwell Canned Soups SHS Sales & Marketing 97

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX Crosse & Blackwell Canned Vegetables SHS Sales & Marketing

Dow’s McCabes

Cuisine de France Aryzta Food Solutions

Drambuie McCabes

Culpitt Andrew Ingredients

Dreamland Electric Blankets Interactive

D Dale Farm Dale Farm Dark Horse McCabes

Dreft Interactive Droli Sambuca McCabes Dromona Dale Farm Duracell Interactive Durex SHS Sales & Marketing

DayToday Musgrave NI Daz Interactive DC NORRIS Henderson Food Machinery Company

E

Evans & Tate McCabes

F Fairy Interactive Farmlea SHS Sales & Marketing Faustino McCabes Febreze Interactive Fenjal Allegro Ferrero Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd Finches Tennent’s NI Finish SHS Sales & Marketing

De Lange Napoleon McCabes

E & J Gallo McCabes

Del Monte Allegro

E45 SHS Sales & Marketing

Dentinox Allegro

Easystands Ulster Exhibitions Limited

Dentyl Allegro

Eat Real Snacks Cofresh Snack Foods

Dettol SHS Sales & Marketing

Eco logs Allegro

Digestives United Biscuits UK

Elastoplast Allegro

Fixodent Interactive UB Foods Division

Discos KP Snacks

E-Lites JTI

Flahavan’s E Flahavan & Sons Ltd

Disprin SHS Sales & Marketing

Erganagh Strathroy Dairy

Flash Interactive

Dobla Andrew Ingredients

Erin Boyne Valley

Flemings Andrew Ingredients

Don Carlos Boyne Valley

Errazuriz McCabes

Flora Oils SHS Sales & Marketing

Douglas Green McCabes

Esk Valley McCabes

FORMAX Henderson Food Machinery Company

Douwe Egberts Coffee SHS Sales & Marketing

EUROSPAR Henderson Group

Foxes Rock Irish Pale Ale McCabes

8 • •Ulster 3698 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Finn Irish Craft Pilsner McCabes Firelog Allegro Firepak Allegro Fivemiletown Dale Farm

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX Franziskaner Tennent’s NI

Giovanni Di Firenze Boyne Valley

Hershey Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Freixent Cava McCabes

Glade Allegro

Heverlee Tennent’s NI

Frestia McCabes

Glamouriser Interactive

Highland Park 12 Y-O McCabes

Frisps KP Snacks

Glayva McCabes

Hob Nobs United Biscuits UK

Fruittella Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Go Ahead!

United Biscuits UK

G Galliano McCabes Gallo Family Vineyards McCabes Gato Negro McCabes Gaviscon SHS Sales & Marketing GEA CFS KOPPENS Henderson Food Machinery Company Genesis Crafty Butter Sultana, Cherry, Wheaten, Plain & Cheese Scones Genesis Crafty Genesis Crafty Original, Big, Blueberry & Chocolate Chip Pancakes Genesis Crafty Genesis Crafty Original, Round and Wee Sodas Genesis Crafty Genesis Crafty Raspberry Jam Bakes, Lemon Bakes, Snowballs, Almond Bakewells, Raspberry Macaroons, Pineapple Cups & Iced Tops Genesis Crafty

Goddards Allegro Golden Hoops KP Snacks Gruppo Italiano Vini McCabes Guy Saget McCabes

HOBART Henderson Food Machinery Company Hoegaarden Tennent’s NI Holborn Yellow JTI Homecook Boyne Valley Hovis Hovis Bakeries Ireland Hula Hoop Puft KP Snacks Hula Hoops KP Snacks

H Hamlet JTI HANDTMANN Henderson Food Machinery Company Hanwood Estate McCabes Hardys McCabes Harpic SHS Sales & Marketing Harringtons Wagg Dog Foods Harvest Fare Boyne Valley

Hunky Dorys Crisps Northern Snack Foods

I

Ibuleve Speed Relief Allegro Infacare Interactive Ingram Andrew Ingredients IREKS Andrew Ingredients Irish Breeze Boyne Valley Irish Mist Honey McCabes

Genesis Crafty Sliced Oven & Toaster Wheaten Genesis Crafty

Harvey’s McCabes

Irn Bru Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Geyser Peak McCabes

Head and Shoulders Interactive

ISHIDA Henderson Food Machinery Company

Gillette Interactive

Herbal Essence Interactive

Isle of Jura 10 Y-O McCabes

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

99

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX

J Jacob’s United Biscuits UK UB Foods Division Jacob’s Its Just Coffee W & R Jacob & Co (NI) Ltd Jacobs Cream Crackers United Biscuits UK Jaffa Cakes United Biscuits UK Jägermeister McCabes

Kentucky Ales McCabes

Lakeshore Boyne Valley

Kettyle Irish Foods Fane Valley

Laphroaig 10 Y-O McCabes

Kilbeggan McCabes

Lasting Colour Interactive

Killeen Boyne Valley Kinder Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd King Northern Snack Foods Kingsmill Allied Bakeries

Jameson’s Tangerine Confectionery Ltd

Kinnerton Character Confectionery Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

JBT FRIGOSCANDIA Henderson Food Machinery Company

Kittensoft Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Jean Durup Chablis McCabes

Kiwi Allegro

Jessie Mackle Petfoods

Kleenoff SHS Sales & Marketing

Jeyes SHS Sales & Marketing Jim Beam Devil’s Cut McCabes Jim Beam Famliy McCabes Jim beam Signature Craft McCabes Johnsons Coffee Johnson Brothers Jordans SHS Sales & Marketing Jucee SHS Sales & Marketing Just Juice Allegro JWV+ Tennent’s NI

K

K Tennent’s NI 8 • •Ulster 36100 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Koka Boyne Valley KP Meanies Northern Snack Foods KP Nuts KP Snacks KRONEN Henderson Food Machinery Company

Laurent Perrier McCabes Leffe Tennent’s NI Leftfield McCabes Lemsip SHS Sales & Marketing Lenor Interactive Lifeforce Boyne Valley Lily O’Brien’s Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd LINCO Henderson Food Machinery Company Linden Foods Fane Valley Lindt Bear Lindt & Sprungli Lindt Excellence Lindt & Sprungli Lindt Gold Bunny Lindt & Sprungli Lindt Lindor Lindt & Sprungli

Kudos Andrew Ingredients

Lindt Swiss Luxury selection Lindt & Sprungli

Kwiksave Costcutter

London No. 3 McCabes

L

Loseley Dale Farm Louis Bernard McCabes Louis Jadot McCabes

La Celia McCabes

Loving Care Interactive

La Chablisienne McCabes

Lowenbrau Tennent’s NI

La Palma McCabes

Luxardo Amaretto McCabes

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX Luzardo Sambuca McCabes

McCoys Thick Cut KP Snacks

Mullins Ice Cream Dale Farm

Lynas Food Outlet Lynas Foodservice

McDonnells Boyne Valley

MULTIVAC Henderson Food Machinery Company

McGee’s Butcher Karro Food Group

Musgrave Musgrave NI

Lypsyl SHS Sales & Marketing

M Mace Musgrave NI

McVitie’s United Biscuits UK McWilliams McCabes Menabrea Tennent’s NI

N

Meneba Andrew Ingredients

Napolina SHS Sales & Marketing

Mentos Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Nature Valley Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Mestrezat Chateau McCabes

Nature’s Harvest McCormack Potato

Metal Man McCabes

Naturo Mackle Petfoods

Midori McCabes

New Amsterdam McCabes

Mini Cheddars United Biscuits UK

Nice n’ Easy Interactive

Mini Chips KP Snacks

Nice n’ Easy Root Touch Up Interactive

Mondavi Woodbridge McCabes

Nicholas Catena McCabes

Montes McCabes

Nicky Clarke Electrical Interactive

Moreish Maxol Oil

Nicky Paper Products Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Mothers Pride Hovis Bakeries Ireland

Nimble Hovis Bakeries Ireland

Moy Park Moy Park Ltd

Nivea Allegro

Mr Muscle Allegro

Nivea for Men Allegro

McVities Breakfast United Biscuits UK

Mr Sheen SHS Sales & Marketing

Nobilo McCabes

McVities Snackbars United Biscuits UK

Mud House McCabes

Nurofen SHS Sales & Marketing

McCoys KP Snacks

Mugshots Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Nutella Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Macphie Andrew Ingredients Magners Tennent’s NI Maguire & Paterson Matches & Firelighters SHS Sales & Marketing Maker’s Mark McCabes Marigold SHS Sales & Marketing Mark Bric Ulster Exhibitions Limited MarketPlace Musgrave NI Mars Milk Drinks SHS Sales & Marketing Max Factor Interactive Maxol Auto 24 Maxol Oil Maxol Lubricants Maxol Oil Maxwash Maxol Oil Mayfair JTI

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

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TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX

O O’Donnells Northern Snack Foods O’Kane Moy Park Ltd Odense Andrew Ingredients Olay Interactive Old Spice Interactive Old Time Irish Marmalades Valeo Foods Ireland Olde English Tennent’s NI Olenex Andrew Ingredients Oral-B Interactive Organix Baby Food SHS Sales & Marketing Ormo Hovis Bakeries Ireland Orsola Prosecco McCabes Otex Express Allegro Otis Spunkmeyer Aryzta Food Solutions Oust Allegro Ouzo 12 McCabes

Pampers Kandoo Interactive

Rancheros Northern Snack Foods

Panda Spreads Boyne Valley

Ravenswood McCabes

Pantene Interactive

Really Good Allied Bakeries

Parozone SHS Sales & Marketing

Regina Paper Products Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Parsons SHS Sales & Marketing

REISER Henderson Food Machinery Company

Penguin United Biscuits UK

Remington Interactive

Pepto-Bismol Interactive

Renshaw Andrew Ingredients

Perfect 10 Interactive

Resses Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Perfetti Van Melle Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Revostage Portable Staging Ulster Exhibitions Limited

Phileas Fogg KP Snacks

Rockstar Energy Drinks Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Piper Heidsieck McCabes

Roundstone Tennent’s NI

Pledge Allegro

Rowan Glen Dale Farm

Plex Display Ulster Exhibitions Limited

Roysters KP Snacks

Pleyadas McCabes

Ryvita SHS Sales & Marketing

POW Tennent’s NI Primula SHS Sales & Marketing Princes Food & Drink SHS Sales & Marketing Pringles Interactive

S Sanex SHS Sales & Marketing Sauza Tequila McCabes

P

R

Palmolive SHS Sales & Marketing

Ragu Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Senekot SHS Sales & Marketing

Pampers Interactive

Raid Allegro

Senorio De Labarta McCabes

8 • •Ulster 36102 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Savlon SHS Sales & Marketing Seattle’s Best Coffee Aryzta Food Solutions

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX Settesoli McCabes

STEPHEN Henderson Food Machinery Company

Thirst Pockets Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

SEYDELMANN Henderson Food Machinery Company

Steradent SHS Sales & Marketing

Three Princes McCabes

Shloer SHS Sales & Marketing

Sterling JTI

Tic Tac Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Shockwaves Interactive

Stolichnaya McCabes

Tim Hortons Aryzta Food Solutions

Shout Allegro

Storck Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Tipperary Natural Mineral Water Tennent’s NI

Silk Cut JTI

Strathroy Strathroy Dairy

Today’s Express Savage & Whitten Wholesale

Silvikrin Interactive

Strepsils SHS Sales & Marketing

Today’s Extra Savage & Whitten Wholesale

Silvo SHS Sales & Marketing

Sunblest Allied Bakeries

Today’s Local Savage & Whitten Wholesale

Skips KP Snacks

Sunny Jim Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Toilet Duck Allegro

Skyy McCabes

Superglo Firelighters Allegro

Tom Chandley Andrew Ingredients

Snapple SHS Sales & Marketing

Supershop Costcutter

TREIF Henderson Food Machinery Company

Sofidel Paper Products Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

SuperValu Musgrave NI

Trevor Sorbie Interactive

Soft & Gentle SHS Sales & Marketing Sonneveld Andrew Ingredients Sourz McCabes Sovereign JTI Space Raiders KP Snacks SPAR Henderson Group

Tunnocks SHS Sales & Marketing

T Tall Horse McCabes Tampax Interactive

Turning Leaf McCabes Tyroconnell Single Malt McCabes

V

Spaten Tennent’s NI

Tangerine Confectionery Tangerine Confectionery Ltd UB Foods Division

Spelga Dale Farm

Teacher’s McCabes

Vanish SHS Sales & Marketing

Spontex Allegro

Tennents Tennent’s NI

Velvet Crunch Northern Snack Foods

Standard Brands Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

The Claymore McCabes

Viakal Interactive

Stella Artois Tennent’s NI

The Famous Grouse McCabes

Vicks Interactive

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

Valley Gold Diabetic Jams Allegro

103

TRADE DIRECTORY 2016

BRAND INDEX

Vileda SHS Sales & Marketing Villa Lanata McCabes Villa Maria Estate McCabes ViVO Henderson Group ViVO ESSENTIALS Henderson Group ViVOXtra Henderson Group

W

Wagg Wagg Dog Foods Warmnite Electric Blankets Interactive

White’s White’s Speedicook Whyte & Mackay McCabes Windolene SHS Sales & Marketing Woodwards Gripe Water SHS Sales & Marketing

Warre’s McCabes Wash & Go Interactive WEILER Henderson Food Machinery Company

Y

Vladivar McCabes

Wella Interactive

YAMATO Henderson Food Machinery Company

Vortex Interactive

Werther’s Original Tennant & Ruttle Distribution Ltd

Yazoo Boyne Valley

Beginning with this issue, Ulster Grocer will be following the theme of each month throughout Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016.

Advertising and editorial opportunities will be available to make the most of #EnjoyNI16.

If you would like to make the most of Year of Food & Drink, get in touch with Mark Beckett on 028 9078 3235 or markbeckett@greerpublications.com 8 • •Ulster 36104 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Q&A

In the Hot Seat Andrew Brondon, Group product development chef at Dunbia TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I’m a proud Welsh man who works for Northern Ireland meat processor Dunbia as their group product development chef. My career started almost by accident when I left school at 16, began a catering apprenticeship and discovered that I loved cooking and had a bit of a natural talent. I worked in a number of restaurants across the UK, learning new skills and techniques in each and was the youngest recipient at the time of two AA rosettes which I’m quite proud of. In 2005, I decided to take my career in a new direction and got into product development. I joined New Product Development at Dunbia in 2007. It’s a completely different environment but I love it.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? Typical is not a word I would ever use to describe my day as my role is so varied but the one constant is travel and a lot of it.

Dunbia is one of the largest processors of red meat in the UK, with 11 sites across England, Ireland, Scotland and lovely Wales from where we supply some of the largest retailers 106

in the UK. The demand from consumers and consequently retailers changes rapidly and Dunbia has to keep abreast of these changes and develop products to meet demand. For example, the demand for the traditional Sunday roast is decreasing with more consumers looking for convenience, ovenready and added value products. I work closely with our Consumer Insight Team and our category managers and our customers to develop new products which will ultimately end up on the dinner tables across the UK.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? As a chef working in restaurants, a big focus was always on accolades and awards so I am very proud of my AA rosettes.

Working in industry, my focus is different.

While I still love to receive awards and, at Dunbia, have been recognised widely for our product development, now the highlights are about landing new business and servicing our customers. I get the biggest buzz when seeing products which I developed from beginning to end on the shelves of a

supermarket. I just love to stand back and watch customers buying them. That’s a real highlight for me.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? As a chef, I yearned for a more normal lifestyle with more sociable hours and I suppose I could say be careful what you wish for because my lifestyle now certainly wouldn’t be normal but I love it. It’s hard to say what I love most. There is variety, flexibility, creativity and the opportunity to work in a great company and meet and work with great people from all walks of life. It really is a dream job (most of the time!)

WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? Meeting deadlines; they keep getting shorter and there are more of them.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? Take a step back to go forward. This was given to me by Gerry Davies, the executive chef of Stoke Park, and I have lived by it ever since.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? People who say, “it’s not my job”. But thankfully in Dunbia, I don’t hear that very often. For a company of over 4,000 employees, there is a real sense of teamwork across the group and a real sense of pride in how successful the company is.

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I would like to be musical. I think I would make an awesome guitarist.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? I am very fortunate to work in the agrifood industry, which is so important to our economy. My future plans are to remain with Dunbia and watch the company grow and succeed. I am looking forward to next year as Dunbia will celebrate 40 years in business, and 2016 is the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink. It will be a great opportunity to showcase our talents on the world stage.

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? At the risk of sounding like the teacher’s pet, the two people I most admire are Jim and Jack Dobson, the co-founders of Dunbia.

They have taken the company from a small butcher’s shop to one of the largest red meat processors in Europe. Their vision, drive and motivation are incredible, and they are still as motivated today as they were 40 years ago. They are true risk-taking entrepreneurs, and I was delighted to see Jim named IoD Director of the Year in 2014 and Jack win EY Entrepreneur of the Year this year.

Working for Dunbia, I have learnt so much from them.

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