Ulster Grocer

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At the heart of the Northern Ireland food industry

SUMMER 2014

25 P E TOSSU I

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09/06/2014

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CONTENTS

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Volume 49, Number 6 Summer 2014

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8 – LOCAL FOOD: Making Small Producers part of the Big Picture was the focus of a recent conference for the EU-funded LOCFOOD project, representing 13 European partners from nine countries including Down District Council. UG reports.

Contents

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10 – ARE YOU READY FOR FIR? New EU Food Information Regulations (FIR) come into force on December 13. A recent briefing at Queen’s University Belfast looked at the legal, financial and operational considerations that businesses must take in order to ensure that their food and beverage packaging is compliant.

TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINK COMPANIES 23-44 – TOP 25: Ulster Grocer lists its annual Top 25 Local Food & Drinks Companies, ranked by turnover, alongside profiles of many of the businesses listed and commentary on the buoyant agri-food sector from leading industry figures. Also included over ps 26-27 is a profile of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast.

45-50 – RISING STARS: Following on from the Top 25, Ulster Grocer takes a look at smaller businesses excelling in the local food sector. Many artisan producers and processors have sprung up across the Province in recent years, and are securing both awards and export business on the back of quality and innovation.

51-52 – TROUBLE AHEAD FOR TOBACCO: The tobacco market may currently lead FMCG sales but is under threat from legislation from plain packaging to the display ban, while over 40% of tobacco sales could be banned under the EC’s new Tobacco Products Directive.

ULSTER GROCER

Editor: Alyson Magee E: alysonmagee@greerpublications.com Advertising Manager: Karen Graham E: karengraham@greerpublications.com Senior Accounts Manager: Michelle Kearney E: michellekearney@greerpublications.com Art Editor: Karen Donnelly Production Manager: Stuart Gray Accounts: Gerardine Carson Publishers: James and Gladys Greer

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56-57 – AGRI-FOOD ANGST: Agriculture may be a leading industry for Northern Ireland but is not without its issues from farmer concern over beef prices and electricity grid connection problems to frustration as the Province lags GB in decisionmaking on reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy.

8 • Ulster Grocer | JANUARY 2011

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NEWS EDITOR’S COMMENT: OPTIMISM AND OPPORTUNITY IN AGRI-FOOD

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ed by our Top 25 Local Food & Drinks Companies and Rising Stars features, we’ve made every effort to ensure this double summer issue of Ulster Grocer reflects the breadth, optimism and opportunity currently prevailing in Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector.

From innovative, small artisan producers to leading local business Moy Park and from independent retailers such as O’Doherty’s Fine Meats in Enniskillen through to the Henderson and Musgrave retail groups or wholesaler SHS, examples abound of success stories among businesses of all sizes.

Also featured is an interview with Professor Chris Elliott, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s, which has ambitious plans to make Northern Ireland a centre of excellence for food quality, safety and security.

All the ingredients are there for a buoyant agri-food sector for many years to come if only those in power could step up to the plate when it comes to making the big decisions from CAP reform (which has just come through as UG goes to press) to taking forward the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s recommendations.

NIRC highlights £1.2bn commitment to local food in 2014 O

ver £1.2bn will be spent on local food and drink this year by its members, said the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium (NIRC) at its recent annual Assembly Reception.

“It is wonderful to be able to announce this figure which shows our member commitment to farming, production and the supply chain in Northern Ireland,” said Aodhán Connolly, director of NIRC, speaking at the reception in Parliament Buildings.

“However although the figure will inevitably be the headline, there is a much bigger narrative here.

Our members work hand-in-hand with farmers and processors to innovate in areas as diverse as from green house gases to waste management, from water use to animal

welfare and of course in the area of efficiency.

We realise the part that we have to play in the supply chain and we take that responsibility seriously. The simple message is that we are stronger working together.”

Highlighting a challenging few years for retailers, farmers, the agri-food sector and consumers in Northern Ireland and beyond, Connelly said the economic downturn had changed the way consumers shop.

“It has increased the need for efficiencies throughout all links in the supply chain and at every level the financial pinch has been felt,” he said. “However there are encouraging signs. Footfall has risen three months in a row and unemployment continues to fall and retailers continue to invest more and more in Northern Ireland agri-food.”

Alyson Magee TOBACCO PLAIN PACKAGING CONSULTATION LAUNCHED

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he UK government launched a further consultation on plain packaging at the end of June, following on from a 2012 consultation in which nearly two-thirds of 668,000 respondents opposed the measure.

“Plain packaging has not had a positive public health impact in Australia and the UK will be no different,” said Daniel Torras, managing director of JTI UK. “JTI is calling for a thorough independent review into the wide-ranging potential negative impacts of plain packaging that were not considered by the Chantler review – including competition, trademarks and freedom of choice.”

“There needs to be better assessment of the effectiveness of (and need for plain packaging in the face of) existing and forthcoming regulation, such as the full implementation of the retail display ban and the EU’s Tobacco Products Directive.”

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Trade Minister Arlene Foster joins Judith Brannigan, director of the Food & Drink Show NI to mark its return to the King’s Hall Pavilion in Belfast for a second year over October 24-26. A programme of celebrity TV chef and local chef demonstrations will take place throughout the event, which offers a platform for leading food and drink brands and artisan producers to promote and sell their products.

Over 600 women and a few brave men donned their 1980s gear, feather boas, decorated bras and bright wigs recently for the inaugural SuperValu Moonlight Walk in aid of charity partner Action Cancer. Musgrave Retail Partners central office staff and retailers showed their support with a number of SuperValu stores taking part including Ballymoney, Coalisland, Belfast Dairy Farm, Dromore, Eglinton, Lisburn, Portstewart and Centra Ballymoney.

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NEWS

Henderson Foodservice secures £3m Irish Prison Service contract M

allusk-based Henderson Foodservice, one of the Damien Barrett, managing director of Henderson Foodservice. largest foodservice companies in Ireland, has won an Irish Prison Service contract worth up to £3m over two years.

The Henderson Group division is now supplying dry goods, including the Country Range brand, to all 14 prison sites throughout the Republic through weekly deliveries. The contract is for two years initially, with the possibility of an extension for a third year.

Henderson Foodservice has been expanding into the ROI market for some time and the Prison Service contract represents its biggest deal to date.

“We were well-placed to win this contract as we have extensive experience in winning and managing similar business in the Northern Ireland market,” said Damien Barrett, managing director of Henderson Foodservice. “It further strengthens our position in the Republic of Ireland as we seek to grow our business there.

“We have recently made significant investment in our fleet and now have 50 lorries transporting deliveries across Ireland six days a week. We have also invested in a new warehouse management system to ensure customer service is even more efficient.

“Also, as we have the exclusive right to sell and distribute the Country Range brand across Ireland, we have access to additional resources and more competitive prices that allow us to compete more keenly in a largely cost-driven sector.”

Henderson Foodservice has seen sales growth of 33% in the last two years and staff numbers have increased by 20% to over 250. The company supplies and delivers to over 4,000 customers across Ireland including hotels, schools, restaurants, fast food outlets, hospitals, nursing homes, cafés, sandwich bars and retail convenience stores.

Key role of anaerobic digestion in agri-food chain highlighted T

he role for on-farm anaerobic digestion (AD) plants in adding value to the food waste produced in Northern Ireland was highlighted at a recent seminar hosted by Grant Thornton and attended by delegates from across the agri-food sector.

Panellists Danielle McCormick of WRAP NI, Roslyn McMillan of Moore Biosystems and Mike Read, an anaerobic Pictured are, from left, Mike Read and Charlie Kerlin of GT, Danielle McCormick of WRAP Northern Ireland and Roslyn McMillan of Moore Biosystems. digestion specialist with Grant Thornton, highlighted the significant volumes of food waste produced in Northern Ireland coming from two distinct sources.

One is food not consumed at consumer and retail level, while the other comprises the waste materials and effluents produced by the food processing sector. Roslyn McMillan confirmed that both waste streams can be effectively used by AD plants to produce green energy and heat.

“Waste from the food processing sector is already being used as part of the feed mix used to fuel at least one AD plant currently operating in Northern Ireland at the present time,” she said.

“The technical challenge is to ensure that the mix used in the plants is consistent at all times.”

All of the speakers agreed that AD can play a role in allowing Northern Ireland to meet its renewable energy targets by 2020. Mike Read pointed out that the government support for AD in Northern Ireland is relatively more attractive than is the case in GB. 6

Pictured are, from left, John Kennedy, sustainability and continuity support manager; Gary Lynch, site environmental manager; Declan Cunningham, head of sustainability and risk, all at Moy Park, and Graham Smith, interim head of policy (water) at the Consumer Council.

MOY PARK NAMED CONSUMER COUNCIL WATER CHAMPION

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oy Park has received the Consumer Council’s Water Champion award, after reducing water use equivalent to 52 Olympic-sized swimming pools and consequently saving over £135,000.

Over the past few years, Moy Park has achieved the reduction by, amongst other measures, appointing environmental champions at its three sites, using recycled water to wash lorries and outdoor areas at its Dungannon site, and using technology to help monitor water use.

“Reducing our environmental impact is extremely important to Moy Park and achieving such a reduction in water usage further demonstrates our commitment to sustainable best practice,” said Mike Mullan, HR director Europe at Moy Park.

Moy Park, meanwhile, is the only company from Northern Ireland to make it on to the inaugural Sunday Times PA Consulting Inward Investment Track 50, featuring at number 45. The league table ranks overseas-headquartered multinationals by their UK staff numbers.

Moy Park in Craigavon is the UK head office and European hub of Brazilian parent company Marfrig Global Foods, which employs over 8,000 people in the UK alone.

“We are delighted to be listed in this prestigious league table. It demonstrates the significant contribution that we are proud to make to the UK economy supported by inward investment from our parent Marfrig Global Foods,” said Janet McCollum, CEO of Moy Park.

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21/05/2014 16:51

NEWS

LOCFOOD project aims to help small producers

BY ALYSON MAGEE

From left, Paul Frew, chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Committee, joins Lynsey McKitterick and Dr Adele Dunn of the Ulster Business School during the recent LOCFOOD conference.

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reater leadership needs to be shown by local government to boost opportunities for the Northern Irish agri-food sector, said MEP Jim Nicholson at a recent conference Local Food: Making Small Producers part of the Big Picture.

Northern Ireland gained regional responsibility for agriculture yet can’t make a decision on its EU Common Agricultural Policy reform package, while the Agri-Food Strategy Board Going for Growth document sits on a shelf gathering dust, he said.

Changes in European and local government, meanwhile – with half of all members joining the European Parliament later this year new and local super councils set to assume responsibility for economic development next year – offer opportunities for lobbying on behalf of small food and drink producers.

It’s too easy to blame Brussels for red tape, said Nicholson, when in fact the EU has much to offer small producers in terms of support programmes such as INTERREG and Horizon 2020, while more funding should come on stream from 2016 for marketing support. “That’s what we’re lacking here in Northern Ireland,” he said, “the promotion of agricultural produce.”

The conference was held at Ballynahinch Market House in June as part of the EU INTERREG-funded Local Food as an Engine for Local Business (LOCFOOD) project.

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Other speakers at the event included MLA Paul Frew, Down District Councillor William Walker, Nick Miller and Robin Gourlay speaking respectively on the Welsh and Scottish agri-food sectors and Professor Barry Quinn from the University of Ulster, with local agri-food journalist Richard Halleron as conference chair.

The project is managed by the Ulster Business School, University of Ulster, and includes 13 partners from nine countries including Down District Council.

“The aim of the project is to improve regional policies and strategies regarding food-related SMES in rural areas, to enhance entrepreneurship, business development, competitiveness and economic growth,” said Lynsey McKitterick, project manager from the Ulster Business School.

Results of research conducted as part of the LOCFOOD project were launched at the conference, aimed at exploring whether food policy addresses the needs of food businesses employing approximately 10 people or less.

A cross-country survey was undertaken across the project partners, which also included councils and regional representatives from Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Greece, Bulgaria, Spain and Italy.

In Northern Ireland, a mapping exercise was carried out to examine the range and effectiveness of policies and support for small/ micro food enterprises.

Recommendations developed from the research include: 1. Government agencies to review types of support currently available and to tailor support more to the needs of small food producers, particularly in the areas of marketing and branding; 2. Stronger identification and promotion of local markets to small food producers and consumers. To identify a co-ordinated programme of markets, to provide additional opportunities for local food producers whilst building on established regular markets in a region; 3. Development of a marketing campaign for enhanced awareness of local food issues, telling the ‘story’ of local, artisan produce, linked to tourism initiatives and focused on regional identity; 4. Development of links between small producers and local tourism (tourism initiatives, supply relationships with hotels/ restaurants); 5. An event organised at regional Parliament Buildings, with policy makers in attendance, showcasing best practice initiatives, ‘good news’ stories, and key support services; 6. The need for a review of the appropriateness and level of existing regulatory enforcement in relation to small food producers at local authority level; 7. The provision of a supportive market environment for development of the local food sector (regulatory, marketing and awareness, government procurement initiatives); 8. Development of local support networks for small food producers, involving complementary skills sets; 9. Promotion of university links with small food producers and provision of incentives for small food producers and universities to collaborate; 10. The establishment of a representative trade association and lobbying organisation for small food producers – a small food producers’ forum; 11. Strategy for development of collaborative networks for small food producers (with a focus on key incentives, and maximising awareness), linked to coordinated marketing of local food produce and the development of regional identity; 12. Replicate and implement ‘best practice’ local authority programmes across a region; 13. Government agencies to undertake a greater mentoring and business development role to provide sector specific expertise; 14. Government agencies to devise a coordinated and proactive communication plan, targeted to small food producers, with clear articulation of current supports and contact points.

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16/05/2014 16:23

NEWS - REGULATIONS

Agri-food industry urged to prepare for FIR

Pictured are, from left, John Henning, head of agricultural relations at Danske Bank, Micaela Diver, associate at A&L Goodbody; Paul Frew, chair of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee; and Paddy Stamp, sales director at MSO Cleland.

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ver 50 senior representatives from the Northern Ireland agri-food industry attended a recent breakfast briefing at Queen’s University where they were urged to get ready for the new EU Food Information Regulations (FIR), which will come into effect on December 13.

Hosted by A&L Goodbody, Danske Bank and MSO Cleland, the briefing examined the legal, financial and operational considerations that businesses must take in order to ensure that their food and beverage packaging is compliant with the planned EU legislation.

The new FIR stipulate that all food and beverage labelling must clearly state mandatory nutrition information on processed foods and mandatory origin labelling of unprocessed meat from pigs, sheep, goats and poultry. Under the rules, producers must also Ruth Lamb

ensure better legibility by adhering to a new minimum size of text and will be required to highlight allergens such as peanuts or milk in the list of ingredients.

Delegates attending the event heard from representatives from A&L Goodbody, Danske Bank, MSO Cleland and the Food Standards Agency in Northern Ireland.

“The new Food Industry Regulations serve as an excellent example of why Northern Ireland businesses need to keep a close eye on decisions made by the EU regarding legislation changes,” said Micaela Diver, an associate at A&L Goodbody.

“Whilst the legislation does not come in until the end of the year, being prudent and planning ahead could save them time and money in the long run.

“Local businesses should seek advice in respect of understanding of these new Food Information Regulations and how they can be interpreted in practice. Whilst there is no penalty for implementing these changes early, the same cannot be said for being late, so it is important that they stay ahead of the game and plan to have everything in order well in advance of December 13.”

John Henning, head of agricultural relations at Danske Bank, said: “The implementation of these new regulations in December won’t come without its costs for the local agri-food industry. Obviously local firms will be expected to self-fund these changes and we recommend that they consult with their bank in good time to manage their working capital or borrowing requirements to make the necessary changes to their food and beverage labelling.

“Consumers will ultimately pay the cost of implementing these EU regulations.

However, by reducing the 15m tonnes

Organic certifier issues warning over FIR O

rganic food manufacturers have been warned that product labels changed to meet new regulations must be checked with their organic control body before going into print.

Certifier Organic Farmers & Growers (OF&G) has flagged up the issue after discovering that some packaging redesigned to meet the new Food Information Regulation (FIR) was being altered in such as way as to breach organic rules.

Processing specialists at OF&G, which does not require the use of its logo on labels, are concerned that too many organic food processors will be caught out by the assumption that changes do not need to be checked by their organic control body.

“Everyone is working hard to ensure they meet the new FIR requirements but I think that because they are not related directly to the organic regulation they often come to the conclusion that control bodies do not need to be involved,” said Ruth Lamb, processor

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of food wasted in the UK each year; cost savings of over £19bn could be achieved.”

Ian Edwards, design and technical director at MSO, said: “The implementation of the new Food Information Regulations is now only six months away. In preparation for these changes, businesses should consider important factors such as the lead time to change or redesign their label artwork, order and print new packaging, and then get their product on the shelf. The challenge of managing the rundown of existing stock and replenishing it with newly-labelled compliant stock should not be underestimated.

“Some businesses will also take this as an opportunity to revisit their packaging and perhaps adopt a new design. The key thing is to make these decisions early and begin the implementation process in time to ensure that their packaging is compliant by December 13.”

Among attendees at the briefing was Assembleyman Paul Frew MLA, chair of the Stormont Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee. He said: “The agri-food industry plays a vital role in the Northern Ireland economy as one of the largest contributors to our export output every year. In order to continue to grow this level of exports, however, it is important that we maintain our reputation globally as producers of high-quality food and drink produce, and I would urge all local businesses in this sector to plan well ahead and ensure that they have everything in order to comply with these new regulations. Collectively we need to do everything we can to prepare our local agri-food businesses for December 13, so I commend A&L Goodbody, Danske Bank and MSO for their initiative in hosting this event today.”

certification officer at OF&G. “However, we are finding that design houses can change an aspect of the label that they consider insignificant, for example amending the mandatory EU organic logo dimensions or amending the specific wording in the ingredients panel, which could then put the product in breach of the law relating to organic products. I would stress that where space is an issue, as it usually is, we don’t require the use of the OF&G logo on products we certify, which can be helpful.

“What we want to avoid by flagging this up now is any expensive mistakes with new labels going into production in large quantities.

Another risk is that the design houses and specialist printers will become very busy as this deadline approaches and there may not be time for them to rectify mistakes discovered at the 11th hour. This can all be avoided by seeking timely feedback from your organic control body on any changes that are being made.”

Organic Farmers & Growers has pledged to speed FIR-related enquiries through its system wherever possible but has cautioned that it may itself face increased demand as the implementation date of the new regulation nears.

RETAIL NEWS – INDEPENDENTS

Portview Fit-out wins Global Retail Award

From left, Portview Fit-out Director Paul Scullion and Managing Director Simon Campbell are pictured with the Global Award they won in the Contractor of the Year category for their work with UK and international clients.

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ortview Fit-Out has picked up three major accolades at two prestigious UK and international industry awards.

The Belfast-based company, which works for many of the

world’s top brands, was revealed as the winner in the Contractor of the Year category of The Global RLI Awards 2014, which was held at a glittering ceremony in London’s National History Museum. And there was more success to follow for Portview Fit-out when it lifted Gold and Silver at the UK’s Association of Interior Specialists (AIS) Awards.

“The Global Award is important in terms of raising our profile on the international stage and given that we are working with some of the world’s leading brands, this recognition will help cement Portview’s position as a large, pan-European company,” said Simon Campbell, managing director at Portview Fit-Out. Portview Fit-Out has also won Gold at the AIS Awards for its exceptional work at leading drinks emporium, The Whisky Shop, London, in the Retail and Leisure Category and Silver for Mermaid Maternity Retreat, also in London, which provides luxurious, boutique-hotel style accommodation for mums and mums-to-be in the Healthcare and Education category.

Portview Fit-Out works for many of the world’s top high-end retail brands throughout the UK, Ireland, Europe and in the US.

Northern Irish corned beef among ‘Forgotten Foods’ U

lster Corned Beef from O’Doherty’s Fine Meats in Enniskillen has been named among the ‘Seven New Forgotten Foods’ by the prestigious Slow Food Movement which seeks to showcase artisan foods.

The corned beef, rejuvenated by Pat O’Doherty, is included with Westmorland Pepper Cake, Penclawwd Cockles, Dulse, Carlin/Black Peas, Martock Beans, and Cromer Crab. The artisan products were

Pat O’Doherty with his Corned Beef.

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named ahead of Slow Food Week, a week-long event held in early June and led by celebrity chef Richard Corrigan.

Corrigan selected the corned beef for inclusion in the ‘Forgotten Foods’ that should be embraced by all those who value the quality, taste and provenance of artisan foods in the UK and worldwide.

Records, uncovered by Pat Doherty of O’Doherty’s Fine Meats in Enniskillen, show that corned beef was eaten as far back as 1100 AD and then, throughout the centuries, was widely consumed across Ireland and also exported to the UK and the British colonies.

Today however, with cheaper, canned supermarket versions on offer and a declining market for preserved meat, there are only a few producers left in Northern Ireland who still make this product.

“What a marvellous endorsement of corned beef by such a distinguished chef and commentator,” said O’Doherty. “It will certainly help us to boost sales in Britain and further afield.”

O’Doherty’s Corned Beef, marketed as Old Fermanagh Corned Beef, is based on a recipe for curing beef discovered by O’Doherty from lengthy research in archives.

Farmbox among Comber Earlies

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armbox, a fledgling box delivery scheme, was among exhibitors at the recent Comber Earlies event held in the Co Down town. The latest in generations of Gilmores to grown vegetables on the family farm near Newtownards, Nathan Gilmore founded farmbox last March to supply fresh quality local produce direct to homes within 20 miles radius of his fields. “The response to our website was phenomenal so now we also supply farm fresh meat boxes, Sunday roast boxes and gym boxes for those seeking to enhance their fitness,” he said. “Helped by the Supply Chain Development Programme, farmbox has become a source of healthy, fresh food for busy families across North Down and the Greater Belfast area.”

Emma Murphy (left) and Sarah Gilmore joined Nathan Gilmore on the farmbox stand.

RETAIL NEWS – SYMBOLS

Shop ‘take overs’ planned across Northern Ireland S

par will be among 15 teams of business volunteers from a range of companies across Northern Ireland taking over the running of all of Action Cancer’s charity shops on Thursday, September 18 as part of Business in the Community’s Cares Shops’ Challenge.

The companies are Armstrong Medical, ASDA, Boots, Caterpillar, Compass Group, firmus energy, Firstsource, Fonacab, Marks & Spencer (two shops), Northern Ireland Housing Executive, O’Hare & McGovern, SPAR, UTV and Veolia Water.

All are currently planning their ‘takeovers’, busily gathering new stock for their shops and putting plans in place to fundraise and market their activities. There will be an overall winner chosen from the 15 teams based on most money raised, alongside a range of other categories in which the teams can enter such as most innovative idea and best photograph.

“Our Shops’ Challenge is now in its fifth year and each year it is growing in size and impact,” said Hilary Hanberry, volunteering manager at Business in the Community. “Last year, the teams raised an impressive £65,000 for Action Cancer which was fantastic. As well as the fundraising element, the companies involved are raising awareness of cancer and types of detection available within their workplaces. Part of the team challenge is to develop a sustainability action plan for each of the shops so the managers can learn from the skills and ideas used by each of the teams and continue the good work beyond the challenge itself. We hope people will come out in force to support all of our teams in their efforts to increase the total for this year.”

Judges Claire Gordon, director of Community Programmes at Business in the Community and The Apprentice’s Jim Eastwood are joined by Joanne McSeveney, head of Corporate Account Management at sponsor Barclay Communications and judge Gareth Kirk, chief executive of Action Cancer to launch this year’s event.

In conjunction with family-owned business The Henderson Group, retailers from EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA celebrate the completion of Cancer Fund for Children’s Daisy Lodge in Newcastle. EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA have raised over £300,000 since 2011 to support the project, which will provide Therapeutic Short Breaks to families affected by cancer.

Three new Mace stores open at Ballybeen, Shankill Road and Ballykeel E

xperienced retailers Graham Johnston and Andy Davis, who already own Mace Titanic, Belfast, Mace Cadogan, Belfast and Mace Ballynure, Antrim have opened a fourth Mace store at Ballybeen, Dundonald.

The store has undergone an extensive refit and offers a wide range of services including Lottery, an ATM a PayPoint facility, Hot Food and Food to Go. Musgrave Retail Partners NI (MRPNI) Mace Sales Director Trevor Magill said: “Graham and Andy are very experienced retailers and I’m delighted they have acquired a fourth Mace store at Ballybeen. This store is located within a large neighbourhood area and the new owners’ experience will ensure they cater for their local community with an extensive product range and all of the 8 36• •Ulster UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

essential convenience services.”

Meanwhile, local family Stephen and Denise Baxter have recently opened a new Mace store on the Shankill Road, Belfast.

The store has undergone an extensive refit and offers a wide range of services including Lottery, an ATM, PayPoint, Morelli’s Scoop and Serve ice cream, Hot Food and Food to Go. The store owners are new to retail but well-known in the local community and will be supported by their family, who will all have an active role in the day-to-day running of the store.

“I’m delighted to welcome Stephen and Denise Baxter to the Mace brand with their new store on the Shankill Road,” said Magill.

“The family are well-known within their

community and are very knowledgeable on how to best serve the local customers, which will help ensure they provide a successful convenience service.”

And Debbie and James McMaster have opened a new Mace store at Ballykeel Shopping Centre, Ballymena. The store was formerly operated by the McMasters as an independent for 18 years until they recently expanded it and decided to partner with the Mace brand.

The newly refurbished store offers a wide range of services including Lottery, an ATM and a PayPoint facility. It also stocks an extensive range of take home solid fuels and home heating oil.

MRPNI’s Mace sales director also welcomed the McMasters on board.

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RETAIL NEWS – MULTIPLES

New Supervalu store in Crossgar to add 40 jobs

Pictured with Gabriel Bell (centre) are SuperValu Sales Director of MRPNI Nigel Maxwell and SuperValu Business Development Manager Brian Ross.

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usgrave Retail Partners (MRPNI) has announced a multi-million pound investment with the construction of a new SuperValu store in Crossgar, Co Down. Forty new jobs will be created as part of a £1.7m new build at the Belfast Road site.

MRPNI has teamed up with local businessman Gabriel Bell to develop and commence the building of a 6,000-square-foot store and filling station. The store will be operated by Gabriel and will be adjacent to his brother’s well-known successful business Bell’s Motors.

The Bell family has been trading on the site in Crossgar since 1935,

when Gabriel’s grandfather ran a cattle and poultry exporting business.

The new store is due to open in September and will offer a range of services to include a butchery, deli, hot food bar and parking for over 70 vehicles. Situated on the main arterial road linking Downpatrick to Belfast, SuperValu Crossgar will service several residential housing developments as well as a number of schools and a large rural hinterland.

“I’m delighted to welcome such an established businessman as Gabriel to MRPNI and the SuperValu retail group,” said Nigel Maxwell, SuperValu sales director at MRPNI. “This new SuperValu store represents a significant investment for MRPNI in Crossgar with the creation of large number of jobs for local people. With the store’s key location on the main road between Downpatrick and Belfast it will provide an important service to passing trade as well as the local community.”

Bell said: “My family has been trading on the Crossgar site since my grandfather moved his cattle and poultry business there in the 1930’s up until today with my brother Charlie’s motor business.

“I’m very excited to partner Musgrave on this new venture and with their support and investment open a SuperValu store in September on the family site, where it all began almost 80 years ago.

“I’m committed to bringing quality service, produce, value for money and employment to the community who have been so loyal through the years.”

Co-op drives ownSainsbury’s lists new Clandeboye Estate Smoothies brand bread sales in NI N T orthern Irish yoghurt producer Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt has signed a deal with Sainsbury’s to supply a range of handmade artisan smoothies into 13 Sainsbury’s stores in Northern Ireland.

Made from the milk of Clandeboye’s award-winning herd of Jersey and Holstein Cows, the launch of these unique smoothies provides the small local producer with the opportunity to tap into the highly lucrative and growing ‘Food to Go’ market.

Sainsbury’s has worked with Clandeboye Estate Yoghurts for six years, with the local supplier providing Sainsbury’s 13 Northern Irish stores with its core yoghurt range of natural, Greek, strawberry, raspberry and toffee.

“Clandeboye Estate Smoothies will sit alongside sandwiches and salads in the ‘Food to Go’ aisles at Sainsbury’s stores, offering customers a nutritious graband-go drink option which is perfect for breakfast, lunch or snack time,” said Bryan Boggs, manager at Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt. “As a brand, being able to move into new markets such as ‘Food to Go’ is hugely important, both financially and in terms of increasing awareness of the Clandeboye Estate brand as a whole.”

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The smoothies come in a trio of flavours, strawberry, blueberry and toffee, and have been created as an extension to the company’s successful yoghurt range which was launched in 2008 by Clandeboye Estate’s owner Lady Dufferin, Marchioness of Dufferin and Ava. Lady Dufferin said: “We are extremely proud of our small, but perfectly formed, herd of Holstein and Jersey cows at Clandeboye. Over the years they have swept the boards at the leading agricultural shows in Ireland and further afield. It is not surprising that the yoghurt made from their milk has followed in their hoof prints, winning several Great Taste awards and accolades. We are confident that our smoothies will prove equally as popular.”

he Co-operative Food has more than doubled sales of its own-brand bread in its Northern Irish stores, in the first four weeks following its re-launch, as part of a wider renewed focus on own-brand products.

Sales of the Loved by us Farmhouse and Sandwich/ Toasting loaves in both White and Wholemeal have vastly outstripped the previous own-brand products with, UK-wide, over 2.5 million loaves sold to date.

Customer feedback has been highly positive, with Coop shoppers particularly valuing both the quality of the products and the 75p price.

The re-launch of The Co-operative Food’s Farmhouse loaf is part of a major push on own-brand products which will see over 3,800 lines being re-launched by the end of this year.

The Co-operative Food has also seen bacon sales rise by more than 10% since it announced its ongoing commitment to lower prices on hundreds of everyday essential items.

The Co-op’s re-launched bread range forms a part of a ‘halo’ set of own-brand lines including pies, sandwiches, pizzas and ready meals, which have all been re-launched under the Loved by us banner and which are all seeing double digit, like-for-like sales growth.

The Co-op is taking further steps to achieve its ambition of becoming the UK’s leading community retailer. Thousands of products have seen price reductions as part of a £100m price investment, almost 1,000 stores will see major refits during the year and the business remains on course to grow its convenience portfolio by a net 100 stores by the end of the year.

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My Life in the Grocery Trade Phil Crummery, General Manager at Kerry Foods Portadown (Golden Cow Dairies) WHEN DID YOU TAKE UP THIS POST? I took up my current post in November 2011.

WHAT DOES YOUR ROLE INVOLVE? My role gives me full responsibility for all activites on the site and managing the P&L. WHAT IS YOUR EMPLOYMENT HISTORY TO DATE? My employment began in the automotive industry, where I worked through a series of roles from engineering through to production and operations management over a period of 19 years. From joining Kerry, I looked after operations on the site before moving into general management.

WHAT ARE THE BEST/WORST PARTS OF YOUR JOB? My job is varied and two days are never the same. The best part of the job is in seeing improvements in the site and the site teams pulling together to meet the demands for our products. The worst part is being in a factory on a sunny day.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE FOR YOU? My morning always starts with strong coffee.

As the site runs to a Kerry Production System, there are lots of short standard meetings which various team members attend. Outside of this, I will be working on business critical projects and liaising with stakeholders both within the Kerry Group or external to the company. Some days are long but this ‘comes with the turf’ in this business…

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WHAT HAS BEEN THE PROUDEST MOMENT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? Last year, we launched a new snacking line on the site to produce exciting new snacking products for two of our brands – Low Low & Mattessons. This created 23 new jobs for the factory and gave the site a new dimension within Kerry Foods, and has provided a great footprint for further growth in this expanding sector of the market.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING INVOLVED WITH THE LOCAL RETAIL INDUSTRY? We supply major leading brands into the NI market and it’s great to see our products on local retailers’ shelves and consumers choosing to place our products into their baskets and trollies; knowing they are made by local people, for local people.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO TO UNWIND AWAY FROM WORK? I enjoy reading, films, playing musical instruments, family time, and listening to most types of music. I am trying to play a little golf with my son (not very well). With having four young children, peace and quiet is not an option.

But I enjoy family days out with my wife and kids.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF NOT MANY PEOPLE MAY KNOW. I enjoy jazz and big band music, playing trumpet in a concert band and a local big band based in Portadown (PM Big Band). This is great fun and very rewarding.

FOOD & DRINK NEWS

NI hosts Great Taste judging for first time T

rade Minister Arlene Foster welcomed the decision by the UK Guild of Fine Food to hold this year’s Great Taste Award judging session in Northern Ireland, for the first time.

Invest Northern Ireland sponsored the three-day judging session, in which Ulster Grocer was pleased to participate, in the Stormont Hotel, Belfast.

“I am delighted that the UK Guild of Fine Food has brought the judging of this year’s Awards to Northern Ireland and invited many of the UK’s leading food writers and stylists, as well as key buyers from major retailers such as Harrods, to take part,” said Foster.

“Holding the judging here is a marvellous endorsement of the quality of food and drink being produced by artisan enterprises and smaller companies. It also recognises the outstanding achievements of our companies in the Great Taste Awards.

“In two of the last three years, the Supreme Champion title has been awarded to local businesses, McCartney’s Butchers and Hannan Meats, both based in Moira. Hannan Meats has also achieved more gold stars in the awards, 85, than any other UK company.

“In addition, two local companies gained two of the top UK awards, En Place Foods, Cookstown in the Best Ambient Product

Trade Minister Arlene Foster is pictured at the Stormont Hotel with judges, from left, Jane Curran of Woman & Home; Charles Campion, food writer; Bruce Langlands of Harrods; and John Farrand of the Guild of Fine Food.

category, and Yellow Door Deli, Portadown in the first Farm Shop and Deli Signature Dish category in last year’s awards.

“As a result of these achievements, Northern Ireland companies now have a tremendous track record in the creation of products that combine outstanding taste and innovation. I hope that holding the judging in Belfast will become a regular event.”

The Minister expressed confidence that there will be further success in this year’s Great Taste Awards. Foster said: “This year,

an impressive 726 products have been put forward by 125 local companies. This clearly demonstrates the creativity and desire to succeed that underpins our £4.5bn food and drink industry.

“Companies entering the awards also recognise that success can lead directly to business with major retailers outside Northern Ireland, who watch such high profile competitions for new products and different taste experiences on behalf of their customers.”

17

BACK TO SCHOOL

Vegesentials expands range with new children’s product

A

‘Fresh Kids on the Go’ range has been launched by Vegesentials, the UK’s first raw, unpasteurised fruit and vegetable drink brand.

Having supplied consumers with authentic homemade quality juices and smoothies with high nutritional value since launching in 2012, the family-run company is now expanding its offering with a new line especially designed for children.

Vegesentials was founded by mother of three, Patience Arinaitwe-Mugadu, and her husband Dr Andrew Mugadu, and the recipes for the new range have been created with the help of their children.

Intended to overcome the everyday struggle of encouraging children to eat fresh fruit and vegetables, the tasty range adds new child-friendly flavours to the already popular Vegesentials collection, including Cool Cucumber & Pineapple, Groovy Beet & Strawberry Juice and Cheeky Carrot & Peach.

The range comes in handy lunch box-sized 125ml bottles and is available from Waitrose, Booths, Whole Foods, Planet Organic and Ocado stores.

As a mother herself, ensuring the nutritional quality of the range was paramount for Patience as she and her family created the new collection.

Vegesentials pioneer the use of innovative HPP technology and the fresh fruit and vegetables which make up the delicious drinks are cold pressurised to make sure the ingredients retain their raw and nutritious properties. There is no use of pre-packaged purees, heat treatment, added sugar, water, extracts, additives or powders of concentrates, making them a healthy choice for growing children.

Patience Arinaitwe-Mugadu, co-founder and managing director of Vegesentials, said: “We totally understand the struggles parents go through to get fruit and vegetables into their children, it’s a daily battle which any Mum and Dad is familiar with. We wanted to create a range of healthy smoothies and juices to make the chore easier for parents but which would still be tasty to little palates. It was important to us that we designed the flavours with the help of those who would be drinking them, by listening to our children we were able to understand healthy food and drink from their perspective and get the perfect balance of what they want and what they need.”

Available now from: Robert Roberts (NI) Ltd. 028 9267 3316 or www.robert-roberts.co.uk

NEW & AVAILABLE NOW!

Available from:

Robert Roberts (NI) Ltd 028 9267 3316 or visit www.robert-roberts.co.uk 8 • •Ulster 3618 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

Q&A

Focus on Fresh - featuring Dawn Cann, Marketing Manager, Avondale Foods Who are Avondale Foods?

Avondale Foods was founded in 1965 by Harry and Derek Geddis, who as market gardeners identified a niche initially for prepared vegetables.

The brothers had a passion for quality food and identified an opportunity to develop the business into salads and coleslaws, diversifying into a number of product categories without losing sight of their horticultural roots. These include chilled and prepared, ready-to-cook, fresh soups, sauces and dressings, wet and side salads, bakery, salad meals and meal accompaniments.

Avondale Foods operate in UK and Irish markets, within the retail and foodservice sectors, supplying both Country Kitchen and own label ranges, including SPAR. We were the proud winners of the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Food and Drink Award; this was a reflection of the production and supply of our high quality products. We also managed to scoop the Great Taste Award for our Country Kitchen Vegetable Broth and Sweet Chilli Noodle Salad.

When did you begin supplying to the Henderson Group, and how did the business relationship begin?

The Henderson Group has now stocked Country Kitchen Salads for over 20 years, so we have a well-established working partnership with the company. Over this time, with the support of the Henderson Group, we have developed our ranges and products including the evolution of our branding. Our products are supplied to all brands, SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA. As a result, in January 2014, Avondale Foods as appointed Category Partner for the supply of salads for all stores. Further to this, in February 2014, we were appointed Category Partner for the supply of fresh soup to the Group. A range of Country Kitchen Fresh Soup is now available in SPAR, EUROSPAR, VIVO and VIVOXTRA stores across Northern Ireland. We now supply a full range of quality retail and foodservice chilled products to the Henderson Group.

Do you supply any products exclusively to the Henderson Group?

In 2013, the Henderson Group awarded us with the exclusive contract of supplying SPAR own-brand salad. Throughout 2013, our Product Development Team has worked with the Product Development and Commercial Teams at the Henderson Group, developing a range of

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

products for the new SPAR own-brand range.

We were delighted to launch seven new SPAR salads in January 2014.

Dawn Cann displays products exclusively produced for the Henderson Group stores.

Which products are performing best?

We are fortunate that our range of products cover off the various seasons we enjoy in Northern Ireland, so we perform well throughout the year. In particular, our Country Kitchen Brand sells well in the Autumn and Winter months, with Vegetable Broth being our top seller in this range.

In the Spring and Summer, naturally it is the sales of salads that start to build, with coleslaw still leading the way. We have, however, seen a dramatic increase in consumer demand for what is known as side salads in the business – cous cous salad, pasta salads, beetroot salad, noodle salads – all in tasty light dressings.

How do you go about deciding which products to supply?

Understanding customers’ needs as well as those of the end consumer is vital to building the right range for each customer. Avondale Food’s Sales and Product Development Teams regularly benchmark product ranges against competitors, restaurant menus and food trending.

The use of market intelligence also gives us an insight into past, current and future customer needs. This information, along with an understanding of specific customer needs, enables Avondale to develop products that will drive sales.

Has the contract opened up your business to new markets? What sort of impact has it had on your sales?

As a direct result of this new business, we have been offered an opportunity to develop additional sales with the various SPAR wholesalers across the UK. Launching salads in January is a slower time of the year to build business – however it gave us the opportunity to get the range presented and sales developed in time for the summer trading period.

Do you have any plans to introduce more new lines this year?

Yes – Our Innovation and Product Development Team is continually developing new products to introduce into the business.

SPAR has already requested additional lines as part of the Northern Ireland Range.

Are there any specific challenges associated with supplying to the wider retail sector, and how have you overcome these?

Seasonality within our business needs to be managed – Avondale Foods currently supplies over 20% of the coleslaw purchased across UK. Even with regular forecasting, weather can still have a major impact on order requirements.

The slightest hint of sun can see orders double overnight.

Avondale Food recently invested in AX, a comprehensive order management system, which enables us to ensure our customer order requirements are fulfilled throughout the year – rain, hail or sun!

Has the Henderson Group contract given you any specific insight into the wider retail market, or helped you identify new opportunities?

Looking back to when we started out as a small Northern Ireland supplier all those years ago, I cannot believe how far we have come as a company. The support and guidance we have received throughout our time working with the Henderson Group has been remarkable. We believe the opportunity to develop business with the Henderson Group will enable Avondale Foods to extend our customer base initially across UK / Ireland and then into Europe in the future.

19

HOG perspective ROAST night

Dark Horse hosts hog roast night C

liff Kells, commercial manager for Tesco Northern Ireland, welcomed the guests to the annual mid-summer Hog Roast as chair of the GroceryAid NI Committee. “As well as the fundraising element of tonight,” he said, “we want to raise awareness of the help that is available to employees in the food industry through GroceryAid.” He thanked the companies who had supported the event, in particular SHS Sales & Marketing, Coca-Cola Hellenic, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Cuisine de France, as well as Kenny Gracey who prepared a delicious hog for the grocery trade event at the Dark Horse in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.

Des McCullough, event organiser, surrounded by admirers Paula Montgomery and Maggie McComb.

Enjoying the meal (from left) are James Mathers, Danielle McBride and Mark Gowdy of White’s Oats.

Organiser Candida Corscadden and Cliff Kells savour the delicious hog roast from Kenny Gracey, Forthill Farm.

Girls from the Coca-Cola team.

Lucky ballot winners took home a super SHS hamper.

GroceryAid Golf Day T

he annual GroceryAid/Sweet Charity Golf Day takes place on Thursday 7th August, organised by David McWilliams and his team on behalf of the food industry charity.

“The event is now bigger and better than ever,” he said, “and offers a great opportunity to network with the trade, entertain your customers or bring a few friends along and play the amazing Belvoir Park course.”

The golf will be a Stableford competition with prizes for the best teams. There will also be individual prizes across four categories – manufacturer, wholesaler, retailer and visitor.

The cost of a 4-ball which includes a goody bag, prizes and evening meal, followed by entertainment is £300 + £50 (hole sponsorship).

“We would welcome the donation of prizes so that as many people as possible go home as winners,” said David. “Individual players and additional guests for the evening meal are also welcome.”

Contact David McWilliams on 028 9068 2066 for additional information.

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

5

Yollies Yogurt lolly

Ground-breaking innovation in Yogurt There is a new lunchbox hero in town with new Yollies Yogurt on a stick.

K

erry Foods have long pioneered kids’ cheese snacking across the UK, Ireland and more recently Europe. Since bringing Cheestrings to the market in 1996, they have championed the growth in the category, keeping it fresh with innovation like Cheestrings Spaghetti and Cheestrings Flavours.

Now, after many years in development, Kerry Foods are set to revolutionise the yogurt category, with New Yollies Yogurt lollies.

Bronagh Clarke, Marketing Manager for Kerry Dairy in Ireland, says: “The idea for Yollies was born out of strong consumer insight from our dual audience. We know parents are looking for something healthy that can go into school lunchboxes, but

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

also something their kids will enjoy eating.

Primary school kids want something cool, that is “yummy”, and they can eat quickly to get outside and play!”

Yollies are a first to market yogurt on a stick in the chilled category. They are made with extra-thick deliciously fruity yogurt, firm enough to stay on a stick, and packaged in convenient, stay-fresh pods to keep their shape.

Yollies are made with real fruit puree, contain no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives, and are a source of Calcium & Vitamin D, which are essential for healthy bones. They can also be eaten frozen for a delicious healthy summer treat.

Yollies come in three fruity flavours

- Raspberry, Strawberry and Apricot, with each Yollie pod featuring one of 16 individual characters. Yollies also have collectable keyring sticks with each having an individual letter for kids to collect their names, or even their favourite football teams!

“We are hugely excited about bringing this innovation to market,” says Bronagh.

“It answers a strong consumer need, is truly groundbreaking, and is a culmination of many years’ development and dedication from the teams to bring it to market. We have significant support for launch, with heavy bursts of our brand new TV ad, digital, press, PR, in-store support and sampling with kids”.

Yollies will be instore from 7th July.

21

BUILDING BRANDS

What’s your story?

Zane Radcliffe

Zane Radcliffe, senior creative at AV Browne, highlights the importance of authentic ‘provenance’ in creating differentiation and competitive advantage when building brands.

O

ne of the first things we like to know about people when we first meet them is where they’re from and what’s their story?

The same is true for brands. We refer to this as brand ‘provenance’; a word that derives from the French word ‘provenir’, meaning ‘to come forth’ or ‘originate’.

Which is all rather ironic for Kronenbourg, which recently came in for criticism from the UK Advertising Standards Authority for making claims about its ‘Frenchness’ that the brand could not substantiate. Parent company Heineken is appealing the decision, which would limit its ability to portray Kronenbourg as authentically French. If unsuccessful, the damage to the brand could be significant.

After all, without claim to a distinctively Gallic provenance, Kronenbourg would be about as French as a McDonald’s fry.

This case highlights how provenance matters for brands. In the food and drink sector, provenance can provide a strong source of differentiation and, ultimately, competitive advantage.

Consumers value authenticity and will gladly pay a premium when the brand’s connections to origin are deep. A recent industry report confirms that we put

provenance before price and availability when shopping for food. ‘Made In’, ‘Made By’ and ‘Made Since’ all matter. They have become the shorthand for all things consumers care about: quality, ingredients, health, animal welfare, environmental and labour concerns.

In short, provenance equals confidence.

Of course, advertisers have known this for a long time. In fact, we’ve probably been handcrafting ads about provenance since 1823.

Even a humble bag of spuds can be covered in purple prose, sometimes accompanied by a photograph of the very field from which they were plucked, in a bid to sell the unique provenance of its contents. Your customers aren’t just buying your potatoes, they are buying into the farm, the field and the fingers that did the plucking. They are buying your story.

That does not mean you should instruct your advertising agency to dress up your mutton as meadow-reared, Scottish, blackfaced lamb. Or that you enlist the services of Eric Cantona as your brand spokesman before you can prove that your Strisselspalt hops are grown in Alsace. While there is a popular conceit that ‘all advertising is fiction’, the best

and most effective advertising is invariably based on a truth.

If the consumer spots a hole in your story, their confidence in your brand will be eroded.

And consumers have never been more highly attuned to the veracity, or otherwise, of claimed brand provenance.

The much publicised horsemeat scandal that dominated dinner table conversations at the beginning of last year, has placed even greater scrutiny on food producers. From a communications perspective, brands simply need to get their stories straight.

Of course, many regulatory bodies and kite-marks exist to rubber-stamp brand provenance. An unfortunate side effect of this is a proliferation of brands seeking to ‘flex’ the rules. Hence, our supermarket shelves are well stocked with ‘Greek-style’ yoghurt, ‘Belgian-style’ chocolate and ‘Americanstyle’ pancake mix. Volvic is currently piggybacking the World Cup with a flavoured water ‘Inspired by Brazil’; a stretch, to say the least. And unless you understand your consumers and are absolutely sure that they’ll be similarly elastic in judging your brand, it’s a risky game to play.

Marketing begins and ends with your consumer. And it is only worth a brand making its origins a strong part of its story after understanding consumer expectations about its category. Belgium works for chocolate. Not so renowned for their pasta sauces. If you’re a brand with strong provenance, leverage it and be truthful. For ‘comeback brands’, rediscover your heritage.

For ‘new brands’, find your story. And if your provenance isn’t attractive – [Belgian Tagliatelli, anyone?] – don’t emphasise it.

Zane Radcliffe can be contacted by email: zane.radcliffe@avbrowne.com or tel: 028 9032 0663. Visit AV Browne’s website www.avbrowne.com or follow it on twitter @avbgroup.

22

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Ulster Grocer lists its Top 25 local food & drinks companies R

eturning for a second year, the Ulster Grocer Top 25 lists the leading locally-based food, drinks and grocery businesses ranked by sales turnover.

Agri-food is now widely recognised as a leading industry in Northern Ireland, and Moy Park the biggest operator across the entire business sector. The Top 25 reflects the scale and breadth of the industry from producers and processors such as Moy Park, Fane Valley and Dale Farm, which have expanded from local to international businesses over the years, to major wholesalers and retailers such as Henderson’s, Musgrave, SHS and Savage & Whitten.

Many of these businesses are profiled across the Top 25 feature,

Committed to a long-term, sustainable supply chain

while commentary is also provided by leading industry figures such as DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill, Agri-Food Strategy Board Chairman Tony O’Neill and Food NI Chief Executive Michele Shirlow.

Professor Chris Elliott, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast, meanwhile tells UG about the glowing reputation of Northern Irish food and drink, and his ambitious plans to make the Institute a world leader and authority.

Moving on from the Top 25, UG then looks at Rising Stars of the local agri-food scene, as a burgeoning number of local artisan producers earn plaudits for their fare.

by Michelle O’Neill, minister for the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development

T

he past year has been a very challenging time for our local agriculture sector, which came under immense pressure due to severe weather events and fodder shortages.

Thankfully the industry, with the help of my Department and other stakeholders, recovered well from these setbacks and the weather of the last 12 months has been much improved.

It was also this time last year that the DETI Minister and I took receipt of Going for Growth, the strategic plan of the Agri-Food Strategy Board. This was a direct response to the Executive’s recognition that agri-food plays a central role in our local economy and continues to show huge potential for growth.

The action plan is, of course, simply the first step to unlocking that potential and, to be honest, I had hoped - indeed expected - that we would have made more progress than we have in the year since its publication. We still await a formal Executive response, but the scale of the recommendations and targets outlined in Going for Growth represent a major commitment from both industry and government.

For my part, I remain fully committed to delivering on the aims and objectives of Going for Growth and, although the overall Executive response has not been agreed, we are making progress on the Board’s recommendations on a number of fronts.

Innovation is highlighted in the report as a key driver of competitiveness and sustainability.

I am pleased that we have been able to increase the number of new DARD PhD studentships being awarded this year from eight to 12. We are also funding a dedicated contact point at AFBI to assist local researchers and businesses to draw down EU research monies.

On the issue of sustainability and production efficiency, I recently opened a third tranche of the Manure Efficiency Technology Scheme and there has, once again, been a very positive response from farmers. Work also continues on developing a Farm Business Improvement Scheme to meet the need for financial and advisory support identified in Going for Growth.

During the last 12 months, inward inspections by Chinese officials of local pig AI centres, and by Singaporean vets of local meat plants, have both proved fruitful, with conditions for trade being secured. One of the key market opportunities for our industry is China and I am delighted at its continued interest in the north’s agri-food industry.

Looking ahead, I want to build on these recent successes. Therefore, I’ve asked my

officials to work in partnership with other government bodies and the industry to prepare for potential inward inspections from the USA, Russia, China and Australia later this year; all aimed at opening or re-opening markets for pork exports. The Russian visit will also look at the high quality beef we produce.

Although Government has a role to play in securing access to markets, it is the ambition and determination of local companies to expand globally that drives our efforts.

Our food companies know that to be able to tap into the global marketplace, they must have food of the highest quality and traceability. They also know that our farmers and fishermen have consistently provided the raw materials to meet these requirements and will continue to do so.

To make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead, the entire industry must work together as one supply chain, with each receiving fair reward for their efforts.

This is the only way to ensure long term sustainability for all elements of the supply chain, and my Department is committed to supporting the sector in achieving this.

23

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Key role for retailers in driving agri-food forward Tony O’Neill, chairman of the Agri-Food Strategy Board, outlines how the Board’s Going for Growth strategic action plan will help food companies in providing quality and innovative products for retailers and shoppers.

N

orthern Ireland’s supermarkets and other retailers responded very positively to the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s Going for Growth – Investing in Success strategic action plan; the most significant ever developed by the entire industry here.

We look forward to working with retailers as the 118 recommendations, currently being considered by the Northern Ireland Executive, are steadily implemented.

The Board’s recognition of the longstanding support from the retail sector here for local food and drink from both large and small companies is reflected among the recommendations in the action plan. We were also impressed by the enthusiasm of the main supermarkets here to introduce our products, including many from smaller companies, to their store networks in Great Britain, the Republic of Ireland and other parts of Europe.

The Board’s recommendations were shaped to drive a dynamic industry, which contributes £4.5b to the local economy, forward at a much faster pace over the next six years and to provide potentially 15,000 new jobs on top of the 100,000 currently employed. A key target in our report is a 60% rise in total sales to £7b by 2020.

An even more successful industry with enhanced employment and growing disposable incomes will, in turn, bring tangible benefits to local retailers and the wider community.

Confidence gained by companies in supplying supermarkets in Britain and the Republic is also enabling many to win worthwhile business in the US, the Middle East and Asia. Many others, encouraged by the achievements of these businesses, are increasingly recognising that the best route to profitable growth is abroad.

A key theme of the action plan is that there must be greater co-ordination and cooperation within a single supply chain that delivers the food and drink that customers 24

will purchase at a premium, particularly in markets outside Northern Ireland.

This approach is covered by the plan’s strategic vision – growing a sustainable, profitable and integrated agri-food supply chain focused on delivering the needs of the market. It’s a supply chain in which retailers have a pivotal role.

It’s our conviction that a fully integrated supply chain in which government, farmers, processors, academia and retailers are all engaged will lead to a much more resilient, responsive and successful industry that’s widely recognised and respected as being market-led, innovation-driven, technologyfriendly and globally-focused.

Agri-food companies, it is now widely acknowledged, are making a hugely important contribution to the local economy and have the potential to play an even greater role. We are confident that the industry, with enhanced support from the Executive and key departments especially in marketing and innovation, can achieve the target of a 75% growth in sales outside Northern Ireland.

Retailers here can continue to assist companies to achieve the internationalisation identified in our strategic action plan as being vitally important to the industry’s growth in both short and long terms. Many companies are already benefiting from their expertise in areas such as market intelligence, customer knowledge, contacts, merchandising, packaging and logistics. Others can grow faster by being able to tap into this knowledge.

In addition to greater internationalisation, the action plan focused on the importance of new product development and innovation in areas such as processing, merchandising and customer services. By working together with retailers, our companies can develop market-led products with lower levels of business risk.

The Going for Growth strategy recognises that the future prosperity of the industry hinges particularly on new product and process development. Food, of course, is a fast-moving industry driven by consumers seeking new taste experiences which they now require, perhaps more than ever before, to be wholesome, traceable and safe. Our food and drink meets these requirements.

What we also recommended is that the existing reputation of primary producers, processors and retailers for providing consumers with safe food should be harnessed with the huge marketing advantage of the standing and work of the unique Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University, Belfast to strengthen further sales here and especially in international markets.

Of immense importance is the fact that the entire industry - farming, fishing, processing, and retailing - is backing the action plan.

Furthermore, companies, both large and small, are pledging to invest £1.3b over the period, a measure of their confidence in the plan and the future of the industry.

What the action plan will lead to – when fully implemented – is an agri-food industry here that will compete and succeed through the development of innovative products that consumers will want to buy in stores here and abroad.

Our most important industry, biggest manufacturer and leading exporter will have been transformed and reinvigorated through the development of a genuinely worldclass business approach within a single and fully integrated support chain focused on the needs of customers of retailers in international markets.

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

In the Hot Seat Featuring Sean Clarke, Operations Director of Star Rentals - sponsor of the Top 25 Local Food & Drinks Companies.

TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF I have been in the commercial vehicle motor business for more than 25 years, working with both locally-owned and national PLC businesses. I live in Lisburn with my family and love to get home after a long week’s work and relax most weekends.

WHAT DOES A TYPICAL DAY INVOLVE? There is no such thing as a typical day in this business as things change so quickly, and there is always loads to do. The great thing is that there is a terrific team at Star Rentals who support me in delivering excellent service to every customer, irrespective of the hire lasting one day or five years.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR CAREER TO DATE? There have been many highlights over my career; however, one of them has to be returning to Star Rentals as Operations Director almost 15 years after leaving a sales role within the company to further my career.

The business is now owned by the Gaffer Group who have invested heavily in new systems and vehicles.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? One of the things I enjoy most about my job is meeting new customers and helping find workable solutions to complicated transport operations with our flexible rental products.

People buy from people they can trust and a friendly consultative approach always puts people at ease and allows them to fully explore the many types of manufacturers and vehicles that we offer. Even if the customer doesn’t rent from us, he still goes away with a positive experience of Star Rentals.

who are willing to work hard and learn the business over solely capable people.

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST GRIPE? My biggest gripe is inflexibility; business isn’t 9-5 anymore and we have to respond to customer needs 24/7, so sometimes when you need another manufacturer to assist and they close early it can be annoying. Our close association with NI Trucks and Iveco provides us with 24-hour contact, assistance and service flexibility.

WHAT TALENT WOULD YOU LIKE TO HAVE? I would love to be able to read people’s minds as sometimes it seems that it would make life a lot easier!

WHAT IS YOUR MOST DIFFICULT TASK? The most difficult task in my job is getting the mix correct of vehicle types and utilisation to ensure we have the right vehicles at the right time to meet customer demands, while ensuring we remain competitive within the marketplace.

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS/ AMBITIONS? My future plans are to continue growing the Star Rentals business and brand within the island of Ireland, with opportunities having recently been explored for a branch in Dublin.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU HAVE EVER RECEIVED? The best advice is to employ suitable people

WHOM DO YOU MOST ADMIRE? There are a few people who I admire.

Firstly, on a personal note, my other half

who supports me every day and puts up with me constantly on the phone. However, in business, I would have to say our group chairman. He is an extremely busy person focusing on various businesses employing almost 350 people within the group. He never forgets to stop and chat with every member of staff, remembering all their names, families etc. This is an incredible ability and shows real care not often seen in the modern business environment.

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE? My favourite place is anywhere relaxing and sunny, should it be the south coast of Spain or my own back garden with the barbeque working overtime and a cold drink in hand.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FOOD PRODUCT? My favourite food is homemade lasagne using only fresh ingredients bought from local grocers and served with spicy baked potato wedges.

HOW DO YOU RELAX? The combination of my favourite place/food and spending time with my family is the best recipe for relaxation ever.

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Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

A small island in the middle of the world’s food chain

Professor Chris Elliott, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast.

Creating the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast was one of his better ideas, says its director, Professor Chris Elliott. By Alyson Magee.

“I

n Northern Ireland, we’re a small part of a small island but actually we sit right in the middle of the world’s food supply system,” says Professor Chris Elliott, director of the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast.

“Whenever there was a problem in one part of the world, I could see it was having an impact here in Northern Ireland and that’s what brought me to the idea that if we want to help and support our local agriculture and food industries, we’ve got to think not locally but globally.”

Just over a year since Queen’s former Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use was rebranded with the global moniker, the immediate success of the initiative has prompted plans to move into a new £35m state-of-the-art facility in late 2016/early 2017.

Queen’s invested £5m of its own funding into the rebranding, “and then what we had to set out to do was to convince research funders – locally, nationally, internationally – to buy into this 26

concept of the global centre,” says Prof Elliott.

“We have been extraordinarily successfully in bringing in extra funding and we have support, government-wise, from Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland and Great Britain.”

The Institute has also attracted funding from the European Commission, as well as Thailand and the US including five projects sponsored by the Bill Gates Foundation.

The new building, to be located on the site of Queen’s old science library, is expected to be over 11,000 square metres in size and will offer both the facilities and stature associated with Prof Elliott’s goal of making the Institute a world leader in food security.

“It’s a very positive thing,” he says, “and the whole idea is we will be looking to support our local industry but also to support some of the big issues in global food security.

Again, we are seeking new partnerships and collaborations to make our Institute not the best in the UK but the best globally in what we

do so it’s a big aspiration.”

RETHINKING AGRI-FOOD AT QUEEN’S While Queen’s has a long tradition of teaching agriculture and food science, Prof Elliott says the discipline had fallen out of favour and its school at risk of closure when “fortunately they decided to have one more go at it and we formed the Institute of Agri-Food and Land Use in 2006 to see if we could reinvigorate the teaching and research programmes.”

“From very humble beginnings, a small group of us were brought in to do this,” he says, “and what we found was, the mood was changing about food science and agriculture. There was more optimism and, with our new programme in place, we started to recruit not only students but good students. From 2006, when we started our first courses and were attracting handfuls of students, we’re now in a position where, in 2014, we have hundreds upon hundreds applying for our courses here and we are picking the cream of

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES the crop. We’re getting really phenomenally good students into the food and agriculture pathway.”

With a burgeoning student population, and agri-food’s contribution to the Northern Irish economy highlighted by the recession when it continued to perform well, Prof Elliott conceived the plan to widen the Institute’s scope.

“We import millions of tonnes of raw material in cereals and what we do is convert that into foodstuffs like red meat and poultry but we export 80% of that,” he says. Northern Ireland is not immune, meanwhile, from the impact of global food scares such as the Chinese baby milk incident.

“First of all I had to prepare a business case for the University because what Queen’s wanted to do was set up a number of global centres – things that we are good at and want to show the world we can excel at.

“Hence the reason we rebranded our Institute the Institute for Global Food Security and now, just about one year after that, I can say that it’s probably one of my better ideas.”

Last month, the Institute hosted a large delegation visiting from China to view the new Northern Irish feed control systems. “So we’ve the world’s biggest economy now taking lessons from one of the world’s smallest,” he says.

The Institute currently collaborates with McGill University in Canada and is building relationships with schools excelling in food security at Cambridge and Nottingham universities and further afield in Austria and China. “We want not to compete with but to be better than, and also to form collaborations with, them,” he says.

AGRI-FOOD STRATEGY SYNERGY Rebranding of the Institute also fits well with the Agri-Food Strategy Board’s Going for Growth goals for Northern Ireland of increasing sales by 60%, jobs by 15% and exports by 75%, by 2020.

“What we’ve always to remember is that every single thing we do here in Northern Ireland is based on high quality, high safety and high integrity, and a lot of the research we do here is to support those key objectives,” says Prof Elliott. “We are working with many local food companies to deliver those key objectives through our animal feed industry, processing industry and also linking up with some of the multiple retailers that are so important as customers for our produce.”

Describing the Agri-Food Strategy targets as demanding but achievable, he says “we will only achieve them if we get a full buy-in from all industry sectors and our Assembly to support the strategy. There have been a number of reports previously about increasing food production in

Receiving hundreds upon hundreds of applicants to its courses each year, the Institute is able to pick the cream of the crop of students.

Northern Ireland, and quite often those reports sit on shelves and gather dust and we can’t let that happen with the Going for Growth strategy.

“If our industry continues to grow as we hope, we need to produce a new generation of leaders for the industry so, at Queen’s, what we’re doing is expanding our under- and postgraduate programmes to help deliver those leaders and what we would like to see is our best young talent finding high calibre jobs in the local food industry.”

To that end, Prof Elliott believes it would be beneficial if the local agri-food sector looked at recruiting at the beginning of graduate programmes, as currently happens with the best IT and engineering graduates at Queen’s, to stem exodus of the best students out of Northern Ireland.

FOOD FORTRESS Among the biggest successes of the rebranded Institute to date, says Prof Elliott, is its Food Fortress involving collaboration with the entire animal feed sector in Northern Ireland.

“We import somewhere in the region of two million tonnes of cereals each year and those can come from any part of the world,” he says.

“When we think back to 2008/2009, the last big food scare on this island was about feed contaminated with dioxins, and it came close to destroying the reputation of the industry.

“What we have done with the animal feed sector is to develop a unique system of risk assessment and management, and ensure the supply chain of animal feed materials is the safest in the world.”

The Institute supports the Northern Ireland Grain Trade Association in operational details of the programme, which has uptake from 90% of Northern Irish mills and is expected to

expand into the Republic of Ireland this year.

“Now we’ve got the feed sector covered, we’re working closely with processors as well to see how we can help increase confidence in their supply chains as having the highest levels of safety and integrity in the world,” says Prof Elliott.

The Institute is working with Moy Park on white meat programmes, as well as the dairy and red meat sectors with the Livestock & Meat Commission of Northern Ireland incorporating Food Fortress within their farm assurance specification.

“What horsegate showed us was that food supply chains are very complicated and also very vulnerable to fraud,” he says. “What seemed to be an Irish problem then became an Irish/ British problem and then, over the next couple of months of investigation, it turned out that 26 out of 28 member states in Europe were involved.

“Here at the Institute, we are conducting cutting edge research to protect companies from having criminals penetrate their supply systems and we are currently inundated with requests to provide support, not only in Ireland and the UK but globally.”

In the wake of the horsemeat scandal, Prof Elliott was appointed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs and the Department of Health to lead an independent review of Britain’s food supply chain. During the ongoing review, feedback from UK retailers on the quality and safety standards of Northern Irish food has been very positive.

As well as working with some of the world’s biggest food companies, including a milk safety project with Nestlé and exporters from South East Asia into Europe, the Institute is keen to support smaller, local producers.

“Retailers, because of what happened in horsegate, are now focusing on reducing the complexity of their supply chains and sourcing more produce locally and I do think that gives Northern Irish food producers a huge opportunity,” he says. “We’re trying to help some of the blossoming artisan food producers, particularly cheese and rapeseed oil, again, with work very much focused on ensuring safety and integrity of products.”

Prof Elliott encourages further uptake of the EU PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) and PDO (Protected Designation of origin) marks as a marketing opportunity for local, artisan producers, and believes Belfast should set its sights on becoming the first UK city to achieve gold accreditation as a Sustainable Food City.

The Institute can help map out the simplest route for food businesses to achieve that goal, he says.

27

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Moy Park raises its profile on a global scale

Andrew Nethercott, director of brand marketing at Moy Park, tells UG about the opportunities offered by World Cup sponsorship, as well as its new Good Kitchen range.

MOY PARK IS SIGNIFICANTLY RAISING ITS MARKETING PRESENCE AS SPONSOR OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP. WHAT SORT OF OPPORTUNITY DOES THIS REPRESENT? The World Cup is a huge opportunity for Moy Park to raise our profile on a global scale.

Sponsoring the FIFA 2014 World Cup™ is an important tool to increase brand awareness and product distribution in our key European markets. It shows we are serious about growing the Moy Park brand.

WHAT IS MOY PARK DOING TO MAKE THE MOST OF THE SPONSORSHIP? We have lots of exciting initiatives to celebrate the sponsorship with our customers, consumers and employees. We ran an on-pack promotion on Moy Park branded products to give away a trip to Brazil to watch a World Cup semi-final game. This was supported by a fully-integrated marketing campaign across the island of Ireland. We also launched four football inspired products to mark the occasion.

We have also partnered with some of our customers to run joint promotions on retailer own-branded poultry products, giving away prizes, including trips to watch England play 28

at the World Cup, LED TVs and exclusive Moy Park World Cup goodie bags. We hosted World Cup parties for stakeholders at venues in Northern Ireland, England and Paris – including one at Wembley Stadium. We also ran a competition for a staff member to go to Brazil to watch the World Cup. LOOKING FORWARD, WHAT MARKETING PLANS DOES MOY PARK HAVE AFTER THE WORLD CUP? The World Cup has provided Moy Park with a fantastic platform to expose the brand to a global audience.

During the World Cup campaign, we experienced 60% growth in our Twitter following and increased engagement on facebook.

We are planning an integrated brandfocused campaign for later in 2014, which will further showcase our expertise and heritage. As part of this, we will also have a presence at key consumer events in 2014, including the Tesco Taste NI festival and sponsorship of the Celebrity Chef Theatre at the Food and Drink Show NI.

HAS THE MOY PARK BRAND EXPERIENCED MUCH GROWTH IN THE NI MARKET IN RECENT YEARS? The Moy Park brand has experienced growth here and is well-established within the Northern Ireland symbol and independent trade. Due to increasing consumer demand for locally-sourced chicken, we are also seeing interest from larger retailers. For example, Tesco NI listed our new Moy Park branded ‘Ready to Cook’ range in April this year.

WHICH PRODUCTS ARE PERFORMING BEST IN THE LOCAL MARKET, AND WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF MOY PARK’S NEW PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT? There is a high level of demand from the local market for chicken breast fillets, compared with the rest of the UK. Mini fillets and diced chicken products are experiencing growth, which points towards the ever-increasing consumer demand for convenience. Our focus for NPD continues to be centred on providing products that offer time-poor consumers a high quality, simple meal solution.

We recently launched the Moy Park ‘Good Kitchen’ range, which is a selection of readyto-cook chicken dishes created by our chefs.

Made with 100% Irish chicken and marinated in four distinctive flavours, the ‘Good Kitchen’ products are the perfect mix of convenience, taste and quality.

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Progressive Fane Valley co-op continues to expand F

ane Valley, the farmer-owned cooperative society, is now one of Ireland’s most progressive agri-food businesses, with interests in dairy processing, red meats, feed compounding, agricultural supplies, oats and breakfast cereal and renewable energy; operating across Europe.

Fane Valley Co-operative was formed in 1903 and, over 100 years later, still remains 100% farmer-owned, by 1,800 shareholders.

The company now has a turnover in excess of £525m, with over 2,100 employees at sites in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, England and Belgium.

The ability to provide assurances around the integrity of the supply chains, including

product safety and traceability, are again key elements that have strengthened the excellent reputation of Fane Valley and its group of companies.

Fane Valley Dairies - the Banbridge-based milk processor which specialises in milk powders, butters and anhydrous milk fat has won new business in China, Indonesia, Algeria, Venezuela, Cuba and Europe,

while already exporting products to over 25 countries.

Fane Valley Stores, the agricultural supplies division within the group, has an ever-expanding network of stores reinforcing its position as Northern Ireland’s largest agricultural retailer, offering an extensive range of products to farmers and the wider rural community. The latest acquisition of McCaughan Animal Health will take the total number of Fane Valley Stores to 12 across Northern Ireland, ensuring the delivery of a modern and efficient service to go alongside their online sales platform. www.fanevalley.com

S&W offers trading experience, value and convenient ordering S

&W Wholesale has been in existence as an independent wholesaler for almost 90 years, and is part of the expansive Todays buying group (worth around £5.5bn), allowing S&W to provide excellent prices and value for customers.

S&W’s turnover has been quite significant, with rapid growth continuing, showing 20% continual growth year-on-year. S&W distributes throughout the island of Ireland with a fleet of 19 vehicles.

Employment levels have dramatically increased to 128 employees in S&W’s 56,000-square-foot premises. In addition to this, around 50 people are employed in company-owned stores.

The vast majority of S&W’s retailers take advantage of their free delivery service and over 50% of them now order online at a time which suits them. This once again allows them more time to focus on the front end of their business instead of being tied up in supply issues. The online facility allows customers to view 4000-plus pictorial lines, giving them access to online statements, invoices and order history.

A Full Central Billing package is available including Chill, Freeze, Fresh and non-foods, giving competitive on-going pricing and promotions.

There are currently 94 stores operating under the Todays Local, Extra and Express persona, and the first New Todays Store has just opened in Dublin with plans to roll out additional Today’s Stores later this year.

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ng a ri e v li e d y b n io it t e t h e co m p m ro f g a g in g! rt n a e p a & s e e iv lv t e a v rs o u n o t in e s We e, which is g a k c oin g a p g n g o in r t u e o k r m a ro m f e g iv s in n t, by lea rn co m p re h e n a w rs n e ve ry e o p p s o n h io s t r a u ct o e t p a x h e w r e ed s h o pp We k n o w e c x e o t e v ri st e w d re s ea rch re s u lt s, a n le ve l o f t h e s h opp in g ex pe ri e n ce!

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EUROSPAR’s dedicated Charity Partnership is with local charity Cancer Fund for Children.

Together we have raised over £300,000 in just 3 years. Amazing!

An extensive, integrated marketing your street!

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Our ‘everyday low pricing’ strategy see’s all EUROSPAR stores participate in a Price Match scheme. This ensures our customers get the value of the multiples on over 600 lines in store, as well as 100s of Mega Deals which are promoted weekly!

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Using digital platforms such as Social Media, E-Newsletters, Online Advertising and SMS, allows us to target shoppers more cost effectively, and strategically, through targeting by demographics.

Selected EUROSPAR stores. Subject to availability, excludes multi-buys, own-label, promos. Prices checked every week at tesco.com. prices amended within 7 working days. Photography is for illustration purposes and may not be representative of all 'Tesco Price Match' products. See in-store for details.

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By joining up to the EUROSPAR ‘Easy Rewards’ Loyalty scheme, you can generate RNS MULKE goodwill by rewarding your customers.

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CONTACT: joinus@henderson-group.com or contact a member of the Sales Team 028 90337866

package that’s right up

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Focus on fresh, local and value reaps rewards for the Henderson Group While the retail grocery environment remains tough, the Henderson Group is keeping it local and pulling in a record performance as a result, says Wholesale Sales and Marketing Director Paddy Doody. By Alyson Magee.

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eeping retail prices down, while expanding its range of fresh and local produce, is working well for the Henderson Group. The Group prides itself on a high level of reinvestment and commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) with profits recycled back into the business.

Having also recently posted record turnover for 2013, the Group is pleased with like-for-like retail performance in 2014 to date, says Paddy Doody, Sales and Marketing Director of Henderson Wholesale.

“We believe we’re outperforming the market,” he says, citing recent downturns in like-for-like sales for Sainsbury’s over two consecutive quarters while first quarter sales at Tesco fell by 3.7%. “We’re probably sitting, like-for-like, at around plus-2% for independents and company own stores.”

The Henderson Group’s financial results for 2013, published in June, reported a record performance with turnover of £642.8m and profits of £18.4m.

“Getting the right product mix, together with good retail and warehouse operational efficiency and overhead management,

resulted in the Group bringing in a better profit performance than expected,” says Paddy.

“The wholesale profits were flat due to our ongoing Price Reduction scheme for retailers. We reduced the price of goods so in turn retailers could reduce the price for their customers,” he says, although the higher retail sales following the price reduction balanced out that performance.

FRESH, LOCAL FOCUS Fresh food sales increased by 11%, yearon-year, following a big push involving significant investment in staff, infrastructure and new product development.

“Fresh continues apace,” says Paddy, with the Group’s marketing activity currently focused on promoting the fresh food offering through leaflet drops and lifestyle advertising across press, TV, radio and outdoor work. “In the past, our leaflets might have highlighted specific products,” he says. “Now it’s all about meal solutions, providing fantastic quality and, as much as possible, locally-produced

From left, Henderson Group Sales and Marketing Director Paddy Doody and Finance Director Ron Whitten are pictured celebrating record financial results.

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food at fabulous value.”

Local suppliers range from Ballygarvey eggs, Ballyrashane milk, Cookstown ham and Dromona cheese to a range of valueadded meat cuts from Ballymena-based K&G McAtamney Butchery & Deli, winner of the UK-wide Butcher’s Shop of the Year accolade in 2013.

Customers are evidently responding to the fresh, local focus, says Paddy, “by the fact that our performance is very good.”

The new Summer Eating range features 100% local produce, and was developed in response to consumer demand with lines such as ready-to-eat couscous from M&Ssupplier Avondale Foods. “Those things are helping drive our business,” he says.

The Henderson Group held road show events in Armagh and Ballymena to introduce its retailers to the new range, serving a lunch featuring the Summer Eating lines and displaying chilled refrigerators filled with the produce as an example of best practice.

“It went down really well,” says Paddy.

“The key is getting it into the consumers’ hands and, more importantly, their bellies.”

Investing just over £3.5m annually on marketing, “we outspend our main competitors,” he says. “Certainly, no other convenience operators spend that sort of money.”

And dwarfing the Group’s impressive marketing spend is allocation to its overall capital investment plan, which totalled £23.1m last year with £13.4m earmarked for 2014. The right acquisition opportunities are welcome, and would involve additional investment beyond that already earmarked.

While the profit performance remains pleasing. Paddy is keen to highlight that investment back into the business - and thus the local economy – is greater.

This year’s capital investment will focus on refurbishing existing company-owned and independent stores, as well as updating warehouse infrastructure and vehicles.

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES CONTINUED PRICE PRESSURE Downward pressure on grocery prices shows no sign of alleviating, he says, with only a select few retailers such as Waitrose in GB able to command premium pricing and the market otherwise favouring discounters.

“It continues to intensify,” he says. “If your pricing isn’t right, you’re in trouble.

We’ve seen a tentative recovery but the fact of the matter is, people are still very cautious with their spend.”

The family behind the Henderson Group – John Agnew and his sons Martin and Geoffrey – are still very much involved in the day-to-day running of the business.

“Our speed of response tends to be very good,” says Paddy, with retail partners able to “lift the phone and talk to the owners of the business any day of the week. No other group operating in Northern Ireland can say that.”

The Group’s larger format stores, Eurospar and Vivoxtra, currently total 37 and are viewed as an area of growth potential. “Our supermarket stores continue to perform exceptionally well,” he says.

“We’ll continue to expand that.”

Increasing the retail spending base, be it through increasing the size of existing stores or buying new stores, is a strategic goal for the Henderson Group.

Commitment to CSR extends from green issues – Henderson Retail was Highly Commended in the Green Retailer of the Year category of UG’s recent Marketing Awards – to charity collaborations with NSPCC, Cancer Fund for Children, Tearfund and many other charities.

And the Henderson Group operates a Payroll Giving Scheme allowing employees to make donations to charity each month from their payroll. The Group typically matches any payroll giving deductions but, for the duration of 2014, is double matching donations, this includes new donors and existing donors adding an additional charity or increasing their donation. Therefore if employees currently give £5/month, this will be double matched by the Group and added to the employees donation, resulting in the charity receiving £15.

More than 1,000 employees are signed up for charitable giving through their pay and have raised over £100,000 throughout the year, which has been doubled by the company; raising almost £220,000.

As a result, the Group was awarded ‘Platinum Quality Mark’ status, as one of only five UK companies to be recognised at this level by the Institute of Fundraising. “It’s part of our CSR we’re very proud of,” he

SPAR, Comber Road in Dundonald takes supply of Comber Earlies from Crossgar-based William Orr and Sons, reflecting the Henderson Group’s focus on fresh, local foods.

Henderson Group HR Director Sam Davidson and HR Assistant Laura Nolan are presented with a platinum award by Mandy Young, corporate development manager for Payroll Giving in Action. The Henderson Group is one of only five UK companies to be recognised at this level by the Institute of Fundraising.

says. “The Institute of Fundraising Awards held at Downing Street held the Henderson Group up as a company best in class.”

“The key thing is confidence about the future,” says Paddy. “There’s a huge challenge ahead; not least of which is retailer profits. There’s a large number finding life tough at the minute.”

Increasing sales is hard and increasing margins even more difficult, he says, while the “uncontrollable costs” of overheads such

as utilities, fuel and wages are increasing all the time.

The Group has been investing in infrastructure and price reductions for its retailers. “That will be an ongoing process,” he says. “The fact that we are still an independent, privately-owned, family business whose profits don’t go out of the country but are reinvested in the business by the owners – none of our competitors can say that they’re all the things that we are.”

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Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

34

Rank

Company NAME

ACCOUNTS Year Ending

Turnover (£000)

1

MOY PARK LTD

31/12/2012

1,089,570

2

FANE VALLEY CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY LTD

3

31/12/2012 30/09/2013

533,935

SHS GROUP LIMITED

28/12/2012

391,229

4

HENDERSON WHOLESALE LTD

31/12/2012

380,356

5

MUSGRAVE RETAIL PARTNERS NI LTD

31/12/2012

285,583

6

FOYLE FOOD GROUP LTD

31/12/2012

259,929

7

DALE FARM LTD

31/03/2013

227,713

8

COCA-COLA HBC NI LTD

31/12/2012

193,122

9

GREENFIELDS IRELAND LTD

31/12/2013

184,629

10

LAMEX FOODS IRELAND LTD

31/03/2013

171,226

11

DAIRY PRODUCE PACKERS LTD

31/12/2012

136,564

12

DIAGEO NI LTD

30/06/2013

134,127

13

TMC DAIRIES (NI) LTD

31/12/2012

131,546

14

MUSGRAVE DISTRIBUTION LTD

31/12/2012

121,276

15

JAMES E. MCCABE LTD

31/12/2012

91,194

16

LAKELAND DAIRIES (NI) LTD

29/12/2012

87,631

17

PHILIP RUSSELL LTD

31/12/2012

76,696

18

MARLBANK LTD

31/12/2012

75,503

19

THE OLD BUSHMILLS DISTILLERY CO. LTD

30/06/2013

59,582

20

SKEA EGG FARMS LTD

31/12/2012

51,638

21

STRATHROY DAIRY LTD

31/07/2013

48,519

22

SAVAGE & WHITTEN WHOLESALE LTD

31/12/2012

47,839

23

DRINKS INC. LTD

31/03/2013

47,476

24

O’REILLY’S WHOLESALE LTD

28/02/2013

43,731

25

EUROSTOCK FOOD GROUP LTD

31/01/2013

43,015

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Turnover (£000) (Previous Sales)

Profit/Loss (£000)

Profit/Loss (PREVIOUS) (£000)

Net Worth (£000)

NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES

1,072,301

24,410

4,793

160,149

8,449

455,294

8,719

5,828

65,750

1,860

430,231

18,364

25,752

41,724

688

363,536

10,382

10,069

62,492

436

293,467

-5,000

3,093

19,360

391

240,800

4,711

4,744

15,989

730

212,032

1,122

1,646

33,579

598

205,422

2,703

3,113

42,650

608

178,529

461

557

4,170

30

146,590

2,078

626

1,161

7

139,303

5,850

1,287

48,502

252

147,536

15,054

-1,404

41,664

127

155,263

-5,437

2,281

-15,807

48

133,245

-1,862

1,571

3,096

250

89,907

2,548

1,325

40,827

511

76,276

288

198

-5,187

42

72,063

1,437

1,416

14,018

265

92,468

1,169

1,459

3,912

8

52,257

20,128

16,509

113,558

103

45,053

2,418

1,490

7,547

94

44,267

199

216

4,192

131

38,989

424

569

3,522

129

47,653

2,233

2,936

10,005

54

35,128

745

514

-1,891

73

44,001

742

705

4,775

214

35

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Northern Ireland’s Top 25 Food & Drinks Companies increase profits by 30% 2

014 sees the second compilation of a Top 25 Local Food & Drinks Companies. The listing has been compiled using the same sources as its big brother, the Ulster Business Top 100; utilising D&B’s Investigate marketing and analysis tool and allows readers of the data to dip below the normal Top 100 Turnover threshold, which in 2013 was some £63m.

TURNOVER Sales within the Top 25 during the financial years ending late 2012 and early- to mid-2013 (the latest fiscal period annual accounts have been filed for) showed a small increase of 2.1% compared to a significant 12% increase reported in last year’s inaugural Top 25. The combined turnover of the listed companies reached £4,913bn against a corresponding figure of £4.811bn for the same 25 companies, year-on-year.

Please note that Fane Valley Co-Operative Society Ltd’s turnover figure for 2013 includes the company’s share in a joint venture.

Moy Park Ltd has retained its top position within the listing, posting sales of £1.089bn for the year ending December 31, 2012.

Interestingly, 10 of the 25 companies posted reduced turnover for their yearon-year financial figures comparatives, confirming the current economic challenges prevalent in the marketplace.

PROFITABILITY The success of any business cannot be based solely on top line sales growth; a key factor in any measurement of success is in the generation of profit. In the Ulster Grocer Top 25 listing, we have reviewed the pre-tax profit figure posted by each of the organisations. In the 2014 listing, the Top 25 Local Food & Drinks Companies posted impressive profit growth of 30.2%, increasing their profits from £91.3m to £118.9m. This represents a profit margin of 2.41% comparable to a prior year of 1.89%.

Of the 25 companies, only three businesses posted pre-tax losses for their last financial year.

Unsurprisingly, Moy Park Ltd posted 36

the highest profit figure of £24.4m (profit margin 2.2%), but mention should be made of The Old Bushmills Distillery Company Ltd, which posted impressive profits of £20.12m on a turnover of £59.58m; a 33.7% profit margin.

NET WORTH (SHAREHOLDER VALUE) The third measure of a company’s overall success utilised when compiling the Top 25 listing is the company’s value to its shareholders. In its simplest form, it is the Shareholders Funds (issued capital) plus Retained Profits minus Intangibles.

The value of the 2014 Ulster Grocer Top 25 to their shareholders is currently £719.8m, an increase of 5.9% from the corresponding prior year figure of £676.2m.

The shareholders’ return for the Top 25 businesses equates to Profit/Net Worth as a percentage – 16.5% Inventory Turnover defined as the Turnover to Net Worth: this volume ratio indicates how many sales pounds are generated with each pound of investment and this equates to, for the 2014 listing, 6.83.

EMPLOYEES AND LOCATION The Top 25 Food & Drink Companies employed a total of 16,908 people; Moy Park Ltd & Fane Valley Co-operative Society Ltd accounting for 8,449 and 1,860 employees respectively.

Historically, readers of the Ulster Business Top 100 have been interested in the geographic location of Northern Ireland’s Top Companies. Within the Top 25 Food & Drinks Companies, nine are based in Belfast, four each in counties Armagh and Tyrone, three each in counties Antrim and Londonderry and two in Co Down.

READER NOTES For this compilation, a date of June 13, 2014 has been used as a cut off for inclusion of financial results and only businesses registered in and filing accounts within Northern Ireland have been considered for inclusion.

Financial Information has been gathered using D&B’s Investigate Market Research & Analytics Tool.

Both D&B and Ulster Grocer magazine are aware that due to various group structures, some companies are excluded.

For example, while it would be expected that businesses belonging to Kerry Group would be included in the Northern Ireland listing, its group structures mean its NI turnover falls within Irish or UK mainland-based subsidiaries. The non-filing of financial results, such as with private unlimited companies, means that some additional entities have unfortunately been excluded.

Whilst compiling listings such as this, there are always idiosyncrasies which are thrown up. The reader will note that two entries are included relating to the Musgrave & Golf Holdings Ltd groups respectively. Musgrave Retail Partners (NI) Ltd and Musgrave Distribution Ltd are owned by an intermediate holding company Musgrave Investments PLC, and rules of the compilation of the listing would preclude these results being aggregated as Musgrave Investments PLC is also the parent company for other Musgrave companies outside of Northern Ireland. Golf Holdings Ltd is the parent company of both James E McCabe Ltd (No 15) and Philip Russell Ltd (No 17).

ABOUT D&B D&B provides the information, tools and expertise to help customers to Decide with Confidence. D&B enables customers to have instant access to objective, domestic and global information whenever and wherever they need it. Customers use D&B Risk Management Solutions to manage credit exposure, D&B Sales and Marketing Solutions to find profitable customers and business partners and also utilise D&B Supplier Management Solutions to assist in managing supplier relationships both efficiently and profitably.

More than 90% of the Global 1000 rely on D&B as a trusted partner to enable confident business decisions.

For more information please visit www. dnb.com/uk or e-mail cushleyj@dnb.com

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Elevator offers marketing expertise I

n good times and bad, promotional marketing in the grocery sector is really about one thing, getting your brands into the hands of the consumer.

Elevator Promotional Marketing has almost 20 years’ experience of getting some of Northern Ireland’s best-known brands into the right hands (and baskets) including Tayto, Irwin’s, White’s Speedicook, Dale Farm Ice Cream, Spelga, Brandy Dog Food and Tennent’s Lager.

Elevator specialises in developing promotional campaigns for brands that are effective, measurable and creative. In the grocery trade, these campaigns often involve added value on-pack offers, loyalty promotions, branded merchandise, competitions, sampling, couponing or joint promotions.

“What recent years have shown us is that when client budgets are under pressure, we can add value to their marketing through a more considered approach,” said Sara Callanan, MD of Elevator. “For instance, although price reductions will always have a part to play in a brand’s marketing plans, added value

Sara Callanan

promotions will work better in the longer term.”

Properly conceived, designed and executed, they can increase sales, build loyalty and protect a brand’s price point, as Irwin’s discovered with its highly successful lunchbox promotion in Tesco,

which returned a sales increase of over 200%.

Engaging with your existing customers in a meaningful way is the best way to keep them loyal to your brand, and an on-pack offer can be the best way to achieve this.

The right offer helps to remind your customers why they chose your brand in the first place, and gives them a reason, other than price, to continue to do so.

This may be a relevant prize giving consumers a chance (or chances) to win, or a guaranteed reward of an appealing item of merchandise such as the limited edition vintage shopping bag on-pack collector offer we developed for White’s Speedicook this year.

The market is constantly changing, and more than ever consumers need to be reminded why they should choose a particular brand over another. A carefully conceived creative promotional campaign may be the best way to influence their choices.

37

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Adult soft drinks lead sales growth at SHS Ulster Grocer caught up with SHS Group Managing Director Michael Howard, the architect behind the SHS Group business model, to find out more about the successes and challenges the company has encountered over the last year.

WHAT IS YOUR UNIQUE SELLING POINT? The SHS Group relies on achieving an even balance between Group and agency brands in order to manage the risks in the sales and distribution sector – so you could argue that the expertise in the sales and marketing services enhances our ability to drive market share with our Group brands and provides us with an insight into various markets that we can draw upon to deliver for other clients.

The Group is one of Northern Ireland’s Top 10 companies and enjoys regular placing on The Sunday Times Fast Track list of top performing companies; all achieved while remaining a family-owned business with its roots firmly in Belfast.

In short, our unique selling point is our knowledge and market expertise in FMCG. HOW HAS TRADING BEEN IN 2014 TO DATE? It is widely acknowledged that trading continues to be challenging. Consumer spending power and shopping patterns along with changing retailer strategies and increasing commodity prices are constant considerations.

Last year, more than 50% of the SHS Group turnover was generated through the Group’s own brands; WKD, Shloer, Bottlegreen, Merrydown and Maguire & Paterson matches, while the sales and marketing operation which looks after a huge array of products from Finish to Tunnocks, Ryvita, Nurofen, Nivea, Mars milk based drinks, Jordans cereals, Douwe Egberts coffee and Chewits confectionery accounted for the balance.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS/LOW POINTS OF THE PAST YEAR FOR YOU? There has been a raft of exciting developments for the SHS Group including new agency business wins of Twinings and Vileda in Great Britain. We have also had significant own-label business wins in terms of Farmlea and BPS. The Group acquired The Crucial Sauce Company, makers of the cult urban brand and 38

the ‘nation’s favourite squirt’, to complement its herbs and spices division. The brand has shown year-on-year growth in excess of 20% and is proving to be a significant player in this sector.

In the drinks division, there have been some exciting product developments. WKD Brazilian has been introduced in recognition of the World Cup, while Shloer has long been the alcoholfree drink of choice for those looking to indulge in a glass of something special, but Shloer Celebration – served for the very first time in a celebratory-style bottle with a popping cork – is the perfect party starter. So even if you are not drinking, you can still enjoy a sense of occasion and sip on a tall glass of chilled bubbles.

Bottlegreen Drinks Co. had a successful year in 2013, achieving its highest sales figure in the brand’s 24-year history. Voted ‘Favourite NonAlcoholic Drink’ in The Good Housekeeping Food Awards, Bottlegreen has also been named as the official cordial for the BAFTA’s. With new tonics available in two delicious varieties, ‘Elderflower Tonic Water’ and ‘Pink Tonic Water’, and the introduction of ‘Mango & Coconut’ and ‘Arcacia Blossom’ flavours to the Sparkling Pressé portfolio, Bottlegreen is well placed to spearhead the non-alcoholic drink category again this year. In the first seven months of the year, Bottlegreen elderflower cordial sales were up by 29% compared with the same period in 2012. Encouraging consumption during the summer months ahead will drive incremental growth not only for us, but for the category as a whole and, of course, for retailers.

The Herbs & Spices Division trades under British Pepper and Spice (BPS) and specialises in the processing, packing and marketing of herbs, spices, seasonings and wet condiments.

Strategic plans are in place at BPS to build on successes to date and ultimately increase market share in the ‘Dry’ and ‘Wet’ condiment ranges.

Boasting record annual sales figures across the business as a whole, the addition of over 100 new lines has resulted in new listings with

premium retailers such as Marks & Spencer and Tesco. Investment continues in New Product Development, with a newly refurbished facility now in place to support further category development across both sectors.

The ambient desserts category, covering own label products – condensed milk, rice, custard and evaporated milk – continues to grow.

Highlights include new business wins with Waitrose and Asda.

Finally, at a gala event in June, Business in the Community announced that the SHS Group had scooped the prestigious ‘Employer of Choice’ award. This is an excellent achievement for the Group and its employees and is a great tribute for all the hard work, commitment and passion of everyone working within the business.

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS OVER THE PAST YEAR? Over the course of the last year, the best performing products have been those in the Adult Soft Drinks category including Shloer and Bottlegreen. Shloer is our biggest brand in this sector and one which has been a remarkable success for us.

We have invested in new product development for the WKD brand, which is performing despite a number of challenges in the Drinks sector.

Within the retail sector, BPS and Farmlea products are continuing to be firm favourites with total turnover exceeding £50m in private label.

HAVE YOU INVESTED OR EXPANDED? The Group recently acquired The Crucial Sauce Company. Crucials provide a perfect solution for today’s austerity-affected consumer by supplying a high-quality sauce, a no-frills approach, great value and the sauces match exactly the flavour experience of the takeaway.

Crucials is the leading supplier of 1 Litre sauces to the foodservice and catering market

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES in the UK. The 500ml retail bottle has also been a phenomenal success. In 13 tantalising flavours including Yoghurt & Mint, Garlic Mayo and the dangerously tasty new BBQ Jerk, they can be found UK-wide in local corner shops, convenience stores, butchers, independent pound shops, and multiples like Pound Stretcher.

Investment is a very important part of the SHS Group strategy. We continue to look for good businesses that have great brands at the heart of them and complement our existing divisions.

HAVE THERE BEEN ANY PARTICULAR CHALLENGES OVER THE PAST YEAR AND HOW HAVE YOU OVERCOME THEM? There has been a marked decline in the on-trade, as shoppers favour entertaining at home. This trend presents a huge opportunity for retailers as research indicates it is set to continue. It may have been formed as a by-product of the economic downturn, but recovery or not, the ‘Big Night In’ occasion is firmly ingrained within the public’s psyche. This trend has prompted retailers and suppliers alike to revisit how they can maximise value and develop promotions which satisfy this channel.

The rise of discounter stores has also presented challenges and it is something that we are particularly mindful of. The reality is that

some local brand owners and distributors have not yet forged the same trading relationships with these accounts and in many instances are likely to find it difficult to do so. SHS Group supplies a number of significant discounter routes to market.

ARE THERE ANY NEW OR EVOLVING TRENDS IN TERMS OF WHAT YOUR CUSTOMERS ARE BUYING OR HOW THEY ARE BUYING? Although there are signs that the economy is in recovery, this is not being seen in all retailers; continued instability is driving consumer spend into convenience with shopper behaviour towards ‘deal-hunting’ becoming the norm.

In parallel to this, shoppers are increasingly demanding ‘value’ which isn’t necessarily just about price, but also about accessing the brands and pack sizes shoppers wish to purchase.

However, where retailers are able to offer value and service for customers, these trends are having a positive impact on the convenience channel which has seen growth in the last year.

WHAT DO YOU FEEL ARE THE PROSPECTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS? The business is in excellent shape with sustained profitability allowing investment in our existing brands and also providing funding for further acquisitions.

We want to drive future growth and that means making sure we maximise the benefits we can deliver for the Group as a whole.

Our vision remains closely focused on smart investment in brand ownership and extending our portfolio of agency brands by leveraging mutually-beneficial partnerships.

Belfast remains at the heart of the company’s strategy. This year, we have completed the centralisation of the Group’s customer services, sales, finance and promotional teams in Belfast, creating 19 new roles locally.

In addition to employing more than 155 people in Northern Ireland, the Group has invested heavily to make it the central hub for back office operations and shared services such as finance, logistics and Group marketing.

HAVE YOU ANY PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR BUSINESS IN 2014/2015?

The SHS Group’s ambition has remained the same since it was first founded in 1975 - to be a major player in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods Market.

With a turnover of £400m-plus at the last count and over 700 employees here and around the UK, I feel that we are fulfilling that ambition.

To maintain this position, our short- to medium-term plans include: focusing on acquisitions; further developing our shared service environment; building upon our strong own-label performance; supporting brand positions through new product development and, last but not least, evidencing that the Group is a responsible employer of choice.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER ISSUES AFFECTING YOUR BUSINESS OR SECTOR WHICH YOU WISH TO HIGHLIGHT? When you are running a business which is supporting a diverse range of food and drinks products, located in different geographical areas of the UK, there will always be issues that impact on your business model. Recently a lot of focus has been on the Responsibility Deal for Alcohol and now a potential sugar tax is front of mind.

Over the course of the last year, the SHS Group has worked diligently to improve communication between sites, by upgrading the internal telephone system and video conferencing facilities. We have also looked at approaches to reduce travel time, to maximise supplier efficiency and to limit the impact of fuel inflation. Other aspects such as commodity prices and exchange rates have also been factored into Group strategies.

39

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Musgrave NI offers a full range of solutions for independent retailers and foodservice professionals M

usgrave Group supports more than 3,600 independent retailers in the UK, Ireland and Spain with combined sales of over £5.5bn and direct buying power of £3.3bn, enabling our partners to avail of the best pricing and margin structures in the sector.

In Northern Ireland, Musgrave comprises Musgrave Retail Partners (MRPNI) and Musgrave Wholesale Partners (MWPNI), which together offer the full range of solutions for independent retailers and foodservice professionals.

MRPNI partners over 250 independent SuperValu, Centra and Mace stores, with a combined turnover in excess of £600m.

42

MWPNI offers a convenient one-stop solution to meet the needs of independent retailers and foodservice professionals through its MarketPlace and DayToday brands.

MRPNI continues to develop and improve its offer on an ongoing basis, investing heavily in lower prices and enhanced retail margins – with these investments put ahead of our own shortterm profitability.

At SuperValu, ‘Real Food, Real People’ is the very essence of what we do and is underpinned by a range of ‘real’ reasons for shoppers to choose the brand over its competitive set, driving footfall and sales for our SuperValu retail partners.

One key area of development is own brand with over 1,000 quality SuperValu lines available which are, on average, one third cheaper than leading brand equivalents. Our extensive ‘Prepared by Our Butcher’ range is freshly made in-store every day, with in-store experts there to give the very best advice to shoppers.

Centra is a bright, energetic and youthful brand and the marketing solutions we offer our retailers ensure they are continually engaging with customers to keep at the forefront of the convenience market.

Centra offers an extensive own brand range in a contemporary new design as well as an enhanced ’Daily Basics’ value range which, on average, is 50% cheaper than the leading brands.

Our promotional mechanics across the SuperValu and Centra brands are communicated in every promotional period through a variety of multi-media channels including Royal Mail-distributed leaflets, TV, radio, press and outdoor, with an increasing emphasis on online and social media.

Musgrave MarketPlace is Northern Ireland’s leading wholesale supplier to retail, foodservice and SME businesses. Our ‘first for value, first for choice and first for service’ brand credentials ensure we deliver to customers the best value, the widest range, consistent quality, along with excellent customer service.

The MWPNI business was substantially restructured in 2012-2013 and now comprises three MarketPlace branches, strategically located throughout Northern Ireland in Belfast, Lurgan and Derry~Londonderry. This restructuring resulted in substantial ‘oneoff’ costs, which have significantly impacted profitability, but ensured that we are better placed to offer a more competitive, consistent and cost-effective service to the many businesses serviced across the Province.

Musgrave MarketPlace offers Northern Ireland’s widest wholesale range, with over 10,000 retail and foodservice lines, across all product categories, encompassing a wide choice of own brands that help you cut costs without compromising on quality - and with a choice in how you buy from us - whether it’s delivery, collection or ordering online.

Competition continues to be intense between wholesalers for the business of independent retailers, and between retailers for shoppers, and this is certain to intensify still further. In Musgrave, we believe ourselves well-placed to meet the challenges of economy, market and competition - working in partnership with retailers and foodservice professionals - to better understand and meet customer needs, in order to drive sales and enhance profitability on an ongoing basis.

milk No ordinary milk! fresh

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk TOP 25 LOCAL FOOD & DRINKS COMPANIES

Strathroy grows volume output by 5%

Drinks Inc among fastestgrowing independent drinks distributors D

S

trathroy Dairy is the oldest familyowned dairy on the island of Ireland and lays claim as the only truly all-Ireland milk distributor, with the capability of delivering fresh milk daily to every town and village in Ireland ‘from the Hills of Kerry to the streets of Derry’. It is also the only local processor of goats’ milk.

Despite the continuation of extremely difficult trading conditions throughout 2014, Strathroy has grown its volume output by more than 5% YOY. Developments include an expanding pool of farmers signed up to directly supply milk, and the reintroduction of Strathroybranded cream onto the shelves of Tesco.

“The environment in which we are trading continues to be our greatest challenge,” said Eamon Lynch of Strathroy, “but it drives us to be ever more efficient and competitive at what we do, which in turn makes Strathroy a leaner and hungrier business, focused on customer service and value.”

Consumer trends include people shopping around, buying smaller amounts more often and favouring discount stores such as Lidl and Aldi, said Lynch, and ultra competitive pricing as retailers use milk as a footfall creator. “We now have a crazy situation where large multiple retailers are making no money from selling milk, nor is their pricing giving them any advantage over their rivals,” he said.

Further issues for milk producers include fluctuating exchange rates, anticipated impact on milk prices when milk quotas end next year. “There is lots going on in the dairy sector and it is vitally important that Strathroy remain focused on being in the best possible position to handle or take advantage of the problems or opportunities that might arise,” said Lynch.

44

rinks Inc is a dynamic drinks company with a passion to provide its customers with the widest range of quality products and the highest levels of service and to be the best route to market for its brand owner partners.

Established by owner Paul Camplisson in 2001, the business has grown rapidly in recent years. With annual turnover of £54m in March 2014, up 12.5% on the previous year, Drinks Inc is now one of the largest and fastest-growing independent drinks distributors in Ireland.

Its comprehensive portfolio of over 1,000 products covers the spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks categories. It includes many specialist products and a growing number of quality brands for which Drinks Inc is the

exclusive agent or distributor. From its base in Belfast – ideally located right next to the main motorway network – the Drinks Inc fleet delivers its quality products to customers throughout Ireland.

Drinks Inc’s direct sales team has strong relationships across all trade channels and with no minimum order quantity, no delivery charges and no extra charge for split cases - is equipped to offer the best product range, customer service and quality to its customers.

For more information, please visit its website at www.drinksinc.com

Dunbia: privately owned but professionally managed D

unbia is a multinational enterprise operating across 13 sites in the UK and Ireland and from sales offices throughout Europe. It is a highly integrated business adopting the principles of quality, integrity and customer satisfaction and a desire to create better food naturally is the driving force behind everything it does, according to the company.

Privately owned but professionally managed, it is a market leader producing beef, pork and lamb products as high volume lines or bespoke premium products, as well as burger and sausage production. It continually invests in and upgrades its operations to attain the most efficient and effective manufacturing processes for our customers. Reputed as a centre of excellence for innovation, it pushes the boundaries to develop creative meal concepts and ready-to-cook convenience products that give customers a real cooking

experience that is effortless and rewarding.

Dunbia is meticulous when it comes to food safety and technical standards. It operates a Food Safety Management System working with best in class partners and all its plants are certified to BRC global standards at grade A. Dunbia has a structured approach to Corporate Social Responsibility, which is embedded in its everyday business activities ensuring it operates with integrity and responsibility.

Dunbia does not feature in the Top 25 listings as it is a private unlimited company and does not file accounts.

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com RISING STARS

Rising Stars are reaching high from small beginnings F

ollowing on from the Top 25 local operators boasting impressive turnover, Ulster Grocer looks at smaller businesses excelling in the local food sector.

Many artisan producers and processors have sprung up across the Province in recent years, and are securing both awards and export

business on the back of quality and innovation.

The Rising Stars section looks at some of those businesses, alongside initiatives aimed at boosting their long-term, sustainable prospects.

Local firms get a taste of global sales T

op buyers from Fortnum & Mason (F&M) in London, often referred to as ‘the Queen’s Grocer’, were in Northern Ireland recently to talk business with a group of local artisan producers.

The visit was hosted by Peter Hannan of Hannan Meats in Moira, already the supplier of beef from the Northern Ireland company’s unique salt-ageing chambers. Hannan is among an elite group of local artisans supplying the top store; others include Dromara’s Abernethy Butter and En Place Foods from Cookstown.

Among smaller companies now attracting the attention of F&M were two local cheese producers, Kearney Blue, now part of Farmview Dairies of Castlereagh, and Young Buck from Newtownards, Northern Ireland’s first raw milk blue cheese. Young Buck was the only Northern Ireland winner at the recent Irish Cheese Awards. Eva Paris macaroons, produced in Killinchy by Tracey Jeffery, were sampled too by the buyers.

They were also impressed by the new Shortcross Gin launched recently by Rademon Craft Distillery in Crossgar.

The F&M buying visit was followed by a team from Harrods as part of the three-day judging session for the prestigious Great Taste Awards. The event, sponsored by Invest Northern Ireland and held at the start of June, gave buyers from Harrods and other high-end retailers the opportunity to sample a record 726 food and drink products from 125 producers, mostly artisans. Harrods has included O’Doherty’s Fermanagh Black Bacon, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s first Taste of Ulster winner, along with Fivemiletown cheese and products from the Good Food and Wine Company in Coleraine in the past.

These visits show that Northern Ireland is certainly on the radar of many of the top retailers and not just in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland. Many of the main international supermarket chains, including French industry leaders Carrefour, Auchan

and Leclerc, Albert Heijn of the Netherlands, Wellcome and Stop and Save in Hong Kong and Spinneys in the Middle East, buy regularly from Northern Ireland suppliers.

Globus Gourmet in Russia and El Corte Ingles in Spain, and key US stores Walmart, Stop and Shop and Wegmans also turn to Northern Ireland for innovative ideas and outstanding flavours.

Products on the international shelves of these stores range from beef, smoked salmon and cheddar cheese to porridge oats, fruit snacks and langoustines, both frozen and cooked. In fact, virtually all our seafood is now exported.

Above all, perhaps, they know that they can count on Northern Ireland for food with heritage, provenance and safety; meat for example, produced to the high hygiene and animal welfare standards.

Food and drink is a successful industry that contributes £4.5bn to the local economy, including over £1bn in sales outside Northern Ireland, and employs upwards of 100,000 people across an extensive supply chain.

And it’s an industry with immense growth potential that has been recognised in Going for Growth – Investing in Success; the

These visits show that Northern Ireland is certainly on the radar of many of the top retailers and not just in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.”

visionary action plan tabled by an industryled Agri-Food Strategy Board headed by Moy Park’s Tony O’Neill.

The action plan envisages the industry’s sales rising to over £7bn and 15,000 new jobs being created by the 2020 target date.

Golden Cow, part of Kerry Group, and C&C in Belfast have already made major job announcements. Dale Farm has also bought the speciality cheese brands of Fivemiletown Creamery and has plans to grow the business particularly in terms of sales outside Northern Ireland over the next few years.

The relationships developing between local companies and international retailers is an extension of the success being experienced

by Northern Ireland companies in Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland over many years. Tesco, Sainsbury’s, ASDA, Morrison’s, and Musgrave Group - as well as Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Partridges, Donnybrook Fair, Fallon and Byrne and Brown Thomas - buy our food. Selfridges, for instance, buys Dexter Beef from Bruce’s Hill Cattle Company in Antrim and smoked salmon from Walter Ewing in Belfast from fish supplied by Glenarm Organic Salmon in Co Antrim.

Around 50 companies, furthermore, are also benefiting from the innovative development of a distinctive Northern Ireland Shop within the OCADO online retail operation, the UK’s biggest e-commerce food store. Northern Ireland was, in fact, the first UK region to approach OCADO with the idea of a regional shop. The innovative shop was agreed following an approach by Invest NI Food Division, and well before Bord Bia’s approach to OCADO for a separate Irish shop.

The experience that companies have gained from doing business with these stores in the UK and Ireland in areas such as merchandising, packaging and innovation has helped them in pursuing sales abroad.

As a result, Northern Ireland food and drink is today being enjoyed in virtually every part of the world.

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Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk RISING STARS

Food NI lists its own Top 25 Producers

From the biggest fish like Moy Park and Dale Farm right down to award-winning small producers like Eringrove Preserves and Harnett Oils, shelves and freezers from Dungannon to Dubai are stacked with top-notch Northern Ireland food and drink. Food NI CEO Michele Shirlow (in no particular order) lists her Top 25 companies making waves in the retail sector both home and abroad.

1. Punjana: There’s a staggering array of blends on the market from the Thompson family. They’re doing particularly well with their Titanic and Breakfast blends, as with their fruit and herbal concoctions.

2. Hannan Meats: Peter Hannan’s multiaward-winning salt-aged beef and guanciale are on the shelves at Fortnum & Mason, Selfridges and Harrods. The Moira store is a mecca for foodies.

3. Moy Park: It’s the biggest company in Northern Ireland and, with the recent addition of Jamie Oliver products, it’s set to grow even more.

4. Irwins: The Paul Rankin range is now a worldwide brand. The iconic Nutty Krust and Veda are beloved by ex-pats and local folk alike and the sales figures back that up.

5. Dale Farm: It’s the largest dairy business in Northern Ireland and exports to 45 countries worldwide. The range includes milk, yoghurt, cream, cheese, ice-cream, butters, spreads, drinks and desserts.

6. Mash Direct: They’ve just celebrated their 46

10th birthday and the range has grown to include much more than mash. Their stuff is sold as far away as Dubai.

7. Willowbrook Foods: Their bagged salads are in supermarkets across Ireland and the UK. 8. Roy Lyttle: He’s the biggest grower of leeks in Northern Ireland and supplies Tesco.

That Ards Peninsula micro-climate makes them taste so sweet.

9. Keen Nutrition: Aimee Biemer’s lovely nut butters are spread on bread from Crawfordsburn to Cork. Apart from being really good for you, they taste scrummy.

10. Tayto: 300 people are employed to make the crisps and corn snacks in Tandragee. It’s the third biggest crisp and snack business in the UK. 11. Broighter Gold: The award-winning rapeseed oil from the Kane family farm in Limavady is distributed by Hannan Meats in Northern Ireland and by Odias Foods in Dublin.

12. Clements Eggs: This family employs

seven people to get the 300,000 eggs per week from those 50,000 hens. They’re sold province-wide.

13. En Place: Speciality food stores clamour for condiments including their Sea Buckthorn Jelly with Lime and their Salted Caramel with Abernethy Butter and Fennel Pollen, which both won 3 star Great Taste Awards.

14. Eringrove Preserves: Jayne Paget’s pots of jams and chutneys are a perfect example of homegrown artisan products which are sought after by supermarkets.

15. Heavenly Tasty Organics: Shauna McCartney’s range of baby foods started off in chill cabinets and are now also in supermarket freezers north, south and across the water.

16. Glastry Farm: This ice-cream is sold in scoop form at ice-cream parlours and the big and small tubs are in delis and convenience stores across Ireland.

17. McCann’s Apple Juice and Cider: The McCann family are leading packers and processors of apples, pears, pure apple juice and cider juice. They send them out to major supermarket chains across Ireland and the UK from their Craigavon plant.

18. The Good Little Sausage Company: They sell their bangers in Sainsbury’s and people in the Third World get to eat the profits.

19. Kearney Blue Cheese at Farmview Dairies: Paul McLean started making this iconic cheese at his home on the Ards Peninsula before moving to Loughry College.

Demand was so great, he had to enlist the expertise and facilities at Farmview.

20. Yellow Door: Simon Dougan’s bakery and patisserie goods go far beyond Portadown. They do a stunning range of bloomers, wheaten, ciabatta, focaccia, rye, sourdough, sodas, rolls, scones, croissants and brioche.

21. Leggygowan Farm: They specialise in producing farmhouse goats’ cheese. Their range includes Northern Ireland’s first artisan blue goats’ cheese.

22. Holmes Deli: Traybakes galore go to Tesco. They were wowed by their caramel fingers, fifteens, golden toffee crispies and rocky roads, as well as plain and chocolatedipped butter shortbread.

23. Kettyle Meats: Their beef, rose veal, bacon, lamb and chicken are stocked in Marks & Spencer across Ireland and in Tesco stores Northern Ireland-wide.

24. Thyme and Co. Gluten free Bakery: Ballycastle-based Tom and Eimear Mullins had to build this bakery because customers in their café couldn’t get enough of their wheatfree bakes.

25. Broughgammon Farm: The Cole family are forward-thinking folk. They do wonderful goaty street food like cabrito burritos which are sold at farmers’ markets and events as well as veal, fresh goat meat and seaweed.

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com RISING STARS

Green shoots emerging for Squeeze Juice Café

By Jacquelyn Stewart, managing director of Squeeze Juice Café.

WHAT IS YOUR UNIQUE SELLING POINT? Squeeze Juice Cafe is the only juice producer in the UK producing a ready-to-drink wheatgrass shot with extended shelf life. We also own the end-to-end process.

HOW HAS TRADING BEEN IN 2014?

In 2013, we saw an increase of 170% on the previous year’s sales. That trend has continued

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

in the first half of 2014, with an increase in wholesale business through retail outlets and overseas distributors.

WHAT WERE THE HIGHLIGHTS/LOW POINTS OF THE PAST YEAR FOR YOU? Highlights of the past year have been watching the business grow from strength to strength on the back of £30,000 reinvestment, which allowed us to move into a new production facility and create two new jobs and some very positive media stories.

The low points have to be recruiting or trying to recruit suitable candidates for job roles.

WERE THERE ANY SIGNIFICANT DEVELOPMENTS FOR YOUR BUSINESS OVER THE PAST YEAR? We have changed the farming technique to offer more efficiency in growth timelines due to increased demand.

After carrying out significant research on alternative production methods, we’ve

invested £10,000 in a water-based, ‘soil free’ system called Hydroponics. We grow the wheatgrass without soil, feeding the plant directly through the roots so the result is cleaner grass, it removes the risk of soil borne bacteria and it’s actually sweeter as we can cut it closer to the root.

HAVE YOU INVESTED OR EXPANDED? We have attracted new distributors in Spain and Malta in addition to existing distributors in Switzerland and Israel.

HAVE YOU ANY PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR BUSINESS IN 2014/2015?

We will continue to work with our overseas distributors and hope to attract interest in France and Germany in the second half of 2014. There is still opportunity to work with other independent retailers throughout NI/ ROI and UK and possibly a national retailer (watch this space). All this will mean the installation of a second hydroponics system.

47 45

Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk RISING STARS

NI Trucks - the right choice for the food inustry I

veco dealers NI Trucks has been supplying Northern Ireland’s food and drink industry for over 30 years and have many large key customers including Henderson’s Food Services, JE McCabes, Derry Refrigerated and Dale Farm.

Boasting a full range of vehicles from light vans up to medium trucks and heavy tractor units, NI Trucks can provide the right vehicle for all kinds of fast moving consumer goods.

Sales Director Sean Clarke comments, “Box bodies, curtainsiders and refrigerated units can all be easily added to the specification of the vehicle depending upon the customer’s particular requirements.

We understand that it’s imperative for our customers to provide a reliable and timely service in order to transport food and drink safely. We help to support this by providing robust vehicles and 24/7 vehicle support should anything go wrong.”

NI Trucks’ mission is to maintain the highest

Maria O’Loan

level of commitment in delivering customer care and technical services, which is why they subscribe to the Iveco Service Programme initiative. This sets certain industry standards including extensive opening hours of 99 hours per week and an MOT pass rate of 97%.

With another depot in Portadown and two Authorised Repairers across the province, not to mention a nationwide dealer network, customer downtime is kept to an absolute minimum.

In addition, there is 2 years’ nationwide parts and labour warranty on Iveco parts fitted in their workshops. NI Trucks have a first time pick rate of 94%, an impressive industry leading figure. But should your part not be in stock, their overnight delivery service means they will have it to you the next day if ordered by 9pm.

With O Licensing regulations in place, NI Trucks employ ADVISOR - Automated Distributor Vehicle Inspection Online Records.

ADVISOR is an invaluable tool as customers can readily access vehicle maintenance records

online, making fleet management much more efficient in a fast paced industry.

If you would like more information on any of these services, please contact NI Trucks.

Tel: 028 9083 3040 or visit www.ni-trucks. co.uk

Sugar - an opportunity for the food industry Cleaver Fulton Rankin offers specialist advice for food and drinks processors tackling the issue of sugar content.

S

ugar has been demonised and vilified in the press. A recent series of Governmentbacked reports and research have recommended legislation to curb the sugar content in food.

The ‘sugar revolution’ is a key issue for our food manufacturing and retailing clients.

This presents both a golden opportunity and a challenge for the food industry in Northern Ireland.

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Cleaver Fulton Rankin has worked closely with a number of manufacturers who are developing new products to meet the consumer demand for low-sugar alternatives. However, it is imperative that manufacturers take steps to protect their investment in developing such products by taking out appropriate patents, copyrights and trademarks. The investment in research and development is huge and all too often, businesses fail to take the appropriate legal steps to protect that investment.

Furthermore, specialist legal advice will be required when making health claims and ensuring that food labelling meets not only consumer demands but a raft of upcoming European legislation on labelling and health claims. Food labelling requirements are likely to get more complex as and when legislative controls are put on the sugar content of food.

The increased emphasis on the health aspects of food presents numerous opportunities for the agri-food sector. There is a need for the development of new processing mechanisms to reduce the sugar levels in food stuffs. In the farming sector there is an opportunity to market natural unprocessed foodstuffs. Retailers have the opportunity to sell and promote, at a higher profit margin, added value, healthy products.

Northern Ireland has some of the best food processors and manufacturers in the world and has a golden opportunity to be at the forefront of the sugar revolution. However, this needs both public sector and private investment to ensure we are at the forefront of research and development. Furthermore, the right legal advice and mechanisms must be in place to protect that investment.

Tel: 028 9083 2232 www.star-rentals.com RISING STARS

Annaghmore opens its doors to the public L

urgan-based Annaghmore Mushrooms opened its doors to the public in June as part of the Bank of Ireland Open Farm Weekend.

The local mushroom grower and distributor, which works in partnership with the Northway Growing Group, was one of 21 farms taking part in the open weekend which is in its third year.

Open Farm Weekend is about fun and educational learning for visitors and this year’s event provided Annaghmore Mushrooms and Northway Mushrooms with the perfect opportunity to showcase the mushroom industry in Northern Ireland to the wider public.

As well as a cookery demonstration using some of the province’s finest mushrooms, visitors were treated to a tour of Annaghmore Mushrooms’ growing and processing facilities, giving them an insight into how mushrooms are grown and nurtured to ensure the very best quality standards. Educational

videos were also on hand to demonstrate the life-cycle of mushrooms, as well as fun funghigrowing quizzes for the kids.

The event was a celebration of the mushroom industry, a showcase of fine local produce and an educational experience in terms of the mushroom industry in Northern Ireland as a whole - providing not only a ‘taster’ of top quality mushrooms, but also a valuable insight into working in the mushroom industry.

“We were delighted with the turnout for Open Farm Weekend and the opportunity to share our passion for mushrooms and our team’s dedication and expertise in growing top quality mushrooms,” said Eamon Murray, owner of Annaghmore Mushrooms.

“Involvement with the local community and educating the public about how mushrooms are grown, through events such as Open Farm Weekend and school visits to our farm here in Lurgan, are a key part of our business. Thank you to everyone who joined

Susan Anderson, chef for the day, is pictured with Jim O’Donnell of Annaghmore Mushrooms.

us as well as those from Orchard Mushrooms, Annaghmore Mushrooms and the Northway team who made the day a real success. It was great to provide our visitors with a new insight into the mushroom industry in Northern Ireland and the work we do here at Annaghmore Mushrooms.”

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Tel: 028 9083 3040 www.ni-trucks.co.uk RISING STARS

Mackle Petfoods offers heritage and provenance N

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

Brandy has a strong local heritage dating

back to 1971. Brandy is made using only 100% Irish meat sourced from across the island of Ireland. The use of 100% Irish meat is unique to the brand. Brandy is also fully traceable from farm to can. Northern Irish consumers are concerned about the provenance and quality of the products they feed their pets and they really embrace the fact that Brandy uses only 100% Irish meat and has full traceability. As a local Northern Irish company, Mackle Petfoods

is proud to support local suppliers by using only Irish Meat in their canned products. Dog owners view their dog as a key member of the family so they want to feed them the best. Pet owners are looking for value but not at the expense of quality. Brandy offers customers high quality products but at a value price.

Mackle Petfoods were proud winners of the Best Marketing Campaign for Brandy at the recent Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards.

BWG Foods launches new own-brand range in €1m partnership with Daily Bake I

rish wholesaler and retailer BWG Foods has announced the launch of a new own-brand range in partnership with Armagh-based Daily Bake, in a deal expected to be worth €1m over 12 months.

Opening as a family business in 1988, Daily Bake offers freshly-prepared convenience foods from locally-sourced ingredients using traditional recipes. The company will supply fresh dinners and desserts across all BWG Foods’ retail brands spanning SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE and XL. The announcement was made following a trade event in BWG’s bespoke 35,000-square-foot Kilshane Cross facility in North Dublin where Daily Bake, along with 50 suppliers from across the country, were given access to sell to up to 300 retailers from every county in Ireland.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Daily Bake as we look to expand our

BWG CEO Leo Crawford, Daily Bake MD Johnny Stinson and BWG MD Willie O’Byrne.

increasingly popular own-brand range,” said Willie O’Byrne, managing director of BWG Foods. “Their emphasis on fresh, locallysourced ingredients is what really appealed to us in looking for a supplier who could provide home-cooked style food, which is affordable and fits with our ethos of quality convenience.

“Our nationwide supply chain for chilled and fresh produce continues to drive direct

Australia’s most famous Bushranger, Ned Kelly’s 170th birthday was celebrated in style at Cumlin Road Gaol in June. Local wine company Cabroso Wines, which are an Invest NI Client and brand owner of this exciting new range of Australian Wines, Kelly’s Patch, hosted an intriguing launch event at the Gaol to co-inside with Ned’s birthday.

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growth in own brand, presenting new and exciting opportunities for Irish suppliers, in turn giving Irish customers access to the best of local Irish products.”

Jonny Stinson, managing director of Daily Bake, said: “We are very excited to be entering into a partnership with an Irish-owned company like BWG Foods who present huge opportunities for us in terms of their size, scale and reach. We look forward to supplying hundreds of stores across BWG’s leading retail brands and we hope their one million daily customers will enjoy our freshly prepared meals.”

BWG Foods employs over 20,000 people through its branded retail estate. The company has relationships with more than 400 suppliers, dealing directly with approximately 14,000 customers, and serving in excess of one million customers daily.

Fresh babyfood now on sale in Northern Ireland for first time: Little Elsa Blair, aged seven months, helps mum Shauna launch the new Heavenly Tasty Organics chilled baby food range along with Tesco’s Sandra Weir. Tyrone-based Heavenly Tasty Organics is an award-winning pioneer of organic baby foods developed by Shauna McCarney-Blair. The company is run by Shauna and her husband James Blair.

TOBACCO FEATURE

Tobacco market leads FMCG sales but under threat from legislation Jeremy Blackburn, head of communications at JTI, provides an overview of the Northern Irish tobacco market. share of the UK premium cigarette sector and are worth over £1.2bn[6] in annual retail sales.

TOBACCO OVERVIEW Worth over £470m[1], the Northern Ireland tobacco market is the biggest FMCG category.

It’s also the number one contributor to store turnover[2], with existing adult smokers spending more per trip than the average shopper[3].

Tobacco also drives profits through associated purchases with the increased footfall of existing adult smokers making tobacco purchases impacting on sales of other items throughout the store.

CIGARETTES • The Northern Ireland cigarette market is currently worth £433m[1].

• JTI holds a 54.5%[4] share of the Northern Ireland cigarette market.

PREMIUM CIGARETTES Premium cigarettes, such as B&H Gold, Silk Cut and Camel, account for 23.9%[4] volume share of the Northern Ireland cigarette market (vs. 19.9%[4] total UK). They provide retailers with the opportunity for generous profit margins and are an important source of income for retailers.

• JTI holds a 39.3%[4] share of the premium cigarette segment in Northern Ireland, with Benson and Hedges Gold commanding a 13.8%[4] share.

• JTI’s premium brands have a 41.7%[4]

SUB-PREMIUM CIGARETTES Should smokers choose to down-trade out of premium, it is important that the sub-premium category, which currently accounts for 10%[4] volume share of the total Northern Ireland cigarette market, continues to evolve to offer premium adult smokers brands that they are familiar with. B&H Silver is a modern brand at an affordable price, and is available in a variety of pack formats including 10s, 20s and 14s to provide more choice for price-conscious existing adult smokers, whilst also protecting retailer profit margins.

MID-PRICE CIGARETTES • The mid-price segment currently holds a 22.8%[4] share of the cigarette market in Northern Ireland.

• Mayfair is the second top-selling cigarette brand in Northern Ireland, accounting for a significant 18.2%[4] share of the total Northern Ireland cigarette market. A muststock line for retailers, Mayfair delivers £1.4bn[7] in retail sales across the UK every year.

• In March this year, JTI refreshed the entire Mayfair house with a modern new look to reinforce its status as the UK’s number one mid-price cigarette brand[7]. The new pack design delivers a modern look, with a new embossed silver mast, graduated background and textured pack.

VALUE CIGARETTES • JTI’s value brand Sterling is Northern Ireland’s number one value cigarette brand[4] and the best-selling cigarette brand in

Northern Ireland overall, so should be made available at all times.

• Value is the biggest price segment in Northern Ireland and now accounts for 43.3%[4] volume share of the ready-made cigarette (RMC) (44.8%[4] in the UK) and growing.

• More than one in three cigarettes sold in the UK is now a value brand[8], translating to more than 14 billion cigarette stick sales a year[9].

• This year, JTI extended its successful Sovereign brand with the launch of a new value cigarette, Sovereign Smooth Flavour.

The new cigarette capitalises on the success of Sovereign Blue, which has generated retail sales of over £237.7m since launching in March 2013[10].

Top 10 Northern Ireland RMC by house YTD 2014 Rank 1

Sterling

2

Mayfair

3

Regal

4

JPS RMC

5

L&B

6

Silk Cut

7

Richmond

8

Berkeley

9

Marlboro

10

B&H Gold

Nielsen Market Track YTD April 2014

RYO • JTI’s roll your own (RYO) portfolio accounts for 53.3%[4] volume share of the RYO market in Northern Ireland and includes Amber Leaf – the number one tobacco brand in the UK[5].

• The Amber Leaf house has the top four best-selling RYO SKUs in Northern Ireland; Amber Leaf 25g, Amber Leaf 3-in-1 12.5g, Amber Leaf 12.5g and Amber Leaf 50g.

• The Amber Leaf house has a 45.5%[4] share of the Northern Ireland RYO market.

• Worth £2bn[1] and growing at 9.2%[12] YOY, the UK RYO market is currently the biggest sector of the tobacco category[5] by volume[5].

• With one in three existing adult smokers choosing to smoke RYO tobacco[13], growth > 51

TOBACCO FEATURE is likely to continue as existing adult smokers continue to seek out greater value for money[15].

• At the forefront of the growth in RYO is Mid-Price Amber Leaf, the UK’s number one tobacco brand with a 9.4%[5] share of the Northern Ireland total tobacco market (including cigarettes).

Top 10 Northern Ireland RYO by house YTD 2014 Rank 1

Amber Leaf

2

GV Green

3

Gold Leaf

4

GV Yellow

5

Drum

6

JPS MYO

7

Sterling Rolling

8

Holborn Smooth Taste

9

JPS RYO

10

Old Holborn

Nielsen Market Track YTD April 2014

TRENDS In recent years, many adult smokers have chosen to switch to products which offer greater value for money – a trend which has manifested itself in the considerable growth of the value cigarette segment and the RYO market within the UK tobacco category. This trend has shown no signs of stopping.

CAPSULE • The growth of capsule technology is also a key trend within the tobacco category, with a 6.3%[11] share of the RMC market. JTI’s capsule brands have generated over £89.7m in retail sales value in 2014[4] leading to a 34.5%[4] volume share of the capsule segment.

• Sterling Fresh Taste On Demand allows retailers to capitalise on capsule technology and the trend towards value. It is currently the UK’s second largest capsule brand with a 23.6% share of the capsule segment[4].

• In February 2014, JTI launched the UK’s first SuperSlims crush filter product, Silk Cut SuperSlims Choice; the innovative new product allows retailers to continue to tap into this growth area.

LEGISLATION – PLAIN PACKAGING JTI has said the Chantler review does not justify plain packaging. Just as there was no credible evidence in July 2013, there is no credible evidence today to suggest it will work

now or in the future.

Nothing has changed since last summer when the Prime Minister said: “there isn’t yet sufficient evidence for it and there is considerable legal uncertainty about it.”

The Chantler report explicitly references the ‘limitations’ of the evidence presented by a small group of tobacco control lobbyists.

The latest reports from Australia indicate that plain packaging has had no positive impact at all and that the illegal trade is increasing. For the Chantler review to discount the only ‘real world’ evidence available is inexplicable.

A thorough independent impact assessment of the economic consequences on businesses large and small is essential to restore confidence in the regulatory process. The Government must consider the impact that plain packaging could have on the thriving illegal trade in the UK and give time to assess the relevance of plain packaging given a complete retail display ban from early 2015.

‘NO PRIME MINISTER’ CAMPAIGN • No Prime Minister, the latest initiative from the ‘Hands Off Our Packs’ campaign, urges members of the public to send a letter to the Prime Minister asking him to ‘say no to plain packaging of tobacco’.

• More information on the campaign can be found on the website: www.noprimeminister. org.uk.

TOBACCO PRODUCTS DIRECTIVE (TPD) The EU has finalised its new rules on tobacco.

In the UK, over 40% of the current legitimate tobacco sales will be banned by the new Directive, creating a massive disruption to the market.

Daniel Torras, managing director of JTI UK, said: “This Directive, that has been supported by the UK government, is wideranging and will restrict the way products are made, packaged and sold. It will have a huge impact on thousands of legitimate businesses across the UK. “The EU’s decision to ban 10s, menthol and pouches of tobacco under 30 grams is a gift for criminal gangs as more smokers who find that their preferred pack is no longer available will be tempted to buy illegal tobacco. Meanwhile the UK government’s exchequer will have to plug the financial gap left and thousands of legitimate businesses will suffer.”

DISPLAY BAN With the display ban for smaller stores looming, the key principles of category

Many adult smokers have chosen to switch to products which offer greater value for money.”

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management have never been so important.

Retailers shouldn’t wait for the display ban to happen; they should be prepared. It sounds obvious but it’s important to monitor sales and ensure the basics of category management are put into practice, using techniques such as ARTIST. ARTIST has been launched to advise retailers about the key principles of category management and how to maximise profits from tobacco in store. It stands for Availability, Range, Training, Innovation, Sales and Technology.

Retailers are being asked to review their approach to the category today, using these six simple steps as a guide.

• Availability – 100% availability 24/7 is key. Remember to review stock levels each morning and prior to peak trading times. Outof-stocks will only lead to lost sales.

• Range – Stocking a wide range of pack sizes, as well as price marked and non-price marked packs, will demonstrate to existing adult smokers that they are getting the best possible choice and value.

• Training – Ensure staff are well trained on the law surrounding the sale of tobacco and are kept up-to-date with regulatory and legislative changes. (See www. tobaccoretailing.com).

• Innovation – Support new tobacco products and pack innovations in store. These have been developed in line with trends in the market place. Look out for JTI’s educational point of sale material in cash & carry depots, designed to highlight product development and help decision-making.

• Sales – Take time to understand what’s happening in the tobacco category. Make sure you know which areas are in growth, what the most popular pack formats are and what sells well in your region.

• Technology – Data and information is vital for the retailer of today. The key to profitable tobacco is range and availability so running out of stock could be a critical error.

Understanding what is happening in your store and being able to pinpoint key sales trends is a priceless insight.

JTI’s UK trading company is Gallaher Limited. Sources: [1] JTI Estimates 2013 (Retail Sales Value); [2] IGD 2013; [3] HIM! CTP 2013; [4] Nielsen Market Track YTD April 2014; [5] Nielsen Market Track YTD April 2014 – combined cigarettes and RYO volume (excludes cigars) – RYO converted to sticks at 0.4g per stick; [6] Nielsen Market Track FY 2013 (Retail Sales Value); [7] Nielsen Market Track FY 2013; [8] Nielsen Market Track April 2014; [9] JTI Estimates 2014; [10] Nielsen Market Track to April 2014 (Retail Sales Value): [11] Nielsen Market Track December 2013; [12] JTI Estimates 2013 vs. 2012 (Retail Sales Value); [13] TNS Omnibus MAT March 2014; [14] JTI Estimates 2012-2015.

DRINKS NEWS

Invest NI supports new premium gin venture

Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong are pictured with Moira Loughran (centre), Eastern office manager of Invest NI.

R

ademon Drinks in Crossgar has been assisted by Invest Northern Ireland to develop and launch the first premium gin here for over a century in a £500,000 project that will also provide three new jobs.

The company’s ShortCross Premium Gin is the first in a portfolio of small batch alcoholic beverages that the company plans to develop at its new boutique distillery on the town’s Rademon Estate.

Invest NI has provided assistance of £42,782 to enable Rademon

Drinks to explore export opportunities especially for the new gin. In addition, the company has received design and technical assistance.

Rademon Drinks was established by husband and wife team David and Fiona Boyd-Armstrong in April 2012 and is the outcome of extensive market research in Britain and other international markets into opportunities for craft-based premium drinks.

“This is a very innovative business initiative that’s targeted at a niche sector of the global drinks market,” said Moira Loughran, eastern regional manager for Invest NI. “Premium craft spirits is presently showing good growth in Britain and further afield, especially among younger consumers.

“The company is also seeking to build on a demand for products with heritage and provenance, that’s been growing in importance over the past five years.”

Fiona Boyd-Armstrong said: “Our objective in setting up Rademon Drinks is to exploit a developing market opportunity in Britain and other parts of Europe for premium small batch gin and other spirits.

“Although the overall UK gin market experienced a small decline in sales between 2006 and 2011, premium gins are increasing in popularity, especially among younger consumers who are becoming much more adventurous and prepared to try new styles of established spirits.”

New WKD 10-packs all set to ‘mix it up’ T

o build on the growing trend of consumers using RTDs to make cocktails at home, SHS Drinks is relaunching its WKD 10 x 275ml mixed pack as the ‘Mix It Up’ cocktail-themed pack.

With four WKD Cocktail recipes printed on the outside of the pack and the case graphics clearly communicating the cocktail occasion, the new 10-pack design will help bring WKD Cocktails to life in the off-trade.

The first production run of the new 10-pack will also contain a special free cocktail recipe booklet which includes a £1 voucher off a future mixed pack purchase. Further themed cocktail booklets will be inserted at key trading periods such as Halloween and Christmas.

On shelf from mid-July, the WKD Mix It Up pack comprises two 275ml bottles each of WKD Blue, Red, Iron Brew and Green, plus two bottles of WKD Limited Edition Brazilian. Reflecting how WKD Cocktails are all about sharing with friends, the new pack graphics instruct ‘just add mates’.

“The growth in popularity of RTD cocktails continues and is all part of the consumer quest for exciting new flavours,” said Debs Carter, marketing director – alcohol at SHS Drinks. “These sharing cocktails are ideal for group occasions: they are quick and easy to make, add a dash of colour to proceedings and are a fun talking point.”

Hilden serves up tribute to cycling history I

Pictured with their bottles of Dunlop & Hume are Seamus Scullion, the founder of Hilden Brewery, Alastair Ross MLA and Owen Scullion of Hilden Brewery.

reland’s longest established independent brewery has tapped into the lingering local taste for all things Giro D’Italia with the launch of a specially designed craft beer.

The distinctive new Dunlop & Hume-branded beer from Hilden Brewery pays tribute to Belfast’s cycling legacy.

“We wanted to create a beer that captured the excitement surrounding the Giro in terms of the event being the biggest sporting occasion in the history of Northern Ireland,” said Seamus Scullion of Hilden. “And we also felt it was important to highlight the vital role that Belfast played in transforming cycling from a pastime into a sport enjoyed by millions.

“Cycling has become a cult sport. The Dunlop & Hume beer, with its unique heritage packaging, reflects that in a way that sells a very positive image of Belfast.”

Alastair Ross, the Assembly’s Private Secretary to the Department of Trade and Industry, welcomed the Giro beer initiative.

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MARKETING NEWS

Unilever unveils £10m Flora Gold campaign U

nilever UK is launching a £10m marketing campaign to support the launch of its new blended spread with butter, Gold from Flora, and a TV campaign for Bertolli with Butter.

The fully integrated campaign for Flora was launched in May with a TV ad, digital activity, heavy sampling to reach two million customers and PR support; aiming to drive usage and spreading occasions by positioning it as a key part of family meal times.

“Flora is a family brand that sits on tables across the country every meal time,” said Patty Essick, brand building director for spreads at Unilever UK. “We’re supporting Gold from Flora with a substantial investment in 2014 to communicate the brand’s light-hearted and family-orientated personality, while asserting the relevance of new Gold from Flora across a broad range of meal occasions.

“As the global leader in the spreads category, we’re committed to helping people enjoy balanced lifestyles and understand that our customers want their meals to taste delicious too. New Gold from Flora offers consumers a rich and creamy taste that everyone in the family will love – and our new TV advert captures this perfectly.”

The ad features ‘dad’ unpacking the groceries in the family kitchen, removing packs of Gold from Flora from a shopping bag before cooking along to well-known Spandau Ballet classic ‘Gold’.

DAIRY COUNCIL SPONSORS ANNUAL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIP

Pictured at the finals of the ‘Milk It: Athletics’ series are, from left, Melissa Moffett; Stephen Graham, chairman of USSAA; Stephanie Ingram, sports nutritionist; Mike Johnston of Dairy Council Northern Ireland; and Lauren McCullough.

Meanwhile, the £5m campaign for Bertolli with Butter also launched in May with TV ads showing scenes of the Mediterranean countryside and a farmer searching for ‘a way to combine the goodness of olive oil with rich creamy butter’.

“It’s important for us to communicate the Mediterranean heritage of Bertolli, so we’re thrilled to be launching Bertolli with Butter with a new TVC that captures the personality of the Bertolli brand whilst reinforcing the taste credentials of Bertolli with Butter perfectly,” said Essick.

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he Dairy Council for Northern Ireland’s sponsorship of the annual athletics championships organised by the Ulster Secondary Athletics Association got off to a triumphant start at this year’s finals at Antrim Forum, where hundreds of budding athletes took part from across Ulster.

The Championships have been a part of schools’ athletics in Ulster for many years, and have been the launch pad for a number of Northern Ireland’s athletes who have gone on to compete internationally.

“Congratulations to all participants who took part at this year’s finals,” said Dr Mike Johnston, chief executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland. “We’re delighted to be associated with the Milk It: Athletics. We wanted to sponsor the championship as it has a natural fit with the range of activities we undertake in post primary schools throughout Northern Ireland. Our aim is to use our sponsorships to highlight the potential role of milk in sports nutrition. Given that the USSAA covers all post primary schools in Northern Ireland, and the championships cover all post primary age groups from age 12 to 18 years, this sponsorship is an opportunity for us to associate milk with athletics.”

Donegal Rapeseed Oil re-brands with growth in mind L

ocal company Donegal Rapeseed Oil is cementing its success and continuing to develop the business with a total rebrand, which it hopes will take the product to the next level.

Established in 2009, Donegal Rapeseed Oil uses seed grown on small farms throughout Donegal, Derry and Tyrone. The seed is cold pressed, filtered, bottled and labelled at a pressing facility near Castlederg, Co. Tyrone – making it a ‘truly local’ product.

With sales increasing year-by-year, Managing Director Austin Duignan decided that now was the time to take stock and develop a clear brand and image that merits the award-winning, high quality product, and 54

will aid further sales in Ireland and further afield in the future.

“We have had to work hard over the past number of years to educate the consumer on the incredible benefits of using local Rapeseed Oil over the more established options such as imported Olive Oil,” said Duignan.

“We are now getting to the stage where many people, having realised the fantastic health benefits, and sampled the great taste are making the switch. As with any product, however, there are variants in both quality and taste within the Rapeseed Oil market itself, and as Donegal Rapeseed Oil is an award-winning premium quality oil with a unique taste as a result of the quality of the

Donegal soil, we want to ensure that our product visual and branding is distinctive and reflects the quality and flavour of the product, as well as the beautiful part of the country from which it takes its name.”

The oil is now stocked by over 300 stores nationwide including Supervalu and local grocers, and has gained the seal of approval from some of Ireland’s most revered chefs including award-winning celebrity chef Neven Maguire.

The company has also recently extended its product line with flavoured Donegal Rapeseed Oil in lemon, chilli, and garlic; and the premium gold range oils in curry, fennel, and porcini mushroom flavours.

MARKETING NEWS

FOREST FEAST sponsors junior golf festival

T

CENTRA CELEBRATES HEALTHY SCHOOLS WITH ACTION CANCER

he Blackwood, in the Clandeboye Estate near Bangor, was the venue for the Forest Feast Junior Golf Festival held in June.

Forest Feast renewed its sponsorship of the event for a fourth year.

“As a local company, we are very keen to get involved and support young sporting talent,” said Deirdre Burns, marketing manager for Forest Feast. “The Forest Feast Junior Golfer of the Year 2014 aims to encourage youngsters from across the province to get out and enjoy the experience of taking part in a golf competition regardless of their level.”

Erin McGrath and Lewis Vance from Trinity Nursery School in Bangor are pictured with Action Cancer Chairman Norman Carson and PR & Events Officer Lucy McCusker, and Centra Brand Manager Nikki McDowell.

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2013 winners Harry O’Hara, Zoe Miller and Scott Miller joined Deirdre Burns from Forest Feast to launch the two-day Forest Feast Junior Golf Festival.

ver 150 pupils recently attended Action Cancer’s 11th annual Health Action awards, which awards schools all over Northern Ireland for their top class health promotion activities for pupils.

The awards are part of Action Cancer’s ongoing Health Action project, sponsored by Centra, which features a range of health promotion sessions on healthy eating, sun safety, exercise, and the dangers of smoking and alcohol for nursery, primary and secondary schools, as well as further education colleges.

Grab an on-the-go quality Gourmet Costa Coffee FOREST FEAST MAKES BIG WAVES WITH YOUNG NORTHERN IRELAND SWIMMERS

Ards Swimming Club celebrates their win at the Division A Forest Feast AquaSprint Junior Swimming League Final at Lisburn Leisureplex on June 6.

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he Forest Feast AquaSprint Junior Swimming League Finals took place in June, with around 1,500 young swimmers from 24 clubs across Ulster competing at eight locations.

The Division A Final saw defending champions Ards secure a win over rivals Lisburn and Bangor at the Lisburn Leisureplex, and Forest Feast Tasters handing out goodies to eager spectators.

“The Forest Feast AquaSprint Swimming League competitors are a real credit to their clubs and families,” said Deirdre Burns, marketing manager for Forest Feast. “Their dedication and commitment to training and competing throughout the season has been incredible.”

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omething new has started to arrive in garage forecourts throughout Ireland. Costa Express machines have started to appear serving Gourmet Costa Coffee.

Using the same freshly ground Mocha Italia beans you’ll find in Costa stores and fresh milk in every cup, Costa Express is a great way for your customers to grab a quality Costa coffee on the go. Our self-serve coffee bars are designed to be simple to use and maintain, and provide the same high standard of drink for every customer time and time again. Costa Express is the quickest and easiest way to ensure your customers enjoy a delicious, quality cup of Costa coffee every time.

Our state-of-the-art Costa Express machines use precision grinding, tamping, temperature and perfectly steamed milk, to provide a quality cup of Costa coffee every time. With as little as 1m² of floor space required, it’s convenient for you as well, whatever the size of your premises. Our Telemetry allows us to monitor and develop your coffee business 365 days a year.

We work with partners to enable them to provide a quality Costa coffee for their customers. There’s minimal outlay as we install your machine for free, and we’ll provide all of your coffee and consumables.

Our unique revenue share scheme means income is shared at an agreed rate and we’re always on hand if you need us. All Costa Express sites have dramatically increased coffee sales and driven new customers onto our customers forecourts so all you have to do is keep your machine topped up with fresh milk and watch your profits grow.

Interested? Contact us on (021) 5003526 (Republic of Ireland) or 028 9268 9204 (Northern Ireland).

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AGRI-FOOD NEWS

Ministers Foster and O’Neill launch £12m loan scheme for poultry litter processing T

rade Minster Arlene Foster and Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill have launched a £12m loan scheme to support the construction of demonstrator plants to trial new ways of processing poultry litter.

The loan scheme represents the second stage of the Sustainable Use of Poultry Litter (SUPL) Project, following on from a Small Business Research Initiative (SBRI) competition which encouraged the technical development of solutions to utilise poultry litter.

Construction of demonstrator plants will allow the new techniques to be trialled on the scale needed to test their commercial and technical viability for the poultry industry.

“Agri-food is a cornerstone of our economy, creating higher sales, exports and jobs than any other manufacturing sector in Northern Ireland,” said Foster. “Poultry is a key component of the agri-food sector and how poultry litter is processed is a challenge that must be addressed if the industry is to continue to thrive in the future. The £12m loan scheme announced today takes us one step closer towards that goal by supporting

the design, construction and commissioning of demonstrator plants to test the new technologies.”

The Agriculture Minister said: “We have shown through the Small Business Research Initiative and now the launch of this £12m loan scheme that a sustainable agri-food sector is of the utmost importance.

Encouraging the development of commercial scale plants to manage poultry litter is fundamental to our livestock sector and helping to meet the requirements of the EU Nitrates and Water Framework directives.”

The loan scheme will assist technology suppliers to design, finance, construct and operate treatment plants, as well as helping the poultry sector and technology suppliers agree appropriate contracts for the supply of poultry litter.

Ulster Farmers’ Union Poultry Chairman Roy Campbell welcomed the announcement.

He said: “The poultry industry needs a longterm solution for the disposal of poultry litter, backed by scientific evidence. Since 2002, the UFU have been pushing for a resolution to this issue and it is frustrating that progress

FARMING UNIONS MEET TO DISCUSS BEEF PRICE ISSUE

T

he Ulster Farmers’ Union met with farming union leaders from the Irish Farmers’ Association, NFU Scotland, NFU Cymru, and the National Farmers’ Union at a Presidential Summit in London on the current beef situation in June.

UFU President Ian Marshall and UFU Beef and Lamb Chairman Robert Davidson met with UK and Irish farming union counterparts to discuss a wide range of issues including the Common Agriculture Policy and abattoir charges. There was unanimous agreement that the current downward spiral of farm gate prices is causing serious damage to farmers’ confidence. And also that retailers, processors and caterers must all start to take responsibility for the decisions they make and the impact those decisions have on the sustainability of the beef sector.

Equally unanimous was a call for the promotion of local beef to the consumer by retailers, and the need for long-term signals that instil confidence in the beef sector, and an end to the short-termism that damages confidence and will threaten the long-term future of the beef supply.

UFU President Ian Marshall said: “The Northern Ireland beef industry is closely linked with that of Scotland, England, Wales and the Republic of Ireland and the severity of the situation facing beef farmers across all regions was highlighted at this joint meeting. Confidence amongst beef farmers is worryingly low and we have the current market situation thank for that.”

UFU Beef and Lamb chairman Robert Davidson added that in a well-functioning market there should be sufficient margin in beef for everyone; the farmer, the processor and the retailer.

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Arlene Foster

Michelle O’Neill

has been limited to date. The onus is on Government to ensure that this scheme is effectively delivered to assist those with viable projects to be developed.”

FARMERS BREATHE A SIGH OF RELIEF AS CAP AGREED

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he Ulster Farmers’ Union has said that while the final positions on regionalisation and transition decided by the NI Executive on June 26 were not exactly what the Union was hoping for, farmers will be relieved that an agreement has finally been reached and Northern Ireland will not face a default position of an immediate transition to a single flat rate payment come August 1.

Following a conversation with NI Agriculture Minister Michelle O’Neill, UFU President Ian Marshall said: “This hasn’t been an easy or smooth process for anyone involved and farmers across Northern Ireland have been seriously worried over the past few months that we would be facing a default position come 1st August. The fall-out would have been a complete disaster for the industry and undoubtedly it would have put many farm businesses at risk. The Agriculture Minister has been true to her word that she would not let it go to a default position and our politicians have done their bit to show their support for the future of farming in Northern Ireland.

“Farmers at least now know where they stand and while it isn’t exactly what the Union was hoping for we need to look at the positives. A seven year transition means that Northern Ireland has the longest transition period of all the UK regions and it gives farmers some time to adapt their businesses. However, this may be of little comfort to Northern Ireland’s beef farmers in disadvantaged areas (DA) who will be the ones hardest hit through a combination of redistribution under a single region and also coming out of the Area’s of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme.

Something needs to be done to support the entire suckler industry across Northern Ireland, and we still continue to press for targeted support.”

AGRI-FOOD NEWS

UFU welcomes upbeat EU analysis of dairy price and market prospects

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arket forecasts from the Economic Board of the EC’s recently established European Milk Market Observatory (MMO) at its recent first meeting in Brussels, have been welcomed

by Jonathan Moore, chairman of the Ulster Farmers’ Union Dairy Committee.

The meeting discussed the latest market data and assessed the short to medium term dairy market situation.

“The MMO was launched back in April 2014 with the aim of increasing transparency and providing accurate market data, so that actors of the milk supply chain can take wellinformed business decisions and help the sector adapt to the new environment post-quotas,” said Moore.

“Following months of falling dairy commodity prices, we are very encouraged by the MMO Board’s first report and by the EU’s optimism about milk prices and market prospects going forward.

Since the beginning of the year we have seen a downward pressure on milk prices, with increased supplies in the main global milk producing regions and speculation in the industry regarding the impact of the abolition of quota in 2015. However, European milk output has been boosted this year by a combination of factors, including high farmgate prices for milk, favourable weather conditions and the forthcoming expiry of the EU’s milk quota system. The latest MMO analysis of the market situation indicates that the favourable spring weather conditions will see European milk production increase by as much as 8m tonnes in 2014 compared to 2013.”

Farmers frustrated with grid connection problems

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he Ulster Farmers’ Union has written to NIE and the Utility Regulator to express farmers’ frustration with the on-going grid connection problems.

UFU Rural Enterprise Chairman Gary Hawkes said: “The situation is causing a real headache for farmers especially since NIE continues to create a high degree of uncertainty as it issues an increasing number of ‘conditional offers’.

“Many farmers looking to diversify their businesses do look to renewable energy but the application process leaves much to be desired. Currently, a farmer applying ends up in a queue and NIE is unable to tell them how many people are ahead of them in that queue. This leaves farmers in the dark as to how much spare capacity there is in the grid so there is no guarantee that their application will even proceed.

“The UFU is conscious of the fact that farmers will already have paid upfront costs for things like planning permission, feasibility studies and in many cases a significant amount of money will have already been committed to materials and/or equipment. This initial financial outlay combined with high levels of uncertainty is very off-putting for farmers and if NIE are serious about renewable energy and meeting the energy needs of Northern Ireland, they need to find a solution to this grid issue and fast.”

The UFU has requested a meeting with NIE and the Utilities Regulator seeking to challenge the concept of conditional offers and how they are managed. The Union is calling for contestability in the electricity market, with the hope that this will open up the grid connection process to competition and ensure that the small scale renewables are able to efficiently connect to the grid.

Agri-food SMEs invited to enter Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards

Launching the 2014 Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards are, from left, Andy Mills, regional director of Business Banking at Ulster Bank; Lewis Cunningham, managing director of Wilson’s Country; and Cormac McKervey, senior agriculture manager at Ulster Bank.

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MEs in the agri-food sector are being called on to enter the 2014 Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards.

The scheme celebrates the achievements of local companies across a range of sectors, and has a number of categories relevant for agri-food firms, including the ‘Agri-Business’ category and the ‘Food and Drink’ award.

Run in association with Invest NI, InterTradeIreland and SmallBusinessCan.com, the awards are now open for entry at BusinessAchieversAward.com.

Previous Northern Ireland winners have included Mash Direct, Avondale Foods and Wilson’s Country.

Judges will shortlist companies for the Ulster provincial stage, and winners will then compete in their respective categories at an all-island awards ceremony in December 2014. One all-island category winner will also be crowned overall Ulster Bank Business Achiever 2014.

“We’re delighted to celebrate the success of our local SMEs through the Ulster Bank Business Achievers Awards,” said Andy Mills, regional director of Business Banking at Ulster Bank. “These businesses are vital for the economy in terms of job creation and wealth creation.

“The awards provide the opportunity for businesses to highlight and celebrate what they are providing in terms of excellent products and services. As well as recognising what they have achieved, winning an award results in a feel good factor for all staff. As one of Northern Ireland’s largest and most important sectors, we would encourage agrifood sector firms to enter the awards.”

Craigavon-based Wilson’s Country, a leading potato pre-packer, won the agri-business award in 2010. “Winning the award was a big success for us and highlighted Wilson’s Country as a leading agri-business on the island,” said Lewis Cunningham, managing director.

“It was fantastic for us to get that recognition from the judging panel. It helped our customers appreciate our success and was an excellent platform from which to talk to new customers about what we had achieved in terms of product development.”

The deadline for submissions is Friday, September 26.

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EXPORT NEWS

Opportunities in Gulf region highlighted T

rade Investment Minister Arlene Foster addressed delegates attending a recent UKTI Gulf Tour to the UK, encouraging local firms to develop business links outside Northern Ireland.

Organised by Invest Northern Ireland in conjunction with UK Trade & Investment, the event at Titanic Belfast was part of a fiveday networking road show to showcase business opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa region.

It was aimed at local companies seeking to internationalise their business for the first time, as well as those who are already operating in the Gulf markets of UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain but looking for new opportunities in the wider region.

The UKTI Tour took place in June, covering the five regions of Northern Ireland, Scotland, the North East, North West and London.

The Minister told delegates from over 70 local companies that the Middle East represents a huge area of opportunity, and that Invest NI is fully committed to supporting local businesses as they seek contracts in this region and other global markets.

Pictured are, from left, Mohammed Shokat, Her Majesty’s Consul General, Jeddah; Trade Minister Arlene Foster; Alastair Hamilton, chief executive of Invest NI; and Ian Gibbons, Her Majesty’s Deputy Consul General and director of UK Trade & Investment in Dubai.

Artisan blue cheese launches retail pack

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earney Blue, the Northern Irish artisan cheesemaker, has developed a retail pack as part of a strategy to boost sales in delis and other independents in Great Britain and Ireland. The company has just launched its award-winning blue cheese in 225g tubs in an attractive sleeve with a recommended retail price of £6.

Kearney Blue, launched in 2010 by blue cheese enthusiast Paul McClean, is a semi-hard cheese with a distinctive rind, an open texture and smooth, creamy flavour. It won a gold medal in the New Cheese category at the Nantwich International Cheese Festival in 2012.

The new packs will be distributed in Britain through an agreement with Woods Foodservice of Southall, Middlesex, a leading supplier of products to chefs and caterers.

It has a shelf life of three months and represents a significant investment by the artisan business to expand sales particularly outside Northern Ireland.

The distinctive packaging has been designed to reflect the company’s focus on a cheese that evokes images of dry stonewalls and stone built windmills to be seen in the Mourne Mountains of county Down, the original home of the product, Northern Ireland’s first artisan blue cheese.

“I saw an opportunity to create a retail option that cheese lovers could pick up easily in a deli or other retail outlet,” said McClean. “Discussions with leading delis in Northern Ireland indicated an opportunity to develop a convenient format for hampers and gift boxes.”

Kestrel Foods gets active in UAE P

ortadown-based Kestrel Foods has secured an export deal to supply its new sports nutrition snacking range, Acti-Snack, to the leading grocery retail chain in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), LuLu Hypermarkets.

The contract comes during what Kestrel Foods has described as a ‘landmark year’ for the business, with company-wide sales growth up 25% on last year.

Launched in late 2013, Acti-Snack was developed by Kestrel Foods to meet the needs of the growing segment of consumers taking an interest in sports, fitness and nutrition. Each of the dried fruit, nut and seed Acti-Snack mixes was scientifically developed to meet specific sports nutrition objectives. This latest contract will see the range appear in some of LuLu’s most high-profile stores in UAE. “We made valuable connections at the recent Gulfood exhibition in Dubai which, combined with the support of Invest NI, led to LuLu visiting our headquarters and subsequently agreeing to stock the range,” said Lorraine Hall, sales and marketing director for Kestrel Foods.

Acti-Snack marks Kestrel Foods’ first venture into the sports nutrition category, while the Forest Feast range is currently available 58

across the UK, Ireland and in international markets including Russia, Hong Kong, Norway, Mongolia, Italy, Poland, Iceland and the Middle East.

Pictured are, from left, Esmée Hall, a pupil at Victoria College, Belfast and Ronan Gourley, sales manager Health and Leisure at Acti-Snack.

EXPORT NEWS

Opportunities for NI products identified in China U

lster Farmers’ Union President Ian Marshall believes genuine opportunities exist in the Chinese market for Northern Irish food products, following his return from a Livestock and Meat Commissionled visit to the 20th World Meat Congress in Beijing.

Accompanying Marshall was UFU Policy Director Wesley Aston, and representatives from a number of other Northern Ireland red meat stakeholder groups.

“We have often heard of the enormous market potential for food products, particularly meat and dairy, which exists within the Chinese market but now that we have seen it first-hand, we know that these opportunities are very real,” said Marshall. “Not only is there massive population growth in China but the growing wealth and increasing number of people in the middle classes who are demanding a safe and more westernised diet, are consuming more meat and dairy products.

“This was evident in our visit to one of the major retailers out there. This information, coupled with what we believe to be genuine willingness from both the Chinese Government and food processing companies out there to import more of these products from other world suppliers, does provide very significant opportunities. Inevitability this

will not happen overnight but the increasing urgency from China is clear to see.

“It was also good to see our NI Executive and British food industry organisations such as BPEX and AHDB, having a presence out there.

Like Bord Bia from the Republic of Ireland, it is essential to be there to facilitate meetings and participate in trade shows like the one we also attended in Beijing, to build up the working relationships and ultimately partnerships through which these trade opportunities can be realised.

“All of the major world food exporting countries are making similar efforts and in many cases are much further advanced in this process than we are but, that being said, the market opportunities are so huge that there should be more than enough potential for us all. Indeed there is enormous optimism in the continued strengthening of world meat markets across all sectors and it is essential that we follow through and continue to progress market access going forward.

“The Agri Food Strategy Board recognised these opportunities in its Going for Growth strategy report back in May 2013 and we must ensure that we act quickly so that we don’t miss out on securing this very real potential that exists.”

Skea Eggs wins UK Sainsbury’s business

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orthern Ireland’s Skea Eggs has won a contract to supply almost 400 Sainsbury’s stores across the UK with almost 200 million eggs. Northern Ireland’s largest egg processor is based at Pomeroy in Co Tyrone and has been supplying Sainsbury’s since 1997, working with 112 farmers throughout Northern Ireland.

The new deal will see Skea’s output of free-range eggs from woodland farms increase by 60% over the next three years. Skea has been a longterm supplier of eggs to the supermarket’s 13 stores in Northern Ireland.

It will now supply Sainsbury’s throughout the UK with 35% of its ownlabel eggs over the next three years.

Skea Eggs also provides its branded eggs and supermarket-branded eggs to Tesco, Asda, Marks & Spencer, the Co-op and Musgrave Retail Partners. The company is a family-run business that was founded in the early 1970s.

“As a business, we have grown from supplying Sainsbury’s in Ballymena, Co Antrim in the 1990s and we have remained a very close partner of the supermarket,” said Harold Richmond, agricultural director of Skea Eggs. “We’re very proud of our 100-strong staff and we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead with Sainsbury’s.”

Sainsbury’s eggs buyer Rebecca Read said: “We’ve worked closely with Skea Eggs in Northern Ireland for a number of years, which plays alongside our 145-year history of supporting farmers across the UK. It’s fantastic to see a local company with so much passion continue to prosper.”

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ood and drink companies from Northern Ireland recently travelled to Sweden for the Scandinavian launch of the ‘Access 6’ export programme. Four local companies – Cocomojo, Kitchen Bakes, Art Bangor and Clanconnel Brewing – are hoping to access Sweden, Norway and Denmark’s retail and foodservice markets with support from the EU-funded programme. Pictured are Harry Hamilton, the Northern Ireland project manager for Access 6, with Trisha McNeilly, founder of Cocomojo, at the Scandinavian launch of the export development programme.

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BUSINESS NEWS

Businesses urged to look beyond the annual report A s it celebrates its 25th anniversary in Northern Ireland this year, Business in the Community is challenging companies to look ahead to the next 25 years and consider what their business might look like and how they can make their journey there as sustainable as possible.

In partnership with the CBI, Business in the Community is hosting a conference, ‘Looking to the Future Not the Next Annual Report’, which will be held in Belfast Waterfront Hall on Thursday, October 16. Businesses of all sizes and from all sectors are invited to attend and contribute to the debate.

The key conference sponsor is Ulster Bank and media partner is The Irish News, with support from responsible business champions for specific themes including: People - Carecall; Planet - Belfast Harbour; Place - ASDA; and Marketplace - Diageo NI. AV Browne is the Digital Champion for the event.

“Too many businesses today focus on short-term goals and profitmaking without considering the long-term impact of their decisions,” said Gillian McKee, deputy managing director at Business in the Community. “This is a dangerous and unsustainable outlook and we’re putting the spotlight on the need for businesses to look further into the future at our 2014 conference.

“We’re delighted to have respected speakers such as Andrew Cave, Chief Sustainability Officer at RBS, as well as Asda CEO Andy Clarke; Richard Gillies, head of sustainability for the Kingfisher Group (B&Q); Alison Ward of CottonConnect; and Bob Welsh, chairman of Kilter Investments Property Ltd, to name just a few. They will share their experience and views on the importance of a broader-based and longerterm approach to doing business and our delegates will undoubtedly be inspired by what they have to share.”

Stephen Cruise, head of Branch Banking, Private & Specialist Financial Advice at Ulster Bank, said: “The financial sector understands better than any other the need to make business decisions based on longer-term impacts. We are delighted to be the key sponsor

Partners in Business in the Community are pictured launching its conference, ‘Looking to the Future Not the Next Annual Report’, to be held in Belfast Waterfront Hall on October 16.

for Business in the Community’s Responsible Business Conference.

Annual Reports will always be a vital reporting tool for businesses, but increasingly, companies need to reflect on a much broader range of factors as part of their success and long-term sustainability. This conference will play a key part in encouraging that change in mindset among Northern Ireland companies.”

In addition to the main conference, which is expected to attract around 300 delegates, a CEO breakfast forum for the top 100 chief executives in Northern Ireland will take place to engage CEOs in a discussion around the issues that make a good company and how they can address future challenges sustainably and responsibly.

Belfast City Council hailed as an ‘Employability Champion’

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elfast City Council (BCC) has been recognised as an ‘Employability Champion’ at a showcase event in Belfast Waterfront, celebrating the Northern Ireland Impact Awards 2014.

The award was presented by Business in the Community to the organisation best supporting unemployed people. BCC was one of three finalists, and is delighted to have been recognised for its contribution to

Pictured at the award ceremony representing Belfast City Council (BCC) and local business are, from left Tony Dunlea of Electric Ireland; Jill Minne, assistant chief executive and head of human resources at BCC; Brendan Miskelly of category sponsor PwC; Mary Cunningham of BCC; Councillor Deirdre Hargey of BCC; and Lisa McIlvenna of Business in the Community.

8 • •Ulster 3660 UlsterGrocer Grocer| JANUARY | JANUARY2011 2011

supporting long-term unemployed across the city.

“The Council is committed to delivering employability initiatives for all, especially those furthest removed from the labour market,” said Councillor Deirdre Hargey, chair of the Development Committee.

“We will continue to provide opportunities at no additional cost to ratepayers and, I am delighted that the Council’s efforts have been endorsed by receipt of the Employability Champion Award.

“This along with the Council’s recent decision to become the first ‘living wage’ Council in Northern Ireland underlines our commitment to supporting the economy through responsible employment practices.”

BCC launched a £150m Investment Programme in February 2012 to help boost the local economy, support businesses, create employment and training opportunities and provide important economic infrastructure.

The initiative was supported by all political parties on BCC, demonstrating collective city leadership to address the key economic, social and physical challenges facing the city. As part of the Investment Programme, the Council identified the need to support people in all parts of Belfast to develop the skills and experience necessary to secure jobs, particularly young people who have been badly impacted by the economic downturn.

Achievements over the last two years include delivering 601 job opportunities and 526 work experience placements; ring-fencing five permanent administrative posts for the long-term unemployed; delivering a similar programme for seasonal cleansing operative positions; and paid placements and bursaries for local students.

BUSINESS NEWS

Student develops app for delis and cafes

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Diane Foster from the Consumer Council is pictured presenting the Water Champions certificate to Lewis Cunningham, managing director of Wilson’s Country.

Wilson’s Country applauded for £70,000 water bill savings

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he Consumer Council has awarded Wilson’s Country with a ‘Water Champions’ award after the business implemented water-saving measures resulting in a £70,000 reduction in its annual bill.

Processing 800 tonnes of potatoes each week, Wilson’s has achieved the savings through installing a water recycling plant and recycling the equivalent of 15 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water.

“The growth of the company and a subsequent increase in water use, led us to look at making improvements which have yielded benefits for the company and the environment,” said Lewis Cunningham, managing director of Wilson’s Country.

“We examine our water needs so we can react quickly to any leaks or changes in consumption and have reduced the amount of effluent discharged from the site. £70,000 is a significant annual saving for any company especially in the business climate of recent years.”

Graham Smith, interim head of water at the Consumer Council, said: “These savings prove that making changes can be really worthwhile and we would encourage other businesses to help themselves and the environment by looking at what they could do too.

“Savings of between 30 and 50% on water bills can be achieved by installing no cost or investing in low-cost water reduction practices and technologies. We encourage all organisations to consider making even simple changes as they really can add up to a big difference in bills. Contact the Consumer Council for ideas on how to make savings or to find out more about bills and allowances.”

The Consumer Council also has a range of online resources to help non-domestic water users check allowances and usage, and provides a free complaints service for those dissatisfied with a response from a utility provider.

For further details about ‘Water Champions’ or for a free copy of ‘Every Drop Counts’, a guide for businesses and farms to improve their water efficiency, visit: www.consumercouncil. org.uk/water/champions or call 0800 121 6022.

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

pp technology has been developed in Northern Ireland with potential to help delis and cafes throughout the UK, and further afield, boost lunchtime sales.

University of Ulster student Alexandra Milne developed Little Deli App, which gained the top prize and title of College Entrepreneur of the Year 2014 in this year’s Enterprise Ireland Student Entrepreneur Awards. The Awards are co-sponsored by Invest Alex Milne is pictured, centre, with Doug Howlett of Munster Rugby Northern Ireland, Cruickshank and Frankie McCourt of Invest NI. Intellectual Property Attorneys, Intel and Grant Thornton.

Milne, who is studying multidisciplinary design, won the prestigious top prize of £8,000 for the innovative app, which lets customers pre-order and pre-pay for their lunch from local delis and cafes.

“As a great fan of delis, I saw an opportunity to help them to increase business by harnessing smart phone technology,” she says. “I worked with several local delis in developing an app that would meet their specific requirements.”

This is the 32nd year of the Student Entrepreneur Awards, which aim to encourage third level students to consider business as a career option. This year the awards attracted submissions from over 450 third level students from colleges across the island of Ireland. The substantial prize fund includes £24,000 in cash prizes and £24,000 in consultancy fees, which are available for winners to help them start to make their idea a commercial reality.

In addition to winning the top prize, Milne will also receive mentoring from Invest NI to develop the commercial viability of her Little Deli app.

“Competitions like this can act as an important springboard for tomorrow’s business leaders and provide a platform for our young people to demonstrate their highly innovative concepts and commercial skills,” said Niall Casey, director of skills & strategy at Invest NI. “Invest NI is pleased to play a part in promoting and encouraging entrepreneurship and is committed to supporting our young entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential.”

Invest Northern Ireland has been awarded the Customer Service Excellence (CSE) standard, a Cabinet Officeapproved award which recognises an organisation’s commitment to customer service. From left, Invest NI Chief Executive Alastair Hamilton is pictured with Paul Hindley, the G4S assessor who performed the assessment. (Picture Michael Cooper)

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TRANSPORT & logistics NEWS

July 9 deadline for environmental Logistics benchmarking David Gavaghan, chair of ARENA Network, said: “We are asking businesses and organisations across Northern Ireland to report their environmental activities in four key areas – energy, transport, waste and water. The Survey helps organisations put sustainability at the core of what they do.

Organisations that focus on their environmental actions and impacts are translating this into financial savings and simultaneously enhancing their corporate reputations and energising their workforce.”

Philip Miley, sales & marketing director of Fleet Financial, said: “Sustainable transport is no longer optional for business. Every business large or small needs to consider how it can improve its transport options to save money for their organisation and save carbon emissions which impact our planet. As well as bringing the highest quality vehicles to our customers in Northern Ireland, we want to provide sound advice and support to help them make the best decisions for their businesses. Making the right transport decision has a huge impact on overheads and cost base. We believe that in supporting the Survey, we are also playing our part in helping to reduce the overall carbon emissions of Northern Ireland.”

The results will be announced at Belfast Harbour on November 12.

Launching the 16th NI Environmental Benchmarking Survey are, from left, Patricia McCambridge of Business in the Community’s ARENA Network; Philip Miley of Fleet Financial, the contract hire division of Charles Hurst ; Steve Aston of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency; and David Gavaghan, chair of ARENA Network.

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he 16th Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey has been launched, and is open for submissions (online at www. arenasurvey.com) until Wednesday, July 9.

The Survey is run by ARENA Network, the environmental arm of Business in the Community and supported by the Northern Ireland Environment Agency and sponsored by Fleet Financial, the contract hire division of Charles Hurst.

“The Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking Survey is established as the province’s leading tool in providing businesses with proof of their green status by analysing their environmental management, improvement and impact,” said Terry A’Hearn, chief executive of Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

“By focusing on sustainable action, businesses are reaping both environmental and financial benefits. It is imperative that the Northern Ireland Environment Agency continues to support the Survey and I look forward to seeing the results later in the year.”

industry on track to meet carbon reduction target early T he logistics industry is on track to reduce carbon emissions, according to the Logistics Carbon Review 2014.

Released at the FTA’s annual LCRS Cutting Carbon, Cutting Cost Conference, the report incorporates the fourth annual results of the Logistics Carbon Reduction Scheme (LCRS), and reveals that the freight industry is contributing to national climate change reduction targets.

The LCRS, which is managed by the Freight Transport Association (FTA), demonstrates the efforts of industry to reduce carbon and contribute to national greenhouse gas reduction targets.

The latest report shows that scheme members have collectively made progress in reducing carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions between 2005 and 2012.

O’Neill visits Ardboe Coldstore

Eugene Carson, managing director of Ardboe Coldstore, discusses the state-of-the-art storage facilities with DARD Minister Michelle O’Neill during her recent visit.

F

arm Minister Michelle O’Neill visited Tyrone-based Ardboe Coldstore recently to view the facility, which boasts state-of the art, temperature-controlled warehousing and logistics, servicing the food industry in Northern Ireland and further afield. The company’s services encompass product maturation, blast

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freezing, uptempering, processing and packing within its broad portfolio.

Recently the company completed a £5m investment programme to enhance the Ardboe site, increasing pallet holding capacity to around 20,000 spaces; all on a modern mobile racking system, affording instant pallet collection.

Ardboe Coldstore’s client list comprises a number of blue chip manufacturing and processing companies within Northern Ireland, including the dairy, meat and poultry sectors.

“We currently employ 50 people in one of our most economically-deprived rural areas and we want to build on this for the future,” said Eugene Carson, owner of the company.

“It is a given that we provide a modern and efficient IT Warehouse Management System

that enables stock visibility and total traceability to our clients. Our unique selling point, however, is the dedication and efficiency of our staff who have total focus on customer needs.

“We operate 24/7 for 365 days each year to meet the demands of our customers and will continue to modify our operation and services as industry requires.”

The Minister said: “The recent investment that Eugene has made to his business has had a very positive impact in terms of much needed job creation in this rural area. Businesses such as this are at the logistical heart of our agri-food sector and the recent investment by the Ardboe Coldstore demonstrates the confidence for growth that is currently in this sector.”

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Danske Bank’s Kevin Kingston elected president of NICOC

From left, new NI Chamber President Kevin Kingston is pictured with Past-President Mark Nodder.

K

evin Kingston, deputy CEO and managing director of Business Banking at Danske Bank, has been elected as the 164th president of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NI Chamber).

Kingston, who succeeds Mark Nodder, is one of Northern Ireland’s best known corporate bankers, with over 20 years’ experience.

“It is an honour to be elected president of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry,” said Kingston. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to support business growth through NI Chamber. NI Chamber will continue to encourage the Executive and the UK government to create favourable conditions for business growth – and equally they can count on our assistance when they seek to introduce measures which help businesses.

“I am extremely keen to support initiatives that grow businesses, especially our SMEs, which are the backbone of the economy.

To coincide with the opening of the new NI Chamber premises at Belfast’s Donegall Square, NI Chamber has grown its executive team and developed a range of private sector services that will assist with business growth.

Bavaria reveals new managing director for UK

F

ollowing an intensive search, Dutch brewer Bavaria has named Rob Page as its new UK managing director, taking up his position in June.

He joins from Kingsland Wines and Spirits where, as sales and marketing director, he helped transform their business model and grow the customer base. Page previously held senior roles at Treasury Wine Estates, CarlsbergTetley and Kettle Foods.

“I am extremely pleased to be joining such an ambitious business at a time when the company is looking to drive growth and develop further in the UK,” said Page. “Bavaria already has a 40% share of the alcohol-free market in the off trade and with the help of the experienced, committed team here, I’m confident we can build on this by delivering exciting new products and refreshing ideas to the trade.

“The sector is undergoing a period of significant change and I believe innovation is the key to future growth in the alcohol-free beer category, which is growing at about 9% each year. Bavaria is a renowned innovator, further enhancing this reputation by increasing its range of alcohol-free beers, with the launch of its 0.0% Lemon Radler & 0.0% Fruity Rosé flavours.

Bavaria Executive Director Frank Swinkels said: “The UK remains a very important market for us and finding just the right person to deliver growth was essential. Throughout the selection process, Rob impressed with his history of business development and relationship building; both of which will be pivotal to our future growth and increased distribution in the UK.”

We are also delighted to launch a business information service - to help firms find the best support available from a range of public sector providers and enable them to access private sector support.”

The NI Chamber AGM also saw Stephen McCully, managing director of Power NI, elected as vice-president. McCully, who has worked within the electricity industry since 1986 and has held the post of managing director for 12 years, said: “Having worked closely with NI Chamber as a patron and Board member, I am extremely proud to be appointed as vice-president.

“Chambers of Commerce are well respected in the business support network because of their local roots and international links. I look forward to working with the NI Chamber Board, Council and Executive team to cement our position at the forefront of business support and representation.”

FTA announces new Rail Freight Council Chair

M

embers of the Freight Transport Association (FTA) Rail Freight Council have elected John Carpenter, national rail manager of Lafarge Tarmac as its new chairman.

FTA has said it is “delighted” to confirm that that the new chairman had taken over the post, and will play a key part in taking forward the work of FTA’s Rail Freight Council working with its ‘Agenda for More’, performance metrics and benchmarking, and reduction of Channel Tunnel freight train access charges to promote modal shift and the carbon agenda.

“I am very pleased to have been elected chairman and aim to help build on the great work done by my predecessor Ken Russell,” he said. “As demand to move freight by rail increases, the industry will have many challenges which the FTA will have a central role in facilitating. It is an honour to be part of this process.”

In addition, Sainsbury’s Transport Strategy and Development Manager Simon Polmear will become the new vice chairman of the Council.

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Angelic Gluten Free brand new to Irish market A

ngelic Gluten Free is a young Scottish brand, and is new to the Irish market.

All its products are free from gluten, wheat, dairy and eggs, and are made using 100% natural ingredients. The range includes sweet cookies available in Cranberry Crunch, Gingercrunch, Orange Chocolate & Double Chocolate, and all flavours are sold in a 125g retail box and 40g snack pack. Its 150g savoury biscuit range is ideal with cheese and includes Rosemary & Sea Salt, Sweet Chilli, Cocktail Oatcake, and Sea Salt. These award-winning products taste great, and are a must have item for your free-from fixture.

Berkeley marks move to super value with new pack design J

TI has reduced the recommended retail price (RRP) of its well-known range of Berkeley King Size cigarettes, available in a 19s format from June, to meet the ever-growing demand from existing adult smokers for value-for-money cigarettes.

At the same time, all Berkeley King Size packs will unveil a bold and revolutionary new look to differentiate King Size from Super Kings. The price and pack design of Berkeley Super Kings will remain unchanged.

Retaining the same quality Virginia blend tobacco, the updated King Size 19s, Blue 19s and 10s packs will now sit within the super value segment, price marked at £6.25 and £3.25 respectively. The new Berkeley King Size will be available nationally from June.

“The repositioning of Berkeley King Size into the super value sector will ensure the brand is best positioned to provide existing adult smokers with quality and value from a well established British brand with heritage,” said Jeremy Blackburn, head of communications at JTI.

Brandy 6 Pack Cuddly Toy on-pack offer T

his Summer, Brandy is launching an exciting on-pack consumer offer, which will feature on its Brandy 6 Pack range including Loaf, Chunks in Jelly and Chunks in Gravy 6 Packs. So while your dog enjoys its Brandy dinner, by collecting two tokens from promotional Brandy 6 Packs, customers can collect a cute Brandy Cuddly Toy for themselves. This promotion runs on pack throughout the summer and will be supported by a radio campaign and a strong digital campaign. Your sales will soar; their hearts will melt!

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New – Brandy Variety Chunks in Jelly 12 Pack B

randy has just launched its new Brandy Variety Chunks in Jelly 12 Pack. This new Chunks in Jelly 12 Pack is a mixed variety poultry selection and is available in four tasty recipes to tempt your dog’s taste buds, Chicken, Chicken & Duck, Chicken & Turkey and Duck & Turkey. It will perfectly complement the current Brandy Variety Loaf 12 Pack. Made from 100% Irish meat and fully traceable from farm to can, you know you’re feeding your dog only the best. This pack is available to order now. Brandy... because they’re 100% family!

RETAIL TRAINING

New training to help local retail sector raise its game

Pictured are, from left, Lauren Cluney from McGee’s Butchers; Roisin McKee of People 1st; Minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry; Gavin Dunlop of Moda; and Keith Irvine of Wardens.

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kills body People 1st, in partnership with the National Skills Academy for Retail, has launched a campaign to improve the standard of customer service across Northern Ireland’s retail sector.

The WorldHost customer service programme, which has already proved extremely successful across Northern Ireland’s tourism sector with over 11,000 people trained, is now being made available to businesses in the retail sector.

The Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) has committed to fund the roll out of the programme across Northern Ireland, following research that shows: • 75% of retailers identify poor customer service as the biggest cause for customers to walk away.[¹] • 78% of retailers that are struggling to find skilled staff say that it’s down to a lack of customer service skills among applicants.[²] • 60% of retail businesses say that customer handling skills among sales and retail assistants needs to be improved.[³] WorldHost training for retail businesses covers the key principles of customer service, from remembering names to communication and listening skills, with an additional focus on sales skills.

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Customer service is one of the key differentiators in an increasingly competitive market and an important economic driver.”

Roisin McKee, director of Northern Ireland for People 1st, said: “We are delighted that the Department for Employment and Learning has committed to fund the roll out of this programme to the retail sector. This will ensure a seamless, consistent level of excellent customer service across the whole of the tourism and visitor economy sector.

“Customer service is one of the key differentiators in an increasingly competitive market and an important economic driver.

This means that getting it right is not just a luxury, it is a necessity for the Northern Ireland economy. Well-trained staff with strong customer service skills are essential for successful retail businesses.”

Minister for Employment and Learning, Dr

Stephen Farry, who visited home furnishing specialists, Wardens in Newtownards, one of the first retail businesses in Northern Ireland to achieve WorldHost Recognised Business status*, said: “This initiative endorses my Department’s commitment to retail as one of the priority sectors of the economy. The retail sector is extremely challenging and retailers need to train or upskill their staff to remain competitive. I commend the co-operation between my Department’s Skills Solutions Service and People 1st in bringing forward this innovative programme which demonstrates support for the sector and will have long term benefits for the local economy.”

Outlining the benefits of WorldHost training, Keith Irvine, general manager of Wardens said: “Excellent customer service is at the heart of our retail offer. Putting our staff through specialist WorldHost training has enabled us to streamline our service approach and allowed staff members to share and discuss best practice in terms of customer interaction and sales approach. It has also been a huge motivational tool and ultimately has helped the store improve our bottom line performance.”

A network of trainers is now in place to deliver the training across Northern Ireland.

Anyone working for a private sector or social economy retail organisation in Northern Ireland with fewer than 250 employees can currently take part in the training for just £20, rather than the full cost of £190, thanks to funding support from DEL. Sources: [1] Skillsmart Retail; [2] People 1st Employer Skills Survey 2013; [3] People 1st Employer Skills Survey 2013. *Businesses training 50% of their front line staff using any of the WorldHost programmes can apply to become a WorldHost Recognised Business – a national badge of excellence that allows them to display the WorldHost logo on their website and marketing materials, and receive a plaque to display in their business.

Towns, cities and visitor destinations that train 25% of businesses to WorldHost Recognised Business standards can also apply to become WorldHost Recognised Destinations and build their profile as a visitor destination.

To book a place, contact People 1st at worldhostretailni@people1st.co.uk or 028 9089 0313 or go to www.worldhostni.com for more information.

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