Last-minute axing of MoneyGram service to have potential ‘longterm impact’
‘THE JUSTICE SYSTEM DOESN’T CARE IF I DIE’
• Shop owners hunted in their own communities by criminals emboldened by police inaction
• New gures reveal nancial and physical toll of abuse
• EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Police and crime commissioner addresses issues with crime-busting action plan
MINIMUM UNIT PRICING
Wholesalers outline ongoing support for stores during transitioning period
HOT BEVERAGES
Retailers share how to make the most of packaged co ee, tea and hot chocolate
‘THE JUSTICE SYSTEM DOESN’T CARE IF I DIE’
• Shop owners hunted in their own communities by criminals emboldened by police inaction
• New gures reveal nancial and physical toll of abuse
• EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Police and crime commissioner addresses issues with crime-busting action plan
Last-minute axing of MoneyGram service to have potential ‘longterm impact’
Wholesalers outline
LAST month, I attended JTI’s Give Her Engagement event in Birmingham, which was dedicated to empowering and supporting women across independent retail.
Alongside the many leading women retailers in attendance, a handful of male store owners were also invited to learn about the successes, challenges and experiences of their female counterparts.
The event also had talks hosted by several top speakers, providing useful advice.
First up on the day was Tara Boparai, founder of Unlock Your Potential Coaching. In her talk, Boparai highlighted the importance of “showing up” to an event, instead of just turning up. For example, the next time you attend a trade show or event at your nearest cash and carry, go with the mindset of networking with as many people as you can and return to your business with new contacts and ideas.
Natalie Reeve, Retail Express’s head of commercial, later stressed the importance of learning the di erent personalities of sta members. When you’re trying to encourage, or are frustrated with, a sta member, take the time to nd out how they prefer to process information. For example, a shopfloor employee might struggle to take on instruction verbally and favour more visually led methods. Some might need constant encouragement, while others might prefer more independence.
GO WITH THE MINDSET OF SHOWING UP, NOT TURNING UP
Post O ce’s MoneyGram services axed at last minute
JACK COURTEZ
POST Of�ice (PO) branches were given less than a day’s notice that its contract with MoneyGram had come to an end, with the companies failing to agree a last-minute extension.
MoneyGram went down around the world following a cyberattack on 20 Septem-
ber and has been unavailable in PO branches since, pending a review of MoneyGram’s security.
However, a message from PO sent to branches on 30 September said the service would be permanently pulled due to failed negotiations to renew the service.
It also warned the cancellation would harm efforts to un-
derstand how the cyberattack could impact its branches.
The statement read: “The contracting process was in the �inal stages when, unfortunately, MoneyGram suffered the cyberattack.
The statement claimed MoneyGram “has not accepted an offer from PO for a short extension to keep the service live in branches”.
However, MoneyGram hit
back, describing PO’s statement as “misleading”, claiming PO had reneged on a 12-month contract extension after the cyberattack.
A statement from the company said: “We are shocked and disappointed by the message you received from PO.”
Think about how you can use this advice and apply it to your store today.
Ciarán Donnelly
@CiaranDNewtrade 07743 936703
News reporter Alice Brooker
@alice_brooker 07597 588955
7689 3391
020 7689 3384
reporter Dia Stronach 020 7689 3375
GLOBAL convenience giant 7-Eleven has pulled out of another attempt to launch in the UK, according to senior industry sources.
Retail Express understands the Japanese �irm held senior talks with groups such as
Daw 020 7689 3363 Head of
788
Jesson 07807 287 607 Commercial project
I y Afzal 07538 299 205 Account director
Lisa Martin 07951 461 146 Finance manager (maternity cover) Isuri Abeykoon 020 7689 3383
Managing director Parin Gohil 020 7689 3388 Head of digital Luthfa Begum 07909 254 949
However, sources claimed the discussions stalled, with 7-Eleven’s parent company, Seven & I, allegedly deciding the UK convenience market was “too saturated” already.
Covid insurance
RETAILERS who had insurance claims for income loss during the pandemic rejected have been urged to appeal. A Court of Appeal judgement ruled in favour of the London International Exhibition Centre against several insurers.
Cathy Harris, partner at law �irm Clarke Willmott, said the ruling means policy holders no longer need to prove any instances of Covid-19 at their premises during the pandemic was the main cause for government-forced closure.
Some stores claimed they would lose more than £200 pro�it per month as a result of PO ending the service. @retailexpress
A PILOT action plan to tackle underage vaping has been launched.
The three-month pilot by Local Vape Action in Kent was unveiled last week, ahead of a national rollout next year.
Retailers will get frequent visits from trading standards to ensure they are acting responsibly, receiving education on age-veri�ication policies, in-store signage and compliant products. Subsequent visits will be conducted.
THE deposit return scheme (DRS), tobacco age requirement rises and minimum wage increases were some of the issues raised by retailers at the Labour Party conference.
Glasgow-based Premier retailer Mo Razzaq met with MPs in attendance at the conference last month. There were few announcements on measures affecting stores. These are expected to be revealed in the Autumn Budget on 30 October.
Alex Yau, editor
Retailers fear violence at own homes as crime soars
RETAILERS are now facing violent abuse at their own homes, forcing some store owners to consider leaving the sector over alleged inadequate police response.
Last month, Amit Puntambekar, of Ash’s Shop in Fenstanton, Cambridgeshire, posted on social media about how increased threats of violence had forced him out of his own village for safety.
He said: “In January, we banned a prolific shoplifter. After banning the family, his mother came into the store the next morning with a hammer, looking to attack me, muttering, ‘I’ll kill him.’
“Luckily, I wasn’t in the shop at the time, but my two staff members had to deal with the situation. Despite us using the emergency panic alarm, which we pay a premium for, no police arrived within the stated time frame.
“Since January, I’ve been on the fence about whether retail is truly worth it. I went into a dark space, fearful that my parents could be attacked or murdered. The justice system doesn’t care if we die. It is time for us as an industry to stand up and demand better.”
Speaking to Retail Express, Puntambekar said escalated shop crime had also dampened motivation from retailers to contribute to their communities.
Similarly, Co-op had also been forced to help staff relocate after they were being followed home and threatened after confronting thieves.
Co-op public affairs director Paul Gerrard told the House of Lords justice and home affairs committee: “If one of my colleagues gets in the way, they won’t say sorry and walk out, there will be a violent threat.
“We’ve had colleagues lose an eye, or miscarry. This is a level of violence, abuse and threat that nobody in retail has seen before.”
In the multiple’s recent six-month trading results, the company revealed that costs incurred from shoplifting had spiked annually from £33m to £40m.
Fiona and Vince Malone, of Tenby Stores & Post Office in Pembrokeshire, have also made numerous na-
tional TV appearances highlighting the impact of recent retail crime in their store. The issue has cost them £26,000 over the past year, with the majority of shoplifting incidents escalating into violence.
Vince told Retail Express: “Retail crime is having a big impact on us, but we don’t have it as bad as other retailers in major cities, as we’re based in a small sleepy Welsh town.
“Retailers, police, the courts and society need to take a joined-up approach. Retail crime isn’t just shoplifting – it’s much worse now.”
ACS chief executive James Lowman echoed the Malones’ remarks, adding that the trade body had also received reports of shoplifting escalating into violence from repeat offenders.
He told Retail Express: “Retailers are being forced
to strike a balance between providing funding for community projects and trying to recoup losses from theft and other crimes.
“A small minority of criminals are attempting to sour the relationships that retailers have with people in their local area.”
Fed national president Mo Razzaq added: “Real action is needed to stem the overwhelming tide of crime against retailers and their staff.
“While the new Labour government has pledged to act to stem rising levels of abuse and threats against shop workers, we need action, not just words.”
Meanwhile, Sussex police and crime commissioner Katy Bourne told Retail Express a dedicated business crime team had recently been set up in the county, designed to identify prolific offenders in the area.
She told Retail Express: “Retail crime is a priority, and retailers shouldn’t suffer for their livelihoods. In the past few months, the creation of the team has helped create 2,500 positive outcomes, which include community resolutions and punishing offenders out of court. This is a significant year-on-year increase.
“Businesses have become more encouraged to report crime. I have a quarterly meeting with other police and crime commissioners, and the plan is to look at how other areas can tackle retail crime in similar ways.
“How can they follow up more effectively? Are they using technology such as facial recognition enough?
“We also piloted hotspot policing in Worthing where we flood prolific shoplifting areas with police. This has led to a 65% reduction in shoplifting.”
“HAVING products like long-life bread means that if we run out of our fresh bread, then at least we’ve got something for the customers, which provides that reliability and trust for them. We’ve also got kites, footballs and big bubble machines for the garden, and it’s been a really big hit. The area is just so colourful now that the children gravitate towards it and it helps the parents to shop around elsewhere.”
Dalal Al-Bazz, Stannington Post Office, Sheffield
“WE need to carry everything. There’s a metre of personal care products, a metre of babycare products and two metres for household. And then there are the ancillary lines that go with that as well. You don’t need to have a wide range, you just need to have at least one type of everything to give people what they need. In summer, we get lots of tourists and some of our biggest sellers are toothbrushes and toothpaste.”
Joe Williams, The Village Shop, Hook Norton, Oxon
“I HAVE just received an award for my store’s collectables range, which includes products such as Pokémon cards. I was talking with a retailer in in the nearby town of Penarth who’d not thought of offering these products in his store, but there’s no one else in the area doing it and he’s got space behind the counter. They take a while to get sorted as word gets around, but they’re worth it.”
Albany
MORRISONS: The supermarket is to introduce its More loyalty card into Daily stores over the coming months. As reported by The Guardian newspaper last month, the supermarket said it was “actively working” on making the scheme available in its convenience format. A Morrisons spokesperson said: “We’re always working hard to keep prices down and competitive for our customers while maintaining high standards and availability.”
JISP: The loyalty provider said it is in talks with several “significant” retail and wholesale players for a new white-label version of its digital loyalty scheme. Head of communications Alex Rimmer said symbol groups “need to start because the demand is there”.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Jisp’ 8-21
BAD WEEK
NISA: An £8m decline in wholesale profit was blamed by the wholesaler on price investment for partnered stores and a “wider challenging market”. In Co-op’s half-year results, it was also revealed that Nisa’s revenue fell annually by 2.9% to £700m during the period. In comparison, Nisa’s turnover 10 years ago was £1.6bn.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Nisa’
POST OFFICE: Funding from the Post Office to the NFSP will cease from March 2030, with the trade body seeking alternative funding models. A survey from the trade body then asked subpostmasters how much they would pay for NFSP membership.
For the full story, go to betterretailing.com and search ‘Post Office’
Mark Dudden,
Road Post Office, Cardiff
Mark Dudden
ALEX YAU
Retailers risk MUP alcohol breach
ALEX YAU
WHOLESALERS in Scotland continued to sell alcohol that was non-compliant with Scotland’s new 65p minimum unit price (MUP), less than two weeks before its introduction.
Several retailers claimed that Filshill and United Wholesale Scotland had sold spirits with price-marks that became illegal at the end of last month.
Checks by Retail Express on 18 September found non-MUP compliant Glen’s and High Commissioner continued to be stocked by the two wholesalers. These included 70cl Glen’s in a £15.49 PMP, substantially below the £17.07 upcoming MUP.
One retailer, who asked not to be named, said: “I continued to see these packs on sale, and it left retailers with a choice: buy PMP stock that will have
to be priced over, or buy the non-PMP versions that, in my experience, sell at only a third of the rate of the PMP versions. I was concerned many stores would simply not notice, putting them at risk of accidentally breaching the law.”
United Wholesale Scotland managing director Chris Gallacher told Retail Express the firm was not taking back any non-compliant stock but has
available. He said: “We want to ensure customers don’t get the wrong perception and think retailers are ripping them off, which is why we’ve sent out stickers. They will educate customers and reduce the likelihood of any backlash.” Filshill had also ceased sales of non-compliant alcohol in Scotland, and would communicate with customers about the change over the
AG Barr supply chain
firm AG Barr claims retailers are receiving a “more efficient” service from its sales team and supply chain, following the closure of its direct-to-store service in June. The claim was made in
the company’s H2 trading results. It added the integration of Boost Drinks is expected to be completed during the second half of its trading period, “simplifying sales organisation and channel access”.
CHETAN’S NEW SEASIDE DEPOT
CHETAN Wholesale is to offer retailers a more focused range and improved delivery following the opening of its Southend cash and carry next month.
Co-founder Nitin Mandalia told Retail Express the site will have a more consolidated range of impulse and soft drinks products, as well as a dedicated space for value own label. A fleet of larger
Unhealthy food ban
A LEADING convenience trade body has urged the Welsh government to give retailers enough time to prepare for proposed restrictions on unhealthy products. Some stores in Wales will be banned from placing unhealthy products in prominent store locations or promoting them through multi-buy offers under the Food (Promotion and Placement) draft regulations. The Fed urged the Welsh government to be clear on whether symbols would be included.
PRODUCTS
Mars Wrigley’s festive lines
TAMARA BIRCH
MARS Wrigley has unveiled two new lines for its 2024 Christmas range.
M&M’s Crispy Milk
Chocolate Santa Treat and Twix & Friends Medium Selection Box are available to retailers nationwide now.
The Twix & Friends Medium Selection Box features a Twix Milk Chocolate Caramel, a Twix Salted Caramel fun size bar, a Twix White fun size bar, a M&M’s Milk Chocolate fun size bag and a Milky Way Magic Stars fun size bag.
The new product is in festive packaging, to make it suitable for gifting, and will be supported by an £8m
media plan.
Laura O’Neill, Mars Wrigley’s Christmas & gifting senior brand manager, said:
PURITY Soft Drinks has expanded its Peach Tea bottled range with a large 500ml format, after the success of its 300ml bottle, which was launched in August 2023.
According to the latest �igures from IRI, it contains more fruit than other lines in the tea-�lavoured juice market, which is growing ahead of the total soft drinks category year on year. The new format will have attached caps.
Sarah Baldwin, chief executive of Purity Soft Drinks Ltd, said: “Peach Ice Tea 500ml is launching off the back of a summer of success for Juice Burst.
“In recent months, the brand has grown by 6.3%,
RETAILERS can now stock a new alcoholic RTD range from Squeezed, made with vodka and fresh fruit juice. The Squeezed range has launched in Orange,
“We are continually looking to bring new products to the market that cater to evolving consumer demand and drive category growth and excitement.
“Chocolate plays an important role during many key seasonal rituals, from small festive gifts to daily delights and, as such, seasonal gifts are worth £1.8bn of total chocolate value sales.”
WKD has announced a major £2m campaign to help drive autumn awareness of the brand.
48-sheet, 96-sheet and sixsheet posters. Its aim is to reinforce WKD as “the original and the best” RTD brand.
The campaign kicked off at the end of September with outdoor advertising on
There will also be a sampling drive of 150,000 bottles focused on student halls of residence.
Juice Burst expands with Ice Tea 500ml
M&M’s Crispy Milk Chocolate Santa Treat is 29g and has an RRP of 65p, while Twix & Friends Medium Selection Box is 140g with a £2.75 RRP.
which is over six times faster than the total soft drinks category.”
are worth £1.8bn of total Cranberry and Lime & Soda varieties, having made its debut at the Speciality Fine Food Fair in London last month.
It is free from additives, preservatives, added sugar and sweeteners. The 250ml cans are also 100% recyclable aluminium, with zero plastic wrapping involved in the product process.
Retailers interested in stocking Squeezed can register for a trade account at the brand’s website and can apply for a free sample pack containing all three varieties.
KENCO has launched a 95g jar format of its Kenco Gold Indulgence in a bid to drive incremental growth in the coffee category. The product is available from this month and has an RRP of £4.89. According to the supplier, Kenco Gold Indulgence offers a premium experience for the instant category and combines a mix of medium and dark roasted coffee brands, with notes of dark fudge.
Edward Watts, UK&I sales director at Jacobs Douwe Egberts, said: “Instant coffee remains a household staple for consumers, and we’re delighted to be able to introduce the new 95g jar into the convenience sector.”
New indulgent 95g jar of Kenco Gold
Old Jamaica bids a fond farewell
AFTER 34 years, Old Jamaica Ginger Beer is being discontinued, but the manufacturer is launching a ‘Farewell Old Jamaica’ campaign, in partnership with Samy Alliance.
Captain Morgan and
Max team up
DIAGEO has launched a new RTD beverage from Captain Morgan, in partnership with Pepsi Max.
The collaboration is available exclusively to retailers in Great Britain, and comes as the RTD segment is still the fastest-growing within the total alcoholic beverage market, growing by 25%.
It is available in 330ml cans (RRP £2.59), 250ml slimline cans (£2.39 plain and £2.19 PMP) and 6x250ml slimline multipacks (RRP £10). Made with Captain Morgan Original Spiced, it has a 5% ABV.
According to the supplier, 81% of consumers are more likely to purchase an RTD mixed with a branded mixer.
It aims to celebrate the brand and its legacy through tongue-in-cheek videos. To help launch the narrative, the full campaign includes a supporting mix of social, digital and outdoor advertising with surprising creative stunts.
Alfonso Haces, senior global marketing head at Beliv Company, the parent company of Old Jamaica, said: “As we bid farewell, we’re not whispering goodbye – we’re shouting
it from the rooftops with the world’s �irst farewell campaign for a brand.”
SAPUTO Dairy has launched a new Cathedral City High Protein cheddar range across a range of formats to cater to health-conscious shoppers.
The new range contains 30g of protein per 100g and 50% less fat than standard cheddar. Aimed at millennials, Gen
Z and �itness enthusiasts, its launch comes as the UK protein market is projected to reach more than £500m by 2029. It is available in block, sliced, grated and minis formats to cater to different consumption occasions, including on-the-go snacking.
IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE:
• TRENDS • ADVICE
• Countdown to the disposables ban: with six months to go, find out how to sell through your stock and future-proof your range
What to Stock: the must-read guide to knowing the key bestsellers in the next-gen nicotine category
PLUS
Product spotlight: long-fill e-liquids
Quick guide: CBD e-liquids
Regional trends: pre-filled pods
Atul Sodha, Londis Harefield
Vape & Next-Gen Retailer cuts through the noise, giving us verified insight into what’s happening in the market
Order your copy from your magazine wholesaler today or contact Kate Daw on 07886 784465
PRODUCTS
Nestlé’s 2024 festive range
TAMARA BIRCH
NESTLÉ Confectionery’s 2024 Christmas range includes new lines from Smarties, Aero, Milkybar and more.
Among the launches are the Aero Orange Bubble Sharing Pouch and the Smarties Elf Treat Giant Tube, which is a pack of red and green Smarties.
The Milkybar Fairy Lights, a chocolate tablet combining both Milkybar white chocolate with crispy mini milk chocolate to replicate the appearance of fairy lights, also joins the Christmas range.
Also part of this year’s range is Matchmakers Hazelnut, which is free from
arti�icial colours, �lavours and preservatives. Retailers can also stock the new KitKat Advent Calendar.
Nestlé is debuting a new Selection Box, including two Kitkat 4 Finger Bars, KitKat Chunky Peanut Butter,
KitKat Chunky White and KitKat Santa.
Over in white chocolate, Nestlé White Selection box includes Lion Bar White Duo, Smarties White and two KitKat Chunky White bars.
Shoppers will also be
able to buy a limited-edition Quality Street tin this Christmas inspired by the brand’s hometown, Halifax.
FUNKIN Cocktails is aiming for seasonal sales success with the launch of its Deluxe Dessert range. The limitededition line-up is launching in Chocolate Espresso Martini and Black Forest Gateau varieties, both 12% ABV.
The range will be available from wholesale channels “in the coming months”, following a launch in Sainsbury’s. Ashley BirchRuffell, head of brand at Funkin Cocktails, said: “Our goal with this range is to prove cocktails can be as indulgent and satisfying as dessert itself, offering versatility to traditional drinking occasions.”
E&J Gallo has rolled out its Barefoot California Zinfandel to wholesalers nationwide, following a successful launch in Sainsbury’s earlier this year.
The product is 14.5% ABV and contains notes of black cherry and juicy raspberry.
Zinfandel is currently the fourth-most-planted grape variety in California, and USA Zinfandel sales in the UK are up 7.6%.
Mark Stammers, senior sales director EMEA at E&J Gallo, said: “Barefoot is all about creating approachable, �lavourful wines that are �itting for any occasion.
“As the UK’s number-three wine brand, Barefoot is instantly recognisable on shelf.
Gallo goes Barefoot into wholesalers Innocent Drinks
INNOCENT Drinks has revamped the design across its entire portfolio of products.
The new design focuses on simplicity, with the ‘Dude’ logo redrawn with custom woodmark and placed at the centre. The logo is now straighter and integrated with other design elements across juices, core smoothies,
Country Choice’s
new doughnut brand
COUNTRY Choice has launched Boston’s Doughnuts, a new brand, in two formats: hand-topped, and thaw and serve.
The brand’s hand-topped range allows retailers to bring an element of customisation, as well as premiumisation, to their doughnut offer. The products are easy to prepare and are
made from an authentic American-style recipe.
Branded toppings include Lotus Biscoff, Cadbury Oreo, McVitie’s Jaffa Cakes, Jammie Dodgers and Fox’s, as well as three types of chocolate chips, mini beans, fudge pieces and crunchy pieces.
Country Choice’s new sourdough range
the plus range and super smoothies. The new look features natural photography and hand-drawn touches.
Irem Mainwaring, head of brand and portfolio at Innocent Drinks, said: “Realising our packaging wasn’t making it easy for our drinkers to choose was what inspired our new design strategy.”
COUNTRY Choice has added a range of seven premium sourdough products to its range.
The range aims to help retailers tap into the demand for sourdough products, and consists of a sourdough bloomer (RRP £2.70), threecheese sourdough bloomer (RRP £3.25), as well as three inclusion breads, along with a new handcrafted roll and sourdough baguette.
The three cheeses used are red Leicester, mature white and extra mature cheddar cheese, which are joined by a 310g Mini Olive Sourdough Bloomer with Kalamata and green olives and a 310g Mini Onion Sourdough Bloomer with dried red onions (both RRP £2.90).
BURTS has announced the return of its Maple Pigs in Blankets potato chips for a limited time during the 2024 festive season.
The product is available via key wholesalers, including Bidfood, and will have increased distribution through online retailers, such as Amazon. The chips are available now with a £1.25 RRP per 40g bag.
Maple Pigs in Blankets returns
According to the supplier, �igures from last Christmas re�lect the popularity of the Maple Pigs in Blankets �lavour, with sales projected to grow by 106% year on year for the 2024 festive season.
A POPCORN vendingmachine supplier is looking to increase its convenience store footprint, having launched in a Hemel Hempstead Londis.
Gibbs Group Vending Machine Services, also based in Hemel Hempstead, offers a unit that measures 47m deep, 41cm wide and 162cm tall. It weighs 51kg when empty, has wheels for manoeuvrability and requires a standard power supply to operate.
It offers a cup of popcorn in sweet or salty �lavours with a £3 RRP, with capacity to stock approximately 100 cups. Gibbs Group is offering retailers 90p from each cup sale, equivalent to 30%
Bobby’s expands bagged sweets range
BOBBY’S Foods has announced the expansion of its bagged sweets range with three new products, available now.
Blue Razz Dreams, Fruit Fools and Vimto Fried Eggs will be supported with a new 24-hook stand, which is designed to display the expanded range effectively. The durable metal stand is available free on loan to retailers. It also includes an eye-catching header board, all within a compact A3-sized footprint.
Blue Razz Dreams builds on the success of the brand’s Strawberry Dream �lavour, while Fruit Fools contains
different �lavours for each shape. These include Lime, Tropical, Strawberry and Purple Razz.
New Chicago Town ads feed the urge
‘FEED Your Urge; Go To Town’ is Chicago Town’s latest campaign, a £4.5m investment designed to transform the perception of frozen pizza into a premium, indulgent choice.
The campaign spans TV, cinema, social media and outdoor advertising.
As part of the campaign,
the company is unveiling four new products, as well as refreshed packaging featuring NaviLens technology, which improves accessibility for visually impaired shoppers.
Limited-edition Signature designs
SCANDINAVIAN Tobacco Group (STG) UK has launched two limited-edition designs for its 10-pack tins of Signature Blue and Signature Original miniature cigars, available now.
so we encourage retailers to stock up in anticipation of high demand.”
Biona’s Organic Super Seed Bread
ORGANIC food supplier
Biona has expanded its bakery offering with the launch of Organic Super Seed Bread. The sliced loaf is high in protein and contains oat kernels, sun�lower seeds, �lax seeds and pumpkin seeds. It is also made without arti�icial additives, preservatives, wheat, yeast, sugar or chemical pesticides.
According to the supplier, more than three million UK consumers are now actively avoiding ultra-processed foods, which make up more than 54% of the UK adult diet. It is also for time-poor consumers, as it is pre-sliced.
Carmen Ferguson, brand manager at Biona’s parent company, Windmill Or-
ganic, said: “With demand for healthier, minimally processed bakery options rising, this launch is welltimed and should be a huge success.”
Chupa Chups’ rst advent calendar
CHUPA Chups has launched its �irst-ever advent calendar, which is available via World of Sweets and Spar wholesaler CJ Lang. The calendar features a mixture of lollipops, jellies and bubblegum behind its 24 doors, from brands such as Melody Pops and Big Babol. The launch comes as the brand has hit a market value of £17.4m, following 8% yearon-year growth.
PHILIP Morris Limited has expanded its range of �lavours on offer for its
Iqos heated tobacco device with the launch of Terea Pearls.
Terea Pearls feature new capsule technology that allows users to switch from a traditional tobacco blend to a unique �lavour with a single click.
They are only compatible with the Iqos Iluma device.
There are four tobaccoblended �lavours available: Abora Pearl (strawberry & basil), Amelia Pearl (watermelon & menthol), Starling Pearl (green apple with menthol) and Twilight Pearl (blueberry with menthol).
Select Terea Pearls have launched across certain channels with pro�it-onreturn offers.
Kim McMahon, brand manager at Chupa Chups, said: “With its broad appeal and unique mix of products, the advent calendar is set to be a hit with existing fans and new customers alike.”
POT Noodle has introduced a new �lavour into its Fusions range – Korean BBQ Beef. With the noodle category driven by impulse purchases and on-trend �lavours, the launch aims to tap into the growing demand for Korean street food and to give customers the opportunity to try adventurous �lavours in an “accessible” way. The design and PoS for the pot was created by students in a Dragon’s Den-style competition.
Pot Noodle Fusions Korean BBQ Beef is available now exclusively at Co-op for three months, and will roll out to the wider grocery channel from January.
RRP: £1.40
The new ‘Signature 1963 Edition’ tins offer standout on shelf and pay homage to the brand’s history, heritage and quality. The products also include limited-edition liners inside.
Prianka Jhingan, head of marketing at STG UK, said: “We know limited-edition packs are well received by consumers as they elevate the brand’s appeal and provide a touch of exclusivity,
Oxo’s campaign is Made with Love
OXO is back on screen following a £2.7m media investment behind its new range of Oxo stock pots. Running from autumn to February 2025, the ‘Made with Oxo, Made with Love’ creative is at the centre of the campaign, helping the brand remind consumers to ‘choose Oxo for those meals that matter’.
The campaign is also offering consumers the opportunity to win prizes through a new on-pack promotion. The prizes include spa days, cinema tickets and Oxo gift boxes to enjoy with their loved ones.
Mark Alldred, marketing
director for �lavourings & seasonings at Premier Foods, said: “We want to remind consumers of the importance of bringing the family together over mealtimes and how they can make these moments even more special.”
EIGHTY-FIVE per cent of Shoppers are now aware of the importance of good gut health, and this can be seen in the continued rise of ke�ir – up by 40% in value year on year *
Biotiful Gut Health is the UK’s number-one ke�ir brand, and the fastest-growing brand in yogurts* – with a full range of naturally delicious ke�ir drinks, yogurts and protein.
Try its award-winning Original 500ml Drink or Cherry 500ml Drink –both with billions of live cultures, made with British milk, packed with protein and calcium, and with no sugar added.
NEW CAMPAIGN
NEW CAMPAIGN LAUNCH
OPINION
MJ’s Local, Sheffield 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 It’s unlikely that there will be consequences
TOBACCO: Are you having issues with illicit trade?
“THE issue with illegal activity is out of hand. We get a lot of customers in our store who ask us if we have under-the-counter stuff. We don’t sell this because we’re legitimate. I know they’re going someplace else to get them, and it is unlikely that there will be consequences for the illegal sellers.”
“MY store is based near a council estate and I know there are a number of businesses that sell illegal tobacco and vapes. The issue is that trading standards enforcement
LOCAL: What suppliers are you working with?
“WE’VE had a self-serve popcorn machine for several weeks. I’d say I’m averaging about 20 cups a day. It is right at the front of the store. The initial agreement was for a monthly refill, but we’ve had to call the company for more frequent replenishments.”
George Phillips, TJ’s Late Shop Londis, Hemel Hempstead, Herts
“EARLIER this year, I started stocking brownies from a wholesaler called Curious Brownie and they’ve been a success. Each tray gives me 53%-58% margin when sold at £3, and we made about £500 profit in the first month. I now get less than 10% wastage on the range.”
Judith Smitham, The Old Dairy –Pydar Stores, Cornwall
WHOLESALE: Have you had any issues with deliveries?
“I DECIDED to get deliveries from Booker. Booker has continued to provide a good delivery service, which has freed up three-to-six hours a week to concentrate on new lines and an in-store presence. Availability has also been good.”
Julie Duhra, Jule’s Premier, Telford, Shropshire
up hours
CHRISTMAS: How are you preparing your store?
“WE see about a 50% increase in sales of cakes during December, and this is, in part, due to our work with our local baker and preparing efficiently ahead of time. The key is making sure to order early. We also have an online booking system for customers.”
Bobby Singh, BB Nevison Superstore, Pontefract , W. Yorks
“WE offer various gift hampers. The basic hamper starts at £20, more premium options are £70. We buy the stock from our wholesalers. We buy gift baskets online and wrap them ourselves. People buy them for teachers, work colleagues for secret Santa, or their families.”
Aksay Patel, Londis Towpath, Croydon, south London
Jai Singh,
Letters may be edited
‘I’m
being hit hard by the illicit tobacco trade’
I WAS reading the cover story in the last issue of Retail Express about undercover illicit tobacco and vape test purchasing in Leeds, and wanted to highlight this is a widespread issue in my area, too.
There are several shops on the same street which are selling illicit stock. One is
right next door and another is 100 yards away. The sale of illegal stock has been going on for months. The prices are clear indicators they are doing it. Some of them are selling pouches of Amber Leaf, packets of cigarettes and vapes for £5. As a legitimate business, I only buy my stock from legal
Julie Duhra, Jule’s Premier, Telford
wholesalers such as Bestway and Booker, but the ways I’m being undercut by nearby stores is certainly affecting my trade. Sales are noticeably down compared to previous years. Rising business costs means I’m being hit particularly hard by the illicit trade.
I’ve noti�ied my local
trading standards department multiple times. They say they’re doing something about it, but I’m yet to see any actual result of this. Enforcement needs to be much stronger if these illicit sellers are to be stopped.
The retailer cannot be named for legal reasons
“A FEW weeks ago, we held a co ee morning in the store to raise awareness of Macmillan Cancer Support and encourage customers to donate. We had quite a few customers take part. It was done a week before the major annual event held by the charity. We made space in an area of the store, o ered tea, co ee, biscuits and samosas, and we had great feedback and participation from customers. Those who donated were given the chance to win prizes. Customers donated more than £500 to the cause and Booker also helped support it. ” COMMUNITY RETAILER
“AFTER a tough week, I wanted to reach out to everyone for their kind messages of support and o ers to help get us back up and running following a break-in. They helped with getting orders put away, xing doors and sorting the CCTV. All of this meant so much to us a business and as a family. Huge thanks to everyone at AF Blakemore for enabling us to delay deliveries and not be overwhelmed with stock arriving. The sharing of posts on social media, especially the police appeal for witnesses, have been incredible.”
Make the right impression with your storefront
WE’LL have been open 10 years come January, so a couple of months ago, in July, we gave our storefront a refresh because it was starting to look a bit weathered. New imagery was put up outside and we installed menu boards with our opening hours on them. There are two parking spaces outside and, two months ago, we had the lines repainted and we jet-washed the whole exterior.
It’s amazing what a di erence it’s made to the store. We’ve had compliments from customers and suppliers. It li s the store and makes it look a lot more inviting.
I very much recommend retailers look at the outside of their stores. The outside is what potential customers see before they walk in, and is what makes them decide whether or not they want to shop with you. Does the shop look clean? Is it inviting? Does it have kerb appeal?
Having milk trollies and bread trays out there can look unsightly and give the wrong impression about your store. Things like clean and decluttered windows and fresh flowers make it look better. You also need to make sure the entrance is clear and free of any obstructions.
Customers notice these things. There are few things worse than looking at the outside of a store and wondering what on earth the owner is doing in there.
When it comes to posters and promotions in the window, they’re a good idea as long as they are done tidily, and it is clear some skill has gone into putting them up. You also might want to use them as part of your security.
With the evenings getting darker as winter approaches, remember that if your lights are on, people can see into your store, but you might not be able to see them. It’s important not to leave yourself exposed, especially when you’re emptying the till. We’ve got posters and frosted glass as well to help with this.
Look at your fascia, graphics and imagery to make sure they look good.
Each issue, one of seven
Ian Lewis, Spar Minster Lovell, Oxfordshire
RETAILEXPRESS takes you through six key categories for your store and the brands that should be a part of them
BUILDING A STORE’S BEDROCK
muststocks
WITH a cost-of-living winter approaching, it’s never been more important for retailers to be on top of the core categories and brands driving the lion’s share of sales within their shops. In this feature, Retail
Express will explore six must-stock categories, from next-gen nicotine and so drinks to snacks and confectionery, providing insights into what’s driving growth in each and how retailers can make the most of them. As retailers continue to prepare for the incoming ban on disposable vapes, retailers need to better understand the wider nextgen nicotine category with its heated tobacco, re llable pods and nicotine pouches on o er. To that end, BAT UK will
talk through its Vuse vape products, which aim to provide customers with a disposable experience in a non-disposable format. Additionally, Helix will focus on a nicotine-pouch category that has doubled in the past year, highlighting the opportunities within its on!PLUS range. So drinks are also a critical part of a convenience store’s o er and within these pages, Retail Express will cover two growing subcategories within it. Red Bull will explore the energy drinks category, which fea-
tures so prominently among so drinks sales for retailers, while Yazoo will delve into dairy drinks and everything they have to o er.
Within the crisps, snacks and nuts category, KP Snacks will take retailers through its range of Heritage brands and how these can form the cornerstone of a key category o er within convenience stores. Finally, the confectionery category will be the main point of focus for Perfetti Van Melle, as it looks at how many of its impulse lines can drive sales.
PERFETTI VAN MELLE
WITH its four household-name brands –Chupa Chups, Fruit-tella, Mentos and Smint
– Perfetti Van Melle boasts a confectionery portfolio o ering treats for all.
Its widespread appeal – ranging from Fruit-tella’s target audience of young families, to Smint’s working professional demographic – means stocking up on Perfetti Van Melle brands will tap into various shopper missions and capture the attention of an array of shoppers. Perfetti Van Melle is proud to o er ‘little li s’ in the form of a ordable treats, with innovation continuing to delight sweets fans.
GET THE MOST FROM PERFETTI VAN MELLE
CONFECTIONERY is one of the top categories purchased on impulse in convenience stores1
Make the most of this opportunity with Perfetti Van Melle’s bestselling portfolio by tapping into the two key shopper missions.
1. Refreshment: for consumers looking for a boost of freshness on the go, countertop units showcasing Mentos and Smint will ensure impulse buys.
2. Indulgence: target the Halloween confectionery sales opportunity with seasonal front-of-store PoS. New Fruit-tella Out at Night and Chupa Chups Bites and Tubes mini bags are portioned jellies primed for this occasion.
Atul Sodha, Londis Hare eld, west London RETAILER VIEW
“I LOVE supporting the range of products from Perfetti Van Melle.
“The latest Mentos launch, Mentos Discovery with 14 flavours, has gone down really well with customers, especially when my sta and I can share the insights we learned from attending such a brilliant, engaging product launch event.”
1HFSS: Impact Analysis on English Convenience Stores – Lumina Intelligence (lumina-intelligence.com)
MUST-STOCK BRANDS
SAVOURY SNACKS
KP SNACKS
KP Snacks’ Heritage portfolio covers a range of classic brands. The range is tapping into the growing demand for nostalgia, with 59% of shoppers choosing snacks that bring back good memories1
KP Snacks’ Heritage brands have a long history of healthy growth within the bagged snacks category, while o ering di erentiation for shoppers. Last year, Nik Naks and Discos were in the UK’s top 10 fastest-growing food and drink brands, and are continuing to deliver, up by 5% year on year and 17% year on year, respectively2. Meanwhile, the Wheat Crunchies brand is currently growing by 33.4% year on year2.
These unique and trusted brands are delivering sustainable growth to the convenience channel.
GET THE MOST FROM KP SNACKS
HERITAGE brands play a key role in a strong bagged snacks xture, as highlighted in KP Snacks’ extended ‘25 to Thrive’ ranging advice, which recommends must-stock products to drive sales.
To deliver value to shoppers, retailers should focus on stocking PMPs at a range of prices, from Space Raiders 40p PMP to popular £1.25 PMPs across the range.
To help retailers capitalise on the Heritage brands opportunity, KP Snacks has launched a campaign featuring a £45,000 prize pot and themed PoS kits designed to enhance range standout.
MUST-STOCK BRANDS ENERGY
RED BULL
RED Bull Energy Drink 250ml sells more than any other single-serve so drink in the chiller1, so keeping it well-stocked and available is essential. It would be near-impossible to keep your bestsellers perfectly chilled and obtainable without multiple facings. Energy shoppers also like a range of sizes for di erent occasions. We know that 68% of Red Bull shoppers only buy one can size of energy drink2, so having larger cans available will ensure all shopper needs are covered. As the second-bestselling energy product behind Red Bull Energy Drink 250ml, Red Bull Energy Drink 355ml is a must-stock for any convenience store3.
GETTING THE MOST FROM RED BULL
SHOPPERS can only see products within a 1.3-metre breadth, so it’s vital that you signpost each sector with the biggest brands to help them locate what they’re looking for quickly. For energy drinks, that is Red Bull. Start by getting the right amount of space per category. Sports and energy is 38% of so drinks4, so should have 38% of the chiller. Don’t scrimp on facings for your bestsellers and create a ‘power shelf’ at eye level to highlight your bestselling, most iconic brands.
“CUSTOMERS are buying more of everything a er I took part in the Red Bull challenge last year and reorganised my so drinks xture. My Red Bull sales went up by 42% and so drinks are now worth almost £8,000 in additional sales per year. By improving my knowledge of the products and how to display them, they’re more accessible to shoppers. There are many launches in the market, so it’s good for us to know what works best as we have a strong demographic for the category.”
VUSE GO RELOAD 1000
THE latest addition to the Vuse Go family is the Vuse Go Reload 1000 range. It features a new pen format, which joins the existing box format, completing a range that will o er more variety in the market. Customers get all the bene ts of a disposable vape, without having to compromise on the flavour experience. Vuse Go Reload 1000 has two stylish designs with four colour options, all in a rechargeable closed system device providing your customers with real choice. Customers will be able to swap flavours with easy-swap pods, allowing them to keep their pre lled pod kit device, recharge and reuse it. This means a premium vaping experience and better value for your customers.
GETTING THE MOST FROM VUSE GO RELOAD
KEEP PoS materials inside and outside your store to show you are a Vuse Go Reload stockist. A well-lit display behind the counter, near other nicotine products in or near your gantry will make new Vuse products easy to see. Keep new ranges together to help adult nicotine consumers nd and buy the product they want. Speak to your BAT representative about the current o ers as there are great returns available in this growing category, as well as opportunities for unitary displays or its latest backwall gantry.
Hashim Tahir, B2B manager, BAT UK
“THE new Vuse Go Reload 1000 family marks the next step in our vaping journey. It features all the intense flavours you expect from disposable vapes, but in a pre lled pod kit and easy-swap pods. We’ve upgraded some of the most popular flavours among disposable users. Customers can choose from flavours such as Blueberry Ice, Blue Raspberry, Watermelon Ice, Strawberry Ice, Mint Ice, Berry Blend and our brand-new flavour – Blackcurrant Ice.”
Contact your local BAT representative, email: batuk_customer_enquiries@bat. com, or visit vapermarket.co.uk
MUST-STOCK BRANDS
YAZOO
AS the UK’s number-one flavoured milk brand1, purchased by one in 10 households in the UK2, Yazoo knows a thing or two about unlocking the value of the category. A must-stock of any fridge, Yazoo is a £80.8m3 brand, accounting for an additional £5.6m sales year on year3. Yazoo boasts a range of products that meet all shoppers’ needs. The bestselling Yazoo core range provides a deliciously refreshing pick-meup, perfectly suited for on the go in a 400ml (£1.29 RRP) format, and for those social occasions it o ers a 1l sharing bottle (£1.99 RRP).
GETTING THE MOST FROM YAZOO
BESTSELLERS such as the Yazoo 400ml range should be stocked in the middle of the chiller at eye level so shoppers can easily nd their favourites.
A minimum of two facings per Yazoo 400ml (Chocolate, Strawberry and Banana) is recommended. Yazoo is a signpost brand for the category, so extra facings will make navigation easier.
Include sharing sizes of popular brands and products. Consumers want to stock up on larger formats, such as Yazoo 1l, so they can share their favourite brands at home. Consider running multibuy deals across pizza meals, snacking and large milkshake formats to maximise this trend.
“YAZOO is a must-stock line in store for us. We always keep all flavours on shelf at all times as it’s a no-brainer. It’s the only milkshake out there with the awareness that Yazoo has, and is a clear market leader. We dual-site Yazoo by stocking it alongside meal deals as a pick-me-up for customers, and they love it.”
find out more about Yazoo’s range,
MUST-STOCK BRANDS NICOTINE POUCHES
ON!PLUS
THE PRODUCT
NICOTINE-pouch sales have more than doubled since the same quarter last year, with notable recent surges. If your store strategy is to deliver an enticing range of smoke-free products with strength and flavour choices, then look no further than on!PLUS nicotine pouches, a highly discreet tobacco-free product. They t neatly out of sight under the upper lip, for a nicotine satisfaction alternative without odour or smoke, allowing you to use them anytime, anywhere. The on!PLUS range o ers a slim pouch with ‘Flex Tech’, an exclusive flexible pouch technology for a seamless experience. on!PLUS is available in four flavours – Mint, Smooth Mint, Berry and Citrus – and contains 20 pouches per can.
GETTING THE MOST FROM ON!PLUS
WITH an increasing number of smokers moving from traditional nicotine and looking for smoke-free alternatives, lots of consumers will want access to nextgeneration products like nicotine pouches. Your store will allow them to connect with these products and you to make the most of the opportunity this presents. on!PLUS provides e ective displays, CTUs and sales solutions o ering the bestselling on!PLUS products. You can responsibly lead the transition to a smoke-free future.
RETAILER VIEW
“ON! nicotine pouches, especially the latest on!PLUS range, have impressed me. Since introducing them, we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback. Consumers have appreciated the competitive pricing, delightful taste and the satisfying sensation experienced. I highly recommend on! nicotine pouches, particularly the on!PLUS range, to anyone looking for a top-tier product that excels in quality and innovation.” how to stock it
Priyesh
Vekaria,
One Stop Carlton Convenience, Manchester
To become a stockist, please visit: vapelocal.info/on or call 0330 124 2183
Diwali can be a pro table season for stores. PRIYA KHAIRA shares a roadmap to seasonal success
FIRE UP A PLAN LIGHTING UP SALES THIS DIWALI
DIWALI, known as the Festival of Lights, is one of the most signi cant celebrations in the Hindu calendar. The event is celebrated by millions of people across the UK, including Sikhs, Jains and Newar Buddhists, making it a prime opportunity for retailers to embed their stores deeper within the local community.
This year, Diwali falls on 1 November, with festivities
traditionally lasting for ve days. This means retailers should begin preparing well in advance to meet the needs of customers looking for items needed for planning family gatherings, lighting candles and exchanging gifts.
“Common categories would be things such as rice, gifting confectionery, juice and beverages,” says Priyesh Vekaria, of One Stop Carlton Conveni-
ence in Greater Manchester.
“But we don’t really have the right demographics for the category, so we don’t create a seasonal xture for it.”
Preparation is key for retailers with a customer demographic for Diwali goods. Ideally, retailers should start planning and sourcing Diwalispeci c stock at least six weeks before the festival. This gives ample time for promo-
Milestones to mark
tional campaigns and social media posts and ensures all products arrive in store ahead of time.
Retailers can also foster a sense of inclusivity by acknowledging the festival in the workplace. Hosting a small Diwali celebration or simply decorating the break room can show appreciation for sta ’s culture, as well as allowing for time o over the holiday.
Now
Begin placing orders for seasonal products such as sweets, snacks, decorations and essentials like candles and matches.
Three weeks before Diwali
Start decorating your store with Diwali-themed displays. Ensure prominent point-of-sale signage and allocate a dedicated section for Diwali products.
Two weeks before Diwali
Launch your promotional campaigns, both in store and online. O er multi-buy deals or discounts on festive essentials and popular items.
CATEGORY ADVICE DIWALI
WARM UP THE ATMOSPHERE
RETAILERS must focus on traditional Diwali essentials, which often include candles, matches, lighters, incense, sweets and snacks.
Top
three
tips for success
DISPLAY tipS
Use bright colours and lights
Diwali is known for its vibrant hues, so consider using bright colours like red, yellow and gold in your displays. Lighting is also crucial. String up fairy lights and place candles around the store to reflect the Festival of Lights theme.
Display traditional items prominently Candles, sweets, snacks and decorations should be clearly visible. Gavin Anderson suggests merchandising lighters and matches as part of Diwalithemed displays, as these are high-demand items.
O er DIY decor kits
Stock rangoli kits, Diwali lanterns and other decorative items that customers can use at home.
Gavin Anderson, sales and marketing director at Republic Technologies UK, highlights a critical opportunity for retailers during Diwali: “With more than a million people in the UK celebrating Diwali, and most lighting candles, lamps, reworks, or sparklers, demand for matches and lighters always sparks at this time of year.”
Diwali is not just an opportunity for sales; it’s also a chance for retailers to strengthen their ties with the
local community. Whether through stocking traditional sweets, snacks or simply creating a welcoming Diwali display, stores can become an integral part of the festivities in their communities.
To create a festive atmosphere, start by designating a prominent section of your store for Diwali products, ensuring that this area is well lit and easy to navigate.
Anderson adds: “Convenience stores are ideally placed to meet the surge in demand for these high-margin products, which can be merchandised as part of themed displays. It’s an easy way to boost Diwali basket spend.”
Incorporate these essential elements into your Diwali strategy
Start early and stay organised
Early preparation is crucial for avoiding stock shortages or missed opportunities. Make sure your promotional materials and displays are ready well before the start of the festival.
Know
your community
Understanding your local customer base is key. If your store is in an area with a signi cant Hindu or Sikh population, tailor your o erings accordingly. If not, consider o ering a smaller range of products, but still maintain the festive spirit.
Engage customers with in-store experiences
Creating a sense of occasion will draw footfall. Whether through o ering tastings, hosting events or simply having eye-catching displays, these e orts will help deepen customer loyalty.
HOT FOCUS ON KEY CATEGORIES
AS it is the Festival of Lights, Diwali is synonymous with glowing decorations.
For retailers, this creates an opportunity to stock essential lighting items that customers will need to celebrate.
Candles and oil lamps (diyas) are important to Diwali traditions, and for retailers with the right customer base, stocking a variety of diyas in di erent colours and designs, alongside long-lasting candles, can be a pro table addition to homeware xtures for Diwali.
“Retailers shouldn’t overlook the fact that the ‘Festival of Lights’ involves the
use of matches and lighters,” Anderson says.
Beyond the traditional, fairy and LED lights have also become a popular way to add a modern twist to Diwali décor.
Sweets and savoury snacks are a cornerstone of Diwali festivities, often shared among friends, family and neighbours.
For retailers, stocking a range of traditional Indian sweets can help meet the demands of customers who may be gifting or preparing for gatherings.
Popular choices include Ladoo, Bar and Gulab Jamun, which are all available from
Pooja Sweets, The Kandy King and Panji Sweets Wholesale.
For retailers, o ering a variety of pre-packaged savoury options from well-known brands such as Cofresh, Haldiram or Kurkure, along with locally sourced favourites such as pakoras and samosas from Indian food suppliers, can appeal to a wide audience.
Fresh authentic treats are not just popular with Diwali celebrants, but are also a tempting choice for non-celebrants looking to enjoy authentic, flavourful snacks during the festive season.
O ering special Diwali-
themed gift boxes or assortments can also increase sales, as many customers look for pre-packaged selections to share or to gift.
When it comes to cooking, spices are at the heart of festive meals. Turmeric, cumin, coriander and cardamom are commonly used in Diwali dishes. Retailers could even consider creating ready-made spice kits or recipe packs, making it easier for customers to prepare traditional dishes.
Pairing these with other essentials such as lentils, rice and flour can create an attractive and useful display.
WHAT’S TRENDING IN HOT BEVERAGES?
Hot beverages might not have a huge amount of innovation, but it’s still a thriving category for many convenience stores, TAMARA BIRCH reports
AN OVERVIEW OF THE CATEGORY
THE co ee category is now worth more than £1.6bn and there are now more than 24 million UK households buying co ee.
“Co ee plays an essential role in shoppers’ routines, as one of the most di cult beverages to go without,” says Edward Watts, UK&I sales director at Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE).
Recreating the co ee shop
experience at home continues to gain popularity. Phil Smith, head of category & insight at UCC Co ee UK & Ireland, says:
“Consumers are influenced by the equipment they own, whether it’s a pod machine, an espresso machine or a cafetière.
“Beyond that, they pay attention to the strength and intensity of the co ee before making a purchase.”
Retailers report that Tassimo, Starbucks and Costa are their popular premium brands.
“Tassimo is quite premium for us, and there’s quite a few flavours for customers to choose from,” explains Vrajesh Patel, from Londis Dagenham in east London.
“We stock the Latte, Cappuccino and Americano varieties.”
BEVERAGES
MOST
POPULAR BRANDS?
RETAILERS are limited on space they can dedicate to hot beverages, so are strict on the products they stock. Patel, for example, stocks Nescafé, PG Tips and Tassimo pods.
“Co ee is a big seller for us, so we focus more on this, but it’s about having the right flavours and formats,” he says. “Nescafé sachets are proving popular. Shoppers want convenience and to buy on the go, and the Quality Street flavour is a good seller,” he says.
But larger packs are also an important part of Patel’s range. “Smaller packs are gone now. We can’t nd them. The standard is now 500g,”
he says. “Customers prefer to buy the 500g jars of Nescafé and save money.”
Faraz Iqbal, owner of Premier Linktown Local in Fife, says three-in-one and two-in-one packs of Nescafé are his biggest sellers, while sachets are also popular. Within tea, his biggest seller is Tetley.
“We keep a small range due to space, but Tetley and Nescafé are the most important,” he adds. “We don’t stock pods year-round as there isn’t much demand, but occasionally customers will ask and I’ll get them on promotion, which our regulars will also pick up.”
SUPPLIER VIEW
Phil Smith, head of category & insight, UCC Co ee UK & Ireland
“CONSUMERS are increasingly embracing higher-quality, premium co ee, transforming it from an occasional indulgence into an everyday essential. This shi has signi cantly driven demand for larger pack sizes to accommodate daily consumption. The number of in-home barista machines has increased since the pandemic, so focus needs to be on areas such as capsules and compatible o erings to tap into this market.
“The rst priority is ensuring the right product range is available. For example, o ering a selection of three capsule lines rather than a single token option. This gives consumers more variety and choice. Positioning is equally critical; as a premium product, capsules should be placed in a prominent, high-visibility location on the shelf. Retailers also need to cater for both heavy and occasional users by providing a range of pack sizes.”
Top products
‘Pour Over Co ee Bags’
UCC’s latest ‘Pour Over Co ee Bags’ is a take on the traditional Japanese V60 brewing method. It is designed to enhance the co ee’s natural flavours and encourage consumers to “fully enjoy the co ee-making ritual”, according to Smith. Consumers simply have to open the lter, hang the hooks over their cup and pour hot water.
Kenco Gold Indulgence
Launched last year, Kenco Gold Indulgence o ers a more premium experience to co ee drinks in the instant category. The blend, according to the manufacturer, has exceeded £4.2m in value sales since launch, allowing retailers to drive incremental growth to the category.
Galaxy Hot Chocolate
While not a new product, it’s a staple for many retailers, as it’s a well-known brand for consumers. According to Frost, sales are up 62% when compared to the same period in 2023 and contributes £23.1m to the category.
It is also available in 25g packs, o ering a taste synonymous with the Galaxy brand. It is designed for shoppers in a rush or heading to the o ce for the day. For retailers, it can be a strong alternative to co ee sachets.
THE FLAVOUR OPPORTUNITY
FLAVOUR in hot beverages continues to grow in demand, with flavoured co ee now making up more than 9% of the speciality sector, according to JDE’s Edward Watts.
“The top flavours among shoppers are caramel and vanilla, which account for over half of the flavoured specialities segment,” he says.
UCC’s Phil Smith echoes this and adds that flavour is very popular with on-the-go co ee purchases, as it allows customisation to suit individual taste.
“This same concept can be applied by retailers,” he says. “Cue cards on shelves can suggest complementary products or inspire co ee recipe ideas,
encouraging additional purchases. In-store PoS, such as shelf barkers, are invaluable for drawing attention to product di erences, highlighting promotional o ers and driving customer engagement.”
Flavours won’t work for every store, though, and aren’t necessarily a long-term solution. “Customers will only buy
flavoured pods, for example, if they’re on o er in store,” Iqbal says. “There is a lot of variety available on the market, though.”
Trial and error will be vital to nding the right flavour combinations for your store. Start by talking to customers or doing a poll on social media to nd out where to start.
INCLUDING HOT CHOCOLATE IN YOUR RANGE
HOT chocolate is typically bought by shoppers who don’t drink tea or co ee, or by parents buying it for children.
HOT beverages provide a huge opportunity to drive linked purchases. Patel focuses on products used when making said drink, like sugar, or which are eaten with it, such as jam and other breakfast items. Patel, on the other hand, has biscuits, cakes and bakery all close to his hot beverage range.
“We also include healthy snacking close to the cat-
Edward Watts, UK&I sales director, Jacobs Douwe Egberts
“Parents buy into hot chocolate more than anyone, but we nd that shoppers who buy it for their kids are also buying tea and co ee for themselves, so it adds to our overall spending,” Patel says.
DRIVING LINKED PURCHASES
egory, such as protein bars and flapjacks, and opposite is pastries,” he says. “It’s important we create a flow for our customers to buy what they need.”
Determine which shopper missions your customers are buying for, whether it’s breakfast or after work, as this will help determine which cross-merchandising opportunities there are.
Michelle Frost, general manager at Mars Chocolate Drinks & Treats, says recent data claims hot chocolate is fast becoming an all-yearround favourite.
She adds: “Over the past four weeks, the food beverage category has shown growth of 13.6% when compared to the same period last year, which
INDULGE IN
includes hot chocolate. Sales of our range, which includes Galaxy Hot Chocolate, are also up 62%.”
While retailers are limited on the hot chocolate products they can stock, as noted by Iqbal and Pandya, stocking top brands, such as Galaxy and Cadbury, is important and will help top-up sales.
KENCO GOLD
“WHERE possible, stock a diverse range of products from di erent co ee sub-categories, to appeal to a wider range of shoppers and the variety of their co ee consumption occasions. Ensure you have good availability, so they don’t have to shop around. In addition to this, when and if possible, stock new innovations to keep the category in line with trends to encourage purchase. Eye-catching signage and PoS create intrigue, with 60% of co ee shoppers making their purchase decision once they are in store.
“Finally, with 53% of consumers saying they are cutting down on their co ee shop visits to save money and 79% of in-home co ee cups made using instant products, stock a good range of products from trusted and familiar brands that consumers know and trust.”
LABOUR GOVERNMENT –THREE MONTHS IN
The RETAIL EXPRESS team nds out how retailers are feeling about the new government and its upcoming Budget three months a er the General Election
Ken Singh, BB Superstore Love Lane, Pontefract, West Yorkshire
“WHEN the Labour government was elected, it wassupposed to swoop in and make it a better place here, but instead you start hearing that Doomsday is upon us with all the rhetoric. You do start to get a bit disillusioned with politics. Where are the extra police they promised? You just end up hearing excuses about how the of�ice was a mess when they came in. But that’s not technically what they promised.
“Do I feel safer now than I did before? It’s the brazenness of theft that bothers me. They’re not bothered if they get caught because there are no rami�ications. I don’t think I can name one area where we’re better off now. With the Budget, you get the feeling that they’re going to have to generate the money from somewhere, so you’re left wondering who they’re going to hit harder with taxes. Looking forward, I’m a bit fearful for the future.”
Nishi Patel, Londis Bexley Park, Dartford, Kent 2
3
Ushma Amin, Londis North Cheam, Sutton, Surrey
“I’M in quite an af�luent area and a lot of people have been affected by the change in government. We’ve seen a noticeable change in people’s spending habits. We’re serving the same amount of customers, but they’re buttoning up their spending.
“Prices are going up weekly and they’re making dif�icult decisions on what they are going to indulge on. We’re actually seeing spending on Fridays and Saturdays pick up, while weekly spend is down, as people save up to splurge on the weekend.
“The Tories put the disposable vape ban out there, and Labour have already said they de�initely want to enforce it. And the new cigarette bans will come regardless of how detrimental it might be to the retail industry. It didn’t work in New Zealand, I don’t know how it will work here. There’s a lot going on now and there will be lots more happening over the next eight months. I don’t think much of it will be good news for me.”
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“AFTER a General Election, the following months are always quite uncertain. And because this one fell during the school holidays, we were quieter than usual anyway. People were going away with their children, so it was hard to really monitor any difference in customer purchasing behaviour. Once we’re into October and people have received their September pay, I’m con�ident we’ll see things pick up again.
“We’ve not seen many changes in customer behaviour yet, but with some of the older shoppers, I can see they’re already shopping differently, with everything that’s happening with pensions and the winter fuel allowance, but I think we’ll all start feeling the pinch very soon.
“Older customers will still come to me because we’ve been in the community long enough and we’ve helped them out. There’s a loyalty there we can rely on.”
The jury is de nitely out at the moment about the new government, but how are retailers feeling since the General Election? – Atul Sodha, Londis Hare eld, Uxbridge, west London
