Retail Express- 14 December 2021 by BetterRetailing

2021’S BIG SELLERS

An in-depth look at the new products that made the biggest impact on store sales in 2021

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JANUARY 2022 14 DECEMBER 2021-10 betterRetailing.com

TOP PRODUCTS OF 2021

THIS YEAR’S BESTSELLERS to retailers and ts RETAIL EXPRESS talks brands and produc suppliers about the for them this year that have sold best

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 STRICTLY FOR TRADE USERS ONLY

WHERE SALES WERE

RETAILER

VIEW

FOUND

that’s health were ucts – whether y, loAdditionally, there benefits, sustainabilit as tumultuof trends that brands cality or convenience – and THE past year was the previ- plenty to pay a to push and celous and difficult as consumers are willing still were keen with healthy living premium to get it. ous one, with Covid-19 people’s ebrate, actiplaying havoc with coupled becoming increasingly impor“The most successful lives and schedules, delivery tant, along with sustainability vation strategies use multiple for with product and of other awareness, while the thirst media touchpoints flavours trade and of shortages and a host new and interesting innova- to address the full breadth also drove challenges. their potential consumers. consider- and varieties of categories. y and It also brought in a variety “As sustainabilit drive for retailers tion seeing to able opportunities “A key thing we are health trends continue England’s and suppliers alike. year is that consumers habits, the retailers at the post- this opporaware and in- buying these more successful charge into are tap today can that a range of than ever,” says Celine stocking quality poned Euros saw new promo- formed European BASES leader tunities by store will be set new products and in Grena, reinnovations that they fore the result, “As a tions come to to take at NielsenIQ. from their prod- for success.” tailers were well placed expect more advantage of.

Peter Bhadal Londis Woodhouse Street, Leeds

the stat

27%

The year-on-year in growth of flavours stimulant drinks

market has exploded. have “THE vegan and dairy-free and their attitudes diets. Everyone is keen healthier meat-free called changed to look at machine company We work with a coffee they’re launching a and next My Coffee Station in the machine. The dairy-free alternative ty and thinking about big thing is sustainabili can get on-trend businesses now, that and where are looking at that for that. Consumers 12 months packaging. The next particularly with ” will be interesting.

VICTORY AT LAST • Two-year battle for new offences to protect shop staff from assaults ends in government U-turn • How new law will cut abuse over the counter P3

PAYMENTSENSE REVOLT

AGE-RELATED SALES

SUSTAINABILITY

Stores threaten to turn their back on card payment firm after new wave of charge hikes

Experts stress need to educate third-party delivery drivers to carry out ID checks

Could you be greener? The big and small changes you can make to cut wastage

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our say

Megan Humphrey, editor

You can rely on us, even during the toughest times THIS year saw most of us return to normal life as we know it, particularly when compared to last. City stores were able to start picking up trade, and with most businesses adopting a flexible approach back to work, neighbourhood stores were able to retain customers earned during the pandemic. The shop-local trend also seems to be sticking around, especially as we head into December. It’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of Christmas, but please try to take some time away from the shop this festive period to relax with friends and family, even just for one day. If the past two years have taught us anything, it’s how easy it is to take the small things for granted. And in that time, give yourself credit for how far you’ve come. You were able to continue providing for your local community, despite challenges and uncertainty, while keeping them and your staff safe. GIVE YOURSELF Here at Retail Express, we do our utmost to support you in CREDIT FOR HOW these endeavours. In doing so, we were able to have some small FAR YOU’VE COME wins of our own this year. We managed to get parcel firm myHermes to compensate retailers thousands of pounds after an IT glitch, as well as play our role in taking illicit tobacco away from irresponsible retailers. One thing’s for sure, no matter what next year brings, we aren’t going anywhere. You can rely on us to continue providing you with all the latest news, and advice to ensure your business continues thriving. Most importantly, I wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy new year. Thank you for being such loyal readers – I look forward to speaking with you in 2022. @retailexpress betterRetailing.com facebook.com/betterRetailing Editor Megan Humphrey @MeganHumphrey_ 020 7689 3357

Editor – news Jack Courtez @JackCourtez 020 7689 3371

Features editor Charles Whitting @CharlieWhittin1 020 7689 3350

Senior features writer Priyanka Jethwa @PriyankaJethwa_ 020 7689 3355

Insight reporter Tamara Birch @TamaraBirchNT 020 7689 3361

Head of design Anne-Claire Pickard 020 7689 3391 Designer Jody Cooke 020 7689 3380

Editor in chief Louise Banham @LouiseBanham

Stores revolt over charge hikes from Paymentsense ALEX YAU

RETAILERS are threatening to leave Paymentsense after discovering the company is planning a near- tenfold increase in its charges next year. In December, the card terminal provider sent letters to retailers informing them about changes to Visa, Mas-

tercard and Maestro fees Retail Express underfrom 1 February. stands nine retailers in The changes vary for differ- Scotland have threatened to ent retailers. In one letter sent move to rival Worldpay over to an affected store, seen by the upcoming changes. Ferhan Ashiq, of Day-Today Retail Express, the new qualifying rates were 1.234% for Ashiqs in Prestonpans, said: consumer credit, 0.400% plus “This is the third increase this £0.029 for debit and 2.093% year. We shop around to �ind for business, corporate and better rates and we ask Paypurchasing rates across Visa mentsense if they can match them. They say then can, but and Mastercard transactions.

Council’s bad rates

SEVEN per cent of councils across England are putting stores at �inancial risk by sharing incorrect rates relief information. An investigation by Retail Express’ sister title, RN, found 22 out of 333 councils displayed outdated dates and

�igures, with some having no guidance at all. Bankier Sloan chartered surveyor Ian Sloan said: “Businesses making decisions based on incorrect information may be struggling when they could make a claim for relief.”

they send another letter with increases and the cycle happens all over again. It’s a joke. “My authorisation fee is set to go up from 0.05p to 0.476p. It’s a near-tenfold increase. A whole bunch of us are leaving Paymentsense as a result of this nonsense.” Paymentsense failed to respond by the time Retail Express went to print.

PayPoint profits

PAYPOINT delivered bumper pro�it and revenue increases in the past six months as the �irm rolled out new services within payments, parcels, and newspaper-voucher handling. Revenue increased to £70.2m in the six months to

30 September 2021, compared with £60.7m in the same period in 2020 – a 15.6% rise. This was accompanied by a 30% increase in its pre-tax pro�its to £21.9m. The �irm also said rising energy costs may have a net bene�it for top-ups in stores.

Features writer Jasper Hart 020 7689 3384 @JasperAHHart

News reporter Junior Designer Suhara Pavithri Jayasena Miriam Garofalo @suharajourno Production coordinator Production editor Chris Gardner Ryan Cooper 020 7689 3368 020 7689 3354 Director of sales Sub editor and marketing Jim Findlay Matthew Oliver 020 7689 3373 020 7689 3367 Sub editor Robin Jarossi

Senior news reporter Alex Yau @AlexYau_ 020 7689 3358

The five biggest stories this fortnight

Senior account director Charlotte Jesson 020 7689 3389

Management accountant Abigayle Sylvane 020 7689 3383 Managing director Parin Gohil 020 7689 3388

Account director Natalie Reeve 020 7689 3372

Subscribe online at newtrade.co.uk/our-products/ print/retail-express. 1 year subscription: UK £65; overseas (EU) £75; overseas (non-EU) £85 Retail Express is printed and distributed by News UK at Broxbourne and delivered to news retailers free by their newspaper wholesaler. Published by: Newtrade Media Limited, 11 Angel Gate, City Road, London, EC1V 2SD; Phone: 020 7689 0600

For the full list of affected councils, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘rates’

Business delivery manager Ifzal Afzal 020 7689 3382

42,281

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘PayPoint’

Wholesale delivery

A SCOTTISH Premier and a Lifestyle Express store have access to a new home delivery service trial called Drop Shop. Former retailer Faisal Naseem was approached by the company to help develop the app. “We’ll aim to deliver in 30-to-60 minutes, while offer-

ing retailers a better commission structure than existing providers,” he said. “We’re also working with the likes of PayPal,” he added, claiming retailers would “get payment into their accounts as soon as their driver makes a delivery”.

DRS confusion

MORE than half of consumers are unsure what a deposit return scheme (DRS) is, despite it having been in development for nearly three years. New research from reverse vending machine supplier Tetra Pak also revealed 59% of people who had a view on

Audit Bureau of Circulations July 2020 to June 2021 average net circulation per issue

Retail Express’ publisher, Newtrade Media, cares about the environment. Reproduction or transmission in part or whole of any item from Retail Express may only be undertaken with the prior written agreement of the Editor. Contributions are welcome and are included in part or whole at the sole discretion of the editor. Newtrade Media Limited accepts no responsibility for submitted material. Every possible care is taken to ensure the accuracy of information. No warranty for goods or services described is implied.

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Drop Shop’

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘DRS’

the issue would be confused by DRS unless it was consistent with household recycling. However, two-thirds (67%) said they would use the scheme once it was introduced, with more than half surveyed supporting a ‘digital’ version.

@retailexpress facebook.com/betterRetailing

megan.humphrey@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3357

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

Gov’t to curb assaults by imposing tougher sentences ALEX YAU RETAILERS have claimed a major victory against shop assaults as the government is set to impose tougher sentencing on offenders. This month, policing minister Kit Malthouse announced the change as an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, making it an offence to assault anyone providing a public duty, including independent retailers. The change marks a two-year-long battle by retailers and trade bodies, for assaults to be taken more seriously. Malthouse explained the news in a letter, sent to the National Retail Crime Business Group. “This amendment will send a very strong signal that assaults of this kind are totally unacceptable,” it read. “This legislative change recognises the very strong public and parliamentary feeling about assaults against public-facing workers and builds on the important work already underway by this group to ensure that assaults are not seen as part of a retail worker’s job.” The speci�ic detail of the Bill is expected to be discussed in a House of Lords debate later this month, including how magistrates will be educated on using it. Speaking at an All-Party Parliamentary Group on

Retail Crime last week, Lord Coaker said the law is expected to come into force in the new year. Alex Norris, who helped spearhead the Bill in Parliament, told Retail Express he is “excited” by the move. “We want this offence to act as a deterrent for [crime against] retailers,” he said. When asked what role stores can play in educating customers about the new offence, Norris advised: “It would be great if retailers can put up posters at point of sale to help make people think twice about committing a crime.” He added: “It will also be down to the police to ensure they are bringing this up in conversations during stressful moments. We will keep raising the issue in parliament, so it stays at the top of the agenda. “We’ve got to consolidate on what we’ve won. The big thing to focus on is keeping up public pressure and enforcing it properly.” Calls for extra protections against assaults on shopworkers were �irst proposed in a consultation, launched by MP Victoria Atkins last year. However, in published results, Malthouse maintained there wasn’t need to introduce further provisions, as there were adequate laws already in place, and said the case was “yet to be made” for a change in the law. In response to the lat-

express yourself “We’re politely reminding customers to wear a face covering, but we don’t want to challenge them. During the first lockdown, we experienced some cases of abuse. The ACS and Londis have been sending out informative messages advising us on what to do. If cases do rise, we might have to bubble certain staff in a set rota. We did this previously, so we are prepared to implement the same system once again if needed.” Hitesh Modi, Londis BWS, Chesham, Bucks

GOOD WEEK PS5: A Nisa retailer has created a point of difference this Christmas by selling PlayStation 5s. Amrit Singh Pahal, of H & Jodie’s Nisa in Walsall, sold 40 of the in-demand game consoles this month, which have a retail price starting from £359.99. “They’re really hard to get right now and they sold out on the day I began advertising them,” he said. LOCAL FOOD: Independent stores are essential in providing healthy food to local communities, according to a new report from the Food Foundation. Since the launch of the Peas Please initiative, 636 million additional portions of vegetables have been sold or served. The ACS was recognised as a pledger, which carried out regular activity updating stores to changes to the Healthy Start scheme.

est announcement, NFRN national president Narinder Randhawa said: “If the amendment is passed, it is likely shopworkers in England, Wales and Northern Ireland would receive similar protection as staff in Scotland, where a new criminal offence was introduced earlier this year for those who assault shop workers.” According to the ACS’s latest Crime Report, 1.1 million incidents of theft were recorded over the past year committed by repeat offenders with a drug or alcohol addiction. In addition, 1.2 million incidents of abuse occurred during the same period, many of which went unreported. ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “Introducing tougher sentences for those who attack people providing a service to the public, including shopworkers, marks a signi�icant step forward, but it does not solve

the column where you can make your voice heard

the problem by itself. We need to ensure that abuse is not seen as part of the job and that all incidents are reported, and in response, police and crime commissioners must prioritise crimes committed against retailers and their colleagues. “We must also put the right interventions in place to stop those with substance and alcohol dependencies from reoffending. There is a clear link between theft and abuse, with challenging shop thieves being one of the top triggers for escalating incidents of abuse and violence in store.” The enforcement comes as retail crime was put further into the public spotlight as part of a Channel 5 documentary called Shoplifters & Scammers, which aired in October. The 14-part series highlighted issues independent retailers face with shoplifting. In one episode, the documentary featured a

testimonial from a Spar shop in the West Midlands, which had been plagued by shoplifting. Crime prevention company Catch a Thief UK worked with the producers of the documentary. Founder Farrah McNutt said a second series of the documentary was going to be put into production. “I was contacted by the production company behind the series called Crack It and they wanted to have a look at prevention methods to stop shoplifting. “They wanted to highlight the issues that independent retailers face,” she explained. “It was really important not to show criminals how to shoplift. “They instead highlighted prevention methods such as making shop shelves high or having bright lighting. Methods like this are really useful to stop someone feel like they can shoplift.”

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘healthy food’

BAD WEEK CAMELOT: National Lottery products have fallen more than 15% compared with before the pandemic, despite a 4.5% yearon-year recovery. This decrease means the average Camelotpartnered store is now selling £400 fewer lottery products and making £22.11 less commission per week than in 2019. For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Camelot’ STOCK: Retailers have reported missing items from boxes of stock received in deliveries. Retail Express found four retailers nationwide who had experienced the issues, relating to impulse products. For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘missing stock’

Have you been enforcing the wearing of face masks since it became mandatory again?

“We won’t be enforcing the rules in the shop as we don’t want the staff to receive abuse from customers. Sixty per cent of customers wear a face covering. We wear face coverings, but it’s not our job to enforce it on our customers. There’s a shop five miles away where staff refuse to let customers enter if they aren’t wearing a mask. They receive a lot of abuse and have even received a threat of having their shop burned down.” Alan Mannings, Shop on the Green, Chartham

“We will be asking customers to wear a face covering, but we won’t be challenging. We’ve received abuse in the past when we tried to. Overall, customers are generally quite good at wearing a face covering. If they forget, they’re more than happy to buy one. We’ve sold a few face coverings since the latest enforcement came in. If the cases of the new variant increase, we might have to consider bubbling staff on the rotas.” Mike Mitchelson, Brampton Post Office, Cumbria

Do you have an issue to discuss with other retailers? Call 020 7689 3357 or email megan.humphrey@newtrade.co.uk

Mike Mitchelson

NEWS

Home delivery diligence pushed MEGAN HUMPHREY RETAILERS employing thirdparty delivery drivers must ensure they are clued up on how to make age-related sales, Ed Heaver, director of licensing company Serve Legal, has warned. Recent stats showed only 45% of young customers receiving age-restricted orders were asked for ID on their doorstep.

Heaver told Retail Express: “The whole area of using third-party delivery drivers is grey, in terms of who is liable, and the government needs to sort this out. There needs to be good communication between them and the retailer.” The number of independent retailers offering a home delivery service during the pandemic rocketed, with store owners taking advantage of customers staying local during

multiple national lockdowns. However, Heaver stressed “new entrants are more concerned about getting their sales going, rather than compliance and diligence”. “A lot of third-party delivery drivers do just leave alcohol on the doorstep, or give it to somebody next door,” he said. “If you use logic, the third party is an extension of their staff and you think they would be liable. At the moment, that

doesn’t seem to be the case, and they aren’t interested in taking responsibility.” When asked how stores can ensure they stay within the law when selling age-related products via delivery, Heaver said: “The most important thing retailers can do is introduce messaging and adopt a Challenge 25 age policy, which is communicated via their website, as well as place stickers on packaging.”

PAYPOINT’S ‘cashback without purchase’ scheme is set to be extended to 2,000 retailers by the end of next year, following a successful trial with ATM provider Link. The pilot, which launched in November, targets areas with low access to cash, ena-

High fat, sugar and salt (HFSS) legislation is coming*, and we are here to help

ONE STOP STORE NUMBER RISE ONE Stop’s franchise business saw store numbers rise annually from 191 to 207, despite a decline in its overall estate. Latest financial figures for the year ending 27 February 2021 showed its total number of stores fell from 772 to 697 last year, with 75 shops converting to the Tesco Express format. However, since February, the company-owned estate has been back in growth, with the total number of sites up to 701.

in any of our products to ﬁnd the latest information, insight and advice.

The Retail Success Handbook

HFSS restrictions to come into force in October 2022

If you have any questions about HFSS, or Newtrade Media products, please call the team on 020 7689 3363

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘One Stop’

Scotland’s local shops

HFSS. We’ve got it covered.

bling customers to make cash withdrawals and check their balance without needing to make a purchase. Glasgow retailer Alok Saily said: “It’s already one of the most valuable add-on services we provide to the local community.”

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘PayPoint’

Look out for this logo

Visit betterRetailing.com/HFSS

Counter Cash extends

SCOTLAND has more convenience stores per capita than most parts of the UK. The Scottish Grocers’ Federation and ACS’s Local Shop Report 2021 confirmed c-store turnover is expected to grow in the country by 9% between 2021 and 2024. Fifty-four per cent of shoppers said c-stores had the most positive impact on their area. Referencing the past 18 months, 58% of store owners agreed the pandemic had improved their business’ standing in their communities, with average basket spend of £10.82.

For the full story, go to betterRetailing.com and search ‘Scotland’

NEWTRADE INSIGHT SOFT DRINKS

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

In partnership with

This research is powered by a Newtrade Insight survey of 160 independent convenience stores across the UK. Data from elsewhere is referenced.

DRIVING SUCCESS IN SOFT DRINKS BRITVIC has teamed up with RETAIL EXPRESS’ NEWTRADE INSIGHT service to find out how retailers are growing sales of impulse soft drinks

THE OPPORTUNITY RETAILERS are incredibly optimistic about growth in the soft drinks category, and after a summer and autumn of relaxed lockdown restrictions, it’s easy to see why. Seventy per cent of store owners agree or strongly agree there is an opportunity to grow soft drinks sales in the next six months, while 67.5% report they are seeing growth in the category already. Britvic has created three ‘Path to Purchase’ principles

to help retailers capitalise on opportunities in soft drinks. Here’s what you need to know.

RANGE FOR NOW AND THE FUTURE FROM health and functional needs to sustainability, shoppers’ priorities are always evolving when it comes to buying soft drinks. Whether shoppers are looking for drinks to enjoy with food, to provide a boost of energy or to hydrate and relax, retailers should aim to achieve a balanced range to meet consumers’ needs while on the go. According to Britvic and Newtrade Insight’s new

research, 33.8% of retailers say that one of their biggest challenges in selling soft drinks is getting more access to healthier and lowsugar lines. A balanced range includes core bestsellers, such as Robinsons Ready to Drink; lowand no-sugar options, including Pepsi Max and 7Up Free; exciting new products, such as Tango Sugar Free Dark Berry; and drinks with functional benefits, such as Purdey’s.

MAKE FIXTURES EASY TO NAVIGATE EASE of shop is the fourthmost important factor to shoppers when choosing a convenience store1, so it is crucial that retailers signpost their on-thego range for shoppers in a hurry. By creating a ‘food-to-go zone’, and grouping meal deal and snack deal items together, stores can do just that. When it comes to soft drinks, the chiller should be segmented

so products for similar occasions are grouped together, with the most popular brands stocked at eye-level to make them stand out. Adding new products by popular brands can help do this, and 55% of retailers report they have added new soft drinks launches and flavours since lockdown was lifted in July. Around a third are placing

emphasis on single bottles to appeal to on-the-go shoppers. Price-marked packs (PMP) are also essential to helping shoppers choose between different pricing, with a fifth of stores saying that PMP prices on soft drinks enable them to be competitive. Britvic has updated its 500ml PMP offering to a competitive single price of £1 across its whole no-added-

sugar range, including Pepsi Max, Pepsi Max Cherry and Raspberry, Diet Pepsi, 7Up Free and Tango. With 70% of stores intending to stock more PMP soft drinks in the coming months, this move allows retailers to clearly communicate value to their shoppers, at a time when this is so important as a result of the pandemic.

SUPPLIER

VIEW

Phil Sanders, out-of-home commercial director, Britvic “WE’RE encouraged that this recent research highlighted that 59.4% of retailers consider Britvic to have a range of brands that are important to their business, and that 52.5% of those retailers would actually like to hear more from us. “We have always been committed to supporting our customers in the trade – not only by rolling out exciting new products to help grow their sales, but also by offering best-in-class advice and guidance when it comes to navigating trends impacting the soft drinks category.”

LINK PRODUCTS FIFTY-TWO per cent of shoppers are always on the lookout for a meal deal when buying food to go1, so retailers can boost on-the-go soft drinks sales by creating and clearly highlighting mealdeal solutions, encouraging cross-category purchases now and the future. In fact, soft drinks are chosen on 35.3% of snack-

Follow @BritvicTrade on Twitter for the latest new product and trade news, as well as best-in-class merchandising and ranging advice IGD ShopperVista Food to Go: what next for shoppers? May 2021, 2Lumina Intelligence Convenience Tracking Programme, four w/e data from w/e 22.11.20 to w/e 27.06.21

ing visits, too2, so including a thirst quencher in a bundle with snacks can help boost spend. Retailers are incredibly optimistic about the growth in food to go, with a third reporting that in the next six months, sales of food to go won’t just return, they’ll outperform levels seen in 2019 before the pandemic.

PRODUCTS

Iqos grows range with Mauve PHILIP Morris Limited (PML) has announced the launch of Heets Mauve, a new variety in its range of Heets tobacco sticks designed for its heatedtobacco device, Iqos. Unlike a vape pen which uses e-liquid, Iqos is an electronic device which heats tobacco and results in a taste more similar to traditional cigarettes. It can appeal to those looking to quit cigarettes but still want a similar experience, and may help them in the long-term to quit smoking. The supplier said Mauve has a menthol-tobacco blend

with a fruity taste. It also marks the 10th variety to join the Heets range, with Mauve allowing retailers to offer adult customers another mentholtobacco alternative. Menthol is often more appealing to those quitting cigarettes, especially if they used to smoke menthol cigarettes. Others in the Heets range include Russet, Sienna, Sienna Caps, Teak, Amber, Yellow, Blue, Green and Turquoise varieties. Retailers can purchase Heets tobacco sticks from most cash and carries and wholesalers, as well as using the supplier’s Digital Trade Engagement platform.

TREK has expanded its protein Power bar range with a Choc Orange �lavour, available from wholesalers now with an RRP of £1.75. It will join the existing Peanut Butter Crunch and Millionaire Shortbread varieties. The bars all contain 15g of protein and are made from plant-based ingredients, as well as being gluten-free. Since its launch last Sep-

tember, the supplier said the Power range has driven 89% incremental shoppers into the Trek brand, and in the past six months has gained a 10% share of the total Trek brand. The supplier added trends within the snacks category show that consumers are increasingly looking for products that contain protein, as well as shifting towards plant-based alternatives.

PRIYANKA JETHWA

Little Ruskits joins Choc Orange joins Trek Power bar range Organix range

Super Spiced Dead Man’s Fingers Rum SUPER Spiced Rum is the latest limited-edition variety from Dead Man’s Fingers, available in 70cl and 1.75l formats with an RRP of £26-60. The brand has also ramped up marketing activity in the run-up to Christmas with its �irst radio advertising spot, as well as a partnership with rock and alternative radio station Kerrang! Radio. The general radio slots will be live across Absolute Radio and Planet Rock running throughout December. Rachel Adams, global marketing manager for Dead Man’s Fingers Rum, said: “We want to support our customers as much as possible with launches, marketing spend

and partnerships in order to grow awareness for the brand and drive sales over the coming months.”

DESIGNED for babies aged six months plus, Organix has launched Little Ruskits – vanilla-�lavoured �inger food suitable for those who are weaning. They can be mixed with a baby’s usual milk and served with a spoon at six months plus, or served whole as a �inger food from eight months plus. Little Ruskits have been created with 33% less sugar on average than other branded baby rusks and biscuits. This, the supplier said, is following research that highlighted sugar content in baby biscuits was the biggest concern for parents. It has an RRP of £1.75 for a pack of 10.

Kettle’s Christmas trade comp KETTLE’S Christmas trade competition offers convenience retailers the chance to win one of three main prizes worth £10,000 each. To be in with a chance of winning, retailers have to buy three 18x40g cases of Kettle Chips before 31 December 2021 and enter their details online at kettlechips. co.uk/chipsin. Five runners-up will also receive a selection of 40g packs of the brand’s bestsell-

ers, including Lightly Salted, Sea Salt & Balsamic Vinegar, Mature Cheddar & Red Onion, Sea Salt & Crushed Black Peppercorns, Sweet Chilli & Sour Cream and Steakhouse Barbecue varieties, as well as branded PoS to display the products. The supplier said: “Kettle offers a selection of �lavours in a 40g format, so they’re the perfect accompaniment to enjoy at lunch time or on the go.”

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

J2O brings back Glitterberry drink BRITVIC has launched a festive design for J2O, including an on-pack promotion and the return of its limited-edition Glitterberry variety. Redesigned multipacks will run across the brand’s Orange & Passion Fruit, Apple & Watermelon and Glitterberry varieties. The promotion will give shoppers the chance to win cash prizes through the brand’s Spin to Sparkle app, and this will all be backed by a £1m outdoor campaign which is expected to reach more than 67% of adults during key weeks of the season. Festive-themed PoS materials such as baubles and

Christmas tree displays will also be available to convenience retailers.

Trivento Reserve Malbec gets top spot

CONCHA y Toro UK’s Trivento Reserve Malbec 75cl has become the bestselling single wine line in the total market by value. The brand has seen its overall sales grow by 22% in value to £72.6m, and household penetration increase in the past year as it continues its marketing investment in the UK. A new 20-second ad, the latest in the ‘Bold discoveries’ series, has just gone live on video-on-demand across ITV, C4 and Sky featuring Trivento’s Private Reserve Malbec. Trivento Reserve Malbec 75cl has an RRP of £8 and is available via wholesalers to all independent and convenience retailers.

Tiger Tiger unveils new-look sauces TIGER Tiger has unveiled a new look for its range of Chinese sauces and ingredients. It now features a cream and gold design, gold-coloured lids and dual-language labelling featuring Chinese Hanzi characters. The refresh spans Light, Dark and Reduced Salt Soy Sauces, Oyster Sauce, Noodles, Rice Vinegar, Luncheon Meat, Water Chestnuts and Bamboo Shoots. “The size of the Chinese cuisine world foods category is growing at 39%, which means there are enormous opportunities for retailers to extend their world food category and capitalise on the growing trend for home cooking,” said Debbie King,

sales and marketing director at Tiger Tiger. Tiger Tiger will be supporting the range at key selling times, including Chinese New Year.

R E TA I L E R S G I V E

THE GREEN

LIGHT

merchandise!” And another: “Thank you Stockists of VELO pouches were given the chance to receive VELO x McLaren Racing VELO for all of this merchandise!” merchandise to highlight the partnership with the racing team in a recent giveaway. Retailers commented on how successful VELO and other potentially reduced risk products Fifty VELO retailers were sent a custom have been for them - like the vape brand designed gift pack including VELO x McLaren Vuse, with many noting the popularity of Racing co-branded merchandise. Two lucky alternative products amongst customers. recipients were also selected to receive a once in a lifetime VELO x McLaren Racing “It’s great to see investment in alternative experience at this year’s British Grand Prix. products which are especially progressive – we have regular customers of the Vuse brand VELO is one of several brands in BAT’s and now also VELO, which is our most popular growing portfolio of potentially reduced risk modern oral product.” products, which includes vapour and modern oral products like VELO. “Our customers are loving the new VELO range. They like the range of flavour and strengths. It VELO’s collaboration with McLaren Racing looks great in our Vuse gantry too!” is part of BAT’s ongoing partnership with the team, established in 2019 and focused on “VELO is the best modern oral product. Once helping to accelerate BAT’s journey as it looks you’ve built a customer base they keep on to provide adult users with new potentially coming back for more!” reduced risk products. “VELO has been a great addition to my VELO and McLaren Racing share a passion vaping gantry. The customers love VELO.” for technology, innovation and design, with The VELO partnership with McLaren Racing VELO’s limited edition product packaging shows no signs of taking its foot off the pedal inspired by McLaren Racing, creating a as the 2021 season continues. natural synergy. The relationship has created a buzz amongst VELO retailers, with feedback on the giveaway being extremely positive. One retailer commented: “Nice to receive all of this great VELO x McLaren Racing

at the heart of which is our commitment to providing our consumers with a portfolio of new category products.” “Like us, McLaren Racing have been going through a period of transformation and innovation, so the partnership continues to be a logical fit.”

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OPINION

COMING UP IN THE 24 DECEMBER ISSUE OF RN

RETAILER OPINION ON THIS FORTNIGHT’S HOT TOPICS

What do you think? Call Retail Express on 020 7689 3357 for the chance to be featured BESTWAY: What impact will the higher £12.50 marketing charge have? “I’M not happy with the charge at all. They talk about absorbing the costs, but we didn’t have to pay such a significant rate prior to the recent changes. I’m now having to pay £600 a year. This amount isn’t something I’ve ever had to do before.” Anonymous retailer

“IT seems strange there have been no change in the fees for so many years and now they suddenly decide to put them up. If you multiply the number of total stores Costcutter has with the annual fee, they’re making a lot of money in their pocket.” Anonymous retailer

Bumper issue! Single chocolate bars: see what other retailers are charging, and where you can boost your profits

I’m now having to pay £600 a year

Looking forward: 2022’s biggest opportunities

SUPPLIERS: How do you strike up a partnership with a local firm?

Year in review: top products of 2021 Click & collect: how to manage click & collect parcel services, and the benefits of adding this service to your store

There are new enterprises out there THE LEADING TITLE FOR NEWS AND CONVENIENCE RETAILERS THE LE ADING ERS TITLE RETAIL FOR NE IENCE NVEN WS AN CO D D CONV S AN ENIENC R NEW FO E E RETA TL ILERS ING TI AD PayPoint’s new cashback LE THE threat to ATM services

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Counter Cash service is for low-cashaccess areas, so why is it going to stores with free-to-use ATMs?

RETAIL NEWS THAT MATTERS

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SPIRITS

15:47

Trudy Davies, Woosnam & Davies News, Llanidloes, Powys

“IT’S not always about having the cheapest products. We have people coming in regularly for our eggs. I changed my bakery supplier and the decision was down to the quality of product. Our customers are more aware of our local connections.”

Faraz Iqbal, Premier Linktown Local, Kirkcaldy

SUSTAINABILITY: How will you cut your plastic waste next year? “WE will be planning it as a team, and thinking what’s feasible and not. It’s a challenge to cut plastic in a Covid-19 environment because you have to make sure your customers are willing to think of others, which isn’t always possible.” Alan Mannings, Shop on the Green, Chartham, Kent

“WE recycle everything, which saves us costs in waste, and it’s then picked up by our supply partner. While it’s often perceived that retailers can do a lot to reduce plastic, it ultimately has to come from manufacturers.” Serge Khunkun, One Stop Woodcross Convenience Store, Wolverhampton

We recycle everything, which saves us costs MEAT-FREE: How are you enticing customers to the trend?

The best independent retailers stay ahead by reading RN each week. Do you? ORDER YOUR COPY from your news wholesaler today or contact Kate Daw on 020 3871 6490

“BE blatant about it. People do come to me, but there are new enterprises out there and if you put it on Facebook or Instagram that you’re looking for local suppliers, then people will approach you. Don’t be shy. Get in touch with local business hubs.”

We make sure we’ve got lots of options

“PEOPLE come in and ask if certain lines are available. Chocolate and crisps are the two main items people look for, and we sell lots of vegetarian meals. We’re quite particular because we know people want certain products, so we get stock specifically for that purpose.” Dipak Shah, H&R News, Camberley, Surrey

“WE don’t have many customers who are specifically vegan. But we have a lot of people who visit the area, or who want to entertain visiting friends, so we make sure we’ve got lots of options. One of my colleagues is vegan and that changes how you think as a retailer.” Christine Hope, Hopes of Longtown, Herefordshire

ELO V TO N VEO O M

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ACADEMY IN ACTION

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

The Independent Achievers Academy (IAA) is a learning and development programme that helps to increase sales and profits. Academy in Action shows how the IAA and its partners are supporting retailers to improve their stores.

We’re here to help. Call 020 7689 0500 Name: Shop: Location: Size: Staff:

Mo Adam WM News & Food Aylesbury 999sq ft Two full-time, two part-time

PARTNER ADVICE

MERCHANDISING & DISPLAY The IAA and MONDELEZ INTERNATIONAL visit MO ADAM in Aylesbury to help him enhance his merchandising and display MERCHANDISING and display is ensuring products are forward facing, clean and well-stocked. Retailers thriving in this area also ensure their bestselling lines are highly visible and displays are easy to shop to drive repeat visits. Mo Adam has run WM News & Food (The Post Office) in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, for the past 22 years and has a local customer demographic – although the post office attracts some passing trade. Mo and his team check sellby dates on products regularly, but have not implemented merchandising guidelines for them to follow, and Mo isn’t sure where to start. How can the IAA, and Susan Nash and Christine Donlon from Mondelez International help?

Want to know more? To see more of Mo’s shop, and find out how you can improve your store, go to betterRetailing.com/Academy-in-Action

Wellmerchandised products are easier for customers to browse, and adding inspiring displays will encourage them to spend more. Susan Nash Trade Communications Manager Mondelez International

YOUR ACTION PLAN 1 Walk your store as a customer

Use the benchmarks below as a checklist to see what you’re doing well

2 Benchmark your shop

WHY I TAKE PART

Head to betterRetailing.com/benchmark to see how you can improve

Our biggest challenge in merchandising and display is working with the space we have and making each display attractive to our customers, without overwhelming them. We want to get a new perspective on how we could improve the shopping experience for our community. Susan and Christine from Mondelez remerchandised our confectionery display, and we’re seeing results straight away.

Do you have guidelines in place to explain your merchandising standards to staff?

IAA ADVICE Working with suppliers to uncover what works

Using theatre in displays to grab customers’ attention

Having merchandising processes in place to ensure consistency

Mo takes on new products, but they don’t always sell as well as expected and he is missing some key bestselling lines, risking sales and repeat visits. What can he do to ensure he strikes the right balance?

Mo has good footfall into the store, but finds customers often come in just for the post office or to purchase a specific product. How can he inspire customers to browse and pick up additional products?

Mo has a strong range to suit his customers’ needs, but he feels they aren’t taking advantage of this. How can he encourage customers to explore more of the store and his offering, so they buy more?

Susan says: “Mo should reach out to suppliers or look on their website for guidance, reviewing one category at a time. Mondelez’ Delicious Display has planograms, category guidance and insight on how shoppers approach confectionery. This will help him identify the bestselling lines and how to display them.”

Susan says: “An inspirational display encourages higher spend, such as focusing on a key seasonal event. We’ve helped Mo create a Christmas display in a high-footfall area to get customers thinking about purchases ahead of the season. Once Christmas has ended, he’ll be able to plan for the next opportunity.”

Susan says: “Making it easy for customers to shop a display and having guidelines in place helps increase spend. Displays must be clean and ordered to help customers scan the fixture and pick up what they want, clearly priced, so shoppers know what they’re paying, and free of clutter, so they can shop the full range.”

ACTION Work with suppliers to understand what works, using this to coordinate displays.

ACTION Create seasonal displays at the front of the store to inspire customers to buy more.

ACTION Use merchandising guidelines to ensure displays are easy for customers to shop.

Do your staff face up at least once a day and check sell-by dates regularly? Do you have inspirational displays in hightraffic areas to inspire customers to buy? Do you create excitement and inspiration by running trials or product giveaways? Do you watch shoppers and tailor your offers and displays based on how people respond?

3 Pick one thing to improve Write it down, implement it and let us know how you get on using #IAA22

INSPIRE SHOPPERS TO BUY MORE Visit betterRetailing.com/IAA to pique interest with your displays and see how you can improve in nine other categories

Look out for Retail Express on 25 January to find out how the first Academy in Action retailers have improved from the IAA advice given

FORECOURT FOCUS

New year, new ambitions Discover other forecourt retailers’ plans for the new year on p13

Number of EV chargers not matching new EV car market DARYL WORTHINGTON THE electric vehicle (EV) market is the strongest it’s ever been, but the number of publicly available electric vehicle chargers is not matching this demand. That’s according to new research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Its latest �igures reveal that the number of battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles “potentially sharing a standard public charge point” increased between 2019 and 2020, from 11 to 16 vehicles per charger. To put it another way, the �igures reveal that only one new electric vehicle charging point is being installed for every 52 new electric vehicles registered. As reported last month, SMMT projects more plug-

in vehicles will be registered in 2021 than in the whole of the previous 10 years. From January to September, there were 212,181 new plug-in registrations in the UK, but only 4,109 new standard public charge points installed. The SMMT �igures also reveal signi�icant regional differences in the ratio of EVs to chargers. In London, for instance, the ratio is 10:1, the highest availability in the country, although this marks a dramatic fall from 5:1 in 2019. The lowest availability comes in the east of England and the north-west, the ratio in both is 49:1. “Appetite for electric vehicles has never been higher, but making the UK a net- zero nation means convincing everyone, wherever they live, that an electric car

Clean hands lead to rise in impulse sales SEVENTY-SEVEN per cent of drivers are more likely to make impromptu purchases of snacks, coffees, ice creams and in-store items if they have clean hands after having refuelled, according to new research from GripHero. The �igures coincide with the launch of the company’s new glove dispenser, which boasts 10% more advertising space than previous models, despite being 20% smaller overall. “Since 2018, we’ve been adapting our dispensers to

meet the changing demands of international forecourts and legislation,” said Oli Yeo, inventor and managing director of GripHero. “GripHero 2 takes all that learning and brings it together in an all-new dispenser. Combined with our new R100 glove cartridges, made from 100% ‘open loop’ recycled plastics, which cuts CO2 by 94% compared with conventional gloves, we continue to take a lead in helping forecourts to enhance their green credentials.”

can meet their needs,” said Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive. “Those who can’t have their own home charge point need the con�idence that they can still charge as conveniently as they can refuel. A deteriorating ratio of public charge points to cars will drain that con�idence.” Commenting on SMMT �igures on the surge of EVs on the road, the RAC’s director of EVs, Sarah WinwardKotecha, said: “The new registration �igures once again emphasise the importance of a �it-for-purpose public charging network that grows in line with the rise in EVs so that mid-trip charging is never a problem. “Next year, we’ll almost certainly surpass one million electric cars on the roads, which will further heighten the need for fast

and ef�icient charging away from home.” Hawes added: “Recent government funding for infrastructure was welcome, but more private sector investment in public charge points is needed

across the country. “The UK therefore needs a framework of regulation that makes it easier to fund, build and operate electric-vehicle-charging infrastructure. “Consequently, we need

commensurate and binding targets for charge point rollout and reliability so that all those without a driveway or designated parking can be con�ident of �inding a convenient charger, and one that works.”

BP makes a major New Spar and Shell investment in biomethane forecourt creates 38 jobs BP has acquired a 28.57% stake in Gasrec, a major dual provider of bio-lique�ied natural gas (LNG) and bio-compressed natural gas (CNG) to road transport. Gasrec builds, owns and operates biomethane refuelling stations for heavy goods vehicles. Customers for the company include major retailers and parcel delivery companies such as Asda and Ocado. Gasrec’s network of 10 biomethane refuelling stations across the UK is capable of re-

fuelling approximately 1,250 vehicles per day. BP will supply Gasrec with renewable biomethane produced from organic wastes, such as food and dairy manure. “Bio-LNG and bio-CNG play a crucial role in the energy transition and decarbonisation of the heavy-freight industry and is another example of how we’re helping decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors,” said Carol Howle, executive vice president for trading and shipping at BP.

A NEW Spar- and Shellbranded forecourt in Darlington will create 38 jobs in the area. The revamped store will include a Graham Eyes butchery counter, Clayton Park Bakery deli, and other concessions and food-to-go options including Tango Ice Blast, Cheeky Coffee as well as F’real milkshakes and an ATM. On the forecourt side, the site, which is located at the Haughton Road Service Station, boasts six fuel pumps,

Have you made any big changes in your forecourt that have grown your sales and profits? Let us know on 020 7689 3390 or at editorial@newtrade.co.uk

a jet wash, and air and water machines. The site is owned and operated by James Hall & Co. “While we have a strong presence of company-owned stores in north-east England, and independent retailers under the Spar symbol, we have never had a presence in central Darlington,” said Fiona Drummond, company stores director at James Hall. “This was a key attraction to our investment in the Haughton Road Service Station site.”

FORECOURT FOCUS PROFILE

Offering a supermarket experience TAMARA BIRCH “I’VE been in the retail sector for 30 years and started as a cashier, working my way up to a manger and then a site manager before buying this forecourt,” says Muhammed Khalid, owner of Costcutter Middleton Park Service Station in Leeds. Khalid bought the forecourt in 2008, securing finance to rebuild in 2009 until the financial crisis. The bank removed its funding, forcing Khalid to look elsewhere to carry out the necessary works and provide the community with the store it needed.

“Two supermarkets opened either side of us and we struggled to get funding for the next four years, but during that time, we realised shoppers don’t always need or want a supermarket – they want convenience, and are happy to pay more for it, too,” he says. Fast forward to 2020 and the forecourt underwent a major refit. “We completely demolished it, which took six months, but we’ve built a bigger store to better serve our customers and increased the size of the forecourt as well.” The forecourt is now 2,000sq ft and benefits from eight pumps and 32 nozzles,

with plenty of space for cars to manoeuvre if they’re ready to move on. “We wanted to make use of every inch of the forecourt and the convenience store, and focused on building a food-to-go area that any customer can benefit from, whether local or passing,” Khalid adds. The store has plenty of options, including Costa Coffee, Tango Ice Blast and frozen Fanta. “We also have wallside chillers, freezers and four islands, as well as traditional categories, such as newspapers and magazines, car accessories, frozen and grocery. We offer a bit of everything.”

More than a forecourt

How we look after the forecourt

Food to go is our future

KHALID offers his customers a supermarket-style experience, with the added convenience of a convenience store. “When we were a small forecourt, customers could buy one or two items, but now they buy a full shop. We prompt them to buy through in-store displays,” he says. “In the lead-up to Halloween, we decorated our displays to get customers in the spirit – and we’ll do the same for Christmas.” But Khalid’s current goal is focusing on the convenience store and ensuring it’s a place his customers will choose over multiples. “We’ve done all we can on the forecourt. It’s time to focus on the convenience store.” Khalid designed the store to drive customers to the back of the store, enabling them to view the store’s offering – and pick up additional items. “Our newspaper stand is at the back, and customers will pick up 10 items on their way,” Khalid adds.

“WE have all four grades. Owners with older cars need super unleaded, while owners with newer models will choose supreme unleaded,” Khalid says. The forecourt plans to introduce two electric charging points. “Electric charging points are the future of forecourts. “We have planning permission for two electric cars. Inside the store, we offer oil, car accessories – everything you expect a forecourt to have, we’ll stock,” he adds. Khalid also introduced a full alarm and CCTV system, as well as a leak detection system for fuel. “If there’s a problem with the tanks, the leak detection system goes off and I can manage it quickly and efficiently.” The forecourt also has a fuel-monitoring system, funded by Texaco – the forecourt’s symbol group. “We keep an eye on everything ourselves, though, to help us stay on top of things,” Khalid says.

“WE’RE going to focus on hot food to go in 2022. We plan to offer burgers and breakfast options, including a full English, which we’ll do in partnership with an outside company,” Khalid explains. “If it happens, it will be good for the business, as it will help to drive footfall, but they normally franchise and work on a rental or profit basis. We’re working on what’s best for us,” he adds. The retailer is making sure any company it partners with is aware of Natasha’s Law, which came into effect in October. “If you work with a company, you don’t need to worry as much and having someone in the business ensure they are adhering to any legislation will be easier for us.” Khalid wants to buy a second site in the future, too. “We want to do something similar to what we’ve achieved here, but we have to ensure it benefits the community.”

FORECOURT FOCUS FEATURE

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

CHARGING INTO 2022 Whether it’s introducing electric charging points, updating food to go or improving presentation, there are countless ways forecourt retailers can spruce up their businesses. JOANNA TILLEY highlights the plans retailers have for the coming year

JOIN THE E-MOVEMENT THE number of electric car users is growing with pace and, with more than 45,000 chargepoint connectors across the UK in more than 16,800 locations, there are many forecourt owners looking into introducing electric vehicle (EV) charging points in their premises. Rachael Hockmeyer, owner of Hockmeyer Motors (Spar) in Lincolnshire, says 2022 is the year her forecourt will introduce EV charging points, after wanting to for nearly seven years.

Hockmeyer was awarded planning permission three and a half years ago, but plans were delayed when a former partner pulled out due to costs. “Our new partner has signed off and we will be going live early in the new year,” says Hockmeyer. “It cost £35,000 to sort out properly connecting an electricity supply, and we will have two charging points with 150kW chargers – so it will be fast charging.” Calver Service Station (Spar)

manager James Stead is also in the process of introducing electric charge points for one of his stores in Derbyshire. Again, financial considerations are slowing the process down, but Stead will be looking into the government grants and support on offer. “It is the next thing on our list, but we need to upgrade the electricity on site and have been quoted in excess of £100,000, which doesn’t make sense considering the electric market,” says Stead.

A spokesperson from Southern Co-op says although there are now more public places to charge an electric vehicle than petrol stations, they warn retailers not to lose focus on their traditional customers. “Look at your site and determine whether it is offering the best retail value for your customers,” they suggest. “If not, review what you can. A professional, great shop offer will always continue to attract new customers and keep existing ones.”

JET INTO ACTION DUE to environmental concerns around drainage and a shortage of manual labour following Brexit, handwashing services have been disappearing across the UK, leading to a surge in demand for automatic jet and car washes. Citing a change in the market, and with an ageing machine, David Wyatt, of Shell Crawley Down in West Sussex, is updating his car washing service in 2022. “The car wash is from Wilcomatic and

has a foam wash and other weird and wonderful things,” says Wyatt. “This is the time to invest in a car wash and the machine we’ve chosen is good and reliable.” The top-of-the-range device is a larger investment of £70,000, and although expensive, he believes it is important to bring in changes quickly as inflation is causing prices to rise rapidly. Goran Raven, owner of Raven’s Budgens in Abridge,

Essex, is also installing a jet wash on his site in 2022 after realising there were no handwashes or jet washing sites in his local area. Working with WashTec, the investment also comes in at £70,000, but the machine has the ability to use snowfoam – a current popular trend. Before deciding on WashTec, Raven researched what other forecourts were using and which retailers had the best results.

FORECOURT FOCUS FEATURE

RETAILER

GET GOING ON FOOD TO GO

VIEW

Goran Raven, Raven’s Budgens, Abridge, Essex “THE main thing for our forecourt next year is to add an extra grade of fuel – super diesel. The sales from super unleaded are strong and, judging from the market – and looking at our Edge petroleum desktop-based app – it makes sense to make this change. The feedback from customers is that they would also like to see it. Edge is an amazing app and with one click I can see everything I need. It has also removed the need for about 100 spreadsheets. This change is a significant investment as we need to dig up the forecourt, but the statistics show it is a no-brainer. I used to dismiss super diesel and had a prejudice against it, but when I saw the data, I couldn’t argue against it.”

MOVING inside the store, food to go is another area where retailers are planning investment and change in 2022. Wyatt is revamping his offering with Stone Willy’s, a company that has gained popularity through its takeaway pizza and is now branching out into other areas. “They have a nice range of wraps and paninis, and we will aim to broaden out our breakfast offering,” says Wyatt. To make the most of popular categories such as food to

go and the off-licence, Wyatt is extending these areas by renovating his store room. The works are already underway, and he hopes for the food-to-go offering to be up and running by March. Wyatt says with a Starbucks, Subway or Costa on every corner, it is good to work with a growing company that offers a unique selection. Fellow retailer Stead also wants improve his forecourt by boosting its food to go. “We are doubling our chiller

space and extending a range of sandwiches and snacking through our Fischer & Co butchery and delicatessen range,” says Stead. “We want to offer a wider range and better quality – similar to the store we have across the road, offering ‘farm-style’ and artisan products alongside good-value Spar items.” Stead tells Forecourt Focus the investment will cost around £8,000, and that he also wants to add a new stand

for high-end cakes and a Tango Ice Blast machine. Susan Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelez International, adds that forecourt retailers have a great opportunity to drive sales by offering convenient formats that cater to consumers’ out-of-home breakfast occasions. “While people have had to alter how they live and work as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, a focus on well-being will continue to be important,” she says.

RETAILER

VIEW

Rachael Hockmeyer, Hockmeyer Motors (Spar), Sleaford, Lincolnshire “ONE thing we are definitely going to do in 2022 is have a big celebration. We have been in our current building for 50 years next year and want to organise a very big party for customers. This will probably be in the summer, but we will be theming our advertising throughout the year around that – and have already started designing the marketing. We have taken inspiration from Spar’s ‘There for you’ strapline and altered it slightly to ‘There for you since ’72’. It’s nice to put on an event for customers and it will also provide a point of difference to our store. It also gives the staff something fun to plan and it will be something we can look forward to after Christmas.”

VISUAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL UPDATES STEAD plans to invest in changing the appearance of his forecourt, bringing in a ‘heritage’ look and introducing a grey-and-white Spar logo. By removing ad banners, he plans to make the store look sleeker and more sophisticated. He’s also updating his vacuum and air machines so that the store has a more modern look and is more up to date. Introducing LED lights inside the store, he expects the store will look “massively” different when all the changes

have been introduced next year and predicts the inside (including food to go) and outside updates will come in at around £20,000. Hockmeyer is also planning in-store changes by activating the self-service machine she has had in the store for two years. Covid-19 restrictions have so far prevented her from using the machine, but 2022 is when she predicts it will be up and running. “We need to be able to get

close to customers to show them how to use it, but it is definitely on the cards as it will help first thing with the morning rush when commuters come in and get everything they need for the whole day,” says Hockmeyer. A spokesperson from Co-op tells Forecourt Focus that technological solutions are going to grow. “Examples already include delivery platforms, which increase profitability from home shopping, and self-service checkout sys-

tems, which continue to improve efficiency and allow colleagues to focus on customer service,” they say. “Electronic shelf-edge labels, apps to reduce food waste and security devices are also being used more. “While the balance of cost versus benefit needs to be considered carefully, forecourts need to make sure they continue to explore these new technology options and offer customers the level of service they expect.”

LETTERS

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

of CHRISTINE Hopes Longtown, HOPE Hereford

Letters may be edited

Energy alarm bells: finding a silver lining

‘Damage caused by Storm Arwen cost us £1,600’

WE were without power for 36 hours last week because of Storm Arwen. We have a small generator, which runs two of our fridge freezers, containing ice cream and frozen food, as well as four back-up fridges. This broke down. Luckily, the

local community were able to rally round by offering their engineering expertise, as well as two spare generators. We were fortunate to not lose any stock. However, during the whole period, we ran out of fuel, and were unable to offer our takeaway service,

alongside the National Lottery. Our sales were down by £1,600 compared with the previous weekend, and it’s looking likely to be the same this week. We would like a new generator, but it would set us back £6,000. We made sure

to use our social media pages to update customers on the situation throughout. We couldn’t have asked for more from SP Energy Networks. Andrew Johnson, Dafarn Newydd Store, Llanwddyn, Powys

COMMUNITY RETAILER

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Anita Nye, Premier Eldred Drive Stores, Orpington, Kent – @anita_nye

‘We collected and donated pyjamas’

ONE of our customers’ son has battled Leukemia three times. Every year, we’ve asked our customers to donate pyjamas that we then give away to local hospitals that have helped treat him. This year, we managed to collect up to 60 pairs. Normally the number is a little higher, but I think more people are strapped for cash because of the pandemic. We also donated 100 leftover advent calendars to the same hospitals. We got in touch with his mum and asked if she’d be happy for us to do it. We could’ve reduced them, but we wanted to do something good instead.

JUST like me, you will be aware that the energy market is in flux and, just like me, you will have checked your contract to find out when it ends. For us, our contract expires in June 2022, which means I have more than six months left on my contract. I thought this would take me over this current blip in price hikes unscathed. Each issue, one of seven top However, things retailers shares advice to haven’t gone make your store magnificent according to plan and, sadly, our supplier has gone into administration. We are one of the lucky ones who are using an energy broker. Our broker contacted us in advance, which enabled us to make a plan and not panic, even though the initial estimates were a 200% unit price increase. Our plan is to accept price rises, and work out over the next 12 months how to create energy on site and ask the community for help to get three-phase electricity, so our alternative energy options go into the grid and not into batteries, doubling the investment cost. I plan to sign a new contract with a provider of our choice soon. I will be working out my annual and monthly usage so I can work out how much extra I’m going to need to pay, and budget accordingly. I’m not expecting prices to come down any time soon, either. Here are my tips for retailers looking to improve their energy-price situation: Do - Check how long is left on your current policy. - Ask your team for energy-usage-reduction ideas for free. - Make an energy plan to reduce costs. - Write to, email or call your MP explaining your situation, and ask for advice or support. - Explain what is happening to anyone willing to listen. Don’t - Don’t switch supplier if you don’t have to. If you are contacted directly, your current contract must be cheap, so don’t change until you need to. - If you have switched to a new energy supplier, they often are not the most cost-effective option. You can choose your own or a broker, it must be within the same timeframe. - Pay an estimated bill. Request to switch to an automatic meter reading and only pay for the electricity you use. - Don’t get caught out of contract paying higher prices. Write it down six weeks before your contract ends.

Get in touch

@retailexpress betterRetailing.com facebook.com/betterRetailing megan.humphrey@newtrade.co.uk 020 7689 3357

INDEPENDENT ACHIEVERS ACADEMY IAA RETAIL STUDY DAY

ALWAYS LEARNING, ADAPTING AND IMPROVING THE INDEPENDENT ACHIEVERS ACADEMY (IAA) visited 2020 instore display category star, JACK MATTHEWS, at his Nisa store, Bradley’s Supermarket in Quorn, Leicestershire. Here, he shares how he’s continuing to innovate in his store, react to market changes and build strong relationships with local suppliers

MARKETING TO CUSTOMERS “WE created a Christmas ordering leaflet that’s situated by the till for customers to pick up. The leaflet includes our entire festive menu, from starters to main courses and platters. “This helps customers plan ahead, as well as drive them through the store the day they come to collect. It’s likely they’ll realise they forgot something else, too, like

gravy, or want to finish their Christmas food shop, helping to grow basket spend. “We include pricing and promotions, and the cost to design them was minimal. “We’ve had multiple orders since launching the system, and the ordering system runs until two weeks before Christmas, with the collection dates the week of Christmas.”

In partnership with

CUSTOMER SERVICE “CUSTOMER service is a really important part of running an independent store, so we’re constantly thinking about it. “A big challenge for us has been the demand from customers for better practices in the business, and offering a wider range of products, including vegan and free-from products. “We’ve not got vegan 100% right, but we’ve listened to

customer feedback and have changed products that weren’t working or introduced requested lines, and sales in our free-from range have grown. “At the moment, we’ve integrated vegan lines with regular lines and have merchandised the free-from products together as there’s a greater demand for lines without gluten.”

In partnership with

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

EFFECTIVE RANGING “A KEY focus for us now is seasonality and gifting. We now have a display dedicated to gift products and promotions to highlight the wide range we have in store and give a perception of value, which encourages higher spend. “We also have a dedicated produce bay – that looks different to the rest to encourage standout – which we use to

highlight our range of fruit and vegetables that are in season. For example, in the lead-up to Christmas, we have a selection of root vegetables, including Brussels sprouts and carrots. “We ensure they complement our existing range, and order in small quantities to keep them fresh and the quality high, which our customers appreciate.”

SHOP LAYOUT “AS part of the refit, we moved our entrance from one side of the shop to the other, to open up and create a different feel to the store. “Being able to see to the back of the store as you enter gives customers the perception the store is bigger, encouraging higher basket spend. “We moved the alcohol section to where the entrance

“BEFORE and during our refit, we tried to keep our customers as involved as we could. We used social media to regularly upload graphics of our plans, which helped to sell the benefits of the refit. “We also used a banner outside the store and did a countdown to excite our customers, which gave them something to look forward to, prior to reo-

In partnership with

pening. We also let them look through the window to catch a sneak peek of what was to come. “Involving our customers from day one has meant they have adapted to the change and had a say on what we’ve done to the store. It has also meant we’ve built a local asset and planted ourselves at the heart of the community.”

In partnership with

in place, you can improve the store overall. “Every three-to-four years, we hire younger people in the community before they go to university, but the challenge is finding staff with specific skills, like those needed in the kitchen. To help us, we try multiple forms of recruitment advertising, including social media and job sites.”

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY “BEING sustainable is a learning curve. We installed a loose station in our refit, but didn’t initially offer the products our customers needed and tried to offer something we weren’t necessarily ready for. “We contacted a company that specialises in loose stations to ask for advice, and it helped us strip the area back to basics, offering a range of

In partnership with

Before investing, we ordered a sample to trial them so we could be sure they were the right solution. “Since installing them, the area looks tidier throughout the day, whether it’s morning or night, and has been a great investment. Sales have grown, and we’ve had a reduction in waste as bags don’t tear from being grabbed off the shelf.”

STAFF DEVELOPMENT “BUILD a solid core team, adding in additional members of staff when needed, and invest in staff training and their development by getting them more involved. This will continue to be a core focus for us in the new year. “Your workforce is more capable than you sometimes give them credit for. With the right training and processes

In partnership with

the supplier around the clock to ensure we continued to provide for our customers, and sales have continued to grow, even as restrictions eased. “Customers have commented on the quality of the product and continue to buy them in support of what they did during the pandemic. It’s where we put our focus and it’s working for us.”

MERCHANDISING & DISPLAY “WE wanted to improve our shelf management processes following the refit and introduced shelf pushers for our sharing bag range. The shelf pushers cost £8 each and we found them in one of our supplier brochures. “They’ve only been used in a few stores, and we took inspiration from a fellow retailer who they worked well for.

comply with this legislation, bought our own machines to improve efficiency, and made our own ingredient labels to ensure they matched our instore branding and were easy for the consumer to see. “We continually add to them as our recipes and offering evolves. This is something we’re also aware of for when we install our second kitchen.”

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY

AVAILABILITY “WORKING with local suppliers helps us to maintain availability. We use a local baker for most of our bread range and only stock a couple of national brands. “At the start of the pandemic, when availability of baked goods was low for many, our supplier continued to deliver to us six days a week. We were picking up bread directly from

used to be, improving the flooring, chillers and shelving to ensure it stood out. “We’ve also improved the look of our fresh produce, which sits at the entrance, with a local heroes wall to highlight our work with local suppliers. We took photos ourselves. It then leads into traditional convenience store categories, such as chilled products.”

RESPONSIBLE RETAILING “KEEPING up to date with legislation can be a challenge. For example, when we opened our first kitchen, we had to make sure that we complied with Natasha’s Law. “We knew the legislation would come into effect in October 2021, so we planned ahead and put everything into motion the first week we reopened the store. We’ve built recipes that

In partnership with

pasta, nuts and chocolate-covered products. Customers are responding to the area well and sales have increased, too. “We also installed LED lighting and light sensors in our stockroom, so we aren’t using more electricity than needed, which has helped to reduce overhead costs, as well as a heat-recovery system, helping the store feel more inviting.”

To watch the full video tour of Jack’s store, or to get involved with the IAA’s benchmarking process and find out how you can improve your store, call 020 7689 0500 or visit betterRetailing.com/retail-study-day-2021

ADVICE

LESSONS FROM THE PANDEMIC The RETAIL EXPRESS team finds out what retailers have learned about their stores and customers during the pandemic, and how they plan to take the lessons into 2022

It’s been difficult to navigate this year. How are retailers adjusting their business to keep up? – Peter Bhadal, Londis Woodhouse Street, Leeds

Kumar Patel, Patson’s Local, Bradford, Yorkshire

“THE biggest lesson I’ve learned from the pandemic is that it’s essential now to hold onto stock so you don’t run short. You simply can’t trust that the supply chain will always be full. Who would have thought that Walkers crisps would run so short this time last year? You might have expected it from soft drinks with the CO2 shortage, but there are shortages everywhere. We’ve taken on a number of suppliers throughout the pandemic. We’ve sourced and looked at their availability. If one supplier doesn’t have something, we’ll go to others to make sure that our shelves are as full as possible. We’ve noticed that a lot of new trade has come our way because of the pandemic, and we don’t want them to come into an empty store. “We’ve also taken safety into consideration a lot more, including that of our staff and customers. We’re going to keep the screens up on a permanent basis.”

Bobby Singh, BB Nevison Superstore, Pontefract, West Yorkshire

“ONE thing we’ve learned over the Covid-19 period is never put all your eggs in one basket. We’ve used quite a few local suppliers because the last thing we want is gaps on our shelves. Stock was always available before the pandemic. We never needed to think about buying from other wholesalers, but now we get deliveries from Parfetts, Bestway and Booker. Then there are local suppliers such as Turner & Wrights that we order from as well. Build relationships with as many wholesalers as possible instead of just trading with one. Share it out. “Also, think ahead and shop ahead. How much can you invest in the future? It’s been quite a learning curve on how to adapt to the situation. We were seeing panic buying, which was leaving gaps, but do we relax our buying now things are getting back to normal? We’re still very wary. The pandemic has made us more alert and kept us thinking ahead.”

Trudy Davies, Woosnam & Davies News, Llanidloes, Powys

“IT’S highlighted to me that it is so important to help each other in the community to thrive. The old saying about no man being an island is the same in retail. We can sometimes think of other shops as the competition, but sometimes you can work hand in hand to bene�it each other’s business. The more variety you have in your local area, the more it encourages people to come to your local area. “We have a Blakemore-supplied shop next door to us. They’re three times our size. But we’re not selling the same stuff as them. You never know what you’re going to �ind in our store. It’s not a case of us working against each other, it’s a way of enhancing the enticement for customers to come to our town. It’s a network, like a tree with loads of branches, all interconnected. The pandemic has taught us the value of things without the cost. You’ve got to look ahead and think differently.”

In the next issue, the Retail Express team find out how retailers have adapted to the new Natasha’s Law legislation. If you have any problems you’d like us to explore, email charles.whitting@newtrade.co.uk

ACADEMY IN ACTION

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We’re here to help. Call 020 7689 0500

Names: Shop: Location: Size: Staff:

PARTNER ADVICE

ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability continues to evolve, and everyone has a role to play. Suraj and Tejal can lead by example by making environmentally positive changes to their store.

In the final part of our 10-week programme, the IAA and JTI UK visit SURAJ AND TEJAL AGATH to help reduce their environmental impact

OPERATING sustainably is a key part of retailing, and many will choose a store they know is actively doing its best to do its bit for the environment. Retailers doing this will have a price-reduction process in place to cut waste or donate food to a nearby food bank. Suraj and Tejal Agath have run Whissendine Shop & Post Office in Oakham for the past three years, in a village of around 2,500 residents. The retailers recycle all their paper and cardboard, and donate all their fruit and veg, but their biggest challenge is finding new, cost-effective ways to improve their sustainability. How can the IAA and JTI UK help?

Want to know more? To see more of Suraj and Tejal’s shop, and find out how you can improve your store, go to betterRetailing.com/Academy-in-Action

Suraj and Tejal Agath Whissendine Village Shop & Post Office Oakham, Leicestershire 1,100sq ft One full-time, one part-time

Ruth Forbes Sustainability Director JTI UK

YOUR ACTION PLAN 1 Walk your store as a customer

Use the benchmarks below as a checklist to see what you’re doing well

2 Benchmark your shop

WHY I TAKE PART

Head to betterRetailing.com/benchmark to use our online tool and see how you can improve

Operating more sustainably is crucial to protecting future generations. If we lower our waste and energy, and increase our recycling rather than throw things away, our planet will be better off. The advice given by Ruth was insightful and something we could implement straight away. Our next steps are to introduce battery recycling to benefit our customers and drive footfall.

Do you separate and recycle all packaging (e.g cardboard or plastic) in store from any food waste?

IAA ADVICE Helping shoppers to reuse and recycle

Limiting packaging and using plastic alternatives

Working with suppliers to run a more sustainable business

Suraj and Tejal recycle paper and cardboard, and encourage customers to bring their own to the shop, but they want to expand this and become a recycling hub. What advice does Ruth have for them?

Suraj and Tejal used to offer loose fruit and veg, but reverted to plastic during the first lockdown to reassure customers. Now restrictions have eased, they want to limit packaging, but aren’t sure where to start.

Some of Suraj and Tejal’s stock is bought on a sale-or-return basis, which keeps waste to a minimum, or arrives in plastic packaging, but feel they could do more to cut plastic usage. How can they achieve this?

Ruth says: “Reducing waste and recycling is the first step to becoming more sustainable. A clothing bank can drive footfall and some will pay you for what’s collected. Suraj and Tejal can also apply for a batterycollection box. They can have it picked up when it’s full, encouraging customers to think about recycling and drive footfall.”

Ruth says: “Shoppers are environmentally conscious, and offering products loose, such as pasta, is a good way to limit packaging. By engaging with customers about the products they’d like to see loose through social media and in store, it’s more likely customers will react positively to any changes, maintaining sales.”

Ruth says: “Suraj and Tejal have a strong range that caters to their customers’ needs. But as customers lower their environmental impact, it’s crucial to ensure you’re making positive changes, too. Working with suppliers to reduce waste will enable you to stand out and remain competitive.”

ACTION Investigate offering more recycling options for customers, such as a clothing bank or battery collection.

ACTION Ask customers on social media and in store what products they’d like to see loose.

ACTION Talk to suppliers about what they can do to help you become a more sustainable business.

Do you have a price-reduction procedure to sell items instead of throwing them out? Do you have energy-efficient equipment such as LED lights or fridges with doors? Do you offer facilities for your customers to recycle things such as cardboard, batteries or clothing? Do you share details of your experiences so your community and/or peers can learn from you?

3 Pick one thing to improve Write it down, implement it and let us know how you get on using #IAA

MINIMISE YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Visit betterRetailing.com/IAA to find ways to run a more sustainable business and see how you can improve in nine other categories

Look out for Retail Express on 25 January to find out how the first Academy in Action retailer has benefitted from the IAA advice given

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TOP PRODUCTS OF 2021

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

THIS YEAR’S BESTSELLERS RETAIL EXPRESS talks to retailers and suppliers about the brands and products that have sold best for them this year

RETAILER

WHERE SALES WERE FOUND THE past year was as tumultuous and difficult as the previous one, with Covid-19 still playing havoc with people’s lives and schedules, coupled with product and delivery shortages and a host of other challenges. It also brought considerable opportunities for retailers and suppliers alike. England’s successful charge at the postponed Euros saw a range of new products and new promotions come to the fore that retailers were well placed to take advantage of.

Additionally, there were plenty of trends that brands were keen to push and celebrate, with healthy living becoming increasingly important, along with sustainability awareness, while the thirst for new and interesting flavours and varieties also drove innovation in a variety of categories. “A key thing we are seeing this year is that consumers today are more aware and informed than ever,” says Celine Grena, European BASES leader at NielsenIQ. “As a result, they expect more from their prod-

ucts – whether that’s health benefits, sustainability, locality or convenience – and consumers are willing to pay a premium to get it. “The most successful activation strategies use multiple trade and media touchpoints to address the full breadth of their potential consumers. “As sustainability and health trends continue to drive buying habits, the retailers that can tap into these opportunities by stocking quality innovations in store will be set for success.”

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Peter Bhadal Londis Woodhouse Street, Leeds

the stat

27%

The year-on-year growth of flavours in stimulant drinks

“THE vegan and dairy-free market has exploded. Everyone is keen and their attitudes have changed to look at healthier meat-free diets. We work with a coffee machine company called My Coffee Station and they’re launching a dairy-free alternative in the machine. The next big thing is sustainability and thinking about that and where businesses can get on-trend for that. Consumers are looking at that now, particularly with packaging. The next 12 months will be interesting.”

TOP PRODUCTS OF 2021

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GET ON THE TRENDS QUICKLY FOR some retailers, there were products that flashed in the pan and did well, enabling them to take advantage of a craze while it was hot, before pushing it back to the normal shelves. Faraz Iqbal, from Premier Linktown Local in Kirkcaldy, Fife, set his store up as a place where brands – spirits in particular – could launch new products because he could promote it effectively on Facebook. “Sometimes I think we’ve become a bit of an influencer in our area for some products. “Some suppliers come to me directly and ask if we want to

do something on Facebook. If you put a post on Facebook and people are looking for it, if they know they can get it with you and get it first, that’s a big win. “People were ordering deliveries just for one product. Sometimes it doesn’t work, but it’s about being short and sharp – get it in and get it out if it’s not working.” For Meten Lakhani, from St Mary’s Supermarket in Southampton, a nostalgic push by Mars Wrigley, which launched Starburst with the old Opal Fruits branding, allowed him to take advantage of an already popular product that had added appeal for a certain generation.

“Another win for us was when Starburst brought out the old Opal Fruits retro branding. All our customers aged over 35 were buying into the nostalgia of the name. We targeted those customers and it worked really well,” he says. To make the most of these trends, it’s essential for retailers to read trade press, talking to other retailers and keeping up with movements on social media channels such as Instagram and TikTok. The Little Moons craze, for example, was largely driven by posts on TikTok, enabling retailers familiar with the platform to act quickly and benefit.

Social media allows retailers to follow trends and find new products, but it is also a platform to promote the on-trend products they’re stocking. “If a product comes out and is trending well, we use our social media pages to market that and tell people that we’ve got it in store,” says Bobby Singh, from BB Nevision Superstore in Pontefract, West Yorkshire. “I think social media has been and is still a big marketing tool for retailers. “Retailers have a bit of a learning curve to keep on top of what’s trending, what’s happening and what’s not happening regarding social media.”

New food launches in 2021 Nature Valley Protein Soft Bakes General Mills added Nature Valley Protein Soft Bakes to its Nature Valley Protein range. Launched at the start of this year and available in two flavours, Oats & Honey and Blueberry & Almond, this product followed research that found 38% of consumers who eat cereal bars for breakfast were looking for protein content. Nature Valley Protein Soft Bakes contain 8.4g of protein per bar. Cadbury Caramilk Mondelez International introduced Cadbury Caramilk after success in Australia. Made with white chocolate and caramel flavouring, with a smooth texture and sourced from 100% sustainable cocoa, it is available in multiple formats – including a single bar to drive impulse sales. “Cadbury Caramilk is helping retailers to recruit new shoppers with its unique taste from a trusted, recognisable brand, tapping into a much-loved Australian chocolate classic,” says Susan Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelez International. Cadbury Twirl Orange Mondelez made the Twirl Orange a permanent line in February following limited-edition runs in 2019 and 2020 that saw it become the number-one-selling new singles line, as well as one of the fastest-selling chocolate bars of the year. The supplier has since bolstered that launch with the October launch of a 60p price-marked pack (PMP), amid a wider trend towards chocolate-orange flavours.

RETAILER

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Little Moons While not a new product, Little Moons mochi ice cream became an essential part of many retailers’ offering after its popularity rocketed on TikTok. At the craze’s peak, Londis Ferme Park Road retailer Kirti Patel was selling 25 cases per week, and though the hype has died down, they remain a permanent fixture in store, selling five or six boxes across six varieties.

Meten Lakhani, St Mary’s Supermarket, Southampton

Plant-based bars Nestlé and Mondelez launched vegan-friendly versions of established chocolate brands with KitKat V and Cadbury Plant Bar, the latter in two varieties. Nestlé said a vegan KitKat was its most frequently requested new product on social media, while Mondelez cited the increasing participation in Veganuary, with 2021 seeing double the number of participants than the year before.

“THE Little Moons craze did really well in our store, while disposable vapes have done fabulously as well. Flavoured spirits were also strong. There was a Smirnoff Raspberry flavour that came out and did really well. The students love it. If it’s pink or blue, they’ll buy it. Those sorts of products have been very popular.”

Rustlers and Rollover plant-based burgers Food to go brands Rustlers and Rollover have also recognised the growing interest in plant-based food, each launching a meat-free burger made with pea protein. Currently, the meat-free category is worth £648.4m, and 27% of consumers who have never purchased a free-from or meat alternative product plan to do so. Both products aim to attract shoppers with a taste that mimics meat.

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TOP PRODUCTS OF 2021

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Faraz Iqbal Premier Linktown Local, Kirkcaldy, Fife “SPIRITS and chocolates were the stand-out for me. Last year was orange, but mint launches were strong. “Spirits always do well for me, so if there’s a new spirit out, I’ll put it on the shelf and it will sell. All of Au Vodka flavours have been good sellers. Dragon Soop has been a good seller and the JJ Whitley Blue Raspberry Vodka has done very well for me.”

RETAILER

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Bobby Singh BB Nevision Superstore, Pontefract, West Yorkshire “WE’VE had new products – the new flavours in alcohol, specifically from Smirnoff and Au Vodka – that have done well. They’ve been good sellers. There have been others that have come out and not done as well. The main one that sticks in the mind that was a success is Little Moons.”

DRinks launches in 2021

Caramel Latte Iced Coffee This year, Boost added a new Caramel Latte Iced Coffee flavour to its iced coffee range. “The ready-to-drink iced coffee market is worth £30m, growing at 28% volume and 28% value year on year, and after a strong summer for the category, we can expect sales to stay steady as we head into the winter months,” says Boost’s Adrian Hipkiss. Boost Mango 250ml In April, Boost added to its energy flavours portfolio with Mango 250ml Energy. “This ontrend Mango flavour is one of the fastest-growing flavours in the energy drink category, growing at 22% year on year in volume sales,” says Hipkiss. Lucozade Alert Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) launched Lucozade Alert this year. Available in Tropical and cherry flavours, and featuring naturally sourced caffeine and vitamin B3, it was launched in response to the growth of stimulant drinks. “It’s an insight-led launch. It came about from the fact that stimulant drinks is the fastest-growing soft drinks segment in recent years, with 75% of adults reporting concerns about tiredness,” says Matt Gouldsmith, channel director, wholesale at SBF GB&I. F’real Salted Caramel F’real added its eighth milkshake flavour this year with Salted Caramel and saw 250,000 cups sold since it was launched in May. “When deciding on new flavour additions to the F’real range, we spent a lot of time in research and development, with Salted Caramel coming out as one of the topmost requested,” says Isla Owen, senior marketing manager at F’real. Jameson Orange The UK’s number-one Irish whiskey branched out into flavours for the first time with its new Orange variety. As Jameson is growing in off-trade value at 20%, and flavoured spirits have driven 80% of all new spirits product sales in the off-trade in the past two years, supplier Pernod Ricard UK says Jameson Orange is well suited for younger shoppers looking for new experiences. Monster’s new lines At the start of the year, Monster had delivered more than half of energy drinks’ £148.2m growth in the past two years. To maintain momentum, supplier Coca-Cola Europacific Partners launched four new varieties, and later an on-pack promotion with video game Apex Legends. “That category is flying out and it helps with Monster bringing out new flavours,” says Andrew Newton, of Nisa Colley Gate in Halesowen. Red Bull Cactus Fruit Red Bull added to its Editions range with Cactus Fruit, which it made a permanent line following a limited-edition summer launch that saw it sell more than 1.5 million cans, accounting for 29% of the brand’s £7.3m value growth. This is the second consecutive year that Red Bull has made a limited summer edition drink a permanent line, following Red Edition. Guinness 0.0 With the no- and low-alcohol category now worth £150m in the UK off-trade, Diageo relaunched Guinness 0.0, after a limited supermarket run in October 2020. Samantha Coldbeck, of Wharfedale Premier in Hull, says it has been well received. “Non-alcoholic beer always got a bit of a panning for tasting nothing like the original, but we’re getting a lot of good customer feedback about the Guinness,” she says. Smirnoff’s fruity vodkas Smirnoff Raspberry Crush generated £6m in sales in its first 10 weeks from launch, as supplier Diageo looked to attract new shoppers to vodka. It plans to build on this success with the recent launch of a Mango & Passionfruit Twist variety, available exclusively from Booker ahead of wider convenience expansion in March 2022. Gordon’s and Tanqueray 0.0% Diageo launched two alcohol-free gins across popular brands Gordon’s and Tanqueray. The supplier says the former is the off-trade’s top-selling alcohol-free spirit, and has also launched an alcohol-free version of its popular Gordon’s Gin & Tonic ready-to-drink can. The supplier estimates that low- and no-alcohol options will deliver 23% of total adult drinks growth up to 2024.

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TOP PRODUCTS OF 2021

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

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David Wyatt Shell Crawley Down, West Sussex “CIDERS have jumped on the flavour bandwagon over the past few years and sales of flavoured ciders have gone through the roof. I’ve lost count of the amount of new KitKat varieties there now are, but they all sell well. “There was some weird and wonderful stuff that came in from Walkers for the football Euros tournament during the summer. It wasn’t a new product, but it was an extension of their range.”

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Anish Panchmatia Spar Wylde Green, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands “LAST year was obviously the year of the chocolateorange flavour, and that followed through this year. Yorkie did well with their orange chocolate bar, but there hasn’t been any one product that has done amazingly, where I can stand back and say, ‘That was sick.’”

top trends 2021 International products “I think for us the Japanese market worked very well,” says retailer Bobby Singh. “US candy was a biggie at one stage, but now you’ve got Japanese soft drinks and candies that have come into play. I think Little Moons was a big player as well, and that originated from abroad. These products have been quite big trending products.” Flavoured drinks “Flavours continue to be a big trend in 2021, particularly in the soft drinks sector. Flavours now make up 36% of the stimulation market and are in 27% growth year on year, with more than a third of shoppers revealing they make their purchase based on flavours alone,” says Adrian Hipkiss, marketing and international business director at Boost Drinks. Meat-free “The Vera meat-free range has worked really well for us,” says Peter Bhadal, from Londis Woodhouse Street in Leeds. “I keep that as a regular line now. I tried it first. There are so many more meat-free options out there, offering far more alternatives. The new generation that’s coming up are especially keen on meat-free products. There are definitely opportunities for businesses to look at expanding that range and taking advantage.” Younger consumers “Cans of seltzers such as White Claw, and RTDs from the likes of Bacardi and Smirnoff, have gone down really well,” says retailer David Wyatt, of Shell Crawley Down in West Sussex. “It’s certainly a trend. Ale sales have gone down and cocktail sales have gone up. I think that type of product does sit better with the younger generation. They don’t smoke, but they like the flavoured e-cigarettes.” Healthy eating “We have noticed a shift in snacking habits as consumers are demanding more permissible options, with healthier snack bars forecast to grow by 14% over the next three years as confectionery and sweet biscuits become a smaller part of the snacking repertoire,” says Roisin Witort, marketing manager for snacking at General Mills. “This trend has been fuelled by the coronavirus pandemic, with 80% of consumers saying they will make greater attempts to stay healthier as a result of Covid-19.”

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CATEGORY ADVICE SUSTAINABILITY

HOW TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE IN 2022 Sustainability will continue to be a talking point among suppliers and consumers alike, but where should retailers start as the year ends? TAMARA BIRCH finds out

WHY SHOULD YOU INVEST IN SUSTAINABILITY? “RETAILERS need to have propositions that will deliver profit into the future and provide more ethical, higher quality and more environmentally friendly ranges that delight their future customers,” says a spokesperson at Zero Waste Refill Hub. It’s no secret that independent retailers should be making changes to improve their sustainability, but the reality is it needs to be a profitable move for your business. So, why should you invest in sustain-

ability initiatives in 2022? Caroline Morris, head of sales at Barbecue brand BarBe-Quick, says: “Investing in sustainability is a way for retailers to gain an advantage within the market. A large, growing number of consumers want to be part of sustainability conversations – and will be drawn to stores they know cater to their needs and align with their values. “Consumers are also willing to pay a premium for highquality, sustainable products –

a key driver for sales growth.” It’s simple to think that operating more sustainably means huge investments, and while this can ring true, starting small is a vital first step. Looking into ways to reduce waste is profitable and improves your sustainability credentials. It’s also worth considering delegating these tasks to staff members to ensure the initiatives continue. Being sustainable in general will help to drive footfall, but only if retailers offer strong

communication about their efforts – or include them in their sustainability journey. A social media post can help to reach a wider audience and can be a poll about something specific. For example, if you were to host a community clean-up, hold a poll about whether they’d participate. You can then follow this up with a second post offering a couple of suggested dates and times. Following the community clean-up, make sure to update your customers on how it went.

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

CATEGORY ADVICE SUSTAINABILITY

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

START SMALL REDUCING waste is, and continues to be, a core focus area for retailers to reduce overhead costs and their environmental impact. In a sustainability event run by Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) and Retail Express publisher Newtrade Media, Atul Sodha, of Londis Peverills in Uxbridge, Middlesex, pledged to join the Too Good To Go app. He says: “As a result of SBF GB&I’s and Newtrade Media’s event, and the ideas I heard from other retailers, I’m looking into new ways to reduce food waste. To do this, we’re going to join the food wastage app Too Good to Go. We also plan to donate any food we don’t sell by doing things like donating it as animal feed to animals at a nearby farm.” The Too Good To Go app currently has 7.2 million UK users, and 8.1 million bags of food have been sold through the app from UK businesses. By joining the app, retailers can not only reduce wastage, saving overall costs, but also one ‘magic bag’ saves 2.5kg of CO2 – the same that would be produced by charging 320 smartphones. Retailers can join the app as a business by visiting toogoodtogo.co.uk. If you’re hesitant, talk to fellow retailers about their successes with it. Similarly,

try it for a few months and monitor how many bags you sell daily. According to the website, retailers can pre-set their daily quantity of ‘magic bags’ and let it roll into the following week automatically, with no item-by-item uploads necessary, and the company can help set you up. While it’s recommended to offer recycling points for the store, have you considered branching outside the traditional recycling offerings of cardboard and plastic? Introducing a clothing bank outside the store can drive footfall, while also increasing community recycling. Retailers can request a permanent clothing bank from Planet Aid UK or schedule a one-off clothes collection for their employees by emailing info@planetaid-uk.org. Similarly, retailers can introduce a battery collection point. This will help to drive footfall to store, encouraging top-up shops, while helping the environment, especially during key periods, such as Christmas, when batteries are typically used more.

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ARE YOUR PRODUCTS RECYCLABLE? RETAILERS are calling for supplier input to help drive sustainability efforts. Himansu Patel, of Londis Parkhouse Road in Shipton Bellinger, Tidworth, says: “If suppliers or manufacturers want to encourage retailers to be more sustainable, or launch a programme that helps with this, I’ll be interested in helping. “I’ve always been an avid recycling person, and having moved from London to here, I’ve noticed a lot more is recy-

cled in London than Tidworth.” Suppliers are making changes to their products, whether by removing plastic from alcohol and replacing it with cardboard or transitioning to 100% recycled material. For example, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners rolled out 100% rPET 500ml bottles across its range. Similarly, SBF GB&I made Lucozade Energy bottle wrappers transparent so they could be recycled across the UK. In alcohol, Heineken

launched its 100% plastic-free cardboard topper, the Green Grip, across thousands of UK retailers in August 2020. “The Green Grip is a 100% plastic-free, recyclable and compostable cardboard topper for multipack cans that uses sustainably sourced cardboard in place of plastic rings and shrink wrapping,” explains Toby Lancaster, category and shopper marketing director at Heineken UK. However, the carry-hole on the packag-

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ing has come under criticism from some retailers, which Heineken has been dealing with directly. Mondelez International has removed 192 tonnes of packaging and will continue to do so in 2022. Susan Nash, trade communications manager at Mondelez, says: “By removing and reducing plastic from our snacking ranges, we’re optimising packaging design and reducing plastic waste.”

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Susan Nash, trade communications manager, Mondelez International “AT Mondelez, we are making sure our snacks are right for people and the planet – from the raw materials we rely on to the communities we’re a part of and the climate we need to care for. We hold ourselves accountable with transparent programmes and clear goals. “For example, we have reduced our environmental impact by switching to 100% renewable energy at six of our UK manufacturing sites this year, while we have reduced our total manufacturing waste globally by 30% so far. Finally, we are sourcing our ingredients as sustainably as possible. All of the cocoa used in Cadbury chocolate confectionery, for example, is sourced through Cocoa Life, our sustainable supply chain programme that is transforming the lives and livelihoods of cocoa farmers. For more information on our company’s sustainability initiatives, retailers can visit mondelezinternational.com/snacking-made-right.”

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CATEGORY ADVICE SUSTAINABILITY

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR SUPPLIERS IN 2022? WHILE many are making updates to their products, suppliers are also making changes to their production line and have announced how they plan on driving sustainability initiatives. For example, JTI UK launched its UK Environmental Plan 2030 and plans to continue its work towards several ambitious sustainability targets across five focus areas: emissions, energy, waste, water and

stakeholder engagement. “This includes pledging to become net zero in our UK operations by 2030 – 20 years ahead of the government’s current deadline,” says Ruth Forbes, sustainability director at JTI UK. “We’re also committed to increasing recycling rates of general waste to 75% and reducing general waste by 20% – helping to save 22.8 tonnes of waste being generated and

recycling an additional 21.2 tonnes each year by 2030.” Meanwhile, the Southern Co-op is using technology developed by motor racing engineers and putting it to use in its fridges. Gemma Lacey, director of sustainability and communications, says: “The technology, developed by motor racing engineer Wirth Research, is expected to lead to significant reductions in CO2 emissions

as it uses the same technique used to direct airflow efficiently around racing cars.” Jack Matthews, owner of Bradley’s Supermarket in Quorn, Leicestershire, invested in such technology for his chillers following his most recent refit. Anita Nye, of Premier Eldred Drive Stores in Orpington, Kent, pledged to research a similar innovation at the SBF GB&I sustainability event in August.

IS LOCAL THE WAY FORWARD? BUYING locally or using local suppliers can be better for the environment. However, a study in 2019 by the Thomson Reuters Foundation found that shoppers might be better off buying produce from South America or Kenya than buying local products that rely on fossil fuels. The study claims that a consumer driving more than six miles to purchase 1kg of fresh produce will generate more greenhouse gas emissions than air-freighting 1kg of produce from Kenya. While it’s not a bad idea to stock local produce, as it can reduce emissions elsewhere by re-

ducing wholesaler deliveries and offer a point of difference, it’s worth researching a new suppliers’ practices and finding out if they’re being as sustainable as they can be. If they aren’t, ask them if it’s in their future plans to do so, whether it’s investing in energy-efficient equipment or using less plastic on their products. Communication with your suppliers is vital and while it won’t instantly increase your sustainability credentials, it could start a conversation in being more responsible, resulting in key improvements to your supply chain.

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Matt Gouldsmith, channel director, wholesale, Suntory Beverage & Food GB&I “BECOMING more sustainable is important for the future of the planet, but for retailers, it can be a great way to attract new customers and retain existing footfall, as well as save money. “We teamed up with Energy Saving Trust and Derbyshire retailer Amit Patel on a major project to show how small changes can make a big difference in making stores more environmentally and financially sustainable. The changes made in store will help Patel save an amazing £600 a year. These savings help show that by making changes that benefit both their local community and the wider world, convenience retailers in the UK could cumulatively save an astonishing £28.3m every single year. Some of the changes we made include updating an old monitor used to display CCTV footage with a more modern, energy-efficient model and introducing a sensor to ensure that lights used in lessused areas such as the stockroom are turned off when they aren’t being used.”

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

DEPOSIT RETURN SCHEME: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW THERE are a lot of simple ways retailers can become more sustainability-friendly, whereas the introduction of a deposit return scheme (DRS) will be tougher to implement. First minister Nicola Sturgeon announced Scotland will be the first part of the UK to introduce the scheme for drinks containers in 2017. However, four years later, we are no closer to a confirmed implementation date. The scheme will result in consumers paying a deposit of 20p when they buy a drink in a single-use container, and then have it refunded when they return the empty bottle or can, including plastic, metal and glass. All retailers that sell drinks will have a legal requirement to accept returns. Scheme administrator Circularity Scotland Limited (CSL), made up of drink suppliers and trade associations, will pay a handling fee per container to returnpoint operators, reflecting the costs incurred. However, the handling fee level is yet to be announced, making it difficult for stores to prepare. Earlier this year, CSL interim director Donald McCalman admitted “intense debates” had

taken place with producers over the cost. Stores can participate by either installing a reverse vending machine (RVM), which automates returns, or handle bottles manually through a take-back scheme over the counter. Although the scheme is intended to be cost-neutral for all parties involved, retailers will still have to come up with the cash initially. RVM suppliers have prioritised convenience stores in the production of their machines, regarding size, as well as offering lease-hire agreements to make them more affordable. However, Tomra’s vice president for sales & marketing, Mark Brill, predicts 90% of convenience stores won’t automate using an RVM. He said stores selling more than 2,000 beverage containers per week should consider a RVM, but those selling less should offer a manual returns system. Retailers have also expressed concern over this method, referencing space and frequency of collections, something CSL said it would announce next year. Bottles returned manually will also need to be clean of any liquid, and retailers will be

top tips Ruth Forbes, sustainability director at JTI UK, gives four sustainable ideas to implement in 2022 Reduce plastic bags “Opting for refillable solutions on goods where possible can really make a difference.” Convert to digital paperwork “Converting to digital paperwork is another great solution for retailers. JTI recently moved to digital invoicing in the independent channel, so retailers can now choose to sign up to receive their paperwork digitally rather than on a till roll.” Focus on food waste “We’ve heard some fantastic lengths retailers are going to to reduce food waste. From partnering with great foodwaste apps, which can be a positive way for retailers to recuperate some capital back from food that would otherwise be wasted, to supporting local charities, such as those helping people who are homeless.” Speak to waste contractors “We encourage retailers to speak to waste contractors about any food waste that is still left over. We have been working to reduce food waste at our JTI UK HQ office in Weybridge, and anything we do have that is left over goes into anaerobic digestion, which naturally breaks down all the nutrients to create gases and by-products, which, in turn, become energy and fertiliser. Our used cooking oils are collected, treated and turned into biodiesel.”

given tools to scan each bottle by CSL. More so, retailers will be required to put in extra safety measures when handling glass bottles. Legislation claims retailers can legitimately decline to accept returned containers if dirty, not empty and not intact. It’s important to highlight, stores can apply for an exemption from participating in the scheme at all, as well as strike up a partnership with a supermarket, but there is still no information on how many stores have applied.

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As for the scheme rolling out elsewhere in the UK, the Irish government published its draft regulations last month, after years of discussion. No level of deposit has been specified, but it will apply to PET bottles and cans up to three litres. Whereas a rollout in England and Wales has been pushed back until late 2024, more details are expected to be revealed when the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs publishes its consultation results, which closed in the summer.

Himansu Patel, Londis Parkhouse Road, Shipton Bellinger, Tidworth “WHOLESALERS have their own practices and procedures to deal with cardboard, plastic and packaging. But I’m ensuring that as much plastic goes into recycling as possible, rather than general waste. We’re the end of the line, so whatever we can recycle through Londis is better for us, too. “We’ve noticed a lot of alcohol companies have gone from plastic to cardboard, which is great, but this could present an issue down the line with increased cardboard usage if people don’t recycle it. Usually, it comes down to how customers dispose of their rubbish. For example, plastic isn’t generally recycled in our area, but cardboard is accepted nationwide. That’s helping us and helping our customers to do as much as they can.”

CATEGORY ADVICE VEGAN, VEGETARIAN & FREE-FROM

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 betterRetailing.com

MAKING THE MOST OF FREE-FROM JASPER HART explores the growing world of vegan, vegetarian and free-from products

A GROWING TREND INCREASING numbers of customers continue to show an interest in vegan foods. Crucially, says Hannah Morter, marketing manager for customer insight and category management at Country Choice, the change is being driven by those easing themselves into the category, rather than making a complete lifestyle change, which increases the potential number of customers that retailers can attract. “Our data suggests that

while only 1.2% of the population follow a fully vegan diet, 35% of UK consumers make a point of regularly having meatfree meals – a figure that has increased hugely over the past few years,” she says. “The growth in flexitarian eating is also evident from the increase in sales of meat-free products and meals, something that cannot be explained by vegan growth alone.” Meat-free options aren’t the only alternatives consumers

are looking at, either. When it comes to other food categories, from confectionery to spreads, there is a growing cohort of shoppers looking for free-from options. Saputo Dairy UK’s dairy-free spreads are worth £49.6m, having increased by 45% year on year, while its dairy-free cheese alternatives have increased in value by 17% to £50.6m in the same period. “Demand for dairy alternatives is no longer driven by medical necessity, but rather

has become a lifestyle habit and we feel is entering the mainstream,” says Emilie Grundy, marketing controller at Saputo Dairy UK. The new year is a great time for retailers to test the waters of their free-from category, with new years’ resolutions and Veganuary a time when many shoppers explore the category for the first time. Veganuary saw 500,000 participants in 2021, more than double the previous year.

CATEGORY ADVICE VEGAN, VEGETARIAN & FREE-FROM

CUSTOMER TRENDS YOUNGER generations are behind the rising interest in vegan, vegetarian and free-from meals. “We’ve found that plantbased vegan purchasing is driven by 18-to-45-year-olds, while those aged 18-24 are most likely to adopt the diet and are the heaviest users, with older purchasers more likely to dip into the category,” says John Want, sales, marketing and R&D director at Rich’s. Research from the supplier found that 49% chose ‘helping the planet’ as the key factor behind adopting a vegan diet,

while the top choice for vegetarians was compassion for animals. Samantha Coldbeck, of Wharfedale Premier in Hull, sees this demographic influence on category uptake as the key reason why vegan and vegetarian alternative sales haven’t quite taken off in her store. “We predominantly serve families and the elderly, and we’re not near a university. We had the Chicago Town vegan pizza and sold one or two a week. It just didn’t justify the space we gave it,” she says.

Make sure your free-from range reflects your customer base. Coldbeck has made inroads with dairy-free milk alternatives. “The supermarkets offer a good range and it’s easy for customers to understand because they’ve got the area to play with. We pick up the distress purchases. That’s where we’ve tapped into it with milks – they’re something people want more than once a week,” Coldbeck adds. “It’s mostly families with children with intolerances. It tends to be more dietary than a chosen lifestyle.”

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IMPULSE DECISIONS VEGAN, vegetarian and freefrom options currently favour the take-home shopper, especially in the non-dairy segment. The total value of non-dairy drinks in the UK stands at £387m, with convenience contributing £63m, and its 17.4% annual growth outpacing the overall category’s 13% increase. “Unlike flavoured milk drinks, where on-the-go formats account for 78% of sales, within non-dairy, on-the-go sales equate to just 1.9% of total sales,” says Michelle Frost, general manager at

Mars Chocolate Drinks and Treats. “While at-home consumption is likely to remain the mainstay for the category, we believe that consumers will increasingly look for out-of-home vegan flavoured alternatives, replicating milk drink shoppers.” While that figure is low, a retailer who can time the addition of alternatives to their range correctly can ensure repeat custom as the trend towards vegan and free-from products increases. Mars’ push into non-dairy flavoured milk drinks is part

RANGING AND MERCHANDISING AS the range of vegan, vegetarian and free-from products now spans nearly every applicable food and drink category, retailers need to consider how they approach presenting these in store. “Empower consumers to understand their choices. You can do this through integrated and segregated merchandising options,” says Gabriella Egleton, senior brand manager at Kervan Gida UK. “For example, you may opt to include a vegan gummy sweet in your standard confectionery aisle (integrated)

while also stocking a freefrom confectionery line in your standalone free-from section (segregated),” she says. Some chilled vegan products will share shelf space with non-vegan options, so they need to be clearly blocked to avoid accidental purchasing by vegan and non-vegan shoppers, especially with the rise of imitation vegan foods. Retailers should also highlight the product on social media, not least with young adult shoppers the most likely to look for vegan, vegetarian and free-from options.

of a wider trend of vegan and free-from alternatives emulating their counterparts to make them more appealing to shoppers interested in the category. This year has had several launches conforming to this trend across categories, with plant-based bars from KitKat and Cadbury, and burgers made with pea protein from Rollover and Rustlers, while confectionery wholesaler Hancocks’ expanded range of Veganuary sweets is designed to appeal to vegans and non-vegans alike.

John Want, sales marketing and R&D director, Rich’s “THERE’S been huge growth in flexitarian diets in recent years, to the extent that plant-based vegan has gone beyond being just a trend – it’s a key marker within the UK’s food and drink landscape. It’s not just from a rise in vegans, as 86% of sweet ISB bakery plantbased vegan eating occasions in the UK are eaten by consumers embracing a flexitarian diet, showing a willingness from shoppers to flex their diets and add free-from products to their basket, across all categories. “More people signed up to Veganuary 2021 than ever before, and this was a catalyst for trying alternatives, mainly plant milks, meat and poultry alternatives, and vegan cheese. “While there is still plenty of scope for vegan bakery to grow its presence in supermarkets, we expect the number of plant-based ready meals, snacks and cooking ingredients to increase come January. Our own research showed that 17% of Brits are looking for dairy-free alternatives, with people increasingly flexing between different eating habits and diets.”

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Licensing

Stocktaking Refrigeration

Chillers and freezer Osaka Stocktakers to independent: (available in 3 doors) Finance available

14 DECEMBER 2021-10 JANUARY 2022 23 FEBRUARY-8 MARCH 2021 betterRetailing.com betterRetailing.com

Grants

State Benefits Support For Advice Disabled & Carers

Help For Children

Almoner Home Visits

Debt Advice

Anxiety Support

BRAND NEW NPD FLAVOUR & FORMAT FROM THE LEADING GUM BRAND FRUITY GUM IS HUGELY INCREMENTAL TO THE GUM CATEGORY

CONSISTENTLY RATED OUTSTANDING IN CHEWING EXPERIENCE WITH CUSTOMERS* OUR BIGGEST COMBINED GUM MARKETING CAMPAIGN OF 2021