Drinks Industry Ireland Magazine - Summer 21 Issue

“I won’t be sorry to see the end of the ‘takeaway pint’!”

-- new LVA Chairman Noel Anderson Odds-on demand for Summer Drinks Summer’s mix

Reopening hospitality 2021 key trends & implications

4

OPINION

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

Reopening, not losing your soul and the art of diplomacy

‘Keeping some of your valued customers in line requires a diplomacy that most publicans are able to demonstrate in spades’ Pat Nolan Editor patnolan@mediateam.ie Twitter: @drinksind_ie

AS WE GO to press we seem set (with due respect to the Delta variant) for indoor reopening next month. But Health & Safety remains an important concern for consumers in 2021.

Last Summer the LVA found 68% of people expressing concern that others wouldn’t take safety measures seriously when the pubs reopened.

Empathy research found that over 50% of consumers regard the following simple steps as essential in an on-trade environment: staff wearing Personal Protective Equipment, contactless payment, Social Distancing, anti-bacterial menus and easily accessible hand-sanitser.

Outlets can use digital payment to reduce customer contact but they should also ensure that all such visual cues are well-managed and maintained.

Following the HSE guidelines doesn’t mean losing the personal service aspect of one’s offering.

For reopened pubs the key here must be balance - balance in having enough visual cues to your safety procedures and processes, yet not so much as to make your venue feel sterile. And here lies a neat balancing trick for the trade - how to clearly enforce Social Distancing etc yet not lose the spirit and soul of your venue?

Keeping some of your valued customers in line requires a diplomacy that most publicans are able to demonstrate in spades.

Have you told your customers just what they can expect as you reopen?

What are your rules and what are you doing to put customers at their ease in regard to these?

The post-Covid on-trade winners will be those with the most active relevant relationship with their consumers.

For, as the American businessman Bo Bennett once explained, “Diplomacy is more than saying or doing the right things at the right time, it’s avoiding saying or doing the wrong things at any time”.

On the other hand, knowing some of the more cantankerous customers in our own local, comedian Will Rogers may have hit the nail on the head when he explained that “Diplomacy is the art of saying ‘Nice doggie’ until you can find a rock”.

NEW S

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

5

8 Kilkenny’s Padraic Rafter named Icons Of Whisky Global Bar Manager of Year

Paris Texas’ Padraic - a global Bar Icon Padraic Rafter, Manager of Paris Texas in Kilkenny, emerged as the Global Bar Manager Of The Year at the 2021 Icons Of Whisky Awards after already having won the national award as Irish Bar Manager Of The Year for 2021.

Hosted by Whisky magazine, the annual awards reveal “the best and brightest in the world of whisky”.

Padraic put his award down to the Paris Texas team behind him and “the incredible whiskey community in Ireland and in particular the melting pot created by The Kilkenny Whiskey Guild which surrounds me with like-minded people and some of the best whiskey bars in the country”.

The awards were presented virtually.

From left: Global Bar Icon Padraic Rafter celebrates his win with Paris Texas proprietor Pat Crotty.

8 Applications for financial support remain open

Dublin Street Furniture fees waived until 2023 Dublin City Council has waived all street furniture fees until the end of 2022.

The decision to waive was taken as part of the City Council’s efforts to help businesses struggling to recover post Covid-19.

The Office of City Recovery also launched a new brochure for businesses entitled Street Furniture Guidelines which includes details on business use of public spaces and the Temporary Covid Street Furniture Permit application procedures.

“These are just the latest initiatives we’re working on to help the City get back on its feet,” said the Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu, “We’re very conscious of the financial pressure hospitality businesses across the City are under during

these very difficult times.”

Applications for financial support from the Outdoor Dining Enhancement Scheme remain open and under the terms of this scheme businesses can request support to purchase or upgrade equipment to provide additional outdoor seating and therefore increase their outdoor dining capacity for Summer 2021.

Public consultation also took place recently on providing additional space on Dublin’s Capel Street for outdoor dining.

Applications for financial support remain open and businesses can request support to purchase or upgrade equipment to provide additional outdoor seating and therefore increase their outdoor dining capacity for Summer 2021.

8 C&C reduces IoI staff

34 jobs go at C&C The C&C Group announced a workforce reduction of 34 across the island of Ireland recently. The majority of these have been through voluntary redundancies over the past few months.

The redundancies affect C&C’s workforce through its Bulmers Ireland company here and Tennent’s in NI. “C&C Group continues to be

severely impacted by Covid-19 and the prolonged closure of the hospitality industry,” Tom McCusker, Managing Director of C&C Group Ireland, told RTE, “To streamline the business and align our cost base to this challenging reality we took the difficult decision to reduce our commercial and distribution teams

across the island of Ireland.”

He added that there are no further redundancies planned in Ireland but warned, “As this crisis evolves we continue to review our operations to ensure we’re positioned to overcome the current challenges and primed for the eventual reopening of the hospitality industry.”

6

NEWS

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 2019 beer production also down

2019 beer consumption down 2% Irish beer production fell slightly in 2019 to 8.2 million Hectolitres from 8.3 million HL the year before, putting Ireland in 11th place in Europe for beer production, one place higher than its 2018 position according to the recently-published European Beer Trends, the Brewers of Europe’s summary statistical report for 2019.

The Brussels-based organisation that represents breweries across the Continent found Germany remaining at the top of Europe’s beer production ladder, brewing 91.6m HL while the UK took fourth position brewing 39.3 million HL. But while we were in 11th place for beer production in 2019, we came 16th for beer consumption, down 2%, at 4.5 Ireland’s beer imports rose in 2019 to 1.7 million HL from 2018’s 1.6 million figure which makes Ireland Europe’s eighth largest beer importer, unchanged from 2018. million HL and down one place eighth-largest beer importer, 2019 saw our on-trade share slip one in the EU table from 2018’s 4.6 unchanged from 2018. percentage point from 64% to 63%. million HL figure.

The UK remained Europe’s top Beer’s share of the Irish on-trade has Germany topped the consumption importer on 9.8m HL, down from been falling consistently from 67% in charts too, sinking 82.9m HL of beer 2018’s 10.1m HL figure.

2015, to 66% in 2016 to 65% in 2017. in 2019 (down from 2018’s 84.7m HL).

Ireland’s beer exports in 2019 Portugal has the highest on-trade The UK came second with 47.1m HL, took it up two places from share of the beer market at 70% (up down from 2018’s 47.8m HL. seventh-largest to fifth-largest, from 69% in 2018) followed by Spain At 77 litres, per capita beer going from 3.7m HL to 3.9m on 68% (up from 67% in 2018) and consumption here kept us in ninth HL. Our exports have enjoyed Italy on 64%. place (down two from 2018’s seventh constant growth since 2016 when The UK, in ninth position, reflects a place which we shared with Estonia we exported just 3.1m HL. The similar decline in on-trade share of the and Slovenia on 80 litres). following year this rose to 3.5m HL. beer market at 45%, slipping from 51% The highest per capita beer Belgium remained the top beer in 2013 to 50% in 2014 to 49% in 2015 consumers remain the Czechs on 142 exporter in 2019, exporting 18.2m to 48% in 2016 to 47% in 2017 to 46% litres.

HL while one place above Ireland, in 2018.

The UK comes in in 14th place with in fourth position, the UK exported 71 litres.

5.3m HL of beer in 2019.

Imports/Exports However it’s interesting to note that Beer generated €421 million in Ireland’s beer imports rose in 2019 to Ireland has slipped from third place to Irish excise revenues in 2019 down 1.7 million HL from 2018’s 1.6 million fourth for the on-trade’s share of the from €430 million in 2018. figure which makes Ireland Europe’s overall beer market.

n Pre-tax profits at Telfer rose 35% to €1.8 million in the year to the 31st of May 2019 compared to €1.3 million the previous year. The holding company for hospitality outlets such as Hogan’s pub, L’Gueuleton restaurant and Kelly’s on South Great George’s Street in Dublin’s city centre increased turnover during the year by 6.8% to €9.1 million from €8.6. million the previous year. According to the Directors report & financial statements lodged with the Companies Registration Office, Operating Profits were also up 30% to €1.95 million from €1.50 million. Staff costs rose 5.7% from €2.4 million to €2.5 million for the company’s average of 111 staff (comprising 100 sales staff plus 11 management staff and including the directors Declan O’Regan, Maeve O’Meara and Jacob Koshy Kalaparampil). This was up on the previous year’s staff average of 95. Directors’ remuneration also rose 80% to €304,100 from €169,022 the previous year.

THE IRISH

HARD SELTZER CATEGORY IS WORTH

OVER

€6M

*

N0.1 WHITE CLAW IS THE

HARD SELTZER

BRAND IN IRELAND

58% WITH A

VALUE SHARE **

RANGE OF FLAVOURS IS A KEY DECISION

DRIVER FOR OVER 1/2 OF HARD SELTZER

CONSUMERS

ON-PREM

STOCK UP NOW! *Source: Nielsen Ireland Total Scantrack excl Dunnes & Discounters 52wks to March 28th 2021. **Source: IRI 52 weeks ending December 27th 2020 - Total US MULC + Liquor. ***Nielsen CGA USA On Premise User Survey (Spring 2020) – Sample Size: 688-3860.

IN THE

***

8

NE W S

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 New report illustrates profound impact of Covid-19 on brewers here as 2020 production and exports fall

Breweries seek government aid in extending credit

Beer’s share of the overall alcohol beverage market here has fallen from 44.6% in 2019 to just 38.9% in 2020 as a result of the Lockdown.

The closure of hospitality businesses drastically hit the beer sector last year.

According to the Irish Beer Market Report 2020 from Drinks Ireland|Beer the value of beer exports declined by 17% in 2020, from €305 million to €254 million.

The marked drop in exports reflects a lower international demand for Irish beer as most other key markets themselves endured Lockdowns. The most significant fall was in exports to the US, down by 45%.

Overall Irish beer production dropped by 13.8% in 2020.

hospitality’s share of these shrunk to just 43% in 2020.

Non-alcoholic beer enjoyed a fractional increase of 0.1% to 1.1% of the overall beer market.

However while beer’s share of the overall alcohol market may have shrunk, that of wine increased by 5.0 percentage points to 32.3% and spirits by 1.5 percentage points to 22.3% respectively last year.

Cider’s share fell 0.8 percentage points to 6.6%.

change in the duty system allowing for excise to be recovered in a manner similar to VAT on bad debts.

This decline in sales has repercussions for Government too.

In his introduction to the report Peter Mosley, Managing Director of the Porterhouse Brewing Company and Chair of Drinks Ireland|Beer, noted that, “Beer was not the biggest contributor to excise receipts to the exchequer within the alcohol market.

Indeed, it was not even the secondbiggest contributor with an estimated collection of €351 million paid to the exchequer in 2020, a fall of €70 million compared to 2019”.

This is reflected in the Exchequer’s alcohol take dropping 2.4% to €1.20 billion in 2020 from €1.23 billion in 2019.

As home consumption increased, excise receipts Domestic market for wine grew too by 12.4% Domestically, the closure from €378 million to €425 of the hospitality sector million while spirits excise resulted in a 17.3% fall in increased by €1 million total beer consumption last to €374 million. Excise year when compared to the on cider was down 11.7% previous year. This led to a to €53 million from €60 19.6% fall in per capita beer Typically, some 63% of beer sales take place in Ireland’s pubs, restaurants and hotels. However, in 2020, just 29.7% of beer sales million. consumption. took place in the hospitality sector as the off-trade’s sales share He continued, “As a drink Typically, some 63% of rose from 37.3% in 2019 to 70.3% last year. that’s mostly popular in beer sales are in Ireland’s our pubs, the sector has pubs, restaurants and been profoundly impacted hotels. However in 2020 Beer industry seeks

by Covid-19. And with hospitality just 29.7% of beer sales took place Government aid businesses remaining closed, the in the hospitality sector as off-trade challenges continue for our sector Coupled with this fall in Irish beer sales’ share rose from 37.3% in 2019 in 2021”. sales, brewers have also provided to 70.3% last year.

Jonathan McDade, Head of Drinks extensive financial support to their Beer and alcohol types Ireland|Beer, commented, “As the hospitality customers, points out the vaccine roll-out continues, the beer report. Breweries extended highThe Lockdown also impacted the sector hopes to be able to see value credit lines which provided type of beer consumers in Ireland consumers back in pubs later this life support to many pubs and bars. chose in 2020. Stout sales made up year. But it’s vitally important that The brewing sector also provided a 29.3% of all beer sales in 2019 but this it receives additional supports from reimbursement to pubs for all unsold fell 4 percentage points to 25.3% in Government to allow it to endure kegs as well as the disposal of unsold 2020. Lager was the main beneficiary the extended Lockdown which beer. of this, growing share 6 percentage continues”.

As a result, the report states that, points from 63.5% to 69.5% as ale’s Allowing for excise to be “The sector also requires additional beer market share dropped 2.1 recovered on bad debts would financial aid to support the coverage percentage points from 6.2% in 2019 prove invaluable in the beer of costs associated with the uplift, to 4.1% in 2020. industry’s continuing to support the disposal and writing-off of out-ofThe report points out that in 2019 provision of credit to the hospitality date beer”. some 80% of stouts and ales were sector, he added.

The beer sector also requires a sold in the hospitality sector where

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

NEWS

9

8 Ivan Yates hosts publicans virtual conference

Over 1,200 publicans attend ‘Emerging Stronger’ virtual conference More than 1,200 publicans from all across Ireland attended the ‘Emerging Stronger’ virtual conference, an all-island event, held recently.

The conference, hosted by Ivan Yates and organised by the Licensed Vintners Association, the Vintners Federation of Ireland and Hospitality Ulster, was supported

by Diageo’s Raising the Bar programme, “Nobody thought you’d be closed for so long,” the Tánaiste told Ivan Yates, “This is the big reopening a €14 million fund to and we want to make sure you never have to close again”. help support trade across the Island of Ireland, to re-open Wage subsidy supports and the of industry experts to look ahead their doors and recover following Covid Restrictions Support Scheme to the coming weeks as the sector the Covid-19 pandemic which had would not go “over a cliff edge” on slowly begins to reopen across the seen some pubs closed for 421 the 30th of June but would remain Island of Ireland. days. in place, he said, adding that the Inspiration & practical ideas The virtual attendees were joined government intended to keep CRSS

by Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, one As hospitality reopening becomes payments in place “for businesses of two keynote speakers, who a realistic prospect, the conference that are closed or operating under stated that he’d been working with focussed on looking at how the very severe restrictions”.

Minister Catherine Martin on grants industry can emerge stronger than The 9% VAT rate would stay in for ‘wet’ pubs. ever post Lockdown. place until the end of the year at “I want to say to publicans that Providing inspiration and practical least.

I can only imagine how tough the ideas, the agenda included sessions However he was less sanguine last year has been,” he told the on the use of digital marketing from about the possibility of foreign conference, “Nobody thought Tiernan O Moroin, Head of Culture, tourism, suggesting that the sector you’d be closed for so long. This is Entertainment & Digital Media at was realistically looking at 2022 for the big reopening and we want to Diageo Ireland. any resumption of this. make sure you never have to close Other topics included the role of “For the foreseeable future it’s again.” outdoor spaces, emerging and future going to be local and domestic The Tánaiste also spoke of how consumer trends and learnings from rather than international tourism,” he envisaged outdoor reopening abroad (featuring the Dead Rabbit’s he stated, “But I’d like to see the on the 7th of June and shared his Jack McGarry). return of a common travel area hopes for the resumption of indoor The increasingly critical issues of between Britain and Ireland as hospitality in July which “is all going staff recruitment and retention were Britain is ahead of us, being very according to plan”. also reviewed. successful with the vaccine.”

The revised government plan Professor Luke O’Neill spoke of Other speakers included Professor ends the distinction between wet his desire to get back to past times Luke O’Neill, Chair of Biochemistry pubs and gastropubs and removes that have been curtailed during the in the School of Biochemistry and the 15-person limit on outdoor pandemic, telling publicans, “Friends Immunology at Trinity College service. overseas can’t believe that not a Dublin and Economist David He imagined that table service single pub has been open in Dublin McWilliams as well as Diageo would involve only the lead for over a year. This can be done Ireland’s new Managing Director person in the party giving details safely if we get full vaccination and Barry O’Sullivan and its Marketing for Contact Tracing while Social follow the guidelines so here’s to the Director Hilary Quinn, Head of Distancing would remain at a metre return of pub life – outdoors first Categories & Insights at Diageo or a metre-and-a-half. and then hopefully indoors again.”

Ireland Alex Hughes and a panel

10

NE W S

8 Full recovery can ensure return of over 800,000 jobs lost in 2020

Beer hospitality to drive Europe’s recovery Some 860,000 jobs were lost in beer hospitality across Europe in 2020 according to the Brewers of Europe, the trade body representing the interests of Europe’s 11,000 breweries.

But in its report on Covid’s impact on the beer trade the Brewers of Europe said that a full recovery can ensure the return of over 800,000 jobs lost in beer hospitality in 2020 when sales in bars, pubs and restaurants collapsed by over 40% due to Europe-wide restrictions and closures.

This led to a 25% decline (of over €13 billion) in beer’s overall valueadded to the European Economy and a 23% decline in government beer tax revenues to €36 billion from €47 billion, principally due to €7 billion in lost VAT receipts usually collected through beer hospitality outlets.

The Report shows how much the beer hospitality trade has suffered and the impact on the jobs, value and tax revenues generated by beer.

In 2020, on-trade beer volumes dropped 42% compared to 2019, from 126 million HectoLitres to 73 million HL. With an 8% (20 million HL) increase in off-trade beer volumes only picking up part of the slack, there was a net fall of 34 million HL or 9% in the total volume of beer sold in Europe in 2020, wiping €3.3 billion off the value of beer production in a single year. Suppliers to the beer sector saw an 8% (€2 billion) fall in beer-related purchases as a result.

“In aggregate for the whole 2020 (January-December), beer production decreased by over 28 million HL from the previous annual figure, which is a very large drop and similar to the annual production of the Netherlands or Belgium alone.

This fall can directly be attributed to government restrictions imposed to halt the spread of Covid-19.”

A further €4 billion in government revenues were lost because of the income and social security contributions usually paid by the hundreds of thousands who lost their jobs.

Employment Jobs generated in the beer value chain fell by an estimated onethird in 2020, from 2.6 million people to 1.8 million, with the vast majority of these losses being in beer hospitality (43%) but jobs were also lost in supply and distribution.

“These huge job losses in some sectors were marginally offset by the creation of 21,000 new jobs in the retail off-trade, a 9% increase in the number of jobs indirectly created by beer in that sector,” according to the report.

Reopening the beer economy With continued targeted support governments can expect to receive around €11 billion in extra tax revenues if beer hospitality can just return to pre-pandemic levels of activity.

If the beer value chain bounced back to pre-Covid levels it would bring €13 billion in value-added back into the European economy.

“As we look ahead to the recovery, we need to get the reopening right,” said Pierre-Oliver Bergeron, Secretary General of The Brewers of Europe, “We need clarity and certainty. A thriving hospitality sector is a key to the wider recovery including as an important symbol of consumer confidence.

“With targeted support, beer hospitality can lift the economy, bring in much-needed government revenues and boost jobs all along the brewing, production and hospitality value chain.

“Bars and pubs can once again become pillars of the local community - and with it, the economy. >> “In aggregate for the whole 2020 (January-December), beer production decreased by over 28 million HL from the previous annual figure, which is a very large drop and similar to the annual production of the Netherlands or Belgium alone” – Brewers of Europe.

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

<<

As well as government finances, the long wait is having a devastating effect on social lives, livelihoods, culture and the economy generally, according to the report.

With a safe, secure and sustainable future absolutely vital, hospitality venues, event organisers, breweries and the whole supply chain need help to bridge the gap, not just towards first and partial re-openings, but towards full recovery, it stated.

“The Brewers of Europe and our partners have consistently called for support from governments such as prolonged temporary unemployment benefits, flexible liquidity grants, reduced VAT rates in hospitality and targeted excise relief for hard-hit sectors.

“These same governments stand to benefit significantly from a revitalised social economy if they get behind beer hospitality.”

Outlook for the future “In the short term” concludes the report, “the European economy may start its recovery in the Summer 2021 if reduced Covid-19 cases and progress in vaccinations allow for a gradual unfreezing of restrictions.

However, the situation remains very delicate as in many European countries external borders are still closed to tourists. Any recovery will undoubtedly be uneven, gradual and staggered.

“Depending on the country and the policies imposed by governments, but also consumer confidence, sales of on-trade beer could experience some improvements in Summer 2021 but will undoubtedly remain below 2019 levels.

“It remains unclear whether the pandemic will trigger, or accelerate, more fundamental shifts in policies, in business practises and most importantly, consumption patterns in the medium to long term.”

n Accumulated profits at Herbert Inns, the company behind the Bridge 1859 in Dublin’s Ballsbridge area, grew by 17% to €1,324,645 from €1,127,023 in the year to the 29th of February 2020. Herbert Inns’ directors include Irish rugby’s Rob & Dave Kearney, Jamie Heaslip and Sean O’Brien. LVA Chairman Noel Anderson is the other director. The company employs 32 staff (up from 28 the previous year).

N EWS

11

8 Revenues down 6%

Pre-tax profits of €140k for Porterhouse Pubs Revenue at Wavecrest Inns, the holding company for the Porterhouse Group of pubs, restaurants and brewery, showed a decline of 6% in the year to the 29th of February 2020, to €29.75 million from €31.65 million.

While most of the income resulted from its Porterhouse and Porthouse outlets as well and its brewing and distribution business, over a quarter of its overall income came from its outlet in London.

While the London operation took in €7.7 million (5.3% more than the previous year) RoI income was down 9.4% to €22 million.

This comprised a decline of 29% on food sales to €5.9 million here from the previous year’s €8.3 million figure, but a rise of nearly 2% on drinks sales to €23.9 million from €23.4 million the year before.

The company recorded pre-tax profits of €140,440 in the year set against pre-tax losses of €2.1 million the previous year. At €790,023, Operating Profits were down 21% on the previous year’s Operating Profit figure of €1 million.

Despite an increase in the number of staff from 247 to 285, staff costs fell 6% to €8.8 million from €9.4 million the previous year (which included over €72,000 set aside for redundancies).

Remuneration for the two directors Elliot Hughes and Liam LaHarte was up to €447,179 from €330,726.

According to Elliot Hughes in a report in the Irish Times recently the Group lost 10% of its workforce to other sectors during the subsequent pandemic.

While most of the income resulted from its Porterhouse and Porthouse outlets as well and its brewing and distribution business, over a quarter of its overall income came from its outlet in London.

12

NE W S

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 Call for excise relief for craft cider producers

Cider sales down 11% in 2020 Some 45% of cider sales came from pubs, restaurants and hotels in 2019 but the hospitality sector accounted for just 16% of cider sales last year, with 84% of sales in the off-trade illustrating the massive shift in purchasing patterns during Lockdown.

But while the rolling Lockdowns in hospitality during the pandemic increased cider purchases in the retail sector, these have not been enough to offset the loss of cider sales in pubs, restaurants and hotels according to Drinks Ireland|Cider which recently published its Irish Cider Market Report for 2020.

Jonathan McDade, Head of Drinks Ireland|Cider commented,“While cider consumers reconfigured their drinking habits last year with a shift to retail, the on-trade is critically important for the sector.”

Unsurprisingly, cider’s market share of the overall alcohol market fell from 7.4% in 2019 to 6.9% last year, reflecting an 11.3% fall in total cider sales.

But per capita cider consumption has fallen by 23% since 2011 and it fell by a further 11.4% last year.

Cider exports too saw a decline of 2.7% to €58.2 million last year, down from €60.9 million in 2019.

Cider imports were up by 17% from €12.1 million in 2019 to €14.2 million in 2020. The UK is responsible for

90% of cider exports (€52.3 million by value) and about 70% of cider imports (worth €9.9million) while 15% of our cider imports come from Belgium (€2.1 million).

Finance With about 29% of the price of a pint of cider going in excise and VAT over €53 million was collected in excise receipts last year, an 11% fall on 2019’s €59.8 million figure.

Drinks Ireland|Cider is therefore calling on the government for financial aid to support covering the costs associated with the uplift of kegged cider during the Lockdowns and it’s also calling for the introduction of an excise relief programme for small cider producers similar to the one enjoyed by craft brewers.

Brewers that produce less than 50,000 HectoLitres of beer per annum get a 50% reduction on excise payments to the Exchequer. Until 2020 the EU Structures Directive on Excise only permitted excise relief for brewers. This has now been extended to small producers of fermented beverages like cider.

The report highlighted that Ireland has the third-highest excise rate on cider in Europe after Finland and Sweden.

“The Irish cider industry has had a challenging year and any assistance

While the rolling Lockdowns in hospitality during the course of the pandemic may have increased cider purchases in the retail sector, these have not been enough to offset the loss of cider sales in pubs, restaurants and hotels.

from the Government would be welcome,” said Drinks Ireland|Cider’s Chairman Seamus O’Hara (who’s also Founder and Chief Executive of Carlow Brewing Company which produces Falling Apple and Craigies Cider), “The excise relief programme for Ireland’s craft brewers saw the number of breweries increase from three to 75 in the space of a decade.

Extending this programme to craft cider producers could result in further growth in the sector, which will ultimately benefit the consumer with more choice.”

8 Removal of Hop House 13 in UK leaves Island of Ireland market unaffected

Hop House 13 remains on in Ireland Although Diageo is removing Hop House 13 from the UK market it will remain available to both the onand off-trades here on the Island of Ireland.

Launched six years ago, sales of Hop House 13 are thought to have fallen away in the UK during the pandemic.

Part of the ‘Brewers Project’ at St James’s Gate, the beer brand gained 3% of the total market in a short period of time, eventually becoming one of the top-selling beer brands in the UK. However with volumes down 12.5%

there during Lockdown while the Guinness brand witnessed a 35%

According to a statement from Diageo Ireland, Hop House 13 is one of the most successful beer innovations in Ireland of the past six years.

rise in value, the brewer took the “strategic decision to prioritise the main Guinness trademark in Great Britain”.

According to a statement from Diageo Ireland, Hop House 13 is one of the most successful beer innovations in Ireland of the past six years.

It stated, “Customers can be reassured that it will continue to be available across take-home trade outlets in Ireland and when pubs reopen, customers can once again enjoy this crisp and full-flavoured lager on draught.”

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

N EW S

13

8 €275k staff stimulus fund being spent in pubs and bars

Heineken Ireland’s €10m ‘Fresh Beginnings’ support programme for hospitality As nearly 3,500 pubs and bars pubs. Heineken has deployed its own chain roll-out for the re-opening prepared to re-open around the green army of ambassadors into involving every member of its team. country on Monday the 7th of June, pubs and bars by providing every The brewery team ramped-up Heineken Ireland supported the employee with €250 to spend in production in the heart of Cork re-opening with a comprehensive €10 venues all over Ireland to treat fellow City, brewing over 95,000 kegs million ‘Fresh Beginnings’ support customers, friends or family to a (8.5 million pints) in May and June programme. round. Heineken sales representatives and with production running at This involved a staff stimulus fund can also deploy a ‘welcome back’ 800 kegs (72,000 pints) per hour, which saw every Heineken Ireland fund of gift vouchers to bar staff to 60 trucks leave the brewery each employee receive funds to spend in acknowledge those going the extra week to fulfil publican orders. pubs and bars across the country, mile to deliver a positive experience The dedicated in-house Heineken supporting footfall and cashflow for for returning consumers quality team refreshed dispensing publicans as well as a lines in pubs all over ‘welcome back’ fund for Ireland, visiting 1,500 hospitality staff going the pubs each week. extra mile to welcome The trade team consumers back to pubs also partnered with and bars. pubs to revamp and The €10m stimulus maximise outdoor programme was the spaces and beer largest in the brewer’s gardens in line 165-year history after with Government the longest lockdown in guidelines.

Europe.

“People will be It supported a safe at the heart of this re-opening and fast re-opening which recovery for pubs and we hope marks our bars through a range of last Lockdown,” bespoke measures and said Sharon Walsh, built on the significant Commercial Director support Heineken has of Heineken Ireland, provided to its 7,000 The dedicated in-house Heineken quality team refreshed dispensing lines “Every Heineken in pubs all over Ireland, visiting 1,500 pubs each week. hospitality customers Ireland employee since the start of the stands in solidarity pandemic last year (now totalling €19 ii. a €3 million investment with our sector colleagues as we million which included credit freezing, supporting pubs enhancing their unveil our ‘Fresh Beginnings’ €10m industry training, advice on staff and outdoor areas: outdoor service is a stimulus package, bringing our total customer engagement and digital key feature of the re-opening phase investment to €19 million. We’ve innovation). never been more aware that behind Last June, in advance of the iii. a €2.5 million high-profile every closed door over the past Summer re-opening, Heineken advertising campaign, building 400 days are people and families. removed 100,000 kegs from on-trade excitement around the countdown to “That’s why every member of premises across Ireland, covering the re-opening. Heineken’s high-profile our Heineken Ireland family is cost of the replacement stock for its advertising campaigns across the pulling together to be personally on-trade customers. In total over 17 Summer are worth €2.5 million to involved in contributing to a fresh million pints have been repurposed in remind consumers just how unique beginning for the sector after a 2020-21 to produce green electricity and enjoyable the pub experience will truly unprecedented 18 months. and fertiliser through anaerobic be “‘Fresh Beginnings’ is designed digestion as part of Heineken’s to help stimulate an industrywide award-winning Brewing a Better iiii. the Cork brewery will also recovery over the crucial weeks World sustainability programme. provide strategic financial relief to and months ahead by getting The targeted supports included in its publican customers to support footfall through the door, cash the new programme included: the re-opening through keg flowing for publicans and having i. a €275,000 Heineken staff replenishment to the value of €4.2 8.5 million fresh pints at the stimulus spend and ‘thank you’ fund million. ready for consumers to enjoy in for bar staff across the country to Heineken Ireland also deployed an revamped beer gardens and ‘locals’ stimulate footfall and cashflow in unprecedented brewing and supply across the country.”

14

NE W S

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 Monday opening would remove one crucial Summer weekend

Vintners seek extra Summer weekend in 1st July opening call Both the Licensed Vintners moving the date forward by four consumer confidence and working Association and the Vintners days to 1st July. It would be a small within Social Distancing guidelines Federation of Ireland welcomed concession with a big impact.” will be tough challenges,” he the recent confirmation from the In between pubs opening outdoors continued, “Supports will continue to Government that all pubs will reopen and the return to indoor service play a vital role. for indoor service from the 5th of four weeks later the VFI expects “One thing is certain, this has July, saying it will mark the official that the Government will revise the to be the last Lockdown. The pub beginning of the recovery for pubs 105-minute time-limit for indoors as trade can never again be shut down and hospitality. the vast majority of the population in such a manner. The negative But the VFI has urged the will be vaccinated by early July and consequences of the past 15-months Government to bring forward the so the rule will no longer be required. will take years to recover from, even indoor opening date by allowing for the resilience of just four days to allow their the trade,” he concluded. members trade for an extra The LVA also noted that the weekend. The Federation is publication of the National also calling for the removal Economic Recovery Plan is of the 105-minute time-limit also extremely important for from the guidelines as by the the recovery of the hospitality end of June over 70% of the sector. population will have been “The fact is that even in offered a vaccine, which is a July, after almost 16 months higher vaccination rate than of closure, we will still be Northern Ireland achieved operating with significant when it opened pubs indoors. restrictions which really “Reopening in time for the damage our viability,” said traditional Summer season is LVA Chief Executive Donall a big boost to the trade who “There are only nine weekends in that short season so to O’Keeffe, “Some elements of remove one of those crucial weekends by reopening on can now plan with confidence the trade, such as late bars, a Monday is a blow the Government can avoid by simply for a busy July and August,” moving the date forward by four days to 1st July. It would won’t be opening on the 5th said VFI Chief Executive July. As the Government is keen be a small concession with a big impact.”

Padraig Cribben, “However, to see the hospitality sector there are only nine weekends in “In many ways, the announcement recover then supports will need to that short season so to remove of a reopening date is only the remain in place for the remainder of one of those crucial weekends by beginning of the end of the crisis 2021 and beyond. We also welcome reopening on a Monday is a blow for the pub trade as we face an the announcement of an outdoor the Government can avoid by simply uncertain future where rebuilding grant scheme for traditional pubs”.

8 Around 60% of beer sales and 45% of cider sales take place in pubs, restaurants and hotels around the country

Alcohol consumption down 20% in Q1 Alcohol consumption declined by 19.7% in the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year due to the closure of the hospitality sector.

Irish hospitality’s closing down in the middle of March last year hit sales at the time. This new data illustrates a further fall.

Revenue Clearance figures for the January to March period this year show that beer sales were the hardest hit, down by 34.5% to 2.3 million litres of alcohol from 3.5 million in Q1 2020, while cider sales

saw a substantial fall of 15.9%.

Around 60% of beer sales and 45% of cider sales take place in pubs, restaurants and hotels around the country, according to Drinks Ireland, which represents Ireland’s drinks manufactures and suppliers.

The fall in sales was recorded across all categories, with Revenue figures showing that spirits sales fell by 8.2% and wine sales by 3.4%.

Overall, alcohol consumption declined last year by 6.6% to its lowest level in 30 years.

“This new Revenue data clearly

shows that alcohol consumption continues to substantially decline in Ireland as a direct result of the Covid-19 pandemic, despite commentary to the contrary,” said Drinks Ireland Director Patricia Callan, “While this decline was accelerated

by Covid, it should be noted that it’s in line with the trend of consumption falling generally in Ireland over the past 30 years. The average alcohol consumption in 2020 was 29.8% lower than the peak of 2001.”

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

N EW S

15

8 Ireland experienced one of longest hospitality sector Lockdowns in world

Revenues down 27% at C&C Ireland Net revenues at C&C’s Irish division the largest independent wine were down 26.6% to €166 million business in Ireland, performed in the year to the 28th of February strongly, capitalising on a change in 2021. consumption dynamics, with total This was driven by the continued volumes up 7.9% in FY2021 versus Lockdowns with Ireland experiencing C&C’s Irish operation suffered a decline in 878k cases sold in FY2020”. volume of 11.2% in the year while volumes of one of the longest hospitality sector C&C Group’s total revenue for the Lockdowns in the world according to Bulmers were down 18.0% here although offyear was €736.9 million, down 56.1% trade sales helped bolster against further losses. the C&C Group’s annual report which on the previous year’s €1.7 billion pointed to “a shift in consumption while pre-tax losses were €85.2 “Bulmers off-trade volume and dynamics with off-trade volumes up million compared to a pre-tax profit value share of Irish cider of 50.5% and 21.2% versus Full Year 2020. of €104.1 million the previous year.

50.8% respectively as at February “While this provided a welcome “FY2021 has presented an 2021 represents growth of 3.7% and revenue stream the lower margin and extraordinary set of circumstances 4.3% which, in part, was supported pack mix pressures were not sufficient which have challenged our business by the exceptionally good weather to offset the impact of the on-trade and our industry at every level,” during Spring and Summer 2020,” closures. As a result operating profit commented David Forde, C&C Group according to the company. has reduced by €45.1 million to a loss Chief Executive, “With approximately Indeed Bulmers off-trade volumes of €4.9 million.”

80% of C&C’s pre-Covid-19 net were up 37.7% on the previous year, The Irish operation suffered a revenue derived from the hospitality with the brand taking both volume decline in volume of 11.2% in the year sector, the pandemic has had an and value share in the LAD off-trade while volumes of Bulmers were down unprecedented impact on the Group.” market.

18.0% here although off-trade sales The group’s off-trade saw a 14.2% The C&C Group also reported helped bolster against further losses. growth for the year. that, “Bibendum Ireland, which is

8 Over six in 10 believe taste of zero-alcohol beer same as alcoholic beers

Zero-alcohol awareness on the rise More than three in four respondents to a recent Zero in Focus survey from pml Group/Ipsos MRBI have noticed advertising for zero-alcohol brands to a greater extent than they used to and more than half agree that advertising plays a role in influencing their choice of such drinks.

And a slightly larger percentage of females - 81% in the case of ABC1 females - now report noticing advertising for the category more than they did before – 78% versus 74%.

This peaks for females at 85% of 35 to 44 year-olds and for males at 80% among 18 to 24 year-olds. According to the report, advertising plays an influential role in decision-making for 57% of males between the ages of 18 and 24.

At 57%, males are more influenced by this advertising than females (48%) and this peaks among the 18 to 24 year-old age group at 66%.

57% of Tesco customers say they’re influenced by advertising for

this category compared to 54% of Dunnes Stores customers and 51% of SuperValu customers.

The report found 38% of Dublin drinkers taking part in ‘Dry January’ this year, mostly males and mostly Dublin drinkers in the 18 to 24 yearold age bracket (47%), with the majority (44%) of Dublin drinkers being in that 18 to 24 age bracket.

Zero alcohol beer drinkers Nearly half (49%) of males in the survey drink more zero-alcohol beer than they did a year ago. Over twothirds of respondents say they’re more likely to try a zero-alcohol version of the brand of beer they already drink. This is the case for seven in 10 men and this figure is above 70% for all age groups up to 45+ where it drops considerably, to 51%.

Over six in 10 believe that the taste of zero-alcohol beer is the same as those containing alcohol.

The percentage is higher among residents of north Dublin versus

According to the pml survey 47% of 25 to 34 year-olds intend to replace some alcohol consumption with alcohol-free alternatives in 2021.

south Dublin and this belief is highest among the 35-44 age category (69%).

But 85% of 35 to 44 year-olds believe that the quality of zeroalcohol beers “has improved greatly in recent years”.

And 84% of females hold this opinion.

According to the pml survey 47% of 25 to 34 year-olds intend to replace some alcohol consumption with alcohol-free alternatives in 2021.

Again at 49% it’s highest in the 18 to 24 age category.

Some 300 Dubliners aged from 18 to 54 were surveyed for the report.

Further details on the Zero in Focus study can be obtained by contacting info@pmlgroup.ie n

16 “I won’t be sorry to see the end of the ‘takeaway pint’!”

ONE & ONE

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

-- LVA Chairman Noel Anderson As the new Chair of the Licensed Vintners Association Noel Anderson found himself taking up the cudgels on behalf of an Association that had no pubs open in a pandemic. He speaks to Pat Nolan about what must be done next.

In the UK, hospitality is positively booming, up 121% year-on-year, he reports.

“I think we’re going to get a similar bounce over here this Summer. But it’s important that publicans adapt and listen to what consumers are demanding from the pub in terms of safety, comfort etc.”

Centre & suburbs

N

o doubt this has been a challenging time for everybody, but the most frustrating aspect of the pandemic for hospitality has been the lack of communication from Government for significant periods of it.

“At times they simply showed a lack of respect to us but this has improved greatly of late,” believes Noel Anderson, the Licensed Vintners Association’s new Chairman, who describes the initial supports for the trade as “awful”.

But they’ve got better thanks in particular to the LVA’s Chief Executive Donall O’Keeffe who met with the Taoiseach and had direct conversations with him around support for closed pubs.

“We got rid of the €9 meal, we got rid of the divide between the on-trade and food pubs and the 15-person limit is now gone with outlets now linked to the available space involving six people per outside table,” says Noel.

Zooming in on the issues The recent Zoom meetings with members of the government and other representatives were “most significant”.

Noel was able to set up a meeting with Fianna Fail parliamentary party members through his relationship with John Laharte.

The Vintners Federation of Ireland also attended, bringing with them Ollie Crowe, a publican and Senator.

“At that meeting we finally got through to them how ridiculous the €9 meal was, pointing out that the outside area should be linked to the available space and not to 15 people.”

As a direct result of that meeting Fianna Fail put down a motion of support for the trade at its own parliamentary party meeting that night with the Taoiseach in attendance.

Later, another Zoom meeting was held with 13 Fine Gael senators who also widely supported eliminating the divide between food pubs and the others as well as eliminating the €9 meal and supporting linking numbers outside to available space.

The Pandemic - what just happened?

Arising from the pandemic Noel counts himself among those witnessing new opportunities to pivot one’s business model. “... But I’ve also learned that things in a pandemic can always get worse!” he adds, smiling, “What we’ve learned from an LVA point-of-view is that it’s really important to have a strong voice in the fight.

“We’ve had one of the loudest voices in the conversation and from a business point-of-view publicans have shown a resilience to adapt, evolve and survive over the last year-and-a-half.

“I’m very encouraged about the future. It will be slightly different for the immediate future but slowly and surely things will get back to normal. What people miss are the pubs and hospitality.”

Dublin’s city centre & suburbs will be a very different proposition for vintners going forward.

“I think the suburbs are going to come alive,” he says, “ Towards the end of the first Lockdown and towards the end of the last Lockdown suburban pubs were doing better than the city centre.

“That may be with us for a while and the city is going to have to reimagine itself.”

As far as Noel’s concerned, Dublin City Council is going to have to think differently around Dublin hospitality too, although he welcomes its waiving of the street furniture licence fee for 2021 and ‘22.

Take away the ‘takeway pint’ He won’t be sorry to see the end of the ‘takeaway pint’ either.

“The takeaway pint for on-street public consumption has been a necessary evil for a lot of us but there isn’t a future in it for the pub trade. People openly carrying pints down the street is not a good look for us. The future has to be in the 7-Day licence, the pub.”

This from somebody who’s served takeaway draught in plastic sealed bottles!

“However food could be a huge part of it.

I’ve noticed that our takeaway food through Just Eat and Click’n’Collect continues to grow. I think that local pub food done right could be an option: ‘Will we get a Chinese, a pizza or a Bridge?’.”

‘Virtual Insanity’ Born and raised in Rathfarnham, Noel has managed many-an-outlet since starting work at 17: Rathfarnham’s Blue Haven and Revels, the Abberley Court Hotel, McGowans of Churchtown and the Church in Mary Street - the latter two as Group Manager.

He also leased the Sarah Curren/ Rathfarnham House & Venue.

Following the 2008 recession Noel even enjoyed a year on the other side of the

ON E & ONE

Noel Anderson on...

17

8 ... government liaison: “At times they simply showed a lack of respect to us but this has improved greatly of late.”

“The recent Zoom meetings with members of the government and other representatives were most significant.”

8 ... the post-Pandemic city centre & suburbs: “I think the suburbs are going to come alive. Towards the end of the first Lockdown and towards the end of the last Lockdown suburban pubs were doing better than the city centre.

“That may be with us for a while and the city is going to have to reimagine itself.

“Dublin City Council is going to have to think differently around Dublin hospitality too.”

8 ... the ‘takeaway pint’: “I won’t be sorry to see the end of the ‘takeaway pint’ either.

“However food could be a huge part of it. I’ve noticed that our takeaway food through Just Eat and Click’n Collect continues to grow. I think that local pub food done right could be an option: ‘Will we get a Chinese, a pizza or a Bridge?’.”

8 ... women in the LVA: “I’ve a daughter who said ‘can women become publicans too then?’.”

8 ... creating a Chief Whip & Deputy Whip positions from Council: “We’ve a huge asset in having a 40-member Council.” supply counter working with Richmond Marketing (before taking on the lease of the Grafton Lounge).

Leasing at the height of the recession can be unbelievably challenging, he recalls.

Following a spot on Ian Dempsey’s Breakfast Show about start-ups in a recession the DJ spun Jamiroqaui’s ‘Virtual Insanity’ specifically for Noel (and people like him).

But Noel persisted, never missing a repayment or staff wage, battling through the first few years.

When the opportunity came to expand into the adjacent premises he grabbed it with both hands and the operation “took off like a rocket” with busy lunchtimes and especially busy Friday and Saturday nights, becoming Lemon & Duke in the process.

Before the recession turned, Noel had already decided to buy a premises.

Rugby’s Rob Kearney would often drop into the premises and talked to Noel about getting involved.

“I thought about the potential in a pub near Ballsbridge being owned by a couple of Leinster players and run by myself,” recalls Noel. The idea was made flesh and Bellamy’s of Ballsbridge became The Bridge 1859.

The rest is history.

“The takeaway pint for on-street public consumption has been a necessary evil for a lot of us but there isn’t a future in it for the pub trade” Staffing

Women on LVA Board

The Lockdown has had negative implications for staffing.

He’s been able to retain most of his own staff but others have not been so lucky.

“The huge challenge remains getting staff back,” he says, “Staff confidence in the sector has been shaken, having been out of work so long. Some had to take pay cuts when open the last time and I think staff will be looking to come back to some sort of normality.”

Noel’s very pleased to be the first LVA Chairman to introduce two women to the Board through the appointment of Alison Kealy in Donabate and Laura Moriarty of the Moriarty Group.

“It’s very important to have diverse opinions and a different perspective on conversations,” he explains, “Women play an increasing part in the licensed trade and I think it’s important that they’re represented. In this we’ve two extremely good operators and it’ll also highlight to other women that there’s a career in this trade – I’ve a daughter who asked, ‘Can women become publicans too then?’.”

Noel has also created two new roles within the Association’s Council with the introduction of a Chief Whip in Peter Connolly from The Shed in Clontarf and Deputy Whip Michelle Murray from McSorley’s in Ranelagh.

“We’ve a huge asset in having a 40-member Council,” he points out, “By doing this we’ve also got huge Council engagement now which got in some strong campaigning around ‘Open Together’ for example.”

For now, his priorities as Chairman are clear: “We need to get everybody opened sustainably and then get them to survive with increased support. I’ll also be working with my Deputy Chair on getting the late night members back on track.

“Thirdly, insurance; I’ve been heavily involved in insurance reform since joining the LVA seven years ago. We’re making significant progress on that now.

“If I got these items resolved as Chairman, I’d be a very happy camper.”

A happy camper who can move indoors in July. n

FBD & pandemic insurance His views on FBD are fairly well-known by now. He took out specific insurance against Covid-19 and along with the Loyola Group, the Chris Kelly Group and Sean’s Bar in Athlone has had to slug it out with the company in court when it “simply reneged” on its commitment, he says.

“The whole FBD debacle has been a horrible ordeal for me personally,” he feels, “I’ve been forced through 15 months of Hell so far including a three-week trial where I was on the stand for 105 minutes being cross-examined. Thankfully, we won the test case but we’re not finished yet; we’ve another two-week trial in July on Quantum, but if they think they’re going to tire us out they’ll have got that wrong as well.”

The ongoing ‘support is what we do’ FBD campaign is particularly hard to stomach, he says, “But sometimes the little guys do win out”.

The good news is that 1,100 publicans have already received part-payment as result of that court case.

18

Q & A W I TH BE V E LLA

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

Q&As with Bevella Director Paul Mc Inerney

What are some of the key factors that make the brands you partner with unique? Do your brands have a rich brand story and heritage?

Our vision is to bring brands to the market that are unique in their field with a compelling backstory.

We’ve been very selective when it comes to the brands we’ve partnered with and have always had the consumer front-of-mind in our decision-making. We’re proud to say we’re focused on selecting the best of Irish and looking farther afield for emerging trends to excite the Irish consumer. A few key elements that underpin our selection are the quality and provenance of the product and the energy and passion of the producer.

How does your portfolio meet the latest consumer trends within the drinks industry?

Trends are a key focus for Bevella; we don’t have to take prescribed ranges and products from head office as we continuously review global trends and developing categories internally. It’s no surprise

that LA, New York and London are key influence - and opinion-forming - markets for consumer offerings, whether it be the Tequila revolution in the US, the exploding Dark and Spiced Rum categories in London or the growing on-trade cocktail and mix-at-home trends.

We’re selecting great products to meet these needs whilst ensuring we’ve a great range in established categories such as Vodka, Gin and Whiskey. We’re focused on premium products and discovery when we consider what the consumer is set to purchase.

Our range will appeal to the fantastic bars that want to offer choice and variety to an informed consumer and provide the ingredients for their mixologists to play their part in a truly unforgettable night for their customers.

What was the inspiration behind forming Bevella and what are your core goals for both 2021 and long-term?

For our Q2 2021 launch we’re developing and will distribute a tight but effective portfolio of emerging and on-trend

Irish and international premium beverages in both on- and off-trade divisions throughout the island of Ireland.

Our ethos is ‘Adventures in Beverage’. Choice, discovery, making great Irish brands available and introducing new trends to the Irish consumer who’s responsibly enjoying nights out and good times is a key priority.

I think we can all agree this is well overdue as we’ve all played our part in stopping the spread of Covid-19. Being Ireland’s best independent brandled distributor is our aim and purpose. We’re well advanced in our brand selection and we’re currently looking for some great teammembers for field roles in both on- and off-trade so please get in touch if this sounds like it’s for you.

How will Bevella stand out from rivals in terms of the service you offer customers?

Independence, flexibility, consumer-focused propositions, a large international network of brands and distribution partners to choose ranges and offerings from. Two things that we have in our DNA in the Primeline group is a ‘can-do’ attitude along with an insatiable drive for growth. We constantly deliver for our partners and

customers and have the scale of a truly nationwide business across all channels.

What is your team’s experience within the drinks industry and how will you build on this to ensure you deliver an adventurous, rewarding proposition for both drinks brands and retailers?

Our business has over 30 years in distribution of world class brands in Ireland; within our senior team in Bevella we have vast experience in both on- and off-trade (both sides of the counter). Our Managing Director has over 20 years’ experience in Heineken, our Finance Director over 20 years’ experience in Diageo and our Business Development Manager spent over 10 years in a developing Irish business, a forerunner to the craft beer explosion in Galway Hooker.

We get it and we’re here to listen.

Primeline has grown tenfold in the last 10 years by working with and listening to our partners and customers. Bevella will develop using our ears and ensuring we are servicing the requirements and not forcing our strategy! n www.bevella.ie For further information please email beverage. adventures@bevella.ie or call +353 87 332 6783 / +353 (01) 835 3000

JOIN THE ADVENTURE Bevella is more than an independent, exciting and consumer engaging range of beers and spirits, it’s a new way of doing business, driven by a passion for quality and innovation, and an eye on future trends.

Whether you’re in the on-trade, off-trade or want to establish an alcohol brand nationally in the Irish market, we should talk about taking the adventure together.

Our Experience, capability, imagination & resources are at your disposal.

Head Office T: +353 (01) 835 3000 www.bevella.ie

Sales Enquiries M: +353 87 332 6783 E: beverage.adventures@bevella.ie

20

O F F - T R ADE DE V E LOPM E NTS

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 Celtic Whiskey Shop crowned World’s Best Single Outlet Retailer in 2021 Icons of Whisky Awards

Celtic Whiskey Shop - World’s Best Single Outlet Retailer Dublin’s Celtic (cancelled last year due Whiskey Shop was to the pandemic), Celtic crowned the World’s Whiskey Shop has a Best Single Outlet leading online presence, Retailer at the Icons shipping internationally. of Whisky Awards Producing award2021 hosted virtually winning single cask

by Whisky magazine bottlings, Celtic recently.

Whiskey Shop also Every year the has a strong wholesale global publication holds presence supplying bars, its international awards restaurants, hotels and to recognise the best off-traders around the the whisk(e)y industry country. has to offer.

It’s home to Ireland’s From left: Celtic Whiskey Shop’s Whiskey Specialists Jack Higgins and Thomas In addition to its largest collection of Sutton with Manager Darren Maher.

World Whiskies whiskeys and spirits America, Australia, China, Scotland, Awards its Icons of including exclusive rare France and South Africa.

Whisky Awards recognise and collectable bottlings.

The Dawson Street store has been individuals working in the 2019 saw the launch of Celtic voted World’s Best Whiskey Shop on a industry, online retailers and WhiskeyAuction.com, a bi-monthly number of occasions, having previously retail outlets. online auction platform for buying won this overall award in 2017 and 2019.

At the beginning of February, and selling rare spirits. It also has Its Managing Director Ally Alpine Celtic Whiskey Shop won the one of Ireland’s most interesting and established Celtic Whiskey Shop & award for Single Outlet Retailer eclectic wine selections with over Wines on the Green in the heart of of the Year 2021 at the Icons 95% of wines imported directly from Dublin’s city centre in 2003. of Whisky Ireland awards vineyards around the world.

As well as organising events such as and went on to compete for Whiskey Live Dublin, Dublin Drinks Mixer the global title against other and the annual Irish Whiskey Awards regional winners including

8 Legislation also allows the Minister to increase MUP

Government sets 2022 for MUP The Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly, together with the Minister of State with responsibility for Public Health, Well Being and the National Drugs Strategy Frank Feighan and Tánaiste Leo Varadkar recently announced that the government will introduce Minimum Unit Pricing legislation on alcohol next January.

A MUP of 10 cent per gram of alcohol is provided for in a major provision in section 11 of the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 thus setting a floor price beneath which alcohol cannot legally be sold and which will target products that are cheap relative to their strength.

The MUP of an alcohol product

is determined by - and is directly proportional to - the amount of pure alcohol in the drink, stated the Department of Health. However the legislation also allows the Minister to increase the MUP via secondary legislation.

The Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018 is designed to reduce alcohol consumption, to reduce the harms caused by the misuse of alcohol and to delay the initiation of alcohol consumption by children and young people, stated the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly TD. Tánaiste Leo Varadkar TD said, “As Minister for Health I introduced the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill to

the Oireachtas in 2015, the first public health legislation on alcohol by any Government in the history of the State”.

Minister of State Frank Feighan added, “We know from our modelling and from the evidence from Scotland that MUP impacts the most on high-risk harmful drinkers. If we can remove cheap strong alcohol from our stores, we can reduce the burden of disease and we can put strong alcohol out of the price range of our children and young people.” (See ‘What’s MUP to you?’ on page 31).

OFF-T RADE DEVEL OPMEN T S

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

21

8 Winners in 13 categories announced in online ceremony

Molloys wins National Off-Licence of Year Molloys Liquor Store in Dublin’s Liberties area was declared ‘National Off-Licence of the Year 2021’ recently.

One of the highlights of NOffLA’s calendar, the 25th year of the National Off-Licence of the Year Awards are usually held at the Honourable Society of King’s Inns in Dublin but this year were held virtually in light of the pandemic.

The competition assesses over 100 aspects of an offlicence outlet with two visits before providing a mark for the competitor, but this year only one round of judging was able to take place due to Covid-19.

The Awards recognise and showcase excellence in the independent off-licence sector which represents 315 specialist businesses throughout the country, highlighting those retailers that offer exceptional service to customers and who demonstrate

excellence in retail standards.

Molloys Liquor Store in Francis Street, The Liberties, All 37 finalists were Dublin 8 - ‘National Off-Licence of the year 2021’. awarded certificates of ‘Merit’ or ‘Excellence’ and a Co Kerry - Munster Off-Licence of Customer Service Award based on the Year their performance.

Dicey’s Off-Licence, Ballyshannon, Other awards on the night Co Donegal - Connacht/Ulster included: Off-Licence of the Year Carry Out Tramore, Co Waterford Mary B’s, Arklow, Co Wicklow - Best First Time Entrant Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 64 Wine, Glasthule, Co Dublin Blackrock Cellar, Blackrock, Co Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Dublin - Dublin Off-Licence of the Year Year O’Donovan’s Off-Licence, Stephen Nugent, Carry Out, Riversdale Shopping Centre, Kilcullen, Co Kildare - NOffLA RTC Midleton, Co Cork - Customer Online Trainee of the Year Service Award of the Year O’Donovan’s Off-Licence Group Jus de Vine, Portmarnock, Co - NOffLA Responsible Retailer of Dublin - Spirit Specialist of the the Year.

Year This year’s Award sponsors included Galvins Carry Out, Carrigaline, Co Guinness, Dona Paula, Hennessy, Cork - Beer Specialist of the Year Drumshanbo, Alpha Zeta, Bombay McHugh’s Off-Licence, Malahide Sapphire, Peroni Nastro & El Coto.

Road, Artane, Dublin 5 - Wine Specialist of the Year Carry Out, The Reeks, Killarney,

8 Carling and Molson Canadian join Franciscan Well in plastic-free packaging

Molson Coors removes the rings Molson Coors Beverage Company is removing plastic rings from can multi-packs and introducing instead a fully recyclable and sustainable cardboard sleeve for all its major brands including Carling and Molson Canadian.

These brands will join the Franciscan Well range in Ireland in providing consumers with plastic-free packaging.

The move sees Molson Coors realise its target of removing all single-use plastic from the packaging of its major brands by the end of April 2021 following the introduction of recyclable cardboard large-format multipacks in 2020.

Since 2019, the company has removed more than 700 tonnes of single-use plastic from its UK operations which also supply the Irish market.

“We believe we’ve a responsibility to champion sustainability in the brewing industry and removing single-use plastic from our packaging is one of the ways we’re meeting that responsibility as part of Our Imprint 2025 sustainability goals,” said Ryan McFarland, Regional Business

Director for Western Europe at Molson Coors Beverage Company.

Removing the plastic rings follows a number of recent steps taken by the company to reduce its environmental impact. In March the brewer began trialling low-carbon circular-economy glass beer bottles for its Staropramen brand.

“We believe we’ve The trial produced two million a responsibility bottles, manufactured using to champion biofuel and made entirely from sustainability in the brewing industry cullet – recycled or waste glass. and removing This method reduces the carbon single-use plastic impact of bottle production by from our packaging is one of the ways up to 90%. we’re meeting that The company also recently responsibility as part announced that it has become of Our Imprint 2025 sustainability goals,” the first major brewer in the UK said Ryan McFarland, to produce all of its beers and Regional Business ciders using 100% renewable Director for Western electricity.

Europe at Molson Coors Beverage Company.

>>

22

O F F - T R ADE DE V E LOPM E NTS

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 Irish Whiskey Awards to take place at Powerscourt Distillery on 14th October

Irish Whiskey Awards 2021 entries now being sought This year’s Irish Whiskey Awards overall score will become Irish to cancel last year’s event due are to take place at Powerscourt Whiskey of the Year. to Covid-19,” said Managing Distillery, County Wicklow, on Unfortunately, entries and judging Director Ally Alpine, “Although, Thursday the 14th of October, of the white spirits, liqueurs, beer it’s still unclear what restrictions Covid-19 permitting. and bar categories will not go will be in place for later this Now in their eighth year the ahead this year due to a lack of year, we wanted to recognise awards comprise 12 categories: resources coupled with current the emerging and established 1. Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey Covid-19 restrictions but will look to producers in the industry and (11 Years & Younger, including resume in 2022. raise much-needed funds for our Non-Age Statement) charity partner Mary’s Meals.”

2. Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey Last year while Covid-19 (12 Years & Older) prevented the Irish Whiskey 3. Irish Single Malt Whiskey (11 Awards from going ahead, Years & Younger, including producers and consumers Non-Age Statement) rallied together on Celtic 4. Irish Single Malt Whiskey (12Whiskey’s sister site Celtic 15 Years) Whiskey Auction and bid for 5. Irish Single Malt Whiskey (16 rare bottles.

Years & Older) A total of €10,953 was raised 6. Irish Blended Whiskey (Nonfor Mary’s Meals which helps This year’s Irish Whiskey Awards are to take place Age Statement) feed children in impoverished at Powerscourt Distillery, County Wicklow, on 7. Irish Blended Whiskey (Age areas of the world.

Thursday the 14th of October, Covid-19 permitting.

Statement) Tickets for this year’s event 8. Irish Blended Whiskey (Limited Judging of the awards will be will be available early in September Release) blind-tasted which takes place over from Celtic Whiskey Shop on 9. Irish Single Cask Whiskey the Summer.

Dawson Street, Dublin 2.

10. Irish Cask Strength Whiskey Drinks Industry Ireland is again For more information about this 11. Irish Grain Whiskey the trade media partner to the event, e-mail Head of Marketing 12. New Irish Whiskey (only Irish Whiskey Awards which were Julie Christie julie@celticwhiskey. distilleries open between three created by Celtic Whiskey Shop com or Marketing Manager Katie and six years can enter and it that also runs Whiskey Live Dublin Gibson katie@celticwhiskey.com. must be distilled on site). and Gin Experience Dublin.

The whiskey with the highest “We were very disappointed

8 French grape harvest to be “smallest-ever”

French frost to cost €2bn?

The sharp frost “of a magnitude and an unparalleled intensity” experienced in parts of France this April could cost the French wine industry up to €2 billion in damage to budding vines.

“It’s still too early to assess the losses” stated France’s largest agricultural union le Fédération Nationale des Syndicats d’Exploitants Agricoles, “but it’s already certain that the harvest will be the smallest ever in our country and that the financial losses will be major.”

The French Prime Minister Jean Castex announced Statewide support totalling €1 billion, while visiting the Occitanie region recently.

This is being broken down into

several measures: the urgent need to support farms and businesses in difficulty as a result of this frost (where temperatures fell to as low as -6 degrees C in parts of the country on April the 7th and 8th and which affected vineyards from Champagne to the Languedoc) and also the medium-term need to invest in prevention tools.

The €1 billion sum will also be used for achieving the longer-term goal of finding more lasting insurance solutions.

The freezing temperatures were problematic for vines because early Spring warmth had accelerated the traditional growing cycle so

that early-budding grapes were susceptible to the sudden sharp frost.

Some growers report losing almost 90% of their vintage with only one bunch in six surviving.

Yields are expected to range between 30% and 80% of normal while Burgundy is likely to lose at least half of this year’s crop while the Champagne region suffered losses of only 20%, it’s estimated.

French Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie described the frosts as “probably the greatest agricultural catastrophe of the beginning of the 21st Century.”

OFF-T RADE DEVEL OPMEN T S

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

23

8 SRL-holders cannot offer takeaway alcohol

Not all Alcohol Licences allow takeaway While everyone involved in the hospitality trade was trying to do what they could to make ends meet during this pandemic, the only outlets licensed to sell spirit-based cocktails for consumption off the premises were pubs, hotels and full off-licences.

This was pointed out by Lorraine Compton of Compton Solicitors, one of the panelists on the recent ‘Reset & Recover’ session at the Restaurant Association of Ireland’s virtual trade show Hospitality & Tourism Expo.

Her firm is very much to the fore in liquor licensing for hotels, pubs, restaurants, supermarkets and offlicences around the country.

Holders of a Wine Retailers On-Licence or Wine Retailers OffLicence may only sell wine-based cocktails off the premises and Special Restaurant Licence-holders are not permitted to conduct any takeaway alcohol sales.

While Special Restaurant Licence-holders can sell cocktails for consumption on the premises before, during or after food, ordinary Restaurant Licence holders with a Wine Retailer’s On Licence can only sell wine-based cocktails, both on and off the premises.

Cocktails This restriction on selling cocktails off the premises remains despite the fact that those seeking a SRL must also pay some €3,805 in excise duty as part of their Court application, she pointed out.

“Maybe the Government might look at that in terms of making it more

affordable for a period of time so that some of the restaurants who can’t afford that excise duty could get into the cocktails market,” she suggested.

Covid & planning permission Compton Solicitors has many restaurant clients who want to continue to offer takeaways even when out of Lockdown and who’ve put huge investment into this but she pointed out that there could be a problem with Planning Permission in the future.

On the 29th of March 2020, Amendments to The Planning and Development Regulations provided for temporary changes of use from restaurant to takeaway for a specified period in the context of Lockdown.

Without this temporary exemption, many restaurants may be precluded by a condition of their planning permission which prevents them from operating a take-away service to sell food and drinks for consumption off the premises.

This temporary exemption remained in effect as long as Part 3 of the Health Act 2020 remains in effect, which was extended to the 9th of June 2021.

“I think it’s time that we have to reimagine the planning laws, not just the licensing laws,” stated Lorraine, “This is something that has to be looked at very seriously and quickly because there is no way it should be allowed lapse. Otherwise, when we’re all out of Lockdown, restaurants who’ve built all these takeaway businesses would not be allowed continue their takeaway offering in

addition to their eat-in trade.

“As a result, there’s a need to modernise planning laws relating to the food/drinks services industry in general,” she continued, “There’s a case to be made by the hospitality industry that the planning laws have not kept pace with the developments of the catering industry which is now recognised as an essential provider of hot food off the premises.”

Online and takeaway sales Not all alcohol licences permit the sale of alcohol as part of the takeaway offering including online sales. Lorraine’s practice was also getting about three calls a day in relation to online alcohol sales.

The type of alcohol that you can offer for sale - and whether you can sell it on or off the premises - is dependent on the type of licence you hold.

For this, there’s only one type of licence that’s suitable, she said, “It’s the one attached to a premises such as a pub or off-licence that can sell online to consumers in the same way that one can pick up the phone to place an alcohol order”.

However she pointed out that those selling online carry the same responsibility as anyone selling from a licensed premises in terms of underage sales etc.

This type of retailer is subject to the exact same penalties if ID, for example, is not sought, which could lead to a Closure Order. n

8 New report shows Irish spirits producers lead EU in energy information on labels

Irish spirits producers lead way in energy info on labels Irish spirits producers lead the EU in providing consumers with energy information on labels according to the first implementation progress report on the industrywide Memorandum of Understanding from the sector’s European trade association spiritsEUROPE. The MoU commits European spirits companies to print energy information on the labels of products and provide online ingredients listings (including raw materials used).

It states that one quarter of spirits bottles sold must display energy information by the end of 2020, rising to half by the end of 2021 and two-thirds by the end of 2022.

In 2019, Drinks Ireland|Spirits, which represents spirits producers here, signed the European Commissionrecognised Europewide MoU to provide consumers with clear information regarding the energy content of their products and the ingredients used in their manufacture.

The MoU was also signed by spiritsEUROPE which released this progress report on the first implementation milestone for this MoU. The report states that Ireland has the highest level of energy on-pack labels, significantly exceeding the 25% threshold, reaching up to 38% coverage.

24

O F F - T R ADE DE V E LOPM E NTS

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 Governments & health officials will call more attention to unhealthy lifestyle habits

Alcohol in post-pandemic cross-hairs?

To educate adults about the health risks of alcohol, governments will take actions similar to those used to curtail tobacco usage such as mandating warning labels or increasing taxes according to a report from market analysts Mintel UK. The importance of local community to brewers is also highlighted in the report, The Future of beer and Cider: 2021, which points out that consumers will want to know how brands are supporting recovery from the pandemic in their local communities.

Mintel believes that this will involve assisting neighbourhood bars and small locally-owned restaurants.

Its report found that 62% of UK beer-buyers and drinkers agree beer brands that help support local pubs are more appealing than those that don’t.

Consumer healthconsciousness and sustainability priorities will also continue to shape the beer and cider markets while e-commerce emerges as the retail channel to watch, according to Mintel.

Some 54% of UK adults who’ve drunk and bought beer agree that this is their favourite/go-to alcoholic drink for an evening in.

Mintel believes that the future of the category will include more moderate Lowand No-alcohol products, new flavour options and broadened sustainability claims.

The report also suggests how,

“After surviving a global health threat, governments and health officials will call more attention to unhealthy lifestyle habits. This will place alcohol in the crosshairs.”

over the course of the next two years, companies can appeal to at-home drinkers.

The Future of beer and Cider: 2021 states, “Beer and cider companies can appeal to consumers who’ll do more of their drinking at home with premium brands, food pairing education and the convenience of e-commerce ordering”.

Health-consciousness The rising number of health-conscious adults globally will drive a need for more Low- and No-alcohol innovation states Mintel, adding that, “Corporate ethical and environmental commitments will return as purchase differentiators.”

Over the course of the next five years experiential shopping will be brought to e-commerce while sustainable ingredients will be of interest to conscientious consumers.

“Non-alcoholic products will be essential as the pandemic issues a wake-up call about personal and public health,” states the report which points out that the pandemic ended a three-

year trend of annual growth in product launches.

“Beer and cider brands have been diversifying their sustainability credentials beyond recyclable packaging to meet consumer expectations,” continues Mintel which also finds that, “The growing popularity of hard seltzers has forced beer and cider brands to boost their presence in the better-for-you space by launching low-calorie and diet options.

“Committing to sustainable production values has been another notable trend in recent beer and cider launches.”

Health concern increases need for Alcohol-free products The report also warns, “In the coming years, individuals, governments and public health organisations will have more bandwidth to focus on proactive improvements to health and wellness.

“After surviving a global health threat, governments and health officials will call more attention to unhealthy lifestyle habits. This will place alcohol in the crosshairs.

“To educate adults about the health risks of alcohol, governments will take actions similar to those used to curtail tobacco usage such as mandating warning labels or increasing taxes.

“Companies will address health through alcohol-free brands instead of positioning alcoholic drinks as ‘healthy’. Non-alcoholic beer, cider and even soft drink brands will be needed to stay relevant with healthconscious adults,” it concludes. n

FOLLOW OUR TWEETS Join us @drinksind_ie

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

OFF-T RADE DEVEL OPMEN T S

25

What’s MUP to you?

8 The new Minimum Unit Pricing regulations introduced by the Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly under the Public Health (Alcohol) Act come into force next January. Here, Lorraine Compton of Compton Solicitors summarises the new regulations and how they’ll impact alcohol pricing and offers.

This latest provision comes as the third major change for the retail industry following the introduction of structural separation in November 2020 and the changes to alcohol promotions and loyalty schemes at the beginning of this year.

What impact will MUP have on retailers?

Retailers need to be careful that they’ve accurately calculated the MUP for each alcohol product sold. Many supermarkets sell specialised beers and ciders which may have different volumes to the standard 500ml can or 330ml bottles.

What impact will MUP have on hotels, pubs and restaurants?

Although the section applies to on-licences, the majority of hotels, pubs and restaurants already sell spirits, wine and beer at prices above the proposed MUP and for those premises their prices will remain largely unaffected. However, they should be careful when carrying out any off-sales to ensure the transaction is above the MUP. Does MUP apply to wholesale sales?

MUP does not apply to wholesale sales. As a result, the holder of a Wholesale Spirit, Beer or Wine Licence will be able to sell alcohol below the minimum set price provided the sale is in wholesale quantities.

A wholesale spirit, beer or wine licence allows you to sell in the following quantities: * A Spirit Wholesale Dealer’s Licence allows you to sell not less than 9.092 litres * A Wine Wholesale Dealer’s Licence allows you to sell not less than 9.092 litres. * A Beer Wholesale Dealer’s Licence allows you to sell both beer and cider in quantities not less than 20.457 litres.

However, any wholesalers who also

hold retail off-licences and carry out sales in retail quantities must ensure those transactions do not fall below the permitted MUP. Does MUP apply to duty-free?

No, MUP does not apply to alcohol sold in duty-free so travellers abroad will be inclined to stock-up on alcohol products.

Is Northern Ireland also implementing MUP? Originally, there was hope that MUP would be introduced in both NI and RoI to prevent market distortions in either jurisdiction, but this has not been achieved. It’s understood that MUP will not take effect in NI until at least 2023.

Retailers are concerned that the differences in prices across the border will impact trade not only for alcohol off-sales but for retailing as a whole.

In order to prepare for January 2022 retailers should review their current alcohol pricing structure and prepare to make the necessary changes on the shop floor and on their EPOS systems.

Calculating MUP The minimum price is calculated using the following formula: AxB=C where A is the minimum price per gram of alcohol B is the quantity in grams of alcohol contained in the alcohol product and C is the minimum price of the alcohol product expressed in €uro and cent.

The below chart gives an example of the floor price for a range of alcohol products.

MUP of products after commencement

What are the penalties for breaching MUP provisions?

A person who sells alcohol or promotes the sale of alcohol at a price that’s below the minimum price for that product shall be guilty of an offence punishable on conviction to a fine of up to €250,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three years.

It may be a defence under the Act for those facing prosecution to claim that they have made ‘all reasonable efforts to ensure compliance’ with the provisions of the Act. Staff should be fully trained in relation to the MUP to ensure that all alcohol for sale meets the threshold and to avoid any oversights relating to offers etc.

What should Retailers do next?

In order to prepare for January 2022 retailers should review their current alcohol pricing structure and prepare to make the necessary changes on the shop floor and on their EPOS systems. n

For more information contact Lorraine Compton or Fiona Tonge.

Lorraine Compton: 086 – 253 4651 or lorraine.compton@comptonsolicitors.ie Fiona Tonge: 089 – 471 4128 or fiona.tonge@comptonsolicitors.ie.

26

F O O D S E R V IC E

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 Kinsale Mead - Ireland’s first commercial ‘meadery’ for over 200 years

Kinsale Mead wins IFWG Drink Award Merlot Barrel-Aged Kinsale Wild Red Mead from County Cork was among the winners of the 2021 Irish Food Writers Guild Awards, winning the Irish Drink Award.

Kinsale Mead is Ireland’s first commercial ‘meadery’ for over 200 years.

Established in 2017 by Kate and Denis Dempsey, the pair were inspired by the legends of Ireland’s Wild Geese and wanted to explore the potential of their mead further by ageing it in French wine barrels for 12 months.

Kinsale, with its longstanding reputation as Ireland’s premier gourmet destination and its historical trading routes to Spain, is reflected in the ingredients crafted into their white and red mead: Spanish Orange blossom honey, local botanicals and fruits grown in Ireland.

The IFWG Award is for Kinsale’s Wild Red Mead – Merlot Barrel Aged, a three year-old fermented off-dry mead flavoured with tart Irish Blackberry and juicy Cherry, then aged for 12 months in Bordeaux wine casks.

Writers’ Guild Food Awards celebrate local producers and food heroes who’ve brought joy to the lives, livelihoods and tables of so many, before - and especially during - Covid-19.

The Guild awarded its Irish Drink Award to “a gem of a Kinsale-crafted mead”.

In a year in which there has been a newfound appreciation for the simple pleasures in life, it’s perhaps no coincidence that the winners of the 2021 Irish Food Writers’ Guild Food Awards reflect the basic foundations of Irish food, said IFWG Chair Kristin Jensen who announced this year’s winners.

8. Lifetime Achievement Award: Marion Roeleveld, Killeen Farmhouse Cheese, Co Galway.

“The past year has seen a seismic shift in how people are thinking about their food with a renewed focus on traceability, sustainability and most importantly this year, supporting local,” said Kristin Jensen, “These have been the three key tenets of the IFWG Food Awards and the work of the Guild for almost 30 years.”

Kristin also paid tribute to Bord Bia for its continued support of the awards and its tireless work on the home and export markets to promote and develop the Irish food industry.

IFWG Awards

The IFWG Food Awards are unique in that no business or individual can enter, nor do they know if they’ve been nominated or shortlisted for an award.

With the exception of the Community Food Award (for which the Guild invites nominations) the Guild is the sole nominating and decision-making body Online for 2020 whose members nominate 2020 was a challenging and anonymously buy year for the duo as direct products for tasting. sales were impacted, Proportional representation Kinsale Meade’s Kate and Denis Dempsey were inspired by the meadery tours were limited voting is then undertaken legends of Ireland’s Wild Geese and wanted to explore the potential and tastings, food festivals at a Guild tasting meeting. of their mead further by ageing it in French wine barrels for 12 months. and other promotional Winning products must opportunities all ceased due be produced in Ireland and to Covid-19 restrictions.

The winners of the 2021 Irish Food the main ingredient must be IrishWriters’ Guild Food Awards are: They responded by creating virtual grown or -produced.

1. Food Award: Abernethy Butter, Online Mead Talk & Taste Zooms Co Down tastings and intriguing insights into IFWG Food Awards e-zine 2. Food Award: Ballymakenny Farm the history of mead in Ireland and For the first time in its long-established Irish Heritage and Specialty Potatoes, history, the traditional IFWG Food the importance of mead in Irish food Co Louth culture.

Awards ceremony and lunch featuring 3. Food Award: Tom Durcan’s Spiced Kinsale Mead’s Merlot Barrel-Aged all the winning produce was cancelled.

Beef, Co Cork Wild Red Mead showcases the However, if there was ever a time 4. Irish Drink Award: Kinsale Mead to champion and celebrate local creativity, innovation, determination Wild Red Mead – Merlot Barrel-Aged, and attention to detail put into producers it’s right now and citations, Co Cork interviews with the winners and recipes every drop of the honeyed elixir.

5. Outstanding Organisation Award: This mead may well have influences have been catalogued in an IFWG NeighbourFood, Co Cork of Spain and France, but to taste Food Awards e-zine.

6. Environmental Award: Ballymore it is to experience a contemporary Organics, Co Kildare twitter: @foodguild expression of the original wine of 7. Community Food Award: The Green- #IFWGfoodawards Ireland, states the IFWG. Now in their 27th year, the Irish Food Schools Food & Biodiversity Theme @BordBia

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

FOOD SERVI CE

27

8 Having a meal out with friends and family is the Number One item people look forward to

“With food” occasions to grow to 3 in 4 “Long Alcohol The number of “with Drinks and spirits food” alcohol occasions obviously declined is likely to grow from a lot in 2020” Cian 51% to 75% as consumers later told Drinks come to view a night out Industry Ireland, as a food-based occasion “but restaurants rather than purely a declined -60.3% in drinking occasion. value vs -60.5% for However these ‘food hotels, -68.6% for occasions’ need to be pubs, and -69.2% for supported with the bars; which means right alcohol options, restaurants grew according to Cian share.”

O’Mahony, Diageo This was mainly Ireland’s On-trade driven by LADs. Category Development In the case of Manager, one of the spirits, consumers panelists who shared Diageo has found that whether an occasion is spontaneous or more planned, over eight in 10 people chose to add a drink to their meal. were choosing old some trade insights at favourites and trendy ‘Reset & Recover’, the which enabled them to do so. growing brands, Restaurant Association This highlights an opportunity which grew share. of Ireland’s recent Hospitality & for incremental spend by including “Based on what we’ve seen in the Tourism Expo virtual trade show. alcohol in these food and market and the insights we have As part of the afternoon session socialisation occasions, said Cian, around consumers, we strongly ‘Exploring the Irish Mixology adding, “As these occasions are believe that now is the perfect & On-trade Offering Amidst a changing in this new world, we have opportunity to put alcohol at the Pandemic’, Cian pointed out that preto adapt quickly to help realise those very heart of your food offering,” he Covid, consumers were eating out at opportunities”. told those attending on Zoom. least once a week. Diageo’s research Diageo has found that whether It’s up to the restaurant to see shows that having a meal out with an occasion is spontaneous or more that premium adult drinks can be friends and family is the Number One planned, over eight in 10 people chosen for every food occasion such item that people are looking forward chose to add a drink to their meal. as pre-, during- and post-meal as an to when Lockdown is over.

Online searches for beer & food increment to the customer’s usual One of the key insights learned had increased exponentially, with choice. about consumers in 2020 was that 40% of 25-35 year-olds going out for Having the right drink pairing although going out for a lot more a bite to eat every week. for the right type of occasion can meals was a more popular option, RoI data from market researchers enhance your customer experience the key motivator behind these CGA for 2020 showed that and drive sales, he stated. occasions wasn’t food itself. The restaurants performed better for Drink-pairing suggestions should number one reason consumers said alcohol sales than the rest of the be included on all food occasion they were visiting the on-trade last on-trade sectors such as pubs, hotels menus and “indulgence” post-meal year was as to catch up with friends and bars. options should also be supplied. n and the meal out was the vehicle

KEEP INFORMED www.drinksindustryireland.ie PRINT • ONLINE • WEEKLY NEWSLETTER • TWITTER • FACEBOOK

30

D R I NK S INDU S TRY PE OPLE

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

DRINKS INDUSTRY PEOPLE n After more than 21 years with the company, Diageo Ireland’s Managing Director Oliver Loomes stepped down recently to be replaced by Barry O’Sullivan. Oliver had been Country Director and Managing Director for Ireland since 2015.

Under Ollie’s stewardship the Ireland business enjoyed a period of growth with the launch of new products and innovations such as Rockshore.

More recently, during the pandemic, Ollie’s external leadership as Drinks Ireland Chair was vital to steering the sector through an enormously challenging period. Prior to being appointed Managing Director for Ireland Ollie had a successful career in marketing with Diageo including the role of Global Brand Director for Guinness from to 2011 to 2014 when he led a range of breakthrough initiatives including the Guinness 250th Celebrations in Ireland, the creation of the Guinness ‘Made of More’ campaign, the creation of the Open Gate Brewery and the HopHouse13 brand. Barry O’Sullivan, previously Managing Director for Mars Petcare in Australia and New Zealand, will report to Diageo Europe & India President John Kennedy. Barry also previously held the positions of General Manager for Mars Chocolate based in Mexico and General Manager for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa at Mars Incorporated. Liam Reid, Corporate Affairs Director at Diageo Ireland, has replaced Rosemary Garth as Chair of the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland.

Rosemary, former Corporate Affairs & Communications Director at Irish Distillers, left to join Tesco. She’s been replaced by Kathryn D’Arcy, formerly Corporate Affairs Director at Heineken Ireland. Hilary Quinn has been made Marketing Director at Diageo Ireland with responsibility for the full portfolio of brands including Guinness, Rockshore and Smithwick’s.

In her previous position Hilary was Marketing Director – Flavours and Adults Brands in Coca-Cola Western Europe. Throughout her 20-year career in Coca-Cola Hilary drove the growth of a vast portfolio of sparkling

Oliver Loomes has stepped down as MD of Diageo Ireland.

Liam Reid - new DIGI Chair.

Hilary Quinn has been appointed Marketing Director at Diageo Ireland.

Paul Moynihan - new VFI President.

Barry O’Sullivan takes over from Oliver Loomes as Diageo Ireland’s MD.

brands including Coca-Cola TM and a significant portfolio of premium adult and flavoured brands across 14 countries in Western Europe.

Prior to her time at Coca-Cola, Hilary spent four years at Unilever, working in its Personal Care Division........

Paul Moynihan has become the new President of the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland. He runs the family pub Moynihan’s in Donard in rural County Wicklow and takes over the role from outgoing President Padraic McGann from Monivea in County Galway. Paul was appointed President at the Federation’s recent AGM which took place online. Paul’s the third generation of his family to run Moynihan’s, his grandfather having purchased the premises in the 1940s.... Noel Anderson has become Chairman of the Licensed Vintners Association. He owns Lemon & Duke and is also Managing Director of The Bridge 1859.... Agnese Filippi has been appointed Country Manager of Coca-Cola Ireland. Agnese replaces Petre Sandru following his appointment as Vice-President of Operations for Coca-Cola’s business in China. She joins the Irish business from Coca-Cola Italy and Albania where, as Franchise Manager, she played an important role in creating new business opportunities among different departments and regions. During her time in Italy and Albania she enabled the portfolio’s growth, working on both sides of the Coca-Cola system, enhancing strategy for the hospitality sector and supporting a strong innovation

DRI N KS I N DUST RY PEOPLE

DRI NKS I N D U S T R Y IR E L A N D | S u m m e r 2 0 2 1

From left: Tesco’s Fresh Category Director John Brennan, Anne Scullion and General Manager at ECR Ireland Declan Carolan.

pipeline in the still and sparkling beverages categories. Prior to joining Coca-Cola Agnese held a number of senior roles at Ferrero in Strategy and Marketing.

She holds a Master’s degree in Marketing, Communication and Sales Management... Britvic has appointed Trystan Farnworth to the position of Commercial Director for the island of Ireland.

The company veteran has assumed responsibility for all Britvic’s sales channels in the Irish market. A native of Bangor in North Wales, Tristan has worked for Britvic since 2002. He reached Director level in 2011 when he became Britvic’s Director of Commercial Change & Joint Ventures and was appointed to the Board of Britvic plc as Sales Director in 2014. He spent five years in this role before taking up a newly-created role in Britvic plc as Group Sustainability Director.

His most recent appointment sees him assume responsibility for all sales channels in the Irish market.

Agnese Filippi - appointed Country Manager of Coca-Cola Ireland

31

Deirdre O’Carroll, newlyappointed Blender at Irish Distillers.

Noel Anderson the new LVA Chair.

He now oversees the national accounts and field teams with full responsibility for Britvic Ireland and Aquaporte..... Bryan Fallon, Managing Director at Heaven Hill Ireland, has been elected Chair of Drinks Ireland|Spirits for a two-year term. He was previously Vice-Chair of the representative body responsible for promoting the interests of the Irish spirits industry and he takes over from Pat Rigney of The Shed Distillery.

Heaven Hill Ireland is a subsidiary of US-based Heaven Hill Brands, owner of Carolan’s Irish Cream liqueur and Irish Mist liqueur brands since 2017. David Boyd-Armstrong, Head Distiller & Operations Director at Shortcross Gin-creator Rademon Estate Distillery, has been elected the new Vice-Chair... Anne Scullion, formerly Channel Director for Take Home Trade at Diageo Ireland, has been appointed as ECR Ireland’s new supplier Co-Chair. Joining John Brennan from Tesco Ireland, Anne took up the role from Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard’s Jim Cummins. ECR Ireland, a not-for-profit organisation, encourages long-term co-operation between trading partners to better

serve the Irish consumer and drive costs out of the supply chain. Jim Cummins remains as a Steering Group Member of ECR Ireland...

Irish Distillers has appointed Deirdre O’Carroll Blender at its Midleton Distillery. In her new role, Deirdre works with Master Blender Billy Leighton and is responsible for the development of new and existing blends.

She’s also responsible for the management of stock including cask profile and age profile as well as laying down stock for future generations. Deirdre holds a degree in Food Science and Technology from University College Cork and a diploma in Distilling from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling. She joined Irish Distillers in 2012 as part of the first year of the Jameson Engineering Programme.

There are over 1.7 million casks maturing in Midleton. As Bond Supervisor, Deirdre helped oversee the filling and emptying of these casks with a wider team of 61 people. n

Bryan Fallon, Drinks Ireland|Spirits’ new Chairman.

Trystan Farnworth has been appointed Britvic’s Commercial Director for the island of Ireland.

32

I ND U S T RY RE PORT

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

Odds-on demand for Summer Drinks The population, at large again once more, don’t need much encouragement to make use of any hospitality that’s out there this Summer. But what are they likely to seek by way of Summer drinks preference after such a long time without the services of the on-trade? Just about anything, one would imagine, after their home experiments. We take a look at what’s likely to be popular in this year’s Summer drinks market.

T

he population will not need much encouragement to make use of the welcome mat as hospitality returns this Summer. But how has Lockdown changed them? What have they learned about their drinks preferences during Lockdown and what does it mean for the publican?

Following a Winter of on-trade discontent and home experimentation, what are they now likely to seek out as a preferential Summer choice?

Market researchers CGA found that one in four UK consumers missed the notion of ‘treating’ themselves during Lockdown, so reopening the licensed trade should see a fairly dramatic swing in sales of premium serves.

CGA also found that nine in 10

respondents agreed that they’d stop purchasing drinks brands that lacked ‘transparency’ while one in four would switch to brands that provide product information.

To look at what proved popular over the past year is to look at what those in Lockdown bought from the offtrade during their social incarceration.

NielsenIQ off-trade figures for multiples, convenience and specialists (including discounters but excluding Dunnes Stores) for the year to the 25th of April indicate that the value of the Beer, Wine & Spirits market rose 34% compared to the previous year while this market was up 21% from the beginning of the year. Even in the eight weeks to the 25th of April, sales values were up 8%.

Wine

Wine showed value growth of 23% over the course of the 12 months, 14% from January and just 3% in the eight weeks from 25th of February. Over the course of the year Champagne led growth with annual value sales up 74% and up 129% since the beginning of the year. In the eight weeks to the 25th of April Champagne sales were up 139% in value!

Beer

NielsenIQ points out that the Beer market showed growth of 48% in value over the course of the year to the 25th of April. It has grown 27% since the beginning of the year and over the past eight weeks beer values have grown by 11%.

I N DUSTRY REPORT

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

The biggest winner within this category has been stout which showed value growth of 83% in the year to the 25th of April while Ale seems to have proved popular since the beginning of the year, with value sales rising 58%.

In the eight weeks to the 25th of April, No Alcohol Low Alcohol Beers saw a growth in beer sales value of 47%.

“Non Alcoholic/Low Alcoholic Beer has high growth off a small base” observes Ruth Lloyd-Evans, Senior Business Analyst with NielsenIQ’s Retailer Service, “and it’s interesting how that has grown in the off-trade especially during Covid when people weren’t really driving anywhere - there’s a trend to healthier consumption.”

Health-consciousness is likely to see more demand for alcohol-free product in the pub, a segment of the market that has quadrupled sales in some pubs.

“Ale growth is being driven by craft - so there’s still appetite for local/craft brews,” according to Ruth.

Paulaner - icon of Weissbier

The top Weissbier in Germany and one of the world’s favourites Paulaner is naturally cloudy under a really strong head of foam.

33

This isotonic thirst-quencher is brewed using the traditional Paulaner Weissbier technique. In a complex procedure all the alcohol is carefully removed from the beer without losing any of its flavour after a thorough maturing process.

The popularity of Paulaner has always extended beyond Munich.

The special enjoyment of beer, the highly-skilled Brewmasters and the famous Bavarian way of life are just a few factors contributing to Paulaner’s success. More than two million hectolitres leave the brewery each year destined for over 70 countries.

Paulaner is distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Estrella Damm With the well-known slogan of the Paulaner Brewery “Good, better, Paulaner” at the first mouthful this Weissbier classic has a mild aroma of Banana.

It’s a typical beer-garden beer.

Paulaner Weissbier 0,0% is nonalcoholic with a great flavour thanks to its balanced combination of fine malt aromas, refreshingly fruity Weissbier flavours and a pleasing hint of sweetness.

When August and Melanie Kuentzmann fled the Franco-Prussian war they settled in Barcelona where, in 1876, they founded the Damm brewery. Today, after more than 140 years, their legacy continues with the global reputation of Estrella Damm.

The beer was originally brewed with a lighter character to suit the Mediterranean climate and palate but it’s a perfect accompaniment to the finest cuisine in Ireland, Europe >>

34

I N D U S T RY RE PORT

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

“The Dubliner Irish Whiskey is committed to making whiskey accessible for anyone to try.”

There will be more releases from The Dubliner and Rascal’s in the coming months and you’ll hear of the latest releases first by following the brand on Instagram @dublinerwhiskey. and worldwide. The perfect beer for Summer weather, fingers crossed.

Also check-out Daura Damm, a leader in the gluten free beer market.

Distributed by Noreast Beers.

Rascals collaborate with Dubliner

Q&As with Barry & Fitzwilliam’s Managing Director Michael Barry What’s different about Paulaner?

Paulaner has uncompromising quality standards, deeply-rooted in its culture and safeguarded by its Master Brewers since 1634. It’s the best-selling beer at Oktoberfest and around the world. Produced from the highest quality ingredients and in strict accordance with Bavarian Purity Law at Europe’s most advanced brewery, only four ingredients are used in the brewing process: water, malt, hops and yeast.

Why does being a wheat beer make Paulaner all the more refreshing this Summer?

It’s silky gold in the glass and has hints of Mango and Pineapple with a wonderful balance of sweet and bitter and a mild but sparkling mix of aromas which make it the ideal Summer beer.

What are your on-trade plans for Paulaner?

When the on-trade gets back to some kind of normality we’ll be relaunching it in the on-trade primarily by leveraging the very strong partnership that exists between Paulaner and Bayern Munich, one of the top five football clubs in the world. We’ll also be relaunching Paulaner Zero.

Have you a customer profile for the brand?

Yes, Paulaner is the beer for the discerning drinker!

The Dubliner Irish Whiskey has collaborated with Rascal’s Brewing Co in Dublin 8 to create the second batch of The Dubliner Whiskey Beer Cask Series, a limited-edition range whereby the award-winning Dubliner Irish Whiskey is aged in beer casks and craft beers in whiskey casks.

The coupling of The Dubliner Three

Year-Old blend with Rascals Smoked Stout casks makes for a whiskey packed with personality.

But The Dubliner Irish Whiskey Smoked Stout is a limited-edition with fewer than 2,000 bottles on sale, available online from www.thedld.com for €35.

This latest collaboration saw The Dubliner Irish Whiskey (part of the Dublin Liberties Distillery’s portfolio of Irish whiskeys majority owned by Quintessential Brands) share its exBourbon whiskey casks with Rascal’s Brewing Co. The brewery filled the casks with its high quality unfiltered, unpasteurised beer and after a few months’ finishing, the beer was bottled.

The casks were returned to the Dubliner team and each cask was refilled with The Dubliner Irish Whiskey, allowing the flavours of the beer, having soaked into the casks, to seep into the three year-old whiskey, creating a delicious blend that’s set to excite whiskey and beer fans.

“This is the latest in our flavour work on the brand,” said Bronagh Hunt, Global Brand Director, Irish Whiskies,

Spirits

Spirits values rose 28% in the 12-month period to April the 25th while spirits sales were up 19% from the beginning of the year and they were up 10% in the eight-week period to the 25th.

Gin proved the fastest-growing with a 40% increase in sales value in the year, a 37% growth from the beginning of 2021 and a 21% growth in the eightweek period to the 25th of April.

“Gin, Rum and Brandy are still outperforming total spirits - spirits and cocktails are popular,” points out NielsenIQ’s Ruth Lloyd-Evans.

Bevella – Adventures in Beverage

Primeline Group, Ireland’s largest independent provider of logistics, sales and marketing services, has launched Bevella, a beverages distribution and brand-building business servicing the island of Ireland. Bevella will champion new and existing brands, particularly Irish-developed alcoholic beverages, in accessing the local market and developing on- and off-trade sales channels where it can be difficult to achieve a national footprint given the challenging route to market.

Launching in Q2, the independent brand-led distributor will focus on

key business areas such as industry knowledge, customer understanding, trade and trends. Partnering and planning with brand-owners is a priority, nurturing reliable, supportive revenue and driving interdependent relationships with publicans, wholesalers and retailers.

Bevella will work with top quality innovative beverage brands, seeking out opportunities for compelling Irish and international brands.

Connacht Whiskey Company, Blood Monkey Gin, the Muff Liquor Company, Two Stacks and Xoriguer Mahon Gin are among the first key brands to be announced, designed to bring >>

WHEN WE SAY NEW, WE MEAN, NEW.

GET CURIOUS WITH US. YOU’LL LOVE IT! @sevensummits.hardseltzer PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY Visit candcgroupplc.com

36

I N DUSTRY REPORT

diversity, energy and new consumer experiences to the sector.

“Bevella will exude Primeline’s 30 years of experience as well as an enhanced determination to bring diversity and new experiences to the Irish alcohol industry,” according to Bevella Director Paul Mc Inerney, “Our experience, capability, imagination and resources are at your disposal, whether you’ve a brand to distribute, a bar to fill or an off-licence shelf to stock.”

For further details please contact +353 87 332 6783/+353 (01) 835 3000 or e-mail beverage. adventures@bevella.ie.

Royal Oak’s award-winning Busker range

The Busker is the new Irish whiskey produced at the Royal Oak Distillery in County Carlow.

The Busker includes all four types of Irish whiskey (Single Grain, Single Pot Still, Single Malt and a Blend).

The Busker Blend - Triple Cask Triple Smooth combines Grain with a high percentage of Malt and Pot whiskey. Matured and finished in three different casks (Bourbon, Sherry, Marsala), this whiskey brings a new meaning to smoothness in Irish Whiskey.

The Busker Single Collection, represented by the three traditional Irish Whiskeys (Single Grain, Single Pot Still and Single Malt), is produced at the Royal Oak Distillery. Each whiskey boasts an unmistakable taste profile, with nuances ranging from Vanilla and Oak to rich, spicy notes.

Royal Oak Distillery has a huge focus on quality. Proof of this can be found in the results of the recent San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

The Busker received four medals: Double Gold for The Busker Single Pot Still, Gold for The Busker Triple Cask Triple Smooth and The Busker Single Malt Irish Whiskey and a Silver medal for The Busker Single Grain.

Moreover The Busker has secured the highest-rating (94 points) and “Best Buy” among all Irish whiskey blends from Wine Enthusiast among other medals in LA. Spirits Awards, World Whiskies Awards and Bartenders Brand Awards....Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Lambay Whiskey unveils Summer cocktails

Lambay Irish Whiskey, a portfolio of Irish whiskeys known for their unique Cognac-cask finish, focuses on craft and the art of blending through the expertise and partnership of Cognac House Camus.

Lambay Whiskey Small Batch Blend continues to drive the cocktail strategy for the brand to bartenders and home drinkers alike.

Lambay Malt Irish was launched last September, the first Irish blended Single Malt with a Cognac cask finish on the market. Both whiskeys make an excellent base for whiskey cocktails.

“The drinks industry trend this Summer is all about combining bold fruit flavours but in a health-conscious way” says Sabine Sheehan, Lambay’s Global Brand

I N DU S TRY RE PORT

37

Ambassador, “working with sugar alternatives like Agave, nectars and fermented drinks like Kombucha definitely more healthy and without the heavy alcohol taste.”

Lambay Irish Whiskey reflects the current climate of hand-crafted Irish spirits on the market marrying classical approaches with modern ingenuity, showcasing local ingredients with an authentic story.

The Puffin Breeze • For this Pineapple whiskey cocktail: • 50 ml Lambay Small Batch Blend • 10 ml Limoncello • 35 ml Pineapple juice • 10 ml Lemon juice Add all ingredients into shaker, add ice & shake hard for 10-15 seconds. Strain into rocks glass with ice, allow Pineapple foam to fully cover drink. Garnish with Lemon zest and some Pineapple sprigs. @ info@lambaywhiskey.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lambay-whiskey/ Twitter https://twitter.com/LambayWhiskey Tel: +353 (0) 1 567 5400 Web: www.lambaywhiskey.com.

Southern Comfort ‘Remixes the Spirit’

Southern Comfort has collaborated with some of Ireland’s most talented DJs to create the ultimate Southern Comfort Summer playlist with a twist.

Southern Comfort invited four artists - Dublin’s George Feely(@georgefeely), Clare’s Daithí Ó Drónaí(@ daithi), Cork’s Robert O’Halloran(@jarjarjr) and Isabel Bartak-Healy(@izzyshowbizzy) - to each remix a classic New Orleans Jazz sound.

The campaign, which launched on the 14th of May, is the brand’s latest digital venture, which saw each given the same New Orleans sound sample to remix and create an original track.

Crafted over 140 years Southern Comfort has mastered the definition of easy drinking.

The New Orleans-rooted liquor unveiled its ‘Remix the Spirit’ campaign to provide the soundtrack to Summer celebrations.

Each DJ will record themselves creating their original track and can be followed on Instagram for exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.

“What better way to get the Summer started than enjoying our amazing Irish artists’ customised new playlist!” stated Laura Scott, Brand Manager of Southern Comfort with Hi-Spirits Ireland, “Our ‘Remix the Spirit’ campaign was launched to bring people together for a good time through music and the muchloved Southern Comfort brand.”

Showcasing the brand’s infectious and playful spirit, Southern Comfort incorporated Snapchat and >>

38

I ND U S T RY RE PORT

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

Spotify in its latest campaign to show the public what celebrating with Southern Comfort’s all about – while enjoying it on its own, mixed with soda or in a classic cocktail.

For further information, access to all the ‘Remix the Spirit’ behind-thescenes content and to listen to the new tracks, follow @southerncomfortireland on Instagram and Spotify.

Shake Baby Shake

Inspired by the most loved cocktails being served in the coolest bars, Shake Baby Shake delivers high quality cocktail liquids in an easy-to-drink, onthe-go sleek 25cl can in four flavours.

Perfect for meeting friends in the park or at the beach, garden parties or BBQs, it’s now available in a 2.25L box.

Distributed by Noreast Beers.

Craft cocktails completes collection

Craft Cocktails has added three new flavours to its premium bottled ready-to-drink cocktails range, joining bestsellers Tommy’s Margarita, Mai Tai and Pornstar Martini.

The Banana Old Fashioned has a Caribbean feel with overproof rum, Banana liqueur and chocolate bitters swimming in Bulleit Rye Whiskey.

The French Martini is a classic mix of vodka, Pineapple and black Raspberry liqueur with a little Irish Raspberry wine to give an extra Summery feel.

The Whiskey Sour tweaks the

original recipe by using Bulleit Bourbon blended with Roe and Co Irish Whiskey, leaving the egg white out to ensure a six-month shelflife as with all the range which are made using only 100% natural ingredients and some serious bartender knowhow from the award-winning team at Dublin’s Bar 1661.

With fresh fruit, hand-made syrups, cordials and infusions, Craft Cocktails are made to be served straight from the bottle over ice.

Available in two sizes, the small 200ml bottle serves two and the large 700ml bottle contains seven serves.

Bestseller is the small mixed bundle, a rainbow box of six 200ml flavours with free shipping all over Ireland.

Craft Cocktails launched last October with classic cocktails made for ease of serve: Aviation, Pornstar Martini,

I N DUSTRY REPOR T

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

Raspberry Negroni, Strawberry Daiquiri and Old Fashioned.

Mai Tai and Cosmo followed in February 2021 along with the zero alcohol 200ml Not a Negroni and the luxurious earthy 700ml Belfast Coffee.

The collection now has eleven core cocktails with special limited-edition cocktails offered throughout the year.

The ‘message on a bottle’ personalisation service makes an excellent gift whether celebrated in person or remotely. The personalised label is designed and printed locally and shipped on the cocktail of choice.

Craft Cocktails are available directly from www.craftcocktails.ie.

Hard Seltzers White Claw

The company behind White Claw, Ireland-based Mark Anthony Brands International, has revolutionised the US alcohol industry and subsequently made White Claw the Number 1 Hard Seltzer brand in Ireland, with a 58% value share of Hard Seltzers.

The Hard Seltzer category is experiencing explosive growth across North America, with total US sales growth of 159% in 2020 and achieving over 118 million case sales, with predictions for 2021 set to be even higher.

White Claw Hard Seltzer has dominated this new category,

commanding a 56% market share with White Claw Hard Seltzer fast becoming an iconic, global brand to be launched in more markets over the coming months. Defining and redefining a whole new category in alcohol beverages, White Claw Hard Seltzer has become an online and cultural phenomenon. Championed by millions of consumers, White Claw has gained cult status, becoming the most successful new alcohol brand in a generation.

The Hard Seltzer category in Ireland is now worth nearly of €7 million, with White Claw leading the way in value sales.

It’s now available in four invigorating flavours: Black Cherry, Raspberry, Natural Lime and Mango.

Made from the finest natural ingredients, a blend of sparkling water, gluten-free triple-distilled spirit and a hint of natural fruit flavour, at only 95 calories, 4.5% ABV and just 2g carbs, White Claw Hard Seltzer delivers a wave of pure refreshment like no other.

Available to the on-premise, it’s distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, Ireland’s largest independent premium drinks distributor. @whiteclawireland on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Molson Coors introduces Three Fold Hard Seltzer to Ireland

Molson Coors Beverage Company has introduced a new Hard Seltzer to Ireland as the market for the beverage (that has taken the US by storm) continues to grow abroad.

Three Fold Hard Seltzer is light in flavour, bringing together three simple ingredients: Sparkling Spring Water, Natural Alcohol and a touch of Real Fruit.

It comes in three varieties: Red Berries, Tropical and Citrus. Each 330ml can contains 4% ABV, 93 calories. The beverages are naturally vegan and gluten-free.

Three Fold comes in single 330ml can format as well as a variety sixpack.

“Three Fold has been especially crafted for the legal-age Generation Z audience, with flavour combinations that we know consumers will love,” says Jim Shearer, Category, Insight and Innovation Director for Molson Coors Europe, “Creating a Hard Seltzer of our own with mainstream appeal felt like a natural next step given the momentum in this space and the inroads we’ve already made this year into the Ready-To-Drink category.”

Hard Seltzer has proven to be a phenomenon in the US, with continued

39

triple-digit growth upending the beer industry in a few short years. The Irish market, although in its infancy, is already showing signs of strong growth in this area and that trend looks to continue this year.

Seven Summits

Seven Summits is Ireland’s first premium, naturallyproduced Hard Seltzer.

With an ABV of 4.5% Seven Summits is created using natural flavours, is low carb and low calorie, glutenfree and veganfriendly.

It’s naturally brewed providing a unique difference to other Hard Seltzers.

Produced in association with the Whitewater Brewing Company, one of Ireland’s leading craft breweries, Seven Summits draws its inspiration and its pure water from the breathtaking seven summits of the Mourne Mountains. Known widely as an adventure destination and for its natural beauty, Seven Summits draws on this inspiration, being created with natural ingredients offering a unique and refreshing flavour.

Seven Summits is not blended like many Hard Seltzers, but is produced in small batches using hand-crafted alcohol with natural flavourings and sparkle added through a natural brewing process. The result is a premium Hard Seltzer that’s unique on the island of Ireland.

Seven Summits is being introduced in three flavours: Wild Berry, Lemon and Mango. n

40

I ND U S T RY RE PORT

Summer 2021

|

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

Summer’s Mix The ongoing demand for premium mixers should form part of your stocking considerations as the trade opens up over the Summer months.

A

s the on-trade explores the possibility of less limited Summer opening, that prolonged period without a visit to the pub has meant that consumers have conducted most of their soft drinks and mixers purchases via the local grocery and off-licence.

This will no doubt have led to some degree of individualism in purchasing patterns as opposed to the ‘followthe-herd’ mentality sometimes apparent in on-trade purchasing.

There can be little doubt too that Covid-19 has changed a lot of people’s attitudes to health and a significant majority are likely to consider whether or not a product might contain artificial or natural ingredients as being an important deciding factor in brand purchasing choice.

Other important factors dictating final consumer choice include whether or not it’s reduced calorie and/or reduced sugar content and whether the product range offers innovative flavours, whether it’s ‘transparent’ in its manufacturing and distribution, whether it’s ‘sustainably’ produced, its provenance and whether it’s “good” for them - and of course whether it has good taste and flavour.

Throughout Lockdown, the soft drinks and mixers category has been noticeably buoyant. To some extent it has ameliorated the damage done to

sales by the closure of the on-trade.

Figures from NielsenIQ on the mixers market taken from its survey of multiples and convenience specialists (including discounters but excluding Dunnes Stores) in the year to the 25th of April indicate that mixers sales volumes were up 25% while for this year to April the 25th, mixers sales volumes were up 19%. They were up 3% in the eight weeks to the 25th of April.

NielsenIQ’s figures for carbonates generally seem similarly rosy: up 20% in the year to the 25th of April and up 10% in 2021

to the 25th of April.

Recent consumer research from Globaldata indicates that just under half of US consumers aged between 25 and 34 tend to purchase alcohol drinks in the mid-to-premium price range.

But such consumers buying premium spirits also seek a premium mixer to go along with their choice.

Poachers

Ireland’s leading mixed drink brand Poachers recently became the firstever winner of the top prize in the inaugural Tonic and Mixers category at the renowned Spirits Business Global Masters Series.

Poachers Wild Tonic with Irish Elderflower, a careful blend of hand-picked Irish Elderflower, fresh Lemon and natural Quinine, beat off competition from 95 products from >>

OUR PORTFOLIO

200ml Soft Drinks

330ml Soft Drinks

125ml Schweppes Classic

Sparkling Juice

200ml Schweppes Classic

200ml & 250ml Juices

200ml Schweppes Signature Collection

330ml & 750ml Deep RiverRock Water

330ml Topo-Chico

250ml Monster Energy

Our Premium Spirits Range

For more information please contact: (ROI) Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, Tel: 1890 262226 or your local Coca-Cola Area Developer. © 2021 The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved.

42

I ND U S T RY RE PORT

around the world to claim the Taste Master Award last March. Poachers made off with a further six medals in the competition for its range.

Made sustainably in County Wexford, the range embraces unique, natural Irish ingredients, realised in a stylish and natural way, for a customer that’s increasingly more adventurous in their approach to taste.

Made to delicately enhance and never overwhelm premium spirits the range can also be enjoyed as a sophisticated no alcohol serve.

The Poachers range of award-winning lower in sugar flavours includes Classic Tonic with Irish Thyme; Citrus Tonic with Irish Rosemary; Wild Tonic with Irish Elderflower; Light Tonic with Irish Rosemary, Ginger Ale with Irish Apple, Soda Water and the newest release, Ginger Beer with Irish Chilli from County Galway.

Established by Brendan Colbert in 2017, with long-term friend Terri Cooper joining as partner and Creative Director in 2019, the business now exports to over eight countries

Summer 2021

and is available in some of the most prestigious and innovative Irish bars and restaurants worldwide including The Richard Corrigan Collection and Homeboy Bars. www.poachersdrinks.com

Premiumisation of the mixer category

Mixers have become the fastestgrowing carbonated drinks category in Ireland.

|

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

This, combined with the long-term trend of lighter, lower calorie and lower sugar drinks, means there’s been a need for brands to broaden their product offering to include ‘healthier choices’ that strengthen consumers’ overall drinking experience in terms of taste, serve and enjoyment.

At the forefront of this evolving category and lighter drinking movement is The London Essence Company, a premium drinks brand producing elegantly distilled mixers designed to accentuate the finest spirits.

Each expression is delicately light at under 20kcal per 100ml, low in sugar at under 4g per 100ml and crafted without the use of artificial sweeteners thanks to its unique use of distilled essences.

“Following the long-term trend towards sugar reduction across the world and being consumers of premium drinks ourselves, we found that many ‘premium’ options focused on natural credentials but were also very high in sugar,” said Brian Greer, Marketing Manager at Britvic Ireland, “It’s important to

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

|

I N DUSTRY REPORT

Summer 2021

deliver light, natural options that also have great taste to ensure overall enjoyment.”

Through its relationship with the ontrade and conversations with worldleading bartenders, London Essence recognised that high sugar mixers often overpowered the characteristics of the spirit partner instead of enhancing them.

With that in mind the brand took inspiration from its heritage in creating distilled essences which capture the flavour of the finest ingredients to deliver aromatic signature notes and great taste, with only a dusting of sugar.

There has also been a huge shift change in the number of people reducing their alcohol intake following an increase in the No alcohol Low alcohol category. This trend has not gone unnoticed by The London Essence Company and its use of contemporary flavours makes the whole range as enjoyable on their own or mixed to provide low alcohol serves.

Brian adds, “A sign of a sophisticated mixer is when they can be enjoyed in any form – with or without a spirit – to satisfy all drinking occasions and preferences.”

The London Essence range includes Original Indian Tonic Water, Grapefruit & Rosemary Tonic, Blood Orange & Elderflower Tonic, Pomelo and Pink Peppercorn Tonic Water as well as a delicate Ginger Ale and a Spiced Ginger Beer.

Introducing two new Thomas Henry Tonics

Thomas Henry continues to innovate within the Tonic category, adding two new Tonic variants to its portfolio: the Thomas Henry Botanical Tonic & the Thomas Henry Dry Tonic.

In the first Quarter of 2021 the Berlin-based company expanded its Tonic range with the two new Tonic variants, both created according to the brand principle ‘From bartenders for bartenders’ and with the support of well-known bartenders such as Maria Gorbatschova (Green Door Bar, Berlin), Karim Fadl (Bar Tausend, Berlin) and others from the international bar scene.

“As a premium mixer expert, it’s important to us to meet the

43

continuously evolving demands of gastronomy as well as to actively react to the consumer behavior with new products and drink ideas,” says Marketing & Sales Director Sigrid Bachert, “These new Tonic variants are ideal additions to our portfolio.

“Next to Thomas Henry Tonic Water, a versatile all-rounder with a tangy bitter note, we add a dry and sugarreduced variant with the Thomas Henry Dry Tonic - and with the Thomas Henry Botanical Tonic, an excitingly mild and floral variant to our Tonic range.”

Thomas Henry Dry Tonic is the second new Tonic variant created with a focus on the on-trade to meet the growing demand for less sweet and low-calorie drinks. It’s sugar-reduced and less sweet, leaving more room to unfold the full taste potential of the spirits it’s paired with.

In taste, the Tonic is rather dry with citrus in the finish and a pleasant residual sweetness.

With 6.5 g of sugar per 100 ml it’s the ideal Tonic composition for a refreshingly light and pleasantly dry taste experience for Gin & Tonic and other low-ABV drink creations.

Both have already won two awards in the Tonic and Mixer Masters 2021 Master and Gold; these will be available from August through Dalcassian Wines and Spirits. n

44

I N D U S T RY RE PORT

Summer 2021

|

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

Gin-based cocktails At a time like this the margins generated from cocktails should not be dismissed lightly and those generated from gin-cocktails are even more significant as gin continues along its own particular popularity road. The months spent at home under Lockdown have done gin no harm either as the housebound consumer took to experimenting with all kinds of cocktails. We take a look at what’s on offer for a gin-based cocktails selection.

A

lways producing a healthy margin, cocktails have become a popular drink on both sides of the bar counter. But gin-based cocktails are becoming a more personalised affair with consumers brand-calling their gin cocktail and not just being happy with any old mixer in their G&Ts. Different-coloured mixers, for example, can produce a variety of pleasant colour effects in a gin cocktail.

Similarly the move to a more sweet style of gin with less of the Juniperforward on the tongue is helping attract more people to the gin category.

The provenance of the gin has also become a consideration as have the unique flavours and compositions that make up the gin’s overall character.

But on top of this there’s the sheer variety of garnishes being witnessed in some gin cocktails and G&Ts; some bartenders even pay more attention now to the style of the ice they use in their gin cocktails.

Most can be made fairly simply.

In some cocktails gin has found itself

substituting for other spirits in the Margarita where rum has been ousted and the result has been a Margatini or one can turn a Whisky Sour into a Gin Sour through the substitution of gin for whisky.

All this has only added to gin’s sales momentum, placing it as the thirdmost-popular spirit after vodka and whiskey here.

In the UK flavoured gins claimed four of the Top 10 brands by value in the first month of the on-trade’s reopening there last year.

Indeed, gin-based cocktails comprise as much as a third of the world’s best-selling cocktails.

Here in Ireland gin sales were up 40% in the year to the 25th of April according to NielsenIQ while they were up 37% this year to the 25th of April and by 21% in the eight-week period to the 25th of April.

Off-trade figures only, naturally....

Ravenrock Gin

Ravenrock Gin is a premium organic Irish-distilled gin filtered through Silurian-aged sandstone and infused with a local blend of Rowanberries and

wild organic Irish Heather.

This recent addition to Dundalk Bay Brewery and Distillery’s drinks portfolio has an unusual-shaped bottle and has environmentally-friendly

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

|

I N DUSTRY REPORT

Summer 2021

45

Different-coloured mixers, for example, can produce a variety of pleasant colour effects in a gin cocktail. packaging (including its glass lid) one of the many reasons the company achieved Origin Green Status with Bord Bia for sustainability.

Distilled in Dundalk, County Louth, it’s inspired by the jagged rocks off the coast of Dundalk Bay looking onward to the vista of the Cooley Mountains where many of the botanicals (such as Heather) are foraged. Other botanicals range from sun-dried Egyptian Orange, Indian Cardamom and a secret eclectic mix of organicallysourced botanicals from all over the world.

Ravenrock is best mixed with a premium tonic and served with a wedge of Orange and ice in a fishbowl glass.

Last January Ravenrock, a 100% Irish-owned independent company, added a further addition to its spirits range in welcoming Ravenrock Premium Distilled Irish Organic Vodka, distilled and filtered five times through Irish silver for supreme purity and exceptional quality.

Discover more at www.ravenrockgin.com.

Facebook – www.facebook.com/ ravenrockgin Twitter – www.twitter.com/ ravenrockgin Instagram – www.instagram.com/ ravenrockgin Linkedin – www.linkedin.com/ dundalkbaybreweryanddistillery Ravenrock Heather Highball The Ravenrock Heather Highball is a fresh twist on a Tom Collins cocktail, with Ravenrock gin, homemade Heather syrup, Lemon juice and a splash of sparkling water.

Ingredients • 45ml Ravenrock gin • 30ml Lemon juice • 15ml Heather syrup (see below) • Sparkling water For Heather Syrup • 1/4 cup dried Heather • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 cup plus 3 tablespoons water Garnishes (Optional) Orange slice Heather sprigs To Make The Heather Syrup: Add 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup

Heather to a saucepan, bring to a boil. Simmer for 3 minutes then remove from heat and allow steep for 20 minutes. Strain-out flowers and discard.

In a clean saucepan, add 1/2 cup of sugar and 3 tablespoons of water.

Bring to boil, stirring to dissolve sugar. Simmer for 3-4 minutes then stir in Heather liquid. Whisk until fully combined, remove from heat and transfer to a storage container.

To Make Drink: Add Ravenrock gin, Lemon juice and Heather syrup to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake until cold then strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Top with a splash of sparkling water, then gently stir. Garnish with Orange slice and heather sprig.

Graham Norton Irish Gin

Distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam, the award-winning Graham Norton Irish Clear and Pink Gins from West Cork Distillery are close to Graham’s home town.

Distilled using 100% Irish grain, both draw their flavours by combining 12 botanicals including Angelica, Fuchsia flowers, Orris roots, Rosehip, Basil and Liquorice root.

Graham has even created his own cocktail, Ginsecco - Graham Norton Frizzante Prosecco topped-up with a dash of his own pink gin and Strawberry garnish.

For Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin G&T perfect serve, enjoy with Indian Tonic Water, lashings of ice and fresh Lime to garnish.

For Graham Norton’s Own Irish Pink Gin, substitute the Lime for red berries.

Graham Norton’s Pinksecco • 50ml Graham Norton’s Pink Gin • 50ml Soda water or Lemonade • 25ml Graham Norton’s Prosecco Ice • A handful of favourite seasonal berries Method: Fill large glass with ice, add GN Pink Gin & Soda Water/Lemonade, top-up with Prosecco and garnish with berries.

Graham’s Own Pinktini A pale, pink take on a classic Martini with a twist of citrus for added zest…

and it’s best served shaken, not stirred!

• 75ml Graham Norton Pink Gin • 10ml Dry Vermouth • slight peel of Orange zest • handful of ice to shake with.

Method: Pour Gin and Vermouth into shaker, add handful of ice. Pour into Martini glass, add slight peel of Orange zest (only touch needed for extra zing, don’t go overboard!).

Silks Gin

Boann distillery’s inaugural gin release, Silks Irish Dry Gin, is composed with 14 distinct botanicals, three of which are hand-foraged from the Cooney family Apple orchards at the foot of the Hill of Tara – Apple blossom from the trees, honey from the beehives and Elderflower from the hedgerows.

These are macerated for 24 hours before distilling with vapour infusion in >>

46

I ND U S T RY RE PORT

a copper pot still.

This unique combination of botanicals and distillation technique creates a floral forward contemporary style gin with bright citrus aromas.

Rich and silky smooth on the palate with Orange peel, fresh blossom and notes of Apple complementing the Juniper backbone.

The Silks name is inspired by the colourful jockey silks worn at Bellewstown racecourse, which can be seen from the family distillery in Meath.

Perfect served in a classic G&T with a slice of red Apple or in a ‘Silks Apple Bees Knees’ cocktail, a twist on the classic serve.

Silks Apple Bees Knees Ingredients: • 60ml Silks Irish Dry Gin • 30ml Lemon juice • 30ml Apple juice • 30ml Honey syrup • Apple slice and Sage to garnish Method: In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add the gin, Lemon juice, Apple juice and honey syrup. Shake to combine and strain into a glass.

Garnish with an Apple slice and Sage leaf.

For further information visit www.boanndistillery.ie @silksgin on Social Media The gin is distributed exclusively in Ireland by Barry and Fitzwilliam.

Glendalough

The Glendalough Distillery in the Wicklow Mountains crafts spirits to evoke a sense of place, an appreciation of the wild flavours within and a recognition of what it took to put them there.

With every sip, Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin gives you a ‘Taste of The Wild’ Wicklow mountains, made from wild flora foraged in the peaks surrounding the distillery and capturing the essence of Glendalough.

The wild botanicals are picked at peak freshness daily by the distillery’s forager Wicklow native Geraldine

Summer 2021

Kavanagh. Glendalough is one of the few distilleries in the world to employ a full-time forager.

The wild botanicals are painstakingly slow-distilled to tease out delicate flavours in very small batches of less than 250 litres.

Glendalough Distillery has won ‘Ireland’s Gin Distillery of the Year’ at the New York Spirits Competition 2021 and Sustainable Distillery of the Year (Icons of Whiskey 2021).

Glendalough Wild Botanical Gin has won multiple global awards including a Double Gold in the San Francisco World Spirits Awards 2021, International Wine & Spirits Competition and the Irish Gin Awards.

Wicklow 75 • 40ml Glendalough Wild Gin • 20ml fresh Lemon Juice • 10ml Simple Syrup (1:1 hot water to sugar) • Prosecco • Garnish Lemon twist Combine all above in a shaker of ice.

Shake, then strain into glass and topup with prosecco and garnish.

Bombay Bramble

Bombay Bramble, a new creative expression of gin bursting with natural flavours, is inspired by the classic Bramble cocktail but with a modern twist. This lively addition to the brand’s growing range of premium gins offers a tantalising taste experience and eyecatching colour created with a 100% natural rich fruit infusion.

In the UK flavoured gins claimed four of the Top 10 brands by value in the first month of the on-trade’s reopening there last year.

|

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

Easy to mix and perfect for cocktail experimentation, Bombay Bramble is the first flavoured distilled gin from the brand and is set to add a twist of crimson colour and flavour to the classic G&T and a host of creative cocktails this year.

Instead of using artificial flavours, colours or additional sugar after distillation, freshlyharvested Blackberries and Raspberries are used to create a rich fruit infusion, capturing their essence when they’re most ripe.

Bombay Bramble is then created by marrying the brand’s vapour-distilled gin with the 100% natural berry infusion, giving a distinct colour and flavour.

This process allows the botanical and Juniper notes to shine through for a more sophisticated taste.

Bramble & Sonic Bombay Bramble provides the ideal base for a lighter option for those wishing to enjoy a drink under one unit of alcohol. Here a reduction of Tonic also lowers the overall sugar content further and instead uses Soda Water for a light refreshing finish.

Ingredients.

• 25 ml Bombay Bramble • 75 ml Soda Water • 75 ml Tonic Water Garnish: Lemon wedge Method: Build over cubed ice in a highball glass Garnish with a fresh Lemon wedge. n

48

I ND U S T RY RE PORT

What more can the discerning publican do to put his customers at ease? Drinks Industry Ireland looks at what’s out there for those concerned about reopening their pubs to the highest-possible Covid-19 safety standards.

PPE for the pub I

t’s all very well the government easing the restrictions on pubs for mid-Summer but to what extent will these restrictions be relaxed when pubs get to open indoors again and what Covid-19 procedures are likely to have to remain in place to comply with safety precautions for customers?

As we approach something more akin to normality, publicans will need to consider just what they’ll need in terms of Personal Protective Equipment for themselves and their staff.

True, much of the heavy lifting will be done by the customers themselves who’re unlikely to take to the interior of the pub with quite such gay abandon as they did once prior to the onset of the pandemic.

But businesses of all kinds will have to consider drastic changes to their operational models whether that be protecting the customer and staff or testing them for Covid-19.

Customers are likely to be very self-aware - not to mention aware of others - and are more than likely to continue wearing masks and keeping their Social Distance long after the legal requirement for this has been dropped as vaccination numbers reach sufficient scale to offer the longawaited prospect of ‘herd immunity’.

Hand sanitiser aplenty

More attention to hand hygiene will also not be found wanting in pub visitors going forward, so again much of the work on awareness here will have been already taken off the publican’s shoulders by public awareness.

It’s not all a drag on profits

While Social Distancing might be considered a drag on potential profit, it’s not all a drag.

When previous Lockdowns were lifted customers got used, for example, to QR Codes and digital menus rather than their printed predecessors. This is likely to remain the case with customers and their mobiles and so proprietors going menu digital need no longer consider the costs of printing up or amending/ repricing printed menus.

A digital approach also helps operators collect customer data to better tailor their menu to the customer profile.

Recent research from flipdish showed that 80% of UK customers hope to see online menus remain in place permanently. 62% stated they’d be more likely to visit a pub if they can order digitally. This is only likely to increase footfall when hospitality fully reopens.

Furthermore, digital menus help reduce customer waiting times and increase table turnover.

Traditional bill-paying practice can also be laid aside as customers are far more comfortable with paying via their smart device than ever before.

Novaerus at McGreals

As the phased reopening of outdoor hospitality commences Novaerus devices support companies in safely resuming business through protecting their staff and customer’s

breathable indoor air.

The Irish-designed and manufactured Novaerus air disinfection devices complement all safety measures by eliminating the airborne transmission of the coronavirus.

Pubs and restaurants nationwide using this innovative solution for several months already include The Bridge 1859, Lemon & Duke, Grogan’s, Kealy’s, the Two Sisters, The Central Bar in Navan and Monck’s Green, Olive’s Room and The Butcher Grill in Dublin.

Ideal for disinfecting the air in kitchens, prep stations, bar areas, service areas and indoor washroom facilities for customers, the Novaerus technology provides 24/7 protection with no dangerous by-products and can be used continuously in rooms containing staff and customers.

Driven by science, the medical-grade

I N DUSTRY REPORT

devices use patented ‘NanoStrike’ plasma technology that’s been proven to reduce the virus which causes Covid-19, SARS-CoV-2, by 99.997%.

The technology also inactivates all other airborne viruses including mumps, measles and ‘flu as well as airborne bacteria and spores.

The devices are available in three sizes, catering from small to very large spaces - NV Protect 200, NV Protect 800 and Defend 1050.

Use studies demonstrate their tangible benefits, with long-term advantages including less staff absenteeism from colds, ‘flus or other airborne viruses, improved well-being and productivity.

Further information at www.novaerus.ie

RDT Care assists hospitality sector reopening

RDT Care has launched end-to-end integrated solutions to assist in the safe reopening of the industry.

As hotels reopen and guest occupancies rise rapidly due to seasonal and pent-up consumer demand it will be imperative that additional measures are employed such as guest and staff antigen-testing and health passports to minimise the spread of the virus, according to RDT Care’s Chief Executive Robert Brennan.

RDT Care is a unique nurse-led solution that underpins highlyeffective Covid-19-testing with proven award-winning technologies to create a seamless solution that delivers and ensures that each outlet offers a highend Covid-safe staycation.

“We’re seeking to partner with a

number of quality and luxury hotels and resorts in Ireland where there’s demonstrable trust, quality and quality control in all that we do,” says experienced hotelier Michael Lynch who’s leading RDT Care’s rollout in the hospitality industry.

“Antigen-testing is likely to be necessary in hotels for the foreseeable future. Our Nal von Minden test is 97.54% accurate and is among a small group of Antigen tests which detect the original Covid strain and all its variants with onsite results within 15 minutes.

“The EU Commission issued a list of 16 Antigen tests as part of their solution for rapid testing. Our Nal Von Minden test is part of this list and any positive tests can be confirmed onsite by the RTPCR machine in just 20 minutes,” he adds.

RDT Care can also minimise the impact of any potential infection on the hotel’s operations by using award-winning technology solutions (www.v-healthpassport.co.uk).

The V Health passport connects guests to their onsite antigentest result or vaccine status if fully vaccinated and can be used for Contact Tracing etc and many other purposes including, over time, to allow access to various events.

“We believe that our systems are also very well-suited to contributing to the safe restart of meetings, conferencing, weddings and other events in the near future,” he added.

The restaurant and pub sectors would certainly reopen more safely if Antigen-testing of customers and/or staff were employed.

RDT Care has begun discussions with the Irish Hotels Federation and Fáilte Ireland with regard to its products and unique market offer.

For further information on RDT Care Products and Services please contact Michael Lynch on 087 2511007 or email michaelbrlynch@gmail.com. www.rdtcare.com.

Surfaces safe for year with just one treatment

Healthtec Surface Protection, the Irish distributor of Resysten, is launching its unique protective coating which stops the spread of bacteria and viruses on any surface for up to a year with just one application.

Resysten, already used by Audi, T-Mobile, SAP, Foxconn, Budapest Airport and other partners across 35 countries, has developed a unique anti-microbial coating which continually protects surfaces against harmful bacteria and viruses.

Effective against bacteria and

49

viruses like E. Coli, MRSA, Covid and its variants, Resysten uses a photocatalytic process (activated by either natural or artificial light), keeping surfaces protected for up to a year, all from a single application.

Keeping touchpoints at surgically safe hygienic levels, it can’t be removed by standard cleaning methods and is completely odourless and invisible once applied.

Harmless to humans (having been extensively tested and used, for example, on supermarket trolleys/ baskets, food preparation areas, public seating and washrooms etc) Resysten is deployed by speciallytrained technicians using precision spraying equipment.

The Hungarian clean tech company’s product is already used across Europe to keep public spaces including hospitals, public transport networks, food supply chains, manufacturing, retail outlets, offices, leisure and hospitality facilities protected from dangerous pathogens. Independent testing has shown a minimum of 90% reduction in contamination levels within the first month of application, with an increase to 95% after the second month.

“No matter how much we clean, sanitise or disinfect there will always be a window or a gap for harmful bacteria and viruses such as Covid to spread on our surfaces and common touch points,” says Healthtec’s Chief Executive Colin Heather, “Resysten now offers us breakthrough ‘always on’ cleaning technology which combats this problem. It brings us permanent surgically-safe levels of surface cleanliness without the constant wiping down, it’s a sustainable approach and it’s wellreceived.”

Touch point testing is carried out regularly, operating to a set of industry limits which dictate if a surface passes or fails contamination testing. All this hygiene level data is available by QR Code to any device and available on signage throughout buildings.

For more information please visit: Resysten Ireland http://resysten.ie/ Healthtec Surface Protection (Republic of Ireland, Dublin) https://www.healthtec.ie/ Coating Care (Northern Ieland, Derry) http://coatingcare.com/ n

50

C A M P A I GN TRAIL

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 ‘World’s Best New Make Spirit 2021’ to be distributed by Ireland’s largest independent premium drinks distributor

B&F to distribute Boann Boann Distillery’s award-winning range of spirits including The Whistler Irish Whiskey, Silks Gin and Merrys Cream Liqueurs is to be distributed exclusively

by Barry & Fitzwilliam in the Republic of Ireland.

Until now, customers here could only purchase Boann’s spirits online or through a small number of specialist retailers.

Barry & Fitzwilliam has “a vast reservoir of experience and knowledge of the spirits trade and a complete distribution logistic which will give Boann’s brands the opportunity of national distribution and availability to all,” said Boann Distillery Founder Pat Cooney.

The family-owned distillery is still celebrating the international success of its Boann Single Pot Still ‘New Born’ being crowned ‘World’s Best New Make & Young Spirit 2021’ in the recent World Whiskies Awards.

This March accolade came just weeks after The Whistler range of Irish Whiskeys was awarded two Gold, one Silver and two Bronze gongs in the

same competition.

June sees the launch of Boann’s firstever distilled gin – Silks – inspired by the historic Bellewstown Racecourse near its distillery just outside Drogheda.

Silks is distilled in small batches with 14 different botanicals including signature botanicals hand-picked from the family’s orchards – Apple blossom from the trees, honey from the bees and Elderflower from its hedgerows.

The botanicals are macerated for 24 hours before slow distillation with vapour infusion in Boann’s unique custom-built copper pot still.

Boann employs 70 people between its €20 million state-of-the-art distillery in County Meath and its cream liqueur facility in Clonmel, County Tipperary.

Barry & Fitzwilliam, also very much a family company, is Ireland’s largest independent premium drinks distributor with over 3,500 accounts. Operating from Cork and Dublin, it represents over 120 premium wines, spirits and beer brands.

“The combination of this and the

Barry & Fitzwilliam has “a vast reservoir of experience and knowledge of the spirits trade and a complete distribution logistic which will give Boann’s brands the opportunity of national distribution and availability to all,” said Boann Distillery Founder Pat Cooney.

marketing skills of Pat Cooney and family can only lead to further success for both companies,” commented Barry & Fitzwilliam’s Managing Director Michael Barry.

8 Musgrave MarketPlace to expand alcohol range by 34% by September

Ken Allan new Head of Beverage at Musgrave MarketPlace Musgrave MarketPlace has appointed Ken Allan as its new Head of Beverage alongside the hiring of 13 experienced on-trade beverage sales colleagues.

Ken has over 17 years’ experience in the on-trade. Before joining Musgrave MarketPlace, he worked in senior roles with Diageo Ireland, Diageo Africa and Brandhouse South Africa, subsequently being appointed Managing Director of Counterpoint here in Ireland. He returned to South Africa to lead KWV Wines & Spirits before his present appointment and the new additions to the Musgrave MarketPlace On-Trade Beverage team.

“It has been a difficult 18 months for the industry which has created unimaginable hardships for our business community across the country,” said Ken, “As we now begin to emerge from heavy restrictions placed on our industry, we will work with customers to help them reboot their business with our improved on-trade alcohol and soft drinks offering. My focus as Head of Beverage

leading on-trade supplier to the Irish market.

The announcement follows recent news that Musgrave MarketPlace will expand its own on-trade alcohol range by 34% to 382 beverage lines by this September. The new alcohol lines will include 75 new wines, beers and ciders, with 40% of the range being produced in Ireland.

To ensure it can deliver its From left: Musgrave MarketPlace’s John Hardiman and Ken Allan with Emily Kirby from expanded alcohol and soft drink Budda Bar in Galway at the launch of the new lines from Monday to Friday, initiative.

08:00-17:00, MusgraveMarketplace has invested in new trucks will be to continue the successful and recruited drivers across its growth of our on-trade beverage nationwide branch network to offering and to use my experience form part of the dedicated team to guide our talented team to help to service on-trade customers. our customers capitalise on the For their convenience, Musgrave opportunities ahead.”

MarketPlace customers will now also This significant expansion of the be able to get a top-up shop using on-trade beverage team forms part their account in their local Musgrave of Musgrave MarketPlace’s plans MarketPlace branch which will be to increase the number of on-trade open seven days a week from the beverage customers it services from 6th of June.

45% of the market to become the

CAMPAI GN TRAIL

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

51

8 12,500 cases of free stock offered to hospitality customers across island

Coca-Cola HBC supporting hospitality sector reopening Coca-Cola HBC, whose portfolio includes Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and premium spirits from Glendalough, Campari and Edrington, has deployed a suite of initiatives to provide support to its on-trade customers over the Summer period.

Working in partnership with its customers to equip bar staff with refreshed training for the postpandemic environment, stock deals are now available to 350 customers across the island, with 12,500 cases of free stock with portfolio purchases to support customers in reopening.

To help maximise revenue over the Summer Coca-Cola HBC’s package supports hospitality customers through menu development, Point Of Sale and digital in-outlet solutions.

The company also wants to reward its direct and indirect customers in launching an online loyalty platform.

Customers can earn reward points with every purchase from its portfolio which can be redeemed against POS materials, food and drink items or gifts for staff. For outlet eligibility criteria contact your local CCH representative.

Next Gen Bar Academy Responding to customer needs for high quality training programmes for new and existing staff, CocaCola HBC has also launched its new

Devlin, Coca-Cola HBC’s Channel Director for Hotels, restaurants and Cafés, “We also recognise that staff turnover and training CCHBC’s new is an ongoing challenge experiential training so with our Next Gen programme, led by Brand Bar Academy we’ll work Ambassador Alan Glynn, in partnership with our offers hospitality staff general mixology training customers to upskill and and in-depth product reskill employees. information on the full “Finally, our marketing Coca-Cola HBC portfolio investments will be including spirits. prioritised to drive footfall to outlets and support the most enjoyable experience for patrons as they return to their local.”

To further drive trade and awareness of new occasions, Aperol will celebrate the Aperitivo moment throughout the Summer, with outlet takeovers and activations in 15 key influential venues Next Gen Bar Academy. This new in Belfast, Dublin, Galway, Cork and experiential training programme, Limerick. led by Brand Ambassador Alan This will be supported via PR, influencer Glynn, offers hospitality staff general and social media with opportunities for mixology training and in-depth product consumers to Win an Aperitivo in Milan information on the full Coca-Cola HBC in 2022.

Patrons will be encouraged to portfolio including spirits. share a picture of their Aperol Spritz on The Academy, which will officially Instagram via #MyAperolSpritz in front launch in July, is currently running of one of the Aperol Instagram walls in online with virtual tasting and outlets for a chance to win. educational sessions.

For further information or to avail “Through our product offers, of any of these opportunities, contact communication and marketing our Customer Service Centre on RoI platforms, we’re working to support 1890 26 22 26 | NI 028 9262 0520 | our customers to reopen with impact customer.service@cchellenic.com. and maximise revenue,” said Gareth

8 Boann’s first distilled gin distilled in ‘Bennet’ copper pot still

Silks Gin under starters orders Boann distillery’s inaugural gin release, Silks Irish Dry Gin, is inspired by the colourful jockey silks worn at Bellewstown racecourse which can be seen from the distillery.

Silks is Boann’s first distilled gin, composed with 14 distinct botanicals which are macerated for 24 hours before slow-distillation with vapour infusion in a 500 Litre custom ‘Bennett’ copper pot still.

The signature botanicals have been hand-foraged from the Cooney family Apple orchards at the foot of the Hill of Tara – Apple blossom from the

trees, honey from the beehives and Elderflower from the hedgerows.

“This unique combination of botanicals and distillation technique creates a floralforward contemporary style gin with bright citrus aromas,” said Boann Distillery’s Marketing Director Sally-Anne Cooney.

Silks hand-distilled gin is perfect served in a classic G&T with a slice of red Apple and superb in a classic Martini.

Its rich and silky smooth on

the palate with Orange peel, fresh blossom and notes of Apple complementing the Juniper backbone.

The gin is distributed exclusively in Ireland by Barry and Fitzwilliam.

For further information visit www.boanndistillery.ie or @silksgin on social media.

Silks Irish Dry Gin is inspired by the colourful jockey silks worn at Bellewstown racecourse which can be seen from the distillery.

52

C A M P A I GN TRAIL

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

8 Co Down distillery marries fine aged whiskey with Irish craft beer casks

Hinch launches Craft & Casks collection A collaboration of the craftsmanship of Hinch Whiskey and the unique flavour of the Irish craft brewing scene has formed a new union at Hinch Distillery which has spawned three new whiskies.

Hinch Distillery’s Craft & Casks collection comprises a trio of fine Irish whiskeys that ups the flavour game in the segment having been finished using craft beer casks.

Craft & Casks includes the Imperial Stout Finish, Irish Red Rye Finish and Rye Export Stout Finish Aaron Flaherty, Head Distiller at Hinch Distillery, “disrupting the taste profile of the unveils the new Craft & Casks collection. whiskey scene”.

Using casks from two Ulster “The union of whiskey with craft beer breweries - County Down’s Whitewater barrels is an emerging trend within Brewery and County Donegal’s the distilling industry and demand Kinnegar Brewery - the three aged is surging,” said Head Distiller Aaron whiskeys have their own distinct Flaherty, “While Hinch is a relatively flavours. new name to the drinks’ fraternity, The Kreme de la Kremlin Imperial we’ve quickly risen to a par with the Stout Finish hails from County Down best around, beckoning prestigious while the Irish Red Rye Finish and Rye awards in our two years of operation.

Export Stout Finish are finished in “It’s not news to those in the whiskey Kinnegar Brewery beer casks boasting business that beer and whiskey are their own unique flavour profile. a natural fit and the Boilermaker is a It brings Hinch’s collection of classic bar order. Our Craft & Casks whiskeys to nine variants and follows take that trend one step further.” on from the distillery’s release of an The launch comes as Hinch 18 Year-Old Single Malt finished in prepares to open its visitors centre Château de la Ligne Grand Reserve which includes a Brasserie Bar and wine casks ahead of Christmas 2020.

Restaurant, outside courtyard space

and multi-purpose events space at its 30,000 sq ft site on Killaney Estate between Belfast and Ballynahinch.

The retail outlet is open and the distillery team will also be offering behind-the-scenes guided tours of the distilling operation once it’s safe to do so.

The opening day has been postponed many times due to consecutive Lockdowns and social restrictions.

“Despite not being able to open our public offering fully at the distillery, we’ve continued to develop our offering, expand our portfolio, win awards and sign major deals with distributors worldwide in the shadows of what has been a very challenging economic climate and our Craft & Casks collection is just a part of this,” said Hinch Distillery Chairman Dr Terry Cross OBE. Hinch Distillery has also recently signed a deal with one of the largest independent alcohol drinks distributors on the island of Ireland, the Musgrave Group.

For more information on Hinch Distillery log onto https:// hinchdistillery.com or follow on https://twitter.com/hinchdistillery

ADVERTORIAL

8 Killarney Irish Whiskey and Imperial Stout are available at Kerry outlets while stocks last

Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company launch Irish blended whiskey Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company, which has been producing quality beers since 2015, has unveiled the next chapter in its evolution with the launch of an eight-year-old premium blended Killarney Irish Whiskey.

Killarney Irish Whiskey is blended, finished, bottled and hand labelled in Killarney. The whiskey will be packaged in handcrafted wooden boxes and sold together with Killarney’s latest innovation, Imperial Stout. The Irish whiskey is finished in Killarney’s own small-batch Imperial stout casks, a stout that Killarney Imperial Stout Whiskeys. was designed to complement the

flavours of the whiskey blend.

This limited-edition pairing of Killarney Irish Whiskey and Imperial Stout, of which just 1,092 bottles have been produced, was launched in celebration of the year The Annals of Inisfallen were released. According to the company, it pays homage to the storied monks of Innisfallen Island located in Lough Leane, Killarney. Each generation of the order contributed a new and ornate chapter of The Annals of Inisfallen.

Killarney Brewing & Distilling Company is in the process of building a new brewery and a custom-built

e cm 2e 0r 1270/2J 1a n 2 0 1 8 D R I N K S I N D U S T R Y I R E L A N D | | S uDm

CAMPAI GN TRAIL

53

8 Galway’s first Irish whiskey in over a century

Micil distils first Galway whiskey in over 100 years To celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day, Micil Distillery distilled & laid down Galway’s first Irish whiskey in over a century.

Despite the continued challenges in 2021 Micil, already renowned for its Poitín & Gin, has now added whiskey to its repertoire and created new jobs within its Galway team.

While its whiskey matures, it’s releasing two initial independentlybottled Irish whiskeys this Summer.

Before cask-aging was introduced, poitín and whiskey were essentially the same spirit, separated only by the buying of a licence.

Sixth generation Connemara distillers Pádraic & Jimín Ó Griallais follow a family tradition going back over 170 years when their GreatGreat-Great Grandfather Micil Mac Chearra began distilling on a hillside in South Connemara.

Galway was home to the renowned poitín-makers of Connemara, illicit distillers who played a constant game of cat-andmouse with the excise men and the forces of ‘the Crown’.

Micil Irish Whiskey will be shaped by applying its illicit distilling heritage and experience to explore the boundaries of Irish whiskey-making.

The Rebirth of Galway Whiskey at Micil Pádraic, in celebrating the rebirth of whiskey distilling in Galway, said, ‘‘In January 2021 we filled our first casks with the new make spirit which will be Galway’s first Irish whiskey in over a century.

“Our first runs have been peated Single Malts using 100% Irish barley, malted using Connemara turf from our family farm in Inverin. But as we rampup production we plan to continue to innovate, bringing the creativity and resourcefulness of the Connemara poitín-distiller to the whiskey category.”

Creating new jobs in Galway As its portfolio grows, so too does the business and Micil will create new employment opportunities.

“To date it’s been a core of just myself, my brother Jimín and my co-founder Ross and it’s been hard going for us at times with lots of long days and sleepless nights in an industry dominated by huge multinationals with limitless funds,” remarks Pádraic, “But we recently hired Mark McLaughlin, one of Irish whiskey’s leading brand specialists and are currently in the process of recruiting a Global Sales Manager for the business as well’’.

malt and grain distillery. On the heels of a €24 million investment, the state of the art 62,000 sq. ft facility on the Ring of Kerry will overlook the McGillycuddy Reeks and lakes of Killarney.

Upon completion, the new premise will be Ireland’s largest independently owned and co-located distillery, brewery and visitor experience. It will provide a cultural home to the thriving business, local employment and meet the burgeoning demand for premium Irish products and experiences from domestic and Killarney Irish Whiskey. international markets.

“This project has been years the new brewery and distillery,” said in the making and it’s a joy to finally Barry Spellman, general manager launch our first Killarney Irish Whiskey at Killarney Brewing & Distilling and showcase our innovation with this Company. “We are relentlessly focused limited release collaboration between on product quality, uniqueness and

Sixth generation Connemara distillers Pádraic & Jimín Ó Griallais follow a family tradition going back over 170 years.

Micil intends exporting this year.

Along with expanding its team and building its portfolio the distillery is developing new platforms for consumers to join its journey, seeking out investment to solidify growth plans.

For more information on Micil Distillery visit www.micildistillery.com or contact mark@micil.ie For investment opportunities contact ross@micil.ie Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & LinkedIn @micildistillery #micildistillery.

an unyielding commitment to excellence in every part of our business. Our passion and pride are evident at every touchpoint, from grain to glass to greeting.

For those fortunate enough to acquire this limited-edition product, it really is a taste of things to come and the first of many new products in the pipeline.

“Working with some of the leading distilleries in Ireland, we sourced some of the finest grain and malt whiskey available and with the help of our master distiller, blended to our exact specification.”

Killarney Irish Whiskey and Imperial Stout are available while stock lasts at local Kerry outlets and www.irishmalts. com for RRP €100. n

54

C LO S I N G TIME

Summer 2021 | DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND

The fruit used in Atomik may have been “slightly” radioactive but the spirit itself is safe to drink, says Jim Smith.[Pic courtesy University of Portsmouth]

Atomik seizure Ukranian authorities recently seized over 1,500 bottles of Atomik Apple Spirit distilled from apples grown near the Chernobyl atomic power plant.

Comprising as it does both grain and water from Chernobyl’s atomic exclusion zone, the producer - The Chernobyl Spirits Company - claims it to be the first consumer product to emerge from the area since the nuclear disaster there in 1986.

The bottles of Atomik were seized en route to the UK where Jim Smith, a professor of Environmental Science

and founder of The Chernobyl Spirits Company, wondered why the bottles were seized at all.

For while the fruit used was from the Narodychi district (which, despite being heavily polluted by the explosion 35 years ago, is still inhabited) and may have been “slightly” radioactive, he declared that the spirit itself is safe to drink.

According to a report in USA Today, “Smith has studied the nuclear accident for over 30 years and his company

claims they use distillation to reduce radioactivity in the grain which shows much of the land in the exclusion zone can ‘now be used to produce crops which are safe to eat’.”

Back in August 2019 he told the BBC that studies showed the rye was below the limit of radioactive detection.

“We’re working hard to set up a business to help bring jobs and investment to the Chernobyl-affected areas of Ukraine and to further support the community with 75% of any profits we make,” he said.

Rocco’s schnozzle Rocco, a one-year old cocker spaniel, has just landed his dream job in the spirits industry - he’s been given the run of the Grant’s Whisky distillery in Girvan, Scotland.

Whisky-lovers pride themselves on their nose for a dram, but they’ve nothing on Rocco’s schnozzle. Rocco had to endure six months of intensive training to hone his natural canine super-sense of smell in Grant’s quality control processes. His role is to sniff around the cooperage where wooden barrels are made by highly-skilled craftsman using traditional techniques to prepare the barrels that protect and help perfect Grant’s Scotch Whisky through the years.

When he’s done checking out the quality of the wood in the cooperage, Rocco noses around the rest of the distillery to make sure that everything’s ship shape. If Rocco picks up the scent of anything that needs attention, he barks his orders out to Grant’s very

Rocco sniffs out his patch in Grant’s South Ayrshire Distillery.

own top dog, Associate Global Brand Director Chris Wooff [if this isn’t a shaggy dog story..... - Ed].

“Wood is a natural material and the distilling of whisky is an organic process so our job for Grant’s Whisky is to make sure that everything is perfect as the whisky ages in the Oak casks,” explains Chris, “Mechanical ‘noses’ are widely used in the wine-making industry but we wanted to maintain the tradition of our craft skills by

using a dog’s natural super-sense of smell in our quality control process. Rocco’s ability to ‘nose’ a very large number of casks in a short space of time means he’s a fantastic addition to our team of craftsmen.”

But he’s taken no dog-in-the-manger attitude to his new romping ground. To make sure that Rocco feels right at home (he’s on dog-whistle night and day) Grant’s craftsmen have built him a kennel right outside the South Ayrshire distillery and he’s cared for by Team Leader Lianne Noble who prepares his dog daily work schedule - and keeps him fed and exercised.

“Word spread very quickly around the distillery about Rocco’s arrival in the team and it has been amazing to see the impact he has on everyone around him,” said Lianne, “The atmosphere lifts wherever Rocco’s working and people can’t help but smile in his presence.

“He’s a working dog rather than a workplace pet so we have guidelines in place to make sure he doesn’t get disturbed when he’s taking a break between shifts, but the boost in morale has been a joy to see.”

£4,000 for Taylor’s 1896 Single Harvest Tawny Port From its extensive and valuable reserves of old cask-aged Ports maturing in the company’s cellars in Vila Nova de Gaia, Taylor’s has announced the launch of a rare Single Harvest Port produced in the magnificent harvest of 1896, one of the finest of the 19th Century.

On very rare occasions, at the discretion of the family, such wines have been launched as Limited Editions. It’s now the turn of this priceless wine.

“In its 125th year of ageing in hand-crafted Oak casks, this wine has attained a magical quality, hard to

compare even with the few other wines of similar age that have survived to the present day,” states the company.

“The launch of a wine as old, valuable and unique as this one occurs only a handful of times in a generation,” commented Taylor’s Managing Director Adrian Bridge, “It is by its nature a historic event in its own right which Taylor’s is proud to share with wine collectors and connoisseurs of rare wines.”

Over the years, the company has released a number of very valuable, limited-edition Ports of great age. These include the very rare Scion from 1855 and

the Taylor’s 1863 Single Harvest Port, one of the last pre-Phylloxera wines to be offered for sale.

The Taylor’s 1896 Single Harvest Tawny is presented in a bespoke decanter of Scottish crystal and an elegant luxury cherrywood case.

Each box contains a certificate personally signed by Adrian Bridge.

Only 1,700 bottles have been produced.

The 1896 Single Harvest Port comes in at just under £4,000 if you’ve got that lying around under your pillow.

And no, you can’t ‘try’ before you ‘buy’.... n

I N DUSTRY REPORT

DRINKS INDUSTRY IRELAND | Summer 2021

55

Musgrave MarketPlace boosts On-Trade Beverage business with new hires and expanded range

M

Top class service

usgrave MarketPlace, Ireland’s leading wholesale supplier to foodservice, retail and SME businesses, has begun the first phase of a three-year plan to significantly expand its On-Trade Beverage team and range to become the leading On-Trade supplier in the Irish market.

New experienced team Ken Allan has been appointed as the new Head of Beverage alongside the hiring of 13 experienced On-Trade Beverage sales colleagues. Ken will lead a team with over 300 years’ experience in the On-Trade Beverage industry that will be pivotal to achieving Musgrave MarketPlace’s ambition of becoming the leading On-Trade beverage supplier in the Irish market.

Ken Allan, has over 17 years’ experience in the On-Trade. Before joining Musgrave MarketPlace, he worked in senior roles with Diageo Ireland, Diageo Africa and Brandhouse South Africa before being appointed MD of Counterpoint in Ireland. He then returned to South Africa to lead KWV Wines & Spirits before being appointed as Head of Beverage at Musgrave MarketPlace.

“I am delighted to have been appointed Head of Beverage at Musgrave MarketPlace. I look forward to working with this experienced team to achieve our ambition of becoming the leading on-trade supplier in the Irish market. We have great people and a fantastic range, so I am really looking forward to working with the new team to deliver top class service and results for our customers,” said Ken.

There are over 3,000 colleagues across the Musgrave Group supply chain and over 300 trucks servicing customers per week. With service as a key pillar of the expansion plan, Musgrave MarketPlace has also invested in new trucks and recruited drivers across its nationwide branch network which will form part of its dedicated team that will service its on-trade customers, Monday-Friday, 08:00-17:00.

As part of the expanded offering, customers will now also be able to get a top up shop using their account in their local branch, which is open 7 days a week from 6th June.

Expanded range Musgrave MarketPlace is expanding its On-Trade alcohol range by 34% to 382 total beverage lines by September 2021. The new alcohol lines will include 75 new Wines, Beers and Ciders, with 40% of the range being produced in Ireland. 58% of soft drinks stocked are produced locally.

Musgrave MarketPlace has an extensive product range in all key beverage categories with a particularly strong representation in Super Premium Spirits and World Beers. With its dedicated On-Trade beverage sales and delivery team offering 382 OnTrade beverage products from local Musgrave MarketPlace branches across the country, customers won’t find better choice or service anywhere else.

“As an Irish family-owned business with 145 years of experience supplying Irish food and beverage businesses, we pride ourselves on the quality service our team provides to customers.

Our unrivalled product range and unmatched delivery options ensure the right products reach our customers exactly when they need them,” said Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Musgrave Wholesale Partners. n