ShelfLife August Issues 23

Deciphering the smoke signals

Morgan Lee, market manager at Imperial Tobacco

John Player discusses the upcoming new tobacco and nicotine legislation

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Symbol satisfaction

A comprehensive overview of Ireland’s leading symbol group brands

Latte levy

What impact will the tax on single-use cups exert on Ireland’s retail sector?

ShelfLife

Editor GILLIAN HAMILL (01) 294 7776

gillian.hamill@mediateam.ie

Staff journalist

JULIA O’REILLY (01) 294 7709 julia.oreilly@mediateam.ie

Contributors

CAROLINE REIDY

FIONNUALA CAROLAN

NIKKI MURRAN

LAURA LYNOTT

Head of business

IAN MULVANEY (01) 294 7766 ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie

Account manager MARK MORGAN (01) 294 7767 mark.morgan@mediateam.ie

Circulation subs@mediateam.ie

Publisher

JOHN McDONALD (01) 294 7744 john.mcdonald@mediateam.ie

Printing

W & G Baird Ltd

ShelfLife is a controlled circulation magazine, available to selected individuals with interests in the retail and wholesale grocery trade, who fall within the publisher’s terms of control. For those outside these terms, annual subscription is €98.00 including postage & packing.

Ghost estates still pose major problem for Irish communities

Journalist Laura Lynott, who reports on the consequences and way forward for the government-proposed ‘Latte Levy’ in this month’s issue of ShelfLife (page 18), recently reported on the issues facing once thriving towns as derelict homes lie empty and commercial premises are left vacant in centrally located units.

Councillor Stephen Kenny, a member of Limerick City & County Council explained how the local Ballywilliam Estate had been left in a state of dereliction, despite a huge shortage of social housing. Whether the existing buildings can be repurposed, or the site is demolished and rebuilt, he warned that a decision urgently needed to be made.

Earlier this year, a TikTok content creator @olajanicka86, also shared a video exploring an empty housing estate believed to be in Rathangan, Co Kildare. Her video, which is filmed from a car driving around the area, demonstrates the scale of vacant properties, where it is understood that up to 15 homes have been boarded-up in the estate for years.

It is surely shocking that as Councillor Stephen Kenny rightly pointed out, decisions on what to do with these ghost estates have not yet been taken. As our feature on Ireland’s symbol groups on page 36 repeatedly highlights, independent retailers are at the centre of their local communities and play a key role in helping those communities to flourish. Retailers and local people who give so much of their time and resources to community initiatives, deserve to be supported with adequate infrastructure and housing to the benefit of everyone in towns across Ireland.

Gillian Hamill, editor, ShelfLifemagazine

Contents August

COVER STORY

24 Deciphering the smoke signals: Morgan Lee, market manager at Imperial Tobacco John Player, speaks to Shelflife about the implications of the upcoming Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill

ADVISOR

Managing Director JOHN McDONALD; Sales Director PAUL BYRNE

18 Coffee matters: Retail representatives warn of the potential loss of thousands of jobs, with feared cafe closures, due to the government-proposed 20c increase on a disposable cup of coffee

27 Advisor Marketing: Colin Gordon shares his thoughts on the learnings that marketers can take from the Cannes Lion international marketing awards

30 Recruitment: Excel Recruitment’s Nikki Murran reflects on the realities of juggling childcare while working in retail and looks at what the government could do to help

32 HR: The HR Suite’s Caroline Reidy outlines what the new legislation of unpaid leave for

medical purposes means for both employers and employees

36 Symbol groups

70

The top news stories in FMCG and

retail

from across Ireland

More than half of workers have embraced hybrid work

Hybrid work is becoming embedded globally with the structural shifts in work caused by Covid-19 enduring, according to the latest EY Mobility Consumer Index, which also finds that offices are gradually becoming busier, leading to a noticeable increase in public transport usage According to the global index of over 15,000 people in over 20 countries, more than half (52%) of workers report some form of hybrid work – up significantly from the one in three (33%) reporting hybrid work pre-pandemic.

Slight pick-up in consumer spend in July

Irish Consumer Sentiment improved fractionally in July as holidays and summer sales likely encouraged a pick-up in spending plans, according to the Credit Union Consumer Sentiment Survey However, a slight pull-back in household financial circumstances suggests consumers remain cautious, implying restrained rather than runaway spending in the months ahead.

Hugo Keenan launches BWG Foods’ new meat brand Inishella

BWG Foods has teamed up with Ireland rugby star Hugo Keenan to launch Inishella, a new quality approved Irish meat brand that will be available across BWG’s nationwide retail network. The Inishella offering features a wide variety of Bord Bia approved beef, chicken, pork, bacon and lamb products, including premium steaks, roasts, and breakfast meats. As Inishella brand ambassador, Hugo Keenan will be the face of the range in advertising across traditional and social channels.

Circle K Ireland begins expansion of HVO renewable diesel pumps

Circle K has opened three new milesBIO HVO100 pumps across its network, following the launch of its first Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) renewable diesel pump in Dublin Port at the end of last year The three new milesBIO HVO100 pumps are located at Circle K, Cashel; Circle K, Rathcrogue, Co Carlow; and Circle K. Gortore, Fermoy, Co Cork. Circle K has committed to having HVO renewable diesel available on all national road routes before the end of 2023.

Bank of Ireland to provide finance for Re-turn

Bank of Ireland has been announced as the sole finance partner of Re-turn, Ireland’s new national Deposit Return Scheme which was established to help Ireland achieve EU recycling targets for the estimated 2 billion drinks bottles and cans that are consumed here each year Under the EU’s Directive, Ireland must ensure separate collection of 77% of plastic beverage bottles placed on the market by 2025. Bank of Ireland will provide €27.5 million in financing for the rollout of the scheme, which will go live in February 2024 For more information, turn to page 8

Aldi unveils newly renovated Mullingar ‘Project Fresh’ store

Aldi’s Mullingar, Co Westmeath ‘Project Fresh’ store has reopened its doors to customers following an extensive renovation project investment of €1m which has seen the store interior completely refurbished. Featuring the new layout, the Mullingar store now offers a wide selection of fresh food at the front of the store and hi-spec fixtures and fittings throughout. Aldi has invested heavily in improving its energy management systems and its entire store network is now powered by 100% wind generated energy

FoodCloud collaborates with farmers to redistribute food waste

FoodCloud is calling on farmers in Ireland to get involved in its Growers’ Project after a successful pilot programme run with the support of the Irish government and Tesco. The 2022 trial saw 30 tonnes of food redistributed with targets for the full project now doubled to 60 tonnes of produce, avoiding emissions of approximately 192,000kgs of CO2 equivalent. That amounts to around 130,000 meals, enough to feed a full capacity Croke Park and Aviva Stadium combined.

Shoppers value own brand and Irish brands

The Irish market continues to see stronger own label growth (13.3%) compared to brands (7.6%) as shoppers look to save money. Value own label saw the strongest growth year-on-year at 26.3% with shoppers spending €14.2m more on these ranges. However, according to Kantar’s latest Brand Footprint report, Irish shoppers value homegrown brands, with four out of the top five most chosen brands chosen being Irish.

Calls to increase price of alcohol are ‘out of touch with reality’

Ibec trade association Drinks Ireland has said Alcohol Action Ireland’s claim that alcohol prices should increase are “out of touch with reality”. Drinks Ireland said the attempt by Alcohol Action Ireland to claim that alcohol is too affordable is “simply untrue”. “Recent Eurostat data, looking at the cost of living in Ireland indicated that Ireland has some of the most expensive alcohol prices in the EU,” said Cormac Healy director of Drinks Ireland. “This is driven by extremely high levels of excise duty on alcohol, which is the second highest in the EU, as well as Minimum Unit Pricing, introduced in January 2022”. ■

For more details on all the above and the latest grocery-related news as it happens, visit www.shelflife.ie.

Food Cloud co-founders Aoibheann O’Brien and Iseult Ward

Ireland rugby star Hugo Kennan launching Inishella

Aldi Mullingar has been completely refurbished

Jonathan Diver, fuels director with Circle K Ireland

PRESIDENT’S OPINION

CSNA to meet Irish Water to discuss estimates

It’s my belief that many retailers will have been bemused at the convenient way that Irish Water/ Uisce Eireann manages to bill their commercial customers.

Using the metered volume of water going into their premises as the exact basis for their billing of the volume going out, the CSNA believes Irish Water is accruing substantial bundles of money to which it has no proper claim.

Irish Water is permitted by law to act in this fashion but must also provide for a system where any of their customers whose variation between Water In and Water Out is greater than 15% can apply for a different (agreed by both parties) methodology of billing the Water Out element of the bill.

We will meet with Irish Water officials in mid-September to seek agreements on how our members that have substantial coffee, deli and/or bakery sales, all of which use water and don’t involve its discharge into their wastewater connection, can receive the fairest bills. I am of the opinion that the existing system is very bureaucratic and possibly designed to confuse and frustrate businesses who are becoming increasingly time poor.

CSNA expresses concern on proposed Low Pay Commission recommendation

The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association has expressed concern that the increase in the minimum wage planned by the Low Pay Commission (LPC) for next year will be unaffordable for many small businesses.

The Low Pay Commission is expected to recommend to the government that it increases the minimum wage next year by 12%. This would be a rise of €1.40 an hour, bringing the rate from €11.30 to €12.70.

Last year, the government announced plans to introduce a new national ‘Living Wage’ to replace the minimum wage by 2026. This will be phased in over a four-year period starting this year and will be set at 60% of the hourly median wage.

Vincent Jennings, CSNA CEO has pointed out that a 12.4% increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) will increase the annual gross wage bill for an employee on 39 hours per week on the NMW by €2,840 plus ER PRSI.

This additional cost to employers’ gross wage bill excludes the cost of the St Bridget’s Day public holiday

introduced this year and the contingent cost of an additional two days’ statutory sick pay.

The government has also indicated its intention to introduce Auto-Enrolment in 2024, an action that will cost all employers in providing for this.

Jennings expressed a concern that the “ripple effect” will come into play if an increase of this magnitude is adopted. It is well known that the majority of workers peg their earnings to a benchmark, in this case a benchmark is the NMW.

“Anyone currently earning €12 –€14 per hour will feel justified in seeking to maintain that differential and so a knock-on effect across our sector can be anticipated,” he said. “Taoiseach Leo Varadkar when as Tánaiste was commending the Living Wage Report suggested as much; that increases to the NMW would improve the earnings of many tens of thousands more.”

“The Low Pay Commission’s recommendation should reflect the ability of small employers to pay realistic, affordable rates of pay. It is

“The Low Pay Commission’s recommendation should reflect the ability of small employers to pay realistic, affordable rates of pay,” says CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings

unfortunate that the current composition of the LPC does not have anybody representing small and medium size enterprises,” Jennings, a former LPC Commissioner of six years standing, added.

CSNA members are responsible employers and will not disregard sensible increases to the NMW once they are based on discernible facts; increases that are two and three times greater than inflation make it difficult for the association to see that the Low Pay Commission is acting in everyone’s interest.

Reminder: Importance of changing alarm codes/passwords

This thief could have been a past employee of the store that was a key holder or had access to the store key and alarm code.

The thief preloaded debit cards from Payzone as they knew the system to preload the cards.

After the break in was discovered the store owner made immediate contact with Payzone to ensure that the preloaded credit cards (not yet used) were cancelled to avoid any extra cost to the retailers.

Ensure

basis as an important security measure

We would like to advise all members to ensure that they update their alarm codes on a regular basis so that this event may be avoidable. If possible, when a key member of your staff ceases their employment, we would advise changing your alarm code and system passwords (e.g., banking online, computer logins etc).

CSNA OPINION

CSNA

NEWS

6 CSNA NEWS ShelfLife August 2023 | www.shelflife.ie

CSNA raises members’ PPI/IMRO issues with Minister Neale Richmond

Members will be aware that CSNA has long held the opinion that the companies collecting royalties from music played in shops have on many occasions exceeded their authorities.

We have asked the Minister responsible for patents and royalties Neale Richmond to raise an enquiry into the IMRO/PPI tarifs structure given the rulings by the European Court of Justice on these matters.

New CSNA Deals Partner: Energy broker

We are delighted to announce that CSNA has teamed up with Steve King of Energy Matters Ireland to provide an energy broker service exclusive to CSNA members.

Steve will work with members to help reduce your energy bills by up to 20-30%. No need to worry if you are in contract as Steve can also assist with early contract termination on your behalf, ensuring that members can begin saving as soon as possible.

If you are interested in speaking to Steve about saving money on your energy bills, contact the CSNA office to begin saving today. ■

Steve King of Energy Matters Ireland can help reduce your energy bills by up to 20-30%

NutriQuick and GAA/GPA join forces to launch exclusive range of healthy ready meals

NutriQuick, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) and the Gaelic Players Association (GPA) have announced an exciting new partnership

NutriQuick, as the ‘Official Ready Meal of the GAA/GPA’, is embarking on a journey to create an exclusive range of healthy ready meals that will be available in all major retailers across the country this winter

The collaboration offers a delicious and diverse selection of ready-to-eat meals, carefully crafted to meet the needs of individuals with busy lifestyles, athletes, families, and health-conscious individuals. Each meal will be prepared using high-quality, locally sourced ingredients and nutritionally balanced to support optimal wellbeing.

“I am absolutely thrilled to share the news of our partnership with the GAA/GPA in creating an exclusive range of healthy ready meals,” said Dean Siney, founder of NutriQuick,

“The GAA has been an integral part of my life, shaping my values and instilling in me a deep appreciation for the importance of well-being, both on and off the field,” he continued. “Now, to be able to give back to the community that has given me so much is a true honour and privilege

“As we bring together NutriQuick’s expertise in creating flavourful, wholesome meals and the GAA/GPA’s dedication to fostering health and fitness, I am confident this partnership will be a resounding success Our

Bank of Ireland to provide ¤27.5m in financing for Re-turn, Ireland’s new DRS

Ossian Smyth, Minister of State with responsibility for the Circular Economy, Nikki Canavan, head of Origination & Sustainability at Bank of Ireland Corporate and Markets, Tony Keohane, chair of Re-turn, Séamus Clancy, interim chief executive of Re-turn, and Darragh O’Neill, Bank of Ireland

Bank of Ireland has been announced as the sole finance partner of Re-turn, Ireland’s new national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) which was established to help Ireland achieve EU recycling targets for the estimated 2 billion drinks bottles and cans that are consumed here each year

Under the EU’s Directive on single-use plastics, Ireland must ensure separate collection of 77% of plastic beverage bottles placed on the market by 2025, rising to 90% in 2029

Bank of Ireland will provide €27.5 million in financing for the development and rollout of the scheme, which will go live for consumers in February 2024 Re-turn’s preparations for the launch are well underway, with strong support and collaboration from key stakeholders. To date, over 90% of producers and over 2,500 stores have already registered with the scheme

“The Deposit Return Scheme will help reduce single-use plastics, help Ireland meet EU targets, and move towards a circular economy where valuable resources are re-used or recycled as much as possible,” said Nikki Canavan, head of Origination & Sustainability at Bank of Ireland Corporate and Markets.

She added that the transaction “highlights Bank of Ireland’s commitment to providing meaningful debt financing in support of important sustainability-focused initiatives like Re-turn”.

Bank of Ireland is also engaging with leading retail brands to support the roll-out of reverse vending machines across their extensive store networks nationwide “We will continue to work proactively with the retail sector to promote the successful implementation of the Deposit Return Scheme,” Canavan added.

joint mission is to make nutritious eating accessible to everyone, empowering individuals to make healthier choices without compromising taste or convenience.”

Brendan Cunningham, Cluid Housing, Tanya Osboune, SEAI, Daniel Murphy, Musgrave and Cormac Quish of SuperValu Tramore which has achieved a 59% carbon reduction and 40% reduction in electricity

SuperValu and Centra retailers have achieved a 9% carbon reduction, a year on from the launch of the €25m Musgrave Sustainability Fund. SuperValu and Centra set out to achieve a 12% carbon reduction by the end of 2023.

In June last year, Musgrave announced the first of its kind €25 million sustainability fund aimed at realising this target and reducing emissions across its operations, ultimately to achieve net zero by 2040 To reach this target, Musgrave is aiming to achieve a 46% reduction in carbon emissions (Scope 1 and 2) by 2030

So far, the carbon reduction achieved across SuperValu and Centra stores is equivalent to planting over 260,000 trees. By the end of 2023, over 26,500 panels will be installed across 63 SuperValu and 36 Centra stores generating the equivalent amount of electricity to power almost 3,500 homes entirely for a year More than 90 SuperValu stores will have solar panels by the end of 2025.

€27.7m has been invested to date, made up of the fund combined with SuperValu and Centra retailer investment. It is expected the total SuperValu and Centra retailer investment across the whole of Ireland will be approximately €50 million once the fund is complete.

“Our retailers have shown real passion and enthusiasm to continue to lead by example and implement sustainability measures across their leading supermarket and convenience stores,” said Ian Allen, MD of SuperValu and Centra. “Over the month of June some retailers saw 30% or more of the electricity they used come from solar panels they installed on their roofs; this is sustainability in action.”

In the Republic of Ireland, Musgrave committed €50,000 per SuperValu store and €25,000 per Centra store. Further details on Musgrave’s sustainability strategy can be found at: www.musgravegroup.com/sustainability/

Exclusive range of healthy ready meals will be available in all major retailers across the country this winter

SuperValu and Centra retailers leading the way in sustainability with 9% reduction in carbon in 12 months

NutriQuick serves up a healthy and fresh listing with Dunnes Stores

NutriQuick has secured a listing with its exclusive range to key Dunnes Stores locations in the Republic of Ireland. The brand’s award-winning range is produced in the heart of Wicklow using mostly Irish ingredients by its highly skilled team of chefs. The range of meals has been carefully created to cater to all consumers who seek tasty, nutritionally balanced options for lunch or dinner

The listed range includes Pulled Chicken Tomato & Basil Pasta, Dirty Fries, Lean Turkey Spaghetti Meatball, Guilt-Free Spice Bag, Barbecue Beef Burrito Bowl and Chinese Chicken Curry with Chips & Rice.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be supplying Dunnes Stores with our range of meals. Securing a listing with such a prestigious retailer is a massive endorsement and testament to the quality and taste of our products,” said founder of NutriQuick, Dean Siney.

“This represents a significant opportunity for us to expand our reach and customer base across the Republic of Ireland,” he continued. “We know that there is a constant demand from customers for our range that offers convenience in today’s busy lifestyles. We are confident that consumers will love the taste, variety and quality of our delicious healthy meals.”

Ten years of a good tipple with Graham Norton!

launches second phase of Farm to Foodhall campaign

M&S has launched the second phase of its Farm to Foodhall campaign, with a new ad featuring Dublin-based M&S beef farmer Emma Moran. The campaign is fronted by chef and M&S Food ambassador Mark Moriarty, who appears in the new ad with Emma on her M&S Select designated farm at Athgoe, Co Dublin.

During the visit, Moriarty and Moran explore how passionate M&S is about sourcing quality Irish beef that assures complete traceability, high animal welfare standards, and the grass-based diet that gives M&S that top quality produce.

The Farm to Foodhall campaign is highlighting just a few of the farmers and producers across Ireland who are stocked on the M&S shelves, and the quality Irish food they supply for M&S customers. The campaign also highlights the ongoing work at M&S in expanding upon its existing range of products sourced from Ireland. Whether it’s top-quality

Graham Norton and Invivo are celebrating ten years of a partnership that has produced an award-winning wine and spirits range

With more than 15 million bottles of Graham Norton wine sold over the past ten years and 153 glasses of Graham Norton wines enjoyed every minute around the world (that’s nearly three glasses every second), the renowned wine and spirits brand is a true Irish-Kiwi success story

The most awarded celebrity wine brand globally in recent years with more than 250 accolades, the GN wine range has earned its place with shoppers as a great tasting, value for money wine selection and continues to enjoy phenomenal global commercial success

The partnership between Norton and Invivo began in 2011, following a cheeky phone call from Invivo co-founders Tim Lightbourne and Rob Cameron, that led to Invivo wines being enjoyed on the set of Graham’s namesake TV show. Soon after in 2014, Invivo and Norton created their first Sauvignon Blanc together, which had an initial run of just 12,000 bottles. Graham Norton’s Sauvignon Blanc is one of the fastest growing Sauvignon Blancs in Ireland (by 50%, Source: IWSR Drinks Report 2022) and this year marks its 10th anniversary Each year, Norton and the team from Invivo meet to ensure the new blend meets his high taste standards and continues to excite the consumer

This year, Norton and the Invivo team along with SuperValu’s wine expert Kevin O’Callaghan travelled to Arundel’s By The Pier in the village of Ahakista, near Norton’s West Cork home town, to taste and select the new 2023 blend of GN Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand.

premium meats from Irish farms, dairy products like artisan cheeses, or fresh fruits and vegetables grown on Irish soil, customers can enjoy the very best of what Ireland has to offer, sourced to highest quality standards of M&S.

Customers will see the Farm to Foodhall campaign across TV, social, out-of-home (OOH), emails and in-store

M&S Food ambassador Mark Moriarty launching the second phase of the Farm to Foodhall campaign with Irish beef farmer Emma Moran

M&S

The range of meals has been carefully created to cater to all consumers who seek tasty, nutritionally balanced options

Graham Norton wines is the most awarded celebrity wine brand globally

SuperValu and Centra sweep the board at Great Taste Awards

SuperValu and Centra won an impressive number of accolades at the 2023 Great Taste Awards. The world’s largest blind taste awards have recognised SuperValu with 121 awards along with Centra securing a spectacular 47 –marking a momentous triumph for both Irish brands.

During the awards ceremony SuperValu claimed 71 awards for its Signature Tastes range and Centra received 21 awards for its premium range - Inspired by Centra.

SuperValu and Centra collaborate alongside more than 1,800 Irish suppliers. One of these suppliers, Oliver Carty & Family, won the coveted 3-star award for the SuperValu Signature Tastes Smoked Rack of Bacon. The Athlone-based company, which won a total of 15 awards, is headed up by Ted Carty who has passed down the traditional craft and experience since its inception 70 years ago

Expanding SuperValu’s own brand range has been a big focus in recent

Moving to a more circular economy

years and its success was further acknowledged with Great Taste Awards for its SuperValu Signature Tastes Maple Syrup (2 stars), SuperValu Unsweetened Barista Oat Milk (1 star), SuperValu Rapeseed Oil (1 star), SuperValu Signature Tastes Cheddar & Shallot Crisps (1 star) and SuperValu Wagyu Beef Burgers (1 star). Centra has won awards for Inspired by Centra Mango Chutney (2 stars), Centra Sour Cream (2 stars) and Centra Smoked Salmon (1 star).

food waste

SuperValu has launched a new sustainability initiative ‘Take Local Action, Make Global Impact’ as new research from SuperValu shows 82% of people in Ireland are concerned about food waste in their household

Ireland’s deposit return scheme (DRS) will help to tackle the estimated 1 billion plastic bottles and 1.6 million aluminium cans that are thought to currently end up in landfills/incinerators or littered in the environment (Source: Voice Ireland).

As Ireland’s DRS is planned to be a ‘return to retail’ scheme, this will represent a huge shift in how shoppers interact with retailers when it comes to sustainability Once the scheme goes live, retailers will have a much more visible role in the recycling process, by accepting empty drinks containers back and returning the deposit to the consumer

It will be important for retailers to create a returns process which is simple to use quick and engaging for both shoppers and store staff Retailers will have the choice of whether to accept containers back manually or to automate the process with a reverse vending machine

The deposit return scheme will be a change for retailers in Ireland, but DRS is a tried and tested system running successfully in many countries including in Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Germany, amongst others. In these countries, retailers successfully provide this recycling service for their shoppers, and it has become a part of the overall shopping experience expected by consumers.

More than four in five Irish people are concerned about the level of food waste in their household, and 94% of homes are throwing food out, according to new research from SuperValu*

The research by Amarach was commissioned as part of SuperValu’s ‘Take Local Action, Make Global Impact’ campaign which aims to showcase the small actions we can all take in our homes, stores and towns to make a collective global impact. Ireland generated a massive 753,000 tonnes of food waste in 2021 according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), of which 29% is from households amounting to a whopping 44kg of food waste per person on an annual basis.

Spoilage, expiration and overbuying are the three most common reasons for food waste in Irish households according to this research. SuperValu is demonstrating as part of its new campaign how collectively small lifestyle changes can lead to bigger global impacts.

As part of the campaign SuperValu has identified some local actions that can make a global impact and is on a mission to help customers build some of these actions into their daily routines.

SuperValu local actions include:

1. Cut food waste – meal planners and recipes, hack and tips

2. Recycle as much as possible and recycle correctly

3. Bring your reusable cup

4. Grow your own veg – from the garden to the windowsill

5. Shop local and Irish and in season

6. One meat free day per week

7. Give one hour each week to your local Tidy Towns Group

8. Take action by being more inclusive in your local GAA clubs and community ■ *(Source: Survey was conducted by Amarach between 13 - 20 July using a nationally representative sample of 1,200 adults 18+).

94% of shoppers are still binning food despite

concerns: SuperValu research

With the DRS scheme, retailers will have the choice of whether to accept containers back manually or to automate the process with a reverse vending machine

Oliver Carty & Family won the coveted 3-star award for the SuperValu Signature Tastes Smoked Rack of Bacon

TOMRA is the leading provider of reverse vending technology, helping retailers to automate the returns process and create a great recycling experience.

Ulrick & Short launches new plant-based alternative ingredient

The plant-based substitute market is evolving. Consumers are increasingly favouring natural alternatives, with 54% of consumers now wanting plant-based products to be authentic standalone products*, moving away from ‘imitations’ trying to mimic the taste and texture of meat and fish.

Despite recent research suggesting households in Ireland are eating less meat or switching to cheaper cuts of meat to combat the increased cost-of-living, Dublin-based Kerrigan’s Craft Butchers reports it has been experiencing greater demand for premium cuts.

In fact, fillet steak emerged as a top five seller this past May, June and July across the butcher’s in-store and online sales.

Managing director Barry Kerrigan believes the spike in demand is due to people recreating the restaurant experience at home to save money.

“Fillet steak isn’t an everyday meat, and certainly isn’t in the currently economic climate,” he says “However, our customers

Making ends meat: cost-of-living changing butcher shop purchases Waterford’s Harvest Festival announce programme for 2023

The annual Harvest Festival in Waterford is back for the 14th year and announcing details of the festival programme with a focus on food sustainability and a celebration of the Irish apple to the fore for 2023. The festival takes place in the historic streets and squares of Waterford City centre from 8 – 10 September

The festival is funded by Waterford City & County Council and organised by GIY who are bringing sustainability right to the heart of the festivities with ‘Food Matters’ food sustainability talks featuring some of the country’s most esteemed food writers, chefs, activists, journalists and businesspeople It’s guaranteed to be an educational, engaging and entertaining debate each day. In addition, the festival will be run on Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil (HVO), with a bio-digester onsite, a complete plastics ban and all traders using compostable materials, refill water stations plus a wash up station for reusables. Plus, there will be opportunities for everyone to get stuck into some GIY as over 2000 free plants and thousands of free seeds will be given away

are eating more of this premium cut, particularly on weekends with online and in-store sales peaking Thursday to Saturday in recent months. Our 10-ounce fillet steak is about half the price of the average restaurant price, so for those confident in their cooking ability it makes sense to lean into the local butchers as an alternative to eating out.”

With this past June the hottest recorded in Ireland for 83 years, BBQ meats such as chicken sizzlers, lamb grillsticks and chicken wings brought about a welcomed sales boost. Wagyu beef burgers were the top seller for Kerrigan’s with almost 8000 units sold in June –more than 250 per day.

Barry Kerrigan reports fillet steak has been a top seller three months in a row for Kerrigan’s Craft Butchers

Ulrick & Short has subsequently launched a new plant-based alternative ingredient, Complex Zero According to the company, Complex Zero is a natural, clean and highly nutritious solution, sourced from Sweden. It is based only on three whole crops and upcycled rapeseed. It uses natural process methods, ensuring an “ultra-clean and consumer friendly back-of-pack declaration”.

*(Source: Innova Trends Survey 2023 - Average answer of UK, France, Germany & Spain)

Ulrick & Short says its new plant-based alternative ingredient is “conceptually new to the market”

Young Chef Young Waiter (YCYW) Awards 2023 announced

The YCYW awards have been established since 1979 and launched internationally in 2019 as a global competition open to all young professional waiters and chefs from any background, promoting hospitality as a career of choice, a profession, and a vocation, in these times of staff shortages across the sector YCYW Ireland 2023 is open to the Island of Ireland’s young chefs and waiters of 28 years and younger, working in the hospitality sector The winning young chef and waiter will go on to represent Ireland at the World YCYW Awards in Monaco on the 23rd –24th of November 2023. To enter, visit www.YoungChefYoungWaiter.com/Ireland

to food growing enthusiasts during the festival weekend.

The festival will see the city come to life with markets, special dining events, panel discussions and plenty more. For further details and to browse the full programme of free entertainment and events, see https://harvest.giy.ie/

Sparks Super Saturday sees lucky M&S customers get shopping for free

On Saturday, 19 August, M&S customers were in with the chance to win their shopping for free as the retailer launched the first of its kind ‘Sparks Super Saturday’. Ten winners in each M&S store were chosen and a winner every 10 minutes online Sparks Super Saturday is a supersized version of M&S’ popular Sparks giveaway where every week, in every store, a Sparks customer wins their shopping for free Since M&S launched Sparks – its customer reward scheme - the retailer has given away free shopping to 2,301 customers. ■

Sparks Super Saturday created a buzzing atmosphere in stores across the country

Gordon Smyth, group executive chef at Harcourt Hotels, will be one of the judges

promoting hospitality

Twins Poppy and James Molloy (age 3) helping to announce details of the 2023 Harvest Festival which will take place in Waterford City from 8-10 September

Aoife Leonard appointed COO for Bank of Ireland’s Retail Ireland division

Aoife Leonard has been appointed chief operating officer for Bank of Ireland’s Retail Ireland division.

Leonard will oversee day-to-day operations of Bank of Ireland’s retail business across Ireland, while ensuring the delivery of strategic and financial planning for the division. The Retail Ireland business includes approximately 4000 colleagues, 169 branches and two large customer support contact

centres in Kilkenny and Tallaght.

Leonard brings a wealth of experience to the role having led the Bank’s Distribution, Digital and Operations team for the last two years and fulfilled other senior roles in Branch Banking, Direct Channels, Operations and Consumer Segments spanning over two decades with Bank of Ireland.

“Aoife is an exceptional leader with a strong track record of delivery across a number of senior roles for Bank of Ireland,” said Susan Russell, CEO, Bank of Ireland Retail Ireland. “Our colleagues in Retail

Glanbia announces CEO appointment

Siobhán Talbot intends to retire from Glanbia plc, following ten successful years as group managing director of the company. Talbot will step down from her position and from the Glanbia board on 31 December 2023 and will retire from the group in January 2024

Hugh McGuire, currently chief executive officer of Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN) will be appointed CEO of Glanbia plc and join the Glanbia board as an executive director, effective 1 January 2024

McGuire joined Glanbia in 2003 and held a range of senior leadership roles across the group He initially worked in the ingredients division culminating in his role as CEO of Glanbia Customised Solutions where he led the development of the global vitamin and mineral premix business.

In 2008, he was appointed CEO of Glanbia’s Performance Nutrition business. During his tenure, GPN has grown from annual revenues of $185 million to $1.7 billion in 2022 and has become the world’s number one sports nutrition business. In this period, the flagship Optimum Nutrition brand has grown revenues by 16% annually to become Glanbia’s first $1 billion brand earlier this year McGuire has been a member of the group’s operating executive since 2013 and previously served on the board from 1 June 2013 until April 2019 McGuire will also be appointed to the corporate development board committee of the company.

Ireland are among the very best in the industry and Aoife will ensure that we continue to provide customers with best-inclass banking services, as well as products and services that enhance their banking experience and long-term financial wellbeing.”

Bank of Ireland’s Retail Ireland division serves consumers across a broad range of segments providing day-to-day services, products, propositions and a financial wellbeing programme tailored to meet customers’ individual needs.

Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland makes key appointments

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI) has appointed Declan McLoughlin and Anne Parle-McDermott to its independent Complaints Committee and Amanda Zahringer as the new chair of the Review Panel.

Declan McLoughlin is the director of Online and Media Codes & Rules, Coimisiún na Meán. He has over 20 years’ experience of media regulation and is currently committed to developing Ireland’s first Online Safety Code along with updating media codes and rules for television, radio and on-demand media services.

Anne Parle-McDermott is professor and principal investigator of the Molecular Genetics Laboratory at Dublin City University She has 30 years of experience working within the science and education university sector in Ireland.

Amanda Zahringer has worked as an international corporate lawyer and ‘Big Six’ law firm partner in London, Madrid and Dublin. She has over 20 years’ experience advising multinational companies on corporate and commercial matters, while cultivating trusted relationships as their strategic advisor

Keeper’s Heart introduces Gerard Garland as global brand ambassador

O’Shaughnessy

Distilling Co (OSDC), the family-owned Minneapolis distillery, has announced Gerard Garland as its global brand ambassador for the award-winning Keeper’s Heart Irish American whiskey

Keeper’s Heart brought its new style of whiskey to Irish shores and stores when it launched here in March this year Led by master distiller (and fellow Irish man) Brian Nation, it brings together the best of Irish

and American whiskeys and techniques in celebration of these two renowned and distinct distilling traditions.

Dublin native Gerard Garland joins the OSDC team with over two decades of experience in the whiskey business, having spent the last nine years working with iconic Irish whiskey brands such as Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Spot Whiskeys, Powers Irish Whiskey and Midleton Very Rare. His role will focus on growing and developing Keepers Heart for the Irish and international market.

Garland was awarded Irish Whiskey Ambassador of the Year at Whisky Magazines

inaugural Icons of Whiskey Ireland Awards in 2017, and again was highly commended in 2020

He then went on to win Global Irish Whiskey Ambassador of the Year at the World Icons of Whisky Awards in London in 2018. He was also the keynote speaker at this year’s Irish Whiskey Awards.

Garland holds a General Certificate in Brewing and Distilling from The Institute of Brewing & Distilling and a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Level 2 Certificate in wines, spirits and other alcoholic beverages. ■

Aoife Leonard

Hugh McGuire

Declan McLoughlin

Anne ParleMcDermott

Amanda Zahringer

Gerard Garland

‘Latte Levy’ lowdown

Retailers are preparing to manage“negative customer feelings” on the‘Latte Levy’ - with calls for government business“supports,” as one cafe owner declares €4-a-cup is too expensive Retail representatives have already warned of the potential loss of up to 4,200 jobs, with feared cafe closures, due to the government-proposed 20c increase on a disposable cup of coffee

Potential backlash

Vincent Jennings, CEO of CSNA, said with the government pushing ahead, strategies had to be implemented for businesses, facing a potential public backlash.

“Hot beverages, including coffee, are an important part of our store offerings,” Jennings said “There’s little doubt that we will need to put in place several measures designed to reduce the negative aspects of this levy.”

When asked what responses could be explored to help customers accept the levy, Jennings told ShelfLife:“Essentially, we’ll have to come up with innovative marketing strategies to combat the possible negative feelings some potential customers may have about buying a coffee, if they haven’t got their own container.”

Effect on viability

Meanwhile Tara Buckley, director general of RGDATA, said the group is“particularly concerned about the impact of a number of government policy proposals on the viability of local community shops”.

“The Late Levy is one such proposal,” Buckley added.“We’d like the government to undertake a proper economic impact assessment of this levy on community shops and on consumer behaviour.

“In our Budget submission we’ve highlighted the cumulative impact of a plethora of government initiatives that will add significantly to the cost of employing staff and running a shop

“Local community shops are already struggling and RGDATA is urging the government to

With a report by the Irish Paper Packaging Circularity Alliance (IPPCA) previously estimating that the proposed 20c ‘Levy Latte’ tax could result in the loss of 4,244 jobs in cafes, Laura Lynott reports on the way forward for the initiative

provide supports to local SME businesses to assist them to deliver on sustainability and de-carbonisation measures.”

Coffee prices

Rob Horgan, who runs Café Velo in Cork city, said he struggled to see a positive way forward for the plan on the ground.

Businesses had already seen a coffee price hike in the last two years, Horgan said He felt if customers are forced to pay up to €4 for a hot drink, as a result of the levy, that just“isn’t sustainable.”

“This is the biggest threat to jobs,” Horgan said. “Coffee bean prices will drop next year but it won’t be passed on to consumers. It will be used to cover some of the costs by cafes,” Horgan added.

Recyclable cups

For many business owners, the government’s plan doesn’t stack up. Horgan said his own cafe and many others had already switched to“fully recyclable” cups 18 months ago.

“We only sell aqueous coated cups for single use, ” he said “These have a special water treatment, rather than a plastic coating. This results in the cup breaking down in landfills, where the majority of single-use cups end up.

“The coffee industry moved ahead of the government with the majority switching to more expensive compostable single-use cups,” the businessman added.

“The government didn’t live up to its side by providing proper composting facilities. This is very frustrating considering we’re in a Green Party coalition.”

The company, which also sells its coffee in Aldi supermarkets, said it had already incurred the“costs and challenges” of moving to the aqueous coated cups

The cups are marketed as being like paper or card products, which break down harmlessly without specialist treatment.

The business owner stated:“When the packaging was ready for consumers, we had to cover the recyclable symbol, rendering it not recyclable, as the State hadn’t signed off on the changes yet, despite the waste companies having the systems in place to recycle it.”

When asked if he could see a way forward for retailers to work with the government on the Latte Levy, he responded:“We need to move together if we want to achieve a meaningful impact on the environmental issues regarding all single-use packaging, not just coffee.”

Horgan is now concerned that more workplaces will provide better“in office coffee” for workers, if takeaway prices go up This could be part of a pushback already taking hold, to reduce costs, he feels.

“One large firm that we supply office coffee to, has just ordered 400 reusable Velo cups for its team,” he said

Timing

Retailers also had no“firm indication” from the government as to when the levy will be imposed, Jennings stated

“There will be significant additional administrative work that needs to be carried out by each participating retailer,” he added.

“We’re aware that there will need to be a lead-in period of at least three months prior to the levy being initiated to allow for registration with Revenue and completion of bank mandates, etc.

“CSNA has expressed a fear that this untested experiment will lead to fewer sales, an outcome that is entirely predictable but which the Department and those advising them were unwilling to consider as a cause for concern

“Furthermore, we're disappointed that neither the Department nor the two Green Party ministers have made provisions for the segregation of compostable cups throughout the various local authority areas.”

Jennings said the industry had“embraced at considerable expense” compostable single-use containers.

Retailers had been“given to understand that it was the correct environmentally friendly response but now learn that we could have saved the time and money expended,” he said

Meanwhile, a Department of Environment, Climate and Communications spokesperson told ShelfLife it is“now working to agree a commencement date for the levy.”

“Once a commencement date has been agreed, at least three months will be provided to allow appropriate preparation to be made, including a comprehensive public awareness campaign, before the levy is applied,” the spokesperson added.

Impact on environment

More than half a million single-use cups are sent to landfill or incineration every day in Ireland and this waste was“entirely avoidable” the spokesperson added.

RGDATA director general Tara Buckley has said the association would “like the government to undertake a proper economic impact assessment of the levy on community shops and on consumer behaviour”

The government wanted to“encourage people to prevent it by enjoying their own on-the-go drink in a reusable cup, ” the spokesperson said

The environmental levy was being rolled out to “incentivise people to choose to reuse and to help reduce single-use waste. ”

Customers who choose to buy their hot drinks in a single-use disposable cup will be“charged the levy at the point of sale,” the spokesperson added.

Customers who buy coffee in their own reusable cups will not be charged an additional 20c fee.

The Department used as an example 25 cafes and 22 hotels in Killarney, Co Kerry, which no longer offer disposable cups - an initiative brought in in July in a move to reduce waste

The spokesperson said:“Single-use cups are not recyclable in Ireland. They are typically made from a composite material which makes them difficult to recycle. These cups are also contaminated by the drink they contain.”

The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) most recent characterisation survey for hotels, restaurants and retail outlets, had found used coffee cups in waste bins, recycling bins and compost bins, demonstrating“the difficulty consumers face when disposing of these cups,” the spokesperson said “Disposable cups also feature prominently in all recent litter surveys. ”

IPPCA report

Research commissioned by the Irish Paper Packaging Circularity Alliance (IPPCA) has previously estimated that the 20c tax could result in the loss of 4,244 jobs in cafes, as customers look to reduce their spend on coffee

The report, carried out by economist Jim Power, stated that enforcing the replacement of disposable cups with reusable ones by 2030, could lead to the

“There’s little doubt that [retailers] will need to put in place several measures designed to reduce the negative aspects of the Latte Levy,” says CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings

industry creating 15 times the amount of plastic waste it currently produces

Businesses remain concerned the 20c levy will merely be passed on to customers and in turn that will impact sales, jobs and then businesses

The Department said it is“government policy” to move“towards achieving a 'circular economy', where resources are re-used or recycled as much as possible and where the generation of waste is minimised.

“The circular economy is an alternative to today’s ‘take-make-waste’ economy, where great quantities of natural resources are extracted to make things that may be used only once or for a short time before being thrown away,”the Department spokesperson said.

The Circular Economy Act was passed last year and under this legislation, levies can be imposed on single-use packaging. But Jim Power’s report states the result of reduced sales and potential business closures could cost the State financially.

The economist added that in realistic circumstances, studies had highlighted that singleuse paper cups had allowed for a major environmental advantage when compared with reusable cups, which had, caused what was claimed, higher greenhouse gas emissions than disposables.

His report noted that the international evidence did not show“compelling” evidence in support of a levy on single-use cups. The economist felt the plan

could cause significant job losses and even some businesses to close, as well as increase carbon emissions and water usage.

The Department said it“is aware” that a report, commissioned by a newly formed alliance representing the Irish paper packaging industry (who will be subject to the levy), was launched recently.

Regulatory Impact Assessment

A Department spokesperson said:“Many of the claims being made in the report relate to the content of the Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA), published by the Department in October 2022.

“This RIA was produced by EnvEcon Decision Support Ltd, as independent third-party analysis and was informed by a comprehensive literature review, two major independent nationally representative surveys and two consultations carried out by the Department.

“The purpose of the RIA was to identify different options to reduce the consumption of single-use cups and to assess the ability of each option to meet this objective, with the levy being recommended as the preferred option.

“All options were assessed, using multi-criteria analysis, against a range of impact categories, including impacts on the environment, competitiveness,

consumers and vulnerable groups, as well as the impact on hot drink demand/sales and use of singleuse and reusable cups

“The option for a levy on disposable cups was found to be the best option. The levy on single-use disposable cups has been developed by the Department on foot of extensive engagement and consultation.” ■

“The coffee industry moved ahead of the government with the majority switching to more expensive compostable single-use cups,” says Rob Horgan, founder of Velo Coffee Roasters

Best practices for retail cash management in 2023

In 2023, business owners will be acutely aware of the significance of cash for maximising business potential. Despite the continued growth of digital payment options, cash remains crucial and here are a few reasons why it continues to retain its importance:

• Lower transaction fees: Credit card processing fees, merchant services charges and transaction related fees all add up, and meaningfully affect tightening margins in business.

• Reduced risk of fraud and chargebacks: Cash provides peace of mind for businesses and consumers alike.

About GSLS:

Established in 2004 GSLS is the longest established, and award-winning provider of cash management services in Ireland. Looking after the cash management requirements of many of Ireland’s leading retailers, hospitality businesses, and major Irish banks, GSLS has extensive experience in delivering cash management solutions to businesses across Ireland.

GSLS takes particular pride in our speed of cash processing and the level of service we provide to our clients from our Dublin-based dedicated customer service team, meaning you always get to speak to a member of our expert team, should you need to Our overall collection/delivery service level is market-leading, at 99.8% on-time collections.

Services include: Cash collections (Cash in Transit), Coin & Note Supply, ATM services, International movements, Smart Safe Solutions.

Talk to a member of our expert team today.

• Wider customer base: It’s important to be aware that not all customers will have access to digital payment forms, so cash is important to be accessible to all your customers.

For consumers, we’re also seeing a growing trend of people favouring using cash to help them to budget and be more conscious about what they are spending day to day, especially given the current cost of living challenges. There is a current #cashstuffing trend on several of the social media platforms

– a new term for an age-old concept of budgeting by managing personal cashflow!

Managing cash

So, what are the considerations for managing cash for retailers in 2023?

For business owners, the effective management of cash is crucial to the smooth running of the business. Considerations include:

• Getting cash into their bank account quickly

• Securely transporting cash to the bank

• Bank fees for lodging and processing cash to their bank account

• Security considerations for staff when transporting cash Cash management solutions are improving all the time to help with all these challenges:

Security

It seems foolhardy for any business owner or manager to be taking the risk of bringing cash to a bank branch themselves. Not only for their personal safety, but indeed in some instances their insurance may not cover them, should they be intercepted. Cash in transit

GSLS outlines how guaranteeing security and peace-of-mind are to the forefront when dealing with retail cash management, as well as saving you valuable time and resources

By partnering with GSLS, a business can save many wasted hours and thus

productivity, by not having to waste time queuing at a bank to lodge cash

The team at GSLS is the secret to delivering exceptional levels of service, which is the foundation for strong, lasting client relationships

Fiacra Nagle CEO GSLS

companies who are fully licenced and accredited will be fully covered in any such instance.

Fees

Some business owners lodge to their bank assuming that they’re saving fees, but there are cash processing fees from the retail banks. As a result, it is 100% worth pricing around, to get some clarity about the fees from a retail bank vs a cash management provider – they are often shocked to find that their bank fees may be higher than the alternatives.

Speed to bank

It is top of mind for every business owner to have access to their cash as quickly as possible after the transaction occurs, so cash processing time is critical for business. What can speed this up is nightshifts handling the cash processing, which has a huge impact on how quickly the cash will be available in the business’ bank account.

Innovation/SmartCash

Furthermore, there are now cash management solutions whereby businesses

The GSLS SmartCash solution uses new Smart Safe technology, which allows a retailer to lodge their daily takings into their smart safe on their premises. The cash is counted, and the amount lodged in the business’ bank account the next day

5 burning questions to ask when researching cash management providers

When businesses are evaluating cash management options available on the market, there are some key questions worth being clear about:

1. Does the cash management provider have a bank account in Ireland?

• If not, this could cause delays in money reaching your business bank account.

2. How quickly will money reach my bank account?

• Does your chosen cash management company process your cash overnight. If not, then time from collection to lodgement to your business bank account can be much longer

3. Can I access my cash reports online?

• Good cash management solutions should be able to ensure you have access to online reporting, giving you real-time access to your cash reports at any time

4. What happens if I have a query?

• You will want to ensure that your provider has an Irish-based customer service team such that any queries will be answered and resolved in a timely manner

5. How do I know if my money is safe? Is your company stable?

• Cash management companies can share with you the measures they take to ensure your cash is safe including insurances, licences, accreditations, trust accounts, length of time serving the Irish market, and their own financial stability Don’t be shy to ask for these assurances, as financial stability is critical to any business that is managing your cash.

can have their cash in their bank account even before it has been collected! That might sound crazy, but it’s a great example of innovation in the cash management sector This SmartCash solution uses new Smart Safe technology This allows a retailer to lodge their daily takings into their smart safe (which is on their own premises). The cash is counted, and the amount is lodged in the business’ bank account the next day. This means the business has daily lodgements into their bank account, while the cash in transit company securely manages the collections in the background.

Time/convenience of lodging cash

With changes in the banking sector there are fewer bank branches than ever, so often businesses are having to drive further, and wait in longer queues at bank branches, to lodge their cash. This is valuable time that business owners or their teams are having to take away from their businesses. By using a cash management company, a business can save many wasted hours and thus increase productivity ■

In a frank conversation exclusively with ShelfLife, Morgan Lee, market manager at Imperial Tobacco John Player, discusses the implications of the upcoming Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill, his views on the need to restrict vaping products to over 18s, the company’s latest innovations within both the combustibles and vaping sectors and much more.

Deciphering the smoke signals

SL: Firstly, can you explain more about the changes that the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2019 will bring for tobacco retailers in Ireland?

ML: The bill is still making its way through the Oireachtas However, we can see that the biggest change will be the introduction of a licensing system for retailers who sell vape and tobacco Retailers who sell tobacco are already registered with the National Tobacco Control Office (NTCO). They are also registered with Revenue for T&T

One wonders why the NTCO Register could not have simply been adapted to accommodate all vape retailers (including both specialist vape stores) and also other stores who sell vapes but not tobacco products. Saying that, I think there is merit in bringing order to the vape retail market We are all aware of‘irregular retail channels’ where vape products are sold I am not convinced that these retailers have the same sense of duty to selling a compliant product which is for adult smokers and vapers as traditional tobacco retailers would have While this bill will make it illegal for vapes to be sold to under 18s, Imperial and the majority of vape retailers have behaved as if it was already the law

and that is the right thing to do

The vape category in Ireland has grown significantly since covid, particularly the disposable vape sector. Separate to this bill, I think the government should explore applying excise to vape products. This would empower the state to monitor and control movement of vape products into the country and would enhance enforcement.

SL: How will John Player help retailers to navigate these changes?

ML: At Imperial Tobacco John Player, we have a very strong engagement programme with our retailers. We aim to stay at the forefront of all nicotine related matters and bring our retailers on the regulation journey through ongoing training of our retail development representatives as well as following the close guidance of our corporate and legal affairs team It is important that both retailers and ourselves understand and comply with all regulations to ensure full compliance across the market

SL: With regard to the bill’s intention to prohibit the sale of nicotine inhaling products to anyone under 18 years, what are your views on this?

ML: I really don’t understand why this wasn’t done years ago. Surely, a simple amendment to the Tobacco Acts to include vape products alongside the legal prohibition on sale of tobacco to under 18s could have been done back in 2015.

I think there may only be one or two other European countries that don’t have the age 18 limit in place for retail sale of nicotine inhaling products. Notwithstanding that, John Player has always clearly communicated on our consumer packaging, on our POS and to our trade partners that our vape products should only ever be marketed and sold to over 18s. We are proud supporters of Show Me ID in Ireland and encourage all retailers to get involved in the programme which helps retailers prevent underage sales of adult restricted products.

SL: According to the World Health Organisation, there are 16,000 different flavours of vapes, including bubblegum and“gummy bears”. Some critics have argued that flavours of this nature are geared towards attracting minors – how would you respond to this?

ML: There is no such flavour as“gummy bears”or bubblegum. I don’t believe any adult would opt to purchase such flavoured vapes. These names are irresponsible, and they should not be permitted. Retailers should also consider if they are comfortable selling such vapes.Vape flavour names should be factual – like Blu Bar Kiwi Passionfruit Call it what it is We mustn’t forget that flavours are important to transition adult smokers to vape products which are a potentially less harmful alternative to traditional tobacco products. This idea that adults don’t have tastebuds or like flavours is ridiculous We can see in other adult focused consumer categories such as premium ice creams that flavours are important. Gin comes in a range of fruit flavours. Even Nicotine Replacement Products (NRTs) have a range of flavours.

People may not be aware but all suppliers of vape products must notify the authorities, six months in advance, of what brands they intend to place on the

market. This notification must include descriptors such as flavour names. Therefore, the HSE is aware, six months in advance, if any child-focused flavour name vapes are intended to be legitimately placed on the market

Shouldn’t the HSE put in place a system where they can object or reject a flavour name or descriptor that they believe is attractive to minors? As long as the flavour name is factually based on the flavour, it should be permitted There is no reason why Ireland could not be the first country in the EU to introduce such a restriction.

SL: According to government sources, there are concerns vaping is a gateway to smoking, with a study by the Health Research Board finding that children who vaped were five times more likely to start smoking*. How would you respond to this?

ML: I have not seen the details of that study, but I am aware of a recent Action on Smoking and Health UK (ASH) report which found that youth uptake of vape products is largely confined to those who currently or previously smoked, with over 92% of 11–17-year-olds who were never smokers never using an e-cigarette or being unaware of them.

The fact of the matter is nobody under 18 should smoke or vape – full stop. I have two teenagers and my wife and I do not want them to smoke or vape. We don’t want them to drink alcohol either. Our two are

“At John Player, we have tried to remove all hierarchy from our business to really get the best out of every individual,”

says Morgan Lee

I’m a farmer’s son from the midlands, and certainly one of the main attributes that my parents instilled in me from when I was very young was a work ethic. I remember tilling fields, drawing straw and hay, feeding calves and generally working on the farm from a very young age so to say that my two older brothers and I understood the value of hard work from an early age would be an understatement.

very clear of our views on these red line issues. ey have plenty of time when they are adults to make informed choices.

SL: How have you continued to create NPD within the vaping category to stand out from competitors?

ML: As a global business, we constantly monitor consumer behavior and trends. One of our key behaviors as a business is to always “start with the consumer” and it is this behavior that ensures we can remain at the forefront of our consumers’ needs. If we believe that there is a gap or opportunity in the market, we review, generate feedback and act based on that feedback. Our most recent example is Blu Bar which was launched with the consumer in mind following much feedback from the trade that the current products are not meeting all consumer needs. We have very much focused on the quality and long-lasting avour with Blu Bar which sets us apart from our competitors.

SL: Within combustibles, how has John Player continued to innovate to meet the latest consumer trends?

ML: In late August last year, we launched JPS Gold, our best ever smooth blend. e smooth sector is not one which we played in over the past number and, based on consumer feedback, we knew that the market was open to a new smooth avour in the value for money sector. So far, this launch has been hugely successful and we have achieved almost 2% market

John Player believes vape flavour names should be factual, such as the Blu Bar Kiwi Passionfruit: “Call it what it is,” says Morgan Lee

One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my career is to treat everyone with respect. At John Player, we have tried to remove all hierarchy from our business to really get the best out of every individual, creating a safe environment for everyone to work in, where everyone’s contribution counts equally.

share in the value for money sector in a very short space of time. In addition, JPS Gold also now has a new Fresh Lock feature designed to keep the individual cigarettes fresher for longer.

SL: What are the best-selling products within the combustibles portfolio; what sales and market share have they achieved and what are the factors behind these results?

ML: We have a number of key selling lines within the business. Obviously at the moment we are focused on making Blu Bar, our disposable vape o ering, the most successful vape brand in Ireland.

In JPS we have a global brand that is Ireland’s fastest growing value for money brand. We have seen excellent growth over the past 12 months with JPS Gold in particular, delivering the levels of incremental growth that makes JPS such a great brand. JPS has in fact become our largest brand as a business and it is one that I am particularly proud of since its launch in 2009. We currently have a total market share of 13.5% and it continues to grow.

John Player Blue is another of our core brands with a market share of 8.1%. In the premium sector, a sector that is under pressure at the moment, we have held our market share position really well over the past number of years. John Player Blue is one of our agship brands that continually resonates with the Irish adult consumer, and we hold the heritage of the brand very dear.

SL: How has your career background helped you within your current position today at John Player?

ML: I’m a farmer’s son from the midlands, and certainly one of the main attributes that my parents instilled in me from when I was very young was a work ethic. I remember tilling elds, drawing straw and hay, feeding calves and generally working on the farm from a very young age so to say that my two older brothers and I understood the value of hard work from an early age would be an understatement. My parents are incredibly supportive and created a really supportive environment for us to grow up in, so it is probably this trait, along with my work ethic, that I have carried throughout my career. ey are two core values that I continue to instill in my own two children, Tadhg and Aoife, as well as across the entire John Player team.

John Player believes vape flavour names should be factual, such as the Blu Bar Kiwi Passionfruit: “Call it what it is,” says Morgan Lee

SL: What would you say is the most important insight you have learnt throughout your career?

ML: One of the most important lessons I have learned throughout my career is to treat everyone with

respect. At John Player, we have tried to remove all hierarchy from our business to really get the best out of every individual, creating a safe environment for everyone to work in where everyone’s contribution counts equally. is cannot be done without respecting everyone’s opinions and perspectives and I believe that this has helped to make us the positive, proactive business that we are today.

SL: How would you describe your management style?

ML: I’m pretty open. I have been told in the past that I can be a bit impulsive, but I generally like to allow people to get on with their roles and check in from time to time in case any support is needed.

I don’t believe in hierarchies, and we have a very “open door” policy in John Player which is common across Imperial Brands, our parent company. I believe one of the most powerful tools we have at our disposal is to create a coaching ethos in the business to allow individuals identify their own best solution to an issue or a problem.

SL: What is your greatest career achievement to date?

ML: Without doubt it is a great honour to lead John Player as Ireland market manager, having started in the business as a sales rep in 2005. My journey has been hugely rewarding and I continue to learn every day either within our own business or from our trade partners.

SL: How are you continuing to deliver margin for retailers despite the challenges of today’s market?

ML: We understand the needs of our retailers and one of their core needs is margin. We work very closely with our retailers and all of the head o ces to ensure that we o er extremely competitive margins for all of our products”.

SL: Finally, what are your targets for sales/growth over the next year?

ML: Like every FMCG business we have growth targets every year. We have a very strong business in Ireland and are a very clear number two in the market. Each year we set our goals and align our strategy behind that. It’s a very competitive marketplace and one in which we clearly enjoy the challenge. ■

*(Source: Irish Government planning to ban vapes being sold to teens within months - Irish Mirror Online)

Lions isn’t marketing

month, our columnist Colin Gordon is off (metaphorically speaking!) to the glamourous, sun-drenched world of Cannes Lions where he shares his thoughts on the learnings (or perhaps lack thereof) that marketers can take from these international marketing awards

There I was the other evening, on a rainy day in summer, channel surfing when a programme title caught my attention. I’m not sure I’ve ever watched more than a few minutes of CNBC but the title of a show that popped up as I zapped through the 500s was intriguing:

“Marketing Media Money”

I can’t recall the presenter’s name, but I do remember it was broadcast on Sunday, 23 July (I wrote it down along with a few notes as my interest was piqued). When you link that date with the title of the show, it gives you a clue as to the jist of the content.

Movers and shakers

The show was set in Cannes where the 70th anniversary of Cannes Lions was being marked There was lots of talk of the“$800bn pa ” marketing spend and lots of wide shots of big boats with parties on their decks and loads of folk strolling around in smart white

gear. All very premium and glam. There were also several interviews with opinion makers/ leaders and lots of shots of celebrations and display stands. A lot of talk about AI - a required item for all serious interviewers to bring up Loads of stuff indeed about“marketing”. Except it wasn’t! It was about advertising and communication: the $800bn pa is apparently an estimate of media spend (including I assume digital media) and costs associated with the media spend.

Strict criteria

As regular readers of this column will know, I am very strict on what marketers should be doing because of what marketing is. The $800bn does not include packaging, internal marketing, sponsorship, innovation, sampling, dealing with customer or consumer complaints,

a little galling to see all this money being thrown around at such events as Lions with all the attention being directed towards such a narrow part of the marketing mix, and all the agencies swanning around as if they’re the owners of the spend.”

to name just a few activities that are or should be housed in the marketing process (it may not even be a marketing department or, save me, a marketing function!).

It’s a little galling to see all this money being thrown around at such events as Lions with all the attention being directed towards such a narrow part of the marketing mix, and all the agencies swanning around as if they’re the owners of the spend.

Avoid narrow thinking

The fact that CNBC (“CNBC is the world leader in business news”) takes this trope so easily is a matter for a different column and probably a different columnist. What’s relevant here as it has been throughout my writing of this column, is an insight for people who are interested in marketing or who work with it to help shape businesses. Instead of getting sucked into the same trite and narrow thinking, we should all work hard to have marketing seen as much more than“ads and stuff”. Keep up the good fight! ■

‘Marketing is in trouble: How we got here and 10 steps to get us out’ by Colin Gordon is now available to purchase, published by Orpen Press. To get your hands on a copy, visit the following:

www.orpenpress.com

This

COLIN GORDON Marketing expert

“It’s

Improving payment processes

BOI Payment Acceptance (BOIPA) Case Study:

The journey of Steve’s Daybreak shop toward improved payment processes

Steve’s Daybreak shop is a thriving convenience store nestled in the heart of Newbridge’s Main Street. With a commitment to providing easy access to a wide range of grocery items, quality wines, and a bustling deli, it has served the local community diligently for over a decade Serving as the cornerstone for daily needs, Stephen Clayton, the owner, has committed over 12 years to the growth and prosperity of this community convenience store.

Problems with previous payment providers

Stephen previously relied on another provider for payment processing, but it turned out to be a less than satisfying experience. A key frustration was poor customer service, particularly outside normal business hours. “There were a couple of times when I rang and they were of no help whatsoever,” Stephen recalls. Additionally, Stephen found the overall cost model wasn’t competitive, leading Stephen to consider an alternative that would offer both reliability and better value

A new solution backed by trust, improved customer service and integrated payments

BOI Payment Acceptance (BOIPA) appeared as a promising alternative. As a long-standing customer of the Bank of Ireland, Stephen was very interested in what they could offer The decision to switch was made easier because of the inherent trust he had in the bank. Implementation was seamless. “They came in and set everything up The terminals worked fine from the start. It was very straightforward,” Stephen recalls. The initial process was free of complications, providing a frictionless transition to the new system.

Once up and running the reliability of BOIPA soon stood out as a key advantage

The frustration previously experienced when payment terminals failed was eliminated, thanks to the readily available and efficient support provided by BOIPA. The support team’s readiness to go above and beyond to resolve any issues offered a significant improvement from their previous payment provider

As a busy convenience store, Steve’s Daybreak Shop found another opportunity to enhance its services through the integration of the BOIPA payment system with Western ePOS, a leading point of sale system (ePOS).

It marked a significant transition in Stephen’s business, offering a solution that would both automate the payment process and minimise opportunity for human error

Integrating the card payment terminal with the ePOS system eliminated the need for manually inputting the payment amount on both the ePOS and the card terminal, thereby removing potential for keying errors that could occur in the process. Introducing integrated payments ensured that the exact amount indicated on the till would be

transferred to the card terminal every time, effectively eradicating human error which in turn resulted in less administration overhead in reconciling payments at end of day.

Adopting cutting edge payment technology is a testament to Stephen’s commitment to continuously enhance his store’s operations, optimising customer experience while embracing the shift to digital payment methods being more widely adopted in the retail industry

Reliability vital in today’s digital world

Stephen attests to the increasing importance of card transactions as cash usage dwindles, making the reliability of BOIPA even more essential. He notes, “Having someone reliable is very important now because it looks like cash transactions are dwindling away.”

In terms of costs, Stephen has found that card payments are proving to be cheaper than lodging cash through the bank, contributing to lower financial overheads and improved administrative efficiencies.

Navigating shift to increased card transactions

Stephen enthusiastically recommends BOIPA. He is certain that the value derived from their services is significant. “The number one thing with payment acceptance providers is you want someone reliable, someone you can trust, I think that’s more important than anything else,” he concludes.

Conclusion

With BOIPA, Steve’s Daybreak shop has managed to improve its payment processes, making it more efficient and reliable, contributing to a better experience for the customers and aiding the store’s success in the digital payments era. ■

Baby on board!

With

situation

This summer we planned out our childcare for my eight-year-old – it was like a military operation; involving spreadsheets, booking summer camps (these can be harder to secure than Taylor Swift tickets!), carpool agreements with neighbours, and roping in of grandparents to make up the difference It was going to be a balancing act, but we were confident we had it covered and my kiddo would likely be a football star by the end of it. (Based on the number of hours he would be playing and the amount of money we were spending anyway!)

The first day of the first camp started with thunderstorms and a cancelled camp. Thankfully Nana was happy to help, and we figured it was a once-off. Day two, he fractured his wrist. After the doctor explained it was four to six weeks of downtime, my devastated son asked in the car – what about football camp? GAA camp? Golf camp?

Hurling camp? Athletics camp?

“What indeed!” I thought!

We went back to the spreadsheets, back to the grandparents, and back to our bosses. We both shifted our summer to add a little working from home and within a few hours - problem solved

Working in retail

It made me think, though – what if I was still working in retail?

Working from home would not have been an option. What if we both were? What about the 300,000 people working in retail in Ireland this summer? How many of them have kids? What do they do on thundery days or when an arm gets fractured, or a chickenpox appears?

In a recent survey conducted by Excel Recruitment, it was found that six in 10 workers feel the cost of childcare is unaffordable. The survey also found that 58% of couples with children said their partner had to give up work due to the cost of childcare – and in 62% of these cases, the person that left the workforce was female.

My three-year-old daughter is in a wonderful creche – they love her, she loves them, they paint, dance, go to the beach, the park, and plenty more It’s expensive, like a second mortgage expensive, but they have early drop-off and late collection. However, it still means that one of us does a later shift so we can drop off – and the other does an earlier shift to be back in time for collection. If one of us worked in retail, I can’t help but wonder how we would manage. How do single parents, working in retail or hospitality juggle it all? How do they find childcare at the weekend? In evenings? On Christmas Eve? New Year’s Eve?

NIKKI MURRAN Director, Grocery Retail Recruitment, Excel Recruitment www.excelrecruitment.com

the summer holidays upon us, Excel Recruitment’s Nikki Murran reflects on the realities of juggling childcare while working in retail and looks at what the government could do to help parents and carers in this

All these peak trading days?

With a continued staffing crisis, and Ireland reaching its lowest level of unemployment in 20 years, it’s imperative that all is done to ensure those willing to work are given the opportunities to do so. But with the current cost of childcare and the lack of childcare outside office hours, we are blocking a large cohort of available talent from the retail sector

Role of government

The government should do more, it should fall to them to make childcare more affordable, give better support to childcare providers, incentivize more flexibility from employers, and look for more novel approaches to combat this issue.

However, the government moves slowly, and the staffing crisis is upon us now, so it falls to retailers to look for workarounds. In recent months, more and more of my clients are adjusting their hiring

practice to welcome part-time staff for full-time roles. I have placed a handful of deli managers working four days, an assistant manager who needs Wednesday nights and Thursday mornings off while his partner (a nurse) does her long shift, and a store manager who needs most Saturdays off as he coaches his daughter’s GAA team These candidates would have been unplaceable a couple of years ago, during a time when retailers were demanding full flexibility from employees. But the time has arrived where it is now employees demanding this flexibility from employers!

Store rota

The main tool retailers have in their arsenal to tackle this issue is their store rota What is working for many retailers is doing the rota weeks in advance, rather than just for the following week – often this extra notice is enough for parents to adjust childcare needs. I’ve also

heard of successes with partnering, particularly in local stores – where a role is divided between two staff members – both with kids in the same school. Here, they split their job, and both worked a three-day week – covering the store for six days rather than five and they minded each other’s kids on the respective days off – it was a winwin for all.

From the feedback we have

gotten from retailers making these adjustments – the best advice on offer seems to be open-mindedness – ruling nothing out and spending just a little longer on the scheduling and giving staff more input into the rota from the outset. These tweaks may cost a little time each week, but ultimately may result in a more dedicated, loyal workforce: seems a worthwhile trade to me! ■

“What about the 300,000 people working in retail in Ireland this summer? How many of them have kids? What do they do on thundery days or when an arm gets fractured, or a chickenpox appears?”

Right to leave for medical purposes

Under the new Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023, parents and carers are now entitled to a new right of unpaid leave for medical purposes. Here, The HR Suite’s Caroline Reidy outlines what the new legislation means for both employers and employees

The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act has been introduced as part of a wider EU commitment towards stronger diversity and inclusion initiatives in the workplace. Some provisions of the new legislation are adopting EU directives, while others are refreshing Irish policies around family leave and remote/hybrid working.

Under the new legislation, parents and carers are now entitled to a new right of unpaid leave for medical purposes. The provisions relating to leave for medical purposes were introduced on 3 July this year under The Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023. The purpose of this new legislation is to create a better work-life balance and to ensure that employees feel supported and have an improved quality of family and work life This new leave is certainly welcome and hugely important in making it easier for employees to combine their personal and professional lives. The legislation gives employees an entitlement to five days of unpaid leave per year for medical care purposes.

Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth, Roderic O’Gorman on announcing the commencement date said:“The Work Life Balance Act is about helping make sure that our work lives reflect the reality of our personal lives, particularly for

parents and carers. The new right to leave for medical care purposes will give parents and carers access to a flexible short-term form of unpaid leave, providing certainty at difficult moments, should they need it.”

Entitlement criteria

An employee is entitled to leave without pay from his or her employment for the purposes of providing personal care or support to a person who is in need of significant care or support for a serious medical reason This person must be:

• a person of whom the employee is the relevant parent

• the spouse or civil partner of the employee

• the cohabitant of the employee

• a parent or grandparent of the employee

• a brother or sister of the employee

• a person (other than one specified in the above) who resides in the same household as the employee

No service requirement is required to avail of this leave for medical care purposes. However, it will only be granted in cases where the employee needs to provide personal care and/or support to a family member or person they live with that requires significant care and or support for a serious, medical-related reason.

In the case where an employee

takes only part of a working day as leave for medical care purposes, this shall be considered one full day of their entitlement. This leave does not need to be taken all at once and can be taken as single or multiple days

Request in writing

The employee must request such leave in writing to their employer as soon as is reasonably practicable

The written request should outline the following:

• The date of commencement and return to work date

• Facts that entitle the employee to leave for medical care purposes i.e., medical certificate outlining the need for significant care and/or support as a result of a serious medical issue.

• The written request should be signed by the employee concerned.

• The employer must provide the employee with the written acknowledgment of same, which the employee must in turn retain.

Continuous employment

The period of your leave in relation to medical care purposes will count as continuous employment for the purposes of calculating legal and company benefits. Employers are entitled to request evidence as to

or email info@thehrsuite.com

an employee’s relationship with the person for whom they take leave for medical care purposes and the nature of the care or support that is required. The employer must keep a copy of this notice and provide a written acknowledgment to the employee upon receipt of such notice Employees who avail of the leave for medical purposes will be treated as if they are still in work. The following applies:

• Employees must return to work in the job they held immediately before they started the leave

• Must not be victimised for taking or asking to take leave for medical care

• Must not be dismissed for taking or asking to take the leave

• By taking this leave it will not affect continuous service

For employees who are on probation, their employer can suspend their probation, training or apprenticeship for the period that they are on leave for medical care It is also important to note that unpaid leave for medical purposes is different to Force Majeure leave, which is paid leave for an urgent family matter Employers will need to familiarise themselves with these new rights so that they are equipped to deal with requests as they arise. ■

The new legislation gives employees an entitlement to five days of unpaid leave per year for medical care purposes

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH JANICE GIBNEY chief operations officer, Stonehouse Marketing Ltd.

1. Best series you recently watched on a streaming platform? Killing Eve.

2. Best place for coffee? Timbertrove Café.

3. Top movie recommendation? The Shawshank Redemption.

4. Top spot for a walk? Cruagh Wood.

5. Top book recommendation? Don’t Sleep There are Snakes.

6. Which social media platform do you use most? Facebook.

7. Favorite influencer/content creator if you have one? Jordan Peterson.

8. Best ad on telly? Rockshore.

9. Favourite grocery shop? SuperValu Knocklyon (ex Superquinn).

10. Your favourite dish to make at home? Carbonara.

11. First thing you would do if you were Taoiseach? Full financial audit of the HSE.

12. If you had to live in another country, where would you choose? Australia.

13. Greatest achievement to date? Securing my degree while working full-time as a single parent.

14. Best piece of advice you ever received?

I have two: Listen / Know your worth.

15. Biggest fear? Wasps.

16. Do you prefer working from home or in the office/on-site? Mix of both.

17. City or beach break? Beach.

18. Top restaurant recommendation? Donnelly’s of Barna.

19. Who is the last artist/group you saw live? Depeche Mode.

20. Best customer service you ever received? Liberty Insurance. ■

Janice Gibney

Shopper Intelligence: Key changes in grocery shopping behaviour

It held on into 2022, but the bump we saw in grocery shopper satisfaction during Covid is now well and truly over – and it’s not just us here in Ireland. In the 11 markets Shopper Intelligence measures, satisfaction is down across the board. The reasons behind the drop are more nuanced than expected though – yes, price is a big drag, but availability and ease of shop are also at the forefront of shoppers’ minds and pulling scores down.

To cope, grocery shoppers are becoming more organised and more loyal to retailers. There are other green shoots too – shoppers are engaging more in-store (especially with innovation), and increasingly want to browse and enjoy their shopping trip That’s all in a wider context of blurring of lines between the core multiples and the discounters in terms of price positioning.

Here is Shopper Intelligence’s roundup of the key changes in Irish grocery shopping behaviour in this year’s data. How many are resonating in your category?

Price, price, price

When we first started digging into this year’s data, we thought price satisfaction was surely the driver of declining satisfaction (remembering the context of overwhelming media chatter about inflation, and fluctuating commodity pricing). It is certainly back, -6% at a total market level. Offers satisfaction performs slightly better at -3%, but EDLP (everyday, fixed low price) satisfaction is -6%, and interestingly, “identify value” was the hardest hit, -8%. Shoppers are finding it trickier to navigate price points at the fixture, to compare them and understand quickly where they can get good value in the aisle

Shoppers are also becoming more forensically tuned into these different elements of price: importance scores on offers, EDLP and “identify value” are all up Our “price beacon” metric – whether a shopper uses a particular category to make a generalisation about whether the retailer is good value at a total store level – is up across most categories. So, shoppers are considering a wider repertoire of categories when trying to assess where they can get the best value Top of the list of “price beacons” isn’t actually the core basket staples like milk and bread… it’s baby categories and beers, wine and spirits – bigger

ticket items where shoppers perhaps feel there’s more scope to save by choosing a retailer wisely

In this context, promotions are more important than ever They’re a stronger traffic and spend driver this year, and interestingly, reported percentage sold on deal is up a whopping +11% (top categories where shoppers say they bought on a promotion are boxed chocolates / twistwraps, shower gel, stone fruit and baby milk / baby food). The year-on-year movement in reported percentage sold on deal likely doesn’t reflect a change of that magnitude in actual promotional volume in the market, but reveals that shoppers are more conscious this year of when they are buying on promotion, i.e., they remember doing so This could be due to different promotional mechanics in the market, but also likely is part of the wider trend of shoppers tuning into price in detail.

Execution satisfaction suffers

But it’s not just about price. Execution scores (the combination of scores on navigation, layout, availability and enjoyment of shopping) have actually dropped more than price, -7% year on year at a total grocery market level. Availability stands out as the key drag, back -10%. Availability challenges can mean other ease of shop related metrics suffer, like navigation (finding the category instore, back -9%), layout (also -9%), and even “identify value” (mentioned above, -8%). The whole shopping trip gets trickier if there are gaps on shelf, and we can see shoppers picking up on that in the data.

If a shopper can’t get what they wanted to buy, 29% will switch brand (32% last year), 24% will switch pack size or type, and 47% will walk away (15% buying another category, 12% going to another store, 11% delaying their purchase

With the bump observed in grocery shopper satisfaction during the pandemic having since dissipated, Caroline Reid, head of Client Services at Shopper Intelligence Ireland, takes a nuanced look at the factors behind this dip and the strategies retailers can deploy to bolster their customer satisfaction levels

Caroline Reid at Shoppers Intelligence Ireland reports customers are becoming more organised in their shopping: more categories are flagged as a “main reason to go shopping” (+17% vs last year)

CAROLINE REID

Head of Client Services, Shopper Intelligence Ireland

until their next trip, and 9% buying nothing at all). Top categories where shoppers will buy nothing if they can’t get what they wanted are cream liqueur, pies / pastries / quiches, smoothies, baby wipes and single serve soft drinks.

Shopper response

How is shopper behaviour pre-store and in-store changing, in the context of declining satisfaction with price and availability? We’re seeing shoppers becoming more organised in their shopping: more categories are flagged as a “main reason to go shopping” (+17% vs last year indicating there are perhaps more items getting on the list), and pre-store promotions are increasingly a traffic driver into store and acting as a trigger of purchase

So, we’re doing a lot of homework before a shopping trip figuring out where we can get the best value! Maybe because we’ve put in that time, we’re also seeing retailer loyalty on the rise In 2019 just less than 50% of our respondents told us they do “most of their shopping” in the retailer they’re answering about – in 2023, it was almost 60%.

Shoppers are also planning their shop with more specific occasions in mind. In last year’s data, 30% of shoppers mentioned “general stocking up” as one of the occasions they were buying for, and 30% mentioned “snacking”. This year the scores are 21% and 22% respectively (“stocking up” scores are lower now even when compared to pre-Covid). Conversely, “breakfast at home”, “breakfast out of home”, “lunch at work” and “kid’s tea / lunchbox” increase Shoppers are perhaps planning their meals more to get the most out of their shop

Shoppers still want to engage

Despite falling price and execution satisfaction, shoppers haven’t discounted other elements of the shopping trip We ask shoppers what they’d like to see improved about a category (more innovation, easier layout, more theatre and signage, different pack types), and “no improvement needed” is back -7% year on year; in itself, a sign of engagement… shoppers have feedback!

“More innovation” is consistently the number one ask from shoppers in our data, and this year the proportion of shoppers asking for more innovation grows again (+4%). Innovation also comes through as a strong spend driver (+5%), i.e., a greater proportion of shoppers say they are willing to spend more to “try new and different”. This year, innovation overtakes premium as a compelling reason for shoppers to spend more. Top categories where shoppers ask for more innovation as smoothies, free from bread, chilled vegetarian food, chilled

soup and frozen ready meals.

Shoppers can also still be engaged instore Browsing levels are up, not driven particularly by shoppers wanting to compare offers or get the best deal, but by interest / wanting to enjoy the shopping trip Mexican cuisine, jams / spreads, speciality wrapped bread, single serve soft drinks and female facial care are the top categories where shoppers want to browse because they’re interested.

Interestingly, “I buy this category because I feel like it” is also up, +5% - so despite price sensitivity and pre-planning, there’s an element of impulsivity and engagement coming through still. Expandability (when purchasing more volume leads to more consumption, not stock piling) is also up, +9%. Maybe we are happy to get a good deal and will flex our consumption to fit where we can get value

Blurring of lines between channels

Finally, one of the most interesting trends in the data was a blurring of lines between the

channels. In previous years, the gap between the core three multiples (Dunnes Stores, SuperValu and Tesco) and the discounters (Aldi and Lidl) in terms of price satisfaction was 18 ppts, but the gap has narrowed to 9 ppt this year Shoppers see the channels are more similar in terms of the value they’re delivering this year This is true across general price perceptions and fixed low price / EDLP

At the same time, the gap in satisfaction with premium is also shrinking – this time, the discounters are gaining on the multiples, with a satisfaction gap of 11 ppt last year and 8 ppt this year What each channel stands for is becoming less distinct to shoppers.

Do you see these trends reflected in your category – or in your own shopping behaviour? As we move through the latter half of 2023, Shopper Intelligence is back in-field generating shopper feedback to see how these trends are evolving – we look forward to sharing more with you soon! ■

Shoppers are also becoming more forensically tuned into these different elements of price: importance scores on offers, EDLP and “identify value” are all up.”

Shopper Intelligence is a syndicated shopper research programme covering 153 categories in the store. 2023 results are based off a sample of over 37,000 Irish shoppers, collected between Q4 2022 and Q1 2023. Shoppers answer an online survey about a purchase of a specific category in a specific retailer in the last one to three days The survey focusses on the “how” and the “why” of the purchase: pre-store and instore behaviour, drivers of traffic and spend, what’s most important to shoppers and how satisfied they are. For data and insight specific to your category or channel, contact; Caroline Reid (Head of Client Services, Shopper Intelligence Ireland) caroline.reid@shopperintelligence.com.

“Despite falling price and execution satisfaction, shoppers haven’t discounted other elements of the shopping trip. We ask shoppers what they’d like to see improved about a category and “no improvement needed” is back -7% year on year; in itself, a sign of engagement… shoppers have feedback!”

Symbol satisfaction

For retailers, deciding which symbol group to partner up with can be a complicated decision, encompassing a range of factors influenced by the needs of their local community. Here we take a detailed look at Ireland’s leading symbol group brands to learn more about what each group can offer independent retailers

Ireland’s convenience sector is internationally renowned for its forward-thinking innovation and world-class standards; factors which the judges of ShelfLife’s annual Convenience Store of the Year Awards observe every year right across every corner of Ireland.

As ShelfLife publisher John McDonald commented at the latest 2022 awards ceremony: “Once again, our judges were extremely impressed with the calibre of entrants across the country All the winners

should be extremely proud of themselves, their teams and the levels of service offered. It is this professionalism which has led to Ireland’s convenience store being viewed on an international stage as the standard to which others aspire.”

This international reputation was recently neatly demonstrated once again when the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA) provided a guided tour to a number of members’ stores to retailers

visiting from Europe The trip took place under the aegis of the European Federation of Tobacco Retailers; an organisation based in Brussels that is funded entirely by retailers from eight countries in the European Union.

CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings commented following the visit: “The Irish convenience sector can more than hold its own in any company throughout the world in terms of innovation, standards, marketing and merchandising and was able to prove it once again.”

Navigating challenges

Of course, Ireland’s symbol groups play a crucial role through working in partnership with dedicated independent retailers to drive this high standard. The support of symbol group partners has become even more important during the past year, as retailers battled against rising energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis. Indeed, in September of last year, a member survey by RGDATA, the representative body for 3,500 independent food shops, found that essential food retailers were reporting “the most stressful period ever in business” with energy price hikes of up to 400% since January 2022.

At the time, RGDATA director general, Tara Buckley noted: “The RGDATA survey indicates that retailers are experiencing an energy nightmare on every street and town in Ireland. The rates of increased electricity prices being imposed on food retailers are shocking and cannot be sustained. These shops, which are significant local employers and are a core part of the local community infrastructure throughout Ireland, cannot sustain electricity price increases of up to 400% in some instances.

“Electricity is an essential power source for food retailers – fridges, storage, light and heat are all core components for a shop and there is very limited potential for retailers to reduce their existing power consumption,” Buckley added. “While energy efficiency and demand management measures can make a difference, these are longer term solutions and often require complex retrofitting.”

Cost-of-living impacts

As outlined within these pages, Ireland’s leading symbol groups played a key role in helping retailers to cope during this challenging period. Symbol group support has also proved vital in helping retailers to navigate the impacts of the cost-of-living crisis. Indeed, the latest research by Kantar showed that take home grocery sales in Ireland increased by 9.6% in the four weeks to 9 July 2023 as the average price per pack increased by 11.1%. Shoppers visited stores more often making on average one additional trip compared to the same period last year Although value sales are up grocery price inflation is the real driving factor behind this rather than increased purchasing. Grocery inflation rose by 14.7% in the 12 weeks to 9 July, but was down from last month’s 15.8%, and a new low this year

“This is the second month in a row there has been a drop in inflation, which is welcome news for shoppers. Although the rate is still high, with just a 1% drop since January we expect to see further gradual decline over the coming months. The average annual increase to household spending over the past 12 months has actually been €427,” said Emer Healy, business development director at Kantar

“While shoppers are returning to store more often, they are picking up less volume per trip,” she added. Shopper engagement in helping to drive spend has subsequently become ever-more important and once again, symbol group partners have worked hard in partnership with independent retailers to ensure they deliver a compelling proposition across all types of store formats; tailored to

Daniel O’Connell

Foreword

By Daniel O’Connell, retail director, BWG Foods

The retail symbol brands in BWG Foods of Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL continue to grow in store numbers, market share and sales per store. Within the group we are very proud to be serving the largest number of independent retailers on the Island.

In BWG Foods, we continue to invest heavily in developing each brand’s unique brand identity, store image, retailer supports and individual exciting marketing strategies to attract shoppers. Our multi-brand strategy allows the business to grow each brand independently, supported by dedicated Sales and Marketing teams.

The scale of the group and our shared resources allows each Brand Management team to leverage best in class IT resources, Retail Store Development expertise and a multitemperature supply chain to drive the sales and profit performance of each store.

A continuous focus and goal for all of us in BWG Foods is for our brands to be the most profitable symbol brands for independent retailers in the Irish market. Through our focus on providing value for retailers, our efficient and flexible supply chain, the continued growth of our number of retailer supports and our award-winning store designs, we will continue to grow both the sales and margin for retailers.

the needs of that specific area’s demographic and the priorities of each local community

Own label and Irish brands

One element within this carefully considered mix is the provision of own label ranges. According to Kantar’s latest data to 9 July, the Irish market continues to see stronger own label growth (13.3%) compared to brands (7.6%) as shoppers look to save money. Value own label saw the strongest growth year-onyear at 26.3% with shoppers spending €14.2m more on these ranges.

Likewise symbol groups are important partners in helping independent retailers to support Irish producers and brands. Kantar’s latest Brand Footprint report found that Irish shoppers value home-grown brands, with four out of the top five most chosen brands being Irish. In fact, the average Irish household buys 81 different food and drink brands in a year, showing just how important brands are for Irish consumers.

To get to grips with exactly what each symbol group can offer to independent retailers, we asked senior figures within each group the following questions:

• What new ideas and concepts have you delivered for retailers in the past year that have enabled them to attract and retain more customers?

• How would you describe the core ethos of your brand and how are you delivering on this in tangible terms for your retailers?

• How significantly has your brand continued to grow in the past year? How have your marketing and sponsorship programmes connected with the public and driven brand awareness?

• What are the key ways that your team offer support for your retailers?

• How have you improved your sustainability credentials during the past year?

• How are you ensuring that you deliver strong promotions for your retailers and that you are allowing them to offer a value-for-money proposition? Their comprehensive answers deliver an illuminating overview of what each symbol group brand can specifically offer you and your team.

Centra

Fact file:

Name of group: Centra

Number of stores nationwide: 490

Format specific: High-C 2,000sq ft, Convenience 4,000sq ft, Neighbourhood

7,000sq ft

Head office: Musgrave Retail Partners

Ireland, Tramore Road, Cork

Wholesale partner: Musgrave

Type of distribution network: National Website: www.centra.ie

Social media:

• https://twitter.com/CentraIRL

• https://www.instagram.com/centra_irl/

• https://www.tiktok.com/@centra_irl

• https://www.facebook.com/ CentraIreland/

Tagline: Live Every Day

New ideas and concepts

At the heart of everything we do at Centra is delivering the best value and exceptional quality Irish products to our customers. As our shoppers are faced with increasing costs from rising inflation, value remains top of mind and we are meeting customer needs through an enhanced range of award-winning own brand and market leading promotions.

Our in-depth understanding of the role of convenience in shopping decisions allows us adapt to the schedules of today’s time-poor shopper, meaning we meet their needs at each hour of the day with an increasing focus in delivering meal solutions across all day parts. A good example of this is the ever-increasing focus on quality ready meals at all price points. Today’s customers are shopping little and often and Centra is the perfect solution to meet this trend.

With nearly 500 stores, Centra is Ireland’s leading convenience retailer operating in every community across the country and is wellplaced as a destination for top-up shopping. The breadth, scale and value offered through our Centra stores ensures that we can continue to meet the changing daily needs of our customers on their doorstep.

Our award-winning store design and relevant innovative food and beverage convenience offering are core to our huge success in attracting and retaining customers.

Core ethos of Centra brand

Our core ethos revolves around empowering retailers to use their entrepreneurial spirit to thrive in a competitive market while maintaining a strong focus on customer satisfaction and community support. We deliver on this commitment tangibly by providing comprehensive training and support

to retailers and equipping them with the latest technologies and marketing strategies. Moreover, we collaborate with our retailers to support local communities through initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and loyalty

Our independent retail partners will always be at the heart of our unique business model and enjoy a partnership both with Musgrave and also through the wider Centra network of skilled and experienced retailers. Supporting retailers to make this connection with their peers is vital and the sharing of best practice in both formal and informal settings is a strong element of our success

Growth during past year

2022 was Centra’s single-most significant retail sales year on record, with total turnover in our stores valued at €1.98 billion. The performance was driven by growth in Centra’s convenience offering, including our own-brand ranges, the core food to go offering; Freshly Prepared meals; Inspired By range, Moo’d Ice Cream and Frank and Honest Coffee

The strong performance also continues our recent growth with the overall Centra brand having achieved double digit growth over the past three years with an increasing focus on providing tailored food solutions in response to consumer demands.

Our marketing and sponsorship programmes reflect modern Ireland, our retailers, and the shoppers we serve. Our sponsorship of the GAA Senior Hurling Championship is longstanding and elevates Centra’s support at grass roots all around the country Our campaign “Shop Smart, Feel Good. Live Every Day” reflects what Centra is all about –combining great value with quality and ranges that allow people to get on with their lives.

We also announced plans to open 18 new Centra stores this year as part of a new €23m store expansion programme The opening of the new stores will bring the total number of people employed by Centra to over 12,000

Support for retailers

Centra offers our independent retail partners the opportunity to own and grow their own business with Musgrave providing a material level of support in the background. We work very closely with each store having a regional manager who has a dedicated MultiDisciplinary team available to support them in their business daily with expertise available on fresh food and best in class operations, profitability, marketing, HR, store design and IT etc.

We pride ourselves in providing unparalleled support for our retailers. This dedicated team offers a range of services, including fresh food support, inventory management, and local marketing plans.

Looking to the future Musgrave has ambitious plans for the Centra brand which is evidenced by the ongoing investment in cutting edge technology to make ordering, store operations and the check-out process more efficient for every store and will support reduction in the cost base

We have also taken the key step of working with the next generation of Centra retailers through our Futureproof programme This brings together new retailers into a network to share their experiences and challenges in

taking over a retail business. This is a mix of people stepping into a family business and others who have significant operational expertise who are taking their first step into store ownership themselves.

Sustainability credentials

Sustainability continues to be a leading priority for Centra. Centra retailers have already achieved a 9% carbon reduction this year, a year on from the launch of the €25m Musgrave Sustainability Fund. Through this fund, a target of 12% carbon reduction by the end of 2023 has been set, with the brand well on track to accomplishing this milestone

With 96% of Centra own-brand product packaging now recyclable, reusable or compostable, this positions the business ahead of targets to achieve 100% green packaging by 2025.

Centra is currently working on implementation of the the Deposit Return Scheme with its retailers which will be rolled out nationwide in 2024

Delivering value

Overall, we deliver value through our own brand ranges and competitive pricing across every area of the store. To achieve this, we offer regular customer-focused promotional campaigns with competitive pricing that enables our retailers to provide a very strong value-for-money proposition to their customers. The buying power of Musgrave can be leveraged here to ensure these promotions are market leading.

Additionally, we provide marketing campaigns, materials and support to help retailers effectively communicate these promotions to their customer base By working together to create attractive offers, we ensure that our retailers can stand out in the market and drive increased footfall and sales. Overall, we deliver value through our own brand ranges and competitive pricing across every area of the store.

Finally, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our Centra retailers and their families for their continued support, hard work and dedication, that for me, makes Centra the winning brand it is.

With nearly 500 stores, Centra operates in every community across Ireland

Cormac Dawson

Q&A with… Cormac Dawson, Centra sales director

THE BEST PARTNER FOR YOU

GROWING YOUR PROFIT

• Consistently growing retailer profitability with a daily focus on sales, margin and costs with each store having access to our retailer profitability team and a dedicated finance support

• Store level support on reduction in energy consumption and efficiencies in-store as evidenced by 10% reduction in energy consumption over the past 12 months.

• Daily focus on cost management through systems upgrade and the roll out of labour reducing initiatives in-store such as SCO, ESEL, cash handling system and low labour meal solutions.

WORLD CLASS INNOVATION

• Fresh food innovation across unique brands such as Frank & Honest Coffee that sold 22 million cups of coffee in 2022 Moo’d Ice Cream and an increasing focus on quality meal solutions across all price ranges

• 2022 saw a strong growth year for Moo’d Ice Cream with +13% growth on counter sales. Our top tier award winning own brand range ‘Inspired by Centra saw a record breaking growth of +70%.

JOIN IRELAND’S NUMBER 1 CONVENIENCE RETAILER

Centra is Ireland’s leading convenience retail group, with over 490 bright, accessible stores throughout the country. The Centra brand is owned by Musgrave, Ireland’s leading food retail and wholesale company. Musgrave is a 147 year old family-run business, with strong values and a commitment to supporting vibrant communities.

The Centra franchise model offers independent retailers the opportunity to own their own business with the support and knowledge of dedicated Sales, Marketing, Finance, Human Resources, IT and Store Design Teams Stores are operated by local people, spanning across several generations, who are rooted in communities. Centra retailers benefit from the buying power of being part of Ireland’s leading wholesaler group

• Comprehensive staff training programmes

• Strategic business and financial expertise.

• Award winning online & in-store fresh food training with tailored business plans to drive real growth

• Daily support from your dedicated Regional Manager and Regional Support Manager, supported by a multi-disciplinary team to achieve your growth ambition.

• Passionate, on trend marketing team with specialist support for digital/social and local marketing

• Consumer insight-led planning

• Market leading promotions

• Largest convenience advertising share of voice.

• Powerful sponsorships including the GAA All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship and The Irish Cancer Society.

• National marketing plan across TV/Radio/Digital channels including social media with a reach of 2.1m per month

DO YOU WANT A MORE SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE FUTURE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Spar

Fact file:

Sales director: Colin Donnelly

Number of Stores nationwide: 400+

Typical Store Size: Varies

Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722

Wholesale partner: BWG Foods

Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC)

servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Spar stores nationwide

Website: www.spar.ie

Social Media:

• @SPARIreland on Facebook

• @SPAR_Ireland on Instagram

• @SPARIreland on Twitter

Tagline: ‘Under the Tree at Spar’

Q&A with…

New ideas and concepts

This year is a very important one for Spar as we celebrate our 60th anniversary of serving towns, cities and communities throughout Ireland. Spar’s presence is ubiquitous on the Irish landscape, and we have had some fun during this year of celebrations. We have used a unique opportunity in 2023 to deliver thought-provoking and quirky activity for our retailers and customers to enjoy and benefit from. This has ranged from exclusive 0.63 cent offers to our €1,963 consumer giveaways to celebrate our milestone birthday. Spar retailers throughout the country have embraced these opportunities and, in turn, their customers have benefited also As well as our

promotional activity, we have amplified the community credentials of our retailers by delivering an even larger Community Fund, which has driven brand awareness.

Core ethos of the Spar brand

The success of the Spar brand for the last 60 years has been - and continues to be - that our relationship with our Spar retailers is one based on true partnership This ethos of collaboration is the foundation stone upon which our nationwide network of Spar stores is built. It is our greatest asset and the loyalty this culture engenders is evidenced by the Spar retailers who have traded with us since 1963. Spar retailers like the Ralph family in Dublin and Mary Forde in Waterford continue to fly the Spar flag from those earliest of days when Spar was first introduced to Ireland. The truth is that retailers trade with Spar because they want to, and this is the fundamental strength of our brand.

Growth during past year

Our primary focus for 2023 has been to appropriately commemorate the Spar 60th birthday celebrations and we have introduced some innovative promotional activity and consumer giveaways to highlight this milestone and our retailers have really got behind this activity As well as growing our immensely popular Spar Community Fund initiative, which has seen Spar give away €80,000 to worthy groups and causes throughout Ireland, we have also partnered with the Tree Council of Ireland to plant 20,000 trees in six strategic locations around Ireland.

Support for retailers

Every member of the Spar Sales team is passionate about delivering the best service for our Spar retailers. We are all aware that it’s never a one-size-fits-all solution and can often depend on individual retailers’ requirements. The team is driven to meet these needs in a positive and solution-focused manner and our people are a strength of the Spar brand. Whether it’s an individual store owner or multisite operator, our approach is tailored to

suit our retailers’ requirements and our retailers really appreciate knowing that their retail operations advisor is always on hand, no matter the challenge I cannot emphasise the importance of this fundamental advantage that all Spar retailers benefit from. To complement this constant drive for excellence we have our official 365 Standards Programme that ensures all stores are maximising their own store sales opportunities and profitability

Sustainability credentials

We work closely with our Spar International colleagues across Spar’s global network and benefit from collaborating with other Spar retailers throughout the 48 countries Spar operates in. At a store level, participating Spar stores have embraced the Too Good to Go initiative, which sees food with a limited lifetime left being sold at a discount to cut down on food waste. This initiative complements our long-standing relationship with FoodCloud. We are also introducing next generation refrigeration to our store network to further decrease energy consumption. This is backed-up by all Spar stores receiving their deliveries from the most sustainable delivery fleet in the industry

Delivering value

Delivering strong promotions and value is a key focus for Spar and for our retailers. We have put a strong emphasis on Spar’s 60th celebrations in 2023 and we have amplified our value messaging and promotional activity through this channel. We have extended our Spar own brand credentials further in 2023 with the expansion of the entire range and will be adding 50 new products throughout the remainder of 2023 to further drive our value for money proposition and provide all Spar retailers with a true competitive advantage

“The success of the Spar brand for the last 60 years has been - and continues to be - that our relationship with our Spar retailers is one based on true partnership,” says Spar sales director Colin Donnelly

Spar expanded its own brand range in 2023 and will be adding 50 new products throughout the remainder of this year to further drive its value for money proposition

Colin Donnelly

Colin Donnelly, sales director, Spar

Mace

Fact file:

Sales director: Keith Crawford

Number of stores nationwide: 150+

Typical store size: Varies

Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722

Wholesale partner: BWG Foods

Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre, (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Mace stores nationwide

Website: www.mace.ie

Social media:

• https://www.facebook.com/MACEIreland/

• https://www.instagram.com/mace_ ireland/

• https://twitter.com/MACEIreland

• https://www.youtube.com/ @maceireland8951

Q&A with…

New ideas and concepts

Mace stores throughout Ireland continue to grow and evolve and have a well-deserved reputation for providing our customers with the best shopping experience they might wish for. Together, we achieve a level of consistency and excellence that sees Mace retailers regularly outperform the industry and we are constantly seeking new ways to further improve our offering. Some of the innovations we have introduced in Mace stores include a state-of-the-art dual temp self-service food bar to entice and satisfy our customers. For those customers for whom time is limited Mace stores have a low-level grab and go

refrigeration set-up for food on the go Added to all the other great services in-store such as state-of-the-art off-licences, modern and inviting design and fantastic product range, these attributes make Mace a really enjoyable shopping experience for our customers.

Core ethos of Mace brand

Mace is all about community Customer service is at the heart of our stores and Mace is renowned for our friendly and helpful staff This shines through in consumer research conducted year on year When you visit a Mace store, it is quickly evident that top customer service is the focus with every staff member by their going above and beyond for every customer It really is service with a smile because Mace retailers and their staff will go that Extra Smile for their every customer

Growth during past year

Mace continues to drive brand awareness through an award-winning partnership with Irish rugby captain, Johnny Sexton. Initiatives such as ‘Cook it Right with Johnny’ that promoted the Mace Right Options healthier living and Mace ‘Jokes with Johnny’ resonate strongly with Mace shoppers. A packed programme of activity to maximise the forthcoming Rugby World Cup will be revealed to shoppers shortly and is sure to elevate the brand with shoppers.

Throughout the Mace network, the partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland has been very successful both in terms of building awareness for the charity as well as raising much needed funds.

Mace prides itself in offering the best retail advice and support through the Mace Sales team and we are in constant communication with our retailers to support them in every facet of their business.

Driving this is the Mace Excellence Standards Programme, which provides a framework for best practice retail operating standards in-store It focuses on everything from shopfloor standards, value projection, customer service and financial control. This Standards Awards programme is an excellent incentive for staff members to provide the

best possible shopper experience for our customers.

Mace retailers also benefit from BWG’s expert Fresh Food Advisory team, whose aim is to drive fresh food participation in-store and ensure the highest level of food safety standards.

Additionally, retailers work closely with BWG’s Food and Beverage Innovation team, the expert BWG Alcohol Advisory team and our leading coffee partners. The Mace online learning platform, uLearn@Mace, means that every Mace staff member is fully integrated into the Mace family from their first day of employment and learns how to go “The Extra Smile” for their customers.

Sustainability credentials

Mace has introduced recyclable packaging for our fruit and veg range The ‘Food…Too Good to Waste’ initiative that has been introduced, will help shoppers save money by reducing their food waste. The average Irish household throws out around 150kg of food each year and a significant amount of this is still suitable for human consumption. Mace has linked up with Stop Food Waste, a national campaign to reduce household food waste in Ireland managed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The campaign includes a series of easy tips and resources to help shoppers make the most of their food, keep it fresher for longer and avoid food waste.

Delivering value

Value for money is more important than ever Mace holds tri-weekly meetings with retailers to discuss which products should feature at store level in conjunction with our national promotion cycles, recommended Value End and basket promotion suggestions at the start of each promotion cycle

Retailer involvement is a key part of this collaborative process as we try to maximise value for our customers. We deploy a structured approach to cycle promotions with retailer, trading, sales and marketing input and engage in tactical activity for seasonal promotions.

A modern and inviting design combined with a fantastic product range makes Mace a really enjoyable shopping experience for customers, says Mace sales director Keith Crawford

Customer service is at the heart of Mace stores and this shines through in consumer research conducted year on year

Keith Crawford

Keith Crawford, sales director, Mace

Line up with MACE brand ambassador Johnny Sexton and the rest of our winning team.

AtMACE, we’re looking for retailers who bring a smile to work every day to join our amazing team.

Our new stores are designed to be both bright and welcoming, to place you at the heart of the community in which you serve. Speaking of service, our quality fresh foods and innovations meet the ever-changing needs of people and have been proven to drive profitable sales increases for MACE Retailers.

You will have the support of our experienced team around Ireland, along with award winning marketing to grow your business.

Londis

Fact file:

Number of stores nationwide: 130+

Sales director: Conor Hayes

Typical store size: Varies

Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722

Wholesale partner: BWG Foods

Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre, (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Londis stores nationwide

Website: www.londis.ie

Social Media:

• @LondisIreland on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Tagline: Local like you

Q&A with…

New ideas and concepts

The priority for the wider Londis team over the last 12 months has been to support our retailers in every way we can as we recover from the twin impact of the cost-to-operate and the cost-of-living crisis that we have experienced. We have actioned this through revitalising our Store Standards Programme by introducing the LRQA to the process, which has been welcomed by all Londis retailers. In conjunction with our parent company, BWG Foods, we have run very successful Deli Workshops with the BWG Food Innovation teams, and we have introduced a state-of-theart social media service to the estate also This is a fabulous tool, which is designed to help retailers improve their social media activity and help drive footfall into their stores.

Core ethos of Londis brand

Londis has more than 60 years of heritage in Ireland, with our independent retailers sitting at the heart of more than 130 communities

throughout the country Every Londis is owned and operated by locals and, as a result, every store is shaped by and for the local community it serves. We complement this sense of community by being discerning when it comes to our marketing and sponsorship initiatives, which is why we are so proud of our sponsorship of Ireland’s Fittest Family Londis retailers are passionate about celebrating a true sense of community and most of our Londis stores are involved in supporting local clubs and initiatives, which resonate with their customers. This varies from Meals-on-Wheels to local sports teams.

Crucially, at Londis, our retailers offer uncompromising friendly customer service, quality produce and excellent value We’ve got an extra special something that only local people can deliver

Growth during past year

It is very much a source of pride that like-forlike sales growth for Londis has been well ahead of inflation, which is a terrific achievement in the current climate We have also added new stores to our family, and we continue to seek out opportunities for growth and further development. We are also proactive when it comes to investing in our current estate and modernising the stores with a large number of projects underway across the country

Marketing and sponsorships

Sponsorships play a vital role in the Londis brand strategy We are currently proud sponsors of Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ One and the Alive Outside Hell & Back sporting events and we have an official charity partnership with LauraLynn, Ireland’s Children’s Hospice.

Ireland’s Fittest Family is a family focused show and Londis is a family centric retail brand that operates at the heart of communities. With average viewership figures hitting over 340,000 per episode we have been able to leverage our considerable social media presence to amplify the message of Londis and connect to the public and drive brand awareness.

Our event sponsorship of Hell & Back has also driven brand awareness for shoppers across different age demographics and our marketing and advertising programmes have enjoyed outstanding performance in terms of

maximising brand awareness for Londis with a below-the-line sponsorship

LauraLynn is the Londis charity partner since 2021. It is the only specialist hospice in Ireland to care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. Londis retailers are very proud to have raised over €170,000 for LauraLynn since 2021.

With more than 60 years of heritage in Ireland, Londis has independent retailers at the heart of more than 130 communities throughout the country

“It is very much a source of pride that likefor-like sales growth for Londis has been well ahead of inflation, which is a terrific achievement in the current climate,” says Londis sales director Conor Hayes

Support for retailers

One of the greatest strengths of Londis is the quality and dedication of our Londis Sales Team. Combined, we can call on more than 150 years of experience in the industry and we are passionate about bringing that experience to bear for every single Londis retailer The team, to a person, is very approachable and offers a hands-on support service to their retailers while giving the retailers the freedom and flexibility to capitalise on their entrepreneurial spirit. We also work closely with BWG Foods’ wider teams such as the dedicated Food Innovation and Retail Technology teams.

The National Council of Londis Retailers (NCLR) is also a very strong guiding force for Londis, and we are in regular communication to ensure Londis retailers play their part in the evolution of the brand.

Sustainability credentials

Londis retailers care deeply about the communities they serve and we are working closely with our retailers to ensure we continue to play our part in combating these challenges. We are proud to receive our deliveries from the most sustainable fleet in the industry and, in conjunction with our Trading team, we work closely with our suppliers to lessen our impact of operating where we can.

Delivering value

We are proactive in communicating our value offering to our customers. We achieve this through regular cycles, tactical offers, weekly special offers and a robust benchmark pricing strategy which amplifies our ‘Best Value Promise’ across our network of stores. We are committed to promoting this value offer through our TV and radio advertising, through our consumer flyers that are published every three weeks and we continue to work closely with our Trading and Promotions teams to ensure that shoppers at Londis stores are benefitting from the best price and value in the industry

Conor Hayes

Conor Hayes, sales director, Londis

Local Stores, Local Communities, National Impact

We want you to be a part of this journey, so contact Sean Lavin to learn more about Londis and our new era of retail.

XL Retail

Fact file:

Sales director: Paul Bealin

Number of stores nationwide: 230+

Typical store size: 110 sqm

Head office: BWG Foods UC, BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24

Wholesale partner: Value Centre

Type of distribution network: 21 Value Centre and Cash & Carry branches nationwide and chill distribution

Website: www.xlstores.ie

Social Media:

• www.facebook.com/XLIreland/

Tagline: A great deal more at your local store

with…

New ideas and concepts

XL is one of the fastest growing retail brands in the industry and we are constantly seeking new ways to improve and grow the brand. As part of BWG Foods, we benefit from the knowledge and expertise of our parent company, which means that we are constantly innovating with new concepts and ideas to attract and retain more customers. For example, we recently introduced our own XL off-licence concept, which has proven very successful with our consumers and has helped increase footfall into those XL stores with a full off-licence. We successfully launched

additional new BWG food brands into XL. These include Fresh Choice Kitchen chilled convenience products, O’Dwyer’s Bakery and Kake & Co We also recently launched our new XL deli concept that helps set us apart from our competitors.

Core ethos of XL brand

We really do believe that you will get “a great deal more at your local XL store”, which is the motto all XL retailers and the XL Development Team live every single day. We deliver on our ethos by offering strong value from our nationwide network of Value Centres and promoting strong engagement within the communities we serve.

Growth during past year

As one of the fastest growing retail symbol brand in the industry we are growing all the time and have added a significant number of new stores to the XL family already this year, which included securing our first greenfield forecourt and neighbourhood sites. These impressive sites have attracted serious positive attention within the convenience sector and further sites are already agreed and under development.

Marketing and sponsorships

XL was the first brand to recognise the significance of tapping into our cultural roots by having An Siopa XL represented on the ever-popular Ros na Rún show on TG4. Complementing that sponsorship, as a community brand, XL recognised the value in the fun and positive initiative of our sponsorship of the ‘Marty Party’ which is renowned sports commentator Marty Morrissey’s very entertaining stage show. XL knew that the ‘Marty Party’ would help the brand deliver something unique – a variety show the nation will be talking about! We were also delighted to reengage with “Hot Press” magazine sponsoring their “Irish community festival guide“ for summer 2023.

Support for retailers

Our team of XL development managers are passionate about retailing and that manifests itself in the service they provide to every XL retailer Our retailers know that one of the team is never more than a phone call away and every member of that team is solution focused. We work in a very personal way to ensure XL retailers receive the support they need regarding business and financial advice, how to make the most of current market trends, store development and standards’ monitoring. We also support our XL retailers with competitive Affinity Deals and access to specialist Fresh Food Advisory teams and industry-leading marketing and promotional support.

Sustainability credentials

All XL retailers are on a journey to improve the sustainability of their stores and this starts with the commitment of our Value Centre and BWG Chill sources to reducing their carbon footprint. In consultation with our XL retailers we have added a sustainability pillar to our XL Retailing Standards Programme

Delivering value

Value is exceptionally important to all XL retailers and their customers and we are committed to offering the strongest value proposition in our stores. The consumer value message is driven by our three weekly promotional cycle and further complemented by robust marketing support. To further enhance the retail value proposition, we extend five massive sale day promotions throughout the year and our main value events are summer and Christmas trade shows

XL delivers on its motto, “a great deal more at your local XL store”, by offering strong value from its nationwide network of Value Centres and promoting strong engagement within the communities it serves

As one of the fastest growing retail symbol brand in the industry, XL has added a significant number of new stores to the XL family already this year

Paul Bealin

Paul Bealin, sales director, XL

Eurospar

Fact file:

Number of stores nationwide: 50+

Sales director: Peter Dwan

Typical store size: Varies

Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722

Wholesale partner: BWG Foods

Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Eurospar Supermarkets nationwide

Website: www.eurospar.ie

Social Media:

• Facebook: @eurosparireland,

• Instagram: @eurospar_ireland

Tagline: Your Supereasy Supermarket

Q&A with…

New ideas and concepts

Eurospar’s credentials as a fine purveyor of fresh foods is well established. It is an area where our retailers really stand out and we have ambitious plans to further strengthen our offering in this area. To this end, we recently hosted a Eurospar Deli Innovation Dayhosted in our bespoke Innovation Centre - for all Eurospar retailers, which focused on new deli product ranges across hot, cold and prepack channels in-store We believe there is considerable scope for us to further differentiate ourselves within the supermarket sector by dialling up our fresh food credentials and working closely with our Food Innovation team, we have developed a best-in-class in-house range of fresh, food-to-go as well as innovative in-store bakery

Core ethos of the Eurospar brand

Eurospar is constantly seeking ways to grow and better serve our customers and we have responded to this ambition by investing in our unique brand positioning of being ‘Your Supereasy Supermarket’, which speaks to the community spirit that every Eurospar retailer possesses. Eurospar retailers support their communities and their customers with the best service possible in tandem with everything they could need from a community supermarket, including a spectacular array of fresh products and lines.

Growth during past year

Eurospar – ‘Your Supereasy Supermarket’ – is in a very strong position, and this is reflected in our hugely ambitious plans for the brand. We have invested time, energy and considerable resources to enhancing and improving our offering behind the scenes to better position ourselves for the future as we continue to roll-out our ambitious 2023-2026 strategy

We are perfectly positioned to enhance both the Eurospar market share and our very footprint as we grow the Eurospar estate in line with our new strategy Eurospar is a progressive brand and we are poised to attract and welcome new retailers to our estate To this end, we will be revealing the new-look Eurospar Supereasy Supermarket before the end of the year, which is another major investment in the brand and the bright future we see ahead.

Eurospar’s sponsorship of the world’s largest sustainable fashion competition for young people, Junk Kouture, also highlights our ambition in this area. We also initiated our hugely successful Let’s Celebrate Community campaign, which is reinforcing the communitydriven ethos of Eurospar ‘Your Supereasy Supermarket’.

Support for retailers

To better serve all Eurospar retailers, we have invested in the people behind the Eurospar brand name Our new senior management team of Peter Dwan, sales director, Des Smyth, Eurospar head of sales and Philip Murray, retail

operations manager, are supported by a dedicated team of experienced retail operations advisors, fresh food advisors and marketing and rewards teams, who offer unrivalled supports to all retailers. We truly embrace the uniqueness of every Supermarket, and always look to identify unique characteristics so that we can help every Eurospar reach their full potential, drive their sales and maximise their margin.

Our team is very hands-on with all Eurospar retailers and support them in every way possible as we place a huge emphasis on retailer relationships and it is this collaborative spirit that helps develop true partnerships between Eurospar brand owners, BWG Foods, and Eurospar retailers.

Sustainability credentials

Eurospar has recently embarked on an ambitious strategy backboned by a commitment to Responsible Retailing, which encompasses a wide array of sustainability plans designed to build on the considerable progress already made These plans are informed by international collaboration with colleagues in Eurospar International.

Complementing this strategy is a wider programme and as an official sponsor, Eurospar is delighted to be associated with the Junk Kouture sustainable fashion competition. This is a tremendous sponsorship opportunity for Eurospar and our retailers and speaks directly to our ambitious sustainability goals and our stated Responsible Retailing commitment.

Delivering value

What truly differentiates us within the industry is that we invite Eurospar retailers to be part of the conversation when it comes to promotions and help steer our promotions strategy to ensure it is relevant to their market conditions. Eurospar Supermarkets have always been competitive on price. Our promotional offers remain best in class and our SuperEasy Rewards exclusive member programme offers a further dimension to value in Eurospar Shoppers are exposed to our offers via handbills, in-store POS, in-store radio, regular national press and radio advertising as well as national and targeted social media.

Eurospar has invested in its unique brand positioning of being ‘Your Supereasy Supermarket’

Working closely with its Food Innovation team, Eurospar has developed a best-in-class in-house range of fresh, food-to-go as well as innovative in-store bakery

Peter Dwan

Peter Dwan, sales director, Eurospar

Costcutter

Fact file:

Head office: Barry Group

Type of distribution network: Central distribution (chilled, ambient and alcohol) from a 150,000 sq ft. central warehouse in Mallow, Cork

Website: www.costcutter.ie

Social media:

• Facebook: @CostcutterIreland

• Instagram: @Costcutterire

Tagline: ‘Proud to be Local’

Q&A with…

New ideas and concepts

We have had a clear focus on our fresh food offering and have focused on ensuring that our deli and food to go ranges are not only competitive but the leading food offering in our stores’ communities. By focusing on the standards here, we have seen a considerable increase in sales and customer loyalty

We have also been working on a new identity for the Costcutter brand which we are excited to share with our retailers at our conference in September This will mark the beginning of the next evolution for the brand, and we are excited to see the impact it will have on the convenience sector as it will act as a new benchmark for both experience and offering.

Core ethos of the Costcutter brand

We, both Barry Group and our retailers, are driven by a shared commitment to build

authentic connections with the communities in which our stores reside and by putting customer trust at the heart of everything we do At its core, Costcutter is not just another convenience shop, it is enabling thriving, happy and local communities. No matter what Costcutter you visit in the country, we are united by a passion to make a positive difference in our customers’ daily lives, so they leave with a smile every time We deliver on this commitment to our retailers by rising to the challenge of providing sustainable business solutions, that empower them to succeed.

Growth during past year

We have increased our footprint by 10% this year and have a strong pipeline of new stores secured for 2024 Our partnership with Triathlon Ireland has been renewed for the second year and we are happy with this alignment. The success of this sponsorship of the Youth Series is firmly influenced by our shared values and interests. We both have a vested interest in community and are looking to make a positive contribution in that respect. Outside of this sponsorship, we have also continued to work with chef Daniel Lambert again this year who has featured on Ireland AM, making delicious meals using ingredients that are available in our retail outlets nationwide Our investment in marketing increased this year resulting in the brand implementing more national campaigns and we plan to continue to increase this investment in 2024

Support for retailers

The support service that Costcutter retailers are provided with is quite comprehensive, and this is something we pride ourselves on. Firstly each of our customers is visited by their account manager on a three-weekly cycle During this visit, our account manager reviews all aspects of running a retail store in a partnership mindset which assists the retailer to enhance their local offering. Our team of fresh food advisors also have a regular call schedule, offering training and

support across all elements of deli and hot food to ensure that the deli offering remains best-in-class.

Outside of these call schedules, we also offer training and support through our regular Cluster sessions where members of our accomplished team train our retailers on best-in-class business practice. Lastly, we have spent the last few months developing our Retailer Excellence Academy and look forward to launching this.

Sustainability credentials

For Costcutter, our sustainability commitments include transitioning all of our own brand and deli packaging to compostable solutions, introducing new segregated bin solutions, further immersing the stores in their communities, the launch of a nationwide marketing campaign, reducing carbon emissions and investing in renewables. While the focus for 2023 is to roll out these initiatives, in 2024 we will be introducing sustainability into the criteria for our Store of the Year Awards and will have a specific sustainability award

Delivering value

We are aware of how difficult it is for consumers and retailers alike with the rising costs of living and doing business. We have enhanced our promotional campaigns. From a value for money perspective for consumers, we launched our ‘Price Fighters’ range this year which consists of a range of products from both secondary brands and private label products with savings of up to 30% compared to leading brands. Additionally, with the price of fuel and electricity rising to unforeseen levels, we have a focus on our range of winter essentials which will offer value for products including solid fuels.

No matter what Costcutter you visit in the country, we are united by a passion to make a positive difference in our customers’ daily lives, so they leave with a smile every time,” says Edwina Lucey

Edwina Lucey

Edwina Lucey, sales director, Barry Group

Gala Retail

Fact file:

Number of stores nationwide: 220 stores

Typical store size: 1,750sq ft

Head office: Gala Retail, Summit House, Embassy Office Park, Kill, Co Kildare Wholesale partner: Gala wholesaler members

Type of distribution network: Ambient depots, central billing, chilled distribution Website: www.gala.ie

Social media:

• Facebook: @GalaRetail

• Instagram: @Gala_Retail

• Twitter: @Gala_Retail

• LinkedIn: @Gala Retail Services

Q&A with…

New ideas and concepts

By joining the Gala family, our retailers can leverage the benefits of a symbol brand while maintaining control of their business. We offer a flexible, market-leading package that enables retailers to tailor their stores to their shoppers’ needs and react quickly to changing market conditions, which in turn helps to grow their business. In the past year, Gala Retail has introduced innovative concepts and ideas, including new fresh food and food-to-go offerings. Retailers benefit from the strength of Coffee Junction, Baker’s Corner, New Street Deli, and Galato; concepts that have been instrumental in driving sales and footfall. By allowing retailers to customise their stores to cater uniquely for local shoppers, all whilst benefiting from the nationally recognised Gala brand, we’ve strengthened our position as a community convenience retailer and maintained our place at the heart of the community

Core ethos of the Gala brand

Over the past 25 years, the core ethos of Gala Retail revolves around being a community convenience retailer Our commitment is reflected in our retailers’ ability to adapt their stores to cater to local shoppers, fostering a sense of familiarity and trust within the community We emphasise the importance of community through marketing activities and associations, creating recognition and trust between our brand and the public. By consistently innovating and investing in our stores, delivering an engaging and integrated marketing plan, introducing new concepts, and offering exclusive in-store offerings, we help our retailers to drive increased footfall to their stores.

Growth during past year

Over the past 12 months, we have experienced

growth, evidenced by the increasing number of retailers joining the Gala Group and existing retailers opening new stores. Our brand recognition continues to increase, growing by 5% year-on-year (Source: B&A, November 2022). Focusing on a community-centric approach, we have a year-round marketing plan designed to elevate the Gala brand and reflect our fundamental brand values of community and Irishness, and it’s working. Our marketing each year incorporates in-store promotions designed to reward customers and drive footfall in Gala stores; we continue our charity partnership with Special Olympics Ireland and sponsorship of Ireland’s awardwinning, children’s network Starcamp, two organisations that share the brand’s community values and have a strong presence in communities across Ireland.

Our brand marketing activities are underpinned with a year-round calendar of social media activity that further promotes our marketing activations, sponsorships and partnerships to consumers online

Support for retailers

At Gala, ensuring that our retailers are supported is key to the success of our stores and the Gala Group as a whole The team at Gala HQ and our network of retail operations executives have a wealth of experience in the Irish convenience-retailing sector, providing support, advice and assistance to retailers for every facet of their business.

Each Gala store has the support of a dedicated retail operations executive who along with the team at Gala HQ and the Fresh Food Team, supports retailers with everything that’s required to run a successful, modern and community-centric convenience store.

In 2023, Gala introduced a monthly information webinar for retailers and there’s also the Gala GROW network - an online resource for retailers - and our weekly internal newsletter which provide regular updates to our retailers on everything from upcoming offers and promotions, marketing support and industry and group news and developments.

Sustainability credentials

Over the past few years, Gala Retail and our retailers have made strides in improving sustainability across the group, and we’ve still some way to go as it’s an evolving process. With the introduction of the new national Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), we will further our efforts and those of everyone in the sector Retailers are embracing sustainable technologies across the group, incorporating technologies such as waste heat recovery systems, solar PV systems and EV charging points as drivers continue to make the switch to cleaner, greener vehicles, and as a community convenience retailer, we are determined to play an active role in fostering positive change and with new initiatives being unveiled as we celebrate our 25th year in business later in 2023, and into 2024

Delivering value

Committed to giving back to Gala customers in communities throughout Ireland and to supporting shoppers with everyday essentials, Gala kicked off 2023 with the biggest-ever giveaway worth €80,000 We know many shoppers are feeling the impact of higher costs across the board, so on Random Acts of Kindness Day, we launched ‘Gala Gifts for All’ which gifted 800 shoppers from across Ireland with €100 vouchers. In Spring, Gala continued its giving ways, gifting staycation vouchers worth €40,000 to shoppers. This is the third year of ‘Gala Getaways’ - a promotion that’s proved to be phenomenally successful with Gala customers. Through targeted marketing campaigns, we drive awareness of these promotions, attracting more footfall and ultimately benefiting both retailers and shoppers alike. Our approach ensures that Gala Retail remains a compelling choice for convenience shoppers across Ireland.

At Gala Retail, we emphasise the importance of community through marketing activities and associations, creating recognition and trust between our brand and the public,” says Gary Desmond

Gary Desmond

Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail

LOOKING FOR FRESH IN-STORE CONCEPTS?

THE GALA GROUP HAS PLENTY ON THE MENU!

BAKER’S CORNER, COFFEE JUNCTION, NEW STREET DELI, GALATO AND DISTILL ARE ALL IN-STORE CONCEPTS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY TO GALA RETAIL STORES.

GALA RETAIL’S INNOVATIVE CONCEPTS CAN HELP YOUR STORE TO DRIVE FOOTFALL DELIVERING MORE FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS AND INCREASING IN-STORE SPEND.

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BECOMING A GALA RETAILER CONTACT THE GALA GROUP ON: 045-910066 OR VISIT GALA.IE

Daybreak

Fact file:

Number of stores nationwide: 300

Typical store size: 1,500-2000 sq ft

Head office: Musgrave, St Margaret’s Road, Ballymun, Dublin 11

Wholesale partner: Musgrave Group

Type of distribution network:

Central distribution and access to seven Musgrave MarketPlace branches.

Website: www.daybreakireland.ie

Social media:

• @DaybreakIreland (Facebook, Instagram and TikTok)

Tagline: ‘Real Fresh, Real Fast’

Q&A with…

New ideas and concepts

The food-to-go segment is a significant focus at Daybreak and we continually review and evolve our offer to stay relevant. For instance, earlier this year we introduced an exciting new Munch & Co deli menu which gives shoppers more variety and interesting flavours, including healthier and vegan choices. The new deli menu covers all bases, from signature breakfast and lunch sandwiches to freshly prepared salad bowls and penne pasta pots cooked to order Similarly, we have introduced iced coffee to the Daybreak-exclusive 9 Grams coffee offer, and we run regular seasonal specials on our Likety Split ice-cream menu.

Expanding our fresh take home food options is another key focus and we recently launched a new range of Daybreak ready meals that have been a big hit with shoppers. These developments ensure that our stores offer exciting and fresh experiences for consumers. Variety is the spice of life, and we strive to provide Daybreak shoppers with diverse flavours and food options that align with the latest culinary trends.

Core ethos of the Daybreak brand

One of our core values is partnership We pride ourselves on the close relationship and personalised service we offer all Daybreak retailers. Each Daybreak store is supported by an experienced business development manager who collaborates with retailers to create tailored business plans that align with their unique needs and objectives. Through hands-on practical assistance we aid retailers in boosting their sales, reducing costs, and enhancing overall profitability

We also work in partnership with retailers to continually develop the brand. The Daybreak retailer council are a good example of this. The council are a representative group of retailers from across the country who advise the Musgrave team on important issues facing retailers and support on key brand initiatives. For instance, in the last year, the retailer council have helped shape our value proposition and supported an ambitious brand rejuvenation project, which has delivered a refreshed food to go offer, new take home meal options and new beverage solutions that are driving retailer sales and profitability

Growth during past year

Over the past year, Daybreak has experienced tremendous growth. In 2022 we welcomed 41 new stores into the Daybreak family Alongside new store openings, a key focus is the implementation of our new brand identity in existing Daybreak stores. Last year we undertook 15 store revamps and we are on track to revamp even more stores in 2023. In

terms of commercial success, these stores have exceeded their business KPIs and are performing exceptionally well.

Daybreak brand. With Daybreak we have an offer that consumers are responding to and a business model that has proven highly successful for retailers. As we look to the future, a key brand priority is to continue to roll out our new store format at pace as it is proven to drive retailer profitability

Support for retailers

As mentioned, every Daybreak retailer has a dedicated business development manager who provides practical support in driving their

Earlier this year, Daybreak introduced an exciting new Munch & Co deli menu which gives shoppers more variety and interesting flavours, including healthier and vegan choices

One of these stores is Mark and Anne Finn’s Daybreak in Portumna, which underwent an extensive renovation in 2022. I’m delighted to say that Daybreak Portumna recently won the NACS European Convenience Retailer of the Year Award, which is widely regarded as providing one of the greatest benchmarks of global convenience retailing excellence. Winning this award is a real testament to the work and exceptional standards of Mark, Anne and their team, but also spotlights the strength of the

bottom line But this is just the start. We also have a Development Team who support new stores joining the group or existing stores undertaking a refresh. Whether it is an existing retailer or a greenfield site, all our store development plans are tailored to the local needs and opportunities, taking into consideration factors such as store format, demographic make-up consumer spend in the area and the competitive landscape Once a plan has been agreed, the Development Team project manage it from end-to-end to ensure that the project is delivered on time and within budget, while minimising disruption to the retailer’s business during the refit. Given the importance of the food to go category, our team of fresh food advisors also play a key role in store developments, including delivering comprehensive training plans that ensure a successful execution of the offer

Retailers also have access to the expertise of the wider Musgrave team, including Marketing, IT and HR. For example, the Musgrave HR team have developed a suite of services that allow Daybreak retailers to more cost-effectively train and recruit team members. This includes a HR Helpdesk that provides expert advice on all employment matters by professional and experienced Musgrave HR colleagues. Daybreak stores have access to up-to-date HR policies and guidelines through the ‘Daybreak Retailer Zone’, along with HR forums and regular webinars on key areas of relevance to their stores. We also have an end-to-end recruitment solution, where stores can post and manage vacancies on the Daybreak careers page, which is supported by social media campaigns.

Mark and Anne Finn, NACS European Convenience Retailer of the Year Award winners

Thomas Morrison

Thomas Morrison, head of Retail & MarketPlace at Musgrave Wholesale Partners

REAL FAST

A differentiating offer under the Munch & Co deli brand, with delicious signature menu items for breakfast, lunch & dinner.

We listened to what our customers want and designed a completely new shopping experience.

This is about surprising and delighting shoppers with a fresher, healthier, more innovative offer. It’s also about bringing independent retailers a dynamic, cost effective retail offer, that delivers above average returns.

Seriously good coffee under our exclusive brand 9 Grams.

Distinctive ice cream brand called Lickety Split.

Succulent rotisseriespun chicken, served in delicious signature sandwiches and healthy salad bowls.

To find out more contact:

Terry Donnan - 086 7714696

Nearby

Fact file:

Number of stores nationwide: 145

Typical store size: 1000 sq ft to 3000 sq ft

Head office: S&W Wholesale, Carnbane Business Park, Newry, BT356FY

Wholesale partner: S&W Wholesale

Type of distribution network: Central distribution

Website: www.always-nearby.com

Social media:

• Facebook: @nearbyireland

• Instagram: @nearbyireland

• Tiktok: @nearby_irl

Tagline: Never too far from home

Q&A with…

New ideas and concepts

Nearby launched in April 2021 and we have already delivered on our promise of opening over 100+ stores nationwide at this stage The Nearby brand’s internal and external graphics continue to provide each store with a new, modern and eye-catching look that really lifts its look and feel for customers. New Nearby retailers have witnessed the benefit of the overall designs with many commenting on the increase in footfall to their store as a direct result.

Exclusive to Nearby is the Cuppa Coffee concept. Combining a blend of Central American, Indonesian and African origin beans means the coffee to go offers a nutty, smooth taste finished off with a sweet profile It’s been causing quite a stir amongst Irish consumers with over 40 sites now live. Find out more here: https://always-nearby.com/cuppa/

Core ethos of the Nearby brand

Nearby is a unique symbol offering as we recognise that our success is intertwined with the success of our retailers. To deliver on this ethos, we offer support and guidance, equipping retailers with the tools they need to allow them to implement the Nearby brand and thrive in the current market. We believe in open and honest communication, allowing retailers to

share what they feel is essential to the everyday running of their business in the local community and understanding what their customers are accustomed to purchasing in their store. We want to understand what makes each Nearby store unique and only then can the offering and plan deliver for both the brand and the retailer

Growth during past year

Nearby has witnessed phenomenal growth over the past year and we have already delivered on reaching our store milestone numbers. The desire and uptake from retailers continues to exceed our expectations. Our parent company S&W Wholesale continues to play a key role in allowing the brand to flourish with financial backing and support.

Our stores are very much at the heart of their local communities, and in keeping with this, we recently launched an exciting new marketing campaign for Nearby called Local Legends. This allowed the public to vote for a local legend or legends in their community that have made a real difference to people around them. From community groups to heartwarming individuals who go out of their way to help others; the response to the campaign was overwhelming with entries pouring in online and in local Nearby stores. The winning group or individual will receive a surprise in-store along with a cheque donation worth €500 and a Local Legends Trophy from Nearby Ireland.

Support for retailers

By joining the Nearby family, our retailers can leverage all the benefits of a symbol brand while maintaining total control of their business. From day one, we will work with them to fully understand what makes their store unique We don’t ask for that long-term contract or charge marketing fees; what we do is work with the retailer; for the retailer Our business development managers are an award-winning team who have a wealth of knowledge of all aspects of retail. They will share detailed product information, specifications and unique selling points to help retailers communicate and understand their customers effectively Nearby focuses on growing margin and profitability, as well as inventory management, product knowledge and co-branded campaigns. Our facilitation teams always place the retailer first and ensure we provide cost-effective fit outs that suit the needs of the store and their customer base

Delivering value

Value is a key component and offering for the Nearby brand. The team at S&W Wholesale recognises the need to be able to offer retailers exceptional value throughout the year that can be passed onto their customers. The cost-of-living crisis continues to squeeze Irish households; that is why in January 2023 Nearby launched ‘Bring Home The Value’, a value concept offering consumers savings

across a wide range of their favourite lines; helping shoppers feel more confident in our stores that they are receiving the most competitive pricing. Consumers can literally ‘Bring Home The Value’.

‘Always On’ focuses on everyday low pricing lines and is S&W Wholesale’s commitment to Nearby retailers by ensuring that pricing stays locked on those everyday essentials our shoppers enjoy. This is highlighted across digital, radio and in-store to further drive footfall and engagement for both retailer and brand. Our Nearby marketing team will continue to focus on delivering clear value, engaging content, and utilising the strengths of social media platforms to effectively promote our products.

Sustainability credentials

S&W has been continuously innovating to improve its sustainability credentials and carbon footprint across the entire business with Nearby being at the forefront of this. For instance, Nearby launched its very own bag for life and Nearby hessian shopping bag –allowing shoppers to save money and reduce waste on plastic bags. The Cuppa Coffee concept has also seen a similar introduction in-store with take-home cups regularly being used. The business as a whole has introduced new IT technology software for drivers, reducing unnecessary print and an innovative journey planning tool to reduce carbon emissions on journeys where possible

Alongside this, S&W’s new multi-purpose 20-acre site which will see an investment of over £15 million will not only house all ambient, chill, fresh and frozen products under one roof but will focus on power through solar panels, a new state-of-the-art recycling area, electric car charging points and greener space for employees to enjoy when on site. This new move will allow S&W to expand even further, servicing retailers across the island of Ireland with greater ease and availability ■

“Nearby’s internal and external graphics continue to provide each store with a new, modern and eye-catching look that really lifts its look and feel for customers,” says Jason McSteen

Jason McSteen

Jason McSteen, Nearby Ireland sales manager

Catch up with our retailers

First-class results!

With the back to school season on the horizon once again, value will be more important than ever this year, set against the backdrop of the cost-of-living crisis.

As our readers will be only too aware, it’s a vital period for retailers to highlight the value they can deliver for parents and carers. To give just one of many pertinent examples of this, Tesco Ireland recently announced that as families across Ireland gear up for the annual back to school stress, it is lending a helping hand by providing over €15.5 million worth of savings to almost 1 million households, with Clubcard statements packed full of moneyback vouchers and coupons to help ease the costs associated with this period.

Another pressing concern for parents is the need to provide nutritious lunchbox options. According to Dr Elizabeth Finnegan, healthy eating executive with Bord Bia: “The most recent National Children’s Food Survey highlights that school children are still consuming well below the recommended five to seven servings of fruit and vegetables per day (three servings per day).

“Thus, the need for continuous promotion of healthy eating and the benefits of increased fruit and vegetable consumption amongst the population is warranted,” she said.

Of course, retailers have also played a key role in this goal, with specific initiatives to highlight the wide variety of healthy products in their stores. A number of strongly performing brands within the Irish market likewise pride themselves on their focus on healthy credentials which can clearly be seen within these pages.

Super healthy!

Avonmore Super Milk is a significant growth brand within the fresh milk category Enriched with added vitamins D, B, E, extra calcium and folic acid, Avonmore Super Milk contains more of these important nutrients than fresh milk. Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium from food and drink which is important for maintaining bone and muscle health and also helps support a healthy immune system.

Research shows that amongst children aged 5-12 years old in Ireland, approximately 37% are not consuming enough calcium and 94% are not consuming enough Vitamin D*.

Available in 1.75L, 1L and 500ml sizes,

Avonmore Super Milk is strongly supported throughout the year with TV, radio, digital, PR and trade activity and is a must-stock item for the busy back to school period.

*(Source: IUNA 2018).

Mini but mighty!

Flahavan’s, Ireland’s favourite oat brand, is delighted to launch new Flapjack Minis, a highly anticipated addition to the hugely popular Flahavan’s Oaty Flapjack range These delicious wholesome oaty snacks, baked with Irish oats in Co Waterford, are half the size of the regular Flapjacks with the same great taste appeal.

Individually wrapped so they’re ideal as a lunchbox filler, Flapjack Minis contain less than 100 calories. Made with wholesome oats, they provide a tasty source of fibre. The range is available in two SKUs, Original (8 X 19g) and Choc Chip (8 X 19g).

Consumer reaction has been very positive with nine in 10* claiming they would be likely to purchase this product. Primarily driven by females and those with kids, there is also high purchase intent amongst males and those without kids.

larger format portion size is sometimes not required. Minis’ smaller portion size and the fact they are individually wrapped is convenient. A delicious healthier snack; chocolate chips give Minis a tasty flavour while the use of oats and the low-calorie claim is deemed appealing.

The packaging is also appealing; Minis are ideal for time-pressed consumers as they’re individually wrapped in a resealable pouch. What’s more, while the range is perfect for kids, they are not seen as the sole consumer

Overall, Flahavan’s is a trusted Irish brand with a strong reputation among shoppers.

*(Source: Bord Bia BITES research conducted June 2022)

Avonmore Super Milk is enriched with added vitamins D, B, E as well as extra calcium and folic acid

There are a number of factors which make this new product highly appealing. Firstly, a

It’s that time of year again when parents’ thoughts turn to getting the kids kitted out with all the various accoutrements needed to set them up for a new school year. Value will be more important than ever this year, while convenient nutritious choices in handy on-the-go formats and kid-friendly sizes will always be perennial winners for parents and carers who seek reassurance they are providing the best possible choices to fuel their kids throughout their school day, writes Gillian Hamill

According to consumer research, nine in 10 people claim they would be likely to purchase Flahavan’s Oaty Flapjack Minis

Multiple benefits

Glenilen Farm has become the first Irishowned company to introduce yoghurt pouches to the market. The family-owned West Cork food producer has launched a convenient and multifunctional range of yoghurt pouches for adults and children.

The brand carried out extensive research and found consumers were looking for nutritional yoghurts with multiple benefits. In response, Glenilen Farm developed a dual action range of products combining gut friendly kefir and 15g of protein in each 160g pouch.

Glenilen Farm Kefir Protein is available in strawberry and mango flavours. Its kefir is a fermented, spoonable yoghurt with 14 strains of live cultures. Consumers also have the option of choosing a larger 350g pot which contains 33g of protein.

The kids yoghurt pouches are designed to take the mess out of enjoying yoghurts on-the-go They’re packed with gut-friendly cultures and are available in vanilla and strawberry

Glenilen Farm began in the kitchen of Valerie and Alan Kingston’s home in Drimoleague in 1997. The husband-and-wife team made use of an abundant supply of milk creating cheesecakes and yoghurts for the local country market. The company now employs over 50 people, producing a wide variety of yoghurts using milk from neighbouring farms.

“We are really excited about our new kids yoghurt pouches,” Valerie Kingston said. “The pouch means it’s easier to enjoy on-the-go without the need for a spoon. It has a resealable cap which also helps to cut down on any unnecessary food waste.

2023 marks the third year in a row in which Glenilen Farm has absorbed a large number of the rising costs facing its business, meaning its own price inflation has remained below 1% in that time

“Food inflation is now at 14% which is a huge worry for families,” Valerie added. “The rising cost of groceries is having such an impact on people that we made a conscious decision not to raise our prices. Instead, we have absorbed the increasing commodity costs for the last three years. Many of the key yoghurt brands on the market continue to be imported from outside of Ireland; we hope that consumers will continue to buy local and support jobs.”

Each Glenilen Farm kids yoghurt pouch has a resealable cap which also helps to cut down on any unnecessary food waste

Making eating well easy

Green Farm is a tasty, cooked meat choice that is protein powered. As the chicken and turkey products are naturally high in protein, they provide a nourishing addition to any sandwich, salad, stir fry or snack. The Green Farm range comes in a variety of convenient formats. From slices and pieces to cooked fillets, there is a product to suit everyone’s lunchtime meal.

The latest development in the Green Farm brand is the recent launch of the award-winning Added Benefits range, providing consumers with a delicious high protein and vitamin enriched range of cooked chicken and turkey products, and with six in 10 people seeking out functional food to support their health and wellbeing, this launch couldn’t have come at a better time

All products within the Added Benefits range are enriched with B Vitamins which have a multitude of health benefits for the human body and mind. Whether your customers are looking to support their

Slice of life!

Going back to school is a busy time for families. Brady Family offers an assortment of proteins and formats to keep meals interesting, while making the hustle and bustle of everyday life a little bit easier

All products within the Green Farm Added Benefits range are enriched with B Vitamins which have a multitude of health benefits for the human body and mind

heart, build up their immunity or fight fatigue, the Added Benefits range has everyone covered. Green Farm is the first in the cooked meat category to bring vitamin enriched foods to the shelves of Ireland, helping to make eating well easy for everyone

Keep it traditional with succulent slices of Brady Family Carvery Ham. The Carvery range is made from the finest Bord Bia approved pork topside Meanwhile, the Just Add range is the perfect dinnertime ingredient; this shredded ham is an excellent accompaniment for pasta, pizza, or salad dishes.

The Brady Family At the Delicatessen range offers delicatessen-quality ham, chicken and turkey readily carved for customers to simply grab-and-go The Master Butcher Edition is a unique collection of dry aged hams to add to a charcuterie board when hosting or winding down in the evening.

Brady Family Cooked & Hand Crumbed Real Irish Ham is from one single pork muscle, perfect for the entire family

New to the Brady Family brand is the Ultimate Slice range and At the Delicatessen Roast Chicken and Turkey The Ultimate Slice offers a larger faced slice of ham, perfectly sized for sandwiches. With seven slices per pack, there’s one for every day of the week! Previously under the Homebird brand, the producer is delighted to introduce Irish raised Chicken and Turkey to the Brady Family brand, produced to the same multi award-winning recipe as Homebird.

Savings available this new school year with Aldi’s lunch options

Back to school season is almost upon us! Shoppers can get ready for the new school term with Aldi’s Amazing School Event. In 160 Aldi stores nationwide, the retailer is confident customers will be able to find everything their little scholar needs to succeed this school year, from stylish stationery to lunchbox fillers and Specialbuys.

Little ones can be kept fuelled for their next big learning adventure with Aldi’s lunchtime Specialbuys which landed in stores on 13 August. Healthy snacks are essential for staying energised and focused

throughout the day. Shoppers can pick up a Lunch To Go Container for €3.99 to keep lunches fresh all day long. Pasta salads, sandwiches or hearty wraps - the options are endless! Aldi is also selling a vibrantly coloured Lunch Box, priced at €5.99 and Lunch Bag priced at €5.99

A “one stop shop for all the back-toschool essentials this year”, Aldi is confident its range delivers “top marks on quality and value”. For more information on products and some back-to-school recipe inspiration, visit www.aldi.ie

Glenilen Farm’s kids yoghurt pouches are designed to take the mess out of enjoying yoghurts on-the-go

Snack of choice

Celebrating 50 years in Ireland, Yoplait is the best snack of choice for parents managing busy households and back-to-school appetites. Generations of Irish school children have literally ‘grown up’ on their favourite Yoplait Fruit Yogurts, Yops, Petit Filous and Frubes which are still enjoyed in schools everywhere.

Conveniently available in a handy pouch, Mess Free Petit Filous is an excellent choice for little ones who might be enjoying their first school lunches this September

Better still, parents will know that the Yoplait range is rich in calcium and vitamins in addition to being a creamy, great tasting source of protein. Additionally, Petits Filous small and big pots are now enriched with vitamin B6 and vitamin D, supporting your child’s immune system.

Check out the full Yoplait family at www.yoplait.ie to learn more about the best tasting snacks to keep your family going through the busiest of school days!

Only Denny will do!

Denny has been at the heart of Irish family homes for over 200 years; bought by twothirds Irish households*. The Denny Deli Style Ham range is perfect for all lunchtime occasions, from school sandwiches to those work-from-home lunches. The brand takes great pride in helping ensure those lunchboxes are filled, and arrive home empty!

The Denny Deli Style Ham range is made from Irish Bord Bia approved meat, and includes a variety of formats and flavours such as carved, hand crumbed, honey roasted, oak smoked and wafer thin. When it comes to choosing sliced cooked meats this back to school season, ‘Only Denny Will Do’.

*(Source: Kantar 05.23)

Turn up the heat!

Pringles has added Mexican Chilli & Lime flavour to its fiery Sizzl’N range The new spicy flavour joins medium Kickin’ Sour Cream, Sweet Chilli, hot Spicy Chorizo and extra hot Cheese & Chilli.

The combination of juicy limes mixed with a kick of chilli heat is set to bring Pringles fans on a sensorial journey to Mexico. Aiming to push snacking fans’ taste buds to the limit, the new flavour delivers a yin and yang taste sensation with its citrus zing and fiery chilli.

The new flavour taps into the demand for spice and heat, with chilli and lime being one of the top growing flavours in the category

The Pringles Sizzl’N range contains varying levels of heat, each building to satisfy all preferences. The range contains no artificial colours or flavours to deliver the ultimate taste sensation.

The new Pringles

Sizzl’N Mexican Chilli & Lime flavour is set to bring Pringles fans on a sensorial journey to Mexico

“Our fans have come to expect bold and exciting flavours from Pringles and the launch of Mexican Chilli & Lime is sure to deliver on this,” said Ann Rose Eng, brand activation manager, Pringles Ireland.

Pringles

Sizzl’N new Mexican Chilli & Lime flavour taps

“The flavour is designed for those who like to explore new, adventurous tastes with a spicy twist. Our Sizzl’N range has been a huge success and we can’t wait to see what people think of this delicious addition.”

For those who want to step up the spice, Pringles Sizzl’N Mexican Chilli & Lime is available in supermarkets across Ireland for RRP €3.49*. ■ *(Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer)

Go write ahead!

At this time of year, it will be essential for school kids of all ages to get stocked up on all the back to school stationery essentials, encompassing everything from a snazzy new pencil case, pens, pencils and felt tips to files, folders and even protractors for those trickier maths questions!

Across the full range of stationery musthaves, value and long-lasting quality will be more important than ever this year New research published in July showed the expected costs involved for parents during the back to school season. The research, commissioned by Talon in Ireland and conducted by Spark Market Research, reveals

that despite the government’s release of its new free primary book policy, parents still envisage an increased level of spend for the back-to-school essentials in 2023 with spend increases across the board in comparison to the same period in 2022. Most respondents (56%) plan on spending between €100-€499 Nearly a quarter (24%) answered €500-€999, followed by 11% answering €50-€99, with 8% revealing they would spend upwards of €1,500

The survey also found that consumers will be shopping across a variety of stores. Just over half (52%) of Irish respondents are once again choosing to keep things local by

To view the full range offered by Reach Stationery, go to www.reachstationery.ie If you don’t already have an account, the online account set-up process is simple, enabling you to start shopping right away

Solving your stationery needs

spending in local school supply stores in their area.

Brick-and-mortar stores are the preferred means of shopping in September in comparison to online channels, according to Talon’s study The research shows that 58% of consumers anticipate that they will shop in shopping centres and 40% said they would choose local shops. A further 21% will be shopping on the high street while only 35% of consumers said they’d be heading online

With that in mind, it’s vital for all retailers –even smaller stores – to ensure they have a varied stationery offering to meet the strong demand at this time of year

Reach the heights!

Reach Stationery is a leading supplier of stationery lines to retail. Reach boasts an extensive range of market-leading brands including Supreme, BIC, Staedtler, Crayola, Pukka, Stabilo, Milan, Sellotape and more. The company offers competitive pricing with next day delivery and ease of online ordering.

From school bags to staplers, calculators to copy books and maths sets to multi-colour pens, Reach Stationery has everything you need to cater for primary, secondary and third level students. Reach Stationery also offers great prices on copier paper, till and Visa roll all year round.

Solv-X offers convenience retailers a combination of over 150 stationery lines that make up its largest 3m planogram, combining quality own brand products plus brands such as BIC, Papermate, Loctite, Sellotape, and Helix to maximise retailer sales and profitability With own brand sales growing strongly in all categories, the Solv-X own brand range allows retailers to be highly

competitive on quality and value with specialist stationery retailers and discounters.

The Solv-X Field Sales team are experts in working with retailers to look at store profile and space to agree the optimum stationery range for each store, and this is supported by free loan installation of fixtures/displays as required.

The two subcategories within stationery seeing the most growth in recent years have been ‘post and pack’ plus ‘arts and crafts’. Solv-X’s recently launched new post and pack range benefits from the growth in online home

Alongside all the back to school musthaves that kids need to fully kit out their new school bags; post and packaging stationery has benefitted from the growth in online home trading, while arts & crafts and adult colouring likewise continue to perform strongly as shoppers young and old let their creativity thrive, writes Gillian Hamill

Solv-X’s post and pack range benefits from the growth in online home trading, with an increased focus on prepacks of envelopes, padded bags, and mailing bags

Reach offers an extensive range of marketleading stationery brands

The Solv-X own brand range allows retailers to be highly competitive on quality and value

trading, with an increased focus on prepacks of envelopes, padded bags, and mailing bags. Similarly the arts and crafts subcategory continues to grow strongly with parents keen to develop their children’s creativity

The full range of Solv-X stationery can be ordered via your local area manager, online at www.solv-x.com or by phoning 042 9377055.

Everything you can imagine

Kids’ unlimited creativity can flourish with the long-lasting and child friendly Pritt stick; whose marketing centres around the messaging that children can “be everything [they] can imagine with Pritt!”

This year as part of its back to school campaign, Pritt has introduced the new ‘When I Grow Up’ theme that allows its young crafters to dream into becoming who they want. With five exciting new characters including a scientist, chef and pilot, the sky is

A pen for every side of you!

Pritt’s ‘When I Grow Up’ theme allows its young crafters to dream into becoming who they want

the limit. For the first time in the UK and Ireland, Pritt has introduced exciting new limited edition glitter sticks as part of the campaign.

Pritt’s iconic glue stick is still made of 96% natural ingredients*, with no microplastic, even with the addition of glitter and colour in the formula.

To provide young crafters along with their parents or guardians an immersive digital experience, the Pritt website (prittworld. co.uk) has two new exciting features. Exclusive Instagram filters and Augmented Reality allow visitors to visualise different professions. With a natural and strong formula, along with ecofriendly packaging, Pritt is a must-have for back-to-school shopping. *(Including water)

With consumers becoming increasingly savvy and seeking strong value for money offerings, BIC continues to grow its share of market and number one leading market position as a trusted full line stationery provider

Research shows consumers are increasingly seeking ‘trusted’, ‘value for money’ and ‘known brands’, with BIC hitting the consumer sweet spot of needs, being market leader for each.

The iconic 4 Colours® range continues to reach record performance, with the 360 campaign ‘A Pen For Every Side of You’ now live across the United Kingdom and Ireland, seen on TV, social media, billboards and online Showcasing consumers’ love of expressing their personality through the variety of vibrant designs, the range is available with a wide variety of designs loved by consumers from Rose Gold and Silver, to new product launches like Gradient, Wood Effect and Pastel. Consumers love to collect the range, so it’s important to keep a wide variety of designs to suit the broad consumer needs.

As the colouring segments continue to grow, BIC also offers new launches and excitement through Intensity (adult colouring) and Kids colouring, with exciting and modern new designs, campaigns and innovation to bring further excitement and impulse to the growing and vibrant category

As a full line supplier, BIC offers products for all stationery segments, from ball pens and gels, to colouring and accessories. To maximise the opportunity, orders can be made via your local BIC sales manager or via uksales@bicworld.com ■

Pritt offers a natural and strong formula, along with ecofriendly packaging

Even with the addition of glitter and colour in the formula, Pritt’s iconic glue stick is still made of 96% natural ingredients* with no microplastic

The BIC 4 Colours® campaign,‘A Pen For Every Side of You’ is now live across the UK and Ireland

Breakfast boost!

brands will be looking to provide Irish consumers with a range of traditional and instant porridge oat products across the forecast five-year period. Simpler items, such as flakes and oats, which evoke nostalgia in Irish consumers, will ensure that cereal sales remain stable during the anticipated period.”

Innovations that tap into growing trends will stimulate sales across the forecast period, Euromonitor International also notes, stating: “Despite the demand for traditional products, there will be a continuous need for novel flavours and product types within breakfast cereal. As such, players will focus on diversifying their portfolios to maintain loyal customers’ attention.”

A recent report by Mintel on breakfast cereals within Ireland also observed a number of interesting trends. “Increased consumer demand for value for money has required breakfast food brands to ensure they are offering more than just lower prices as consumers adapt to the cost-ofliving crisis,” said Rebecca Blenman, research analyst at Mintel.

“As many are seeking enjoyable flavours and health benefits from their breakfasts, brands and businesses must do more to engage but not overwhelm consumers as they seek relief from the stress and fatigue of current times,” she added. “Ensuring breakfast time, whether at home or out of home, is nutritious and enjoyable can set the tone for the rest of the day.”

We have all heard about the importance of kick-starting our morning with a nutritious choice to get the day off to a productive start. According to UC Davis Health registered dietitian Melinda Gong, in a ‘By Good Food is Good Medicine’ article, eating breakfast regularly has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and

Dynamic sales

Kellogg’s cereal is a firm favourite among Irish shoppers as it is consumed in over 1.14 million households, which is more than any other cereal brand in the market*. Kellogg’s has a 36.8% share of all cereal category sales in the Irish market and 42.9%** of all ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) sales, delivering more sales value for retailers than any other branded cereal in the market. Kellogg’s also has number one brands across key segments within RTEC such as ‘kids’, ‘corn’, ‘granola’, ‘adult’ and ‘bran’, through iconic brands such as Rice Krispies, Corn Flakes, Crunchy Nut, Special K and All Bran**.

Kellogg’s continues to innovate and launch new products annually Earlier this year, Coco Pops expanded its range with the addition of Coco Pops Chocos This latest Coco Pops product has the same chocolatey taste as Original Coco Pops but with curved, crunchy shells. The new product comes as part of Kellogg’s continued efforts to lower sugar within its kids’ cereals portfolio Since 2017, Kellogg’s has reduced sugar in Original Coco Pops by 50% to help families make healthier choices in the morning***.

Kellogg’s Crunchy Nut is the fastest growing cereal brand in Ireland** which is a testament

obesity There’s also evidence that eating a healthy breakfast helps with brain function, especially memory and focus.

According to a recent report on the Irish breakfast market by Euromonitor International, tradition and simplicity are set to boost and lead sales in breakfast cereals. “In line with the growing health and wellness trend and the ongoing popularity of traditional products,

to the success of the innovation the brand has seen over the years. Building on that success, Kellogg’s launched a tasty new twist on its classic Crunchy Nut flakes - Crunchy Nut Salted Caramel Flavour Twist This is the first time Kellogg’s has adapted its classic honeynut coated, golden flakes since it launched in 1980

According to Mintel, choosing breakfast foods that are filling is an important consideration for many. The analyst also reported that over three quarters of consumers in Ireland are eating the same breakfast each day; which demonstrates the importance of stocking your customers’ favourite, trusted brands. While the high/ added fibre claim is prevalent in bars and cereals, functional and fortified claims are growing in yogurt products.

Kellogg’s also launched a new addition to its Crunchy Nut Granola range, Chocolate Mocha Flavour Barista Edition. The latest addition to Kellogg’s Granola range has no artificial colours or flavours and is naturally high in fibre, making the coffee flavoured oat crunchy clusters, mixed with chocolate and almonds, a tasty breakfast choice.

Kellogg’s Coco Pops Chocos offers the same chocolatey taste as Original Coco Pops but with curved, crunchy shells

With Bord Bia data showing that 87% of people in Ireland eat breakfast every day, it’s vital for retailers to stock the right mix of breakfast goods that will appeal to shoppers on the hunt for a healthy, vibrant offering, writes Gillian Hamill

Kellogg’s expanded its Rice Krispies Multigrain shapes range in 2023 with the launch of a new Honey flavour

Kellogg’s launched a tasty new twist on its classic Crunchy Nut flakes - Crunchy Nut Salted Caramel Flavour Twist

Tetra Rex® fully renewable cartons are made from responsibly sourced materials.

The paperboard is from FSC® certified forests and other controlled sources and the polymers are Bonsucro certified derived from sugarcane

These cartons are available from Irish agribusiness Aurivo in a 1.75L craft board format under its Connacht Gold Organic For Us brand.

www.tetrapak.ie

FSC® C014047

www.bonsucro.com

Kellogg’s has launched a new addition to its Crunchy Nut Granola range, the Chocolate Mocha Flavour Barista Edition

A number of factors make Mór Taste special within the market. Unlike other brands, Mór Taste reduces its products’ sweetness to a minimum. The sugar content is reduced to the lowest possible level while the products taste great. Instead of substituting sugar with any other form of sugar such as (concentrated) fruit juice or artificial sweeteners, Mór Taste simply uses more fruit.

In fact, Mór Taste makes jams, marmalades and spreads made with up to 75% more real fruit than regular jams. With the unusually high content of real fruit, the brand’s jams taste unusually fruity but less sweet. The high fruit content creates a blend of sweetness with a delightful touch of tartness, offering an unusual but harmonious balance.

A veritable award winner, Mór Taste’s Cherry Jam won the Blas na h’Éireann Gold Medal 2022 in the jam category The brand also received the Best Food & Drink Startup 2022 Award at the ShelfLife C-Store Awards.

With 62% of consumers agreeing that the amount of sugar in sweet/nut spreads is concerning*, Mór Taste presents an optimal solution, providing health-conscious individuals with a delectable range of choices that seamlessly blend taste and nutritional awareness.

Flahavan’s offers a range of more than 50 different oat-based products including Progress Oatlets, as shown here

natural breakfast solutions.

Over the past two decades, Flahavan’s has been at the forefront of driving a dramatic change in the way consumers think about oatbased foods and their compelling health benefits. By putting the consumer at the heart of its new product development and innovation, the company has expanded into other categories with considerable success

Back-to-school is an important occasion for Kellogg’s, which holds a 36.8% share of all cereal category sales in the Irish market and 42.9%** of all ready-to-eat cereals (RTEC) sales

Kellogg’s also expanded its Rice Krispies Multigrain shapes range this year with the launch of a new Honey flavour As part of its decade long plan to improve its foods so that they are better for people, the community and the planet, the new children’s cereal joined Rice Krispies Multigrain Shapes Strawberry & Apple and Original.

Kellogg’s new cereal products are available now in supermarkets across Ireland.

*(Source: Kantar 52wks to 11 June 2023)

**(Source: Nielsen ScanTrack, 52wks to 16 July 2023)

***(Source: Rounded to nearest 10 per cent. Sugar has been reduced by 43% vs previous recipe in 2017)

Stars shining brightly

Mór Taste was delighted to announce the results of the Great Taste Awards 2023. Awarded stars across three products, the brand was one of the most awarded Irish jam brands at this year’s ceremony.

Judges appreciated the taste of the range which is made with more real fruit than regular jams. “On the palate the tartness is delightful, characteristic of the fruit,” one of the judges described the Damson Jam. “This bright and glossy jam is packed with fruit,” another judge noted.

Mór Taste was awarded a total of three stars at The Great Taste Awards 2023

Mór Taste Jams are available for purchase in SuperValu stores in the southeast and at selected gourmet stores nationwide All flavours are available in its online shop, offering food connoisseurs an opportunity to indulge in the finer nuances of taste

For more information, contact Felix Oster by email at wewant@mortaste.ie, or visit the brand’s website at mortaste.ie

*(Source: Mintel, Sweet and Nut Spreads, UK, Aug 2019)

A brand built on trust

With more than 3 million portions of its porridge consumed each week in Ireland and with >53% market share (value) in 2022, it’s clear that 200 year old family food business, Flahavan’s, continues to hold a special place in the hearts, and kitchen cupboards, of consumers across the country

With traditional milling expertise handed down through seven generations, and a longstanding commitment to local sourcing, Flahavan’s is well-known for the distinctive creamy taste and texture of its world-class wholegrain porridge oats. A brand built on trust – the consistent quality and nourishing goodness of its oat-based product range appeals to a large and growing cohort of health-conscious consumers seeking simple,

Flahavan’s Oat Drinks range has quickly gained ground within the plant-based drinks category, elevating the brand’s reach and relevance for younger consumers. With the addition of its “porridge with added benefits” range in 2022, the company continues to respond to the growing interest in food products with enhanced health credentials to help consumers navigate the demands of their busy lifestyles. The new functional range, which includes High Protein, High Fibre and Immunity Boost variants, is available in pot and sachet formats to optimise convenience for younger and active audiences.

Flahavan’s range includes more than 50 different oat-based products including Progress Oatlets, Organic Porridge Oats as well as Jumbo, Gluten Free, Quick Oats and Super Oats in the Hot Oats category Its other ranges include Overnight Oats, Hi8 Muesli, Granola, Irish Oaty Flapjacks and Oat Drinks in Barista, Vitamin Rich and Organic variants.

Flahavan’s is a proud member of Love Irish Food and a Gold Status Member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green programme

Smashing new innovation!

Clonakilty Food Co, the home of Ireland’s most-loved blackpudding, is delighted to announce that it has teamed up with the iconic Dublin smash burger joint, Dash Burger, to create a limited-edition blackpudding burger

Clonakilty and Dash have collaborated to combine two delicious foods, that are widely loved in Ireland, to create a next-level experience for taste buds. Dash Burger has put a twist on how Irish people typically enjoy their blackpudding with its smash burger expertise - a process that Dash has perfected through careful research and innovation to achieve the optimum smash burger

The mouth-watering smash burger is elevated by the flavours of Clonakilty’s famous blackpudding. The secret blackpudding spice recipe has been passed down from generation to generation for over 100 years and remains safeguarded today by owner, Colette Twomey.

The Double Clonakilty Blackpudding Smash will include aged beef patties, American cheese, Clonakilty Blackpudding, spicy fig jam, smoked onion mayo, onions and house pickles. This exquisite combination of high quality, delicious ingredients is guaranteed to delight both blackpudding and burger fans alike.

Both Clonakilty and Dash share a passion for quality and this collaboration has been carefully developed to ensure that it meets the same high standards that Clonakilty and Dash fans have grown accustomed to Speaking about the collaboration, Ed Twomey of Clonakilty Food Co said: “We are delighted to launch this exciting new project with Dash Burger This tasty Blackpudding Burger highlights just how versatile our Blackpudding is as an ingredient and how it can be enjoyed at any time of day. We hope you all enjoy this delicious Blackpudding experience just as much as we have.”

“At Dash, we’re all about creating the perfect burger, with the best possible ingredients,” added Barry Wallace, Dash Burger owner “It’s great to partner with a brand like Clonakilty that values the same things we do - sustainability, quality, and most importantly making a great-tasting product. We pride ourselves on doing things differently and think we’ve come up with something pretty spectacular with the Clonakilty Blackpudding Double Smash. We can’t wait for people to try it.”

The burger will be available exclusively from Dash Burger’s two locations on Capel Street and Lower Kevin Street for a limited time only - so make sure you pay Dash a visit and try it before it is gone!

40 years leading the food revolution

For 40 years, Alpro has been leading the food revolution making plant-based a positive

Alpro’s upgraded packaging now displays clearly identifiable ingredients on-pack

choice for the planet and its people

Impressively, Alpro moved up two places to number 25 in this year’s Kantar 100 mostchosen brands report, published by ShelfLife Indeed, Alpro has always been the champion of the plant, turning good things into delicious products to eat, drink and enjoy!

This year Alpro has also upgraded its packaging with clearly identifiable ingredients on-pack. Boosting with benefits, it’s hard to miss the one that suits each individual’s specific tastes. So whether your shoppers are a Nutty Almond, a Creamy Oat or a No Sugars Soy fan, Alpro is dedicated to great taste and to its customers. Alpro is also going bold on its plant-based alternative to yogurt offering, with the core fruit front and centre allowing customers to add a Cherry to their breakfast or snack, a Peach mid-morning and end their day with a Blueberry boosted treat. Here’s to the plant-based future with even more irresistibly tasty foods! ■

Clonakilty Food Co, has teamed up with the iconic Dublin smash burger joint, Dash Burger, to create a limited-edition blackpudding burger

Readily refreshing!

An emerging category in recent years has been ready-to-drink (RTD) spirit drinks, which took the global market by storm during the pandemic, with the volume of sales up by 14% in 2021 and 26% in 2020, according to Drinks Ireland.

Digging deeper into the sales figures, Drinks Ireland reported that in 2021, sales of cocktails and long drinks in Ireland grew by 60% and

Exploring the rising trend of RTDs

The ready-to-drink (RTD) category continues to drive significant growth as consumers eagerly embrace these convenient and refreshing beverages. While the origins of RTDs can be traced back to alcopops in the 90s, the dust has been brushed off the category and a “New Wave” of RTDs has emerged, driving innovation, growth, and ultimately recruiting new consumers to the category

While RTDs have managed to make inroads year-round, they have made a particular impact through the summer months as the demand continues to surge in the face of warmer weather and presence of outdoor events. Over the past 12 weeks, the segment is up +10%* compared to the previous year In this article we will delve into the thriving RTD market, focusing on the remarkable performance of key brands and their impact on the industry

A dominant force in the RTD category

Richmond Marketing has emerged as a pivotal player within the RTD category, solidifying its position as the second largest RTD supplier with an impressive 18% value share** with industry leading growth of two percentage points during this period. Richmond’s expanding portfolio showcases its commitment to meeting consumer

hard seltzers were up by 46%.

This came at a time when overall alcohol consumption was continuing to decline in Ireland, down by 4.7% between 2020 and 2021, and 33% since 2001. While the majority of sales were imported RTD products, Drinks Ireland reported that a number of local producers had entered the market, with sales of Irish RTD brands up by 7.4% between 2020

preferences, as the distributer recently welcomed White Claw alongside its existing popular offerings like Four Loko and Kopparberg. Notably, three of Richmond’s RTD brands currently rank within the top 10, demonstrating its consistent ability to recruit leading brands.

Leading the growth charge

Among RTD brands, Four Loko has emerged as a considerable player in the category in just two years since its launch into Ireland. It was built into infamy amongst Irish consumers who recognized the brand from time spent in the US on their “J1s”; Four Loko’s launch into the market has challenged the category with its unique proposition as the brand’s single unit,

and 2021.

“RTDs are another great innovation in the Irish spirits market that consumers have responded positively to There are a diverse range of flavours and low-calorie options. We are seeing Irish suppliers jump on this trend, and this is set to continue,” said Vincent McGovern, director of Spirits at Drinks Ireland.

large format (440ml) 8.5% cans cater to new, high tempo drinking occasions. In the last 12 weeks, Four Loko has witnessed a remarkable surge in value sales, experiencing a staggering +118% growth YOY This outstanding performance has earned Four Loko the distinction of being the fastest-growing RTD brand in the top 25. The brand’s ability to capture consumer interest and loyalty reflects the growing appeal of this unique brand as it continues to refresh its range with innovative flavour offerings.

Making waves in the RTD scene

Since joining the Richmond brand family on 1 March 2023, White Claw has generated considerable buzz within the industry A revolutionary brand, White Claw disrupted the RTD category in the US when it launched in 2016 with an entirely new tasting hard seltzer rapidly growing in popularity with consumers to become the number one hard seltzer brand in the US in 2019 Its success in the US can be attributed to the innovative nature of the product, its alignment to evolving consumer tastes and demands coupled with its effective marketing strategies.

As a growing segment of the Irish population focus more on health and wellness, White Claw is perfectly primed to tap into the growing demand for healthier alcoholic beverage options. White Claw delivers a balanced, refreshing taste that’s only 95 calories per 330ml can, creating an alternative

With sales of ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages causing a real stir within Ireland’s drinks sector in recent years, dedicating shelf space to this burgeoning category is a prudent move, writes Gillian Hamill

In the last 12 weeks, Four Loko has experienced a staggering +118% growth year on year

SUMMER OF RTD’S

White Claw, which become the number one hard seltzer brand in the US in 2019, achieved a +6% growth in Ireland heading into summer

sales is expected to continue, presenting exciting growth opportunities for both established brands and emerging players in the industry, it will be critical to ensure the right RTD space and range is allocated in-store to capitalize on this growing trend.

While summer continues to be a key trading period for RTDs, these brands will all take aim at maintaining sustained sales and consumer attention year-round as RTD beverages become a staple choice for consumers in the alcohol category

For any inquiries on Richmond Marketing’s portfolio, contact your local sales rep.

*(Source: Value Sales L12Wks)

**(Source: Supplier Value Share L12Wks)

***(Source: Volume Sales L4Wks)

(Source: Collated Epos Data to the 21 May 2023)

The TBD Gin & Tonic RTD plays to the strengths of Tipperary Boutique Distillery’s juniper-strong, citrus-forward Farmhouse Gin

and RTDs whilst appealing to sophisticated consumer preferences for a premium ready to drink.

for traditional beer and cider drinkers.

Committed to pioneering the better-for-you drinking experience, the brand has shown its commitment to consumer activations showing up in key summer music venues Musgrave Park, Fairview, and Malahide Castle and as the hard seltzer sponsor for music festivals

Forbidden Fruit and Mother Block Party Later in the summer the brand continued the trend with activations at All Together Now and Electric Picnic capturing the attention of Irish consumers. The early signs of success are evident, as White Claw had already achieved a +6% growth*** heading into summer This upward trajectory highlights the brand’s ability to resonate with consumers and establish a strong foothold in the competitive RTD market.

A resurgent player in the RTD landscape

>> Ranked as the tenth largest RTD brand in the market*, Kopparberg has witnessed a resurgence in recent times. Kopparberg originally rose to fame off the back of its hugely successful Strawberry & Lime fruit cider Building on its “Famous for Flavour” pillar, the brand expanded into Strawberry & Lime Gin RTD cans which have experienced a remarkable +16% growth*. Kopparberg’s ability to tap into consumer preferences for unique flavours and refreshing options has contributed to its renewed success, reinforcing its relevance in the ever-evolving RTD landscape

The RTD category is thriving, propelled by a growing demand for convenient and refreshing beverages. Key players like Four Loko, White Claw, and Kopparberg are at the forefront of this dynamic market, capturing consumer attention with their innovative offerings. As the upward trajectory of RTD

Premium performers

Tipperary Boutique Distillery produces three whiskey cocktail RTDs which are made with Watershed whiskey, the proud winner of a San Francisco World Spirits Double Gold Award

Irish whiskey maker and first Irish solarpowered distiller, Tipperary Boutique Distillery (TBD) will introduce its first RTDs to the market in September 2023.

The new premium range features four classic flavour variants which have been produced in conjunction with artisanal Dublinbased Irish bitters producer, Off the Cuffe.

Three whiskey cocktail RTDs – TBD Whiskey & Cola, TBD Whiskey & Bittered Soda and TBD Whiskey & Ginger Ale are made with a San Francisco World Spirits Double Gold Awardwinning Watershed whiskey This has been skilfully blended with original cola, ginger ale and soda recipes.

Meanwhile, the new refreshing TBD Gin & Tonic RTD plays to the strengths of its juniperstrong, citrus-forward Farmhouse Gin.

This new RTD range from Tipperary Boutique Distillery responds to rising global demand for both high quality Irish whiskey

Contact info@tipperarydistillery.ie for further information.

Creating a buzz!

The Slattery Group recently launched the American sensation BuzzBallz Cocktails into the Irish market. The brand has quickly become the fastest growing brand in the RTD section, with growth of over 400% year to date

The consumer response has been amazing in both the on-trade and off-trade According to Karl Slattery, managing director of Michael Slattery Wines & Spirits, BuzzBallz have brought fun, novelty and much-needed excitement into the entire drinks trade

“This is something different from the other brands,” he told ShelfLife. “The liquid tastes brilliant, the variety is amazing, and I think consumers appreciate that they are getting a quality cocktail in a unique package at a great price.”

BuzzBallz Cocktails are available in six flavours: Strawberry Rita, Tequila Rita, Espresso Martini, Choc Tease, Chili Mango and Lotta Colada.

All are produced with premium spirits, real fruit juices, natural flavours and ingredients. Unlike most pre-mixed readyto-drink brands, BuzzBallz are produced at bar-strength (13.5% ABV).

Buzz Ballz is retailing at €5 per ball and is situated beside the other ready-to-drink alcohol premixed drinks in-store Ideally, they are situated in the store fridge so they can be enjoyed cold for optimal refreshment. ■

Kopparberg’s Strawberry & Lime Gin RTD cans have experienced

Moving on up

Straight off its Bombay Sapphire Dublin Off-Licence of the Year win, Declan Martin tells Julia O’Reilly how Martin’s Off-Licence stays at the top of its game

Martin’s Off-Licence in Fairview, Co Dublin, nabbed the prestigious title of the Bombay Sapphire Dublin Off-Licence of the Year at the most recent NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards.

A Fairview staple since it was established by Tom Martin back in 1978, Martin’s Off-Licence is one of the leading independent off-licences operating in Ireland today.

Brothers Declan and Damian Martin – Tom Martin’s sons - run the shop Together with their team, they keep their shelves stacked with specialist wines, beers, and spirits from the best of local and international producers and use their decades of expert knowledge to help customers find exactly what they’re looking for.

Indeed, the team’s passion for what they do has won them plenty of awards; the off-licence was named Dublin Off-Licence of the Year by NOffLA back in 2018 too, and they took home Beer Specialist of The Year in 2019, 2016 and 2015, and the Customer Service Award in 2014 and 2012.

“Huge achievement”

Still, when speaking to ShelfLife magazine, Declan Martin, co-owner of Martin’s Off-Licence, explains that the team were not

expecting to win this time “We were absolutely delighted of course, but we were taken by surprise,” he says “We hadn’t entered during the Covid period.

To come back to the awards with a win like this is a huge achievement for us. It tells us that we’d kept our standards high throughout those years.

“To be recognised as one of the best off-licences in the country means a lot to us. There’s a lot of amazing off-licences in the county so we’re happy out.”

What would Martin say helped them stand out to the NOffLA judges this time around? “We’re

always reinventing ourselves,” he replies. “We try to stay on top of trends as much as possible It’s vital in this business. We’re always looking to improve things, whether it’s our drinks selection or the layout in the shop.”

Trendspotters

Martin continues: “Trends change as years go by You’ve got to be aware of what’s happening so you can keep up with customer demand.

“During the Covid years, when people started making cocktails and drinking more at home, we adjusted our spirits offering to meet demand. But now that the hospitality sector is very much back open again, spirits are not as strong as they were during the pandemic years, so we’ve readjusted our offering again in line with that change.”

Wine sales, however, are healthier than ever: “Wine has really been holding its own, and it’s seen a nice bit of growth too,” adds Martin.

Informed customers

Another positive is that Martin’s shoppers have become significantly more knowledgeable about wines in recent years.

“They’re more informed now than ever before,” he says “It’s great to see it. They’re definitely more adventurous in terms of their selection or the regions they’re going for. They’re happy

to spend a bit more for a nice bottle too, which certainly helps.”

Premium products

Martin says this move towards more premium products is one of the lingering impacts of the pandemic. “During Covid people learned that they could buy a much nicer bottle of wine in an off-licence for the price they’d pay for a bottle in a restaurant.

“With the cost of living and inflation, money is tight, and people are counting their pennies. They want to get the most out of their money.”

It seems drinkers are becoming more comfortable shelling out for high-end products. In fact, Diageo’s latest financial results revealed that its most expensive brands accounted for 57% of its overall organic net sales growth.

At Martin’s Off-Licence, the team have witnessed a notable increase in sales of premium products. “Currently our bestselling tequila is our most expensive tequila,” says Martin. “It’s €155 a bottle Pre-Covid, I wouldn’t have even dreamed of putting that out on the shelves because I thought I’d never be able to sell it; now I can’t keep it in stock.

“It’s not necessarily a tequila that you’d drink by the shot. It’s more of a sipping tequila. the

Wine sales at Martin’s Off-Licence are healthier than ever in 2023

Damian Martin accepting the Bombay Sapphire Dublin OffLicence of the Year Award at the NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2023

Award sponsored by Bombay Sapphire

quality is fantastic, so you want to take your time with it.”

Premium whiskeys are performing well too: “We sell a lot of Irish whiskeys that might be collectible or part of a series that people want to purchase for their collections. But we’re also seeing people buy good quality whiskey to sip at home People have really embraced this idea of having a nice bottle of something special in their cabinets at home that they can come back to time and time again. A lot of our customers appreciate that.”

E-commerce

It’s not just tastes that have changed either Consumer shopping habits were vastly different when Martin started running the shop 20 years ago “Things have changed a lot since our dad’s time,” he says “We have a very healthy online store now which has gone from strength to strength as well too. During Covid we got a lot more people buying products online and we’ve held onto a lot of

those sales in the years since, which has been a nice win.”

Customer service

Still, Martin knows there’s a lot of value to be gained from face-toface interaction with customers. “Good customer service is paramount. I work front of house and in sales as well too. When customers come in, they’re guaranteed to see myself or my brother Damien. Our customers know all of us by name, and we know theirs.

“Although we’re not from the area itself, we feel that we’re definitely part of the community All my siblings and myself worked here as kids for a bit of pocket money. I spent some time working in hospitality in the States and Australia but have been working in the shop ever since I came back to Ireland in 2002.”

“Hard work and dedication”

Now that Martin has spent more than 20 years running the shop, what would he say the secret to

his success is? “There’s no real secret,” he says “It’s all hard work and dedication. We’ve decided to stick with it so that’s what we do every day. Of course, we have our ups and downs, but Damien and I try to remember to have trust in each other and to give each other a bit of freedom too. If you can do that while staying on top of trends, then you’re probably doing well.”

Moving forward is key, he adds: “You can’t take the foot off the gas, or you’ll be left behind. It’s a very competitive market. There’s good competition out there, healthy competition.”

To Martin, keeping an eye on what’s happening across the industry helps make everyone better: “Each year we like to visit a few independent off-licences in Dublin, particularly ones that are operating at the top of their game That pushes us forward. We want to be able to stand toe to toe with everybody else out there.

“When we go into other people’s shops, we’ll always introduce ourselves and have a

NOffLA elects new chairman

chat with the owners. We’re all fighting the same battles, so we’re here to help each other at the end of the day. We can all learn from each other by having honest conversations. We’re all raising each other’s standards at the end of the day.”

Cathal McHugh of McHugh’s Off-Licences, Malahide Road and Kilbarrack was recently elected chairman of NOffLA. McHugh has served on the NOffLA Council and Executive for over 20 years and has been vice-chairman for the past seven years

industry with our members and with our suppliers,” he notes. “In terms of legislation coming down the line, the two most important and imminent ones are the Deposit Return Scheme and the health labelling of alcohol.”

On his appointment to chairman, McHugh says the National OffLicence Association fulfils a very important role in representing off-licences across the country in terms of legislation and maintaining good relationships within the industry and he is understandably proud to take up the role

“Firstly, I want to foster continued good relationships within the

The Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) where a refundable deposit is placed on single-use drinks containers, which are then refunded to the consumer when they return their bottles and cans for recycling, is to be put in place next February “We want to ensure there are no unintended negative consequences for our businesses,” explains McHugh.

“The fear is that it might lead to a reduction in choice and as independent specialists, our choice is trying to stock the widest specialised range and if the DRS is too onerous for some suppliers, it may reduce the number of SKUs they put on the market in Ireland and that is the

feedback we are getting from some suppliers. We wouldn’t be swimming against the tide about the environmental impact, but I do think there could be unintended commercial impacts. We need to understand those impacts ahead of time so we can deal with them.”

The second sharp focus will be on the health labelling of alcoholic products which was enacted by the Minister earlier this year and McHugh says a lot of suppliers have received feedback from producers on the continent saying that they wouldn’t be comfortable putting cancer health warnings on some small proportion of their products. “A lot of suppliers don’t acknowledge that their products are cancer-causing and besides there are plans in place for an EU wide scheme which may be a few years behind the Irish scheme If Ireland goes ahead, there will be

logistical issues around labelling a small proportion of their product with this health label.”

Does he feel like we would be better off waiting for a Europe led initiative? “Yes, we definitely would,” he says “I know that the government want to be seen to making the right choices for the health of the nation but from a logistical and practical point of view, it would be much better if it was a European wide initiative.”

McHugh whose off-licence in Dublin won the overall Off Licence of the Year Award last year, doesn’t intend to stay in the role for an indefinite period of time “I’d like to see myself go in and make some sort of a difference and hand over the baton in three years’ time I think that would be the optimum.” Here at ShelfLife, we wish him the very best of luck with his new appointment. ■

Declan Martin showcasing the store’s Certificate of Excellence

Cathal McHugh

O’Donnells is adding two much-loved flavours to the Crinkle Cut family –Ballymaloe Relish & Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream & Onion

O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Furrows introduce two new flavours

O’Donnells Ireland’s most awarded crisps brand, has mastered the art of producing premium-quality, delicious hand cooked crisps over the past 13 years.

Launched in 2021, the O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Furrows range has fast become a fan favourite. This delectable range of crinkle cut crisps, inspired by the deep grooves of the furrows ploughed on the family farm in Tipperary, deliver even more unbeatable taste and crunch fans of the brand know and love The extra deep ridges of the crinkle cut crisp pack even more of the O’Donnells flavour into each bite.

Now, O’Donnells is adding two much-loved flavours to the Crinkle Cut family - Ballymaloe Relish & Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream & Onion.

O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Furrows Sour Cream & Onion are an expertly seasoned blend of tangy sour cream, with the delicate taste of spring onion.

Already one of the most popular flavours in the main range, Ballymaloe Relish and Cheddar Cheese brings together two Irish greats to create something spectacular Available in 50g single serve and 125g share bags, O’Donnells Crinkle Cut Furrows are the perfect snack to relish alone or to share with family and friends.

O’Donnells is working to reduce the environmental impact of packaging waste and making significant reductions on the amount of film used across its entire range

A fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula makes applying Nivea sunscreen fun for kids and the extra water-resistant feature ensures it will stay on

Stay safe in the sun with Nivea

Sun safety is just as essential in Ireland as when you are abroad. The sun emits damaging UV rays year-round, even on cloudy days As up to 80% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can penetrate the skin, it’s important that skin is always protected from the sun’s UVA/UVB rays Healthcare professionals recommend using sunscreen every day, even in cloudy Irish weather, yet when the sun is shining, 17% of school children** and 28% of adults*** do not use sun cream in Ireland.

Let Nivea Sun, Ireland’s number one sun care brand*, look after you at home with these top picks for essential sun protection for the whole family: Nivea Sun Kids Protect & Care Coloured Roll-on SPF

50+, RRP: €9.99, Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Sun Lotion SPF 30 / SPF 50+, RRP: €16.99 Nivea Sun Kids Trigger Spray SPF 30 / SPF 50+, RRP: €21.59 and Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Pocket Size Sun Lotion SPF 30, RRP: €6.99

For more information, visit www.nivea.ie

*(Source: Nielson 52 w/e Dec 27 2020)

**(Source: https://www.irishtimes.com/news/health/some-17-of-schoolchildren-never-usesunscreen-1.4280722)

***(Source: https://www.thejournal.ie/poll-sunscreen-ireland-5108700-May2020/)

Blu Bar Vape flavours include Watermelon Ice, Strawberry Ice, Kiwi Passionfruit, Banana Ice, Peach Ice and Mango Ice

Explore a world of flavours with Blu Bar

Given the growing demand and popularity of disposable vapes among adult consumers, Imperial Tobacco John Player has recently launched its flagship disposable vape brand, Blu Bar, into the retail and wholesale trade in Ireland.

Blu Bar launched with a range of six flavours, which were carefully chosen to respond to consumer needs in the Irish market. The brand has placed a particular focus on quality and consistency of flavour and invites existing adult vapers to ‘Explore a World of Flavours’. Flavours currently available are Watermelon Ice, Strawberry Ice, Kiwi Passionfruit, Banana Ice, Peach Ice and Mango Ice.

Each Blu Bar device contains 20mg/ml of nicotine in 2ml of e-liquid providing up to 600 pulls and features a LED indicator that lights up when in use Blu Bar is available to adult vapers at an RRP of €8 per device. ■

Time’s running out to upgrade your lighting

From September 2023, the EU will phase out fluorescent lighting. This may directly affect your business, so why not beat the rush and apply for a fully funded lighting upgrade from Energia? You can get your old fluorescent lighting replaced, while also reducing your lighting consumption by up to 80%. We’ll make it easy by managing the entire process from start to finish.

Find out more at energia.ie/lighting