Ulster Grocer

Grocer

NO.1 MAGAZINE FOR THE LOCAL GROCERY SECTOR

™

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

FEBRUARY 2016

ULSTER

CONTENTS

email: info@ulstergrocer.com Volume 51, Number 2 February 2016

www.ulstergrocer.com

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Editor: Alyson Magee E: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com Sales Manager: Mark Beckett E: markbeckett@greerpublications.com Senior Accounts Manager: Michelle Kearney E: michellekearney@greerpublications.com

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

@ulstergrocer

10-11 COUNTDOWN TO IFEX: Next month, Northern Ireland’s largest food, drink, retail and hospitality event IFEX (March 8-10, Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast) gets underway. HRNI previews the biennial event, which is expecting a record number of new products and services from 140-plus exhibitors.

Contents

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13-15 LOVE LOCAL: Year of Food & Drink continues with Love Local the theme for the month of February. UG looks at some of the events planned for the month, as well as showcasing a number of events held to celebrate Breakfast Month in January. Next up: Heritage & Traditions.

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22-23 TAYTO TIME: As Northern Ireland’s leading crisp and snack company, Tayto, turns 60 this year, UG looks at just what goes into making this local diamond continue to go from strength to strength, producing one million bags of crisps and snacks each day.

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28-31 SOFT SELL: UG’s annual look at Soft Drinks & Bottled Water finds health, and in particular, reduced or nosugar products leading innovation in the market including Bottlegreen Drinks Co’s four new Mixer variants, Shloer Light and Volvic Sugar Free Touch of Fruit.

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34 BIGGER BALMORAL: This year’s Balmoral Show (May 11-13) is set to be 10% bigger, and a major part of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink, RUAS Chief Executive Colin McDonald told media, politicians and industry stakeholders at a breakfast event earlier this month.

42-43 ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS 2016: There is still time to enter 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.

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ULSTER GROCER

Publishers: Independent News & Media Ltd.

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NEWS

Make your Year of Food & Drink mark at the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards T

he local agri-food sector is now entering one of its busiest periods, with next month’s IFEX (March 8-10) and this year’s Balmoral Show (May 11-13) both shaping up as bumper events in celebration of Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016.

Another highlight of the grocery sector calendar is the Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards (May 6), which will see entrants compete across eight categories. Winning – or even being short-listed – for one of the awards during Year of Food & Drink gives an additional boost to the honour. Strong interest is already coming in, and we are expecting another record year of entries in 2016.

There’s still time to enter, and make your mark during Year of Food & Drink – see pages 42-43 for more information.

Alyson Magee Editor

NIIRTA launches alternative plan for government A

n Alternative Programme for Government was launched by the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association (NIIRTA) at Titanic Belfast earlier this month.

The Programme outlines 97 recommendations, setting out policy priorities for the each of the nine new Executive departments, which will be established after the Assembly election. NIIRTA is the first business organisation to produce a plan for the nine new departments to get Northern Ireland working again.

Keynote speakers at the event included Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness; Kevin Kingston, chief executive of Danske Bank; Nigel Milton, director of External Affairs at Heathrow Airport; and Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA. Over 100 business leaders, politicians and key influencers attended the launch.

“The retail trade is not just vital to the health of our economy, it’s the heart beat of the local community,” said the Deputy First Minister. “North, South, East and West, the jobs they create, and the services they provide in cities, towns and villages make a real and significant contribution to the quality of people’s lives.

“The Plan presented today is a clear statement of what NIIRTA seeks in terms of support from the Executive to do its job in terms of growing businesses, creating jobs, and supporting the economy. This document will help inform and challenge our thinking for the next Programme for Government.

“I believe working together in the years ahead, we can make real progress. Our future will be different if we shape it together with ambition and aspiration.”

Glyn Roberts, chief executive of NIIRTA, said: “NIIRTA is the first business organisation to publish a comprehensive fiveyear policy plan for all nine departments and 4

Pictured at the launch of NIIRTA’s Alternative Programme for Government are Danske Bank CEO Kevin Kingston, Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and NIIRTA Chief Executive Glyn Roberts.

for the new Assembly. While retail and town centres are central to this report, this is a plan for our economy as a whole.

“With the nine new Executive departments coming into effect, it is time for a fresh start.

Retail is the largest contributor to our private sector economy but today our members still feel that there are too many barriers to business in place. We are calling for the Executive to take our proposals on board and to work to secure retail’s rightful position as a key partner for growth in a new, more efficient private sector-led Northern Ireland.

“In our Economic Programme for Government, we outline detailed proposals for a radical reform of business rates, new Enterprise Zones, City Deals, more BIDs and investment in infrastructure. Action on addressing the high business costs, a coordinated plan to tackle red tape and creating a more vocational and professional education system are all key priorities in our Plan.”

Some of the main priorities of the NIIRTA Plan include: • Expansion of the Empty Premises Rate Relief • Introduction of new Capital Allowance Rate Relief Scheme to support business growth • Rural Rate Relief Scheme for Villages • Appointment of a Junior Minister for Entrepreneurship and Skills in the Department for Economy • Creation of Level Three Retail Apprenticeship • UK remaining part of a reformed EU • Establish North-South Retail Forum • Entrepreneurship being made a compulsory module from aged 14-18 • Set up Northern Ireland Town Team to coordinate regeneration policy • Organised International Infrastructure Conference to identify models of modernisation • New strategically-focused Supply Chain Forum

NEWS

Henderson Wholesale announces purchase of local print company

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enderson Wholesale, part of the Mallusk-based Henderson Group, has announced the acquisition of neighbouring print company, Dargan Press, which will merge with Wholesale’s subsidiary company, Henderson Print.

The deal, the amount of which has not been disclosed, was completed earlier this month, and staff has been notified. Twelve Dargan Press employees will transfer to Henderson Wholesale employment from February 15.

Henderson Print has been trading for more than 40 years, employs 16 staff, and will relocate from the current Hightown Avenue

premises to the Dargan Press site on Michelin Road. The move will begin over the coming months with staff being kept fully informed of proceedings.

Dargan Press has traded since 1981, and finished 2015 with a turnover of £1.5m. After over 50 years in the lithographic printing business, Richard Traynor, the founding owner, decided to sell the company in order to pursue other business interests.

“The purchase of Dargan Press means that we can provide an enhanced range of print services to our mutual customers, attract new business, and fully utilise the newly acquired

state-of-the-art premises and equipment to further develop the print business arm of our group activities,” said Ron Whitten, Group financial director at the Henderson Group.

“We are delighted to have the opportunity to build on the successful operation Richard has developed over previous years, to retain the business in local ownership and further secure the future of its operations.

“There are many synergies between the two businesses and we have no doubt that, by combining resources, we will be well positioned to provide an even better and more competitive offering to both existing and new print customers.”

The acquisition comes after the announcement of a £25m investment by the Henderson Group, which will see a complete transformation of the HQ site in Mallusk, facilitating business growth and employment opportunities across all four companies within the Group.

UFU attends FSA Food we can Trust event U

lster Farmers’ Union (UFU) Deputy President Barclay Bell and Chief Executive Wesley Aston recently attended a Food Standards Agency (FSA) event, focused on how the Agency will deliver its 20152020 Food we can Trust strategy.

The event brought together consumers, businesses, regulators and other key organisations from across the UK, and was viewed by UFU as an opportunity to push its case for fresh thinking on official controls and inspections.

“More recognition must be given to existing independently accredited industry schemes, which are generally at higher levels than statutory requirements,” said Bell. “Duplication must be avoided and unnecessary additional costs stripped out.”

With Dr Steve Hathaway, director of the Science & Risk Assessment Branch of New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries, outlining the approach there, “from the New Zealand approach we can learn valuable lessons,” said Bell.

Also discussed was the importance of food authenticity and transparent labelling. “This holds out the prospect of real progress on better regulation implementation and enforcement, while still

Pictured are, from left, Barclay Bell, UFU deputy president; Dr Steve Hathaway, director of the Science & Risk Assessment Branch of New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries; and Stephen James, NFU Cymru president.

maintaining the very high standards our agri-food industry delivers,” said Bell, adding that the UFU would continue working with the FSA and others to help shape future regulations and enforcement.

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NEWS

North Coast named Northern Ireland’s Top Romantic Spot

Portstewart strand

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ove is in the air across the North Coast this month, as it has been named Northern Ireland’s Top Romantic Spot in a search by local convenience brand Centra, supported by Tourism NI. The picturesque location which boasts stunning beaches, dramatic scenery and some of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations, has captured the hearts of people who have nominated it as Centra’s Top Romantic Spot.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the online search gave people across

Northern Ireland the chance to share their favourite romantic locations and the North Coast, which includes the Giant’s Causeway, Mussenden Temple and White Park Bay, came out on top.

“Centra is delighted to announce the North Coast as its Top Romantic Spot in Northern Ireland,” said Jennifer Morton, interim brand manager at Centra. “As we approach Valentine’s Day, this was a really popular choice amongst our voters and highlights a fantastic destination for couples.

“With the support of Tourism NI, as well as our 80 independent retailers across every region, it has been wonderful to see so many people tell us their favourite Top Spots and what they love about Northern Ireland.”

Rachel Quigg, communications and destination PR officer at Tourism NI, said: “The North Coast has so much to offer and I’m delighted it has been named Centra’s Top Romantic Spot.

“From romantic walks on the award-winning beaches, scenic drives along the Causeway Coastal Route to visiting the many popular tourist attractions, the North Coast really does have something for couples of all ages.”

One lucky winner of the Centra Top Romantic Spot search was selected at random, winning a £200 Hastings Hotel voucher and a Centra voucher each.

FTA delegates get in-depth view of public inquiry at seminar

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elegates at next month’s Freight Transport Association (FTA) Transport Manager seminar in Belfast will experience a mock public inquiry to provide an insight into the workings of the Transport Regulation Unit.

The inquiry will be led by Donna Knowles from the TRU and will feature representatives from the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA), a solicitor and the former president of the Society of Engineers (SoE).

“They’ll get an in-depth look at the workings of a public inquiry, from the initial written correspondence through to the actual hearing,” said Seamus Leheny, FTA’s policy manager for Northern Ireland.

“The public inquiry will conclude with

an explanation of the outcome and best practice advice.

“Delegates will have the opportunity to ask questions to better understand the process and, more importantly, to avoid finding themselves or their company in the situation in future.”

The event takes place at Titanic Belfast on March 2, and is sponsored by Brigade Electronics. The keynote speaker is Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen MLA, who will discuss the Department’s future plans and priorities for roads investment and sustainable transport and how both will affect the commercial transport industry.

Mike Beare, director of Transformation

at the DVA, will talk about modernisation plans for the DVA such as new vehicle test centres, with particular emphasis on the new online driver licence system for NI due to go live later this year.

Prices for attending this event have been frozen for the second year running, the cost for FTA members being £265 plus VAT for the first delegate and £225 plus VAT for subsequent delegates; the cost for non-members is £330 plus VAT for the first delegate and £290 plus VAT for subsequent delegates.

For full details or to book a place at Transport Manager Northern Ireland, call the FTA Member Service Centre on 03717 11 22 22.

Tourism NI attempts pancake flipping world record W

ith Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 continuing with a Love Local theme throughout the month of February, as part of the celebrations, Tourism Northern Ireland attempted to break the Guinness World Record for the most people tossing a pancake with the help of Asda, Irwin’s and Belfast Met Titanic Quarter.

While unsuccessful, the attempt – which took place on February 9 at Belfast Met Titanic Quarter- none-the-less created a buzz with the public invited to participate and pans and pancakes provided for the first 1000 people.

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Getting in some practice ahead of the attempt were, from left, Joe McDonald from Asda, Colette Wilson from Irwin’s Bakery, Orla Farren from Tourism NI and Harry Robinson from Belfast Met Titanic Quarter.

RETAIL NEWS - INDEPENDENTS

Fairtrade celebrates 20 years in Northern Ireland

BY DR CHRISTOPHER STANGE, CONSULATE OF ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES TO NORTHERN IRELAND AND SECRETARIAT - ALL PARTY GROUP ON FAIRTRADE

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wenty years since the launch of the Fairtrade Mark, product lines and sales have continued to grow across retailers, including independents, in Northern Ireland, with many cities, towns, schools, universities and churches in Northern Ireland achieving Fairtrade accreditation.

An All Party Group on Fairtrade has been formed at Stormont to achieve Fairtrade accreditation for Northern Ireland as a devolved region, and Fairtrade is embedded into the educational curriculum in Northern Ireland. 2016 marks the Grocery Code Adjudicator’s (GCA) first independent investigation into supermarkets and their suppliers.

The theme of Fairtrade Fortnight 2016, which runs from February 29–March 13 is Sit Down for Breakfast... Stand up for Farmers to highlight the severe lack of food security for farmers around the world, bringing together shoppers, campaigners, government and businesses to tackle the problem.

Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 aims to inspire the public to sit down for breakfast in support of the farmers who grow the food we consume every morning, such as coffee, tea, cocoa, oranges, sugar and bananas.

Lack of food security is one of the world’s most important issues.

Despite millions of farmers and workers in developing countries working hard daily to grow the food we eat, many don’t earn enough to know where their next meal is coming from. Half of the world’s hungry, nearly 400 million, live and work on small farms.

Consumers in Northern Ireland can take action by harnessing the power of a Fairtrade breakfast and during their weekly shop, so farmers and workers behind our products can feel secure, knowing they can feed their families, all year round.

Purchasing products bearing the Fairtrade Mark, you support farmers and workers in the developing world to improve their lives and their communities. The Mark means the Fairtrade ingredients of the product have been produced by small-scale farmer organisations that meet Fairtrade social, environmental and economical standards. These are the protection of workers’ rights and the environment, ensuring no bonded or illegal child labour, payment of the Fairtrade Minimum Price and an additional Fairtrade Premium to invest back into in their community.

Fairtrade benefits small-scale farmers and workers, the most marginalised groups globally, through trade rather than aid to enable them to maintain their livelihoods.

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Markethill store donates over £15,000 to local causes

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isa retailer J D Hunter & Co in Markethill, Armagh has supported its local community with over £15,000 in donations to local causes since 2008. The store’s donations have benefited 23 different causes through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally charity since its formation in 2008, to benefit residents of the local area.

Making a Difference Locally raises funds in Nisa member stores through the sale of items from Nisa’s own-label Heritage range and a number of branded products. A percentage of this money goes into a virtual fund for the store to donate to a local charity or good cause within a 10-mile radius.

The money donated has been used for a myriad of purposes, including helping to fund an annual Christmas magic show in the town, training resources and kits for local sports and dance clubs, a range of local school and playgroup projects from vegetable gardens to eco bins, and providing financial support for individuals and groups helping those in need of medical care and assistance.

“Making a Difference Locally has provided us with a real opportunity to help our neighbours,” said Alison Strong, director of J D Hunter & Co. “What all the causes have in common is that the money raised is going to people in our own community; everyone around here knows someone who has benefited. The store and our customers have grown up together over the generations and we are now very much part of the landscape.”

For more information about the Making a Difference Locally charit.y visit www.makingadifferencelocally.com.

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retail news - symbols

Own-brand label sales soar as local support grows Pictured are, from left, Stephen Kennedy, Iain Dickson and Neal Kelly from Henderson Wholesale.

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enderson Wholesale’s own-brand range of fresh food products, enjoy local, is expanding due to impressive sales figures since its launch.

Available throughout SPAR and EUROSPAR stores, the range of 126 fresh and chilled products has delivered over £23m worth of sales for retailers across Northern Ireland since it first hit shelves in March

2015.

More recently, four new suppliers have been introduced, extending the fresh focused range to 144 products.

The new suppliers are Cottage Catering in Dromore, McColgan’s in Strabane, Big Pot Co in Cookstown and Connelly Meats in Monaghan.

Meanwhile, existing suppliers such as Daily Bake, Fresh Fields, Irwin’s and Western Brand in Lisnaskea have extended their enjoy local lines to include even better offerings for retailers and choice for shoppers.

“We firmly believe that grocery should not be complicated, therefore we strive to bring a fresh and local range for our retailers that is simple and full of quality,” said Neal Kelly, fresh foods director at Henderson Wholesale.

“For some of our retailers, 60% of trade in their larger EUROSPAR supermarkets is from fresh food, and in the small convenience-focused SPAR stores, half of all

trade can be from fresh food. Both retailers and shoppers have come to embrace the enjoy local line as it does what it says on the tin, so to speak; It provides quality, fresh food that supports their local farmers and growers, and today’s shopper wants to be part of that.”

The number of enjoy local suppliers now sits at 25, and are sourced from both the north and south of Ireland.

As a whole, 75% of Henderson’s fresh offering, which also includes local brands such as Mash Direct, Brennan’s, Clandeboye Yoghurt and Cookstown meats to name a few, is sourced on the island of Ireland.

“To date, we have invested over £250,000 in the enjoy local line, and over £1m in fresh food as a whole in the past 12 months.” said Kelly. “We will continue to invest as we aim to introduce more local suppliers to the shelves of our stores, and to even further expand our own-label range.”

Costcutter Centra embarks on 14th year of Supermarkets Group Action Cancer schools programme refreshes Independent cheese range T I housands of schoolchildren across Northern Ireland will be recognised at the 2016 Health Action Awards, as leading convenience retailer Centra teams up with Action Cancer for the 14th year of the health promotion schools programme.

Schools, nurseries and colleges are being encouraged to enter the awards, which will take place on June 14. Judges are looking for schools involved in health promotion, through providing healthy meal options in their cafeteria, promoting extra fruit and water in school, taking part in extra-curricular exercise programmes, or running cancer awareness initiatives.

There are Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards for nursery, primary and secondary schools or colleges with over 60 schools expected to be recognised. A prize of £200 for purchasing school equipment is Launching this year’s awards are Centra’s also up for grabs, and will be awarded to the highest Jennifer Morton and Tara Colan-O’Leary scoring pre-school or nursery, as well as each of the from The Beeches Day Nursery, Aghalee. top scoring primary schools, secondary schools or colleges in each of the five Education and Library Boards.

“Centra has been the proud sponsor of Action Cancer’s Health Action programme since 2003, with stores and Musgrave NI staff raising £1m for the initiative,” said Paula Mahoney, Centra brand manager. “The programme provides life-saving work by engaging young people with smart ways to improve their health and fitness levels.”

The unique Health Promotion Programme has delivered healthy lifestyle messages to more than 500,000 young people since its launch 13 years ago.

More than 1,000 nurseries, schools and colleges in Northern Ireland have benefited from the cancer prevention sessions which include information about keeping fit and active, eating well, being safe in the sun and avoiding the dangers of smoking and alcohol.

Schools, nurseries and colleges can obtain entry forms by contacting Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 or by emailing Deborah Millar at dmillar@actioncancer.org. Completed Health Action Award forms must be returned to Action Cancer by February 26 and successful schools will be notified at the end of April 2016.

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ndependent, the brand owned by Costcutter Supermarkets Group, has relaunched its cheese range to offer improved flavour, packaging design and value across its Cheddar range.

The Independent Cheddar range boasts eight different variants, across a range of strengths and colours, including the rangetopping Independent Specialist Mature Cheddar.

Supplied by dairy product specialist Fayrefield Foods, the improved range offers retailers an improved price point ranging from £1 to £2.50 for a 350g block, improved retailer margins and a new packaging design which includes a parchment wrap, improved photography and colour cues that follow market trends to ensure ease of shop for consumers.

With a growing demand for continental cheese among British consumers, the Independent range also includes Danish Blue, Brie and Grated Mozzarella, as well as British variants such as Cheshire, Double Gloucester, Lancashire, Red Leicester, Smoked Cheese and Wensleydale.

“Our Independent cheese range has proved extremely popular with retailers and consumers since it launched,” said Jodene Rogers, head of Marketing for Independent.

“Cheese is a staple for British shoppers and with 54% of the cheese bought being Cheddar, we’ve redesigned the range to ensure our retailers are able to offer their customers an outstanding range at a strong price point.”

RETAIL NEWS - MULTIPLES

A ‘smooth-ie’ deal for Asda and Gilfresh

Pictured are William Gilpin from Gilfresh and Jill Jones, regional buying assistant NI for Grocery and Produce, Asda NI.

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rmagh-based vegetable supplier, Gilfresh has celebrated a healthy kickstart to 2016 after winning a contract to supply its innovative juicing packs to Asda stores across Northern Ireland.

The new ‘Pure Press Juicing Packs’ are the first of their kind in Northern Ireland, with estimated sales of 30,000 products in the first year.

The contract builds on Asda’s existing relationship with Gilfresh, which already supplies 27 different lines to Asda. Asda is the first retailer to stock the new range which was specifically designed to meet demand for the growing, global trend of extracting and blending raw vegetables and fruit. There are four lines – ‘Rootie Fruitie’, ‘Up Beet’, ‘Clean Green’ and ‘The Classic’; the packs contain a mix of fruit and vegetables which can be used in a juicer or blender.

“Juicing and blending has taken a huge surge in recent months with consumers looking for more convenient ways to stay healthy,” said William Gilpin from Gilfresh.

“We are the first company in Northern Ireland

Kestrel Foods feasts on success of new Street Food Range

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ortadown-based Kestrel Foods is bringing the authentic taste of global street food to local homes, after securing a £130,000 deal with Tesco Northern Ireland for its new range of fruit and nut snacks.

The deal comes on the back of company-wide success in 2015 within domestic and Steven Murphy, buyer at Tesco NI, is pictured with Tim McVicker, commercial director of Kestrel Foods. international markets, thanks to major investment into its production facilities, a targeted growth strategy and an ongoing commitment to innovation.

The latest innovation – the Forest Feast Street Food range – was inspired by the sights, sounds and spices of the world’s street food ‘hot spots’. The range promises to transport consumers to far off countries, whether the smoky barbeque pits of the American Deep South or the idyllic tropical beaches of Thailand.

The 150g bags of mixed nuts and fruits are available in-store, perfect for midmorning and afternoon grazing, especially for those trying to stick to healthy new year’s resolutions. The nuts are oven roasted and seasoned, using Kestrel Foods’ own unique blends, in its state-of-the-art roasting facility in Portadown.

“With a 20-year heritage in food production, Kestrel Foods is one of the Province’s biggest food success stories and we’re pleased to be bringing its latest product innovation to stores here,” said Steven Murphy, buyer at Tesco Northern Ireland.

“Through Tesco Northern Ireland’s ‘Taste” campaign, our number one priority is identifying quality, local produce and working with the businesses to introduce their products to Northern Ireland consumers – and beyond – through a range of initiatives that include in-store sampling, event attendance and marketing support.”

Tim McVicker, commercial director at Kestrel Foods, said: “2015 was a fantastic year for us at Kestrel Foods and what a way to enter a new year with this latest Tesco Northern Ireland deal. Our new product range will be stocked in 24 stores across Northern Ireland, strengthening our existing relationship with Tesco Northern Ireland, who we have been in partnership with since 1997.”

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to launch a combination pack specifically tailored for juicing.

“Each pack has been carefully selected to give consumers the perfect mix for a smoothie or healthy juice. The process is simple: Rinse, Juice, Drink.”

Jill Jones, regional buying sssistant NI for Grocery and Produce, Asda NI, said: “We are thrilled to be building on our relationship with Gilfresh. We work in tandem with our suppliers to ensure that we are continually responding to food trends and providing our customers with high quality products. It’s fantastic to see innovation at this level from Gilfresh and we have no doubt that this will translate into sales.”

The new Gilfresh ‘Pure Press Juicing Packs’ are available in store now.

New Mash Direct range launched with Tesco Northern Ireland

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ward-winning food producer, Mash Direct, has produced a new premium product range for 13 Tesco Northern Ireland stores.

The Co Down, family-owned company has worked alongside Tesco to develop three luxurious recipes – Champ; Carrot and Parsnip; and Carrot, Parsnip and Turnip – which are now on sale across Northern Ireland in Tesco stores.

Husband and wife-duo, Martin and Tracy Hamilton, have been supplying Tesco Northern Ireland since 2006 after spotting an opportunity in the market to cater for busy families who have less time for food preparation but still desire quality, healthy meals fresh from the farm.

“The new premium product range is bursting with flavour – each one is gently steamed cooked, and retains its taste, texture and nutritional benefits after the mashing process,” said Martin. “We had the opportunity to showcase these products at the Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink launch at Tesco Knocknagoney earlier this month and we received extremely positive feedback. We’ve had a very good experience working with Tesco to not only stock but develop product lines and look forward to doing more of this in the future.”

Sandra Weir, fresh food buyer at Tesco Northern Ireland, said: “Mash Direct’s products are developed and stocked in response to the top trends in food.

With it often being difficult to find the time to cook traditional and healthy meals, but a desire among householders to do so, Martin and Tracy saw a gap in the market 12 years ago and diversified their family farm. The products have been met with such enthusiasm in that time and now, we’re seeing even more of a demand for the same traditional products but with just that hint of luxury.”

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IFEX PREVIEW

IFEX 2016 opens for business Lee Hyde, bartender with MONIN

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FEX, Northern Ireland’s largest food, drink, retail and hospitality event, will open its doors on Tuesday, March 8 and run until Thursday, March 10 at its new home, the Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast.

As a biennial event, this is the only chance within the next two years for visitors to meet with over 140 companies, and watch hundreds of industry and student chefs compete and network with thousands of industry colleagues, all under one roof, as the next IFEX isn’t until 2018.

Following the highly successful 2014 event, event specialist Fresh Montgomery has worked hard to create an exhibition that is even bigger and better than previous shows and one which delivers value to both exhibitors and visitors alike. With the addition of the Great Taste Market, showcasing the finest in award-winning products, IFEX 2016 is set to become a ‘onestop shop’ for discovering and tasting some of the best food and drink products Northern Ireland has to offer.

Indicating that the demand and anticipation for IFEX is high, both exhibitor numbers and visitor pre-show registrations are ahead of previous years, with space almost entirely sold out. This year, more people have registered to attend IFEX than ever before and thousands of additional registrations are expected over the coming weeks.

For IFEX visitors, they will meet a huge number of exhibitors at this year’s show including big brand names in foodservice such as Lynas Food, Henderson Foodservice, Stephen’s Catering Equipment Co, Bunzl, Flogas, Coca-Cola, Golden Glen, BD Foods and Brakes - which will sit alongside successful local companies such as Morelli’s Ice-cream, Suki Tea, Sauceworks, Trailblazer BBQ, Glastry Farm ice-cream and Bailies Handroasted Coffee.

AN INDUSTRY EVENT FOR THE INDUSTRY As such an important event for retailers, 10

hoteliers, chefs, restaurateurs, cafe owners and all of those in the food, drink, retail and hospitality sectors, IFEX, is widely supported by a variety of trade bodies including the Federation of Small Businesses in Northern Ireland, which will have a strong presence over the three days.

Meeting current members and attracting new members, NIIRTA is continuing its support of IFEX. The organisation is inviting its members to attend the show in a bid to find new products, services and solutions that could help its businesses in the years ahead.

‘GREAT TASTING’ NEW ADDITION TO IFEX 2016 WineLab, Ireland’s first and only wine on tap specialist

Organiser of IFEX, Fresh Montgomery, has partnered with The Guild of Fine Food to introduce the first-ever Great Taste Market to IFEX, showcasing the finest in speciality foods from a variety of Great Taste winners from across NI, ROI and GB. 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.

“The Guild of Fine Food is thrilled to be launching the first Great Taste Market at IFEX as we’ve excellent relationships with many food and drink producers from both Northern Ireland and Ireland, due to the huge success that Irish producers have enjoyed in Great Taste,” said John Farrand, managing director of the Guild of Fine Food. “Year after year, Northern Irish and Irish producers consistently perform well with their worldclass products, and this is reflected in the numbers of stars awarded. We’ve even had McCartney’s in Moira and Hannan Meats scoop our top accolade, with both being named as Supreme Champions in 2011 and 2012 respectively.

“The Great Taste Market has been well received and we’ve a host of producers on board including S.D. Bell’s, Burren Smokehouse and Yellow Door. We’re looking

forward to showcasing over 20 Great Taste award-wining producers, and the beauty of this area is that buyers can be assured of the excellent quality and taste of all of the products within the Great Taste Market. In addition to showcasing our winners, we’re hoping that their presence at IFEX will ultimately lead to new business, and we’re looking forward to a busy three days.”

LEADING REASON FOR VISITING IFEX With new products said to be the number one reason for visiting IFEX, IFEX 2016 is expecting a record number of new products and services from 140-plus exhibitors.

Long-standing show exhibitors have continued to support the event as well as many companies exhibiting for the first time at IFEX. “We have been exhibiting at IFEX for several years now, and we’re delighted to do so,” said Damien Barrett, managing director at Henderson Foodservice. “The sales team find the event an invaluable activity to get to meet new customers and catch up with current customers. It is also a great opportunity to experience what is upcoming and exciting in the hospitality industry. We’re looking forward to an exciting and successful few days in March.”

Paul Caves, managing director of Stephen’s Catering, said: “IFEX is a tremendous show, and one which we’ve been supporting as a IFEX Chef of the Year 2014 Shaun Hanna

business for many years. It’s a melting pot for all of those within the food and hospitality industries and ChefSkills is where the future of our hospitality industry first takes to the stage.”

Attending for the first time, meanwhile, are Nestle Ireland, Express Food, CocaCola, Nespresso, Ferrero UK, Unilever and Monin amongst others. Monin, a worldfamous syrup brand, will be creating a ‘stir’ at its stand with award-winning bartender Lee Hyde. Also new to the drinks sector is exhibitor WineLab, Ireland’s first and only wine on tap specialist.

For full details and to register attendance for free, visit www.ifexexhibition.co.uk. See p16 for more on the Salon Culinaire. For the competition timetable of events, visit www.ifexexhibition.co.uk/salon-culinaire.

Be among over 5,000 buyers from NI and beyond at the Titanic Exhibition Centre from 8-10 March 2016. Discover the latest industry trends, top new chefs and the very best in Irish food and drink at IFEX 2016.

FREE TO ATTEND

Don’t miss our 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 3343_IFEX16 Ad A4_Hospitality Review.indd 1

ORGANISED BY

25/01/2016 10:17

My Life in the Grocery Trade Jill Crawford, co-founder and commercial director of Just Live a Little BRIEFLY OUTLINE YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE I have been at Just Live a Little for two years.

Previous to this, I worked at Business in the Community for eight years and was the community director and business development manager. Previous to that, I have had a range of roles in the private and community sector including a three-year stint as a recruitment consultant for Reed Accountancy.

has come in overnight, followed by getting the children out to school. After that, I could be meeting buyers, doing deliveries, attending a trade show, writing blogs/promotional leaflets, following up on business development leads. Then I am usually a taxi for my children to their many extra-curricular activities.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Leaving a safe job to work in my own business and follow my dream. (Don’t get me wrong, some days I don’t always think so!)

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? As a small company, I deal with all aspects of sales from our local shop in Portaferry through to negotiating with buyers of national chains.

I also develop new sales channels by attending trade shows and networking and following up on many leads and learning the great skill of tenacity.

I also look after all of the marketing and social media of the business and provide advice and feedback on product development.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? Getting great feedback from our customers and the variety my job gives me. The tenacity and patience required to get buyers over the line!

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WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? The fast pace, the exciting new products and having to always keep changing. I love that.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I love to travel, and I almost love the planning to travel as much, and most weekends involve lots of cooking!

BRIEFLY OUTLINE A TYPICAL DAY I really do not have a typical day. My days start with checking emails and seeing what

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW I once finished last in the Lisburn Half marathon… still finished!

YEAR OF FOOD & DRINK

Win-win opportunity for food and drink

BY MICHELE SHIRLOW, CHIEF EXECUTIVE, FOOD NI

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etailers across Northern Ireland, I am delighted to report, are beginning to embrace our Year of Food & Drink, and offer huge opportunities to smaller businesses to reach a wider audience and thereby increase sales.

Already Tesco NI and Asda NI have pledged their support for this hugely important initiative, and others are in the pipeline to announce their support in the near future. Watch this space.

Support from retailers, both large and small, is immensely encouraging. Winning enthusiastic support from retailers is a priority for Food NI. We recognise that retailers help to increase awareness of the quality and outstanding taste available here and help smaller food companies to grow worthwhile business. It’s been tremendously encouraging to see the extent of enthusiasm for the yearlong initiative. It’s a win-win opportunity for both retailers and producers.

And it’s my conviction that a legacy of Year of Food & Drink will be greater business for existing suppliers and first-lime listings for dozens of smaller and artisan enterprises.

I’d also hope that this focus will result in listings in Great Britain for a great many more

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

companies. There’s certainly an opportunity for our companies to pitch to replace food and drink currently imported by the UK from overseas suppliers.

Currently the UK imports food and drink worth around £40b from abroad.

Tesco is backing Year of Food & Drink with a £500,000 promotional campaign designed to showcase our marvellous food and drink to over 800,000 shoppers who visit the retailer’s 57 stories.

As many readers of Ulster Grocer will be aware, Tesco has already started to spotlight local producers and products, giving the public here an unprecedented opportunity to get to know producers and to give shoppers more opportunities than ever before to sample the quality and innovation of local products.

This will increase awareness of local products and provide producers with an opportunity to increase sales.

Asda, the first retailer to announce support for Year of Food & Drink, also offers extensive opportunities both here and in Britain and has also introduced several to Walmart, the top US retailer which owns the UK operation. Asda is developing its Supplier Development Academy (SDA) to reinforce its

already strong relationship with the agri-food sector here and help to build on the £300m of products it sources annually from local suppliers.

The academy will involve a number of Asda’s key suppliers and will help them to do more business with the retailer. It has the potential to boost each participant’s trading potential by up to 30%, promote innovation, develop key skills and streamline bureaucracy and administration.

In addition to the SDA, the supermarket is rolling out a programme of activity which will offer both its local supply base and its customers the chance to embrace the many opportunities for suppliers including Meet the Buyer events throughout the region.

However, it’s not just about the multiples, the independent sector here is showing interest in how it can support. For instance, Creightons on the Lisburn Road celebrated Breakfast Month and SPAR and Supervalu referenced the initiative on their leaflet drop, a fantastic way to get the message across. Over the coming months we will be reporting on progress in the independent sector as Year of Food & Drink grows. January is off to a great start roll on the other 335 days of celebration!

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best of breakfast month

Lisnacurran teams up with local producers to offer alternative breakfast M

arking NI Year of Food & Drink and the January Breakfast Month focus, Lisnacurran Country House in Dromore teamed up with some of Lisburn and Castlereagh’s best local producers, Hollah Preserving from Moira and Ruby Blue from Lisburn, to offer its take on an alternative breakfast.

Breakfast choices on offer included porridge served with a ‘smidgen’ of Hollah Preserving Chilli, Strawberry and Prosecco Relish; toasted sesame bagel served with Irish crispy bacon, Fivemiletown Ballybrie cheese and Hollah Preserving Vodka and Wild Cranberry Jelly; and Traditional Lisnacurran Ulster Fry with a dollop of Hollah Preserving Bucky BBQ Sauce.

And guests could enjoy their breakfast with a RubyBlue Bloody Mary, a new take on the classic toned down for breakfast, or a Bucks Fizz, Lisnacurran style featuring freshly squeezed orange juice with a small splash of Ruby Blue Wild Cranberry Liqueur.

“Lisburn & Castlereagh has a wealth of great local producers and it is great to see other businesses from other sectors like Lisnacurran, working hand in hand with some of our local successes,” said Allan Ewart, chairman of the Economic Development Committee at Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council.

Pictured are, from left, Paula Latuske and Trudy Hodkinson from Hollah Preserving, Lynne McCabe from Lisnacurran Country House Bed and Breakfast, and Barbara Hughes from Hughes Craft Distillery.

Yahi embraces Breakfast Month

Amanda Stewart, new product development manager at Yahi, is pictured with supervisor Andrea Forrester showcasing the Banh Mi Breakfast sandwich.

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elfast’s Yahi café introduced a new breakfast menu in celebration of the NI Year of Food & Drink Breakfast Month, with an investment in local food suppliers at the heart of the menu.

No less than 14 local products are served

up in the morning menu of the café, located in the city centre’s Great Northern Mall.

The café opened just 10 months ago, and has invested over £100,000 in local food suppliers to date, with its aim from the outset to gather only from local fields and farms for their onthe-go customers.

The new breakfast menu boasts Northern Irish products such as Clandeboye Natural Yogurt, Sloan’s dry cure bacon from Kilrea, Ballygarvey eggs, White’s organic oats, Warrenpoint honey and Keen nut butters, alongside Clontakilty’s famous black pudding and Ballymaloe Relish from the south of Ireland.

Amanda Stewart from Yahi developed the menu alongside head chef Rotsen Zambrano.

“From the initial stages of the Yahi concept,

we have always known that local would be important to us,” said Stewart.

“Customers are much more aware of how great ingredients that come from Northern Ireland’s producers can be, so they should be able to get the same local quality from their lunches on the go as they would with a sit-down restaurant meal.

“We’re excited to launch the new breakfast menu; it has got something for everyone from organic porridge and house made granola, to the more adventurous Banh Mi or The Hunter hot breakfast sandwiches.”

Other local producers featuring across the breakfast, lunch and snack menu include Givan Meats, Tamnagh Foods, Ewing’s Seafood, Fivemiletown Creamery and Mango Street.

Bell launches Year of Food & Drink in NYC T

hey may be more used to bagels, but New Yorkers are being encouraged to try some wheaten, soda or potato bread instead.

The call came from Trade Minister Jonathan Bell as he launched the NI Year of Food & Drink 2016 in the city.

“In Northern Ireland, we are often guilty of taking what we’ve got for granted, but that is most certainly not the case when it comes to our excellent food and drink offering,” said Bell. “It's not unusual to go into a restaurant and ask what the special is. We know that by their very nature, our fresh ingredients make Northern Ireland food more than a bit special.

Now is the time to let the world know just 14

how good it really is and launching the NI Year of Food & Drink in ‘the Big Apple’ is an important part of raising our international profile.

“We want to win the hearts of tourists.

We want them to fall in love with Northern Ireland and we know that our food and drink can play a key role in making that happen.

“Having sampled something off the Northern Ireland menu, I believe visitors will want more - to see more, to do more and, ultimately, to spend more. I have no doubt as we move through this very special year of food and drink, it will continue to deliver real results for tourism in Northern Ireland.”

Trade Minister Jonathan Bell and Tourism Ireland's Niall Gibbons are pictured with Northern Ireland chefs Stephen Toman, ( OX, Belfast) and Ian Orr, (Brown’s Restaurant, Londonderry and Ardtara Country House, Upperlands) who were at the New York launch of NI Year of Food & Drink 2016.

Year of Food & Drink continues with Love Local FEBRUARY 2 Bangor Beer Club - 8pm The Salty Dog, Bangor FEBRUARY 3 Chef and Food Service Student Competition Southern Regional College Newry campus, supported by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation FEBRUARY 4 Comber Farmers’ Market 9am-1:30pm, St Marys Parish Church, The Square – Comber Industry and Education Event - South West College Enniskillen campus

Sampling local foods, chef demonstrations and information about getting involved in Year of Food & Drink FEBRUARY 5 Year of Food & Drink Sampling 10am-4pm, Tesco, Bentrim Road, Lisburn

FEBRUARY 22 Taste Our Best 9am-2:15pm, Guildhall Square, Guildhall Street, Derry.

Growing a Foodie Destination - supported

by Northern Ireland Regional Agri-Food Programme and Tourism NI. www.derrystrabane.com/Subsites/Food/Year-ofFood-Drink-2016

FEBRUARY 6 Basket Making Workshop 10am-5pm, Dalriada House, Coleraine Road, Ballycastle

FEBRUARY 23 Focus On Food Conference 2016 St Georges Market, E Bridge Street, Belfast

FEBRUARY 12-14 Love Local Valentine’s menus across Northern Ireland

FEBRUARY 28 Artisan Pizza Workshop 1pm-5pm, Ballycastle Seafront

The theme for MARCH is Heritage & Traditions.

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

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

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THIS MONTH’S EVENTS:

Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 is a celebration of everything that makes local produce so good including epic landscapes, time-honoured traditions and the people and producers behind its food heritage. The theme for February is Love Local.

ADVERTORIAL

Family potato business celebrates new arrival

The next generation of potato experts at McCormack potato are pictured helping their fathers and grandfather launch New Nature’s Harvest Chippers – the perfect potatoes for chips. Front (l –r) Eoin, Daniel, Nial and Shane McCormack; back (l-r) owners, Barry, Brian and Aiden McCormack.

F

amily-run potato company, McCormack Potato, Moy, has welcomed a new arrival to its popular Nature’s Harvest retail range of potatoes.

Nature’s Harvest Chippers – the perfect potatoes for chips, is a unique proposition to customers in the UK and Ireland marketplace, helping take the guesswork out of choosing the best potatoes for making perfect homemade chips, as well as perfect wedges and roasties.

The new product is also endorsed and recommended by Northern Ireland’s No.1 Fish & Chip Shop 2016, the Dolphin Takeaway,

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Dungannon which is supplied with the same potatoes.

Only the most flavoursome seasonal varieties make the Chippers grade so customers can enjoy perfect quality chipping potatoes all year round – chip shop approved. 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 carefully designed packaging is attractive to the busy family shopper and the 5kg family value size bag means Chippers is attractively priced. The robust paper bag comes with convenient handles for easy lifting and carrying and keeps potatoes fresher for longer at home.

Barry McCormack, Sales Director is delighted with the response to this exciting new product.

“We’re receiving an encouraging number of trade enquiries and feedback has been extremely positive. Chippers has already been snapped up by Musgrave and is on the shelves in SuperValu, Centra and Mace stores throughout the province. It also selling well in a rapidly growing number of independent stores across the province and we have ambitions to launch into ROI marketplace very soon.”

McCormack Potato, Moy was set up in the 1970’s by Brian McCormack and has grown to become one of Northern Ireland’s most trusted and reliable potato suppliers. With over 40 years’ industry experience, McCormack Potato has an unrivalled reputation for providing superior quality, value and personal service to top clients and brands across the UK and Ireland. The passionate potato experts offer an extensive range of finest seasonal potato varieties unwashed/brushed, fully washed, peeled or chipped. Their popular Nature’s Harvest own brand is a firm family favourite in supermarket grocery aisles across NI.

Food & drinks news

Consumer Insight and Market Update: Update on consumer sentiment

BY JASON WINSTANLEY, MOY PARK SENIOR INSIGHT AND RESEARCH MANAGER NEW YEAR, NEW ME? January. With a post-Christmas return to work, short, dark days and credit card bills to pay, it can be a miserable month for many of us. And that misery is often compounded with a tentative step onto the bathroom scales early into the New Year – which is why, for so many of us, January marks the start of a health kick.

Recent Moy Park research has found that, during January, the vast majority – 68% of consumers participated in some form of healthy eating activity. The most popular activity was to generally try to eat more healthily without making specific changes, with 29% of people doing this. Choosing to actively eat more fruit and vegetables was also popular, with 27% uptake.

Sugar consumption and ‘Dry January’ have been widely covered in the news in recent times but how has this impacted consumer behaviour? Well, perhaps surprisingly, given the column inches and air time that each has generated in recent months, only 20% of respondents say that they ate less sugar

in January, and only 9% said they took part in Dry January. However, although the percentages are fairly low, this does, of course, suggest that many millions did engage in both activities.

In terms of demographics, women were slightly more likely than men to have dialled back on their eating and drinking habits at the start of the New Year, and younger consumers were considerably more likely to have done so than older ones.

But why are so many consumers engaging in this level of January activity? Well, for just over a quarter, it’s all about weight management, with almost as many rating this as an important secondary consideration. The other major aspect is maintaining good heart health – 17% rate this as the most important factor behind their healthy eating regimes, but it is actually a top three factor for over half of consumers. The other key health factors which consumers have in mind are cholesterol intake, looking after their brain health, managing blood pressure and controlling diabetes.

So, what does all this mean for the grocery industry? Well, the research also revealed that, despite all the additional healthy eating taking place in January, most consumers’ spend on healthy, or healthier, products actually remained unchanged compared to the same period in 2015. However, a net 26% of consumers said that they did spend more, but, for the vast majority of these, the level of additional spend was only slightly incremental. So, we should not expect each January to produce a bonanza of additional spend on ‘health foods’. However, what the level of activity amongst consumers does demonstrate is that there is a real interest in engaging with a healthier lifestyle, and that there are key healthy eating concerns which are relevant to huge numbers of consumers and shoppers. And, actually, the real prize is for retailers and manufacturers who look to engage with consumers on these matters on a far more long-term basis than merely focusing on them in January.

Sources: – Moy Park research, February 2016

Profits rise for Northern Irish meat processor Dunbia L

eading Northern Irish meat processor Dunbia saw profits rise by more than 40% last year, on turnover of £826m.

Based in Dungannon, Co Tyrone, Dunbia, which recently announced an intention to seek further investment for growth, reported pre-tax profits of more than £6.5m in the year to March 29, 2015 – up from £4.6m the year before, an increase of around 8%.

Dunbia’s turnover also increased to £826m,

from £769m in the same period.

The group says it is now focusing resources on new product development and volume growth in order to expand the business, now Northern Ireland’s second biggest food processor after Moy Park and among the top five largest local companies.

The business, formed 40 years ago by brothers Jim and Jack Dobson, operates from around a dozen sites in the United

Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

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.

The group currently employs almost 4,000 people and added more than 350 during the year. It sources livestock from more than 22,000 producers across the UK and Ireland.

Investment continues at Pritchitts

Pictured with Trade Minister Jonathan Bell are Alo Duffy, chairman Lakeland Dairies; Tim Acheson, managing director, Pritchitts; and Michael Hanley, CEO, Lakeland Dairies.

T

rade Minister Jonathan Bell has visited Pritchitts in Newtownards to view its 12 production lines, producing over 100,000 tonnes of dairy products including ice cream mixes, UHT milk, powdered desserts and flavoured milks. Pritchitts is a dairy foodservice arm of Lakeland Dairies co8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

operative.

“I am delighted to be back at Pritchitts having been here in September 2015 to officially open the Global Logistics Centre,” said Bell. “It is testament to the company that I am back to see further development and the completion of their new state-of-the-art loading bays.

“With sales of £4bn per annum, the agrifood industry is our largest manufacturing sector providing around 10% of all private sector, employment and, with over 80% of our milk supply exported as dairy products, we need to ensure we create businesses that have the scale and efficiency to compete.

“Pritchitts is one such company, as the export award-winning dairy foodservice arm of Lakeland Dairies, employing over 200 people at Newtownards, they collect more than 400,000 litres of milk directly from Northern Ireland dairy farmers each day and

contribute over £80m to the local economy.

“Working together, co-operatives and farmers can maintain world class practices and this will help to ensure an optimum milk price combined with sustainable profitability to ensure the continuing growth and development of the business.

“Pritchitts has an impressive export record, sending products to over 70 countries worldwide and I am pleased to see the new development includes an enhancement of facilities and operations.

This includes milk intake and processing systems with Invest Northern Ireland supporting Lakeland Dairies with a grant of £1.5m towards their overall investment plan. The development of these facilities will help the company to continue to build their competitive edge as they develop new opportunities in the global market and I wish them continuing success.”

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FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Moy Park extends award-winning Roast in the Bag range M

oy Park has launched a new variation of its award-winning Moy Park Good Kitchen Roast in the Bag product range.

The new line, which contains Pork, Sage and Onion stuffing, will now be available alongside the Extra Tasty and Garlic and Herb whole chicken products.

Moy Park was the first company to use thermoformed packaging technology for its range of innovative roast in the bag products first launched in April last year. The state-of-the-art packaging is a printed, sealed pack that can go straight into the oven without piercing, and self-bastes during the cooking process.

“The range was developed to target a growing market for added-value fresh chicken products,” said Briege Finnegan, brand marketing manager, Moy Park.

“Sales of the range have gone from strength to strength since the launch of the Extra Tasty and Garlic and Herb varieties in April 2015 - with the products listed in major retailers across Ireland, and convenience retailers in GB. Consumer research showed that there is an appetite for extensions to this popular range. The new Pork, Sage and Onion whole chicken, will give consumers a convenient, succulent roast chicken, which saves time and offers added value as it is already stuffed.”

Moy Park’s Roast in the Bag range was recognised with an Irish Quality Food Award, and also a CIM Ireland Award for excellence in marketing, in 2015.

The Moy Park Good Kitchen Roast in the Bag range (Extra Tasty and Garlic and Herb) is available in retailers across the UK and Ireland. The new Pork, Sage & Onion stuffed roast in the bag product has secured listings with independent retailers in NI, Nisa Retail, P&H and Costcutter in GB from March.

RRP for the range is £5.00.

For more information on products and distribution, please contact Moy Park on 028 38 352 233.

Moy Park director named a top charity fundraiser

Alan Gibson meets local children on the Bale Mountain Trek in Ethiopia to support Farm Africa.

M

oy Park executive director Alan Gibson has been named one of the UK’s top fundraisers for 2015 on Just Giving, the world’s leading online fundraising platform.

Gibson was in the top 1% of fundraisers, raising over £31,000 through donations made to his Just Giving page for completing a 117km trek through the Bale Mountains in Ethiopia to support Farm Africa.

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He joined a number of the UK’s top executives from the food industry to embark upon the Bale Mountain Trek in November to raise funds for Farm Africa, a charity committed to helping African farmers build more prosperous lives, grow themselves out of poverty and end hunger.

“Taking part in the Bale Mountain Trek in Ethiopia was truly a life-changing

experience,” he said. “Witnessing the levels of poverty in areas of Ethiopia was difficult but the thing that really sticks with you is the kindness and warmth of the people.

“I would like to thank everyone who supported me by donating to Farm Africa – a most worthy charity that takes a practical and long-term view of addressing poverty in eastern Africa.”

In 2015, Moy Park announced a partnership with the charity committing to raise £100,000 over three years.

Fundraising activities in 2015 by Moy Park team members across its sites in the UK, Ireland and continental Europe have already raised over £62,000 for Farm Africa.

“My colleagues across the Moy Park business have taken part in marathons, cycle rides, mountain climbs, rowing challenges and a host of other activities to raise this tremendous amount for Farm Africa to date,” said Gibson. “We have many more exciting activities planned for the year ahead and I thank everyone for their energy and commitment in supporting Farm Africa’s great work.”

FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Northern Ireland’s Krazibaker goes back to school L

ocal artisan baker Krazibaker has opened a unique bakery school to help increase awareness of traditional Irish griddle breads.

The award-winning business, owned and run by Mark Douglas, is aiming to create interest in Britain in the production of staple Irish products such as handmade soda bread, potato cakes, wheaten loaves and all butter shortbread.

Douglas, who has over 30 year’s experience in baking a range of traditional and contemporary breads, has won UK Great Taste awards for his shortbread, which is made using handmade butter from Abernethy Butter, another Northern Irish award winner.

While the bakery school is currently based at his home in Dromore, Co Down, he plans to team up with a local hotel to offer residential courses. He aims to attract the interest of baking enthusiasts in Britain influenced by the success of television cookery shows such as The Great British Bake-Off. “Interest in baking skills, especially traditional Northern Irish breads, is stronger

now than ever,” said Douglas. “The trend has also been encouraged by the growth in tourism in Northern Ireland and from presentations in London and Dublin that I’ve been invited to undertake by Tourism Ireland.”

He is also coming up with original products such as an Irish wheaten, a brown soda bread using sultanas soaked overnight in Irish whiskey and then baked with cinnamon.

Douglas has been developing awareness and interest in traditional griddle baking techniques and products at farmers’ markets and shows throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland over the past three years.

“It’s a skill that appears to be dying, and that’s sad because griddle breads are tastier,” he said. “This recognition led me to attempt to do something to keep the technique alive.

The bakery school is a logical extension of this commitment. I’ve already organised several sessions and these have proved extremely popular.”

Mark Douglas

Food nutrition company develops innovative technology

N

orthern Irish company Carritech Research plans to bring ColdBake, an innovative technology, to the bakery industry, cooking products at 47 degrees or under so no nutritional value is lost.

The company is aiming to raise finance through crowdfunding to harness the new technology to deliver nutritional and health products in a crispy biscuit.

The nutrition and preventative healthcare company is now in discussions with potential partners about bringing its original ColdBake technology to market.

As the product is baked at less than 47 degrees, and in some cases as low as 40 degrees, the result is a light, aerated, crispy product retaining all the nutrients that would otherwise have been destroyed in the baking process.

ColdBake is based on vacuum oven technology. It weighs and blends powdered ingredients, adds and mixes liquid ingredients and water, shapes the resulting moist powders or dough into granules or larger pieces, allows those pieces to ‘condition’, and expands and dries the pieces in a vacuum oven.

“ColdBake is a lower-temperature process based on vacuum expansion and drying that can produce foods able to carry heat-sensitive ingredients such as vitamins and probiotics,” said Dr Richard Horton, managing director of Carritech. “We are currently involved in confidential dialogue with a number of companies regarding product applications, including baked goods and pharmaceuticals.”

Key role for NI in growth of Baileys Original B

aileys Irish Cream Liqueur increased net sales by 6% in the first half of last year, and was mainly driven by growth in GB and the US. Production in Northern Ireland accounts for 70% of the original variety volume sales.

In Britain, net sales were up 14%, supported by increased media, sampling and in-outlet visibility and promotions during the holiday season. In the US, the growth was driven by the launch of Baileys Espresso Crème.

Baileys is the number one selling liqueur in the world. Launched in 1974, it is exclusively produced and bottled in Ireland and sold in over 160 markets.

Over 40,000 dairy cows produce the daily cream requirement; a major supplier of cream being LacPatrick Dairy’s Coleraine factory. The majority of Baileys’ premium-quality ingredients and packaging are sourced in Ireland. It is also completely natural, and does not require preservatives.

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FOOD & DRINKS NEWS

Bakery and snack businesses are encouraged to grow through innovation J

ohn Hood, director of Food and Tourism at Invest Northern Ireland, recently encouraged over 40 producers from Northern Ireland’s bakery and snacks sector to explore innovation to support business growth.

Speaking at a seminar jointly hosted by Invest NI and CAFRE, he said: “Northern Ireland’s bakery and snacks sector remains very competitive, with businesses continually needing to invest in innovation and skills to remain profitable. Responding to the needs of the sector, as identified by the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s Bakery and Snacks sub group, this event will help to improve the competitiveness and capability of local companies as they seek to grow in ever competitive markets outside Northern Ireland.

“Together with CAFRE, we want to encourage more local businesses to explore innovative measures to support their growth and continued contribution to Northern Ireland’s agri-food processing industry.

“Extending a product’s shelf life, for example, can help deliver greater export opportunities, while implementing efficiencies in a product’s distribution can reduce costs.

“Innovation is key to success and Invest NI and CAFRE have advice and support designed to help local producers in this sector to embrace innovation in all its forms.”

Joy Alexander, head of Food Technology, CAFRE, said: “We at CAFRE, Loughry Campus are delighted to be jointly organising and hosting this important Food Innovation Seminar, targeted at the Bakery and Snacks Sector. We have an agri-food industry which we

Joy Alexander from CAFRE (left) and John Hood, Invest NI (back, centre) join speakers Ronan McNamee, co-founder of Cuisine De France and founder of BFree Foods (right), Keri Cummings, category marketing executive at Macphie of Glenbervie (front left) and Lisa Boswell, trade marketing manager, CSM Bakery Solutions.

can be justifiably proud of, but the challenge which faces everyone is to continue to develop world class products which meet the needs of an ever discerning consumer, wherever in the world that consumer may be.

“I encourage food companies to work in partnership with Invest NI and Loughry and explore the many opportunities available for innovation support.”

“Invest NI offers free advice and support available in areas such as business information, innovation and technology solutions, research and development, design, e-business, sustainable development, skills and strategy solutions, trade development and food marketing.”

Fisherman’s Friend invests in £1.5m advertising campaign I

conic confectionery brand Fisherman’s Friend is gearing up for another stellar sales performance this winter. The brand is currently on TV screens with a new creative featuring world-famous opera singer, Alfie Boe, marking the company’s biggest-ever marketing investment and its first UK TV advertising appearance in four years.

The £1.5m campaign follows fast on the heels of a record sales year for the Fleetwood-based brand, which saw value up 34% for October alone, and the highest global sales figures to date for the second year running.

Fisherman’s Friend continues to experience great success as the strongest lozenge there is. It’s been nearly 150 years since the first Original Extra Strong lozenge was produced but the brand continues to demonstrate real staying power, signalling the sheer power of brand loyalty as fans continue to reach for products they know, trust and enjoy, with Fisherman’s Friend now being sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The ongoing success demonstrates that medicated sweets can be a key sales driver for retailers if they make sure they have a well-stocked selection of lozenges, with enough variety to allow people to mix and match their favourite flavours during the key winter colds season. The over-the-counter medicines market is now worth £179m in impulse, growing at 11% year on year.

Original Extra Strong is still one of the most popular lines; pick up a pack today.

20

Q&A

Focus on fresh In Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink Love Local month, Alvin Donaghy, sales manager of Ballyclare-based Fred C Robinson, talks about working with one of Northern Ireland’s biggest fans of local produce, the Henderson Group.

TELL US ABOUT FRED C ROBINSON? Established in Belfast in 1905 by the Robinson family, Fred C Robinson is one of Ireland’s oldest pork and bacon processors.

The business was purchased by the Hamill family in 1984, and relocated to our current premises in Ballyclare in 1989. Today the business produces high quality fresh pork, ham and sausage products to retail and foodservice customers, locally and across the UK and RoI. WHEN DID YOU BEGIN SUPPLYING TO THE HENDERSON GROUP? We began supplying to the Henderson Group over 30 years ago, primarily with butchery counter products. As consumer demands evolved, this developed over time to supplying

a range of Northern Irelandsourced, retail-packed pork sausages, chops and roasts.

Through a combination of providing quality produce and targeted promotional activity, these products proved to be extremely successful. Last year, we were fortunate enough to win the Henderson Group contract to supply the SPAR enjoy local range, the new own-brand range of locallysourced product which was launched early 2015.

It was a fantastic opportunity for ourselves to be involved in the enjoy local range right from the very start. Looking across the whole range, you really have the cream of Northern Ireland food producers involved and, with the effort, determination, and marketing support of the Henderson Group team driving it forward, it has been hugely successful. To develop the range, we worked closely with the Henderson Group Fresh team. Every little detail was taken into account, from sourcing to product specification, price point, promotional activity and design, to establish the look and feel of the new packaging.

HOW DO YOU GO ABOUT DECIDING WHICH PRODUCTS TO SUPPLY? We work closely with our Trading Manager and the fresh team at Henderson Group, which is always hugely supportive. When deciding which products to supply, the team work together to provide retail market information and give us insight to the overall company strategy across

the category. We provide insight from our industry, and work through the information available to deliver value for money local products.

TELL US THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH HENDERSON GROUP Our experience of working with the Henderson Group is very positive. It’s clear the Henderson Group works exceptionally closely with their independent retailers and conduct extensive market research with shoppers, which gives them a strong insight into the market. This has given both us and them the opportunity to respond to, and where possible exceed, change and develop, in line with consumer expectations. The speed of decision making and implementation of new ideas within the Henderson Group is also of tremendous benefit to companies like ourselves.

DO YOU HAVE ANY PLANS TO INTRODUCE MORE NEW LINES THIS YEAR? We will be looking to develop our summer eating range of Pork Chops and Pork Ribs with new marinades and coatings and new twists on old favourites. The team at Henderson Group is always seeking new and innovative ways of maximising the opportunity that exists with locally-sourced product.

We will also be going back to our roots for Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink.

Robinson’s initially were renowned bacon curers and, as a result, we have created a range of Dry Cured Bacon and Gammon products that will be aged and matured in our curing cellar. We have been working on developing these products for a period of time and have worked with the team at Henderson Group regarding taste profile and texture of the products. It really is a meeting of the best of traditional values, married with modern processing procedures.

ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH SUPPLYING TO THE WIDER RETAIL SECTOR? There are many challenges involved with supplying the retail sector, and the challenge for businesses like ourselves is to find solutions and to be responsive to our customers’ needs. As consumer shopping patterns have changed, the Henderson Group has adapted and responded to these, and challenged us as suppliers to adapt our offering. For example, we now have much shorter order lead times, daily deliveries to the depot and more retailer-friendly case sizes.

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TAYTO PROFILE

Tayto – our local diamond turns 60!

As Northern Ireland’s number one crisp and snack company, Tayto, turns 60 this year, we look at just what goes into making this local diamond continue to go from strength to strength.

SIX DECADES OF SUCCESS Tayto started producing crisps at its Tandragee factory in 1956, before computers, decimalisation and calculators, after pioneer businessman, Thomas Hutchinson, purchased the Castle and spotted a gap in the market for tasty, locally-produced snacks.

Today the next generation have ownership of the business and are actively involved in driving its strategic direction. With a CEO in place, Paul Allen, the company has made many tactical investments over the last decade, developing from a business turning over £19m to an annual turnover of more than £200m.

Tayto’s parent company, Tayto Group, now owns iconic crisp brand, Golden Wonder, Mr Porky’s pork snacks, as well as premium handcooked brands, REAL and Jonathan Crisp.

The Group’s headquarters is Tayto Castle in Co Armagh, which also offers Tayto Tours giving fans a glimpse inside Tayto’s magical Castle and the chance to see the delicious products being made.

Many Tayto employees have been there for more than 25 years and one, Nan Morrow, has been there since the very start – 60 years!

She remembers the early days with only a few hundred bags of crisps produced each week, all salted by hand; a far cry from today’s major operation manufacturing one million bags of crisps and snacks each working day at the Castle.

FACT FILE 1. It is rumoured that crisps were invented by American George Crum in 1853 when a diner kept asking for his potato to be sliced thinner.

This is hotly debated by UK crisp enthusiasts who claim that Dr William Kitchiner’s early 19th century book, The Cook’s Oracle, suggests that the concept of thinly sliced and fried potatoes, aka crisps, had already been created.

2. One in every five packets of crisps eaten in Northern Ireland is Tayto Cheese & Onion.

3. The O’Hanlon clan owned Tandragee Castle more than 500 years ago.

4. Each and every crisp in the Tayto standard range is sliced to exactly 1.2mm thick.

5. In the early days, Tayto crisps were packed in tins.

6. Tayto’s three most popular flavours are Cheese & Onion, Spring Onion and Smoky Bacon.

7. More than 20,000 tonnes of potatoes are used each year at Tayto and, if all the crisps produced in a year were laid end to end, they would stretch for 19,000 miles.

8. Keep your eyes open when you are abroad as Tayto crisps are exported to 43 countries, so you never know where you might spot them.

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TAYTO CASTLE There aren’t many, if any, companies that have a Castle as their headquarters and Tayto has perfectly blended old and new at its Co Armagh facility.

From the exterior stone walls, turrets and winding staircase leading to a period-style Chapel, where team gatherings and board meetings take place, there is no doubt you are in a very old Castle. This is in contrast to the factory itself, which has benefited from a Group-wide investment programme to upgrade equipment and modernise processes, with the 450 employees at the state-of-the-art plant now producing more than 220 tonnes of crisps and snacks each month.

After the Castle was confiscated from the O’Hanlon clan by King James 1 of England in 1619 and given to Sir Oliver St John, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, the O’Hanlons tried to recapture it during the war, with Sir Oliver St John shot through the head while directing the Castle’s defence.

As the battle raged, the Castle and nearby church were burnt and destroyed. The ruins were passed through various hands becoming home to the Duke of Manchester in the 1800s. In 1836, the Castle was rebuilt and remained home of the Duke of Manchester until 1939.

On October 21, 1943, it became the garrison home of 28th Cavalry Squadron, 6th Cavalry Group – 3rd United States Army. The Army trained here, prior to being sent to England in April 1944 to prepare for the D-Day Normandy invasions. American soldiers were warmly welcomed to Tandragee, with many striking up friendships and marrying locals.

TAYTO PROFILE INNOVATION ON OUR DOORSTEP CEO Paul Allen discusses the importance of innovation in the company’s success. “We’ve been rolling out our strategic investment plan across our five UK sites to modernise our machinery and processes. This has had a major and positive impact on the Group’s production capabilities.

“Innovation runs right across our busy operation and we have a dedicated Group Innovation Director responsible for new product development and improvements across all aspects of the business.

“Innovation is very much integral to everything we do and will remain a focus into the future. We are developing an innovation centre – a creative space where ideas can thrive and where teams can meet to assess and review viability of new products and processes. This centre should help to demonstrate how important innovation and working closely with our retail partners is to us.”

TAYTO TOURS Mr Tayto has opened his castle to fans, who can get a unique peek at what goes into making Tayto Northern Ireland’s favourite crisps and snacks. Visitors can see inside the wonder of Tayto Castle, smell the flavours scenting the air and eat some crisps fresh off the production line, still warm to the touch. There’s nothing quite like it.

Tours are open to everyone from schoolchildren to families and friends with something for visitors of all ages to enjoy. Tourism Northern Ireland awarded Tayto Tours a 4* rating – the highest rating ever awarded to an existing facility!

There’s also the chance to meet Mr Tayto himself and, after a Tayto Tour, no one leaves the Castle empty handed.

TAYTO CHEESE & ONION Number one selling flavour, Tayto Cheese & Onion, has a unique taste and distinctive yellow packaging, making it easy to pick out on shelves across villages, towns and cities. With so many Tayto Cheese & Onion superfans, the flavour mix remains a closely guarded secret – so secret in fact that there is a special flavour room dedicated to our Cheese & Onion flavour in Tayto Castle with only a select few employees knowing this recipe and they are sworn to secrecy.

WHAT ENGAGEMENT WILL BE HAPPENING WITH RETAILERS FOR THE 60TH CELEBRATIONS There will be lots happening across the retail sector from giveaways and prizes to special retro packs and associated items.

A limited edition Tayto 60th logo has been developed and this will be used throughout the year.

Old-fashioned-style 18 pack boxes of the most popular flavour, Cheese & Onion, have been created and each box gives the opportunity to win one of 60 prizes including hotel breaks and entrance to visitor attractions such as Belleek Pottery, Giants Causeway and Titanic Belfast sourced through Tourism Northern Ireland together with boxes of crisps, merchandise and family passes to our tours.

Retail activity will be supported by a targeted marketing and PR campaign both off and online that will keep the momentum and focus on Tayto’s birthday celebrations throughout 2016. A vintage ad will run onscreen to evoke the retro feel further.

With additional exciting promotions planned to celebrate Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink, engagement with retailers will continue steadily throughout 2016.

NOTE FROM THE BIRTHDAY BOY 2016 is going to be an exciting year for me as I turn 60 and there’s going to be lots to celebrate throughout the year – it’s great to be hitting this milestone during Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink!

I’d like to thank all the Tayto fans.

I really appreciate how you have taken this spud to your hearts and I want to enjoy my big birthday with you. I can promise that there’ll be lots of fun, competitions and prizes throughout the year so keep your eye out on Facebook and Twitter!

Tay-to for now Mr Tayto

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EASTER PREVIEW

New ‘free-from’ range from NI fudge maker H

andmade fudge maker Blackthorn Foods in Northern Ireland has launched a new range of artisan products which are non-dairy and free from gluten and soya.

The new range in 90g packs features four flavours – Madagascan Vanilla, Chocolate, Stem Ginger and Chocolate and Chocolate and Orange – and has been developed by the company to meet the growing demand for ‘free-from’ products.

The new products are part of the company’s established and successful Melting Pot brand, which also includes fudge fondues and chocolate caramels.

“We saw a developing opportunity, particularly in Britain, for a range of products that are made without dairy, gluten and soya and decided to invest in creating products to meet this demand,” said Dorothy Bittles, director.

“Response to the new range has been immensely encouraging. We pride ourselves in producing high quality handmade fudge made in open pots in the traditional way.

“Unlike some commercial fudge manufacturers, our range of fudges are produced in small batches, hand beaten, hand cut and then wrapped. This gives our fudges a unique taste and texture that wins awards year on year.”

Blackthorn Foods is a family business based in Belfast, formed and managed by three sisters. It produces a broad range of handmade fudge for customers in Britain, the Republic of Ireland and further afield.

“We manufacture an extensive range of gluten-free flavours,” said Bittles. “All our flavours are natural, for example we use a real Jamaican rum in our Rum & Raisin fudge and not a flavouring.

“Our range of fudges is available in a selection of pack sizes for gift market, trade, wholesale, retail and corporate customers. We also make a range of own label fudge and bespoke flavours for many recognised customers.”

Seed and Bean celebrates Fairtrade Fortnight 2016 F airtrade fortnight is in its 21st year in 2016, running from February 29–March 13. Seed and Bean prides itself on trading fairly and supporting the foundation as much as it can, through the buying of its cocoa and chocolate production and also promotion year on year. Seed and Bean is the only 100% ethically accredited chocolate company (Good Shopper Guide 2011, 12, 13, 14, 15), and cites its trading and green credentials as vitally important.

Currently trade often works with profit prioritised at the expense of vulnerable people. Fair Trade as a growing global phenomenon puts people before profit. The principles of fair trade include a living wage, environmental sustainability and social justice, and Seed and Bean offers traceability of its chocolate from field to store.

Seed and Bean’s 18 full-flavoured bars include Chile, Lime, Coffee, Coconut, Cornish Sea Salt, Raspberry, Cardamom,

Poppy Seed, Hemp and available in either Milk, white, Dark, with 12 variants suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Compostable wrappers are produced in Cumbria, using primarily Eucalyptus leaves, with every bar handmade in the UK in very small batches (45 litres, most companies start at 10,000).

Seed and Bean is stocked by a range of farm shops and delis around the UK and Europe, and internationally.

Artisan chocolatier expands to grow export sales Q

uirky artisan chocolatier Neary Nogs is investing to meet the growing demand for its extensive range of handmade products.

The award-winning chocolatier, which is based in Newry, Co Down, has moved to a bigger factory unit close to the border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Neary Nogs, a family business owned and managed by husband and wife team Shane and Dorothy Neary, has moved into a 1200-square-foot business park site at Flurry Bridge, near Newry.

The premises have been kitted out with new production machinery enabling the company to increase processing and production capacity. New 200g tubs have been introduced as part of a focus on innovative packaging.

The small company was recently recognised in the Blas na hEireann, Irish 24

Food Awards for its unique Orange, Basil and Poppy Seed Fudgery, a chocolate fudge. The company’s products are dairy and gluten free.

“The new premises give us substantial scope to expand our operations and to respond to the increasing demand for our chocolates in Northern Ireland,” said Shane Neary. “The location close to the border with the Republic of Ireland will also provide a platform from which to grow sales there. We’ve had a number of approaches from people there interested in selling our chocolates. They are different from other chocolates currently on the market especially in the Republic.”

The company, which recently launched Ireland’s first stone ground ‘bean to bar’ chocolate product from single origin cocoa, has also diversified into hot chocolate drinks and has launched a pack of three 70g jars featuring individual helpings of cocoa from Ecuador and Peru for enthusiasts.

GET STUCK IN Denny is back with an EXCLUSIVE campaign for Northern Ireland consumers Following huge success in 2015, Denny are back with a new through the line campaign in conjunction with major retailers.

Rewarding loyal consumers and recruiting new Denny users is at the heart of the campaign which will be underpinned by a local competition offering consumers the chance to win 1 of 50 two-day family breaks at Lusty Beg, Co. Fermanagh.

Each break includes two nights B&B and the lucky winners also get to choose a fun-filled activity such as archery or canoeing.

The campaign will be supported

by TV, digital activation, sampling, PR, in store promotions and Denny will also be supporting and sampling at the SPAR Craic 10k which takes place in Belfast on March 17th.

WIN

1 OF 50 TWO-DAY FAMILY BREAKS AT

LUSTY BEG WITH

Tim Gault, National Account Controller for Kerry Foods Northern Ireland commented: ‘We are really excited to be able to get behind a campaign of this size across Northern Ireland to demonstrate our commitment to driving growth and further momentum across the Denny brand in 2016’.

The competition runs until 16th April.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT DENNYEST1820

perspective

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• Order fulfilment from individual case to full Pallet pick.

• Specialising in the Food and FMCG Markets.

• Full Contract Packing and Re Working Services.

• Daily deliveries via own transport network to Independents & Multiples throughout Ireland and the UK. • Stock control via fully integrated warehouse management system complete with on line customer portal.

• HMRC Excise Bonded Warehousing giving deferred VAT & Excise duty on Alcohol.

• International Shipping, Import & Export Clearance, Container Handling, Port Logistics, Devanning and Palletising.

please contact simonwoodside@woodsides.com or call 028 9334 3006 The Woodside Group, 61 Carrickfergus Road Ballynure, Co Antrim, BT39 9QJ. • website: www.woodsides.com

For further information 8 Grocer | JANUARY 2011 364• •Ulster Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011

SOFT DRINKS & BOTTLED WATER

Fruit juice, energy and juice drink sales dry up as war on sugar rages KEY NOTE MARKET UPDATE BY ANDREW CAPSTICK

I

n 2015, the market for fruit juices, energy and juice drinks is estimated to have declined in value by 0.6% year-on-year, and by 0.8% in volume terms according to a recently published report by market intelligence provider, Key Note. Decline in the market in recent years has mainly been driven by the high-profile campaign against sugar, with numerous public health organisations, officials and other stakeholders issuing warnings – widely reported across media outlets – about excessive sugar consumption as a contributing factor to the prevalence of obesity and diabetes in the UK. Soft drinks have largely borne the brunt of attacks in the so-called ‘war on sugar’, with carbonated beverages highlighted as a key contributor to sugar intake among adults, while juice drinks account for one of the major sources of intake among children. Fruit juices have also been affected significantly in

recent years as a result of warnings in 2013 regarding their high levels of fruit sugars, or fructose; this had such a dramatic impact on the market as fruit juices are advertised to adults and children as healthy beverages on the basis of their all-fruit content. With continued pressure on government to tackle sugary soft drinks, two key public bodies – Public Health England and the House of Commons Health Committee – endorsed the suggestion of additional taxation on fullsugar soft drinks to reduce sugar intake.

Additional taxation has been heavily criticised by the industry and the current Government has so far resisted additional tax measures, preferring instead to rely on reformulation and similar activities by the industry. However, its plans for sugar reduction measures, including financial controls, are expected to be revealed during 2016 in its upcoming childhood obesity

strategy, following the considerable impact of the public debate on sales across the soft drinks market and as a flood of criticism increasingly spreads among consumers.

Key Note’s 2015 Market Update, Fruit Juices, Energy & Juice Drinks, analyses the market for fruit juices, juice drinks (including sports drinks and fruit-flavoured water) and energy drinks in the UK. Drinks not covered in this report include most milk-based drinks, including lassistyle and yoghurt drinks (although the report does cover smoothies, which can contain milk, yoghurt or ice cream). Still and sparkling water drinks are also excluded from the scope of this report, unless they are fruit-flavoured, while cordials and squashes in concentrated form are also excluded unless they are sold in a diluted, ready-to-drink (RTD) format. The carbonates and concentrates categories of the soft drinks industry are covered within Key Note’s Soft Drinks Market Report.

Volvic Touch of Fruit adds more flavour to its Sugar Free range V

olvic is adding a new flavour to its Touch of Fruit range. New Volvic Sugar Free Touch of Fruit Orange is the third sugar free flavour in the range.

“We are extremely proud of the newest addition to the Volvic family,” said Joanne Beattie, brand manager of Valeo Foods NI, distributor of the Volvic brand. “We know orange is a huge flavour in the UK and this delicious drink is a great addition to the Volvic Touch of Fruit range.”

There are now three refreshing sugar free varieties in the Volvic Touch of Fruit portfolio; Strawberry, Lemon & Lime and Orange.

An extensive marketing campaign is planned for summer 2016. including out of home media and nationwide sampling.

ABOUT THE VOLVIC RANGE Volvic Natural Mineral Water is sourced in the French Auvergne region, where it is filtered through six layers of volcanic rock which gives it a unique mineral composition. Volvic includes natural mineral water and flavoured drink ranges.

Volvic Touch of Fruit is available in Strawberry, Lemon & Lime, Orange & Peach, Cherry and Tropical flavours. Volvic Touch of Fruit also comes in Sugar-Free Strawberry, Lemon & Lime and NEW Orange flavours.

Volvic Touch of Fruit Sparkling is available in Lemon and Lime, Strawberry and Raspberry and Mango and Passionfruit flavours.

Danone Waters UK & Ireland (DWUK) is the parent company of the bottled waters and beverages produced by evian, Volvic and BADOIT.

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SOFT DRINKS & BOTTLED WATER

Shloer – driving sales through innovation “A

dult soft drink (ASD) sales are benefiting from the consumer trend towards healthier choices, with volume sales through multiple grocers in Northern Ireland up by 4% to £2.5m in 20151,” says Amanda Grabham, marketing director – Soft Drinks at SHS Drinks, which has a brand portfolio including Shloer, Northern Ireland’s number one adult soft drinks brand.1 “As consumers are cutting down on their alcohol intake, there is a greater demand for more sophisticated soft drinks and flavours which appeal to the adult palate and they are also turning to lighter soft drinks which are lower in sugar and calories. This provides a great opportunity for retailers to generate sales by increasing their adult soft drinks range to offer greater variety and more choice for their customers.

“Being grape-based, Shloer is by far the most popular alcohol alternative – it accounts for two-thirds of the volume of adult soft drinks sold in Northern Ireland and nine out of the Top 10 ASD lines.1 The range of flavours, styles and the sharing bottles make Shloer perfect for all social occasions from Sunday lunches and barbecues to celebrations such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and baby showers. It really is a ‘must stock’ and the staple of the adult soft drinks fixture.”

SHS Drinks is helping retailers tap into the growth opportunity with exciting new products such as Shloer Celebration and Shloer Light, which have recruited new shoppers and helped to drive sales and category growth. With 22 calories per 100ml, Shloer Light is available in Red Grape and White Grape and has made a particularly big impact.

Last year the volume growth achieved by Shloer Light alone outstripped the growth of the whole of the adult soft drinks category in Northern Ireland.1 This year, as part of its Here’s to Good Times campaign, Shloer is embarking on a new burst of social media activity turning the spotlight on Shloer Celebration. A new What’s Your Celebration? initiative

will reinforce the gifting association by offering prizes of personalised bottles of Shloer Celebration around special events such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day. “With Shloer offering a choice of six flavours (Red Grape/White Grape/Rosé/Apple & White Grape/ White Grape & Elderflower/White Grape, Raspberry & Cranberry); a seasonal Limited Edition Punch (currently Apple & Blackberry); Celebration Pink Fizz and White Bubbly; and Shloer Light Red Grape and White Grape, there really is something to suit everyone and every occasion, whilst providing plenty of inspiration for retailers who want to give their soft drink sales a boost,” said Grabham.

For sales and POS enquiries, contact SHS Drinks at 028 9045 4647 or email info@shs-drinks.co.uk 1: Nielsen Scantrack NI Multiples Defined Adult Soft Drinks Volume 000 litres & Units, Value £m 52 w/e 05.12.15

Savse increases smoothie distribution S

avse is laying claim as the fastest growing smoothie brand in the UK, having increased distribution of stock in Boots stores across the UK from 500 to 700 stores, rising from three to four SKUs, with the addition of Super Red to the already available Super Blue, Super Green, Super Orange flavours.

Waitrose has quadrupled distribution to over 200 stores across the UK, with the inclusion of a third SKU, Super Orange and, from February 15, Rontec, a leading player in the UK forecourt industry will stock Super Blue and Super Orange 250ml bottles in approximately 190 of their ‘Shop’N

Drive’ branded convenience stores.

In response to the nation’s growing focus on sugar, Savse has unveiled new labels.

The new labels will detail a ‘no added sugar’ sign that will sit alongside the current calorie content detail on the transparent labels.

“It’s telling to see big players such as Coca-Cola and Pepsi acquiring brands such as Innocent and Naked Smoothies in a bid to add healthier alternatives to their repertoire and still feeling the heat,” said Guka Tavberidze, founder of Savse.

“At Savse, we are focused exclusively on providing consumers with a genuinely

healthier offering. With a further 5% reduction of natural sugar across our range, our smoothies are even more appealing for the health conscious and those wanting to make small changes.”

In addition to Boots and Waitrose, in January 2016, Savse smoothies launched into key convenience outlets Nisa, Costcutter and Spar Scotland stores, with 250ml bottles of Super Green, Super Blue and Super Orange.

Savse smoothies are available in five different ‘Super’ flavours, with a unique mix of fruit and veg, including strawberry and broccoli, beetroot and blackcurrant.

#

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SOFT DRINKS & BOTTLED WATER

Bottlegreen makes ‘gin sing’ with premium Mixer range I

nitial sales indicate that the new premium ‘Mixer’ quartet from the Bottlegreen Drinks Co. is proving to be an instant hit with stockists and consumers.

Following its successful launch in 175ml bottles into a number of leading-edge cocktail bars across Northern Ireland last spring, the autumn saw all four bottlegreen Mixer variants – Pink (Pomegranate & Elderflower); Elderflower; Classic Indian; and Light Indian Tonic Water (which contains 18 calories per 100ml) – launched in newly-designed 500ml screw-cap bottles exclusive to the retail sector.

The new bottlegreen logo and ‘Mixer’ descriptor are prominently featured on the 500ml bottles which reflect the iconic shape associated with bottlegreen, and the botanical drawings featured on each of the bottles highlight the natural ingredients and align the design more closely with bottlegreen’s cordial and sparkling pressé bottles.

Tesco, Russell’s Cellars and Winemark Wine Merchants are amongst the first retailers to stock all four variants.

Brand owner SHS Drinks is supporting the launch of the bottlegreen Mixers collection with a promotion exclusive to retailers in Northern Ireland, which gives consumers shopping in participating retail stores the opportunity to purchase one of four selected premium gin brands and receive two complimentary 500ml bottles of any of the four bottlegreen Mixers.

Awareness for the new range is also being driven through press advertising; a digital campaign targeting 30,000 premium gin and tonic consumers; consumer PR initiatives aimed at key influencers; and brand ambassador activity.

“Bottlegreen is continuing to go from strength to strength,” said Simon Speers, managing director at Bottlegreen Drinks Co. “What attracts consumers to the Bottlegreen brand is the quality of the ingredients and the beautiful bottle. All of the bottlegreen mixers are crafted with the same cold filtration wine making techniques perfected for the bottlegreen soft drinks range and are made with Cotswold Spring Water.

“Great care has been taken in the blending to produce a drink which is perfectly balanced to leave the palate refreshed. This makes the bottlegreen mixers the perfect partners for any fine gin or vodka and they are also superb on their own as a soft drink.

“The choice of classic and contemporary flavour options also gives consumers an opportunity to experiment and try a variety of combinations with different spirits brands. We knew that the classic Mixers would always be a favourite with gin connoisseurs, and are delighted that there has also been a fantastic reaction to the Elderflower Mixer being served with gin and wedge of cucumber, and the Pink Mixer with gin and grapefruit. These are both combinations that really let the gin sing!”

For sales and POS enquiries, contact SHS Drinks on 028 9045 4647 or email info@shs-sales.ie.

Clearer Water joins British Bottled Water Producers C learer Water, an ethical bottled water from Northern Ireland, has become a member of British Bottled Water Producers.

Clearer Water is a social enterprise, with all profits channelled into good causes that help change people’s lives. Locally, Clearer Water has built a relaxing working environment for disadvantaged people who find it difficult to get jobs, or are unable to work in typical working environments.

Globally, the organisation concentrates on helping people gain access to clean water by digging wells to bring sustainable water supplies through a partner charity in Africa.

Clearer Water also prides its operation on transparency and traceability. “Every bottle of Clearer Water is fully traceable, from the team member who bottled it, its Ph., to the temperature and weather conditions during bottling, to the vegetables growing in our

30

garden at the time,” said Maureen Hanvey, co-founder and manager. “We think it helps show how much of a difference each bottle can make. We operate to the ‘Triple Bottom Line’ principle. We believe that our business should focus on people, our planet and profit.”

Clearer Water is Ireland’s first Social Enterprise Bottled Water, with 100% of profits split between the local and overseas schemes.

The water is sourced from deep beneath the ancient lands of Magheramorne, birthplace of St Comgall. Buried beneath 65-145million year-old volcanic lava, a pure white limestone, locally known as the Ulster White Limestone Formation, was formed during the Upper Cretaceous Period. Naturally filtered by the geological strata to its natural purity and enriched

with minerals, Clearer Water is drawn from a protected deep underground source. It has a Ph of 7.8 providing a water which is naturally Alkaline.

Clearer Water bottles into 500ml PET Bottles still water and, in March 2016, will launch its Premium Glass Bottle Range in sizes: 750ml, 500ml, 330ml and 250ml. The water is sourced at Larne Lough Nurseries in the North East of Northern Ireland.

Jo Jacobius, director of British Bottled Water Producers, said: “We are delighted to welcome Clearer Water as a member of our network. We represent 13 of the best small and medium sized British bottlers and distributors and this is our first member in Northern Ireland. The company is a truly impressive one, offering as it does help for community members both locally in Northern Ireland and overseas.”

SOFT DRINKS perspective & BOTTLED WATER

New exotic SKU from Boost H

elping retailers take advantage of the current 25% growth** of flavours within the functional energy market, Boost Drinks has launched its popular Exotic Fruits line in a 1litre PET bottle.

Boost sees investment in new product development as a key part of its Champion of the Independents commitment, providing great tasting, competitively-priced products that are not available in multiples. With profit margins of up to 50%, independents can benefit significantly from stocking Boost in financial terms.

The new 1litre Exotic Fruits is available in cases of 12, and will initially be on a promotion price, marked at £1, moving to a £1.29 PMP from May. Boost will be supporting the launch with a social media campaign and customer specific support.

“Flavours make up 13% of the functional energy sector, and they are growing,” said Al

Gunn, sales director at Boost. “Exotic Fruits, which is now established as our most popular variation, in a 1litre bottle offers a great sales opportunity around summer BBQs and adds to the mixer portfolio too. We believe it is suitable for a chilled or ambient fixture and, with its high impact pack design, will attract new drinkers to the category as well as providing regular consumers with a new option.”

This latest product launch comes on the back of figures showing that Boost has been in consistent growth for the last three years, continues to grow ahead of the category and is the UK’s number two stimulation energy brand in symbols and independents (UK and NI)**. **Source: IRI Marketplace Data to 8th November 2015, Unit Sales, Symbols and Independents Channel and Northern Ireland Convenience.

Belvoir Fruit Farms ‘light’ the way B

elvoir Fruit Farms has added two new ‘Light’ varieties to its range; zingy Raspberry Lemonade Light and fragrant Elderflower & Rose Pressé Light, companions to the popular Elderflower Pressé Light which launched in 2014.

The ‘Light’ range contains 30% less sugar than the original versions of the drinks. While Belvoir’s classic Cordials and Pressés are made using only natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives or sweeteners, the ‘Light’ range addresses consumer demand for lower sugar.

As with all Belvoir’s drinks, the Light Range is hand made at Belvoir using real pressed fruit juices and freshly picked flowers with the aim of ensuring, with the reduction in sugar, there is no reduction in flavour.

In a 250ml serving, New Raspberry Lemonade Light has 55 calories compared to 107 calories, Elderflower & Rose Pressé Light has 30% less sugar and 28 fewer calories and Elderflower Pressé Light has 60 calories compared to 100 calories.

All three varieties in the Belvoir Light range are available from now.

Health, convenience and added value driving category

V

imto UK, owner of the Vimto, Levi Roots, Panda and Feel Good brands, has responded to increased demand for healthier, convenient soft drinks options with investments across its brands.

“Health, convenience, customisation and the need for added value are key consumer trends that have impacted the category over the last year and they will continue to be an ongoing focus,” said Emma Hunt, marketing controller at Vimto UK. “Increasing consumer health concerns have affected shopping habits across all soft drink categories. As a business we have invested in recent years to respond to this need. In particular, we have increased our No Added Sugar variants across our RTD still juice ranges including Vimto, Levi Roots and Panda. The recently acquired Feel Good brand offers a range of delicious flavours, containing nothing but natural fruit juice and still or

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

lightly sparkling water.

“Squash is an economical choice for shoppers on a budget with smaller pack formats meeting the increasing trend towards convenience shopping. Vimto is the fastest growing squash brand at +4.6% year on year.

“Consumers’ tastes have also changed as they become more experimental. This has led to significant growth for tropical and exotic flavours and this trend is set to continue with Levi Roots Soft Drinks range helping retailers to meet the demand.”

Feel Good, which has a brand value of £2.4m, ties in with the current trend for healthier drinking. It has no added sugar or preservatives, and is a popular alcohol replacement at adult dining occasions, while counting towards one of the five a day.

The Panda range of juice drinks and flavoured waters has no added sugar, only natural colours and flavours, and is targeted

at children with packs clearly communicating the brand’s healthier positioning to provide reassurance to mums.

Last year, Vimto re-launched its Vimto Minis Still RTD with a new pack design to reinforce to mums that it meets the needs of kids ‘on the go’ with healthier No Added Sugar credentials. Vimto has a value of £68.8m, growing by 1.4% YOY, while Vimto Squash and the RTD range are growing at +2.1% and +16.4% YOY respectively.

Levi Roots Soft Drinks has a £4.9m sales value, with the brand is growing at 8.6% year on year and outperforming the tropical flavoured drinks market.

Nielsen Total Coverage MAT 12.09.15 Nielsen MAT value 15.08.15 Nielsen MAT value 15.08.15 Nielsen MAT value 15.08.15 Nielsen MAT value 15.08.15 31

ADVERTORIAL perspective

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ince 1976, Farleygreene has been designing and manufacturing state of the art sieving equipment and technologies for some of the world’s largest companies.

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Alternatively, our modern factory in Hampshire has an on-site trial area where most materials can be set up to provide sieving, conveying and discharging tests when required.

Email: sales@hendersonfoodmachinery.com Tel: 028 9099 4202 5

Henderson Food Machinery Company

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AGRI-FOOD NEWS

2016 Balmoral Show set for significant growth T

his year’s Balmoral Show, in partnership with Ulster Bank (May 11-13) is set to be 10% bigger, and a major part of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink.

RUAS Chief Executive Colin McDonald and Ulster Bank Head of Northern Ireland Richard Donnan were among speakers during a breakfast event held at The Ivory in Victoria Square, Belfast earlier this month, featuring the produce of Ulster Bank clients served to media, politicians and industry stakeholders.

The new multi-million pound Eikon Exhibition Centre, the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland at 6,000 square metres, will be a major attraction at this year’s show.

Year of Food & Drink will also feature prominently, with the Food NI Pavilion likely to include upwards of 100 local food and drink companies promoting their products, among other attractions.

“We are delighted to get the countdown to Balmoral Show 2016 underway in partnership with Ulster Bank,” said McDonald. “The bank has supported our plans for Balmoral Park since their inception. Their continued backing is a tremendous help as we realise the potential of the venue, with the new Eikon Exhibition Centre for example coming onstream at the Show this year for the first time.

“With the increased footprint, the new elements, and the fact that it is the Year of Food & Drink, the 2016 Balmoral Show truly is the biggest and most important yet.

And we are very pleased that Ulster Bank has committed to the Show for at least the next three years to assist us in further driving Balmoral Show forward.”

Richard Donnan, Ulster Bank head of

Pictured at The Ivory restaurant are Richard Donnan, Ulster Bank’s head of Northern Ireland, Colin McDonald, chief executive of the RUAS and Cormac McKervey, senior agriculture manager, Ulster Bank.

Northern Ireland, said: “We are one month into the 2016 Year of Food & Drink and just 90 days away from Balmoral Show, so food and drink is very much on the agenda.

Being the principal sponsor of the Balmoral Show is a real demonstration of Ulster Bank’s commitment to the sector – we’re here to provide real and meaningful help for what matters to our customers. We remain fully supportive of the agri-food sector, from primary producers through to innovative food manufacturers, and we look forward to further showcasing that through our long-standing partnership with the Balmoral Show.”

Cormac McKervey, senior agriculture manager, said: “These are challenging times for many farmers, but the sector has proven

itself to be resilient and its long-term prospects remain strong. We see our principal sponsorship of the Balmoral Show as a symbol of our commitment to supporting farmers through the good times and the more difficult times. We also think the current challenges the sector is facing underline the importance of Balmoral Show as a place for farmers to meet, share their experiences, and plan for the year ahead.”

Suppliers of the breakfast included Crawfords of Maghera, Punjana, Finnebrogue, McKee’s of Maghera, Irwins, The Meat Merchant, Erin Grove preserves, C&L Mushrooms, Marlfield Farm, Glenballyeamon Eggs, Dale Farm and The Ivory.

Northern Ireland farm producing Wagyu-style beef W

agyu-style beef has been developed by Hillstown Farm, an awardwinning Northern Irish artisan meat processing business.

The enterprise, based on a family farm near Ballymena in Co Antrim, has already started supplying the beer-flavoured beef to leading chefs in Northern Ireland and aims to expand sales further afield.

The beer-fed beef has been developed by farm/entrepreneur Nigel Logan, a fourth generation farmer on 200 acres. The beer is used in feeding the herd of Aberdeen Angus and Shorthorn cattle. The beef from grass-fed cattle is dry-aged and hung for at least 28 days.

The company has now developed its range of beer-fed beef to include silverside/topside, fillet, sirloin, rib-eye and rib-on-the-bone. The products are available on Hillside’s e-commerce site, and Hillstown is the only business in Northern Ireland producing Wagyu-style beef.

The beer used in feeding the cattle is produced in a microbrewery on the farm, which primarily rears beef cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, goats and Nigel Logan llamas. It also uses the meat in its successful farm shop and restaurant.

“We began brewing on the farm for our cattle in a beer-fed beef project to offer a premium meat with a uniquely delicious flavour,” said Logan.

“Influenced by the Japanese experience, the beer relaxes the cows to produce a more tender and succulent piece of meat.

“We then decided to take this a stage further by creating the micro-brewery to produce craft beers. The process produces succulent, marbled beef renowned for its superior eating qualities, considered to be a delicacy because of its unique texture and depth of flavour.”

34

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

Year of Food & Drink to be a lasting legacy for NI T

rade Minister Jonathan Bell addressed the legacy Year of Food & Drink will build for Northern Ireland, at a Danske Advantage Food and Drink Event in Belfast last month.

“The Northern Ireland Year of Food & Drink 2016 is an exciting initiative which presents an opportunity to showcase our vibrant food sector,” he said. “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 Great Britain, one of our key markets.

“The Year of Food & Drink will play a central part of the Northern Ireland marketing and destination sell as we progress throughout the year, and Tourism NI is rolling out a range of support measures to enable the industry to make the most of these next 12 months.

“I am confident this year will be a resounding success and leave a lasting legacy with significant improvement in the range, quality and availability of food tourism products, service, events and activities to help drive visitor satisfaction and deliver long-term growth and sustainability. I am certain the Year of Food & Drink will help to consolidate Northern Ireland’s growing reputation for excellence in food production and hospitality.

“Food is a major reason why people come here with tourists spending over £350m per year on food and drink alone. It reflects and delivers a sense of ‘place’ for a visitor and is a vital part of the tourism experience – with many already saying it is a key factor when choosing Northern Ireland for a short break.

Pictured with Trade Minister Jonathan Bell at the Danske Advantage Food & Drink Event are, from left, Arthur Richmond, Group finance director, SHS Group; Kevin Kingston, CEO, Danske Bank; and Michael Bell, director, Northern Ireland Food and Drink Association.

“I am pleased with the significant interest already generated by the Year of Food and Drink and would continue to encourage stakeholders in the industry to actively get involved in this initiative and give visitors a taste of what makes Northern Ireland’s food and drink so special.”

UFU calls for fresh thinking by banks U

lster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has used a DARD crisis summit to call for ‘fresh and radical’ thinking by all banks and other finance houses. UFU President Ian Marshall warned that the crisis went beyond the dairy sector to all of agriculture, and there was no evidence it would be solved quickly or easily.

“It is becoming more clear every day that there is no magic bullet to solve problems like volatility. We can complain about poor global markets and prices – but as farmers we cannot fix them. What we can do is tackle a financial crisis that is getting deeper by the day – and the solution, in the

short term, lies with the banks.”

The UFU says farmers accept that many things need to change, including contracting arrangements to align milk supplies in particular to the market. But it says there is little point in focusing on these long-term goals when the challenge is to get farm businesses and farm families through the worst cash crisis in a generation. “This is affecting not only businesses, but families struggling to make ends meet – and that applies in particular to large, apparently successful farms,” said Marshall.

The UFU wants banks and other lenders to be more open about capital holidays to get through the crisis. In the longer term, it

wants capital repayments linked to the profitability of the sector the enterprise is in, and it is pressing for a change of approach to how money is lent to agriculture. “There is no point in giving a six month capital holiday now,” he said.

“We know the problem is not going to be solved in that time, leaving the farmer to go back and ask for another extension.

We need to take that pressure off with a two year repayment break. We also need to change funding to a longer term base – more akin to a mortgage than working capital, and with an interest rate that reflects that approach.”

UFU comments on GCA investigation into Tesco U

lster Farmers’ Union (UFU) has welcomed publication of the report from the Grocery Code Adjudicator (GCA) into the buying practices of Tesco.

UFU President Ian Marshall says it recognises the problems the UFU and others have been highlighting for some time about the unfair squeeze retailers place on suppliers. “The result of that pressure, as we see from this report, is that prices and suppliers’ margins are forced down,” he said. “At a disadvantage, farmers pay the price because they are expected to deliver top-quality produce at prices below the cost of production.”

UFU says it recognises the importance of Tesco and the other major retailers to the food industry in Northern Ireland, in that they are by far

our biggest customers and the main route into the UK market. However Marshall says the report makes it clear that in the circumstances under investigation, Tesco’s power within the supply chain led to unfair practices which can never be acceptable.

“The findings on Tesco underline why the farming lobby was right in its campaign to secure a GCA with real teeth – and we also pressed successfully for those powers to be strengthened,” said Marshall.

“Every business has to make a profit – we recognise that. But power and dominance in the food sector comes with responsibilities, and the GCA report has made that clear. I believe this will act as a warning to Tesco and other retailers that they can no longer exploit suppliers and not expect to be challenged.”

35

marketing news

NI’s next sports stars assemble for one-of-akind masterclass

Dr. David Dobbin and Dame Mary Peters with the young athletes

F

ive of Northern Ireland’s top young athletes were recently granted the chance to speak to leading experts in the sports industry at the Dale Farm Athletes’ Academy Masterclass at Kingspan Stadium. In partnership with the Mary Peters Trust, this year’s Dale Farm Athletes – Sam Bothwell (tennis), Conor Ferguson (swimming), Ben Fisher (athletics), Liam Glynn (sailing) and Brendan Irvine (boxing) – enjoyed one-on-one guidance to help them progress in their sports career.

KETTLE Chips launches new on pack promotion

Ulster Rugby star Dan Tuohy was among the local experts who provided advice and shared with the athletes what it means to be a professional sports star, from dealing with tough training to making time for family and friends. The five athletes also spoke to sports nutritionist Dr Sharon Madigan about the importance of eating well, sports psychologist Dr Mark Elliott about maintaining mental toughness, and sports journalist Jim Gracey about dealing with the media.

The Dale Farm Athletes’ Academy Masterclass is one of the benefits provided to the five athletes selected through a competitive process to join the Dale Farm Athletes’ Academy each year. In addition to attending the masterclass, the athletes also receive a £1,000 bursary to assist them with the costs of being an elite athlete, such as buying equipment and traveling to competitions abroad.

“As Northern Ireland’s leading dairy company, Dale Farm is committed to supporting local sport, from grassroots right through to the professional level,” Dr David Dobbin CBE, Group chief executive at Dale Farm. “Working with the Mary Peters Trust, our Athletes Academy programme and Masterclass provides the best of our young sporting talent with financial support and mentoring to help them compete at the highest level.”

Flahavan’s Porridge launches Energy for Life campaign F

K

ettle Chips is bringing more excitement to the Single Serve snacks category by introducing a new promotion across its handy pack range.

In February 2016, Kettle Chips will launch a ‘Win a Taste of Luxury’ competition on its full 40g range, including four price-marked packs. For the third year running, the handy pack promotion will run during the spring. Consumers simply need to go online and enter the unique code, printed on each promotional pack, to be in with the chance of winning hundreds of prizes that are all guaranteed to be won. These range from Fortnum & Mason hampers to designer handbags and a Harrods shopping trip, while all entrants will also go into a grand draw to win the top prize of a glamorous Monaco break with a private yacht trip.

The competition is designed to reflect Kettle Chips’ brand postioning as a little luxury, and encourage consumers to trade up when snacking on the go. The 2015 competition saw sales of the Kettle Chips handy pack range increase by 5.5% year-onyear, in convenience, ahead of a category in decline and position Kettle among the top ten single serve brands.1 The campaign will be supported by a trade press advertising campaign, promotional POS and consumer and social media activity during the spring.

1Nielsen Convenience value sales MAT to 7th Nov 2015

36

lahavan’s has invested €45,000 in a new advertising campaign, Energy for Life, in Northern Ireland. The campaign, which will run for three months, will be shown on UTV, Channel 4 and broadcast on Downtown Radio and Cool FM. “As a brand, Flahavan’s Porridge continues to grow in Northern Ireland and our sales for 2015 revealed a positive uplift, both in terms of our value and market share,” said Moya Verling, brand marketing manager for Flahavan’s Porridge.

“Filmed in Bray, Co Wicklow, the TV advert illustrates our brand values of family, health and vitality and focuses on our convenience Quick Oats range, which is available in drum, sachet and single serve pots – perfect porridge microwave ready in two minutes. The Energy for Life tag line is a message that we feel resonates with our consumers’ healthy, active lifestyles, mirroring that of our lead character Holly.

“The Northern Ireland market is integral to our business growth strategy and our investment in advertising is a reflection of this – our strategic partnerships with Athletics Northern Ireland, Translink and more recently Slim’s Healthy Kitchen in Belfast, have all had great reaction in the market and our return to screens and airwaves coupled with our on-the-ground activity continue to drive the promotion and growth of the brand.”

EXPORT NEWS

Glenarm Organic Salmon strengthens business with Fortnum & Mason G

lenarm Organic Salmon has developed a new own-label organic smoked salmon product for Fortnum and Mason, the upmarket London retailer.

The own label smoked salmon follows the successful launch last year by the company of its own branded product at the Piccadilly store. Glenarm Organic Salmon is also now supplying organic smoked salmon to Fortnum and Mason’s popular fish and seafood counter.

Based at Glenarm in Co Antrim, the company is the only Atlantic salmon farmer in the Irish Sea. The vast majority of its output of fresh and smoked salmon is exported to five-star, and above, hotels and restaurants in the US, Europe, Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong and Dubai.

“Securing the initial business with such a prestigious retailer was a marvellous boost for the company and for our new signature smoked salmon product as well as being a tremendous endorsement of the quality of our premium organic smoked salmon,” said Norman Murray, commercial director

at Glenarm Organic. “The retailer is an ideal fit for the upmarket profile of our salmon.

“We were delighted when Fortnum and Mason subsequently asked us to develop a new branded smoked salmon product exclusively for them. This was launched successfully recently and then led to an order to provide organic smoked salmon sides for their fish counter in the store as well as for inclusion in their renowned food hampers. Our organic smoked salmon is replacing their wild salmon offering because we offer consistent and sustainable availability as well as a high quality product.”

Glenarm Organic Salmon uses a unique smoking technique developed in conjunction with Northern Ireland’s leading fish and seafood curing businesses.

The two artisan companies have collaborated on the curing process that involves smoking the salmon slowly over a fragrant mix of beech and oak wood chips and is based on a century-old recipe.

Norman Murray

Local free-range egg producer seeks GB distributors

C

avanagh Free-Range Eggs, an award-winning specialist in free range eggs, is aiming to expand sales in Britain by stepping up its marketing in England and Scotland; particularly in the foodservice sector.

The company, based on a family farm at Newtownbutler on the Co Fermanagh border with the Republic of Ireland, is aiming to identify distributors to help it grow its business in Great Britain.

Owned and managed by husband and wife team John and Eileen Hall, the business has won Irish Quality Food and Drink and UK Great Taste awards in the past year, and already supplies customers in Scotland.

The company is following leads to possible distributors from its participation in the Restaurant Show in Olympia, London last October and is taking part in the recent Scotland’s Speciality Food Show in Glasgow.

37

Q&A and teams. I get satisfaction helping people grow and reach their potential, constantly encouraging them to stretch themselves and strive to do their best.

WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? At times, market constraints can make matters difficult. However, I thrive on a challenge and always look for ways around any obstacles.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? The best advice I have been given is to always concentrate on the positive attributes of people. Also, follow your gut; your own instinct is usually right!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? When I come across some members of the younger generation expecting to be hand fed rather than working from the ground up. In my experience, hard work and commitment pays off!

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I would love to be a dancer – who knows, it may still happen, it’s never too late!

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? I look forward to our expansion plans for FMI. Also our continued growth in Northern Ireland, and working with our senior management team to develop our teams – nationwide.

In the Hot Seat Nicola De Beer, managing director of FMI (Field Management Ireland) TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I was born in South Africa and moved to Ireland over 13 years ago. I am a target orientated person who enjoys motivating and developing teams. My passion is getting individuals and teams motivated in their roles by creating an environment that stimulates growth and develops potential. This has proved to be a critical piece for our clients in order to help them not only hit sales targets but exceed them and this has proved a key USP for FMI. WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? I start the day by walking around each floor of our offices and saying hello and good morning to everyone. I strongly believe that communication, eye contact and conversation with all our team is vitally important to harness a positive work environment. FMI is a 38

tight knit team; it is like working with family.

My days are usually taken up with meetings and daily contact with our clients.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Working my way up the ladder in FMI and taking over the MD role almost three years ago. I was also appointed the marketing and PR director of the European Field Marketing Partners Association (EFMP). The EFMP was established in 2006, with the objective of delivering a Europe solution for field marketing, in order to meet the demands of Pan European and global campaigns.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? The people. In simple terms, our strength is our people and I enjoy developing individuals

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? Mark Pollock, who I have met on many occasions and I support his important campaigns. He really is truly inspirational.

Kofi Annan, Richard Branson to name a few others.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? Of course Cape Town, South Africa. It is a place of natural beauty, and where my family are based. In Ireland, I love Kenmare, Co Kerry. There are so many beautiful spots to admire and take in when enjoying a weekend break.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? Well, my financé is Italian so I’ll choose Italian cuisine. He is a wonderful cook and we enjoy exploring new recipes and delicious homemade dishes.

HOW DO YOU RELAX? Walking my dogs, Teddi and Shangdi, who also accompany me to the office on occasion.

They enjoy sitting in on meetings, saying hello to our team and meeting clients. Our office is dog friendly as it brings many positives to the working environment, and I have a soft spot for rescue dogs! I also enjoy spending time with friends and socialising.

APPOINTMENTS

People on the move...

in association with

AFSB and AgriSearch appoint project manager A

gri-Food Strategy Board Chairman Tony O’Neill has welcomed the appointment of Dr Steven Morrison by AgriSearch, as project manager to oversee development work for the proposed Northern Ireland Livestock Industries Data Hub. “The AFSB identified the area of livestock improvement through the use of genetics as fundamental to the livestock-based agri-food sector being competitive in the long-term,” said O’Neill. “We led the way by appointing a dedicated sub-group to identify options and the best way forward. We have welcomed the support of other industry organisations in this process, who commissioned and funded independent advice to make recommendations for the local sector and now, through AgriSearch, the industry itself is taking the lead by appointing a project manager to progress this work without delay.

“I would like to place on record my thanks to the trustees of AgriSearch for agreeing to take on this important step in enhancing the capability of the sector and wish Steven every success in his new role.”

Steven Morrison is no stranger to agricultural databases having, along with the AFBI software development team, been responsible for the development of the BovIS (Bovine Information System) suite of on-

New appointment at Grant Thornton G Richard Gillan and Neal Taylor

rant Thornton Northern Ireland saw a 45% increase in annual revenues in 2015 – and is aiming for a trebling of revenues over the next five years.

The leading business advisory firm revealed its growth plans, as it announced the appointment of Neal Taylor as a new audit partner in the firm’s Belfast office.

From left, Dr Steven Morrison is pictured with Tony O’Neill, James Campbell and Ian Marshall.

line benchmarking tools. Since receiving a PhD from Queen’s University, he has worked at the Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute and is currently Programme Leader for Sustainable Livestock Production.

AgriSearch appoints two new trustees A

griSearch, the Northern Ireland Agricultural Research and Development Council, has appointed two new trustees, Conall Donnelly and Fred Allen.

Conall Donnelly (left) from Co Armagh is currently executive director of the NI Meat Exporters Association, and graduated from Queen’s University Belfast in economics and information management. After gaining experience as a technical writer and documentation librarian with IT companies he was, for six years, an economist with the Livestock and Meat Commission.

Randalstown dairy farmer Fred Allen (bottom left) has been a director of producer owned co-op United Dairy Farmers since 2009, and has also served on the board of the NI Dairy Council.

AgriSearch is funded through a small levy collected from beef, lamb and milk producers.

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

39

SHELFLIFE

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

WKD Blush aims to attract new era of RTD consumers

T

his year, Northern Ireland’s biggestselling RTD brand1 is stepping up its NPD programme and venturing into new territory with WKD Blush - 4% ABV, blushstyle liquid, which has been created by WKD brand owner SHS Drinks to attract a new wave of RTD consumers and bring a flourish of flair and excitement to the alcohol RTD category.

The innovative new line is being rolled out from mid February and taps into the growing popularity of blush-style drinks in other categories such as wine, wine fusions and ciders.

It is the first WKD RTD variant to be given a specific flavour descriptor - a roundel with the ‘passionfruit’ declaration is prominently displayed on the necks of the WKD Blush 275ml and 700ml bottles. And in another new move for the WKD brand, the packaging is more feminine and sophisticated giving WKD Blush a particular appeal amongst females, whilst not being rejected by male WKD drinkers during consumer research.

WKD Blush is being made available in Northern Ireland in 700ml multi-serve bottles and 275ml bottle 8-packs - the 8-pack format is exclusive to Northern Ireland

Flavoured wheatgrass offers a healthier option A

wardwinning Squeeze Wheatgrass, the Northern Irish producer of healthy juice drinks, has launched a new range of flavoured

products for the UK and other markets.

The fresh juice is produced in 30ml shots. The new flavoured wheatgrass shots are Beetroot Juice, Apple and Pear Juice and Orange and Lemon Juice.

“The new flavoured wheatgrass juices have been developed for people who wish the benefits of wheatgrass but do not like the grassy taste of wheatgrass,” said Jacquelyn Stewart, founder and managing director of Squeeze Wheatgrass.

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stockists.

The new line is being introduced following extensive, in-depth research into the changing lifestyles of 2,000 18 to 24-year olds2 - the key consumers of RTDs - which explores attitudes and aspirations, drinks and drinking occasions, and has highlighted opportunities for growth and expansion of the RTD category which generates £5.3m-worth1 of annual sales for retailers in Northern Ireland.

The new addition is being supported with a marketing mix of innovative digital activity, which enables the brand to interact directly with consumers; screen-media advertising; and point-of-purchase communications.

1 Nielsen Scantrack NI Multiple Grocers RTD category volume (L) & value (£) share MAT to 02.01.16 2 You Gov,TGI, TNS, Liveminds 2015

Sweet launch for new Northern Irish adult candy S

ea Sugar, a new Northern Irish artisan confectionery business, has launched a range of gourmet pulled sweets primarily for adults.

Based at Whitehead in Co Antrim, Sea Sugar is the brainchild of business woman Linda McGibbon, who has developed a 10-strong range of pulled, boiled sweets for adults featuring unusual flavours such as mojito, green apple and spearmint, pineapple and coconut and lime and jalapeno.

“My pulled sweets are a natural product made from sugar, water, glucose, vinegar and natural flavourings,” said McGibbon. “I opted for unusual flavours because I wanted to create a gourmet product especially for adults. I want consumers to take time to enjoy the strong flavours of the sweets, all of which are lovingly handmade.”

The sugar is boiled at 170 degrees then rolled by hand into long rods, which are then allowed to set until they are hard. The rods are then ‘chipped’ into small pieces before being weighed, bagged and labelled.

The sweets are free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. They are also free from gluten, dairy and fat.

The pulled sweets are provided in 100g bags “just like the old fashioned quarter of sweets.” The confectionery, launched last year, is already listed by leading delis and independent stores as well as farmers’ markets across Northern Ireland.

ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

Ulster Grocer 2016 Marketing Awards categories Winners will be announced during the GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Gala Ball at the Culloden Hotel on Friday, May 6 Best Marketing Campaign 2015

Sponsored by:

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.

Established

1995

FIELD MANAGEMENT IRELAND

Sponsored by:

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 marketing campaigns, brand visibility and customer loyalty, and take into account the results achieved in relation to the size of the business.

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 CSR Initiative/Charity Partnership

Sponsored by:

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 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 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 Artisan Food Product Campaign

Sponsored by:

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. Preexisting 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

Sponsored by:

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 gained access to new markets, secured new customers in existing markets or boosted existing export contracts are eligible for entry.

Entry Requirements ♦ 1. To be considered eligible, your campaign must have run or begun within the 12 months of the year 2015 and have been designed to boost business within the grocery retail sector. ♦ 2. Your campaign must have run in Northern Ireland, but not exclusively so. ♦ 3. All entries must include the following information: • Contact name and position within company entering the award (agencies may put in an entry on behalf of a client but with full client knowledge and consent).

• Company details and full postal address.

• Telephone and e-mail contact details.

• Title of category being entered. ♦ 4. As these awards are for marketing excellence, entries should be as comprehensive

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as possible and professional in presentation and substance. As well as hard copy, a digital copy is required for judging and PR purposes ♦ 5. All entries should consist of a full submission under three separate headings: • The strategy • The project details • Quantifying success Your entry should outline what the objectives of the project/campaign were and be fully backed up by the research/ consumer insights used in the development of the idea behind the campaign, how that information was translated into a creative strategy which reflected the brief and, most importantly, the statistics that show the campaign to have been successful in terms of results. Any sensitive figures provided for judging purposes

can be withheld from publication on request.

Supporting documentation, such as mpegs of advertisements, powerpoint presentations, posters/ POS materials, media coverage, etc, should also be provided. As the winning entries will be shown at the awards presentation, it is essential that your full-colour printed entry is accompanied by a copy on USB stick running for no more than two minutes and/or fullcolour, high resolution still images. These visual presentations should be complementary to the printed entry – not in place of. ♦ 7. Four full copies of each entry are required. ♦ 8. Each entry must also include a separate 300-word synopsis of the campaign, along with a high resolution, good quality (300 dpi) image illustrating the campaign, which will be used in a preview of all entries in a forthcoming 2016 edition of Ulster Grocer.

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ULSTER GROCER MARKETING AWARDS

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

a ma nnua l rk aw etin ar g ds

G rocer Market ingAwards ULSTER

2016

Entries are now open for the 28th Annual Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards with winners to be announced during the GroceryAid Ulster Grocers’ Gala Ball at the Culloden Hotel on Friday, May 6

So what are you waiting for?

Excitement is in the air in this critical Year of Food & 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.

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.

Sponsored by:

Established FIELD MANAGEMENT IRELAND

1995

IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 2016: ULSTER GROCERS’

Gala Ball

Supporting GroceryAid

Friday 6th May 2016 Culloden Hotel : Contact david.neill@kerry.ie

BARBEQUE

ur o Y Book le Tab

!

W O

N

GOLF DAY

Supported by

Deep River Rock Friday June 24th Titanic Belfast paddy.murney@cchellenic.com

Thursday August 4th Belvoir Golf Club david.mcwilliams@courtneyandnelson.co.uk

CANDY BALL

SUNDAY LUNCH

Friday September 30th Culloden Hotel david.mcwilliams@courtneyandnelson.co.uk

Sunday November 20th Deanes At Queens trevor.magill@musgrave.ie

Reserve these dates now to avoid missing out on our industry’s great social occasions which support the grocery charity for those less fortunate.

Trevor Magill, Musgrave NI, Chairman of the Northern Ireland GroceryAid Committee