ShelfLife June Issue

BAT Ireland

Reflects on 200 years of trading in Ireland as PJ Carroll, country manager David Melinn talks about the business’ journey of transformation to building ‘A Better Tomorrow’ and a smokeless world

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Celebrating Ireland’s 100 most chosen brands

Resilience of Ireland’s leading brands shines through

Navigating redundancy in Ireland

Legal obligations and best practices

ShelfLife June 2024 Vol. 31 No.6

Editor DONNA AHERN donnaahern@mediateam.ie

Staff journalist

SHAUNA BERNARD shauna.bernard@mediateam.ie

Contributors

CAROLINE REIDY

NIKKI MURRAN

EMER HEALY

Head of business

IAN MULVANEY (087) 2208486

ian.mulvaney@mediateam.ie

Account manager

MARK MORGAN (086) 8854930 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.

Leading light

It was a privilege to attend the recent Leading Executives Advancing Diversity (LEAD) Ireland Chapter event, which took place in the prestigious House of Lords in Dublin city centre. The keynote speaker on the day, motivator, empowering transformational specialist, Breda McCague gave an inspirational presentation on allyship – ‘how to foster and embed it in your business’, which included topics such as; how male and female allies can propel your career, practical strategies for mastering allyship and crafting your leadership legacy. Elaine McCague, head of commercial & marketing and Aaron Crinion, managing director of Ireland Kraft Heinz, joined McCague on stage for a panel discussion to share their best practice in the workplace and society views. The conversation prompted passionate feedback from leaders across the Irish FMCG and the Retail sector who were in attendance on the day. Addressing the audience, McCague, said: “Diversity is being invited to the party, inclusion is being asked to dance."

Closing the event, the audience networked with purpose and shared stories of their unique experiences of allyship. I made a lot of connections and I am looking forward to meeting them again at the next LEAD Ireland Chapter event.

Contents June

Managing Director JOHN McDONALD; Sales Director PAUL BYRNE Operations Director BILLY HUGGARD

Published monthly by Mediateam Ltd., 55 Spruce Avenue, Sandyford, Dublin 18. A94 RP22

Telephone (01) 294 7776

Fax (01) 294 7799 ISSN: 1393 0753

COVER STORY

22 ‘A Better Tomorrow’: As British American Tobacco (BAT) Ireland reflects on 200 years of trading in Ireland as PJ Carroll, Donna Ahern talks to country manager David Melinn about the business’ journey of transformation to building ‘A Better Tomorrow’ and a smokeless world

36 100 Master Brands at Home: In a landscape marked by fluctuating economic conditions and shifting consumer priorities, the resilience and efforts of certain brands have shone through, driving their growth and securing their place in the hearts and baskets of Irish shoppers, writes Emer Healy

NEWS&ANALYSIS

FEATURES&REPORTS

16 Nearby store profile: Asta Ramone and Anne Coleman, store managers of Nearby in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, sit down with Shauna Bernard to discuss the store’s growth, community engagement, and dedication to customer

28 Centra store profile: Centra store owner Mark McNally talks

to ShelfLife about the importance of providing his customers with what they want

80 The Vintry’s recipe for exceptional service: Evelyn Jones, owner of The Vintry, Rathgar Village, D.6 shares the secrets behind their award-winning customer service since 1991 and the values that keep customers coming back

85 20 questions with: Kevin Pigott, global ambassador, Tullamore D.E.W.

86 Social diary: Check out who’s been out and about this month!

ADVISOR

20 Recruitment: Excel Recruitment’s Nikki Murran shares her top reasons on why you should engage with a

recruitment agency, instead of going it alone

24 HR: Many companies in Ireland are currently grappling with restructuring challenges, including the implementation of new processes or systems, advancements in technology such as AI, or complete business closures, as they strive to adapt and evolve in the current economic climate, writes Caroline Reidy

NEWSGRID

The top news stories in FMCG and retail from across Ireland

SuperValu expands healthy meals with acquisition of Clean Cut Meals

SuperValu has announced an expansion of its convenience meal offering following the acquisition of Clean Cut Meals by Musgrave.

Clean Cut Meals is a healthy ready meal production company based in Galway This high quality meal range will enhance the healthy meals offering available to SuperValu customers, in what is a rapidly growing category of the market.

Aldi to invest €400m in new stores and jobs over next five years

Aldi has announced its plans to invest €400 million in 30 new stores with the creation of 1,000 new local jobs over the next five years.

The stores will be located across the country in 13 counties, including Dublin, Cork, Sligo Wicklow, Kildare, Galway Monaghan, Longford, Limerick, Kilkenny, Meath, Mayo and Donegal.

Two-thirds of Irish consumers seek eco-labels on seafood

More than two thirds (68%) of fish and seafood consumers in Ireland look for an ecolabel when shopping, according to a new survey conducted by YouGov for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The survey was released to mark World Oceans Day, which recently fell on 8 June

The survey, of more than 2000 consumers in Ireland, who were questioned in April 2024, found that 68% of consumers in Ireland look for eco-labelled products, such as those certified by the MSC, when shopping for fish and eating at restaurants.

IIEA and Coca-Cola release white paper on advancing circular economy for packaging

The Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) and Coca-Cola Ireland have jointly published a white paper with a series of recommendations aimed at advancing the circular economy for packaging. The circular economy is an important model of production and consumption, which involves reducing packaging waste to a minimum to support sustainability goals.

‘Spar Rome Comforts’ winners meet sprint stars

Spar’s legacy continues as the principal sponsor of the biennial European Athletics Championships, which has so far witnessed incredible performances and victories for Team Ireland.

Spar partnered with Irish record-breaking athlete, Israel Olatunde and 4 x 400m relay new European gold medal winner, Rhasidat Adeleke to launch the “Spar Rome Comforts” competition.

Tesco Ireland launches ‘52 Weeks of Little Helps’ to ease mealtime stress

Tesco Ireland has launched ‘52 Weeks of Little Helps’, a campaign that will see a new recipe launched each week for the entire year This is to help home cooks expand their repertoire of dishes. Each recipe is created for families, friends or housemates who want to create convenient meals, using simple quality ingredients.

Tesco ‘continues to build momentum’ in first quarter

BWG Foods wins NACS European Convenience Retail Sustainability Award

BWG Foods was recently presented with the NACS European Convenience Retail Sustainability Award at the prestigious NACS Convenience Retail Awards Europe, which took place recently in Barcelona, Spain.

Tesco has continued to build momentum in the business, with strong volume growth across the UK, Republic of Ireland and Central Europe supported by easing inflation, its latest financial results show. “Our market share reflects this, growing more than at any other time in the past two years, with customers switching to us from other retailers, shopping with us more often and with more in their baskets,” noted Ken Murphy, CEO, Tesco. Food sales showed a 5% increase including strong volume growth across the quarter, particularly in fresh food.

The NACS European Convenience Retail Awards recognise and promote convenience retailing excellence in Europe and provides retailers with the opportunity to showcase their innovation and creativity to the global retailing community

Londis Castlebridge launches new store look

Located on the outskirts of Wexford town, Londis Castlebridge has revealed a new look to this quintessential community convenience store, which has recently undergone a transformation and refurbishment.

Londis Castlebridge recently hosted an official store opening, to reveal how the new-look store has almost doubled in size and now boasts an impressive footprint of 8,761 feet. ■

Clearing the Air: Combating Vape Compliance Misconceptions

The vaping industry has seen rapid growth as it continues to support adult smokers on their journeys to quit Consumer demand has led to a saturation in product options as manufacturers continue to improve on products and adapt to meet ongoing legislations. As a retailer it can be difficult to navigate the ever-evolving industry

It’s important for retailers to get the facts. AllIreland vape company, VaporLinQ, believes transparency between suppliers and retailers is crucial to ensure all parties are confident in product quality, compliance with safety regulations, and current government legislations.

A common misconception is over-labelled products are not TPD-compliant The Health Service Executive (HSE) has clear guidelines under TPD compliance that allows authentic and genuine products to be over-labelled with specific documented information. The below is a HSE Checklist that confirms full compliance. All of VaporLinq’s manufactured products have

achieved AA grading from the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which is the highest accreditation available to products in the industry This means that, as a company, VaporLinQ is upholding the highest standards of safety while meeting all necessary legal requirements in the manufacturing of its products. This also provides confidence for both the company’s supply chain and its customers that the brand and products are trustworthy VaporLinQ’s TPD-compliant products are available across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe, and trusted by major retailers such as WHSmith, Spar Poundland, EuroGiant, Applegreen, and B&M Bargains and many more.

VaporLinQ’s dedication to quality assurance means that they only source products that meet TPD compliance standards.

“Transparency has been crucial in developing our major retail partnerships, but it’s important all of our customers receive the same treatment and that they can trust the stock they purchase from us is reputable,” said

Stephen Ryan, VaporLinQ’s Managing Director.

The company recently made further strides in the retail space with the launch of its innovative retail app, redefining efficiency and service for retailers across the island of Ireland.

The game-changing app enables retailers to streamline the ordering process, saving precious time and cutting down on operational costs. Furthermore, all orders placed before 1pm receive what retailers have described as ‘shockingly fast’ next day delivery The app also has a consignment policy in place to ensure all stock purchased is guaranteed to arrive in the same order

In addition, new sign-ups receive €10 credit into their ‘wallet’ – and every product has a wallet indicator which states how much credit a user will be awarded for every unit of that product purchased. VaporLinQ also benefits from duty savings and zero VAT rates to Ireland, which allows the company to offer products at more competitive prices.

VaporLinQ currently has sales representatives across Ireland delivering informative demos of the app.

This app caters to retailers of all sizes in all corners of the island, with access to TPDcompliant products at their fingertips, ensuring safe and responsible retail trading.

HOW TO CHECK IF A PRODUCT IS TPD-COMPLIANT

HSE regulations transposing the Tobacco Products Directive 2014/40/EU (TPD) into Irish law

AINERS FROM THEIR PREMISES

REQUIREMENT

FOR ARETTES

Tanks of electronic cigarettes and cartomisers must not contain nor have the capacity to contain, nicotine containing liquid in volumes greater than 2mls.

The nicotine content is indicated on the outside packaging (box).

The nicotine concentration of the liquid is not greater than 20mg/ml.

The Health Warning is in both the Irish & English Language as prescribed below

Cuimsionn an tairge seo nicitin, ar substaint an-anduile e This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance

The Health Warning appears on the 2 largest surfaces of the outside packaging ie. the box, covering 32% of the surface on both sides.

The outside packaging (box) or the unit packet does not include any labels or elements or features which resemble a food or a cosmetic product. For example:

There should be no pictures of; food/cosmetic products including pictures of sweets/vegetables/fruits/ice-cream/baked foods etc or any cosmetic product i.e. pictures of lipstick

There are no statements or symbols on the outside packaging (box) or the unit packet which promotes the product in any way or would suggest or give the impression that the product has health or lifestyle benefits, is less harmful than other products, contains natural or organic properties, has vitalising or energetic or healing properties.

Instructions for refilling, including:

•Diagrams

•Specifies the width of the opening of the tank

•Specifies the type of docking system with which the electronic cigarette and refill containers are compatible

Tayto celebrates 70 years of the original Irish crisp

This year, Tayto is celebrating 70 years of the original Irish crisp Tayto highlighted that it is ‘pulling out all the stops to mark this exciting milestone’, with an interactive roadshow, commemorative packaging and a heart-warming collaboration with An Post The brand’s foundation dates back to 1954, when Joe ‘Spud’ Murphy spotted a niche in the Irish market for flavoured crisps and the rest, as they say, is history This year, this very history will be showcased by Tayto through the brand’s 70th birthday roadshow. The ‘Tay70’ birthday exhibition will showcase Tayto in an engaging and interactive series of experiences, that will be rocking up all around the country There will be a reeling in the years style showcase of the brand, memorabilia, games and fun activities for all ages. Tayto will be hitting the road on 22 June, stopping at the following locations along the way:

June: 22 Galway Shopping Centre and Kaleidoscope 28 – 30

July: Bray Beach BBQ 20 -21 & Bray Braeve Maeve 27 – 28

August: Bray Airshow 4 – 5 & the Rose of Tralee Festival 17 -18

If you can’t join in on Tayto’s celebrations at one of the Roadshow stops, you can still enjoy a taste of the birthday magic with Tayto’s brand new, limited edition 70th packaging. The new 70th packs will feature the Tay70 logo on the Cheese & Onion six pack and impulse pack and will be available in stores nationwide from June Tayto is also teaming up with An Post this year to ‘Send Love with Tay70’ celebrations even further afield. Throughout June and July, An Post envelopes will feature a Tayto 70th celebrations postmark. As Tayto is one of the most-missed food by Irish

SuperValu launches revamped Higgins SuperValu Mayfield

SuperValu has launched its new look, store in Mayfield, Co Cork, under the new ownership and management of Tom Higgins, following a significant investment of €1 million. Higgins SuperValu Mayfield currently employs 32 people, and the store revamp will create eight additional jobs in Mayfield over the coming months.

The new look SuperValu offers an extended range of top-quality produce, brand new, expertly led Deli and Butcher counters, an expanded Bakery range, a dedicated Prepared Meals range, as well as a new look Off-Licence with extended and exclusive ranges of wines of the world and craft beers. In addition, the Fresh Food Hall will bring exclusive ranges to shoppers from the likes of Freshly Prepared Meals, Italicatessen, The Happy Pear and Donnybrook Fair, while the new Health & Wellness section in-store offers an array of products tailored to cater to the diverse needs of our valued customers. The store also offers locals in the community the option of a delivery service. Higgins SuperValu is ‘committed to supporting the surrounding community’ and has already contributed to many local charities and teams in the past year, including Mayfield Utd Soccer Academy, Mayfield GAA Academy, Mayfield Boxing Club and Brian Dillons GAA Academy. Throughout the store upgrades, sustainability has remained central to these plans. These upgrades include the installation of energy-efficient refrigeration doors, with energy efficient state of-the-art refrigeration units, as well as the introduction of LED lighting throughout the store. It is estimated that these measures have led to a 35% reduction in energy consumption across the premises. Commenting on the launch of the new store, owner Tom Higgins, said: “The new store will offer our customers premium produce from a new Fresh Food Hall to an extended grocery range and quality offering, as well as fantastic local products across the

store. The reaction to date has been truly overwhelming from our current customers and indeed those returning to shop here. Their continued support enables us to help support our local community too.”

emigrants around the world, the An Post collaboration will also encourage Tayto fans to send the things people really want to their family and friends at home and abroad.

By Sending Love, and Sending Tayto, this will allow Tayto fans to enjoy the true taste of home, no matter where they are, the crisp brand explained. To celebrate, An Post and Tayto will give 10 lucky winners the chance to Send Tayto to their loved ones across the World. Last but not least, Tayto also has some exciting digital elements to their celebrations as they have a new Tayto memories feature on www.taytocrisps.ie where fans can share their pictures and memories of Tayto for a chance to win a box of Tayto. Mid-June also sees the launch of their 70 days of giveaways with prizes to won every day for 70 days across a special Tayto microsite.

SuperValu expands healthy meals with acquisition of Clean Cut Meals

SuperValu has announced an expansion of its convenience meal offering following the acquisition of Clean Cut Meals by Musgrave. This high quality meal range will further enhance the healthy meals offering available to SuperValu customers, in what is a rapidly growing category of the market.

Established in 2015, Clean Cut Meals is a healthy ready meal production company based in Galway and employs 20 staff The company currently prepares thousands of healthier meal solutions each week which is expected to grow significantly with access to SuperValu & Centra’s nationwide retail network.

The business offers a range of meal plans including breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack options. Its monthly menu changes to keep the range as fresh as possible, strengthening their ability to adapt to changing customer tastes and demands.

Luke Hanlon, interim managing director, SuperValu and Centra, said: “Customers are increasingly seeking healthy, tasty and convenient meal offerings, and we have invested heavily in developing our market-leading offering in this category The acquisition of Clean Cut Meals will build further on this investment as SuperValu and Centra continually seeks to innovate and enhance its offering in order to meet the needs of our customers in communities all across Ireland.

Conor McCallion and Michéal Dyer, co-founders, Clean Cut Meals, said: “As we reflect on the humble beginnings of our brand, from late nights in the kitchen to navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, we are filled with pride and nostalgia. This acquisition opens doors to new possibilities, allowing Clean Cut Meals to reach a broader audience through the 700 strong SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide Our products, once crafted with love in a modest kitchen, will now grace tables across the country, promoting a healthier lifestyle for all. We are excited to bring our healthy and nutritious range of meals and products to SuperValu and Centra customers across the country.” ■

SuperValu Mayfield store opening

Reeling in the years: Tayto truck

On and off the rugby pitch with Beibhinn Parsons

Aldi brand ambassador and national rugby player,

Beibhinn Parsons talks to

Shauna Bernard about her rugby career, the challenges she’s faced and how her role with Aldi influences her outlook on life and community

Can you share what being an Aldi brand ambassador means to you and how it influences your connection with your community?

Being an Aldi brand ambassador is a huge honour and perfect fit for me Aldi’s commitment to encouraging health and fitness through rugby and healthy eating aligns so well with my personal values, and it’s fantastic to represent a brand that genuinely cares about community. It allows me to connect with people and kids across the country through the AldiPlayRugby campaigns on a personal level by promoting healthy living and participation in sport. Plus, it’s such a privilege to be involved with a brand that supports me both on and off the pitch.

Who’s been your toughest rugby opponent, and how did facing them change your game, if at all?

The toughest opponent I’ve faced has to be the Australian Sevens Team. Their speed and skills always provide us with a tough battle and push us to new limits. Facing them taught me the importance of staying calm in chaos and making the right decision even when your lungs are burning and the pressure is on.

What personal qualities do you believe are essential for success in rugby, beyond just physical ability?

Teamwork is the backbone of our team and a value we check in with very often. No single player can win a game alone Building bonds off the pitch make playing together so much more effective and enjoyable Learning from loss together makes winning together even better

Can you tell us about a piece of advice that has stuck with you and helped you navigate your rugby career?

One piece of advice that was given to me by Olympian Annalise Murphy, went along the lines of “don’t fear losing, get excited to fight to win.” Sometimes it’s easy to fall into the trap of fearing failure and playing in your shell but if you change from a threat mindset to a challenge mindset, I find I perform much better

Would you be willing to share something about yourself that fans might not know?

I really like trying out new makeup and skincare products and could talk about it for hours. Me and my two teammates Dorothy and Aoibheann even have a group chat dedicated to new products we try

Reflecting on your journey, can you recall a moment where you faced a significant challenge in rugby and how you overcame it?

One significant challenge was a recurring knee injury It was a tough period where I missed a lot of training and tournaments but it’s given me a lot more perspective and understanding for my other teammates when they go through injury

Apart from physical strength, what mental attributes do you think are crucial for thriving in the intense world of professional rugby?

Resilience allows you to bounce back from setbacks, whether it’s a loss or an injury, maintaining your drive and passion for the

game It’s crucial in sports because you have to pick yourself up from big losses and come back stronger when there’s another game to play.

What passions or hobbies do you pursue off the field that bring you joy and help you stay grounded amidst the demands of rugby?

Aside from spending all my money shopping, I enjoy going for coffee and walks with my friends and the occasional sea swim (obviously followed by a nice coffee).

How has your experience as an Aldi brand ambassador influenced your perspective on life, community, and balancing the demands of being a professional athlete?

Being an Aldi brand ambassador has reinforced the importance of living a healthy lifestyle and community. It has shown me the impact I can have beyond the rugby field, promoting young kids (especially young girls) to take up rugby or any activity for that matter

This role has made me more aware of the importance of giving back and staying onnected with those who support me, both in my career and personal life. It’s a reminder that success isn’t about winning matches but also about contributing positively to the people around you.

I have developed as a person through opportunities for growth, such as public speaking in front of crowds, on radio, and on television. These experiences have really stood to me ■

Aldi brand ambassador and national rugby player, Beibhinn Parsons signing an autograph for a fan

A little sprinkle for every day happiness

To protect her delicate skin make Caldesene part of your everyday routine.

TENDER CARE AT Every Change

ABBREVIATED PRESCRIBING INFORMATION Caldesene 10% w/w Medicated Powder contains Calcium Undecylenate 10 % w/w Pharmaceutical Form: Cutaneous powder A white perfumed free-flowing cutaneous powder Indications: For the prevention and treatment of local rashes of buttocks due to friction and irritation particularly those at risk of infection such as nappy rash Dosage and administration: Nappy rash: Cleanse and dry the affected area, sprinkle on Caldesene after each nappy change or as directed by a doctor Prevention: Apply to affected area as required or as directed by a doctor Treatment: Cleanse and dry the affected area, apply powder as required or as directed by a doctor There is no recommended dosing schedule. Method of administration: For Cutaneous use. Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients. Warnings and precautions This product contains benzyl benzoate which may be a mild irritant to the skin, eyes and mucous membranes. Interactions: None listed. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation: As this product is applied topically, its use is not contraindicated during pregnancy or lactation. Undesirable effects: Skin irritation can occur occasionally to some of the ingredients. If this occurs, use of the product should be discontinued.Adverse reactions should be reported via HPRA Pharmacovigilance, website: www.hpra.ie. Pack size: 20, 55, 100 or 150 g. Not all pack sizes may be marketed.A copy of the Summary of Product Characteristics is available upon request or go to www.clonmelhealthcare.ie Marketing authorisation holder: Clonmel Healthcare Ltd., Waterford Road, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary. Marketing authorisation number: PA126/152/1. Supply through non-pharmacy outlets and pharmacies Date last revised: May 2019. 2023/ADV/CAL/239H. Date prepared: December 2023.

CSNA NEWS

New members Of CSNA National Executive Committee announced

at 2024 CSNA AGM

Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), national president Gus O’Hara told the delegates attending the AGM that plans to develop a new website are advancing, as are works to create an App for all CSNA members needing to access essential information.

The president also took the

opportunity to introduce the two newest members of the executive, Anna Mac Donagh from Connemara and Michael Kelly from Wicklow.

Both the president and the CEO, Vincent Jennings paid tribute to the extraordinary work and devotion to fellow retailers that marked the many years

(including three presidential terms) service from Joe Mannion, who along with Caroline have sold their Clondalkin Daybreak store.

Joe, Caroline and their three adult offspring were in attendance at the Annual Dinner on Tuesday night where once again, their contribution to CSNA was acclaimed.

CSNA calls for government support to ensure the future of newspaper retailing

CSNA CEO Vincent Jennings has called for the government to set up an investigation into the future of print media after declaring its importance to Ireland’s democracy.

Vincent Jennings, CEO of the CSNA said retailers have “a duty and an obligation” to stock newspapers and urged the government to look deeply into the economy of newspaper retailing to ensure its long-term survival.

Jennings estimated that 90% of CSNA members still sell newspapers, down from 100% five years ago, and warned that 120-150 shops per year are withdrawing newspapers from sale.

He also called for the government to cap the fees demanded by the two leading newspaper distributors, EM News and Newspread, as the cost is the main reason local shops

are deciding against stocking newspapers.

Retailers are paying €150 per week or nearly €8,000 per year to the two distributors, further squeezing the already thin margins they make on dwindling newspaper sales. The weekly charge was 50 pence when it was introduced in the mid-1990s.

“It won’t be long before you have deserts places in Ireland, villages and even towns where there may not be a paper available, and that will happen very quickly,” Jennings warned.

Jennings said the responsibility was with news publishers, publisher’s agents and distributors alike to ensure newsagents are not priced out of selling newspapers.

He was especially concerned about shops in rural and remote

areas that pay the same fees as stores in urban centres despite selling far fewer copies.

The Future of Media Commission made 50 recommendations to transform the media sector as part of its report published in 2022, and the government abolished VAT on newspapers last January.

Unlike representatives from the print, radio and digital sectors, CSNA was not invited to meetings in the Oireachtas as part of the Commission’s research, a decision Jennings described as “galling” considering the number of TDs and Senators who are themselves newsagents or post office operators.

“I don’t know if they see the connection at all between the product they sell and the importance of ensuring [its survival],” he said.

“They’re anxious to get their photographs taken, but whether they really look into the whole future of the product is another matter altogether, but it requires a lot of thinking.”

Gus O’Hara, National President, CSNA

Attendees at the CSNA, AGM

CSNA NEWS

CSNA NEWS

GUS O’HARA National President, CSNA

Sunrise 2027

The dawn of next generation barcodes

Placing QR Codes with GS1 standards on product packages worldwide will enable manufacturers and retailers to provide powerful digital experiences to engage consumers and shoppers as they interact with products, in store, online or at home

From GS1 barcodes to QR Codes with GS1 standards

2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the first product barcode to be scanned in a grocery store. In the early 1970s, retailers and manufacturers worked together with GS1, the global organisation for data standards, to adopt the barcode as the universal way to identify products. The GS1 barcode is used on billions of products worldwide today and enables many processes including scanning at checkout, category management, fulfillment in distribution centers, and much more.

Today, more than ever, consumers and regulatory bodies are demanding more product information, such as instructions, safety, ingredients, nutrition, certifications, recycling, etc. and there is an ongoing need for enhanced product traceability throughout the supply chain to mitigate risks, improve customer service and support sustainability requirements.

However, the traditional barcode that has served us well for the last 50 years does not have the technical capacity to support these many future needs for data. To meet these new demands, the consumer goods industry has begun transitioning to QR Codes with GS1 standards, as they can store greater amounts of product information and additionally can be scanned by a smartphones. This opens up a range of new possibilities for brands and retailers to provide consumers, regulators and trading partners with the information they need, and in turn improves traceability and efficiency through the supply chain, all while still enabling point-of-sale scanning at the checkout.

Sunrise 2027

The transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards by the consumer goods industry is an innovative and forward-looking response to today’s business and consumer needs. The aim of this initiative is that, by the end of 2027, QR Codes with GS1 standards should be widely adopted: (1) by manufacturers on their product packaging and (2) by retailers globally having the ability to scan these barcodes at Point of Sale (POS).

For Sunrise 2027 – The Global Migration to 2D to succeed, industry must come together

to adopt a unified approach, requiring changes from both retailers and manufacturers.

It is expected that this transition will happen gradually and that those organisations that lead this transformation will be best positioned to unlock valuable new capabilities and provide more benefits to their customers, trading partners and consumers.

How to Get Started

This major industry shift has already begun, with 2D barcode pilots in 48 countries across all regions. A collective effort is now needed from the entire consumer goods industry to deliver on the Sunrise 2027 ambition: Retailers

• Retailers should ensure point-of-sale systems are equipped with scanners capable of reading both traditional (one-dimensional/1D) barcodes and twodimensional/2D barcodes (e.g., QR Codes and GS1 DataMatrix).

• This includes ensuring optical scanner hardware is in place, as well as the appropriate software to read and process the data contained in the 2D barcodes.

• Current trends indicate a promising trajectory towards achieving critical mass in this area by 2027 (>85%), with a significant majority of global retail POS systems already capable of reading 2D barcodes.

• The right technology, together with the right supply chain processes, will deliver traceability and enhanced inventory management benefits to both retailers and manufacturers.

Manufacturers

• Manufacturers should begin to review and choose the most appropriate data carriers for their needs. This can be either QR Codes (the most widely used and that can be read natively with smartphones) or GS1 DataMatrix (commonly used in healthcare)

• Secondly, brands need to determine what additional data is to be embedded in the barcode e.g., product expiry date, lot number, serial number, etc.

• Assessing the necessary technological and manufacturing process changes is essential. For example, fresh foods using real-time labelling can quickly incorporate expiration dates in their barcodes. In contrast, products with pre-printed packaging will need advanced manufacturing technology to do the same

• Finally, adoption of the GS1 Digital Link standard is also needed to direct consumers to an online product experience through a simple smartphone scan.

Industry Call to Action: The retail and consumer goods industries are called to support the global transition to QR Codes with GS1 standards for consumer & point-ofsale scanning by end 2027

The GS1 Ireland website offers comprehensive information and guidance on adopting 2D barcode technology Manufacturers and retailers will find detailed implementation guidelines, best practices and support for navigating the transition.

https://www.gs1ie.org/2d-barcodes/ ■

Irish artisan mead producer Kinsale Mead was first to market in Ireland with GS1 powered QR codes in 2023.” Photo credit Pepperazzi (Monika Coghlan).

We were proud to present St Francis Hospice with a cheque for €5,000 from a charity raffle held in 2023. The charity was chosen by last years CSNA President Mr John Paul Lonergan.

Scam alert –returned cigarettes

We have received reports that some customers are attempting to return cigarette packs that appear to be unopened but are stuffed with tissue paper instead of cigarettes. This deceptive practice is part of a wider scam aimed at defrauding retailers.

To help prevent this scam from affecting your business, we recommend the following precautions:

1. Examine returns carefully: When accepting returns of cigarette packs, carefully inspect the packaging. Look for any signs of tampering, such as loose or misaligned seals.

From €100 worth of chicken fillet rolls being stolen from delis each week, to thousands of euros of damage being done by shoplifters, retailers have revealed the devastating impact crime is having on their businesses.

CSNA Member Shane Gleeson (59), who owns five Spar shops in Limerick, said theft and criminal damage offences have got “far worse” in recent years.

Last September, a man smashed through the front door of his store in Castletroy and robbed cigarettes and vape products worth nearly €7,000. A few weeks later, the same man again broke into the shop and took more fags and vapes, estimated by gardaí to be worth around €1,600.

Both incidents were captured on CCTV and the perpetrator, Dermot Boland of Maple Court, Kennedy Park, Co Limerick, was sentenced to three years in jail in March. Mr Gleeson said that repairing the damage to the premises cost him close to €40,000 after windows, doors and electrics were broken. In the last year, he has invested €65,000 in hi-tech CCTV due to the level of shoplifting occurring.

“Last Wednesday, a woman came into one of the shops in the city centre with a massive bag, filled it with about 20 items and tried to walk out the door,” he said. “My son tried to stop her and

she started roaring and screaming. The guards were called, she assaulted one of them and they had to handcuff her and take her away. About two hours later, she was back trying to do the same thing. We’re getting repeat offenders on a daily basis.”

Mr Gleeson estimates that theft is costing his businesses up to €80,000 each year. “The latest racket”, he says, is people coming into the shop, ordering food at the deli, eating it in the store and then walking out without paying. “We now have signs up everywhere saying you must pay for your food before it is consumed,” he said.

CSNA executive member Brian

Kelly owns a service station in Newcastle, Co Dublin and has also experienced customers stealing food from the deli. He estimates that up to €100 worth of chicken fillet rolls is taken every week.

“We have a system where if you buy a roll, the label is traced and it will come up on the till if the item was unsold, so we can pinpoint the person who has taken it and how much hasn’t been paid for,” he said.

“We’ve noticed that people are coming in and paying for a couple of items such as a bottle of Coke and a bar, but putting the deli food in their pocket.” Kelly said the business has been in his family for 40 years and he has noticed a “huge increase in shoplifting”. “It

can be disheartening. I’ve gone to court three or four times for shoplifting and only one was prosecuted, so I’m not sure how serious the legal system takes it.”

Another shop owner who runs a Spar on MacCurtain Street in Cork executive Member Willie O’Brien has been assaulted while attempting to stop people robbing from his store. “I believe we have a legal system in this country, but we don’t have a justice system,” he said. He described the system as “not fit for purpose” due to the level of repeat offenders. “A justice system believes in restitution, not in retribution,” he said. “I’d prefer if the State spent the millions of euro in legal aid on rehabilitating people, rather than paying solicitors and barristers. “It’s a business for legal eagles, whereas the person who is robbed gets nothing for the upset to their life.”

2. Verify contents: If a customer insists on returning a pack of cigarettes, open the pack in their presence to verify that the contents are intact and genuine.

3. Train staff: Ensure that all employees are aware of this scam and are trained on how to handle suspicious return requests.

4. Implement a return policy: If you don’t already have one, consider implementing a strict return policy for tobacco products. This could include not accepting returns unless the pack is visibly unopened and undamaged.

5. Report incidents: If you encounter any instances of this scam, please report them to local authorities and inform our office so we can track and address the issue collectively.

We understand that these additional measures may cause some inconvenience, but they are crucial in protecting your business from fraudulent activities.

Congratulations to our National Executive Member Flora Crowe who gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in May. We would like to congratulate Flora and her family on their new addition Lila, to their family. ■

CSNA present a cheque for

¤5,000 to St Francis Hospice

CSNA present a cheque for €5,000 to St Francis Hospice

Retail theft on the rise

SCAM ALERT

CSNA CHARITY

CSNA NEWS

The heartbeat of Castleblayney

Asta Ramone and Anne Coleman, store managers of Nearby in Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan, sit down with Shauna Bernard to discuss the store’s growth, community engagement, and dedication to customer value

In the vibrant town of Castleblayney, the Nearby store, managed by Asta Ramone and Anne Coleman, reveal the backstory of its continued growth Covering approximately 1200 square feet, the store underwent a major transformation in 2021, rebranding to Nearby and enhancing its layout and offerings

Ramone, notes:“We recently just celebrated our three year anniversary branded as Nearby.”

Renovating

During the renovations in 2014, when the store joined S&W under the Today’s Local brand, the store layout was restructured, which improved how customers moved throughout the store. Further changes were implemented in 2021 when the store moved to Nearby, expanding on product offerings based on customer feedback Coleman says,“We listen to our customers feedback and we have really seen sales improve rapidly since making the changes.”

Reflecting on the changes that were made when S&W Wholesale came in, Coleman notes:“There was no deli counter previously, so a full one was put in with all top of the range machinery and equipment We were given a staff room upstairs and two coffee machines also, which was a huge hit with our staff.”

Coleman moves on to commend the S&W

Wholesale development team, who were a huge help with renovating “They’re so professional at what they do and great at giving us pointers from planning to implementation, it was a great experience overall,” adds Coleman

Continued growth

Ramone notes:“Sales are continuing to grow The store is performing well year on year, currently we have grown 4% since last year. The main thing that is driving the percentage up is our confectionery, soft drinks and our deli.”

According to Ramone, the reason behind why these sales categories are going up, compared with last year, is the wide range of minerals. With varying sizes, the

most popular on the go drinks would be juices and protein drinks.

Open door policy

Nearby Castleblayney currently has 17 staff on their payroll. There is an even mix between full time and part time Coleman mentions that quite a few of the staff have been there since day one

“I also would have started off on the shop floor as an employee and I’ve managed to progress. In the office I’ve developed new skills which is a plus I wouldn’t have known how to use excel before!” jokes Coleman

Ramone emphasises the excellent relationship they maintain with their staff, highlighting that“we operate an open door policy.” This approach encourages

A new deli counter has been a great addition to the store and it’s customers

Hard at work: Staff at Nearby Castleblayney

The team from Nearby Castleblayney

employees to bring forward any ideas or issues without hesitation, ensuring that“there’s no questions too big or too small for them to ask us.” This open communication helps create a supportive and collaborative work environment.

Coleman likens their relationship with the staff to that of a family, saying:“I’m not saying this to be cheesy, but we are like a family We have been through births together, marriages and even weddings!” This familial atmosphere contributes to the pleasant working environment, which Coleman cites as a key reason for their long tenure They balance camaraderie with professionalism, ensuring that“we have the craic together, but we get the job done at the same time.”

Giving back

Coleman highlights their store’s strong community involvement, emphasising that“we support local suppliers wherever we can.” They source from local vegetable and chicken suppliers, believing it’s essential to give back to the community. Their commitment extends beyond suppliers; they also actively sponsor local events.

A key example of their involvement is the Muckno Mania Festival, which Coleman describes as“a threeday annual festival suitable for all age groups.” The festival features street shows, food shows, and a spectacular fireworks display.“We’re very happy to put our name to the fireworks display every year,” Coleman adds Coleman continues:“There’s currently a charity cycle going on locally for a young mother that unfortunately passed away in 2022. They’re doing a sponsored cycle, from Sligo to Achill Island We were more than happy to sponsor that too.

”

Additionally, there are tractor runs for charity. Their store often serves as a meeting point for this event, fueling up and then setting off together “I would definitely say that we are very much involved in the community and try to give back as much as the community gives us. At the end of the day, you depend on your community too, ” notes Coleman.

Value for money

Ramone affirms that their store offers value, particularly during the cost of living crisis The store has a three-metre shelf filled with special offers, which

has become a popular feature among customers

These promotions, especially the‘Bring Home Value’ offers, are effective in driving foot traffic and ensuring that customers find exceptional deals. Ramone notes that their prices are often“cheaper than even some of our larger competitors,” which is particularly appreciated in their community

Coleman seconds the‘Bring Home the Value’ range as a notable aspect of their value offerings This promotion runs on a three-week cycle, during which Nearby provides special offers for customers Coleman highlights that customers enjoy the anticipation of new deals every three weeks. This strategy not only helps in maintaining customer interest but also ensures they are consistently provided with affordable options.

Brand support

Expressing strong satisfaction with the support received from their store brand, Coleman says:“Yes, absolutely I couldn’t fault them.” They have regular interactions with their business development manager, Stephen Vincent, who visits at least every two weeks and is always available by phone for any help or advice Vincent is proactive in suggesting changes to improve margins and introducing new product lines The

Nearby Marketing team also provides excellent support, particularly with social media and instore POS promotional materials.

Coleman appreciates that,“the team are pro-active and have the store and customers at heart of their campaigns.” This reliable and comprehensive support system contributes significantly to their store’s success.

Challenging times

Coleman describes 2023 as“the most challenging year ” due to rising business costs, particularly energy expenses.To mitigate these increases without affecting customers, they implemented several strategies. They maintain a rigorous maintenance schedule, ensuring that equipment like freezers run efficiently and at the best value.

Additionally, they adjusted staff rosters to improve efficiency without reducing hours. Coleman says:“The last thing you want to do to your staff is to cut their hours when the cost of living is so high.”

By scheduling staff based on when they are most needed, such as having fewer people during quieter times and more during busier evenings, they avoid cutting staff hours.

Caring for customers

Coleman believes that their store will remain secure as long as they continue to offer good prices to customers She notes the importance of maintaining good margins while also taking care of their customers

With the support and knowledge of S&W Wholesale and the Nearby brand team, Coleman believes they have integrated well into the community. She highlights their strong relationships with customers, many of whom they know on a first-name basis.

“You could have an elderly customer come in and it might be the only interaction they have that day.To be able to look after them is essential,” concludes Coleman, highlighting the store’s vital role in the community, while also offering competitive prices and a good range of products. ■

Costa Coffee Nearby at Castleblayney

BHTV offers four deals every three weeks for consumers in store

Nearby, Castleblayney

Keelings are delighted to announce the launch of its new rebrand to the Irish market in May of this year which featured a completely new packaging look and feel as well as a full 360 marketing support campaign including a new TV and radio advert running across the entire summer period

The Keelings story stretches as far back as 1926 when the farm was initially established in North County Dublin, the first Irish strawberries being planted in 1937 Fast forward to present day, Keelings is now the number one manufacturer within fresh produce* The brand, initially launched in 2010, now commands 77% awareness** in the market amongst Irish consumers.

Sarah Burmanje, senior brand manager at Keelings remarks “We have set out as a business and a brand to inspire more people across the aisle of Ireland to enjoy fresh produce. The Keelings rebrand is rooted in the insights we have gained over the past number of months through extensive research into the category and the wider retail landscape The rebrand is a huge step forward and we are

extremely excited for what the future holds for the brand”.

Through extensive customer research (aided by their media partner Dentsu) and internal discussions with family and shareholders alike, Keelings redefined who they are as a brand in the market, crafting a deeper understanding of their target audience and what the brand means to their consumer Amid a competitive and often commodity driven category, it was decided to refresh the Keelings brand in the hopes of creating a united, consumer-led brand in the Irish market.

Supported by Keelings’ new creative and branding agency, THINKHOUSE, Keelings have injected a new lease of life into its packaging allowing the true hero of the product – its fruit – to stand out. Incorporating a new fresh,

modern colour palette, the new packaging which has started to roll out across its entire portfolio

Packaging being one piece of the jigsaw, Keelings also launched with a brand-new TV and radio advert which will run across the entire summer entitled “Love that Keelings feeling”. Created by THINKHOUSE, the TV advert showcases the empowerment and fulfilment that fresh produce can give you. The main character is transported from a mundane office to a Keelings Dreamworld bursting full of fresh, vibrant, juicy fruit. The music track “C’est La Vie” is a nod to the Irish heritage of the brand bringing that sense of nostalgia and familiarity to the brand in the midst of this change

THINKHOUSE creative director Shane Kenna commented: “As a B Corp certified company, THINKHOUSE is immensely proud to partner with Keelings to inspire more people, both locally and internationally, to fall in love with fresh fruit and veg. Our innovative platform, Love that Keelings Feeling, is poised to become a beacon of joy and connection, amplifying the brand’s visibility and popularity This rebranding endeavour is not only about celebrating the taste and enjoyment of fresh produce but also about solidifying Keelings as a beloved Irish cultural brand on the global stage Through our collaborative efforts in THINKHOUSE, we aim to create a positive shift for Keelings and their customers, fostering a deeper appreciation for quality, freshness, and the joy of healthy eating. We’re very excited for our vision and our new TVC to be shared with all.”

Keelings have invested in a full 360 marketing campaign to support the rebrand from packaging to TV and Radio right through to instore support, sampling activations and of course its presence at the largest horticultural show in Ireland – Bord Bia’s Bloom in the Park. Jo Batty, Sales and Marketing Director at Keelings said “Keelings is an Irish brand, proud of its strong heritage, with almost 100 years of business in Ireland. This next stage of the brand’s journey was to build on its already well-established credentials, ensuring its relevance in today’s market with consumers. Taste and enjoyment are at the essence of all our campaigns moving forward as we continue to strive to inspire more people to enjoy fresh produce.” ■

*Source: Symphony EYC, Dunnhumby. MAT (52 week) ending 24th March 2024 v prior year **Source: Dentsu Keeling’s Brand Effectiveness Tracker April 2024

Getting the best from a recruitment agency

Excel Recruitment’s Nikki Murran shares her top reasons on why you should engage with a recruitment agency, instead of going it alone

I wrote an article last year listing the benefits of using a recruitment agency when adding to your retail team. A shameless plug you ask? Perhaps, but also, good information to know when you are deciding whether to engage with an agency or go it alone.

Whilst the benefits are numerous, ranging from expert industry advice and employer branding, to access to wider talent pools and better value for money, some retailers have told me they are still hesitant to reach out to recruiters for support as they are unsure of the process or how best to proceed when dealing with a professional recruiter. So, this month, I have put together some information about how the recruitment process works and some tips to follow when you are using a recruitment agency.

Murran’s top tips

Look for experts specific to your industry: Your regional manager or support office will usually offer recommendations.You want to make sure you are using a recruiter that understands the vacancies you have, the market and location you are recruiting for. They should also be open and honest about the climate of the current job market.

A good recruiter should give you feedback about packages being offered by competitors for similar roles, give you a salary guide for your role in the market, and also be willing to work within the budgets that you have rather than push you into a salary band that isn’t feasible for your store.

Agree terms: Be sure to ask your recruiter about the costs involved, when they are due, and what sort of policy is in place for candidates who leave.Your recruiter should be transparent with all this information from the outset.

Information is king: Share as much information as you can about the business, your store, your team, the role, the package, and the benefits on offer This allows your recruiter to upsell your business to the best candidates on the marketThe more information you give them, the more attractive your job becomes to prospective employees.

Wish list: Be sure to provide your recruiter with a detailed wish list of the sort of candidate you require. Include everything from culture and soft skills that are important in your store to ideal systems you would like them to have used previously It’s also worth ranking items on your“wish list.”

Keep an open mind. I always explain to my retailers, any candidate I send you should be able to Do the job. By the time we have screened them, we are sure they are all capable so at this point it should just come down to“fit”, which means at the end of an interview day with my candidates you should feel like any of them could potential do the job, but you will likely have a preference for who you think will work best alongside you, your team and your customer base. Some CVs may look stronger than others, but by

trusting your recruiter to understand your role, and meeting all their candidates you will get a broader picture of the market and often times a candidate who doesn’t“jump out” from a CV –will have an X factor that you can only discover after an interview. There is a reason we put each candidate forward!

Feedback, feedback, feedback. The more feedback you provide, the better partnership you can form with your recruiter. It’s the best way for them to understand what a great candidate looks like to you. Many of my clients register jobs and just ask me to put forward the one or two best candidates as they trust I know what they want

Partnership approach: Look to your recruiter as one of your business partners. Most of our clients have been with us for over ten years and come to us for advice, a snapshot of the current market, feedback on the knock-on effects of new legislation, or to hear what

other retailers are doing to combat shortages in the market – we can be a great business partner and the more we understand your business the more support we can offer.

Communication: Regardless of how your recruitment process is going communication is always key. By keeping in touch with your recruiter during the process you can make sure they are keeping your role active and adjusting your wish list as your business needs change.

Haste: Most good recruiters can react swiftly to your recruitment requests. In the grocery and wider retail market, this is especially important. Be sure to agree on a timeline from the outset with your recruiter. They should outline when you should expect the first CVs and, from there, when the first interviews should be expected. In today’s market, it’s imperative that you move through the process promptly or you risk losing candidates.

Hopefully, this helps with your next hire! ■

NIKKI MURRAN

A Better Tomorrow

As British American Tobacco (BAT) Ireland reflects on 200 years of trading in Ireland as PJ Carroll, Donna Ahern talks to country manager David Melinn about the business’ journey of transformation to building ‘A Better Tomorrow’ and a smokeless world

David Melinn started working at BAT Ireland as a sales rep in 2004 after studying marketing in the Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT).This year marks 20 years since he began his career at BAT Ireland.He tells ShelfLife that it’s been an honour to have been at the helm of the business since 2023.

Over the past two decades,he worked his way up in the company,moving into a key accounts manager role,then head of key accounts,and Melinn took over as country manager nearly fourteen months ago.

“We’re also celebrating our 200-year anniversary of continuously trading in Ireland this year,making us one of the oldest businesses in the country.It’s hard to believe I have been with the company for 10% of that time,”he says

Change and transformation

Talking to ShelfLife he says that there has been a number of big developments over the past fourteen months so it is difficult to pick just one highlight

“I took on the role at a huge juncture of change and transformation for BAT Ireland.One of the most significant changes has been the adoption of new regulations in Ireland with the passing of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products)Act and the announcement by Government that it plans to further regulate the sector

“The Public HealthAct brought in a ban on the sale of vapes to under-18s which is something BAT Ireland had been campaigning in favour of for many years.Our work going forward will be focused on maintaining access to Vuse,a potentially reduced-risk* product with a limited flavour range for adult nicotine users,as we believe these products can play a central role in Ireland’s smoke-free ambitions.

“We also launched ourVELO tobacco-free nicotine pouches which have been hugely successful,and the BAT

David Melinn, country manager, BAT

Group announced its new corporate strategy which centres on our aim of becoming a predominately smokeless business, with 50% of our revenue coming from non-combustible products by 2035.We’re playing our part in Ireland to achieve these targets,with Healthy Ireland 2023 showing that half of Ireland’s approximately 320,000 vapers have now quit smoking completely,”he adds.

“It’s important to note that these products are not risk-free and do contain nicotine,an addictive substance strictly for consumption by people over the age of 18.However,it is equally important to note that there is a strong and growing body of evidence to support the role of reduced-risk products in helping adult smokers to move away from smoking traditional cigarettes In Ireland,one-quarter of successful quit attempts are thanks to vaping - more than any other smokingcessation tool.“

PJ Carroll legacy

Melinn notes that he is extremely proud of the history and legacy of PJ Carroll.

“What started as a small shop in Dundalk in 1824 became, over a number of decades,a leading Irish business.Some of the key milestones we have been reflecting on include the launch of Carrolls Number One in 1958,and in 2018 our launch of vaping products to the Irish market,which marked a significant step change for the business,”he says

The opening in 1970 of its 45-acre state-of-the-art factory in Dundalk is also a major historical highlight At its height the factory employed around 750 people,and it is now the campus for Dundalk Institute of Technology.The business also has a“proud history”of supporting Irish sporting events like the GAAAll StarsAwards,the Carrolls Open and Irish horse racing

“A lot of our customers still talk about the Carrolls Boomerang racehorse,”he highlights.

For over a century,PJ Carroll was an entirely family-owned business before Rothmans purchased a 39% stake in 1960. Rothmans then bought out the remaining shares in 1990,and then was acquired by BAT in 1998.

“Today,we are proud to be a part of the BAT Group which is an international,leading multi-category consumer goods business with more than 50,000 employees in over 180 markets,”he says.

Over the last 20 years,the tobacco category has changed significantly.Ireland brought in the world’s first smoking ban, implemented plain packaging requirements,and banned the use of menthol in tobacco products

Building a smokeless world

BATs global business has also been on a journey of transformation.There has been changes in the business’ corporate strategy with its ambition to build a smokeless world and move 50 million smokers to reduced-risk products by 2030.

“At BAT,we are clear that cigarettes pose serious health risks and the only way to avoid these risks is to not start or to quit.We are committed to reducing the health impact of our business by providing smokers with less risky alternatives and encouraging them to switch to smokeless products,”he notes.

“We are clear that no one underage should use nicotine products BAT has strict Marketing Principles to prevent marketing and sales to underage,and research guidelines which clearly mandate that market research is only conducted on adult nicotine consumers.Giving adult smokers alternative options to cigarettes while safeguarding the underage requires an open conversation about appropriate regulation.

Regulating vaping in Ireland

In Melinn’s opinion,any further regulation of vaping in Ireland should be targeted and proportionate and supported by science Targeted regulation can help prevent youth access, but it should be balanced to ensure that adult smokers continue to have access to the vapes that help them quit.

“We believe that stronger regulation is needed to prevent underage individuals from accessing vapes,including bans on confectionary,dessert and soft drink flavoured vapes,and responsible flavour descriptions and packaging to discourage underage use.It’s important that any proposals to regulate vaping recognises the vital role that flavours play in helping adult smokers quit by moving them away from the taste of tobacco,”he explains.

“For example,research led by London South Bank University has shown that adult smokers who use vapes to quit smoking are more successful when they vape nontobacco flavours,and a study that examined the impact of a flavour ban in San Francisco,California found that the ban led to an increase in cigarette smoking.

“We also believe that packaging should never be designed to appeal to children in any way and should not contain imagery related to sweets or toys.In addition,the language used to describe flavours should not be designed to appeal to minors Vaping products should also be subject to proportionate point-of-sale restrictions,including being sold behind the counters of shops However,they should remain visible to smokers to support switching efforts.”

“As a global vape manufacturer,we are clear on our responsibilities and apply strict standards to our products to prevent underage use.We have a limited line of flavours,and we work with over 3,000 retailers across Ireland on the prevention of youth access to nicotine products as part of our VERIFY programme which we launched in 2020.Retailers are provided with training materials so staff can properly identify under-18s through the correct form of ID and are provided with point-of-sale (POS) signage,including posters, stickers and other materials informing customers that nicotine products are for over-18s only,”he adds

“We waited nine years for a ban on the sale of vaping products to under-18s to be introduced into law – the next step is strong implementation and enforcement of this regulation,and then consideration of sensible further regulation like a ban on dessert and candy flavours.It is really important that any new regulations on vapour do not put unfair pressure on retailers,prevent businesses from earning a living,or drive consumers towards illicit trade products which are unsafe,untested,and unregulated.

VELO tobacco free nicotine pouches launch

BAT’sVELO nicotine pouches offer adult nicotine users in Ireland a convenient,and discreet tobacco free product. VELO is a nicotine pouch that consumers place in their mouth between the lip and gum,where it releases nicotine for up to 30 minutes,and then is discarded.

VELO nicotine pouches contain high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade nicotine polymer,plant-based ingredients,flavourings and sweeteners and are considered a reduced-risk product because they contain 99% less toxicants than a cigarette,and do not contain tobacco or tar.VELO is already the number one nicotine pouch in fifteen European markets,and is pleased to bring this high performing product to an Irish audience

“In Sweden,where nicotine pouches are used widely as an alternative to smoking,ourVELO products are the market leader In an effort to reduce smoking rates,the Swedish Government has prioritised reduced-risk products such as vapes and nicotine pouches,ensuring they are accessible and affordable for adult smokers,”he says.

“As a result,Sweden is about to become Europe’s first ‘smoke-free’country,which is defined by a smoking rate of 5% or less.Ireland in comparison has a relatively high smoking rate at 18% and this has remained unchanged since 2021 therefore there could be a role for nicotine pouches in helping Ireland reachTobacco Free 2030.

Strong loyalty

Operating in Ireland for the last 200 years has resulted in strong loyalty to the PJ Carroll and BAT brand among Irish customers. “People know and trust us,”Melinn says.

“This is something we are incredibly proud of and grateful for.Many of our customers operate family-owned businesses that have been passed down through the generations and have been working with us for over 30 or even 40 years in some cases.I have always believed that people buy from people,and at BAT we pride ourselves on the trusted relationship with our key accounts and in delivering strong customer service and trade partnerships business to business.”

Journey of transformation

Melinn tells ShelfLife that the business’s focus going forward will be on continuing its journey of transformation and you will be seeing more innovative product launches from BAT Ireland before the year is out.

“We are clear that cigarettes pose serious health risks,and we are transforming our business by encouraging all smokers toswitchtobetteralternativesasweworktobuildasmokeless world and reduce our health impact,”he concludes. ■

The Carrolls team exhibiting at the Dundalk Show, 1910

PJ Carroll factory, 1970

Navigating redundancy in Ireland: Legal obligations and best practices’

Many companies in Ireland are currently grappling with restructuring challenges, including the implementation of new processes or systems, advancements in technology such as AI, or complete business closures, as they strive to adapt and evolve in the current economic climate, writes Caroline Reidy

Redundancy, as defined by the Redundancy Payments Acts of 1967 – 2007, is the termination of an employee’s contract of employment by reason of the employer ceasing to carry on the business for which the employee was employed, or ceasing to carry on that business in the place where the employee was employed, or the requirement for employees to carry out work of a particular kind has ceased or diminished, or is expected to cease or diminish.

One of the fundamental pillars anchoring the redundancy process is the consultation phase, which serves as a vital bridge between employers and affected employees This phase, enshrined in Irish employment law, imposes a legal obligation on employers to proactively engage in robust and meaningful discussions with those whose roles are at risk of redundancy It is during this critical juncture that employers must create an environment for open dialogue, providing ample opportunity for employees to voice their concerns, seek clarification, and explore potential alternatives to redundancy.

Transparency and inclusivity

By fostering a culture of transparency and inclusivity, the consultation phase not only

empowers employees but also demonstrates a commitment to fairness and respect for their contributions.Moreover, this collaborative approach serves to mitigate risks for both employees and the business, fostering trust and goodwill even amidst challenging circumstances.

When embarking on the challenging task of selecting employees for redundancy, companies are duty-bound to adhere to a rigorous framework of reasonable and objective criteria

This commitment to fairness and consistency not only upholds the principles of natural justice but also serves to safeguard against potential legal challenges.

Pivotal case

In the pivotal case of Byrne v. Ryanair DAC (2019), the High Court stressed the need for fair selection criteria in redundancy decisions. Ruling in favor of the plaintiff, it reinforced the importance of transparency and equity, urging employers to mitigate legal risks through impartial selection processes.

Moreover, as well as legal requirements, employers are encouraged to explore every possible avenue to mitigate the need for redundancy. This includes

proactive efforts to identify and offer alternative roles within the organisation, as well as providing access to reskilling or retraining opportunities By prioritising the welfare and professional development of their workforce, employers not only demonstrate a genuine commitment to employee well-being but also foster a culture of loyalty and mutual respect.

Offering affected employees, a trial period to assess alternative roles not only aligns with legal requirements but also provides a practical mechanism for individuals to evaluate their suitability for new positions. This collaborative and supportive approach not only enhances employee morale but also strengthens the organisation’s reputation as a responsible and compassionate employer, even in times of organisational change. While redundancy is a legitimate business decision, employers must navigate the legal complexities to avoid potential disputes

Unfair Dismissals

The Unfair Dismissals Act provides recourse for employees who believe they have been unfairly selected for redundancy. Consequently, employers must ensure that redundancy decisions are based on genuine operational needs and applied fairly and transparently to all affected employees. Awards of up to two years’ salary can apply under this

Ireland and require further information or advice relating to HR, please do not hesitate to contact The HR Suite’s office on (066)7102887 or email info@thehrsuite.com

legislation, whereby complaints are deemed to be founded. An employer must also consider associated costs with preparing for WRC submissions for complaints on top of potential awards. Under the unfair dismissal’s legislation, selection for redundancy based on certain specific grounds is considered unfair. These include redundancy as the result of an employee’s trade union activity and any of the protected nine grounds outlined in the Employment Equality Acts. Employees seeking redundancy payments must meet specific eligibility criteria, including a

CAROLINE REIDY

minimum period of continuous service of 104 weeks. It’s important for employers to understand these requirements and ensure compliance with contractual notice periods to avoid disputes over entitlements.

In cases of collective redundancies, where a significant number of employees are affected, additional legal obligations come into play Employers must engage in timely and comprehensive consultation with employee representatives, addressing key aspects such as reasons for redundancy, selection criteria, and payment calculations. Failure to adhere to these requirements can result in legal challenges and financial penalties for the organisation

‘Delicate balance’

Navigating redundancy requires a delicate balance of legal compliance, empathy, and strategic decision-making. By adhering to

best practices, businesses can navigate this challenging terrain with integrity while safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders In conclusion, navigating redundancy requires a delicate balance of legal compliance, empathy, and strategic decision-

making. By adhering to best practices and prioritizing transparency and fairness, businesses can navigate this challenging terrain with integrity, safeguarding the interests of all stakeholders involved Ultimately, by understanding legal obligations,

engaging in transparent consultation, and offering support to affected employees, organisations can navigate redundancy with integrity and compassion, emerging stronger and more resilient in the face of change. ■

Supporting independent retailers

Founded in 1919, the Fed - Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) is one of the largest employers’ associations, supporting around 10,000 independent retailers and small businesses.

Gwen Patterson, membership services manager for Ireland, Scotland, Wales, London & the South – East and David McKeown, Fed Ireland manager talk to ShelfLife about how the Fed’s practical help, commercial support and exclusive deals are designed to make a measurable difference to your business.

Q: Can you tell me about your role with The Fed and where you worked prior to joining the association?

Patterson: In the FED - Federation of Independent Retailers (NFRN) I am a membership services manager for Ireland, Scotland, Wales, London & the South - East. I look after all the elected district officials and deal with members queries and concerns. No day is the same, one day could be answering member emails and queries, next day on teams calls and then facilitating meetings & events around the country My previous experience was an independent retailer for 10 years and prior to that I managed a training and consultancy company which offered bespoke services to retailers across Ireland for 15 years and prior to that I was an area manager for a multi- national operator across the UK.

McKeown: I am the Fed Ireland manager In my role I support and guide members with issues they may have and direct them if needing advice via our legal helpline or contact centre for news and business-related issues. I inform retailers of the benefits of

being a FED member including access to 50,000 euros worth of legally binding business contracts and templates. My previous experience was a business development manager for several companies specialising in supply chain management.

Q: What is a significant achievement in your career and one of the most rewarding aspects of your job with The Fed?

Patterson: In 2008 won the UK entrepreneur and retailer of the year award In my time as an independent retailer the team and I won 10 awards over the years, including most enterprising business and the local council team award for loyalty, commitment, and endeavour Most rewarding aspect with the Fed is being on a journey with our retailers and helping them and their businesses diversify & grow It is great seeing the businesses pass from generation to generation and watching them flourish in times of adversity

McKeown: A significant achievement for me is winning contracts with Kerry Foods and Nortel. The most rewarding aspect with the FED is helping members with business and news related queries.

Gwen Patterson membership services manager for Ireland, Scotland, Wales, London & the South East

David McKeown Fed Ireland manager Brady's, Coolquay interior

Caseys, Roscommon

Q: For those who aren’t familiar with The Fed can you outline the key benefits for a business when they join your association?

Patterson: At the Fed we concentrate on three key areas:

A/ Help you Make money

B/ Save money

C/ Make your life easier

We provide support and advice, have a legal helpline where members can access support regarding employment law, H&S, tax issues, contracts from legal professionals 24/7, 365 days per year We lobby government and act as a voice for the independent retailer We have a contact centre where members can log queries and get support from a dedicated team. We have business deals to help with operating costs within your business. Ireland president Martin Mulligan is constantly pursuing the need for a small business ombudsman with the TD’s.

Q: Can you tell me about the support and advice that you can provide to a new member?

Patterson: We can provide advice and support from business acquisitions to business disposal and everything that happens in-between.

Mulligans, Athlone

Bradys, Coolquay

Q: Can you outline a notable success story from the association?

Patterson: A recent success story was the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme The Fed held a series of workshops around the country helping members navigate the scheme We and one of the nominated reverse vending machine (RVM) suppliers had a mobile unit that was taken to various locations around Ireland for members to come and see and get an understanding of the benefits for installing a RVM. Whilst a lot of our members were exempt from the scheme many operators opted for an RVM and the consumers and members are delighted with the results. There are 2300 RVM’s around the country and in May there were over 30 million plastic bottles and cans returned, compared to 2 million in February the launch month.

Q: Is there any upcoming opportunities or challenges that your association is facing?

Patterson: It’s the year of elections and with the potential of a new government, there will be policy changes. We are urging and encouraging all our members to meet their TD’s in their business premises and to highlight their issues and concerns such as rent, cost to employ, insurance, utility costs and corporate tax rates. It is predicted that 650 Irish firms will close this year, which has a knock-on effect for society as a whole

Q: Do you have any forthcoming events taking place that you can tell me about?

Patterson: On Tuesday 19 November from 10am – 2.30pm we will be at the Belfast Business Show at the Kingspan Stadium at 134 Mount Merrion Avenue in Belfast, watch out for an event in your location in 2025. Visit www.belfastbusinessshow.co.uk ■

For more information or to get in touch with Gwen Patterson or David McKeown

Phone: 01 453 5822 | Email: contactus@nfrn.org.uk Web: thefedonline.com

Gwen Patterson

Phone: +44 7786 011098 | Email: gwen.patterson@nfrn.org.uk

David McKeown

Phone: +44 7717 898087 | Email: david.mckeown@nfrn.org.uk

McDermotts, Clonmell

Customer satisfactionthe “number one priority”

Centra store owner Mark McNally talks to ShelfLife about the importance of providing his customers with what they want

McNally’s Centra Main Street, Newbliss, Monaghan, Ireland provides the locals within the area with convenient shopping solutions.

The store which was bought on the last year by Mark and Apryl McNally has all the items that its local customers need and offers good value for money.

Speaking with ShelfLife, McNally, says:“We purchased the store from Fabiola Martin on 7 February 2023. The store had been in the Martin family for two generations. This is our second store and we had been looking for years for the right shop with potential in a local community. Newbliss is a beautiful part of the country with the loveliest people you’d meet There is a lot of activity in the area - the Drumlins Park Wind Park and Monaghan County Council is finishing off a new Digital Hub in Newbliss as well as the Local GAA club Killeevan Sarsfields starting a €2.8 million project in the coming months to develop a state-of-the-art indoor playing area which will be the envy of GAA clubs across Ireland.”

In a short space of time, the store has built a reputation among its customers providing quality, value and friendly service, and as the store is independently owned and operated by the McNally family it means that shoppers get the best of both worlds - commitment to the traditional values of good fresh foods and excellent services, combined with the price power and state-of-the art retail systems of a big national foodstore group.

McNally, says that it is important to provide his customers with what they want By listening to his customer’s needs, this allowed him to accomplish this “We had an idea in our head, and we tailor to suit the needs of the area,” he says “We invested in a new Post Office,” he explains.

Although the McNallys bought the store in February 2023, the owners waited for months before undertaking the revamp. According to McNally:“We wanted to get to know the community. We wanted to know what the area needed. And we listened to them.

During the renovations we put in a new deli counter, ” he says.“We had plans to renovate and we waited six months to get to know the customer needs and wants from their local shop. Based on customer feedback and our ideas for the shop we started our renovations in October 2023 by utilising the building to gain shop floor space from 153 Sq M to 210 Sq M. The renovation was finished in early December 2023 encompassing a fully-licensed off-licence and a new high spec Post Office The tills were moved towards the door and the deli was moved to the back of the shop and the off-licence moved to its old place beside the

new till location which has a self-checkout to shorten the queues during busy periods. The Moo’d Ice Cream station is a real hit with customers old and young” McNallys highlights that the volume of Frank & Honest cups of coffee increased by an average of 40% each week He adds,“The wider range, weekly offers and the Centra Range have all received positive feedback from customers with shop sales up to over 65% and we feel we will double turnover by end of 2024.Another great addition has been that our customer toilet is now inside beside our newly refurbed sit-down area where stories and tales are told daily.We put in a DRS machine and people were

Store owners Mark and Apryl McNally, Centra Main Street, Newbliss, Monaghan

sceptical at the beginning but now it’s a great asset to the village for the weekly stop with their bottles and cans. ”

Customer satisfaction

Ensuring customer satisfaction is the number one priority for McNally.

Since the McNally’s purchased the store last year, they have seen an expositional increase in sales profits. McNally, tells, me:“We’re up 50% from the previous owners ’ numbers,” which is a testament to the hard work both him and his wife invested into the store in the last few months.“My wife Apryl and I really wanted to hit the ground running for 2024,” he adds

Family values

Aside from increasing the stores profits and the extensive revamp of the store, the McNally’s have a busy year ahead in terms of family expansion

“I have three young kids now. This year is going to be very, very busy because twins on the way in September, and we’re moving into our house in August,”he explains.

“We are new to the area but our store is the peopleour lovely helpful colleagues and loyal friendly customers from all around the five roads leading to Newbliss village. They have been so supportive and welcoming since day one and throughout our

renovations whereby our turnover never dropped but grew week on week which is unheard of in Centra circles.You might see some customers in six times a day for the chat as much as a bag of sugar or 99’ The people of the area are moving in every direction to work, crèche, school runs, football or gymnastics,” he adds

“We are the only shop, but the village has great businesses like a great butchers in Larmers, two lovely pubs The Stag Inn and Annie McGinn’s and a lovely takeaway in Ninos.

“We feel that we are catering to our customers’ needs and we hope to continue exceeding these expectations into the future,” he concludes. ■

Store interior, McNally’s, Centra Main Street, Newbliss, Monaghan Bakery, McNally’s, Centra Main Street, Newbliss, Monaghan

Off Licence, McNally’s, Centra Main Street, Newbliss, Monaghan Deli counter, McNally’s, Centra Main Street, Newbliss, Monaghan

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Powerscourt Distillery wins big at SFWSC

Powerscourt Distillery’s 21 Year old Fercullen Single Malt earned the coveted double gold, while its flagship blended whiskey, Fercullen Falls, secured a gold medal at this year’s San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).

Additionally, the distillery received two silver medals for the Fercullen 15 Year old Grain and Fercullen Single Malt at the event.

The SFWSC, a respected institution in the spirits world since its inception in 2000, attracts nearly 5,000 entries annually, making it the oldest and largest competition of its kind.

“We are immensely honoured to receive such prestigious recognition from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition,” said John Cashman, head of brand & (new product development) NPD at Powerscourt Distillery

“These accolades underscore our unwavering dedication to producing whiskies of the highest calibre, and we share this achievement with our exceptional team and loyal supporters.”

For more information about Powerscourt Distillery and its award-winning whiskies, visit here. For inquiries contact trade@powerscourtdistillery.com

Patrick McMahon, chief executive officer of drinks

group C&C has stepped down from the role

C&C Group CEO steps down over €17m accounting error

Patrick McMahon, chief executive officer of drinks group C&C has stepped down from his role following an unveiling of accounting errors at the company.

The Bulmers manufacturer said it was “in the best interests” of the company for McMahon to step down, though the decision was taken “with regret”.

C&C announced that accounting ‘adjustments’ are expected to be made in respect of inventory and balance sheet items.

McMahon was chief financial officer during the periods to which these adjustments relate and acknowledged that the relevant shortcomings occurred at a time when he had overall responsibility for the group’s finance function.

In a statement released last week, C&C outlined several prior year accounting adjustments, including a €12 million charge “with respect to onerous apple contracts”. It said the total value of the adjustments, underlying plus exceptional, is €17 million.

It said: “The adjustments have been made following detailed internal and external reviews of inventory and balance sheet reconciliations after discrepancies were notified to the audit committee earlier this year.”

McMahon left the role late last week. However, C&C has said he will remain an employee of the business until September in order to facilitate a smooth transition.

Whiskey Live Dublin event raises ¤57k for Down Syndrome Dublin

On behalf of the exhibitors and attendees of Whiskey Live Dublin 2024, the staff at Celtic Whiskey Shop presented the team from Down Syndrome Dublin with a cheque for €57,507, from the proceeds raised from the whiskey festival which took place in the RDS on 17-18 May.

Whiskey Live Dublin 2024, which is in its eleventh year, is Ireland’s largest, premium two-day whiskey festival. This year’s event was bigger than ever before with 106 whiskey and spirit exhibitors, and more than 4,700 visitors. There was also bespoke food pairings, whiskey masterclasses, The Whiskey Pop-Up Shop, and the Dream Dram Bar as well as free bottled water courtesy of sponsor Ballygowan Irish Water.

As with every year, €10 from every ticket sold was pledged to the show’s charity partner Down Syndrome Dublin, as well as the proceeds from a charity raffle and the takings from the cloakroom at the two day event.

Down Syndrome Dublin (DSD) provides support and services to people with Down Syndrome across the city The charity’s specialist team works tirelessly and directly with all age groups of people with Down Syndrome to support as many individuals and families as possible

This year’s event seen 106 whiskey and spirit exhibitors, and more than 4,700 visitors

Powerscourt Distillery’s 21 Year old Fercullen Single Malt

Barry Group have unveiled a new visual identity and store specification for Costcutter, with the first in the estate being launched in Dunmanway, Cork. This brand update also includes their exclusive concepts; Market St. Deli, Urban Sips and Freezi Licks. To support this initiative, Barry Group are investing €10 million over the next three years into Costcutter which will increase the store footprint, enhance the quantity of technological touchpoints at store level and facilitate the development of over 150 jobs in communities across Ireland.

A key component to Barry Group’s ambition to double their turnover in the next 5 years, the group have invested in the development of their Barry Group, Carry Out and Costcutter brands to ensure they meet the needs of today’s consumer while also offering retailers a fresh take on modern retailing. “We believe that the brand evolvement of Costcutter sets a new standard for retailing in Ireland”, shared Jim Barry, Barry Group Managing Director “This fruits of this project are the result of an 18 month journey and we are extremely proud

of the output. We look forward to co-creating experiences with our shoppers and for the footprint of the retail group growing”.

Whilst Costcutter has been present in the Irish convenience sector for 23 years under the leadership of Barry Group, Jim Barry bought the licence for the Republic of Ireland in 2020 from Costcutter UK, now acquired by Bestways, which rendered full control of the future trajectory of the brand. As part of this investment and the Group’s growth ambitions, an in-depth brand analysis took place which highlighted the importance of crafting a brand identity which was tailored to the Irish market. “We are so passionate about the role that Costcutter plays in local communities”, stated Holly Barry, Barry Group Brand Strategist. “Therefore, ensuring that it reflects the interests, needs and desires of its customers and communities was a primary objective”. The first stage in this development project was to reevaluate the brand’s architecture, ensuring it has a solid foundation for the most integral phase of development in the history of the brand as it aims to grow by 15% per year over a three year period. Once identified, the new

visual identity of the brand logo was developed which in turn offered a direction for the new store specification.

Speaking on the project, Alan Cronin, Barry Group Marketing Manager said “We are always ambitious in our endeavours and from the outset, we aimed to develop a convenience offering that sets a new standard for retail in Ireland. Thankfully we achieved this objective. While the new identity is a far departure from our roots, we are excited to have a brand that now reflects our retailers who play an integral

role in communities throughout Ireland.” While some aspects of the store were reinvigorated including Market St Deli, the franchises exclusive deli offering, others were introduced including Costcutter’s new off licence brand, 55th Street. “Barry Group’s strength in alcohol is widely recognised”, shared Edwina Lucey, Barry Group Sales Director “While Costcutter has had an diverse and competitive alcohol offering, it was time to double down on this and introduce its own off licence brand to further capitalise on this and demonstrate our commitment to the category”. Urban Sips and Freezi Licks also fell into the review process and both have underwent range development projects along with marketing investment to further enhance the brands’ awareness.

A key component to the success of modern retailing is the adoption of technology Barry Group have partnered with DIAGEO on the development of digital screens which reside in 55th Street Off Licence where customers can learn about the range of spirits available Praising the success of this development, Paul Roche, Head of Costcutter shares “The DIAGEO digital screens have been a welcomed addition to Costcutter and have had a positive impact on sales.”

Costcutter Dunmanway, owned by Chris Curtin, is the first store to be modelled in the new identity and store specification. A new addition to the Costcutter estate this foodmarket store is a beacon for what the future of the franchise is. This flagship store boasts the new brand identity, while also showcasing the portfolio of Costcutter exclusive concepts which include Urban Sips, Freezi Licks, Market St Deli and 55th Street Off Licence. In addition, it also stocks Barry Group’s range of exclusive wine and beer brands which aim to act as a point of difference while offering retailers generous margin.

“Curtin’s Costcutter is a shining example of what effective partnership can achieve”, shared Edwina Lucey, Sales Director “Firstly, through the support of the Costcutter team, this stores turnover and margin mix has increased. In fact across all categories, it is still on the rise so we are not yet in a position to speak on the financial impact of this new specification. But rest assured, it is a success story Secondly the local community in Dunmanway have not only appreciated the investment in their community but have continued to rally behind Chris and collaborate in making the store a central pillar of their community We are delighted that this

fresh approach on retail has been so welcomed”.

A central pillar of the Costcutter brand is still its commitment to supporting local. “On a national level, we are partnering with Vision Ireland this year to support their Dip at Dawn fundraising initiative. However, our efforts do not stop there. At a local level our retailers are passionate about supporting their communities. We are delighted to have them support local teams, events and charities.” said Claire O’Donoghue, Costcutter Brand Manager

A true advocate for what Costcutter stands for, Chris sponsors numerous charities, clubs and events reflecting his commitment to making a positive change beyond his storefront. His dedicated support of Dunmanway Tidy Towns showcases his commitment to environmental sustainability Additionally, he donates damages or surplus goods to local charities, ensuring resources are utilised effectively and benefiting those in need.

While community involvement is one element of the franchise’s commitment to sustainability its roots go much deeper

“Throughout this development process, sustainability has been at the core of all our

decisions. We have ensured that all materials used are sustainably sourced and kept the quantity of components used to a minimum.”, shared Holly Barry “All equipment and electronics used have also been reviewed to ensure they are energy efficient and in turn have resulted in cost savings on energy for our retailers. While this only the start of the impact that will be made by Costcutter, we look forward to seeing its contribution towards a sustainable future increase over the coming years.”

As Barry Group aim to grow the Costcutter brand by 15% per year consecutively for the next three years, the future is promising. “I am extremely proud of our team’s efforts in developing the brand for its next phase of growth. This has been a huge project for the brand, but potentially the one that will make the most impact.” shared Jim Barry “Thankfully this change has been welcomed and we are delighted with the interest it has generated. Before the year is out, 15 stores will boast the new image with a large proportion of that being new business”.

For more information, please visit costcutter.ie ■

Innovations drive brand growth and win back space in shoppers’ baskets

In a landscape marked by fluctuating economic conditions and shifting consumer priorities, the resilience and efforts of certain brands have shone through, driving their growth and securing their place in the hearts and baskets of Irish shoppers, writes Emer Healy, business development manager, Kantar

The recently released 2024 Ireland Brand Footprint report by Kantar sheds light on the brands that have not only endured but thrived in challenging times.

The top five most chosen brands in Ireland have remained steadfast, with Brennans, Avonmore, Tayto, Cadbury’s Dairy Milk, and Jacob’s holding their positions. These brands exemplify the enduring trust Irish households place in familiar names. However the story of success extends beyond mere familiarity It is the relentless pursuit of innovation that has set these brands apart and allowed them to maintain their stronghold.

Jacob’s, for instance, exemplifies how innovation can be relevant to a brand. By introducing unique flavour combinations such as cheese and pickle for their classic cheddars and rosemary for their Mediterranean range, Jacob’s has not only catered to evolving consumer tastes but also carved out new opportunities for consumption throughout the day. This strategic innovation has cemented their position in the top five and kept their products a staple in many Irish homes.

The power of strategic partnerships and

innovative campaigns is also evident in the success stories of Ballygowan and Guinness. Ballygowan’s leap into the top 100 brands, climbing 32 positions to reach number 81, was fuelled by their partnership with the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU). This collaboration significantly boosted brand awareness and household penetration by 17.2%. Similarly, Guinness’ launch of their nonalcoholic 0.0 beer, coupled with a robust responsible drinking campaign, propelled them 21 positions up the ranking, demonstrating how aligning with consumer values can drive brand growth.

Flahavan’s and Philadelphia have also illustrated how addressing specific dietary needs can resonate with consumers and drive market presence. Flahavan’s introduction of gluten-free jumbo oats tapped into the growing demand for glutenfree options, increasing their presence in Irish households by 38.5% and elevating their ranking to number 34. Philadelphia’s expansion into plant-based cream cheese variants for vegan and lactose-intolerant consumers resulted in a 30.2% increase in

Q&A with… Emer Healy, business development director, Kantar

Q: There’s been a drop in inflation in the last few months, which will be very welcome news for consumers. How have you seen this reflected in the Kantar 100 Master Brands at Home ranking?

A: Inflation has been a key concern for Irish consumers since we started to see a signification increase across the last 2 years. Inflation for take-home grocery hit an allrecord high of 16.2% in May 2023 and we saw that Irish shoppers responding by keeping a close eye on Household budgets and mitigate rising costs. Over the 12 weeks to the 14 May 2023, we saw a soar in Private Label +16.3% which was an additional €211m being spent year-on-year, shoppers still turned to brands

however the increase in spend was 8.2% yearon-year

Our latest data to the 12 May 2024 inflation currently stands at 2.58% whereas when our Brand Footprint rankings were taking place inflation stood at 9.78% with data ending 1st October 2023 so it was a slightly different environment then what we are seeing today as, inflation rates were still significantly higher However, there is more of a positive outlook as less shoppers struggle due to this easing on inflation pressures. Back in October 2023 32% of shoppers stated that they were struggling to make ends meet in February of 2024 this number is at 25%.

Regardless of inflation pressures, we did see

market presence, climbing 17 positions to number 87

Even amidst a cost-of-living crisis, Irish shoppers continue to prioritize brands that offer not just familiarity but also innovation and small luxuries within their budgets. The success of these brands underscores a crucial insight: innovation is not just about creating new products but about understanding and meeting the evolving needs and values of consumers.

Brands that have managed to break into the rankings or improve their positions have done so by focusing on what their consumers truly need, whether through new product development, strategic partnerships or targeted campaigns. This adaptive approach is a testament to the power of innovation in driving brand growth and recovering space in shoppers’ baskets.

The 2024 Ireland Brand Footprint report highlights not just the most chosen brands but the dynamic strategies that underpin their success For brands looking to make an impact, the message is clear: innovate, adapt and stay connected to your consumers.

a stronger landscape for brands to grow In this year’s Brand Footprint, we say 42 out of the top 100 brands growing through CRPs which was an increase on last year were only 25 saw CRP growth. We also saw this in penetration terms, this year 33% of brands grew by attracting new shoppers into their brand offerings and last year this figure stood at 20%.

Q: Shoppers in Ireland are still on the hunt for value Has a focus on providing value delivered results for certain brands?

A: Although Irish shoppers were on the hunt for value and 25.3% of total grocery spend was bought on promotion over the four weeks to 12 May 2024, Irish brands remained strong and three out of the top five were Irish brands – Brennans, Avonmore and Tayto.

Q: More frequent trips contributed to a boost in sales for Ireland’s top grocers. Have you seen this trend affect the performance of particular brands?

A: According to our latest data in the year to 12 May 2024 shoppers made on average 270

What this research IS:

✔ Data is sourced from 5,000 demographically representative Irish households recording their take home grocery

✔ Comprises over 200 FMCG categories which are recorded by Kantar on a continuous basis – including those in the beverages, food, health and beauty and home and care sectors

✔ The list is based on a measure of how many households purchased a brand at least once during the year (penetration), and the average number of times households bought the brand (frequency)

✔ These two numbers are multiplied to calculate each brand’s ‘Consumer Reach Points’ (CRP) score

✔ The report covers the period of 52 w/e October 2022 vs 52 w/e October 2023

✔ Kantar contacted respondents on average at least twice a week

✔ Kantar provided households with barcode scanners in order to scan the goods that they had purchased for at home consumption

trips over the course of the year which is an additional 9.5 trips or is up 3.6% year-on-year

Out of the top 100 brands Santa Rita saw the strongest growth in frequency amongst all brands. The brand saw shoppers make an additional 2.9 trips versus last year which is up a significant 24.1% year-on-year with shoppers picking up on average Santa Rita 15 times across 2023. This impressive boost in frequency has Santa Rita holding 67th places in the rank up a noteworthy 34 places from last year and saw their CRP growth up 28.1% alongside attracting new shoppers into the brands offerings +0.2 percentage points.

Q: Traditionally, Irish brands have always performed strongly within the Kantar 100 Master Brands at Home ranking. How has this pattern continued in the past year?

A: Yes, Irish Brands historically perform extremely well. This year we saw Irish brands holding strong with three out of the top five being Irish alongside this, 10 out of the top 25 brands are Irish. Keoghs entered into the top 20 for the first time jumping eight places in the ranking holding the 18th spot and saw their CRP up 16.3% versus last year Keoghs welcomed new shoppers into the brand this year alongside a significant boost in frequency up 12.8% versus last year

Q: The largest increase in this year’s ranking was achieved by Glenisk, up a massive 57 places! What factors would you attribute this success to?

A: Glenisk was the top riser by Consumer Reach points in the top 100 +79.9% moving a massive 57 places now holding 39th place alongside this Glenisk saw the biggest increase up 7.9 ppts. Glenisk saw an expansion of their range and created a new Greek style granola – convenient for on-the-go consumption!

Q: Another outstanding performance in the rankings was Santa Rita wine with an impressive 34 places. What do you think was behind the wine brands success in the past year?

A: Out of the top 100 brands Santa Rita saw the strongest growth in frequency amongst all brands. The brand saw shoppers make an additional 2.9 trips versus last year which is up a significant 24.1% year-on-year with shoppers picking up on average Santa Rita 15 times across 2023. This impressive boost in frequency has Santa Rita holding 67th places in the rank up a noteworthy 34 places from last year and saw their CRP growth up 28.1% alongside attracting new shoppers into the brands offerings +0.2 percentage points.

Q: Which brand’s marketing has really stood out for you in the past year and why?

A: Some key Irish brands stood out this year and focused on our heritage and culture.

Firstly, Tayto’s campaign ‘The True Taste of Home’, establishes how the brand is embedded in Irish culture regardless of if you are abroad or in Ireland. Tayto holds the 3rd position in the rankings with a CRP of 26.1m. Dairy Milk also homed in on Irish Culture with their St Patricks Day campaign. Cadbury’s Dairy Mik holds 4th position and saw CRP growth of 8.4% alongside a strong boose in frequency +7.4%.

Q: We know that sustainability has become increasingly important for both retailers and brands based on consumer demand for sustainable options. Have you seen greater sustainability measures deliver tangible results for certain brands?

A: Brennan’s holds the number one spot for another year running, their CRP is 42.6m which is up 7.4% versus last year Brennan’s

What this research IS NOT:

✘ It is not based on sales or EPOS data, measuring either value or volume sales

✘ The data does not reflect food purchased and eaten out of the home

✘ Impulse pack products have been excluded from the dataset

✘ The following categories are not included in the Brand Footprint ranking: batteries, tobacco, nappies or alcoholic drinks

have managed to attract new shoppers into the brands offerings, alongside a significant increase in frequency up 4.7% versus last year/ Brennan’s merging with Wicklow Wolf to create a ‘Sliced Can’ – this appealed to a larger market and Irish consumers who are mindful of food waste and sustainability! Nescafé introduced sustainable coffee refill pouches for eco-conscious consumers, the brand holds 16th place and jumps up five in the rankings, alongside seeing significant frequency growth +13.7%.

Q: Are there any other trends that you found notable from this year’s ranking or perhaps any findings that were slightly surprising considering previous results?

A: We continue to see the trend of free from/ plant-based products this year Philadelphia launched three new plant-based flavours of cream cheese This resulted in the brand jumping 17 places holding 89th position in the rankings. Flahavan’s also launched gluten free jumbo oats appealing to gluten intolerant shoppers resulting in the brand jumping two places holding 34th position.

How is the Kantar Brand Footprint calculated?

The complete ranking comprises over 200 FMCG categories tracked around the world by Kantar Worldpanel across beverages, food, health & beauty and homecare. The ranking is based on an innovative metric created by Kantar called Consumer Reach Points (CRP), which measures each time a consumer chooses a brand. The data for this year’s ranking was collected in the 52 weeks to October 2022.

According to industry observers, these are the “levers” a brand should pull in order to attract new shoppers and new occasions

Ireland’S #1 choice

Because Ireland knows anything baked is better with Brennans.

At Brennans, we carefully combine long tradition and product range to cater for every taste in Ireland. This is why we’ve kept our place as Ireland’s most chosen brand for seven years in a row Our goal is always to bake a wide range of fresh, high-quality breads that are great value and satisfy the needs and usage occasions of your customers.

That’s why anything baked is

Better with

1. Brennans

For generations, Irish people have enjoyed unwrapping the iconic yellow packaging of a Brennans Family Pan and savouring the aroma of fresh bread. This longstanding tradition, coupled with nostalgic advertising has led to Brennans being Ireland’s most chosen brand for the seventh year in a row.

Brennans’ long-term success has been based on a distinctive brand, a strong distribution network and – most importantly – a fresh, quality product. These pillars are still as important today as they were when Joseph Brennan baked his first Family Pan. Through the NPD process, Brennans still introduces new and exciting breads to meet changing consumer tastes.

This year, Brennans has further solidified its commitment to sustainability The bakery operates a fleet of delivery vehicles which run on HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), while also optimising water usage through enhanced rainwater harvesting systems. Also, the business has implemented comprehensive measures to reduce bread waste and by donating surplus products to local food charities. These initiatives, along with many more, continue to demonstrate Brennans’ dedication to a greener future.

2. Avonmore

As Ireland’s number one dairy brand, Avonmore products are enjoyed on a daily basis in households across Ireland.

Avonmore’s continued success comes from its commitment to high quality products, a deep understanding of the consumer and their needs, and continuous innovation. Enjoyed by families nationwide for over 50 years, Avonmore’s expertise in dairy extends across Milk, Cream, Soup and Butter, with key growth products including Avonmore Super Milk, Avonmore Protein Milk and Avonmore Whipped Cream.

Avonmore’s range of fortified milks offers a wealth of nutritional benefits for every life-stage enabling consumers to easily incorporate the benefits of important nutrients such as protein, vitamin D & folic acid into their everyday diet through fortified milks such as Avonmore Protein Milk & Avonmore Super Milk.

Avonmore Super Milk has a key role to play in the fresh milk sector Given that we don’t get enough sunshine in Ireland because of our northerly latitude, we don’t get enough vitamin D. From young children to older families, vitamin D is incredibly important across every life-stage Avonmore Super Milk is enriched with vitamin D which not only supports our bone health but our immune system too. Avonmore Super Milk is also enriched with vitamins B & E, extra Calcium and Folic Acid making it a great choice for all the family Other Avonmore products include Avonmore Lactose Free Milk which allows consumers to enjoy the great taste & goodness of milk but without the lactose & Avonmore Oat Drink. A new addition to the range Avonmore Oat Drink complements the existing Avonmore portfolio by offering consumers a delicious oat drink using Irish organic oats traceable to Irish Farms. Available in both Original & Barista formats, Avonmore Oat Drink is an exciting addition to the Avonmore Range

Q&A with… Carol McCaghy, marketing manager, Tayto

Q: Tayto has appeared within the Kantar 100 Master Brands at Home every year since its inception in 2013. What factors would you attribute this success to?

A: Tayto’s success can be attributed to several factors but two key aspects we pride ourselves on are our product quality and consumer-centric approach. We consistently deliver high-quality products and invest in innovation to stay ahead of market trends. Recently, we conducted one of the largest behavioural studies related to snacking in Ireland to better understand consumers’ habits, ensuring we are well-positioned to meet their snacking needs. Beyond meeting their functional product needs, we also connect with our consumers on an emotional level through advertising campaigns that create a memorable, lasting impression.

Q: Can you tell me about your brands credentials?

A: Tayto is the leading crisps and snacks brand in the market, with seven out of 10 Irish households purchasing our products. The Tayto brand has 70 years of heritage making it ubiquitous in the Irish market and its advertising boasts some of the highest emotional connection scores among FMCG brands. Our manufacturing practices at our factory in Kilbrew, Co Meath, enable us to deliver consistent quality to our consumers

which is why they return to our brands time and again. Tayto is synonymous with Irishness and we are the largest indigenous snack manufacturer in Ireland – it is important to Irish consumers to support local, Irish brands. Over the years, we have received numerous awards for innovation, customer service and marketing, reflecting our dedication to excellence and industry leadership

Q: Traditionally, Tayto has always performed strongly within the top 10 within the Kantar 100 Master Brands at Home ranking. How has this pattern continued in the past year?

A: Tayto continues to be a beacon in the top 10 for crisps and snacks, a success driven by innovation, creativity and consistent investment in our brand to maintain relevance with consumers of all ages. We work closely with our partners to ensure we enhance both the mental and physical availability of Tayto products. This synchronization enables us to maximise our campaigns, thereby driving continuous growth for the Tayto brand.

Q: We know that sustainability has become increasingly important for both retailers and brands based on consumer demand for sustainable options. Can you tell me about the brands sustainability initiatives?

A: Certainly! At Tayto, we recognise the growing importance of sustainability for both retailers and consumers. Our commitment is reflected in several key initiatives aimed at

reducing our environmental footprint and promoting eco-friendly practices. These include reducing packaging, adopting sustainable farming methods, enhancing energy efficiency at our manufacturing site and having our field sales team drive electric vehicles. We also engage with local communities through programs like ‘Potato Pals’, which educates children in local national schools about the life-cycle of the potato Additionally, we have been enhancing our products for many years through the removal of non-natural additives. These initiatives highlight our commitment to meeting consumer and retailer demands for more sustainable options.

Q: Can we expect to see any NPD from the brand on the market in the coming year?

A: Of course! At Tayto, we understand from shopper intelligence research that consumers crave innovation in the category Earlier this year, we launched a new flavour in our Tayto Lentil Chips range: Creamy Paprika, which has quickly become a firm favourite. In June, we are introducing limited edition Tayto crisps which borrow the flavour from Tayto Mighty Munch snacks, which is sure to excite consumers and based on the success of previous limited editions, should be a hit! Later this year, Mr Tayto will unveil an exciting new product range, inspired by insights from our consumer snacking study Stay tuned for a five-star launch!

Carol McCaghy

Brennans Family Pan

3. Tayto

Tayto the number one crisps & snacks brand* has remained at number three** in the Kantar Top 100 Brands. This year marks a milestone for Tayto, as the brand celebrates 70 years. The Tayto brand is loved locally and globally consistently topping the polls as the most missed brand by Irish ex-pats.

The Tayto portfolio, which also includes the number one crinkle crisp brand* Hunky Dorys, continues to grow from strength to strength. Tayto is as relevant today as when it launched 70 years ago ensuring they have a portfolio of crisps and snacks that meet all consumer needs. Consistent activities like NPD, the introduction of Limited-Edition flavours that bring excitement to the category, communication campaigns that reach mass audiences across multiple platforms and in-store activations that interrupt shoppers in stores all make Tayto what it is.

All of the brands key occasion activities this year are being underpinned by the brands 70th celebrations. Tayto is pulling out all the stops this summer as they continue to mark this exciting milestone, with an

Esmé Simington

interactive Roadshow, commemorative packaging and a heart-warming collaboration with An Post combining to create an unforgettable year for Tayto enthusiasts.

Tayto will also launch their latest impulse limited edition across the summer months.

The use of Tayto’s key sub-brand ‘Mighty Munch’ to strengthen the core brand is another example of a brand that knows how to keep consumers hooked. With lots more exciting campaigns and NPD in the pipeline, 2024 will no doubt to prove to be another stellar year for the iconic crisp brand.

For seven decades the Tayto brand has remained the Nation’s favourite crisp and along with the inimitable Mr Tayto, has brought joy to millions, home and away Tayto, the Original Irish crisp- since 1954!

Sources: *Based in part on data reported by NIQ through NielsenIQ Database for Crisps & Snacks for 52 week period ending 24th April 2024, for Ireland Multiples and Retail Channels. Copyright © 2024 **Kantar Top 100 Brands at home 2024

4. Cadbury’s Dairy Milk 5. Jacob’s

Jacob’s products have been a part of Irish life since 1851. From opening that first tin of Jacob’s biscuits at Christmas time, to filling lunchboxes daily around the country – Jacob’s have a snack to suit every occasion. Whether your favourite is a Kimberley, Club Milk, Elite, Tuc or Cream Cracker, there is something for everyone It’s wide range of delicious biscuits and crackers sell more than any other brand, making it Ireland’s number one biscuit brand.*

Jacob’s is known for launching exciting NPD that makes an impact in the category Over the past year, Jacob’s has launched some fantastic NPD under its Elite sub-brand, with Jacob’s Elite Favourites Tin one of its best performing NPD in years.There is some exciting NPD in 2024, with Jacob’s Vibes Biscuit Bars in two flavours Milk Chocolate & Cookie & Crème just launched and Jacob’s Caffé Di Milano Bites in Chocolate, Hazelnut and Vanilla due to launch in July There are also some seasonal new products and

Q&A with… Esmé Simington, marketing manager, snacking

Q: Jacobs has appeared within the Kantar 100 Master Brands at Home every year since its inception in 2013. The brand moved up one place from #6 in 2023 to #5 in 2024. What factors would you attribute this success to?

A: In 2023 we carried out a strategic review of the Biscuits category with an in-depth look at the Irish market dynamics. As part of this, we undertook a large-scale piece of snacking shopper and consumer research.

Our plans focussed on a number of key initiatives to grow brand penetration and frequency. Firstly, we developed NPD and new pack formats to address key snacking consumer need state opportunities and to open up new snacking occasions. We focussed on added value propositions for our core brands, such as the Tuc’n Go Offer at Back to School, which added a Convenience & On the Go snacking occasion for one of our key segments.

We ensured that we strengthened our number one position in Biscuits and remained top of mind with consumers with upweighted above the line and below the line support with Jacob’s Masterbrand Campaign in H1, followed by Tuc Campaign at Back to School and Jacob’s Elite Campaign at Christmas. Our sponsorship of the Today FM Timechecks has given us an always on presence which allowed us to showcase our core and NPD ranges with our consumers with eight stings per day, seven days a week.

Q: What unique attributions does the brand have that makes it stand out from your competitors?

At Jacob’s we’ve been providing a range of Irelands favourite biscuits for over 170 yearsever since William and Robert Jacob first opened a small biscuit bakery in 1851 in Waterford and invented the Cream Cracker

The Jacob’s brand has the highest brand penetration in the biscuits category meaning that you will find our brand in more kitchen presses than any other in Ireland.

Our consistent presence in the lives of Irish consumers coupled with recent consumer research has meant that we understand their needs when it comes to their snacking habits and can continue to evolve our range to meet those needs. From our Elite, Caffé Di Milano, Tuc and Mediterraneo ranges of indulgent special treats to our timeless treats of Kimberley, Mikado & Coconut Cream, the breadth of our portfolio offers something unique for every snacking occasion.

Q: Can we expect to see any NPD from the brand on the market in the coming year?

A: At Jacobs, we are committed to a continuous innovation pipeline to reinvigorate the category and attract new shoppers to our brand. We have lots of exciting new product launches planned for 2024

In savoury, we have launched our new look Jacob’s Mediterraneo cracker range These thin crispy sourdough crackers are the perfect base for a range of toppings and are available in three delicious flavours; Jacob’s Mediterraneo Tomato & Herb, Jacob’s Mediterraneo Olive Oil & Oregano and Jacob’s

Mediterraneo Salted. They are the perfect range to snack on and with eight individually wrapped Snack Packs are ideal for On the Go Within sweet biscuits, consumers are still looking to indulge and find a snack that gives them a well-deserved treat and we have two new summer launches that offer those little moments of luxury

Our most recent NPD, Jacob’s Vibes Biscuit bars, offer consumers an individually wrapped luxurious biscuit bar in two delicious flavours; Milk Chocolate, which has a generous layer of creamy milk chocolate on a crunchy biscuit base and Cookie & Crème, a smooth milky bar on a crunchy cocoa biscuit base These bars are a unique proposition in the market and offer consumers a tasty treat. We are driving awareness of this launch through a campaign across OOH, Radio, Sampling and Shopper Marketing.

Building on the success of our Caffé Di Milano biscuits, we are introducing a sharing pack format with the launch of Caffé Di Milano Bites. These are the perfect combination of crispy wafer and rich, indulgent cream that can be enjoyed on your coffee break or as a tempting treat in the evening.

Launching in July, you can choose from three rich and heavenly flavours of hazelnut, chocolate and vanilla and invite a bite sized slice of Italy into your home

For Seasonal Biscuits, we will be unveiling some exciting NPD and novelty gifting options to the market later in the year From our timeless classics of Afternoon Tea to our much-loved Elite Range, we will have something for every shopper and gifting occasion this Christmas.

Tayto, celebrating 70 years

sambo

44 100 MASTER BRANDS AT HOME

6. Coca-Cola

Coca-Cola is delighted to feature in the top 10 of Kantar’s Top 100 Brands at Home As an established brand, Coca-Cola recognise the need to continuously evolve, to connect with consumers and offer experiences through new innovations, activations and campaigns.

formats for Jacob’s, Club & Elite, with products launching in time for the festive period.

Jacob’s has been engaging with consumers through its communications across TV, outdoor, digital and instore, and most recently, with its sponsorship of Today FM Timechecks with ads running eight times a day, seven days a week, ensuring that consumers see Jacob’s as a modern, relevant brand in their lives.

*Source: Kantar 52 w/e 17th March 2024

This summer sees, Coca-Cola delivers an extended ‘Summer of Music’ programme, with a real magic mix of festival partnerships; new artist collaborations and content; merchandise; competitions and much more.

Harnessing the unique power of music to unite, Coca-Cola’s ‘Summer of Music’ programme is designed to bring incredible music experiences within reach, sparking opportunities for Gen Z to connect, bond, and feel a sense of community with a shared passion of music at the heart. The programme promises to deliver incredible summer of music experiences both on and offline, to connect music fans with their fandoms, friends, favourite artists – and festivals.

Building on its success from previous years Coca-Cola continued to ‘hero zero’ maintaining Coca-Cola Zero Sugar as the #1 zero sugar soft drink in Ireland, followed by Diet Coke with Coca-Cola Zero Sugar Zero Caffeine gaining popularity*.

Coca-Cola also continued its commitment to sustainability and recognises the urgency consumers expect when it comes to the

environment. World Without

environment. ‘Through World Without Waste’, it continues to eliminate the need for 5,000 tonnes of new or unnecessary plastic on an annual basis.

In 2023, the Coca-Cola portfolio moved to a 100% recycled bottle significantly reducing the need for new or virgin plastic. Together with the introduction of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRSS) in Ireland, it is one step closer to creating a true circular economy for plastic.

Coca-Cola was the first beverage provider to launch KeelClip, an innovative cardboard packaging solution for four, six and eight multipack cans and Q’Flex, a cardboard solution for larger multipack cans. In addition, Coca-Cola continues to lightweight our products annually, reducing the amount of plastic used throughout the Coca-Cola portfolio

Source: Nielsen GTC MAT April Value Share. For more information, visit: www.ie.coca-colahellenic.com or www.Coca-Cola.ie

Jacobs Mediterraneo Crackers Olive Oil

Jacobs Vibes Milk Chocolate Biscuit

Jacobs Café Di Milano Chocolate Wafer Bites

46 100 MASTER BRANDS AT HOME

7. Cadbury

8. Denny

9. Knorr

10. Heinz

With summer well and truly upon us, and Heinz is celebrating 125 years at the heart of Irish homes, not only is this an opportunity to enjoy the glorious weather, but also to celebrate some of Heinz’s heroes, new and old.

This is a time when days are brighter, BBQs are burning, and we’re all making time to enjoy life’s simple pleasures. When it comes to mealtimes, our iconic Heinz Tomato Ketchup is a must-have on kitchen tables, bringing the rich & tomatoey goodness to any occasion, and the people of Ireland agree – Heinz Tomato Ketchup is the number one ketchup choice in households in Ireland*.

There’s no shortage of fun at Heinz - it loves to innovate, bringing our consumers the newest flavour combinations, elevating the ordinary This summer Heinz is delighted to launch three innovative additions to our tomato ketchup range, Heinz Tomato Ketchup Pickle Flavour, Heinz Tomato Ketchup Bacon Flavour and Heinz Curry Ketchup, bringing some extra zing and cheeky familiarity to your favourite BBQ occasions.

However, Heinz knows your BBQ isn’t quite right, unless you have a rich and creamy sidekick to pair with your favourite hero in red.

Heinz [Seriously] Good Mayonnaise, continues to woo Irish consumers. If there’s something Heinz can do well, it’s getting its sauces right. So, whether you’re packing a picnic, building an epic burger or saucing up your favourite sambo, Heinz [Seriously] Good Mayonnaise is your only pick!

From sauces season to back to school, at Heinz there’s always have something to celebrate. To wrap up its saucy summer, Heinz are proudly partnering with Barnardos this Back-to-School season, for the third year, supporting their childhood and family services with our Beanz Meanz Mealz campaign. Whatever the weather, it has to be Heinz!

*Kantar Worldpanel Data up to 12 May, Total Ketchup

**Combined EPOS Sales 26/04/2024

11. Fitzgerald’s

Fitzgeralds Family Bakery continues to show strong growth in both Ireland and the UK. Some of this growth has been facilitated by their recent extension to the bakery, which has allowed them to significantly increase production capacity and launch several new Bagel and Bagel Slims® flavours.

versatile foods that have delighted consumers around Ireland. With a vast portfolio to choose from which stems from the beloved Chicken Dippers, Waffles, Fish Fingers, Peas and plenty more that suits for every occasion.

In April of this year, Birds Eye launched the new Mini Fish fingers which expands the Fish Finger eating occasion even further into ‘snacking’. The tasty new addition to the Birds Eye portfolio has been supported with above the line with TV, VOD, partnerships, social, on pack promotion right through to through the line in store support.

With continuous investment into driving quality products, innovation and media, there is exciting times ahead for the Birds Eye brand.

13. Johnston Mooney and O’Brien

Fairy

16. Nescafé

17. Pringles

The newest members of their bagel family include their delicious Chia & Ancient Grain Bagels, Seeded Sourdough Bagels, ‘Everything’ Bagels and Sesame Seeded Bagel Slims®.

Following their significant investment in the bakery expect another exciting wave of NPD to come in Q4 this year

Pringles continues to be one of Ireland’s most loved crisp brands. With its iconic can, unique shape and delicious flavour Pringles’ popularity is unwavering.

The brand continues to target snacking occasions, inviting consumers to POP into Pringles’ new digital world – POPTOPIA! An evolution to the existing digital platform which will provide the unique and exclusive

Their range includes Fresh bagged Bagels and Bagel Slims®, Wraps, Bake at Home French and Italian Breads, Naan Breads, and Skinny Italian Pizza Bases and they are market leaders in these categories in ROI, and their range continues to be well received in the UK.

12. Birds Eye

Birds Eye Mini Fish Fingers have been a staple brand for Irish families for decades and continues to maintain a strong heritage in an increasingly competitive Irish frozen food market. For years it has provided an outstanding range of high quality, tasty and

Birds Eye Mini Fish Fingers

After, Mr. P’s new look

experiences for Pringles enthusiasts across Europe

Pringles has also continued to delight consumers with ongoing new flavour launches. This year, the brand has reset the spicy range with an eye-catching name ‘HOT’, launching with four incredible flavours with differing heat levels; Flammin’ Cheese, Smokin’ BBQ Ribs, Kickn’ Sour Cream and Sweet Chilli. All of them, except for Sweet Chilli are also HFSS compliant!

Pringles has also supported leading men’s health charity, Movember since 2021 and last year announced that it will donate a minimum of €50,000 The brand’s donation will support Movember’s important initiatives which help change the face of men’s health and fight for men to live happier, healthier and longer lives. The Pringles moustachioed mascot joined the cause last year for the first time since his new look was unveiled in 2021. Mr P shaved down his moustache and started afresh for the month of growing through social posts.

Pringles goes green, white and orange with limited-edition cans

This summer Pringles is going green, white and orange with a range of limited-edition cans with an Irish flag on its Original and Sour Cream and Onion flavours.

With these cans, Pringles and football fans alike can be in with the chance to win a holiday for two worth €5,000 To enter, simply scan the QR code on any can of Pringles and play a football-inspired game to be put into the draw

The four lucky winners will have the choice of a holiday for two people to a European destination* where they will stay for five nights in a four-star hotel, with €400 spending money, dinner at a top restaurant, airport transfers and a choice of a football stadium tour, a spa day, or a cultural experience depending on their preferences.Choice of European destinations include Barcelona, London, Paris, Berlin, Istanbul, Milan.

18. Keoghs

Once you bite into a delicious Keogh’s snack, you will never look back. Keogh’s are renowned for their premium quality awardwinning innovative flavours, that excite and

delight consumers with every bite. 100% Irish, Keogh’s have been farming the fertile land of North Country Dublin for over 200 years and are experts in growing and producing Ireland’s finest potatoes. From crop to crisp, the potatoes are washed, sliced and hand cooked in small batches on the family farm.

2023 was an exceptional year for Keogh’s with the launch of it’s very first TV ad for Crisps, which debuted on our screens in May. The campaign was a huge success and Keogh’s brand value share grew ahead of the market, whilst delivering the fastest volume growth in the Multiple Sharing sector Keogh’s are delighted to have grown an phenomenal eight places this year in the Kantar top 100 brands, landing in the top 20 at 18th place.

Keogh’s continues to invest in marketing support and launched a new ATL campaign to support its Bigger Bite Popcorn Range in January Keogh’s popcorn is now Ireland’s fastest growing popcorn brand with an 8% share of the market. Keogh’s Popcorn is truly unique, using a special corn, it’s larger, rounder and crunchier, so each bag is packed full of flavour

This summer Keogh’s are launching a really exciting fundraiser for Children’s Health Foundation which will not only raise much needed funds for sick children in Ireland but will give two lucky donors a chance to win a trip worth €5,000 to Paris, France.

Keogh’s are asking you all to get behind this said cause and donate a minimum of €5 to the Just Giving Fundraiser by either scanning the QR code in store or on its packs. Each €5 donation will be entered into its competition draws. The winners will be announced at the end of October www.justgiving.com/page/ keoghsfarm

20. Batchelors

With the back-to-school season approaching, parents across Ireland will be busy with preparations. Amidst the chaos, one thing remains constant: ensuring children have nutritious, delicious, and convenient meals. Enter Batchelors, Ireland’s number one baked bean brand, which has been a staple in households nationwide for 84 years, providing a perfect solution for busy mornings and hearty lunches.

Made in Cabra in Dublin, Batchelors has been synonymous with quality and taste for 90 years. This trusted brand, deeply rooted in Irish culture, has been a go-to for families seeking reliable and wholesome food options. The baked beans, rich in flavour and packed with nutrients, offer a comforting taste of home, making them an essential part of the Irish diet.

In today’s fast-paced world, convenience without compromising nutrition is key Batchelors baked beans excel in this regard. High in protein and fibre, they provide the necessary energy to keep children active and

Fuelling the

19. Muller

If you Keogh, you know

50 100 MASTER BRANDS AT

focused throughout their school day. Whether served on wholegrain toast for a quick breakfast or served with chicken and mashed potato for a wholesome dinner, Batchelors beans are versatile and easy to prepare, fitting seamlessly into busy family routines. With increasing awareness of healthy eating, parents are more conscious than ever about what they serve their children. Batchelors baked beans are full of the good stuff and a natural choice, being low in fat and free from artificial preservatives.

During the back-to-school period, Batchelors will be launching a through the line campaign on radio, national out of home, digital and PR and supported with strong instore activity

21. McVites

McVitie’s is and has been a biscuit tin staple in Irish households for generations, so it’s no surprise that the biscuit giant is coming in at number 21 in this year’s list. With a programme of world-class marketing and market-leading NPD throughout its 184th year in business, McVitie’s took the nation by storm in 2023 –reminding us why its biscuits continue to top shoppers’ lists week-on-week and reinforcing its position as the category’s one and only True Original.

Billions Wafer, Jaffa Cakes Raspberry and White Chocolate Digestives – the latter of which was the biggest launch in two years for the category, bringing in 60% incremental sales for the brand. With this year’s plans set to take this further, McVitie’s is sure to feature on the 2024 list and beyond.

22. Yoplait

A much-loved family favourite, Yoplait has been satisfying Irish consumers for over 50 years. Generations of Irish families have literally ‘grown up’ on their favourite Yoplait Fruit Yogurts, Yops, Petit Filous and Frubes which are still enjoyed in homes everywhere. Favoured by parents as a snack of choice for the whole family, the Yoplait range is rich in calcium and vitamins and has been enjoyed in homes and lunch boxes all over the country since the 1970’s

Just like families, tastes and demands change generation by generation and Yoplait strives to meet these changes with an everinnovative product range Popular with a new generation of Yoplait adorers, Yoplait Skyr range is based on a creamy Icelandic recipe Yoplait Skyr is 100% natural, high-quality dairy fat free source of rich protein which provides a high percentage of your daily nutritional requirements.

24. Carrolls Cuisine

25. Kitkat

Kitkat, Nestlé’s leading confectionery brand, continues to climb the ranks, moving up three places in this year’s Top 100 brands list. Year to date (YTD) performance has been driven by value growth in its core range, particularly the iconic four finger single bar and two finger biscuit formats. Kitkat’s Duo offering within chocolate singles remains in high demand, and the brand recently introduced a limited edition Kitkat Chunky White Biscoff variant, adding excitement to its portfolio

Kitkat’s success can also be attributed to its robust marketing and advertising strategies, focused on maintaining a strong presence in

For the first time in five years, it launched an all-encompassing masterbrand platform, True Originals, which set the stage for a series of (now award-winning) campaigns throughout the year This included taking to the nation’s TV screens with a fun-fuelled advert which won over consumers by reminding them that, as the True Original biscuit brand, McVitie’s is often copied – but never equalled. Featuring a cameo from none other than broadcasting legend Sir Trevor McDonald, ‘There is Only One’ was further brought to life by best-inclass PR and social engagement, plus shopper activity

Meanwhile, McVitie’s brought innovation, excitement and a wealth of new shoppers to the category with the likes of McVitie’s Gold

Furthermore, Skyr’s inherent creamy flavour and texture appeals to a current sophisticated demand for a more natural tasting snack whilst its versatility as a stand-alone protein rich snack or as a welcome main constituent in breakfast bowls, smoothies, sauces and dips ntinues to win consumers over.

continues consumers over. pre post sports alternatively

Boasting a fat free 9.6g of protein per 100g serving, Yoplait Skyr makes for an excellent or post gym or sports snack or can ernatively be paired with fresh fruit, nuts and honey and enjoyed as a satisfying and flavoursome breakfast bowl.

the market and engaging with consumers effectively through its ongoing “Have a break, Have a Kitkat” campaign.

The brand also prioritises sustainability ensuring that its cocoa is sustainably sourced with all Kitkat produced in the UK and Ireland made with 100% certified sustainable cocoa. Overall, the brand’s sales performance, ability to continue to meet consumer demands, effective advertising support and sustainable sourcing practices will help maintain Kitkat’s position as a leading brand within the Irish Confectionery market.

Kitkat Chunky White Biscoff

Jaffa Cakes Raspberry, White Chocolate Digestives and McVitie’s Gold Billions Wafer

Yoplait Skyr

52 100 MASTER BRANDS AT HOME

29. MiWadi

season is in full swing! Keelings Irish strawberries are available now to stock in your stores nationwide

31. Dairygold

Dairygold has been a staple in Irish hearts and fridges for almost 40 years. Traditionally made using natural ingredients and perfectly churned to create its deliciously creamy, Dairygold taste

The deliciously creamy taste of Dairygold is also available in plant based! Check out its Dairygold plant-based range which consists of Plant Based Spread and Plant Based Butter available in stores nationwide

32. Keelings

Keeling’s its delighted to be ranked 32 in Ireland’s prestigious list of the top Kantar’s 100 most chosen consumer super brands. The Keelings story stretches as far back as 1926 when the farm was initially established in North County Dublin, the first Irish strawberries being planted in 1937 Fast forward to present day, Keelings is now the number one manufacturer within fresh produce* The brand, initially launched in 2010, now commands 77% awareness** in the market amongst Irish consumers.

Keelings will not only be supporting Irish strawberry season this year but has also recently relaunched the brand with a full 360 marketing campaign including a return (for the first time since 2016) to TV, a radio advert, in-store POS, sampling partnerships, OOH, social media support and much more. The rebrand is not only about celebrating the taste and enjoyment of fresh produce but also about solidifying Keelings as a beloved Irish cultural brand here in Ireland amongst Irish consumers.

33. Green Isle

Green Isle has been championing good, convenient food in Ireland for over 60 years. Making you feel like a champion in the kitchen. From classic side dishes of garden peas to flavoursome stir-fry mixes and crispy roast potatoes, Green Isle makes good food decisions easy. The Green Isle range of vegetable and potato sides saves you time on meal preparation as all the chopping and slicing has been done for you, ensuring that family mealtimes are as stress-free as possible and you feel like a champion in your kitchen.

New Green Isle Fruit Snacks are superior quality fruits that are perfect for lunchboxes, a healthy treat or on-the-go snacking. Made from 100% fruit, Green Isle Fruit Snacks help people eat well without adding to the “to do” list.

MiWadi is a truly iconic Irish brand and continues to grow from strength to strength in the marketplace. From humble beginnings in 1927 MiWadi has been a fruity and flavoursome part of childhood in Ireland for 97 years and has always remained relevant to Irish families with a wide range of flavours in its Regular, No Added Sugar, 0% Sugar and Drops ranges. MiWadi is still produced in Dublin to this day and is a proud member of Love Irish Food.

Both MiWadi single concentrate and double concentrate ranges are now fortified with Vitamin D which supports your family’s immune system*.

Vitamin D is very important in your diet to help support your family’s general health, growth and development but it can be difficult to achieve the recommended daily intake of 5 µg. It has been reported that Vitamin D deficiency is very prevalent in Ireland**.

MiWadi makes the water that you need to drink each day extra delicious and refreshing. To enjoy all the thirst-quenching tastiness of MiWadi at its best just add water.

MiWadi continues to grow year on year maintaining its number one position in the Squash Category***.

*Excludes MiWadi Regular Blackcurrant 1L.

Source: **Department of Health Article Reporting on Vitamin D Deficiency in Ireland, April 2020 ***AC Nielsen Value Share

MAT Total Squash Category May 2024

Vitamin D contributes to the normal functioning of the immune system and maintenance of normal bones and teeth.

30 Colgate

As Ireland’s number one fresh strawberries supplier*, Keelings strawberries are enjoyed by households across the country and are delighted to announce that Irish Strawberry

Ideal for anyone that is focusing on making healthy snacking choices, each box contains three easy-to-open snack packs and are one of your five a day. You can choose from juicy pineapple chunks or mango chunks. These carefully selected superior quality fruits are picked at their peak and frozen at their freshest. New advanced freezing technology ensures that the superior quality, taste and texture of its prepared fruits are all locked in, delivering a wonderful product with no food waste - just amazing ready to eat fruit when you need it!

Green Isle, Pineapple Chunks and Mango Chunks

L-R: Keeling’s Fresh & Juicy Raspberries and Blueberries

MiWadi – Fortified with Vitamin D For A Little Sunshine in Every Drop!

34. Flahavans

35. Alpro

Alpro has been leading the food revolution for the past 40 years and it has been ‘banging that big, plant-based drum ever since’. Alpro’s mission back then was the same as it is now: to help people make positive choice when it comes to food. Long before oat flat whites became the drink of choice, Alpro was making plant-based products back in 1980, where its story began with a soya drink recipe Alpro’s extensive range caters to various preferences and times of day. Its core drink line includes Oat, Almond, Soya and Coconut, with no-sugars options available

For coffee enthusiasts, the Barista range ensures a perfect coffee shop experience with

oat, almond, soya, and coconut options. On-the-go soya drink choices in chocolate or strawberry flavour, along with plant-based alternatives to yogurts in flavours such as blueberry, strawberry, vanilla and passionfruit, offer convenient, tasty snacks. Alpro want to help people make positive choices when it comes to food and our products can be used in a variety of ways to do this.

Whether you’re looking for a smoothie, a way to refresh your overnight oats or a weekend brunch, Alpro has a product that suits your needs. Alpro is always developing new innovative products and 2024 will be no different with anew extension to the range set to hit shelves and online in 2024 which is sure to be a big hit among a whole new audience demographic.

42. Hellmann’s

Alpro –the plantbased pioneers

54 100 MASTER BRANDS AT HOME

44. Walkers

takeaway dishes, the Spice Bag, and promises to bring the delightful and iconic taste of an Irish favourite to consumers’ kitchens.

Haribo continues to be Ireland’s number one sweets maker1 bringing moments of childlike happiness to consumers nationwide Within the sweet’s category, Haribo has held its leading position in terms of value & unit sales delivering 53% of the total retail sales value growth year to date

Haribo as the number one brand is growing across all measures, with unit sales +10.7%, in a market where unit sales are declining -6.4%.

The recipe for success is a combination of great tasting, quality products. Starmix and Tangfastics are the number one and number three bestselling products in the market with Supermix and Giant Strawbs among the top 20 best sellers, Haribo is also great value for money, offering 38% better €/kg vs the sweets category average2

In addition to Haribo’s core range, the brand continues to introduce new products with exciting flavours and textures to the market. Over the past year Haribo successfully launched Soda Twist Z!ng and Twin Snakes to bring excitement into the category

To complement its popular all-year round offering, Haribo also brings a sweet celebration of treats to stores during key seasonal periods. Haribo’s selection provides products in different formats suitable for gifting and sharing with themed items to deliver seasonal fun. Whether it be Easter, Halloween, or Christmas, Haribo delivers a vast range of products that create happiness and smiles for kids and grown-ups alike for all occasions.

1. Nielson IQ IE Ttl Scantrack ROI/Total Sweets Confectionery incl. Mints (Ex. Gums. Medicated)/Total Market/ Manufacturer YTD to 19.05.24

2. Nielson IQ IE Ttl Scantrack ROI/Total Sweets Confectionery incl Mints (Ex Gums, Medicated)/Total Market/Sales price per KG data YTD to 19.05.24

45. McCain

46. Lyons Tea

47. Hovis

The Hovis® brand continues to make excellent progress in the Irish Packaged Bread Category In 2023 the brand achieved a ranking of 47th position in Ireland’s most chosen brands publication (Compiled by Kantar)1 representing a significant improvement on the 2022 position of No 54. This strong performance demonstrates the growing popularity of the Hovis® brand with Irish consumers.

Hovis® Granary® and Seed Sensations® for the Irish market are baked at its Belfast bakery Although Hovis® does not have full market distribution in Ireland the brand continues to make excellent progress where stocked. Hovis® Seed Sensations® has been strongly received by the Irish consumer for those seeking a great tasting bread with a distinctive, seeded flavour In addition, the Hovis® Granary® range continues to be also enjoyed by Irish consumers. The brand’s consistent focus on quality continues to be at the heart of our brand strategy

1. Independent research compiled by the Kantar Group Tracked shopping behaviour of over 5000 Irish Households. The report covers the period of 52 w/e October 2022 Vs 52 w/e October 2023

48. Chef

Chef, a brand synonymous with Irish culinary tradition and a family favourite since 1921, proudly introduces its latest product: Chef Spice Bag Ketchup This new sauce captures the essence of one of Ireland’s trendiest

Crafted in Cabra, Chef Spice Bag blends hand-selected spices with Chef’s renowned tangy ketchup, delivering the unique and beloved flavours of a Spice Bag to any meal. Perfect for drizzling over chips, mixing with chicken strips, onions, and peppers, a tasty topping for burgers or simply as a dip, Chef Spice Bag offers great versatility and is poised to be the hit of the Summer

Now available in stores, Chef Spice Bag Ketchup is another example of Chef’s ongoing commitment to innovation and quality in the Irish food industry

Recent research data from Kantar reveals impressive growth for Chef, showing an 18.8% increase in the last 52 weeks up to 12 May 2024 This surge outpaces the overall Table Top category, which grew by 10.8%, allowing Chef to maintain its position as the highest branded player in terms of growth. The expansion is driven by attracting new shoppers, with household penetration up by 6.7%, and increased purchase frequency. Chef continues to dominate as the number one brand in Brown Sauce and holds the second position in Ketchup, solidifying its status as a favourite among consumers.

The Chef range also includes an array of

side plate accompaniments including BBQ Sauce, Salad Cream, Beetroot, Malt Vinegar and Pickles.

To support the summer BBQ season, the Chef range will be featured in an integrated summer advertising campaign titled ‘Break out the Fancy.’ This campaign spans video-ondemand platforms, outdoor advertising, social media, and in-store activations ensuring extensive brand visibility and driving consumer interest.

49. Kinder

Chef Spice Bag Ketchup: An Irish culinary innovation

43. Haribo

Haribo Ireland’s number one sweets maker

Hovis® continues to enjoy success in Ireland

56 100 MASTER BRANDS AT HOME

50. Activia

Activia is passionate about happy guts and delighted to be ranked 50th in the 2024 Kantar Top 100 Brands at Home Activia is Deliciously Good for your Gut Health & recognises that the gut plays a significant role in our bodies. That is why Activia has been a gut health hero for more than 30 years innovating and finding delightful new ways for you to love your gut.

Activia contains a unique blend of five ferments, billions of live cultures strong enough to survive until they reach the gut. This creamy yogurt packed with billions of live cultures is known for being deliciously good for your gut health.

Activia provides the shopper with a wide selection of gut health products including a selection of creamy fruit flavours (available in 0% fat as well), a fabulous fibre range and on-the-go Activia Toppers Range

This year Activia has upgraded its packaging and recipe The recipe is now creamier and tastier, and the new enhanced pack design allows for greater stand out on shelf as well as reminding the shopper of the three key benefits of Activia.

Enjoy as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle, calcium contributes to the normal function of digestive enzymes. Contains naturally occurring sugars.

51. Aero

This much-loved brand, renowned for its unique bubbly texture, added two exciting new innovations to its portfolio this year - the new Aero choco-hazelnut flavour sharing bar and the Aero Neapolitan sharing bag. The popular hazelnut flavour, which was a frequent request from followers of Aero’s social media

channels, brings together the brand’s signature melt-in-your-mouth bubbles and the smooth nutty flavour of hazelnut, to create a deliciously bubbly treat. The Aero Neapolitan offering is part of Nestlé’s new range of ice cream inspired chocolate sharing bags and contains bubbly milk chocolate strawberry and vanilla flavour melts.

Over the coming months, limited edition pack designs to prompt consumer consideration of key sharing occasions and an on-pack promotion offering consumers a chance to win free bars, together with an upweighted advertising campaign will ensure that demand for Aero continues.

52. Dove 53. Club 54. Erin

Tradition meets convenience in a range of hearty meal solutions and versatile sauces. Today’s consumers seek convenience without compromising on taste or nutritional value Erin meets this need by offering a diverse range of products that cater to busy lifestyles while maintaining homemade goodness. From its delicious savoury rices that

are perfect for those summer BBQs and picnics, to it’s hearty meal solutions that provide a quick, nourishing meal, and its versatile sauces that simplify dinner preparations, Erin understands the needs of the modern shopper Retailers can capitalise on this by stocking a variety of Erin products, ensuring they meet the demand for convenient yet wholesome food options. Erin products are not just about offering a trusted brand; it’s about tapping into a market of discerning consumers who prioritise quality and taste Erin’s products are perfect for seasonal promotions, especially during the colder months when consumers seek comfort foods.

55. Koka

Founded in Singapore in 1985, Koka is Ireland’s most loved Instant Noodle brand. A pantry staple in homes across the country, Koka noodles satisfy a growing consumer demand for delicious, convenient snacks to eat at home or on-the-go

Available in a range of formats and delicious flavours, there’s a Koka noodle for all tastes. Koka Silk is the brand’s gluten free range, or for a healthier noodle option Koka Multigrain Baked Noodles are low in fat, palm oil free and a source of protein.

And now there’s even more reason to love Koka noodles with the introduction of two exciting new flavours to the range Masala is a must-try for those who can handle the heat, with a flavourful mix of spices that is bold on taste Or for a delicious flavour fusion, Mi Goreng is the perfect balance of sweet and savoury Both flavours will be available in major retailers nationwide

Spaghetti Bolognese

Erin Pepper Sauce

Erin Chicken Rice

Koka, the authentic taste of Singapore

Activia – deliciously good for your gut health

60. Connacht Gold

61. Lenor

62. Old El Paso

With the increase of in-home meal occasions, consumers are more open to trying new cuisines in recent years. Plus, the simplicity and position as a family favourite makes Mexican and Old El Paso an appealing choice for consumers. Confident scratch cookers looking to try new and different foods in a convenient way reach for Old El Paso components, while less assured cooks tend to look for full meal solutions, using its Kits to improve their skills and grow confidence. Consumers love that with Mexican, you can build the meal around personal preference with this sort of customisation. Its latest campaign #MakeSomeNoise celebrates how good food can bring us all together The campaign aims to get more people to share in the vibrancy and culinary inspiration that Mexican food can provide by turning Fridays into #FajitaFridays Mexican can be enjoyed right through the week with #MeatlessMonday, #TacoTuesday and beyond using the wide range of easy to use Old El Paso kits, carriers, seasonings and more.

63. Cadbury’s Twirl 64. Corn Flakes

65. TUC 66. Schwartz

67. Santa Rita

Santa Rita is delighted to become the first wine brand to secure a position in Ireland’s prestigious Top 100 Brands in the grocery sector, as identified by the Kantar Group This remarkable achievement places Santa Rita 120 at rank 67, climbing an impressive 34 places to enter the list, and makes it the only wine brand to do so This milestone comes as a testament to the collective effort, dedication, sustained input and strategic initiatives towards positioning Santa Rita 120 as the number one wine brand in Ireland.

This recognition is particularly significant as Santa Rita prepares to launch its upcoming advertising campaign.

Instore Promotions: From June to September Rita 120 will roll out gondola ends in Tesco and Supervalu stores across Ireland. These displays will feature a consumer prize competition accessible via a QR code, offering

participants a chance to win an unforgettable trip to Chile for two under the ‘120 Hours’ concept.

The OOH campaign will also run from JuneJuly with over 130 points of contact across Ireland. The campaign will feature high visibility formats, including 48 Sheets, Metropoles, and Golden Squares, alongside high engagement formats such as in-store digital screens at purchase points.

Santa Rita 120’s 30 and 15-second commercial ads will air from 24 June for three weeks. These strategically distributed ads will run throughout the day on major channels including RTE, VMS, Sky, CH4, and TG4

Digital Activations - Santa Rita 120 will collaborate with two prominent influencers to further promote the campaign and competition. Limerick athlete Sarah Lavin, who is competing in this year’s Paris Olympics, will feature Santa Rita 120 Dealcoholised in her reels, while influencer Cassie Stokes, will showcase the 120 Reserva Especial range

Santa Rita 120 is excited to bring this dynamic promotional campaign to Ireland, offering consumers numerous opportunities to engage with the brand and participate in the exciting prize competition. Santa Rita looks forward to connecting with its Irish audience and sharing the exceptional quality of Santa Rita 120 wines.

68. Bisto

69. O’Hara’s of Foxford

70. Pepsi

71. Charleville

Santa Rita 120 Dealcoholised Sauvignon Blanc

Santa Rita 120 Pinot Grigio

Old El Paso is an iconic global brand that brings Mexican food to Irish households

72. Comfort

73. Flora

74. Nivea

75. Nature Valley

Nature Valley has climbed an impressive 16 places in this year’s Kantar 100 most-chosen brands. Launched here in 2006, Nature Valley is Ireland’s number one snack bar

All its bars are made with great tasting ingredients, like natural oats, honey, peanuts and almonds. Nature Valley offers added benefits through its core platforms Nature Valley Crunchy, made with 100% wholegrain oats, and Nature Valley Protein bars, which contain 10g of protein and are gluten free Nature Valley continues to offer a broad range of delicious products also including our Crunchy Dipped range and Sweet & Salty Nut bars.

A staple for every household, Nature Valley bars help families to #GetEquippedForLife with delicious snacks perfect for any time of day.

81. Ballygowan

2024 has been another landmark year for Ballygowan with the brand jumping 32 places to be the only water brand to feature in the top 100 brands.

The year kicked off with a burst of activity in January with the ever-growing Ballygowan Hint of Fruit range This flavoured water variant which is always sugar free continues to gain momentum while continuously innovating to meet the high consumer demand. Peach was added to the existing range of flavours in 2023 along with Strawberry, Summer Fruits and Mango & Passionfruit. Given the continued success of these flavours, keep an eye out for the latest flavour variant coming this summer As you might expect, the summer will see a comprehensive activity plan including TV, VOD, radio, social and digital and will also be brought to life in stores throughout Ireland with vibrant point of sale

Ballygowan continued its official water partnership with the IRFU through a range of exciting activity during this year’s Six Nations. In addition to a comprehensive above the line campaign which included out of home, social and digital; there was an exciting special on-pack across the Ballygowan 750ml, 1L and 1.5L SKUs. These packs featured IRFU players such as Bundee Aki, James Lowe, Garry Ringrose, Tadhg Furlong, Josh van der Flier and Jack Crowley. Consumers also had the chance to scan a QR code on pack to win 100’s of rugby prizes including match tickets,

rugby balls and hats.

Sustainability continues to be at the heart of the Ballygowan brand and 2024 will see increased investment in Newcastle West, the home and source of Ballygowan as the brand continues to strive towards being Ireland’s most sustainable water brand.

82. O’Donnells

O’Donnells, Ireland’s most awarded crisps brand, has mastered the art of producing premium-quality, delicious hand cooked crisps. O’Donnells is the leading hand cooked crisp brand in Ireland and currently hold 12.1% value market share* Since 2010, O’Donnells has captured the hearts of Irish consumers with its superior quality and delectable range of flavours.

This year O’Donnells is honoured to move up 17 places to the number 82 spot in the Kantar Top 100 brands. Proudly boasting the title of the Most Awarded Crisp in Ireland, O’Donnells has been honoured with an impressive 11 awards in the past year**. These prestigious accolades serve as a testament to the exceptional quality offered by Ireland’s

Taste above all else, a collection of O’Donnells crisps

Ballygowan Sports Bottle

Ballygowan Hint of Fruit range

favourite hand cooked crisp brand**. In June, O’Donnells was delighted to announce the launch of their brand new flavour: Fire Roasted Buffalo Wings. O’Donnells Fire Roasted Buffalo Wings perfectly combines bold tangy flavours with roasted spices to deliver an indulgent experience that is designed to be savoured. Hitting the shelves for summer, O’Donnells’ delectable new flavour is the snack of choice for those leisurely summer moments. Indulge in O’Donnells’ exquisite fusion of flavours during a relaxing summer evening, or delight your guests with this fire-roasted taste sensation at your BBQ gatherings.

Throughout the summer O’Donnells is live with the ‘Taste Above All Else’ campaign, spanning across TV, VOD, OOH, Digital, Social and In-store The campaign will be activated across the summer months, driving significant brand awareness, physical and mental availability, enhancing sales performance in store.

in

*Source:

For over 175 years, Odlums has been a trusted name in Irish households, milling and packing flour since 1845. Established by the Odlum family the brand has become synonymous with quality and tradition. It believes baking isn’t about perfection but about the joy of the process and the pride in sharing creations with loved ones.

A recent research study indicates that Odlums has high levels of consumer awareness and continues to lead the category in regular and most-often purchasing. In addition, consideration levels and mental availability in key category entry points is high and market leading. Odlums is synonymous with quality, trust and premiumness.

Retailers can confidently stock Odlums products, knowing it caters to a wide range of baking needs. Whether it’s fairy cakes for playdates, a lemon drizzle for summer picnics, or a cherished family soda bread recipe, Odlums offers products that enhance every

61 100 MASTER BRANDS AT HOME

shot of Actimel is bursting with 10 billions L. casei cultures and contain vitamins D and B6 which help support your immune system. An Actimel shot contains 33% of your daily Reference Intake (RI) for Vitamin D and 15% of your daily Reference Intake (RI) for Vitamin B6.

baking experience. Odlums’ evolving range includes premium flours and mixes that appeal to all types of bakers.

For those who enjoy baking from scratch, its Strong White Flour is perfect for croissants, and its Coarse Wholemeal Flour adds fibre to breakfast muffins.

For customers who prefer convenience, Odlums quick and easy mixes, such as the Double Chocolate Chip Pancake Shaker, provide delicious results with minimal effort. Odlums has supported bakers through generations, and its products continue to be a staple in local supermarkets.

To explore its range and find out more, visit Odlums.ie or follow Odulms on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

91. John West

92. Sensodyne

93. Actimel

All day, every day, your immune system is working hard to keep you healthy. And when you take good care of it, it takes good care of you. Actimel’s scientists are its in-house experts and have been working for over 20 years to develop its unique cultures. Every

Actimel supports your immune system and has a wide variety of delicious flavours including strawberry, multifruit or raspberry (also available in 0% added sugar & fat) or the latest innovation Actimel Plus in Mango & Tumeric containing 100% of your recommended intake of Vitamin D in one shot. The range can be found in a selection of pack sizes to suit the whole family

*Actimel contains Vitamins D and B6 to help support the normal function of the immune system.

**Vitamin B6 contributes to normal energy-yielding metabolism. RI: Reference intake of an average adult (8400 KJ/2000 Kcal) (as per Food Information Regulations). Enjoy as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle

94. Premier Dairies

Summer bakes with Odlums

Driving sales

Forecourt owners are continually adapting to emerging trends and requirements to maintain a competitive edge, Donna Ahern reports

Through initiatives such as franchising, partnerships, and targeted investments, forecourts have undergone a notable evolution, becoming more comprehensive and financially rewarding entities in recent years.

Looking ahead, the incorporation of charging infrastructure within fuel station forecourts will be pivotal for the sustained expansion of the industry Projections from the International Energy Agency (IEA) suggest that by 2030, electric vehicles (EVs) could comprise up to 20% of all registered vehicles in Europe This could see an increase in demand in retail and leisure to improve customers’ in-store experience, while they wait for their vehicle to charge

‘EVs are a critical component of Ireland’s strategy to decarbonise transport’

Fuels for Ireland (FFI) the representative body of forecourt operators and fuel providers in Ireland members and forecourt operators are proactively installing EV chargers, writes Kevin McPartlan, CEO, FFI

There are already more EV charging points on Irish forecourts than in any other European Union member states. However, this expansion is hampered by several obstacles:

• Grid Capacity Constraints: The existing electricity grid often struggles to support the increased demand for EV charging, particularly in urban areas where the demand is highest.

• High Connection Costs: The cost associated with connecting to the grid can be too expensive, especially in regions requiring substantial grid upgrades.

• Slow Bureaucracy: The bureaucratic process for obtaining permission to install EV charging points is burdensome and slow, deterring investment in this critical infrastructure.

To overcome these barriers, FFI advocates for several measures aimed at accelerating the deployment of EV charging infrastructure at forecourts in Ireland. These include, but are not limited to:

• Streamlined Planning Process: The current planning process for the installation of EV charging points is not working. The process for obtaining permission to install EV charging points is too long, too expensive and too inefficient. It needs to be quicker, cheaper and more efficient so that Ireland can move towards net zero and forecourt

Kevin

McPartlan, CEO, FFI

providers can provide infrastructure that Irish people badly need.

• Matching Funds Provided by Government: The cost of providing EV charging points is excessive to the point of being prohibitive. As such, the necessary roll-out of these charging points is being hindered with a resultant disincentive for members of the public to switch to EVs. In order to address this challenge, the government should provide matching funds for EV charging point projects to reduce the initial outlay for businesses.

• Access to Climate Action Fund (CAF) Funding: Alongside the point above, funding at a national level already exists to aid in the roll-out of EV charging infrastructure but forecourt providers are not allowed to access it. FFI is advocating to free up Climate Action Fund (CAF) finances so that forecourts are eligible to apply for CAF funding to support the installation of EV charging points.

• Waiving of PSO Levy: Quite simply, the PSO levy should be waived for forecourts that install EV charging points.

• Energy Savings Credits: Forecourts should be rewarded for quantifiable emissions reductions achieved through EV charging.

While EVs are a critical component of Ireland’s strategy to decarbonise transport, FFI also believes that reliance on a single solution is insufficient. FFI urges the government to properly consider low-carbon liquid fuels like Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil as they can complement EVs by reducing emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles during the transition period.

Ireland stands at a pivotal moment in its journey toward a sustainable transport future. FFI knows that forecourt operators are key players in this transition, but government support is crucial to overcome existing challenges. By adopting a multifaceted approach that includes both EV infrastructure and alternative fuels, Ireland can more effectively meet its climate targets and ensure a greener future.

Hale and Applegreen announce roll-out of vape recycling across Applegreen forecourt locations in Ireland

Hale Vaping and Applegreen are pleased to announce the roll-out of vape recycling bins across the extensive network of Applegreen locations in Ireland. Large blue recycling bins for used vaping devices are now available at 81 Applegreen locations across Ireland.

Simon Carroll, managing director, Hale Vaping, says: “We are very pleased to have the opportunity to partner with Applegreen on this worthwhile environmental initiative. Research conducted by Red C last September revealed that almost half of people using

Forecourt CATEGORY FOCUS

L-R Deborah Howell, head of trading and distribution, Applegreen and Simon Carroll, managing director, Hale Vaping

vapes weren’t aware that vapes could be recycled. And 45% didn’t know where to recycle their vape To help address this, Hale ran a nationwide outdoor advertising last October with the message: ‘Put vapes in the Blue Bin’. The increasing visibility of vape recycling across the retail landscape, and especially now at Applegreen locations, will further support customers and should have a significant impact on increasing vape recycling.”

Welcoming the roll-out of vape recycling bins across Applegreen forecourt locations, Deborah Howell, head of trading and distribution, Applegreen, states: “We are delighted to offer our customers the opportunity to recycle their used vapes when they next visit Applegreen. The installation of the new recycling bins complement’s Applegreen’s wider ‘Drive Change’ sustainability and carbon neutral strategy Part of this strategy is to support our customers and the communities that we serve. In this context, the availability of vape recycling bins at Applegreen for the safe disposal of used vapes makes total sense This new initiative will further complement the ever-increasing range of services we offer, which include not just quality assured, fully traceable and low price-guaranteed fuel, but also delicious coffee and food, parcel collection and household essentials.”

Founded in 2013 to support smokers that want to quit, and entirely Irish owned, Hale Vaping distributes and sells a wide range of vaping devices and e-liquids. The disposable e-cigarette ranges have had a huge increase in popularity due to their convenience, cost, flavour options and availability They play an important role in helping adult smokers who want to explore vaping as a tool to help them reduce their smoking, or to quit completely This has however created concerns around their environmental impacts and what are the best ways to recover and recycle these products.

Vaping devices are considered waste electronic and electrical equipment (or ‘WEEE’) under waste management regulations because they contain a battery They also contain plastics, some metals and very small amounts of residue, food grade, e-liquids. They should be returned to a specialist store, disposed of in a blue battery recycling box supplied by WEEE Ireland which are widely available in retail outlets, or in the vape recycling bins now available at Applegreen locations. These used vapes will then be collected and safely transported for recycling. They should not be put into general black

household or street bins.

As Ireland’s leading producer and retailer of vaping products Hale recognises their responsibilities. Specifically on the environment we support the recovery and recycling of used vaping devices and contribute to WEEE Ireland for every vaping device we sell to ensure they get the resources they need to fund this important program. Hale Vaping is a member of WEEE Ireland, the approved producer responsibility scheme for waste electrical goods, and pays for the collection of e-cigarettes and vaping products that we place on the market.

Commenting on the proposed policy to ban disposables Carroll, adds: “Hale don’t believe it will work and could create a market in illicit, unregulated disposables where we cannot be sure about the origin or safety of the disposables that will continue to be available; and waste illicit vapes will still need to be collected and recycled.”

The new Public Health Bill that will introduce a new licensing system where every retail outlet selling vaping devices will be licensed would help ensure that vapes can only be sold from suitable premises and it will help improve enforcement of regulations around the sale of vapes.

“Our view is that the Government should allow the new Public Health Bill take effect before deciding on extreme measures such as a ban,” he concludes.

Maxol Lubricants upgrades fleet to support surge in demand for adblue

Maxol Lubricants, the dedicated lubricants division of The Maxol Group, has upgraded its fleet of trucks and tankers as part of a strategic rebrand project. Aimed to support growing demand for nationwide deliveries of products including AdBlue, the fleet expansion is also part of the Group’s wider investment plans.

As part of its greener vehicle mobility strategy, Maxol has also recently announced the introduction of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a second-generation biofuel, to selected forecourts nationwide As part of the roll-out, Maxol is already fuelling 30% of its own lubricants fleet vehicles with Maxol hvoPRO, as it advances its mission to reduce the company’s carbon footprint at multiple touchpoints across the business.

Maxol Lubricants delivers an extensive range of products and services to a network of over 1,500 customers across the world. Over the last six years, the division has reported a year-

Fact File

Name of operator:

Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited (the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand)

Number of locations nationwide: 152 service stations

Head office: 1st Floor, Block B, Liffey Valley Office Campus, Quarryvale, Dublin 22, D22 X0Y3

Website: www.texaco.ie

Tagline: ‘Trust Your Car To The Star’

on-year increase in the volume of AdBlue with Owen O’Neill, general manager, Maxol Lubricants, citing a 106% growth in volumes since 2017

AdBlue is an aqueous urea-based solution stored in a dedicated tank and injected into the exhaust stream of a diesel engine to lower harmful emissions. Demand for AdBlue is increasing due to its growing use to meet emission regulatory standards, diesel engine exhaust treatment fluid in end-use sectors including marine, automotive, and aerospace, and severe limits on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Speaking about this growth, O’Neill, comments: “We’ve invested substantially in upgrading our fleet including adding five new vehicles to support the demand for nationwide deliveries. We currently supply and manage 350 storage tanks throughout the island of Ireland. We work closely with many important government and semi state bodies and businesses such as Translink, with whom we’ve been a supplier for the last ten years providing AdBlue to the Translink Group We look forward to building on these important partnerships and being in a position to offer more options to meet growing demand for these types of products, catering to a broad range of industries from haulage to marine, agriculture to industrial, and everything in between.”

For more information on Maxol’s Lubricant’s division, visit: www.maxol.ie/lubricants

30% of Maxol’s fleet now fuelled by Maxol 3hvoPRO as company advances mission to reduce carbon footprint

Owen O’Neill, general manager, Maxol Lubricants

Name of operator: Maxol

Fact File

Number of locations: 241 Island of Ireland

Head office: Maxol Limited, 3 Custom House Plaza, IFSC, D01VY76

Website: www.maxol.ie

Social media: @themaxolgroup

Tagline: At the heart of it

Average cost of fit-out: c. 450k

& withA

Q: Within your food offering, how are you continuing to innovate to provide consumers with a varied offering that meets their needs and fulfils the latest trends?

A: At Maxol, we have expanded our food range and convenience offering through our hugely popular Maxol Deli and own label range as well as Burger King and other fresh food franchises at selected sites.

Our collaboration with leading coffee and food service brands such as Bewley’s, Aryzta and BWG ensures we provide our customers with quality food solutions throughout the day, whether that’s a freshly brewed ROSA Coffee, a grab-and-go breakfast and lunch, or produce from our extensive grocery offer including fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and frozen food ranges.

Q: What changes / food trends can we expect to see in food retail in 2024?

A: This year we anticipate a continued rise in demand for healthy convenience food options driving us to expand our fresh food-to-go offerings and partnerships with local producers. Consumers are also seeking more plant-based produce and we have worked with another family company, Bewley’s, to introduce an oat milk coffee variant in addition to iced coffee, and we will continue to roll that offer out across the Maxol network over the coming months.

We envisage the growth of internationally influenced meal solutions and a growth in the demand for vibrant food from different regions and cultures, with global trends influencing consumer tastes like never before.

Q: How important is sustainability for your business and how are you working to make improvements within this area?

A: We are dedicated to reducing our environmental impact at every touchpoint through initiatives like our Premium Fuel Carbon Offset Programme and our adoption of sustainable packaging for our deli

Barry Quigley, head of retail operations, Maxol

and coffee products. Furthermore, our EV charging infrastructure and HVO biodiesel offerings are pivotal in supporting the transition to low and zero-emission vehicles.

We have taken a 360-degree approach to developing more sustainable sites as highlighted by Maxol Newbridge, which was our first site in ROI to introduce Maxol Recharge - our Ultra Rapid EV hub brand, which is powered using 100% renewable electricity.

The store is fully fitted with energy-efficient LED lighting and glazing, which provides solar shading from the high summer sun while accommodating gentle natural light when the sun is lower in the evening and in wintertime, thus augmenting the heating and lighting systems associated with the building. Maxol’s ROSA Coffee cups and lids, Maxol Deli takeaway cutlery, and packaging are all 100% compostable Maxol’s Premium Fuel gives customers the option to fill up with fuel where the emissions are 100% off-set through global projects secured by PDI Technologies (formerly Greenprint) who we partner with to run our carbon offset programme

Q: How are you working to ensure value for consumers in-store and at the pumps?

A: Maxol ensures value for consumers at the pump by using AI technology which allows us to react dynamically to changes within the market and locally ensuring we are always competitively priced. Instore, we recognise that value is key to Irish shoppers, and we deliver this through 17 promotional cycles offering great price promotions across household brands throughout the year

Through the Maxol Loyalty app, our customers have access to more exclusive discounts on leading convenience brands and categories such as ROSA Coffee, Maxol Car Wash and Car Care. By hosting our loyalty programme on a digital platform, Maxol has empowered loyal customers to seamlessly shop instore

and purchase fuel, making their experience easier and convenient with even more great value available such as every 6th ROSA coffee free and every 5th Car Wash free In addition, we introduced gamification last December with our ‘Bag’em game’, which is a great fun way to engage with and reward all our loyalty app customers with free treats!

Q: What are your plans in terms of continuing to develop your electric vehicle charging facilities?

A: Maxol has adopted a leadership position for the development of EV charging facilities in Ireland with our Maxol Recharge sub-brand.

We recently announced our first Ultra Rapid EV hub for the Republic of Ireland at Maxol Newbridge and are gearing up for a second ROI hub at Maxol Ballycoolin in Dublin, at a cost of €2.5 million. Each site features six high-speed 200kW chargers offering a 15-minute charge time The business is currently considering a further 20 sites across Ireland, for which we aim to submit planning applications for similar EV charging hubs during 2024

This signals a significant commitment from Maxol and is positive news for Ireland’s electric vehicle drivers.

Q: What are the key factors that ensure a positive customer experience at your sites? How does your store design contribute to this?

A: Maxol’s business model is central to the customer experience – our sites are run by local people for local people, who know and greet many customers by name and are trained to maintain high standards in food preparation, hygiene, and customer service. Our focus on retail excellence, staff training and teamwork is key to customer satisfaction and our annual Excellence Awards programme allows us to ensure we maintain high standards through continuous assessment, inclusive of our mystery shopper programme which yield valuable insights for the business and our retailers. ■

Barry Quigley

Maxol Rathnew

Crunchy chronicles

From the rise of healthier alternatives to the enduring popularity of traditional favourites, explore the latest trends and innovations in Ireland’s snacking landscape, Shauna Bernard writes

According to Mintel’s ‘Ireland Consumer Snacking Habits Market Report 2023’, there is a notable trend towards smaller snacks driven by the increasingly mobile and flexible lifestyles of consumers. Brands have an opportunity to capitalise on this shift by introducing snacks that are compact yet provide a quick energy boost or offer immune system support.

A recent report by Euromonitor on Snacks in Ireland confirms the enduring popularity of snack sales, particularly those offering healthier alternatives such as vegan and natural options. The report also suggests that producers of savoury snacks are expanding their product lines to include sharing packs

Celebrating Tay70

In a milestone year for Ireland’s top Crisps and Snacks brand*, Tayto is celebrating its 70th anniversary with momentum. The year kicked off strongly with Tayto Lentil Chips, the No.1 lentil chips brand*, making a splash in the ‘Better For You’ category by introducing the new Creamy Paprika flavour, supported by an unmissable advertising campaign across various platforms.

and multi-packs, strategically positioning themselves to sustain volume sales growth and capitalise on seasonal opportunities such as BBQs and picnics.

Despite the growing preference for healthier snacks, traditional favourites like crisps remain in high demand. Classic flavours continue to occupy shelf space as consumers retain their affinity for familiar indulgences, even as they strive to make healthier choices.

This dual preference for both healthy snacks and traditional favourites shows the importance for retailers to maintain a diverse product offering. Stores must ensure they cater to various consumer preferences, offering a range of options including quick snacks,

Lunchtime, a key moment for purchasing impulse packs, is being targeted throughout the year with Tayto’s “Add Some Crunch to your Lunch” campaign. This includes timefocused radio ads on popular Irish stations, encouraging consumers to choose Tayto as part of their lunch.

Tayto will also release a new limited edition impulse pack during the summer months. These limited editions typically sell out within three weeks**, so retailers are encouraged to

shareable items, and healthier alternatives.

Convenience is a key consideration for consumers in snack selection. With busy lifestyles, individuals seek snacks that are easy to grab on the go Brands are responding to this demand by introducing smaller, more portable packaging, catering to consumers’ need for convenience during busy days or quick breaks.

The snacking landscape in Ireland is evolving, with a demand for healthier options alongside traditional favourites. Brands that adapt to these changing preferences by offering a diverse range of snacks, including convenient and portable options with added health benefits, are likely to thrive in this dynamic market.

stock up early to meet demand and avoid disappointing shoppers.

All key brand activities are being underpinned by the 70th-anniversary celebrations. Mr Tayto himself kicked off the festivities by participating in this year’s St Patrick’s Day parade with a special birthday float. The celebrations will continue with the Tayto 70th Birthday Roadshow, promising an unforgettable experience showcasing the brand’s history through memorabilia and interactive exhibits, appealing to all ages. From May to July, Tayto’s best-selling C&O impulse and 6-packs will feature the “Tay70” logo, and retailers are encouraged to stock up on these to capitalise from the host of anniversary activities.

You can expect more surprises from Mr Tayto throughout the rest of 2024 so keep an eye out for exciting new Tayto brand activities and ensure you are stocked up on the full range to see sales soar

Source: “Based in part on data reported by NIQ through NielsenIQ Database for Crisps & Snacks for MAT period ending 19th May 2024, for Ireland Multiples and Retail Channels. Copyright © 2024

**Tayto LE sales out

70 CATEGORY FOCUS Crisps & Snacks

Trailblazers of treats

Snacking innovators, Forest Feast have launched impulse packs of their bestselling snacks. The seven-strong range caters to all tastes, from Dark Chocolate Almonds and Dark Chocolate Cherries to the newest editions; Valencia Orange Milk Chocolate Almonds and Salted Dark Chocolate Cashews

The range is gluten free, with vegan and non-HFSS options and comes in recyclable packaging with colour-coded shelf ready boxes, making them ideal for front of store.

The range is also suitable for hanging on clip strips throughout stores. In smaller store formats or for incremental sales through dual merchandising, clip strips are the perfect solution alongside soft drinks, meal deals or near BWS.

Three products from the range are also available on branded pub-cards for out of home and on-trade, to give a point of

difference from the standard offerings. The range has an RRSP of €1.65. Chocolate Dipped Snacks

• Forest Feast Salted Dark Chocolate Almonds 40g (available in SRP, clip-strips & pub-cards)

• Forest Feast Dark Chocolate Sour Cherries 40g (available in SRP & clip-strips)

• Forest Feast Valencia Orange Milk Chocolate Almonds 40g (available in SRP & clip-strips)

• Forest Feast Salted Dark Chocolate Cashews 40g (available in SRP)

Slow Roasted Seasoned Savoury Nut Mixes

• Forest Feast Honey Roast Peanuts & Cashews 40g (available in SRP & pub-cards)

• Forest Feast Salt & Vinegar Nut Mix 40g (available in SRP & pub-cards)

• Forest Feast Salt & Black Pepper 40g (available in SRP)

For more information contact: marketing director - bronaghc@forestfeast.com or sales

- Managerbarry@forestfeast.com

Flavour frenzy

O’Donnells Hand Cooked Crisps continue to solidify their position as Ireland’s number one hand-cooked crisp brand, commanding 12.1% value market share* Since 2010, O’Donnells has captured the hearts of Irish consumers with its superior quality and delectable range of flavours.

Proudly boasting the title of the Most Awarded Crisp in Ireland, O’Donnells has been honoured with an impressive 11 awards in the past year alone These prestigious accolades serve as a testament to the exceptional quality offered by Ireland’s favourite hand cooked crisp brand**.

In further good news, O’Donnells have announced the launch of their brand new flavour: Fire Roasted Buffalo Wings. O’Donnells Fire Roasted Buffalo Wings perfectly combines bold tangy flavours with roasted spices to deliver an indulgent experience that is designed to be savoured.

Hitting the shelves just in-time for summer, O’Donnells’ delectable new flavour is the snack of choice for those leisurely summer moments. Indulge in O’Donnells’ exquisite fusion of flavours during a relaxing summer evening, or delight your guests with this fire-roasted taste sensation at your BBQ gatherings.

O’Donnells has successfully brought the ‘Taste Above All Else’ campaign to life, spanning across TV, VOD, OOH, Social and In-store which will continue throughout the summer The new product launch will be activated across the summer months, driving significant mental and physical availability, enhancing sales performance in store.

*Source: Nielsen MAT Value Sales w/e 24/03/2024 Crisps. ** 2023 Awards: 5 x Free From Food Awards, 3 x Irish Quality Food Awards and 3 x Great Taste Awards

Crinkle champion

Hunky Dorys, Ireland’s No.1 crinkle cut crisp brand*, made a bold start to the year by launching their “scrum-ptious” rugby campaign. Dubbed “Slam a Grand,” the campaign was strategically timed to coincide with the Six Nations snacking occasion, where 10 lucky consumers had the chance to win €1000

The campaign was executed through a combination of in-store activations, social media, and digital advertising. The campaign further solidified Hunky Dorys’ as the go-to snack choice for rugby enthusiasts.

In what’s penned as a big year for sports, Hunky Dorys will also leverage further sporting snacking occasions this summer, with a strong in-store presence delivered through eyecatching POS. Retailers are encouraged to gear up for this year’s “Summer of Sport” by stocking up on Hunky Dorys – the sport loving fan’s much loved crinkle cut crisp!

Go Hunky Dorys Or Go Home!

Source: * Based in part on data reported by NIQ through NielsenIQ Database for Crisps & Snacks for MAT period ending 19th May 2024, for Ireland Multiples and Retail Channels. Copyright © 2024

O’Donnells Fire Roasted Buffalo Wings

(L-R) Forest Feast’s Valencia Orange Milk Chocolate Almonds, Dark Chocolate Almonds and Dark Chocolate Cherries impulse packs

Green snack solution

Sweet chillies!

Following the successful rollout of paper outer packaging across Walkers Baked multipacks last year, Snack A Jacks is the second brand to adopt the new format. The new paper outer bag is set to reduce use of virgin plastic by 65 tonnes per year

In 2023, Keogh’s soared to snacking stardom with their Sweet Chilli Crisps, clinching prestigious awards like the Great Taste Award, Blas na hÉireann, and the Irish Quality Award.

Building on this triumph, 2024 sees the unveiling of Keogh’s latest sensation: Spicy Sweet Chilli Crinkle Cut. This innovative addition caters to crinkle cut enthusiasts, promising an extra crunch and an extra kick of spice.

Crafted in small batches on their farm, Keogh’s maintains its commitment to quality by using potatoes grown in their own fields, paired with the finest sunflower oil. Each batch is a testament to their dedication to local sourcing, as ingredients are carefully selected from Irish suppliers. The fusion of traditional Thai spices with locally grown Irish Sweet Chillies, courtesy of Taylor’s in Lusk, North County Dublin, creates a symphony of flavours that tantalises the taste buds.

Spicy Sweet Chilli Crinkle Cut will be available in all leading supermarkets from July 2024 and is set to bring some heat to the snacking aisle this summer

Proper flavour!

Proper Snacks, proud makers of Propercorn, has launched a new range of Properchips, powered by chickpeas in a range of three new flavours. Tonguetingling Ghost Chilli & Yuzu, spicy and tangy Jerk Sauce, and mild and moreish Katsu Curry Flavour all draw inspiration from a range of popular global cuisines as consumers continue to look for exciting, punchy flavour

Proper Snacks’ research shows that taste is key1 , but when shopping for genuinely healthier options many products on the market fall short. The new Properchips bring bold, exciting options to snacking, as consumers continue to seek out healthier options that don’t compromise on taste

The Properchips chickpea range is under 100kcal per serve and is HFSS compliant.

Each pack is vegan, gluten-free and seasoned with natural flavours.

Properchips Lentil Sharing has had strong value sales growth performance in the L12W +11% and +21% over the last year

In true Proper style, each pack has been illustrated with its own ‘extra’ flavour character, continuing to hero the brand’s distinct playful personality Combined with the visual world of big bold typography and collision of colours, the range is bringing excitement back to the BFY category

Launching in both Sharing and Grab bag formats these will be available across the Trade from July/August 2024

[1] Kantar Feb 2024

“Data Source: Based on collated EPOS from over 1500 Republic of Ireland stores for 12w/e 19th May 2024 and for 52w/e19th May 2024

It can be recycled with other paper packaging in home recycling bins and reduces greenhouse gas emissions of the individual outer pack by 52%2

This latest move forms part of PepsiCo Positive, the health and sustainability transformation plan from Walkers’ parent company, which includes an ambition of reaching net zero emissions by 2040

Across PepsiCo Europe, the company also plans to eliminate fossil-based plastic in crisp and snack bags by 2030 This ambition applies to UK brands including Snack A Jacks, Walkers, Doritos, Quavers, Wotsits, and Pipers, and will be delivered by using 100% recycled or renewable content.

[1] Compared with previous plastic outer multibag pack annual volumes. [2] Compared with emissions produced by previous plastic outer multibag pack.

Pringles’ Euro escape!

This summer Pringles is going green, white and orange with a range of limited-edition cans with an Irish flag on its Original and Sour Cream and Onion flavours.

With these cans, Pringles and football fans alike can be in with the chance to win a holiday for two worth €5,000 To enter, simply scan the QR code on any can of Pringles and play a football-inspired game to be put into the draw

The four lucky winners will have the choice of a holiday for two people to a European destination where they will stay for five nights in a 4-star hotel, with €400 spending money, dinner at a top restaurant, airport transfers and a choice of a football stadium tour, a spa day, or a cultural experience depending on their preferences. The choice of European destinations include Barcelona, London, Paris, Berlin, Istanbul and Milan.

The cans will be available in supermarkets across Ireland from May. ■

Pringles limited edition green, white and orange cans

(L-R) Jerk Sauce, Chilli & Yuzu and Katsu Curry Chips

Keogh’s Crinkle Cut Spicy Sweet Chilli crisps

Fee fi free from

Explore how ‘Free From’ offerings are meeting dietary needs that align with the rising demand for healthier options, from supermarkets embracing the trend to evolving consumer preferences towards wellness and conscious consumption

‘Free From’ products have become indispensable solutions for individuals grappling with allergies, intolerances, or dietary restrictions, crafted to exclude specific ingredients like gluten, dairy, or nuts. Their emergence has marked a significant shift in the food industry, prompting major supermarket chains to embrace this trend. With a keen eye on evolving consumer preferences, retailers have not only integrated ‘free from’ offerings into their shelves but have also developed extensive branded and private label ranges.

This embrace of ‘free from’ isn’t a response to niche markets. Rather, it reflects a broader societal shift towards wellness and conscious consumption. Increasingly, consumers are seeking out options that align with their dietary choices and health goals. The ‘free from’ movement caters not only to individuals

Just Live a Little

Kestrel Foods, the owner of snacking brands Forest Feast and Acti-Snack has launched Just Live a Little, a new gluten-free granola brand, into the breakfast category

Just Live a Little was created to offer a healthier option for those who want to enjoy a breakfast they can feel good about. The range is gluten free, as well as supporting good gut health, and is free from refined sugars.

Bronagh Clarke, marketing director, Kestrel Foods, said: “20% of consumers in Ireland actively choose to reduce or avoid gluten in their diet for many reasons, and this number is growing. Sometimes the choices in the category are restrictive in terms of taste and variety In addition, the average granola has over 20% refined white sugar and with low nutritional quality

“We believe better food makes you feel better, so we only use whole grain gluten-free oats, mixed with fruit, nuts and seeds and finished with a generous dollop of nut butter

with specific dietary needs but also to a growing cohort of vegans, vegetarians, and flexitarians.

Supermarkets have embraced ‘free from’, understanding its relevance to an increasingly health-conscious consumer base With each passing year, the demand for such products continues to soar, driving innovation and expansion in this segment. Major supermarket chains recognise this trend and are actively expanding their ‘free from’ offerings to cater to a diverse range of dietary preferences and restrictions.

In response to consumer demand,

for a creamy taste Everything is batch-baked at our own gluten-free facility in Co Armagh.”

As well as being gluten-free and vegan, the range is also high in fibre and supports good

supermarkets are not only stocking more ‘free from’ products but are also improving their quality and variety From gluten-free bread to dairy-free ice cream, the options available are becoming more abundant and delicious.

Additionally, supermarkets are increasingly partnering with niche brands and manufacturers to bring unique ‘free from’ offerings to their shelves, ensuring that customers have access to a wide array of choices.

Whether someone is vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to make healthier choices, ‘free from’ products offer a solution that’s both convenient and satisfying.

gut health.

The range has a strong sustainability story, using only plant-based ingredients, carbon neutral oats and comes in fully recyclable packaging.

Just Live a Little Granolas come in four flavours with an RRSP of €4.75 for 360g:

• Maple & Toasted Pecan Granola

• Raspberry, Coconut & Cashew Granola

• Cocoa & Toasted Hazelnut Granola

• Peanut Butter & Red Apple Granola

Maple & Pecan and Raspberry Coconut & Cashew varieties also come in handy 45g portion packs, perfect for instore cafés or for dual merchandising on clip strips alongside breakfast-to-go or yoghourt chillers.

The launch is being supported by instore media, consumer press, sampling and social media.

For more information, visit: www.justlivealittle.com or email marketing director bronaghc@forestfeast.com or head of sales barry@forestfeast.com

Just Live a Little’s Raspberry, Coconut & Cashew Granola and Maple & Toasted Pecan Granola portion packs

Plant-powered Innovation!

Pioneering Finnish plant-based brand, Oddlygood® , is now in Ireland with its new range of Barista Oat Drinks alongside three of its Dreamy Desserts hitting selected supermarket shelves in Tesco, Supervalu, Spar, Londis & Eurospar The 100% plant-based and gluten free brand has also announced that it is partnering with the PRM Group as Oddlygood’s new Irish distributor

The innovative and tasty lineup available now includes:

• Vanilla Flavour Barista Oat Drink (RRP €3.25) – Comforting notes of vanilla essence with a creamy texture

• Salted Caramel Flavour Barista Oat Drink (RRP €3.25) - Subtly sweet and perfectly balanced

• Barista Oat Drink (RRP €2.69) – A traditional oat drink with superior taste

• Dreamy Lemon Dessert (RRP €1.99) – A zesty treat with a refreshing tanginess

• Dreamy Berry Dessert (RRP €1.99) – Juicy mixed berry flavours with a rich, indulgent texture

• Dreamy Caramel Dessert (RRP €1.99) –Creamy Caramel flavour with a smooth texture.

The brand was born from the innovation teams at Valio, Finland’s leading dairy brand and a major player in the international dairy products market. Oddlygood’s products are developed by its unique global team of dairy experts, with the aim of addressing the growing demand for quality plant-based products. Its new Barista Oat Drink range showcases superior taste and functionalitykey purchase drivers in the market, while excellent foamability makes it perfect for coffee enthusiasts. It works brilliantly in smoothies and even baking.

The brand has won Great Taste Awards for a number of its products, which is testament to quality and innovation. Oddlygood has also made significant investment into its manufacturing method to ensure product quality and minimal wastage; as the brand uses 100% of the gluten-free oat flour

For more information, visit oddlygood.com, email stuart@Oddlygood.com or @Oddlygood on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook

Naturally nourishing

Linwoods, a family-run business based in Armagh, offers a range of naturally gluten-free health foods. They use strict protocols to ensure their products are 100% gluten-free, with no risk of contamination during processing or packaging.

As leaders in health foods, Linwoods aim is to enhance people’s health and wellbeing,

helping them to feel great everyday by providing sustainable healthy food. They use the finest organic ingredients and sustainable practices to create delicious, nutrient-rich products packed with seeds, fruits, and nuts. They believe that small dietary changes can have a big impact on your health.

Linwoods offers a variety of plant-based options, including single-ingredient products and delicious blends. Their products cater to all lifestyles and dietary needs, including vegetarians, and are perfect for anyone who wants to add more natural plant goodness to their diet.

Houmous delights

The Galway Kitchen has launched a new, Houmous Snack Pack just in time for the summer snacking season. This is a new product by the brand, featuring their signature Classic Houmous accompanied by a serving of mini Italian breadsticks, designed for scooping and giving that perfect, light crunch. The Houmous Snack Pack is the perfect on-the-go product for those seeking a flavour-packed, vegan, healthy and filling lunch or snack option.

Fakeaway’ Friday’s

Rosie & Jim is a family business manufacturing premium quality breaded chicken for restaurants and butcher shops since 1997. “As a company, we have always asked ourselves - how can we do better? That’s why we made a conscious decision to develop our gluten free recipes in 2015 as the need for healthier meal options began to emerge

Our products are minimally processed using a blend of easier-to-digest flours that are not only crispier and retain less oil, but also leave you feeling lighter and more energized. We envision a world where it’s the norm for families to enjoy delicious, home-style meals together without having to worry about unwanted ingredients in the food. We are the first choice for everyone who loves healthy, honest, homestyle tasty food,” the company noted.

With over 100,000 people diagnosed with Coeliac disease and a further 450,000

Quality is a key focus for The Galway Kitchen, sourcing the finest ingredients to provide customers with the most authentic and delicious products. They constantly review recipes to ensure every ingredient is cooked in a way that adds the most flavour and avoid the use of artificial preservatives where possible The Galway Kitchen focuses on natural ingredients, traditional recipes from around the world, and a commitment to creating delicious and wholesome food - think ‘authentic, global flavours made locally!’

The Houmous Snack Pack is available at selected Tesco Ireland stores and customers can access lots of tasty, inspiring recipes and serving suggestions featuring their vegan, vegetarian and gluten free houmous and pesto products on their Instagram page @thegalwaykitchen

who are gluten intolerant according to Coeliac Ireland, Rosie & Jim highlighted that it is proud to support and empower those living a gluten free life with a range of products to take them from breakfast to dinner and even a fabulous ‘fakeaway’ on a Friday night.

With over 70 products in its range, innovation and continuous improvement are ‘deeply ingrained’ in its business. “We strive to achieve on trend, healthy meal options to both mainstream customers and those with dietary concerns. The quality and taste of our gluten free products are un-rivalled and widely recognised and celebrated through numerous ‘Free From’ and Quality awards,” Rosie & Jim products can be found on the shelves of many retailers and butcher outlets across Europe as well as Ireland.

According to Rosie & Jim: “We pride ourselves on offering you the best quality and tastiest range of products. Just like you would make at home, but better!” ■

(L-R) Oddlygood’s Barista Original, Vanilla, Salted Caramel Oat Drinks and Dreamy Berry and Dreamy Lemon dessert

Rosie & Jim Premium Quality Breaded Chicken Product Range

Rosie & Jim Chilled Tray Pack Range

The Galway Kitchen’s Classic Houmous Snack Pack

Linwood’s selection of flaxseeds

Spotlight on Carry Out Off Licence:

Ireland’s Leading Independent Off Licence Franchise

Under the ownership of Barry Group for 15 years, Carry Out Off Licence has emerged as Ireland’s leading independent off licence franchise. During this period, the franchise has seen significant growth in turnover, leading to a national footprint of over 90 retail outlets.

Edwina Lucey, Barry Group Sales Director, sheds light on the next steps for Carry Out as it continues its trend of accelerated growth.

Radical Evolution and Rebranding

“Carry Out is currently in a stage of radical evolution,” shares Lucey This transformation includes a new brand image and store specification designed to meet the needs of today’s customers. The introduction of a new e-commerce platform and a refined focus on premium spirits, particularly Irish whiskey, are central to this evolution.

The cornerstone of this development has been the new Carry Out visual identity, implemented in Downey’s Carry Out Barrack Street, Waterford, and Fleming’s Carry Out Muckross Road, Kerry With the ambition of developing brand relevancy, increasing footfall and turnover, Barry Group partnered with Tap Creative to signify a new chapter in the brands journey. “From a brand identity perspective, while we felt that the old logo had played such an integral part in the success of the brand to a certain point, it required a fresh and more responsible aesthetic. In essence, it needed to mature with our customers while also staying true to what it stands for”, explains Lucey

Accompanying this change, the store specifications underwent a review, emphasizing the shopping environment. Insights from audience profiles led to the development of digital technology, category-specific zones, educational touchpoints, and a welcoming environment for all. “We learned that while we over-indexed on our female audience across social media platforms, this did not translate to footfall. By addressing this, female participation in footfall has increased by 35%,” notes Lucey

E-commerce Expansion

Barry Group also invested in a new e-commerce platform, providing retailers with a digital presence to trade nationally and offer click-andcollect and home delivery services. “We are delighted with the results of the pilot phase of Carryout.ie, on average it has resulted in an addition of 10% incremental sales per store and we look forward to seeing this grow further”. Now at the end of the pilot phase in five stores, this is now being launched nationally in select Carry Out Off Licences.

Focus on Premium Spirits

A renewed focus on range management supports the franchise’s growth. Carry Out’s commitment to premium spirits, especially Irish

whiskey, has been pivotal. In 2023, The Barry Group Edition was created in memory of the company founder, James A. Barry, featuring a limited release single pot still whiskey with Killowen Distillery, exclusively available in Carry Out Off Licences. This focus continues in 2024 with a collaboration with Irish Distillers for the Method and Madness Amburana Wood Finish, also exclusively available in Carry Out stores.

Looking Ahead

As Carry Out Off Licence expands both in physical stores and through e-commerce, the emphasis on premium spirits and innovative customer experiences remains strong. “We are delighted to partner with leading whiskey brands and look forward to launching more partnerships, further offering customers more reasons to visit Carry Out,” concludes Lucey

For more details on Carry Out Off Licence, visit their website carryout.ie or follow them on social media. ■

The Vintry’s recipe for exceptional service

Evelyn

Jones, owner of The Vintry, shares the secrets behind their award-winning customer service since 1991 and the values that keep customers coming back

Congratulations on winning the El Coto Customer Service Award of the Year 2024! What do you think sets The Vintry apart in terms of customer service?

All of us in the Vintry have undimmed enthusiasm for wine in all its forms and I think that translates into our customer service. Whether customers are looking for a €12 Tuesday night pizza wine, a fine wine to be given as a gift, or a wine to be served to prospective parents-inlaw, we take pleasure in finding the right wine for the right occasion.

I think customers sense thatwe don’t just want to sell them something expensive, we want them to feel they got value, and to encourage them to come back again! The same could be said for craft beer, whiskey and spirits in general. Enthusiasm mixed with training and knowledge - that’s what makes the difference I think.

How does it feel to receive such recognition from NOffLA? What does it mean for you and your team?

It is always humbling and pleasing to win an award like this - an award for a best shop front is all well and good for example, but it is the customers that matter most of all - without good customer service, we would never have survived so long.

Can you tell us a bit about The Vintry’s journey and how it has evolved throughout the years?

The Vintry was established in 1991 and the same core team is still in place from that first day - with David Lonegran as shop manager and myself, as the owner We began our journey with a desire to showcase the best wines we could find, from as many wine regions as possible Crucially we have always kept ‘value for money’ as a core principle, it is easy to find expensive famous wines from famous regions to sell, it is much more difficult to find wines that taste more than they cost

What values and principles guide your approach to running The Vintry?

All our staff have training from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), the recognised body within the wine industry

We have all been trained in food and wine matching and we regularly taste all the wines in the shop so that our knowledge is up to date on each wine We like to couple this knowledge with a down to earth practical focus to match what customers need from us. We all strive to work as a team and to make our customers feel part of the Vintry success

What efforts do you and your team make to ensure a memorable and enjoyable experience for your customers?

We ask questions, lots of questions. We try to get to know our customer’s preferences and tastes, how much they generally

like to spend, what styles of wine they like and from what regions etc. We see it as our mission to find the perfect bottle for each occasion and for each customer If a customer asks for say a Spanish red, we will ask what food the wine is going to be paired with. Is it a gift - and if so, is it for a young or older person and so on. We want each customer to feel that they have been listened to and that we have chosen with care.

How do you select the products you offer at The Vintry? What criteria do you consider?

We have a very good selection of wines, spirits and beers. Each product is tasted before we decide to stock it to confirm that it tastes as it should and is worth the money and that our customers will enjoy it!

Could you share any upcoming plans or initiatives for The Vintry that you’re particularly excited about?

This year our efforts have been directed into organics, in particular, orange wines. It has been fascinating. Orange wine, also known as skin-contact white wine, skin-fermented white wine or amber wine, is a type of wine made from white wine grapes where the grape skins are not removed, as in typical white wine production and stay in contact with the juice for days or even months.

How do you foster a sense of community and connection within The Vintry, both among your staff and with your customers?

The Vintry is situated in the heart of Rathgar Village, Dublin 6. I have lived in Rathgar all my life and Dave has managed the shop since 1991, Leslie and Ray are locals as well. Other than that, we have an old Jack Russell dog called Vino that I inherited from my mother that sits outside like a little celebrity getting petted and photographed by all and sundry! ■

The Vintry, Rathgar, Dublin 6

The Vintry’s celebrity dog, Vino

84 MARKET MOVERS

Acti-Snack launches Triple Nut Good Gut granola

Performance Snacks & Granola brand Acti-Snack have added to their breakfast portfolio with the launch of New Triple Nut Good Gut Granola.

Acti-Snack believes in fueling well to perform mentally and physically for the day ahead with real food that tastes great. The new Triple Nut Good Gut Granola is vegan, low in sugar, high in fire and supports good gut health.

Consumers’ appetite for gut-friendly foods is booming right now and shows no sign of slowing down. Consumers are increasingly aware of the function the gut has to play on physical and mental wellbeing. ActiSnack is the first Irish brand to launch a specific granola that supports gut health.

The new Triple Nut Good Gut Granola joins the current Acti-Snack lineup of Peanut Butter Protein Crunch Granola, Triple Chocolate Protein Crunch Granola, and Dark Chocolate Almond Keto, o ering a range of delicious flavours paired with functional benefits.

Available in 380g resealable pouch in branded SRP, with an RRSP of €4.75 for 360g. The range has just launched in Dunnes stores and online at www.acti-snack.com

For more information contact: Bronagh Clarke - marketing director bronaghc@forestfeast.com or Barry Tyndall - national account manager barry@forestfeast.com.

Tipperary Pure irish Water

FAI

selects

Tipperary Water as its Official Water Sponsor Dublin

Tipperary Pure Irish Water, produced and distributed by C&C Group plc, has been named the O cial Water Sponsor of the Football Association of Ireland (FAI).

Sourced in Clonmel, Tipperary Pure Irish Water will refresh and hydrate all of Ireland’s international teams, from the Under-15 Boy’s and Girl’s sides, up to the Senior Men’s and Women’s International Teams, as both sides aim to qualify for their respective upcoming European Championships in 2021 and 2022.

The three-year sponsorship agreement also includes the FAI’s Grassroots and Football For All inclusion initiatives, which will engage with communities all over the country.

“We are delighted to join forces with Tipperary Water, an iconic Irish water brand,” said Mark Russell, FAI commercial and marketing director. “It’s a relationship we are thrilled to form with such a respected Irish company.”

Keith O’Haire, head of non-alcoholic beverages for C&C Group plc, said: “We see this partnership as an exciting opportunity to engage with our customers, to drive community spirit and to educate players and fans, from grassroots to international level, about the benefits of proper hydration and about the environmental benefits of choosing our new 100% recyclable, 88% plant-based and eco-friendly carton.

“The FAI will also give us a larger platform to educate children of the support available to them through our charity partner, the ISPCC,” O’Haire added.

Irish TV presenter

Lorraine Keane at the Forty Foot in Dublin’s Sandycove

Dip at dawn

Dublin, Irish TV presenter Lorraine Keane, Irish actress Victoria Smurfit, international footballer Michael Owen, and Irish adventurer Pat Falvey are just some of the names that will be supporting Dip at Dawn, the new national and local fundraiser for Vision Ireland.

Dip at Dawn, the new nationwide fundraiser for Vision Ireland, (the new name or NCBI). Dip at Dawn started in Lahinch in June 2023 as the brainchild of Senator Martin Conway, with a strong ambition this year for thousands of supporters to take to the local seashore, swimming spot, swimming pool, or even the bath-tub, to help raise funding on the longest day of the year, Friday 21 June, 2024.

Dip at Dawn is proudly supported by national Retail group Costcutter. Jim Barry, managing director, Barry Group (which owns the Costcutter franchise), says that practical local support for good causes appeals greatly to the local store owners. “Costcutter is proud to be the locally owned store at the heart of communities and, as such, can tap into the generosity of people who want to actively contribute to a cause that will likely end up benefitting someone who may live in their town,” the retail boss said. “Having learned that almost 300,000 people are either blind or vision impaired in Ireland, it only underlined the importance of our role in supporting this initiative. The fact that people can enjoy a fun activity that supports wellness while doing so is an added bonus!”

Vision Ireland is calling on people to Dip at Dawn however way you prefer. Swimmer or not, you can dip, splash, swim anywhere! Sign up on www.vi.ie for €15 and set your online fundraiser to share with your family, friends, and colleagues and join those who will Dip for sight loss on the 21 June. All funds raised go towards supporting the work of Vision Ireland.

For further information please contact: Caroline Moody on 0872652485, Katie Drea on 087 6612287 or email communications@vi.ie

Nestlé launches new Aero Choco-Hazelnut share bag

Nestlé Confectionery is delighted to introduce the new Aero choco-hazelnut flavour sharing bar, bringing together Aero’s signature melt-in-your-mouth aerated chocolate blended with the smooth, nutty flavour of hazelnut, to create a deliciously bubbly treat.

Talking about the new launch, Maria McKenna, confectionery marketing manager, Nestlé Ireland said: “We’re excited to share the heavenly combination of Aero and hazelnut. Aero’s iconic light and airy chocolate bubbles have been loved worldwide for decades, and this new hazelnut flavour takes it to a whole new level. We hope our Aero fans will enjoy the indulgent taste experience of the rich hazelnut flavour whilst feeling the bubbles melt. We think this will become a new fan favourite!”

The new range is now available to buy in stores nationwide.

Acti-Snack

Nestlé

Dip at Dawn

QUICK QUESTIONS WITH

KEVIN PIGOTT,global

ambassador, Tullamore D.E.W.

Tullamore D.E.W. was first established in 1829. Today Kevin Pigott, global ambassador, Tullamore D.E.W. represents the brand at major events as well as educating and exciting people about the triple blended and distilled Irish whiskey

1. Best series you recently watched on a streaming platform? The Bear by Disney.

2. Best place for coffee? Ernesto, Rathmines, Dublin.

3. Top movie recommendation? Million Dollar Baby.

4. Top spot for a walk? Along the River Dodder, Dublin.

5. Top book recommendation? Shantaram, a novel by Gregory David Roberts.

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

7. Favourite influencer/content creator if you have one? Eadaoin Fitzmaurice.

8. Best customer service you ever received? Brewery Tap, Tullamore, Co. Offaly.

9. What’s the last compliment you received? That I should be a standup comedian after a gig I did in Glasgow last week.

10. Favourite grocery shop? Dunnes Stores.

11. Your favourite dish to make at home? Carbonara with guanciale.

12. First thing you would do if you were Taoiseach?

I would hire every builder in Europe looking for work. I would set one of the most ambitious European building projects linked to sustainable community development and modular housing considering all robotic/3D printing possibilities.

13. If you had to live in another country, where would you choose? Spain for the sun.

14. Greatest achievement to date? Winning an amateur comedy competition.

15. Best website? Rip.ie

16. Best piece of advice you ever received? You are not broken, you do not need to be fixed. True healing is not discovery of the broken but

rediscovery of the unbroken.

17. Biggest fear?

Climate war.

18. City or beach break? Beach.

19. Top restaurant recommendation? Tapas de Lola, Dublin.

20. Who is the last artist/group you saw live? Bassem Youssef (stand-up comedian). ■

Kevin Pigott, global ambassador, Tullamore D.E.W.

Flatley whiskey takes centre stage

Michael Flatley recently launched his new whiskey brand at an event that took place at the Mansion House Dublin. Flatley Whiskey ‘The Dreamer’, is his first signature Irish whiskey from a series of special blends. Guests on the night sampled the new whiskey which was crafted in partnership with Ireland’s esteemed Master Blender Noel Sweeney and distilled at the Great Northern Distillery, this premium 5-year-old whiskey embodies the spirit of dreams, passion, and mastery Flatley was meticulously involved with the whole process, ensuring that every aspect from the blend to the bottle design reflects a standard of excellence synonymous with his name

Best in cocktail artistry

Tanqueray No.Ten recently celebrated the spirit of Irish hospitality in style, showcasing the best in cocktail artistry in Ireland with an intimate cocktail evening hosted by Stanley and Amy in Little Lemon, Duke Streeton. Debuting a new look bottle, Tanqueray No.TEN showed off its position as the ultimate architect in cocktail artistry Guests enjoyed Tanqueray No.TEN and Tanqueray 0.0%. Delicious Mediterranean-inspired canapes were served by Little Lemon and DJ Mona Lxsa elevated the occasion, making the event a TEN out of a TEN.

The Busker Irish Whiskey

The Busker Irish Whiskey recently unveiled its first Small Batch Single Pot Still Whiskey, with an exclusive tasting evening for a select group of well-known whiskey enthusiasts in the atmospheric surrounds of Cellar 22 on Dublin’s St Stephen’s Green. Guests were treated to an exclusive tasting of the new Small Batch Single Pot Still by Woody Kane, global brand Ambassador for The Busker, who gave some insight into the brand’s background before giving guests a first taste of the brand’s newest launch. Guests enjoyed a beautiful tasting plate menu inspired by the new whiskey release with a selection of complimentary cocktails created by Irish Brand Ambassador Richie Delahoyde. ■

Jennifer Flatley and Patrick Flatley

Stanley Tucci, Amy Huberman and Brian O’Driscoll

Woody Kane, global ambassador of The Busker Irish Whiskey and Brian Hennessy

Niamh O’Brien, Michael Flatley and Michael St James

Peter McElwee and Ian Mulvaney

Aisling Cooney and Lia Stokes

Dave Egan and Mairead Egan

Deirdre Reynolds and Shamim De Brun

ONE DEVICE

MULTIPLE FLAVOURS

POP YOUR POD AND CHANGE YOUR FLAVOUR