Retail News April 2020

Retail News APRIL 2020

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

A FRESH ALTERNATIVE

CHARACTERISING FLAVOUR BAN COMPLIANT

INNOVATIVE BLEND. FRESH TASTE. SAME QUALITY.

ALSO AVAILABLE IN SUPERKINGS

FROM IRELAND’S Nº1

VALUE CIGARETTE BRAND* RRP (Recommended Retail Price). Mayfair Sea Green and Mayfair Superkings Sea Green €12.00 *Nielsen ROI Scantrack, RMC SOS, YTD 37.1% 22 March 2020.

Outer must be removed before retail sale. Packs in this outer are plain packaging compliant. This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

A MODERN EXPRESSION OF QUALITY

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás.

Smoking kills.

Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie|1

nightmare straight from a Hollywood script and yet it is happening in our cities, our towns and our villages, as Covid-19 insidiously makes its way through our communities.

Our frontline healthcare workers have been amazing, putting in long shifts at the coalface, only to turn around and do the same thing again the next day, and the day after that. Our own sector too has really stepped up to the plate. Shops have remained open.

Shelves have been stocked. Staff have continued to turn up for work at just the time when demand for our goods and services has hit unprecedented levels – figures from Kantar (Page 5) reveal just how much demand there has been for key categories. Retailers have continuously gone above and beyond,

Grocery heroes rise to the occasion WHO could have thought just months ago that we would be in a situation like this, most of the country in lockdown as we do battle with a microscopic virus that is harming our citizens and killing our parents, our friends, our sisters, our brothers? It seems like a dystopian

Contents News 2

Retail stepping up to the plate.

3

Aldi Ireland appoints Niall O’Connor as Group Managing Director.

4

Record demand for grocers as Ireland enters lockdown.

5

Obituary: Tim Nolan, founder of the IGBF.

6

Coeliac Society teams up with Promise Gluten Free to deliver care packs; #MyHeroes campaign celebrates frontline workers; The Irish Sun donates Easter Monday advertising space to charities.

12

Retail on the frontline of Covid-19 battle.

Covid-19 Pandemic 14

Ireland’s grocery sector, from retailers to wholesalers and suppliers, has really stepped up in the face of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Retail News editor John Walshe pays tribute to the industry and looks at some of the ways companies across the country are trying to help make a difference. Meanwhile, we hear from some of the country’s biggest retail groups on how they have responded to these

18

Kind 36

Since launching in Ireland in 2019, Kind has sold over two million bars and its unique proposition and expanding range are helping the brand to grow from strength to strength here.

Advertising Effectiveness 42

Aileen McDaid, Director of Digital Planning, Spark Foundry, writes on the influence of outdoor advertising vs digital creative strategies on consumer attitude, highlighting the debate currently raging over facial recognition technology.

In-Store Efficiency 44

Simon Hedaux, founder and CEO of Rethink Productivity, advises on seven steps to help boost efficiency in your store.

Regulars & Reports

Retail News Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

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Managing Director: Patrick Aylward Editorial & Marketing Director:

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Kathleen Belton

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Kathleen Belton & John Walshe

unprecedented days, as they comply with public health advice, introduce priority shopping times for vulnerable shoppers and even launch completely new business practices. “It feels like a war and it is,” writes Willie O’Byrne, CEO, BWG Foods, one of many of Ireland’s grocery leaders who took the time to put into words his feelings on how Covid-19 is impacting our sector and our island.

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Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

organising home delivery services for vulnerable community members, allowing customers to click and collect their groceries, introducing specific shopping times for elderly or vulnerable customers, all while endeavouring to keep their shelves stocked and their staff safe.

This special issue of Retail News was put together to hail the grocery heroes of the Covid-19 Pandemic, who continue to make us proud of our little island, and the heart of the people who make it such a special place to work and live. We salute you.

Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

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Industry News

38

Drinks News

39

Baby Food

48

Tobacco

55

Forecourt Focus

2|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

News

Retail stepping up to the plate RETAILERS around the country have been forced to adapt to new ways of doing business during the coronavirus pandemic.

Could events have implications on the future of grocery retailing in Ireland?

Gus O’Hara, owner of a Spar shop in Clontarf, was one of the hundreds of retailers who went beyond the call of duty in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. O’Hara, with help from local delivery volunteers, set up a home delivery service specifically for those people in the community who were unable to shop for themselves.

Traditionally, local retailers were opposed to the idea of extending their business beyond bricks and mortar. That perception has changed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Convenience stores around the country have been establishing delivery, click and collect, and phone order services.

“Every day we hear heart-warming stories of our members filling their van with supplies and stopping off for medicines (and even some holy water) along the way as they personally deliver to those most vulnerable in their local communities,” said Vincent Jennings, CEO of Vincent Jennings, CEO the Convenience Stores and of the Convenience Newsagents Association.

Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA).

This is one example of how the crisis is likely to transform the nature of retailing, suspects Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA. “After weeks of changing our habits, it is likely to become ingrained,” she said.

Aidan Flynn, General Manager of Freight Transport Association (FTAI) echoes this sentiment: “Just as we are seeing a sense of community in our personal lives, we are seeing it in business as well. We’re in this together. Businesses realise that. People are exploring new ways of doing business, which are likely to stay with us.”

RGDATA recently launched a social media campaign highlighting the contribution that local shops and supermarkets have made during the Covid-19 crisis.

Supermarkets and grocery stores were fast to react when social distancing measures were introduced. They raised

signage, laid down floor markers, put up perspex screens to protect staff and customers, and provided hand sanitisers at entrances.

“Grocery outlets and supermarkets have gone to enormous lengths in a short period of time to re-engineer how they manage their stores,” noted Arthur Dillon, Director of Retail Ireland. “That includes extra cleaning in line with HSE recommendations. Also managing social distancing: making sure access to stores is regulated.”

In these unprecedented times, retailers have been forced to adapt entirely new practices. “Someone who was previously behind a till or stocking shelves might now be involved in ensuring people maintain social distancing,” said Jennings.

“Some businesses have found they need less people around the deli area, because their delis are quieter by necessity.”

Maintaining safety for staff and customers in-store has not been easy. Retailers are organising staff rosters in a way that avoids unnecessary contact. A shortfall in staff, and an increased demand for food and drink, has led to significant vacancies. Some shops have extended their opening hours; others close early to restock their shelves.

Buckley notes that many retailers are making personal sacrifices during the crisis: “They are conscious they need to keep their store open, but they may have somebody vulnerable at home. Some of them are safe distancing from family members who need to be protected.”

Inevitably, product lines have been impacted. Hand sanitisers, soaps, disinfectant sprays, and hand gels are in big demand. Due to the closure of restaurants, coffee shops, delis and other outlets, there is additional pressure on food and drink lines.

Buckley commends the wholesalers for keeping her members supplied. “They’ve kept the food supply chains open. Deliveries are coming in and shelves are being restocked,” she said.

“A lot of producers are producing key sellers.

Tara Buckley, Director General of So you may not get every flavour of yogurt, RGDATA.

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News but you’ll definitely get strawberry because it’s the best seller. Everyone has had to manage their workforce, production line, and adapt.”

Product ranges are transforming as a result.

Suppliers are reporting to Food Drink Ireland (FDI) that they are managing to keep most products supplied, although small amounts of low volume items are de-prioritised, Paul Kelly, Director of FDI, told us.

“Most suppliers are tooling up or tooling down,” added Jennings. “Rather than a Arthur Dillon, Director of 50g and a 350g of pasta, Retail Ireland. you might just have a 350g.”

According to the FDI Director, deliveries are not being hampered. Any delays are offset by lighter traffic around the country. “Sea freight and ports between UK and Ireland are not presenting problems at present and the EU’s Green Lanes Communication has resulted in free flow of essential goods across continental EU borders,” said Kelly.

FTAI’s Flynn believes it is crucial to ensure links with Britain and continental Europe remain viable. Passenger holiday makers have diminished to zero, so the Department of Transport provided €15m to ferry operators to keep import/ export links open.

The supply chain and retail alike have been impacted by reduced footfall in petrol forecourts around Ireland, though.

“Their business has all but disappeared,” explained Tara Buckley.

Yet for truck drivers, who are delivering essential goods to retailers up and down the country, such facilities are essential.

“Keeping forecourts open and available, to truck drivers and essential road users has been a challenge over the last few weeks,” remarked Flynn.

The Covid-19 crisis is setting many precedents for how we do business in Ireland: not just a newfound attitude towards deliveries amongst local grocery stores. Alongside business, consumer habits and purchasing patterns are likely to change, said Dillon: “It’s possible that we might not necessarily see a return to pre-Covid consumption patterns.”

Suppliers believe the crisis is giving the country a better knowledge and understanding of how the supply chain works “which can only be of benefit,” according to Flynn.

The importance of the production chain is reflected in the Government’s essential services list, which includes the full food chain, noted FDI’s Kelly.

“Everyone is aware that when we come to the other side of this crisis, we will be dealing with new types of shopping, payment systems,” noted Buckley.

“This won’t stop” continued Jennings. “This will be a learning curve for people. It will develop into new ways of doing retail business.

There’s no doubt about it.”

This crisis, as terrible it may be for many families and businesses, has cemented the position of grocery retailers at the heart of local communities Paul Kelly, Director of Food Drink around Ireland.

Ireland.

Aldi Ireland appoints Niall O’Connor as Group Managing Director

Niall O’Connor, Group Managing Director of Aldi Ireland.

ALDI Ireland has announced the appointment of Niall O’Connor to the position of Group Managing Director (GMD) for Aldi Ireland.

O’Connor was appointed to the position in late 2019 and has spent the last number of months with colleagues across the global Aldi operation in preparation for his new position. Niall will assume overall responsibility for all of Aldi’s activities in Ireland, including its multimillion-euro store-opening programme and Irish buying office.

O’Connor has been a senior executive with Aldi in Ireland for almost 20

years and has held several roles across the business. A native of Cork, he was appointed Group Buying Director in 2010, leading Aldi’s Buying and Marketing teams, greatly developing and growing its Irish supply base. Most recently, as Managing Director - Mitchelstown Region, he was responsible for the operation of Aldi’s business across Munster and Connacht.

Welcoming the appointment, Giles Hurley, CEO, Aldi UK & Ireland, said: “Niall has made a huge contribution during his tenure at Aldi, developing our Irish buying team and leading our Mitchelstown Region store teams through dynamic growth. His appointment as Group Managing Director Ireland is a major step forward in positioning Aldi Ireland for further success in the years ahead.”

O’Connor will assume the role at a challenging time for both the country and the retail sector. “I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the Aldi Ireland team and to contribute to our efforts nationwide, particularly as our teams work to help feed the nation. Having worked for Aldi for the last 20 years, I know first-hand the dedication of our staff and suppliers across the country, but never more so than now have their efforts to continue to deliver outstanding quality food been in such focus.”

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News

Record demand for grocers as Ireland enters lockdown THE latest figures from Kantar show the Irish grocery market weeks to March 22, with approximately one in 10 households experienced its busiest ever period over the 12 weeks to March taking advantage of the service. This represents 25,000 more shoppers purchasing groceries online than last Christmas, the 22, 2020, increasing year-on-year sales by 10.1%. Growth in the four weeks to March 22 was nearly three times higher, with previous peak, and 54,000 more than the same period in 2019.

All of the country’s main grocery retailers were shopper spend up 27%, making March the biggest month of grocery sales ever recorded. simultaneously in growth over the 12-week period, as “Over the past month, we have faced profound changes sales were boosted by unprecedented levels of demand.

“All the major retailers have adapted to rapidly changing to our daily lives as a result of the need for social distancing, impacting the way we work, shop and socialise,” explained circumstances, with teams working hard to keep shelves stocked during an incredibly busy time,” Berry noted.

David Berry, Managing Director – Ireland at Kantar. “Retailers and their staff have risen to an enormous challenge since Dunnes, SuperValu and Tesco each saw sales increase restrictions on movement were announced on March 12. by just over 10%. While the three grocers hold almost equal market share, Dunnes’ takes the largest portion at 22.3%, with They have been on the frontline as households across Ireland SuperValu and Tesco following closely at 21.3%. prepared to spend more time at home, with more mouths to Lidl was the fastest growing of all the retailers during the 12 feed.” weeks, boosting sales by 14.7% and increasing its market share Grocery sales reached €2.8 billion in the past 12 weeks – topping last year by €250m and exceeding the previous peak to 12.3%. Aldi matched Lidl’s market share and grew sales by 11.9%. seen at Christmas 2019. The average household spent an Grocery market inflation stands at 1.4% for the 12-week additional €122 on groceries during the four weeks to March 22, largely driven by shoppers making bigger trips. Last year, period ending March 22, 2020.

Meanwile, data from Nielsen suggests that the huge surge 15% of households made a shopping trip containing €120 or in grocery demand is slowing slightly. Figures from Nielsen more of groceries – this year that figure almost doubled to 27%. reveal that grocery sales in Ireland slowed during the week At the top of the list for many shoppers were personal ending March 22, down 6.8% compared to the previous week - hygiene products and non-perishable foods. “The products though still up 19% compared to the same time last year - with demonstrating the strongest growth show a country putting health, hygiene and practicality first,” Berry revealed. “Sales alcohol being the only category to experience growth. of hand soap rose by 300% and household cleaners were up This decline in sales versus the previous week suggests that stockpile shopping related to Covid-19 may have reached by 170% in the four weeks to March 22. Facial tissues and loo roll were also in demand, with sales up by 140% and 86% its peak. The previous week ending March 15 saw the peak in respectively. stockpiling as people prepared for quarantine living. A week “Looking at our food choices, items with a longer shelf life on, and Irish shoppers were entrenched in the restricted living saw the biggest uplift, as sales of frozen and ambient foods, phase, which has rightly caused a slow down on panic-buying meaning those that can be stored at MARKET SHARE - TOTAL GROCERY room temperature, Includes expenditure across Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Household and Health & Beauty categories increased by 32%. By comparison, demand Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend for fresh food has been more modest – 12 Weeks to 24/03/19 12 Weeks to 22/03/20 % Change in value sales growing by 16% over %* %* % the last four weeks.

While we’d expect Total Outlets 100.0% 100.0% 10.1% sales to remain strong Total Multiples 88.6% 89.4% 11.2% in the coming weeks and months, there will Dunnes 22.3% 22.3% 10.3% likely be a rebalancing SuperValu 21.2% 21.3% 10.4% of sales of fresh and non-perishable Tesco 21.2% 21.3% 10.5% items as shoppers Aldi 12.1% 12.3% 11.9% with full freezers and cupboards replenish Lidl 11.8% 12.3% 14.7% fresh supplies.”

Other Outlets** 11.4% 10.6% 2.1% More households than ever before * = Percentage Share of Total Grocers placed an online ** = Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers and Cross Border shops order in the four Source: Worldpanel FMCG

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News TOTAL ROI FMCG HOUSEHOLD HEALTH & BEAUTY AMBIENT ALCOHOL FROZEN CHILLED PET FRESH PRODUCE CONFECTIONERY BAKERY

-30% -20% -10% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70%

Growth vs Previous Week Growth vs Year ago

OBITUARY: TIM NOLAN THE Executive Committee, the Regional Committees, and all members of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund deeply regret the passing of our esteemed co-founder, colleague and very dear friend, Tim Nolan.

We would like to offer our sincere condolences to Agnes, Gerard, Michael and David and (predeceased by son Fergal), daughters-inlaw Cassandra, Geraldine and grandson Calvin and extended family abroad.

Tim, together with the late Gerry Duffy, founded the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund in 1981. Both Tim and Gerry realised the need to create an Irish run entity and founded the IGBF. Tim was born in Dublin, lived in Rathmines and attended school in the area. On completion of his studies, Tim left our

as shoppers use up their stockpiled supplies, with many shoppers now unwilling or unable to go out.

This slowdown in panic-buying was seen across major categories such as household (-17%), ambient (shelf stable) groceries (-17%) and health and beauty (-21%).

Popular ‘stockpiling’ products such as hand sanitisers (-48%), toilet tissue (-41%), soap (-39%) and pasta (-32%) all also saw a decline compared to the previous week.

Indeed, alcohol was the only category to experience growth, with sales up by 4.3% to €35.8m.

Nielsen data also shows Irish shoppers trading up to more premium products as they try to bring cafe, pub and restaurant experiences indoors, with shoppers spending more on products such as instant coffee - which has an average spend of €3.43 per unit, compared to €3.24 in 2019 (+5.8%). The same can be said for wine (+5.1%) to €11.47 per litre and take-home ice cream (+8.6%) to €2.77.

Irish shoppers are also showing an increased interest in purchasing branded products, with value sales of branded household items in the last four weeks up by 65% compared to the same period in 2019, outpacing the sales of supermarket private label items (32%).

“With many Irish shoppers having already stocked up on their essential items during the last few weeks, we’re now seeing the first signs of sales stabilising across the Irish supermarkets,” said Karen Mooney, Ireland market leader at Nielsen.

Mooney went on to predict that “New shopper trends, such as the preference for premium and branded products are likely to continue over the next few weeks as shoppers adjust to this ‘new normal’.”

shores for Canada and whilst there, was introduced to the grocery business and became acquainted with supermarket supremo, Pat Quinn.

On returning to Dublin, Tim continued his career in the grocery trade and joined DE Williams, Tullamore, securing a position with the Five Star Supermarket Group. Tim progressed rapidly within the business and having spent some years with IMD, joined Musgrave.

During this time, Tim was busy building a career and along with Agnes, rearing a family, yet he still found time to meet the demands of the IGBF with the support of the voluntary committees. In addition to this, Tim somehow found time to be actively involved with the local school and church.

Michael Campbell, former Director General of RGDATA, expressed his condolences and said Tim was “a great colleague and a reliable and trusty friend”.

Commenting on Tim’s stewardship, IGBF Chairman Leonard Hegarty, noted, “As part of the IGBF committee, I have worked with Tim for several years and without Tim, as many of you know, the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund would not be what it is today. Tim’s kindness, humility and devotion to the IGBF was remarkable. Tim was a dedicated, selfless man and full of compassion for those colleagues in the grocery trade who found themselves in need of assistance.

We all owe Tim a deep debt of gratitude, and his contribution will be sadly missed.”

With huge appreciation and fondness for our dear friend Tim Nolan. Rest in Peace Tim. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam.

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News Coeliac Society teams up with Promise Gluten Free to deliver care packs THE Coeliac Society of Ireland has teamed up with baked goods brand Promise Gluten Free to deliver free food packs to hundreds of vulnerable coeliacs who are cocooning in order to stay safe from the coronavirus.

Delivery of around 400 packs to the homes of mostly elderly people throughout Ireland began recently. They include baked staples like gluten free bread but also Easter treats such as hot cross buns. The Society hopes that further deliveries in the coming weeks will include products from other manufacturers.

The move comes after cocooning members of the Coeliac Society, who could not travel, expressed concern that they would struggle to access gluten free products as the coronavirus lockdown continues. “These are vulnerable people in the current climate, not least because many of them have underlying conditions other than coeliac disease,” explained Coeliac Society CEO, Gill Brennan. “These care packs will help keep them safe and well by allowing them to stick to their gluten free diet, but they will also mean they have one less thing to worry about at a time of real stress and anxiety in their lives.”

Anyone wishing to support The Coeliac Society of Ireland can do so at www.coeliac.ie.

#MyHeroes campaign celebrates frontline workers A NATIONWIDE campaign has been launched to pay tribute to workers on the frontline during the Covid-19 pandemic and to highlight their continued hard work and dedication.

The #MyHeroes campaign encourages members of the public to show their appreciation to all the essential workers who are keeping the country running during this difficult time, and to share a story or message about them online using the campaign hashtag.

The #MyHeroes campaign aims to give back; to boost morale by letting essential workers know that the nation thanks them and stands with them. User

generated content, which will be gathered via the specific call-to-action hashtag, will be displayed on digital advertising screens across Ireland.

Members of the public can put forward a message about any frontline worker in their life, from healthcare workers, armed forces, fire brigade, community workers and carers, to supermarket workers and journalists. The campaign also underlines the government’s ‘Stay at Home’ message, by encouraging people to reach out to loved ones online.

When a tweet has been selected to feature in the campaign, an illustration of the digital screen, and how the message has appeared, will then be replied to the person so they can share their support further through social media, and - most importantly - show their hero their appreciation.

At a time when many are looking to praise the selfless people in their lives, the #MyHeroes campaign gives the opportunity to use the public nature of Out of Home (OOH) to support those local heroes making a difference.

The campaign will run on more than 200 screens across the country, with the advertising space being provided free of charge by Orbscreen, Adtower, MJ Flood Digital/Promogroup, Micromedia, Clear Channel and Wide Eye Media. Agencies Kinetic and DOOH.com are encouraging others to get onboard to support the campaign, and to amplify the messages of gratitude for essential workers.

The Irish Sun donates Easter Monday advertising space to charities The Irish Sun, Ireland’s bestselling daily tabloid newspaper, recently donated all its advertising space to charities on Easter Monday, April 13. As Covid-19 continues to impact every industry, many charities have been dealt a devasting blow at a time when their support is needed most. Fundraising events which provide the financial lifeblood for many of them have been cancelled and many have also seen a drop in donations.

“Many people have been badly affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, but volunteers and charities are still doing great work to help those most in need so this is our chance to help them,” said Kieran McDaid, Editor of The Irish Sun, who offered free ad space, showcased the work of our charitable sector in stories and provided details to help readers donate to worthy causes. “It’s the perfect time for some good news,” McDaid noted.

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Industry News Gala Gifts for Schools returns

WITH a massive €30,000 prize pot up for grabs for Irish primary schools, leading Irish convenience retail group, Gala Retail is back with its Gala Gifts for Schools campaign, which this year will see six primary schools win a €5,000 cash prize! This year, Gala Gifts for Schools takes the form of a sticker competition. Gala Retail will be providing participating primary schools with a large poster of Ireland, populated with educational information and facts about some of Ireland’s key heritage and tourism sites. For a chance to win €5,000, schools must collect exclusive Gala ‘G’ stickers, with one sticker awarded for every €10 spent in participating Gala stores. TV and Radio personality Lucy Kennedy joined CEO of Gala Retail Gary Desmond along with school children Jack Fogarty and Loanna Veeramalay to launch the Gala Gifts for Schools Competition 2020 (pictured).

Fyffes welcomes Taoiseach to banana ripening facility IRISH banana importer Fyffes recently welcomed An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD to its premises in Swords, North County Dublin. The visit was one in which An Taoiseach had an opportunity to view the company’s banana-ripening facility and discuss its fresh fruit supply lines with company officials in the face of the current Covid-19 situation. Welcoming An Taoiseach, David McCann, Chairman, Fyffes Ireland, praised the Government, its team of medical advisors and health service workers for the reassurance they have given to the Irish people and the manner in which the Covid-19 issue is being managed. McCann went on to say that his organisation “has sufficient fresh fruit stocks on hand, and in the pipeline, to ensure that Irish consumers can continue to enjoy a healthy diet at this time”. An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, is pictured with Fyffes Chairman, David McCann (left).

Dealz rolls out new pricing across Ireland DEALZ has introduced a new, simple price structure across its 66 Irish stores. In addition to the core €1.50 price point, the new model will introduce big brands at a series of simple price points from 75c.

From Nutella to Nivea, the move will ensure hundreds of Ireland’s best-sellers are front and centre in its stores, including big Irish brands such as Tayto, Hunky Dory, King, Jacob’s, Batchelors, Kelkin, Avonmore, Cully and Sully, Lyons and Fulfil. Dealz Director Mat Ankers is pictured at Dealz Clarehall, Dublin, which hosted a highly successful trial of the new pricing structure.

Keelings first Irish strawberries of 2020 arrive

KEELINGS, Ireland’s largest supplier and producer of fresh fruit, has officially announced the arrival of the first Irish strawberry harvest of 2020, with punnets now available across supermarkets nationwide. Keelings Irish strawberries are the first to hit the shop shelves each year and Keelings is the only Irish grower producing 100% table-top strawberries, a growing-method which keeps the fruit off the ground and helps to eliminate pests and diseases. This method allows for Keelings to produce the highest quality strawberries each spring. Keelings’ innovative glasshouses have successfully extended the strawberry season from March through to December, allowing the first Irish strawberries of the season to be available earlier than was originally possible.

Avoca offers delivery and collection services AVOCA has announced a delivery and collection service in response to Covid-19.

The new delivery service is aimed at people at a higher risk to infection, those aged over 65 and anyone who finds shopping in the current situation an unwanted stress. Avoca are operating a customised personal shopping service at Avoca Kilmacanogue, Rathcoole and Dunboyne, with a specially designated order & collection point at each of these three locations, where staff greet customers and retrieve their shopping lists, to save vulnerable customers from having need to leave the car or enter the store. Avoca is also offering a delivery service to include ‘Avoca at Home Catering’, ensuring consumers have access to food and beverage essentials such as butter, milk, eggs, fresh fruit and vegetables, pasta as well some of Avoca’s most-loved classics. For more information, see www.avoca.com.

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Industry News A Kind of magic!

WE hope you enjoyed your complimentary Kind Protein Bar with this issue of Retail News! At Kind, they make delicious and nutritious snack bars with whole nuts as the first and predominant ingredient. Kind Protein bars are plant-based protein bars with 12g of protein, mainly from nuts, and come in three delicious flavours: Crunchy Peanut Butter, Double Dark Chocolate, and Toasted Caramel Nut. Their full range of Core & Protein bars are available through all retail and wholesale channels, like BWG, Musgrave, Pallas Foods, Stonehouse and many more. For more information please visit www.kindsnacks.ie/contact or email KINDIreland@effem.com. So be Kind to your body, your taste buds, your world and give Kind Protein a try (RSP €2.49).

New Nivea Q10 Power 60+ Range NEW Nivea Q10 Power 60+ Range is the perfect skincare partner for this group of trailblazing women. The new formula, specially designed for the needs of skin over the age of 60, replenishes nutrients already in the skin, whilst providing deep nourishment for mature skin, maintaining its beauty rather than trying to turn back the years. The range includes Nivea Q10 Power 60+ Day Cream, which helps to replenish levels of Q10 in the skin, protecting skin from dryness and reducing the visible signs of skin ageing, and Nivea Q10 Power 60+ Night Cream, with 100% organic Argan Oil, which helps to visibly reduce the appearance of wrinkles in four weeks, leaving skin feeling firmer.

RMS Group rebrands as Pivotal ONE of Ireland’s leading cash-in-transit companies is changing its name as it plans to scale up its business and become the first in the industry to offer merchant services. RMS Group is rebranding as Pivotal to reflect its mission to be the leading independent provider supporting cash and card transactions of all types. Founded in 2005, Pivotal, provides cash collections, deliveries and ATM services to over 1,700 customers, and plans to extend its services to include on-demand collections and deliveries, and also provide card terminals and process card and BACS payments, enabling it to offer a complete service to support all of a company’s transactions and provide one single report.

Teeling Whiskey charity bottling to support frontline heroes TEELING Whiskey has released a special charity bottling of its Distillery Exclusive range, with all profits going to charities who are at the frontline of the battle of Covid-19 in Ireland. This Front Line Heroes special release is limited to only 300 bottles and consists of the first Teeling Whiskey which has been matured in Irish Virgin Oak. “We are truly thankful for the sacrifices people are making on a daily basis and this release is just a small gesture of our appreciation for these true Front Line Heroes through the various charities we have chosen to support,” noted Jack Teeling, founder and Managing Director of Teeling Whiskey.

Grenade produces world’s largest protein bar GRENADE is officially the record holder for the world’s largest protein bar with its epic Carb Killa Cookie Dough protein bar, weighing in at a hefty 239kg. Making up to a total of 3,716 regular sized Cookie Dough Carb Killa bars, and at a huge 1.8m long and 62.5cm wide, it is completely edible, as requested to meet with guidelines set by Guinness World Records. Alan Barratt, CEO and co-founder of Grenade, is pictured with the bar.

CIGARETTE CHARACTERISING FLAVOUR BAN W HAT I S CHA N GIN G A N D W HE N ?

20 T H

MAY

2020

All cigarettes with characterising flavours and cigarettes with flavour capsules will be banned from this date. In effect, this means a ban on menthol cigarettes.

W HA T’S HA P P E N IN G N OW ?

It is business as usual until the ban comes into effect.

Continuing to sell through until the last day will ensure that you do not lose any potential sales.

“JTI Ireland will support you at every step to manage these changes in your business”

DEREK MOONEY JTI IRELAND SALES DIRECTOR

This communication is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

W HEN DO T HESE RULES COME IN T O EFFECT ?

The new rules come into effect from 20th May 2020, in line with TPD2 requirements.

CAN I CONTINUE TO SELL CIGARETTES WITH CHARACTERISING FLAVOURS IN THE COMING MONTHS? Yes. It is business as usual until the ban comes into effect on 20th May 2020.

Continuing to sell through until the last day will ensure that you do not lose any potential sales.

HOW CAN I AVOID HAVING NON COMPLIANT STOCK AFTER THE 20 TH MAY 2020 ?

Stock rotation is key. It is very important to merchandise to ensure that older/flavoured products are sold through first. This will help to avoid having non compliant stock left after the ban comes into force.

DOES THIS BAN AFFECT VAPING PRODUCTS? No. Only flavoured cigarettes and cigarettes with flavour capsules are affected by this ban.

Speak to your JTI contact, call 01 404 0240 or email customerservices.ireland@jti.com for further information

W HA T I S B E I NG B A NNE D? Cigarettes with characterising flavours and cigarettes with flavour capules will be banned from this date.

W HY A R E THE S E P R OD U C T S B E I NG B A NNE D ?

This is the next phase of EU tobacco rules introduced in 2016 (TPD2). These rules prohibit the use of “characterising flavours” in cigarettes.

W HE N S HOU L D I S TOP OR D E R I NG C I GA R E TTE S W I TH C HA R A C TE R I S I NG FL A V OU R S A ND C I GA R E TTE S W I TH FL A V OU R C A P U L E S ?

It is business as usual at the moment, so you should continue to order as normal. JTI Ireland’s sales teams will provide expert advice in the coming months to ensure you do not have non compliant stock when the ban comes into effect.

W HA T I S J TI DOI NG TO E NS U R E I DO NOT HA V E NON C OMP L I A NT S TOC K A FTE R THE DE A DL I NE ?

An order management process that includes careful stock rotation and JTI deadline for dispatch of cigarettes with characterising flavours will avoid having non compliant stock after 20th May 2020.

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Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

RETAIL ON THE FRONTLINE OF BATTLE

IT is hard to image just a few short weeks ago the kind of situation the country and the retail sector would find itself in now. The rapidity and the scale of restrictions across the economy are deep and wide-ranging, but based on advice from the Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tony Holohan, these measures will help flatten the curve of growth of Covid-19 (Coronavirus). These whole-of-society measures need buy-in from everyone to ensure they tackle this disease and the retail sector has not been found wanting when it came to implementing best practice in this regard.

Arguably, the retail sector is one of the most exposed during this pandemic; retailers and their staff are working night and day to ensure the continuity of essential supply chains, ensuring food is on shelves and that consumers have their choice of products that they are accustomed to. This has in the main been the case.

In the early days of working from home and school closure, there was an exponential increase of customers in grocery stores throughout the nation, with some minor stockpiling evidenced. This was soon to stop as the sector robustly got the message out that there was no supply shortage and shopping as normal should be carried out.

Ensuring safety of staff and customers Retailers across the country were quick to implement strict social distancing, along with other innovative ways to ensure the safety of staff and customers, things such as plastic screens around checkout areas, alcohol sanitisers in-store, gloves and wipes for trollies and baskets.

Since even more stringent measures were introduced on March 27, almost all of the retail sector has closed, aside from grocery. This will have profound effects in the future; many that are closed since March may never open again and those that do could be faced with major liquidity issues.

Many of the fiscal measures introduced by the Government have been focused on the worker; which is right and equitable. In saying this, it must not be forgotten that many of the businesses that had to close and lay-off staff were booming just a few short weeks ago.

The need for a rates holiday Retail Ireland has been consistent in its calls for support for the sector; we have made clear in a number of high level meetings with the Department of Business, Enterprise and Innovation and the Department of An Taoiseach that plans such as a rates freeze rather than a three-month rates holiday is only kicking the can down the road for business and not addressing the underlying issue of lack of funds in businesses. A Commercial Rates holiday is not only necessary for retail at this point; it is vital for the sector. Rent is also an issue in this category; commercial rents also need to be waived for a period if the sector along with the economy is going to rebound as rapidly and robustly as the Government want it to.

Retailers that remain open will continue to be the bedrock of their community, offering a vital service to everyone that walks through their doors. They can only do so with support from the State.

Tel: 01-6051558 www.retailireland.ie Need more?

For more information about what we do and how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie.

60 years delivering for Ireland

At BWG Foods wholesale division we pride ourselves on servicing over 20,000 local businesses through our network of 22 cash & carry branches and our foodservice businesses. We would like to thank our thousands of customers across the country and our 800 strong team who are pulling together to help support local business during these unprecedented times. Together we are much stronger.

BETTER DEAL

Your Local Wholesaler For Over 50 Years C A S H & C A R RY

14|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic

Irish grocery sector steps up to the frontline

The Irish grocery sector has really stepped up as the Covid-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented times across our country and our communities. Retail News Editor John Walshe pays tribute to our industry in the country’s time of great need.

AT the time of writing, I’m ensconced in my box-room, laptop on a desk squashed in beside a single bed, calming music playing through the speakers, the door closed against the noise of playing children downstairs, as I try to bring my thoughts into focus. Like many of you, I’m coming to terms with a new reality, as the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic wreak havoc on life as we knew it.

Attention has focused, and rightly so, on the frontline healthcare staff, the doctors and nurses who are dealing with Covid-19 patients in our hospitals, GP practices, test centres and everywhere else where our sick friends and neighbours are presenting across the country. As a nation, we applaud the selfless work of the many thousands of healthcare professionals who are fighting the battle against Covid-19, as well as the heartening stories of people putting off retirements, of others returning to Ireland from abroad and of those coming out of retirement to bolster the defences against this deadly

virus. These heroes deserve our respect and our support.

Another thing that has been very clear during the last few weeks is our reliance on the grocery sector, as staff continued to show up for work, suppliers continued to ensure shelves were full and, most importantly, shops remained open, despite the sense of crisis that enveloped the entire country, as the first cases were reported, followed sadly by the first deaths from Covid-19.

While there were instances of panic buying in the early days of the pandemic, thankfully they were nothing like the scenes witnessed in other countries, when entire categories were emptied from shelves in seconds as consumer stockpiled some goods, with paper products particularly effected in other jurisdictions. The grocery industry and the Government were quick to assuage fears and assure consumers that the supply chain would continue to function as normal, and so it has proven in the intervening weeks.

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Covid-19 Pandemic Retailers reaching out In a time when many businesses have been forced to close their doors, leaving thousands without a job, retailers have taken on more staff, such is the demand for their services during these days and weeks of crisis. Many of the country’s biggest retailers launched recruitment drives to keep up with demand, with Tesco Ireland estimated to have taken on 700 additional staff.

Musgrave too have launched a recruitment drive. “To meet this level of demand, we need to increase our team numbers and ensure we have enough people to allow our current staff get time to rest,” noted Musgrave CEO, Noel Keeley, who revealed that Musgrave contacted representative bodies to prioritise those in the restaurant, food and retail sectors who were amongst the first to lose their jobs because of Covid-19.

Many retailers paid their staff a 10% premium for their service in these exceptional times.

‘Flatten the curve’ As the Government stepped up regulations in a bid to ‘flatten the curve’ and slow down the spread of the virus, retailers were quick to implement social distancing in-store. I personally travelled to a number of local grocery stores to see how they were dealing with the two-metre distancing requirement, particularly at tills, and was heartened to see how in just a few days, all the shops I visited had dedicated signage advising of the required distance, while one had staff members actively patrolling the till area, ensuring queuing customers and their trolleys remained two metres

Contactless limit rises to €50 SINCE April 1, customers who are paying by debit or credit card on contactless can now spend up to v50.

The move was announced to help limit the number of cash transactions. Banks, retailers and technology companies have worked together to facilitate the increase. apart.

The growth in online ordering has been exponential, and retailers have struggled a little to keep up with demand, but the supermarkets are working hard to open up delivery and click & collect slots, particularly for the most vulnerable in our communities.

Most of the groups now have dedicated tills or certain times of day where priority is given to elderly or vulnerable customers.

safe and sustainable products for over 80 years,” said John Byrne, CEO. “In recent weeks, we have turned our experience, expertise and capabilities to produce an antivirus formulation.

Our experienced team has focused their efforts in creating and getting authorisation for this new and innovative product. We hope, through the use of HyClean Antivirus, we contribute in some way to making our homes, stores and businesses safer.”

Suppliers step up Suppliers too have really stepped up to the plate. Hygeia, based in Oranmore Co. Galway, launched a brand new anti-viral home and industrial disinfectant; HyClean is a highly effective broad-spectrum disinfectant with quick contact times (five minutes) against viruses that comes in a user-friendly ready-to-use spray bottle, along with concentrate formulations in 1 Litre, 5 Litre and 10 Litre containers.

“At Hygeia, we have built our business and reputation on producing

Drinks industry contributes The drinks industry has been particularly effective in its efforts. Diageo pledged to enable the creation of more than eight million bottles of hand sanitiser, by donating up to two million litres of alcohol to manufacturing partners, to help protect frontline healthcare workers in the fight against Covid-19.

The world’s leading distiller is providing Grain Neutral Spirit (GNS) – a 96% strength ethyl alcohol used primarily in the production of vodka and gin – and is making it available at no cost to hand sanitiser producers in multiple countries, including Ireland, the UK and Italy, to help overcome shortages in healthcare systems. This donation will enable the production of more than eight million 250ml bottles of hand sanitiser. “Healthcare workers are at the forefront of fighting this pandemic and we are determined to do what we can to help protect them,” said Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive of Diageo. “This is the quickest and most effective way for us to meet the surging demand for hand sanitiser around the world.”

Irish Distillers is also creating large scale quantities of alcohol for free to manufacture hand sanitiser gel, in partnership with Cork firm Mervue Laboratories which will provide it to the Health Service Executive.

It’s not just major international suppliers either. A number of smaller distilleries around the country have committed to joining the fight against

If we adhere to the Government’s public health advice, we can ‘flatten the curve’ of infection rates.

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Covid-19 Pandemic the spread of Covid-19. In West Cork, Clonakilty Distillery is creating sanitisers with an alcohol content of 63% ABV, with the first batch of 5,000 bottles offered for free to local charities, while the rest will be available at cost. In Leitrim, The Shed Distillery has commenced the distribution of emergency alcohol and surface cleaner across the region, including supplying alcohol to Ovelle Pharmaceuticals, who will create hand sanitiser gel.

A number of other distilleries and drinks producers across the country are also getting geared up to manufacture hand sanitiser gel, once they have complied with the necessary regulations and have sourced the other components.

Separately, Guinness Ireland has pledged €1.5 million to support Irish bar staff and communities affected by Covid-19.

Patricia Callan, Director of Drinks Ireland, which represents drinks producers and suppliers around the country said: “At such an uncertain and challenging time, it’s encouraging to see the drinks industry doing what it can in the effort to tackle Covid-19. This fight will require Government, the health and public sector, industry and society all working together on a coordinated response. As an industry, we are committed to doing what we can to help out.”

The FoodCloud challenge However, there are still challenges to be met. FoodCloud, the social enterprise that redistributes surplus food to communities in need, has launched an emergency food and funding

appeal to aid their charity partners in distributing food parcels. The demand for FoodCloud’s services has increased in recent weeks with the spread of Covid-19. Pressure has been put on FoodCloud’s resources, as 40% of their community partners are closing due to reduced availability of volunteers. The social enterprise has also seen a 50% decrease in surplus food donations from

support this appeal.

“We are preparing to meet the additional demand for food parcels by establishing new strategic partnerships with community organisations that will support the ever-changing needs of individual communities across Ireland.

Through these partnerships, we are accelerating our support of families whose children normally get free school

The entire world is coming to terms with a new reality as Covid-19 wreaks havoc. supermarkets as a result of stockpiling.

The immediate response to the crisis was thanks to an existing partnership with AIB. As well as AIB, Aldi, ChangeX supported by Web Summit, and Kelloggs have all pledged their support to the appeal. Many other food partners have committed to additional regular food donations over the coming weeks to

Applegreen provides free fuel to Blood Bike Leinster during Covid-19 crisis.

meals, the elderly with underlying health conditions and those who need to self-isolate,” said Iseult Ward, CEO of FoodCloud.

Ward foresaw what she termed “an unprecedented shift in the need for food distribution across communities, unlike anything we have experienced before.

I acknowledge the enormous effort

Applegreen to provide free fuel to Blood Bike Leinster APPLEGREEN plc is supporting Blood Bike Leinster by providing free fuel to their volunteers during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Blood Bike Leinster operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year delivering a confidential specialist medical logistical service to the HSE hospital groups, medical centres and hospices primarily in the Leinster region. The Blood Bikes are now handling essential logistics in the fight against Covid-19 by providing transport for tests kits between test centres and the laboratories.

“At Applegreen we are delighted to support Blood Bike Leinster during these unprecedented times,” said Dáire Nolan, Managing Director for Ireland. “We are grateful to all healthcare workers, essential service providers, staff and suppliers at this difficult time. We are proud to continue fuelling and supporting Ireland’s essential services through this pandemic.”

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Covid-19 Pandemic National Lottery reduces advance plays on EuroMillions DUE to the current situation regarding Covid-19, in both Ireland and around Europe, the National Lottery are temporarily changing the way Advance Play works on EuroMillions. Since March 21, they have gradually reduced the number of draws for which Advance Play is available, and since April 11, players are able to purchase tickets for the next draw only. This change impacts EuroMillions only – Advance play on other products remains unaffected.

“We’re sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and would like to thank you our retailers and players for their understanding,” said a National Lottery spokesperson, who assured readers that they will seek to re-introduce advance play once the situation normalises. of the Government, our stakeholders, community and business partners. But we need to do more. We urgently appeal for accelerated support in terms of food and funding to ensure our services, and the supply chain for food distribution is sustained during this pandemic. No-one should go hungry during the Covid-19 pandemic. We need to come together at a time when we are forced to be apart, to ensure that every member of our society has access to good food.”

Foodservice in freefall?

Some sectors have been worse hit by the current pandemic. Foodservice

Retailers were very quick to ensure customers adhere to the Government’s social distancing requirements.

The more people adhere to the Government’s public health advice, the quicker we will get back to something like normal life. has been particularly badly affected, with a knock-on effect for suppliers to that market. Cáis, the Association of Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers is appealing to the retail sector to continue to stock its product and encouraging consumers to support the industry at this time. A member survey carried out by the association highlighted fears for significant job losses and an estimated 75% drop in sales as a result of the closure of foodservice outlets and farmers markets, which accounted for the majority of sales in 2019.

Louis Grubb, Chairperson of Cáis and founder of Cashel Farmhouse Cheese, said, “We are devastated at how the Covid-19 public health emergency has impacted on the foodservice business and the economy in Ireland.

Members of our association are typically very small, independent producers with few resources behind them. They are, however, very significant to the fabric of rural Ireland and to the food image of our country. It is important the when this crisis has stabilised, and we return to a new normality, that we still have speciality cheesemakers in Ireland. The only way we can ensure the viability of our sector is by doing everything we can to encourage Irish retailers to stock, and promote, our products at this time. We are very grateful for the support received to date on this matter.”

The Future These are unprecedented times but we need to remember that they will not last forever. The more people adhere to the Government’s public health advice,

the fewer of our citizens will contract Covid-19 and the quicker we will get back to something like normal life.

In the meantime, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the grocery industry in Ireland for their incredible effort so far. You are doing us proud.

Marketing Network Group establish the Covid Crisis Hub INTEGRATED marketing communications agency, Marketing Network Group, has launched its Covid Crisis Hub, an online resource created in response to a need from Marketing Network’s clients and businesses seeking support through this difficult time. The Hub content presents advice on how to manage creative advertising, how best to develop an effective social media strategy, and why PR crisis management is so important.

The Marketing Network Group has been in business since 1986, and has extensive marketing, creative, PR, and digital experience. The Covid Crisis Hub is a combined resource of the agency’s extensive industry knowledge and expertise in order to advise clients and businesses on how to adapt their marketing strategy while this global crisis continues and more importantly, to be prepared and agile to hit the ground running when the new norm resumes.

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Covid-19 Pandemic

Together we will prevail Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods, reflects on the impact of Covid-19 on Ireland, on our retail sector and on the grocery trade in particular.

2020 will forever be remembered as the year of Coronavirus, the year of Covid-19. As I write, the globe feels like it is spinning slower, the functioning of society and commercial life has almost stopped, across all continents, cultures and ethnicities. It was not just unforeseen three months ago; it was

a slowing of the rate of increase, in working together by adhering to Government advice, to help flatten the curve, and very soon hopefully in celebrating a new statistic; the number recovered and well again, and very unlikely to relapse.

It feels like a war and it is. Our

“ Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods

unimaginable.

Ireland may be an island but it is an island in a meshed and connected world. We have not escaped. As I write, the virus is making its insidious progress here as elsewhere, measured in confirmed cases, numbers serious/ critical, and deaths. While the numbers are growing, we look for comfort in

frontline troops are undoubtedly those working to test, to care, to heal and to comfort. They have been an inspiration, none more so than those healthcare professionals who have come out of retirement, who have left jobs abroad and returned and the wider army of volunteers not professionally qualified who have put their hand up to help.

It is our job, but in these times it feels like so much more, because it is so much more. Our retailers are independent businesses, many of which are family concerns. They have been passionate, determined and courageous and so have their teams. We will see this through.

”

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Covid-19 Pandemic Never forgetting our general hospital staff, ambulance drivers, Gardaí and defence forces. Heroes all.

Supply chain But supply chain is also critical to winning a war. The nation must be fed and medicated, with hygiene and sanitation needs met. At a time when the country is in virtual lockdown, all of us involved in what it takes to produce and move product to where it is consumed or used are also frontline workers. In his address on St Patrick’s night, An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD

to distribute and sell. Our ‘can do’ attitude is mirrored all the way back though our 650+ suppliers and ultimately the producers in Ireland and overseas. BWG is working closely with our suppliers to make sure stocks are adequate and product flowing.

With our 240,000 square feet National Distribution Centre in Dublin, along with 22 Cash and Carry Branches, we are the walls and wheels for suppliers to link efficiently with our vast retail network on the shopper side. They say everything happens for a reason and our investment in recent years in this

BWG Foods’ investment in recent years in its sophisticated supply chain has been a game changer during this crisis.

singled out essential retail for special mention. As restrictions progressively tightened, we have been specifically exempted so that basic human needs are attended to. From food production workers to warehouse teams, from drivers to store staff, we have stepped up to the plate, while taking every precaution to stay safe and keep our shoppers safe.

BWG’s continuing commitment and professional execution is mirrored across other groups and by independent retailers too. Our family of more than 1,000 stores across Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis, and XL are open. There is no panic as we have seen in other countries.

Shelves remain stocked; local stores allow communities to access safely all they need, close to home. We know it is an immeasurable comfort in a highly stressed and unprecedented time.

It is our job, but in these times it feels like so much more, because it is so much more. Our retailers are independent businesses, many of which are family concerns. They have been passionate, determined and courageous and so have their teams. We will see this through.

Suppliers and producers Let’s not forget though, it doesn’t start with BWG; there are many moving parts before companies like ours have product

“

As a critical sector of the economy, with almost 300,000 people employed, retail has overcome many challenges in recent years and we will come through this one too.

”

sophisticated supply chain has been a game changer during this crisis.

A critical sector As a critical sector of the economy, with almost 300,000 people employed, retail has overcome many challenges in recent years and we will come through this one too. Most of the sector lies closed, playing their part through this sacrifice, in slowing the spread of the virus and ultimately squeezing it out of the community.

For those of us providing essential services, our role is to go out every day, to continue picking, packing, transporting, stacking and serving our shoppers. I am proud of everyone involved in this effort, but especially my own BWG colleagues and our retailers. We are stronger than the storm.

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Covid-19 Pandemic

Musgrave playing its part in tackling pandemic Musgrave plays an important role in Ireland’s food supply chain and accordingly has a significant part to play in the national effort in dealing with the Covid-19 challenge, according to Noel Keeley, CEO. “THE health of our colleagues across our store network, our customers, the communities in which we operate and our supply chain partners is our top priority at this time,” noted Noel Keeley, Musgrave CEO, in response to the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Musgrave plays an important role in Ireland’s food supply chain and accordingly has a significant part to play in the national effort in dealing with the Covid-19 challenge, the CEO explained: “We are doing this through our retail partners’ stores at the heart of towns and villages across the country.

We are taking every step possible to ensure that the food supply chain continues to function as normal and we are directly engaging with Government on the matter.”

Keeley went on to pay tribute to the company’s workforce: “I would like to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of every member of Musgrave team, our retail partners and their team who are going above and beyond for our customers. We would also like to thank the general public for their patience during this time.”

Musgrave continues to closely monitor the developing situation in relation to the Covid-19 Pandemic. All of their operations, as well as stores, warehouses and MarketPlace locations across Musgrave’s network of brands, including SuperValu, Centra and Daybreak stores, have been adhering to the latest updated guidelines provided by the Health Service Executive (HSE) or relevant health authority in their respective region.

Installation of plexiglass screens The health of Musgrave staff, customers and supply chain

partners is the company’s top priority at this time. They have rolled out plexiglass screens across SuperValu, Centra, Daybreak and MarketPlace locations as an added protective measure for shoppers and colleagues. This follows the other preventative measures that have already been introduced, such as hand sanitisers and social distancing practices; community support for the elderly and vulnerable; and minimising cash transactions where possible.

“We want to give our staff and customers that extra peace of mind, and the plexiglass solution is proving to be very popular with everyone,” explained Martin Kelleher, SuperValu and Centra Managing Director. “We want to ensure that we are offering every possible solution to our stores, so we were proud to be first to market with this safety measure.”

Commenting on the plexiglass installations, Michael McCormack, Managing Director of Daybreak, said: “At Daybreak, the well-being of our colleagues and customers is

“

We are taking every step possible to ensure that the food supply chain continues to function as normal and we are directly engaging with Government on the matter.

”

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Covid-19 Pandemic

Daybreak stores and staff continue to provide an essential frontline service.

our number one priority. To ensure that our staff and shoppers stay healthy and feel reassured in-store, we’re introducing plexiglass at checkouts as part of a range of preventative measures.”

Recruitment drive Musgrave and its retail partners have been taking on additional staff to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic and the surge in demand. “To meet this level of

Noel Keeley, Musgrave CEO.

demand, we need to increase our team numbers and ensure we have enough people to allow our current staff to get time to rest. We’re working closely with different representative bodies to prioritise those in the restaurant, food and retail sectors who were amongst the first to lose their jobs because of Covid-19,” said Noel Keeley.

Retail brands respond to increased demand Musgrave’s retail brands have responded to the ongoing surge in demand. In one 24-hour period, SuperValu had a record 500 lorries on the road, delivering goods to its network of 223 stores, as the retailer “stepped up to meet the demand and ensure that families across the country can put food on the table every evening,” according to SuperValu & Centra Managing Director, Martin Kelleher.

“We have a range of measures in place instore to protect our staff and customers. We have upweighted sanitisation and cleaning protocols in place, with stores cleaning trolley and basket handles as preventative measures,” Kelleher said. “I would call on the public to keep social distancing in mind as they do their shopping and to keep a suitable distance from staff and other customers; to use contactless payments or mobile phone

payments for larger purchases; and to observe any directions given in-store over the tannoy or as directed by signage.

Standing tall A statement on the SuperValu website reads: “When everyone has to lay low, it’s time for us to stand tall. At SuperValu, we’re there for you, especially now things feel less than normal. And that means 223 stores with retailers, store staff, warehouse staff and drivers, keeping the trucks rolling and the shelves stocked with fresh food, Irish meat and freshly baked bread daily. We’ve always stood for community. And now that you need us most, we’ll stand that bit taller. #thereforyou.”

Store opening times may vary to suit the needs of local communities but all stores are receiving supplies daily direct from Musgrave’s dedicated delivery drivers and warehouses.

SuperValu and Centra stores are also very mindful of the elderly and vulnerable people in their community. “We are prioritising the elderly all day long in our stores. We have staff around our stores committed to ensuring the elderly and vulnerable customers are looked after when they visit. This is very much part of how we operate on a daily basis in the community. Many of our stores have a tailored approach in place, according to the specific needs of the local community they serve in,” Kelleher revealed.

Contactless payments Daybreak MD, Michael McCormack welcomed the increase in the contactless

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Covid-19 Pandemic AsIAm and SuperValu launch ‘Covid-19 and Change’ online seminar for autism community

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu and Centra, pictured at the Centra national conference in Killarney in January.

payment limit: “Daybreak welcomes the decision by the main banks to raise the contactless payment limit to €50, and we’re recommending that customers tap and pay whenever possible.

Coupled with our own range of measures, we hope that the higher contactless payment threshold reassures shoppers and gives peace of mind to Daybreak cashiers, who continue to provide an essential frontline service.”

Martin Kelleher also reminded people to use contactless wherever possible, so retail staff team can avoid handling cash if possible, and to use smartphones for larger purchases. The MD had a special message for staff, who have risen to the challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic: “I would like to publicly thank our team of retailers, staff in stores, drivers, warehouse staff and suppliers again for their huge efforts over the past number of days.”

IRELAND’S national autism advocacy charity, AsIAm, has launched its first online seminar ‘Covid-19 and Change’, sponsored by SuperValu, part of an ongoing series of seminars which offer support and much-needed information to the autism community. The community support events, proudly sponsored by SuperValu, previously ran in communities around Ireland but will now be hosted online and shared on AsIAm and SuperValu’s social channels.

The ‘Covid-19 and Change’ e-seminar is given

by Psychotherapist Michael Ryan and Educational Psychologist Dr Alison Doyle focuses on practical tips for positive mental health and staying on top of educational demands, for the autism community, during this period.

“Due to current social-distancing guidelines these events cannot take place in local communities, but we know our community needs support now more than ever which is why we have decided to turn our seminar series into a webinar series,” noted Adam Harris, CEO of AsIAm. “Routine and structure are vital supports for autistic people, and we are all presently faced with major changes to our daily life from where we learn to who and how we keep in touch. This is especially hard for the autism community and so our first Community Support Webinar looks at how we can deal with this change, create new routines and support structures and critically tackle boredom and isolation.”

Martin Kelleher, SuperValu and Centra Managing Director said, “As sponsors of the community support seminars we are delighted these can now go online to support the autism community. Now more than ever we need to continue to support the autism community.”

SuperValu stepped up to meet the demand and ensure that families across the country can put food on the table every evening.

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Covid-19 Pandemic

We are in this together!

Protecting staff and customers while supporting the national effort are key concerns for Circle K Ireland, writes Joanne D’Arcy, Senior Director of Retail Operations.

THROUGHOUT this crisis, the health and safety of our colleagues, our customers and our suppliers has been our number one priority.

We also know that we have a responsibility to support the national

social distancing programme that guides customers on best practice in-store.

We are continuously looking at ways of strengthening and enhancing these measures, with colleague, customer and supplier safety always front of mind.

• Signage with advice on how our customers can protect themselves and others.

• Pop-up message at Point of Sales, reminding about frequent hand wash and cleaning.

• Encouraging the use of card payments and contactless payment where possible.

• A comprehensive social distancing programme, instructing customers on best practice.

• Installation of pay-at-pump

Joanne D’Arcy, Senior Director of Retail Operations, Circle K Ireland.

effort. It is vital that we continue to support healthcare staff, emergency services and other essential service providers, who are keeping us safe and keeping the country moving during this challenging time, as well as local communities in need of essential goods and services.

Our colleagues at head office and across our network of service stations are integral in ensuring we can deliver this support. They have been doing an exemplary job in recent weeks as they always do, and I am extremely proud of their contribution.

Protective measures Across our network of service stations, we have introduced a range of protective measures to ensure the highest levels of hygiene, as well as introducing a

The most important measures we have taken in our stores are: • A stringent and enhanced cleaning and disinfecting process for food prep areas, and when cleaning food and customer related areas in the store – such as tables, coffee machines, pin pads, fuel handles, toilets and other areas.

• Increased use of hand sanitisers as a complement to hand washing for both colleagues and customers.

• Installation of cough and sneezeproof protective perspex screens at our tills.

• Supply of gloves for customers at all our fuel pumps and coffee stations.

facilities at several sites.

• Encouraging customers to scan their own purchases at our tills.

Supporting each other We are in this together, and it is vital that we support one another at this time.

At Circle K, we were delighted to offer free hot drinks to frontline healthcare workers and emergency services and we hope that this small gesture is of some benefit to them as we rely on them so heavily in difficult times like these.

Our colleagues and our suppliers continue to work extremely hard to make sure local communities have access to essential services. I’d like to thank our colleagues for their outstanding commitment, dedication and hard work, and our customers for their ongoing support.

24|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic

Responding Respon ding positively to a difficult time John Paul Scally, Managing Director, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland, pays tribute to the heroic work of Lidl staff and explains how Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland have responded to the current situation, taking on additional staff, responding to public health advice and managing footfall in-store.

THE word unprecedented has probably been overused at this stage but truly there is no other way to describe this.

At all times, the health and safety of our customers and our team at Lidl is our priority and guides our decision making.

We continue to monitor and follow the advice issued by the Government, HSE and World Health Organisation.

Our teams have worked round the clock to introduce a number of preventative measures into our 163 stores across the country, including adding prominent signage and tape markings around tills to encourage social distancing and contactless payments; installing protective Perspex screens; providing protective face shields to colleagues, spraying store trolleys and baskets with a bio misting spray, providing trolley and basket handle sanitation stations for customer

use and sourcing sanitiser in a very competitive market, for both employee and customer use.

Dedicated shopping mornings for elderly customers We were pleased to be the first retailer to introduce dedicated shopping mornings for elderly customers. We saw a huge outpouring of support for this initiative and a great response from the public, who showed great respect for this time period, allowing more vulnerable customers to pick up the food and supplies they need. These mornings are currently running from 9am to 11am every day and include prioritised queuing and additional assistance.

To manage the increased footfall, we also introduced additional security presence in all stores nationwide, which focuses on elderly prioritisation between

9am and 11am, managing entry of customers in line with HSE guidelines and maintaining social distancing between customers and employees.

FoodCloud appeal During the weekend of March 28, we launched a food appeal with FoodCloud in stores across the country to support those in need during these challenging times. We appealed to customers who would like to purchase an extra tinned or long shelf-life product to leave it in a dedicated trolley in stores on Saturday, March 28, and Sunday, March 29.

Following a positive response from our customers, the donations are being distributed through FoodCloud to local charities and food banks.

Recruitment drive In response to unprecedented customer demand in recent weeks, we announced a recruitment drive in which we sought to fill more than 400 new store and warehouse positions across our operations. We are delighted to have received such a prolific response to our call-out and we are currently fielding hundreds of applications, with over 220 offers already made to successful candidates. Although these are not the

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Covid-19 Pandemic usual circumstances by which we hope to welcome new people to our team, we take our responsibility to feed the nation very seriously. We want to ensure our frontline team is supported in every way possible and that means hiring

in constant contact with suppliers and partners as the situation develops.

In November last year, we opened a 58,000m² facility in Newbridge, Co. Kildare. Our newest distribution centre’s increased capacity means it can store

John Paul Scally, Managing Director, Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland. additional team members at this difficult period to help us to continue to provide food and supplies to communities across the country. We are in the fortunate position to be able to help those in the retail, catering and hospitality industries who may have lost their jobs in recent weeks. As the first nationwide retailer to commit to paying the Living Wage in 2015, we continue to offer this entry level rate, which currently stands at €12.30 per hour.

49m products through the streamlining of operations. Over 60% of these products come from Lidl’s 225-strong network of Irish suppliers.

Heroic commitment and dedication I would like to thank our customers who have been incredibly supportive, patient and understanding while we continue to operate and adapt during

“

Although these are not the usual circumstances by which we hope to welcome new people to our team, we take our responsibility to feed the nation very seriously.

We want to ensure our frontline team is supported in every way possible and that means hiring additional team members at this difficult period to help us to continue to provide food and supplies to communities across the country.

”

this period. Finally, I would also like to thank our teams throughout our stores and distribution centres who are working tirelessly to continue to maintain availability of food and other supplies for communities across the country.

Their efforts are nothing short of heroic and we are hugely appreciative of their commitment and dedication at this time.

Robust and agile supply chain As one of the fastest growing retailers, we have become accustomed to strong growth across our range.

However, over the past few weeks we have experienced significantly stronger sales in many categories. With large warehouses situated across the country and a robust and agile supply chain, our teams are confident of maintaining supply of key lines as consumer demand remains high.

I would like to assure our customers that stores are continuing to receive deliveries as planned and that we are November 2019 saw the opening of Lidl’s 58,000m² distribution centre in Newbridge, Co. Kildare.

26|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic

Community remains core focus for Gala Group Gala Retail has focused on supporting store owners and their employees in delivering for the communities in which they operate across the country during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

THE Covid-19 Pandemic has had a huge impact on a global basis, presenting challenges never before faced by retailers in Ireland and in many cases, across the world. In particular, the retail sector faces many operational challenges as symbol groups find new ways to ensure that the general public can rely on a steady supply of goods during this time.

“At Gala Retail, we have been focusing on how we can support our store owners and their employees in delivering for the communities in which we operate,” explains Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail. “Communication has been a key element of our strategy, ensuring that the lines of communication are open at all times with our retailers and providing essential information on government and agency guidelines and advice as the situation develops.”

Growing support for Gala retailers In addition to regular communications by email and telephone, stores are being supported by virtual calls and via the Live Chat function on the Gala website. Gala has also created a dedicated section for Covid-19 on the Gala retailer website, ‘Grow’, and on the Gala retailer app. Using these resources, Gala HQ has been able to upload regular updates on the situation regarding Covid-19 guidelines from the Government and HSE, as well as guidelines on operations, hygiene and social distancing to

protect both staff members and customers. Stores can also access detailed information and support on how they can diversify and adopt new approaches to retailing during this time to ensure that their customers are still being served.

The supply chain for Gala stores continues to operate, with normal supply routes remaining open and operational.

Following an initial sharp increase in demand for certain lines of essential goods, Gala stores are now well positioned to service shoppers with all their needs thanks to the support of their wholesalers and suppliers.

Working together for public safety “The public’s safety is the number one priority for our retailers and it has never been more important for the Gala Group and all of its stores and team members to work together,” Desmond insists. Retailers are going to great efforts to maintain social distancing in-stores and reduce face-toface contact between staff and customers in line with HSE guidelines, using stickers, floor-markings and posters in store to reinforce this messaging. Stores are being provided with point of sale Covid-19 packs, providing relevant signage for use in-store in addition to downloadable signage and guidance documents via the Gala Grow website for retailers.

The group has developed the SAFER concept which has also

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Covid-19 Pandemic been launched across the Gala estate.

The concept has been developed around SAFER shopping with Gala, whereby they outline five steps that they ask customers to comply with. Everyone has a part to play in defeating Covid-19.

staff, adjusted store opening times and introduced new and alternative services that enable them to serve their communities more safely, particularly the elderly and vulnerable. Among other things, stores are offering home delivery services, grocery collection services and dedicated shopping hours for the elderly and vulnerable only, in a bid to ensure all members of the community have access to the items they need.

“Community is a core value of the Gala Group and we are proud of how this is being reflected by the actions

S – Shop solo: Gala recommend where possible that shoppers enter the shop alone, without children or companions; A – Awareness: Be aware to keep your social distance from others when shopping – 2m/6ft apart at all times;

“

F – Follow: all guidelines and advice being provided by the government and HSE. E – Essential shopping trips only: If you must attend the store in person to carry out your shopping, ensure you purchase all the items you need during one shopping trip per week, where possible.

R – Responsible shopping: Please be patient whilst queuing in-store, use contactless payment whenever possible and don’t stockpile items; Gala have daily deliveries and enough for all.

Creative and innovative solutions In addition to promoting SAFER shopping in stores, Gala retailers across Ireland are coming up with creative and innovative solutions to ensure their stores stay open, that all customers have access to essential items, and that customers who are self-isolating can continue to receive the goods that they require and to facilitate the needs of frontline workers.

‘Senior Sundays’, dedicated shopping hours for key workers, introducing home delivery, order and collect services, and even donating meals to the elderly and vulnerable, are just some of the measures that Gala Retail stores across the country are taking to help their communities at this time of crisis.

Stores are changing opening hours and diversifying offerings to ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff members, while exploring alternative approaches to maintaining a steady service for their communities, and Gala stores will continue to adapt their approaches to best serve the community as the situation evolves.

Incredibly proud of Gala retailers Recognising the efforts being made

by Gala stores to continue to serve their communities during the current Covid-19 outbreak, Gary Desmond says: “The Gala Group would like to say a

Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail.

huge thank you to all of our retailers and employees, our wholesalers and suppliers, and to the Gala team, who are all working to deliver retail excellence at this unprecedented time. We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our retailers, who are prioritising the safety of their customers and teams, whilst continuing to serve their local communities in line with the official advice and guidance of our government and the support of all at Gala Retail.

Gala stores remain open and have implemented strict hygiene and social distancing measures in order to continue to safely serve the needs of their customers.”

The CEO pointed out that “many Gala stores have enlisted additional

We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our retailers, who are prioritising the safety of their customers and teams, whilst continuing to serve their local communities in line with the official advice and guidance of our government and the support of all at Gala Retail.

”

of our retailers and employees across the country,” Desmond concluded.

“We greatly appreciated the efforts and dedication of each of these individuals in serving their local communities, especially during this difficult time.”

28|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic

Maxol: coming together to face the challenges FOR the last few weeks, the phrase ‘all hands on deck’ has never been more pertinent across Maxol’s network of service stations, both north and south.

As a family business, and one due to be celebrating its centenary year in 2020, Maxol’s focus up until a few weeks ago was on celebrating 100 years in business. The pandemic has changed everything, and the focus has shifted to ensuring customers have access to food, grocery and fuel, while putting in place new health and safety measures.

These are unprecedented times and The Maxol Group, as is the case with many other Irish businesses, has experienced numerous challenges in dealing with the company’s response to Covid-19. With the situation changing daily, Maxol has had to respond right across the board, which has had a huge impact on the operation. Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group, broadly welcomes the latest measures that the Government is taking to address the situation for businesses in Ireland and firmly believes that it’s critical to support Irish businesses and their employees in what is a time of huge economic uncertainty and a national crisis.

“We’ve been through some tough times in our 100-year history, but this stands above anything else that we’ve seen in the last 50 to 60 years,” Donaldson says.

But for now, the business remains in good stead, with the company tackling the crisis head on and taking the necessary measures to protect retailers, staff and customers and refocusing efforts on the areas in most demand.

Tracking the crisis Maxol began tracking the situation in China from January and, having seen the crisis in Italy subsequently unfold and escalate, began to host preparedness days for staff in early March.

On Friday, March 13, Maxol instigated remote working for all head office employees - those based out of its finance and purchasing hub in Dublin and at a satellite site in Belfast; and it ensured employees were able to dial-in from home to perform their normal duties.

Challenges abound but the Maxol business remains in good stead as the company takes the necessary measures to protect staff and customers.

Production teams at Maxol Lubricants in Santry, North Dublin, which supplies a range of lubricants and AdBlue to customers in the north and south, were split into teams for separate shifts to ensure continuity of manufacture, while at the same time protecting staff as much as possible.

The employees at Maxol have not lost sight of the importance of staying connected, with the company continuing to facilitate meetings by utilising platforms such as Microsoft Teams, with people dialing in remotely.

These measures continue to be in place as the company works in line with Government guidelines and the company remains flexible, adjusting when and where it must.

Challenges of north versus south Operating sites in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, Maxol has had the additional challenge of having to adjust in line with the two different approaches to the crisis taken by the UK and Irish governments, albeit both approaches are now almost aligned.

Schools, colleges and bars, restaurants

and hotels in the Republic were closed a week and a half earlier than in Northern Ireland, and the economic impact was felt much earlier in the south.

“We were able to gauge and track the immediate impacts to business from these types of government measures, which centred around the timing of restrictions,” Donaldson says. “The Republic of Ireland was hit harder much earlier, with colleges, schools, bars, restaurants closing and the shift to working at home, leading to a significant reduction in traffic on the roads.”

In the coming days, fuel sales are expected to reduce even further as people travel less. But the demand for fuel hasn’t completely dried up. With the company operating in essential retail, Maxol is enabling key workers such as the police, health workers and the ambulance service to fill up their vehicles, as well as those in production, manufacturing and construction roles, who are still working, subject to safe practices. It has also taken the decision to support Blood Bikes East, who are helping transport critical inter-hospital deliveries, to help save on much needed

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Covid-19 Pandemic resources and time for each of the 22 hospitals.

Changing shopping habits in-store Another clear shift in the business is visible from consumer shopping habits in-store. While traditional convenience has grown, delis have been impacted and the in-store seating areas have been closed to assist with social distancing.

Coffee sales have also fallen but there’s been an uplift in everyday essentials: fresh and chilled items, household cleaning products and health and beauty, including toilet roll.

The company has seen a similar sales pattern emerge in Northern Ireland following the UK’s alignment on business, schools and work restrictions from Friday, March 20.

Overall, whilst the business is still trading, there has been a downward trend of around 40% in fuel sales, car washing and a similar drop in deli and food franchise revenues.

Supporting retailers Maxol has always maintained a strong relationship with its retailers and the strength of the partnership is shining through despite the difficult climate.

The company has been supporting retailers through the provision of Perspex sneeze guards to stores to protect customers and staff, as well as providing social distancing floor graphics to ensure people maintain a safe physical distance.

Perhaps key to the successful implementation of these measures is the company’s continuous open line of communication with its retailers.

Maxol has contacted all of its retailers, informing them of the measures it has undertaken to support their businesses and to provide links to Government assistant packages, as well as other necessary information that will help

Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group. them, as individuals and as retailers, as this global crisis unfolds.

“The way we view this is that we are in it together and need to work openly and as best we can,” Donaldson says.

“

Despite the difficult situation we all find ourselves in as a nation, I’ve never been so proud to see every member of staff come together in their efforts to take this on. We will get through it and we look forward to the day when normal service will resume.

”

Maxol is also considering trading hours. Some sites offer 24-hour opening, which may not be appropriate moving forward but will need relevant security measures such as roller shutters when they close to protect the premises.

Another proactive move is a new national press and radio campaign, which has just commenced, with advertisements aimed at reassuring customers that Maxol is working hard to support them and their needs. It is also a show of solidarity for its retailers and staff who are working in very challenging conditions.

Maxol is supporting Blood Bikes East, who are helping transport critical inter-hospital deliveries, to help save Community role on much-needed resources and time for each of the 22 For now, Maxol hospitals. plans to play its

part in this evolving crisis by continuing to provide fuel and everyday essentials across its network, both north and south.

With the company’s focus firmly on the safety and health of its retailers, staff and customers, it has postponed a number of events, including its annual retailer conference and a book launch, which was planned to commemorate its centenary year.

All capital expenditure is also on hold but any projects underway will be finished, where possible. Only recently, the company opened a new site in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, bringing a muchneeded good news story to the area and a boost to the community.

The business remains in good stead, according to Donaldson: “It’s a family business, founded by the McMullan family 100 years ago, which has been prudent over the years and is well financed. The Board of Directors and the McMullan family have been available at the end of the phone, supporting the senior management team to make the right decisions for our business.

“Despite the difficult situation we all find ourselves in as a nation, I’ve never been so proud to see every member of staff come together in their efforts to take this on. We will get through it and we look forward to the day when normal service will resume, although I feel the impact will be felt for a long time for many.

“Our plan will continue to evolve with more measures in the coming weeks but for the betterment of everyone in the extended Maxol family and local communities across Ireland,” he concludes. “I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank every single person working within The Maxol Group at this trying time, as well as a huge thank you to our customers for remaining loyal as they continue to support us.”

30|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic

Tesco announces a host of support services Tesco Ireland has unveiled a range of measures to ensure the health and safety of customers and staff, as well as donations to community groups and new arrangements for suppliers.

“IT’S been an unprecedented few weeks and despite the enormous challenges, it’s been incredible to see how colleagues have stepped up and responded, doing an outstanding job,” said Tesco Ireland CEO, Kari Daniels, recently, paying tribute to Tesco Ireland’s staff across the country and the way they have responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Indeed, Tesco Ireland announced that it will be giving a 10% bonus on the hourly rate to staff across its stores and distribution, backdated to March 9, and running until May 1, when they will review the situation.

“This pay bonus is just one way we are saying thank you to our colleagues and recognising that they are on the front-line, helping to serve Ireland’s

shoppers during these uncertain and difficult times,” Daniels noted.

The staff bonus was one of a range of measures introduced by Tesco Ireland in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

Tesco has also implemented a range of measures to ensure the health and safety of colleagues and customers across its 151-store network, including: • Clear physical distancing; • Plexiglass screens on all checkouts, self-checkouts and clear queuing guidelines; • Sanitiser and wipes for colleagues and customers as they enter the shop floor; • Additional cleaning in stores and of trolleys.

Looking after the most vulnerable On March 16, the retailer announced dedicated time slots for those over 65 and family carers to shop in its 151 stores nationwide, with dedicated slots every Monday, Wednesday and Friday up to 9am, with the initiative welcomed by both Family Carers Ireland and Age Action.

“We recognise that people over 65 and family carers who are looking after vulnerable family members at home, have specific needs during this time,” Daniels noted. “In liaison with the HSE and following discussions with Age Action Ireland and Family Carers Ireland, together we agreed that this is the right thing to do, at this time. While these customers can obviously shop with us at any time, we hope that offering this

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Covid-19 Pandemic dedicated time will give these customers some peace of mind during their shopping trip with us. We would ask that all our other customers understand and support this initiative to help protect those most in need at this time.”

Special Community Fund donations Tesco Ireland followed this up with the announcement that it will make a series of special donations to local and national organisations through its ongoing Community Fund to help the country’s most vulnerable people during the Covid-19 pandemic.

As part of the Community Fund, three special donations of €50,000 each will be made to Alone, Age Action and Family Carers Ireland to support their efforts in helping the elderly, family carers and those most vulnerable members of our communities across the country.

A further €120,000 is being made available in support of hundreds of local good causes based in communities throughout Ireland. The 453 community-based projects who work with the elderly, local carers, disability services and health groups such as cancer services will be identified by each local Tesco store community. In a change to the Community Fund cycle, there will be no blue token votes from customers and these causes will receive an even share of the donation as soon as possible.

Launching the donations, Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland said, “It is more important than ever that we do everything we can to support those who are working tirelessly to help the most vulnerable members of our local communities. Since 2014, the Tesco Community Fund has enabled us to support local communities across the country and we recognise the immediate need to extend that support further today and, in the

“

other initiatives to support all customers.

Improved payment terms for suppliers The retailer also temporarily changed its payment terms to ensure small and local suppliers get paid as quickly as possible during this Covid-19 crisis. Invoices will now be processed within five days as opposed to the standard 14 days. This change commenced from March 25 for a three-month period for over 200 small Irish food and drinks companies.

Joe Manning, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland said; “We recognise this is a particularly challenging time for the whole industry, and especially for small businesses in terms of their cashflow requirements. These are local, often family run businesses, in communities all around the country and to assist them at this time, we will be initiating payment of invoices as we receive them. We appreciate the support of our suppliers as we work together to get through this, and we want to support them in return.”

On April 1, Tesco Ireland confirmed that it will maintain the same price it is paying for beef up to June 2020, when it will review the situation again. The company said it is very conscious of the pressure that beef farmers are under due to Covid-19, with beef prices falling and other major purchasers and markets disappearing.

“These are unprecedented times for everyone and it makes sense to honour the market conditions for beef as they were pre-Covid-19 in January of this year,” said Manning. “Beef farmers, as a very busy and critical essential service at this time, need to be supported. We want to support our beef farming families by continuing to pay the same price to our processors for the next three months, as it has been since the start of 2020 when Covid-19 wasn’t a factor.”

It is more important than ever that we do everything we can to support those who are working tirelessly to help the most vulnerable members of our communities.

”

weeks, ahead. In the spirit of every little helps, we hope that this support will help to provide vital resources to those who need it most right now.”

The move was welcomed by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Michael Ring TD: “In the past number of weeks, communities throughout the country have rallied in support of those who are most vulnerable in this crisis. Everyone has a role to play, and it is heartening to see prominent retailers such as Tesco supporting the community response effort. We are reaching out to those who are most isolated through our extensive network of community and voluntary groups and this support is most welcome.”

Dedicated shopping hours for frontline health workers In support of healthcare workers and emergency services personnel, Tesco also introduced dedicated shopping hours in all stores pre-9am on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Since March 31, the first hours of trading are set aside for healthcare workers, meaning they will be the only customers in stores during this time to make their shopping trips easier. Tesco is asking its valued customers to support the priority shopping hours for healthcare workers and as it continues to work on

Kari Daniels, CEO, Tesco Ireland.

32|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic

Aldi responds to pandemic Aldi has implemented a number of measures across its 142 stores nationwide in response to Covid-19, as well as announcing a 10% bonus for staff working during the pandemic, reducing payment times for Irish suppliers and revealing further supports for FoodCloud.

AS the Covid-19 Pandemic took hold across the country, Aldi responded to public health advice, firstly by rolling out new social distancing measures across its 142 stores nationwide, including posters in-store and clear markings on the floor for queuing. Aldi subsequently commenced the installation of protective screens at every till to safeguard its colleagues and customers alike, and introduced a phased entry system that is strictly managed where required. Under this system, clear markings have been put in place showing the space customers must maintain when queuing to enter.

Working together to keep communities safe “The safety and health of our customers and staff is our number one priority at this time and we are following all relevant HSE guidelines in this respect,” noted John Curtin, Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland. “The more we work together, the more we can do our collective part to keep our communities safe, while still ensuring everyone has the food they need”.

Aldi stores’ opening hours were reduced slightly to close at 8pm, to give staff some additional rest and allow the stores to be restocked at their best every day.

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Covid-19 Pandemic

“

John Curtin, Group Buying Director, Aldi Ireland.

Aldi also implemented its new priority shopping hours for the elderly and those most vulnerable between 11am and 1pm each day, while all stores’ opening hours were reduced slightly to close at 8pm, to give staff some additional rest and allow the stores to be restocked at their best every day.

On March 24, Aldi announced enhanced pay for its staff, who have been working tirelessly throughout this extremely busy time. Store and distribution staff will receive a 10% bonus on hours worked, effective from March 9 until the end of April, with the bonus set to benefit more than 3,800 Aldi staff members. Aldi has launched a recruitment drive to supplement its workforce.

Fast-tracking supplier payments Suppliers too benefitted from Aldi action. March 26 saw the retailer fasttracking payment for over 200 of its Irish suppliers, ensuring suppliers get paid as quickly as possible. The new terms apply to all suppliers that transact up to €1m worth of business annually and will positively impact over 200 Irish food and drink producers Aldi partners with.

The new payment terms will remain in place throughout the Covid-19 crisis, underlining the partnership approach Aldi has developed with its Irish supply base.

“Over the last few weeks our suppliers have experienced unprecedented difficult circumstances,” noted Curtin. “Their teams have

This is a hugely difficult time for Irish business and the food sector and we need to keep supporting each other in any way we can.”

worked around the clock to provide the products to keep our shelves stocked for customers, and we want to help them in return. Our new shorter payment terms mean over 200 Aldi suppliers will have their invoices processed immediately and payment within five working days. This will greatly assist with their cashflow requirements, and in turn, help them pay their farmers and suppliers along the chain on time. This is a hugely difficult time for Irish business and the food sector and we need to keep supporting each other in any way we can.”

This is the latest initiative that Aldi has in place to support its Irish supply chain. Since 2017, Aldi has had 14-day payment terms for its Irish suppliers who transact less than €300,000 per year. This was at a time when it took 62 days on average for small suppliers to receive payment across Ireland from other firms (Small Firms Association data 2017).

Aldi is committed to growing its Irish supply base and increasing the number of Irish products available in its stores.

It has invested more than €1.5m in its

”

‘Grow with Aldi’ supplier development programme since 2018, which offers up-and-coming artisan Irish food and drink producers the chance to have their products listed in Aldi’s 142 stores. Aldi will sell over €750m worth of Irish goods this year, sourced from Irish producers, manufacturers and suppliers across the country.

FoodCloud donation On March 31, Aldi Ireland announced further support for its charity partner FoodCloud, including a €50,000 donation to assist with additional staff support as well as increasing food donations. Aldi has pledged additional food donations and a staff support fund so that FoodCloud can continue to redistribute food to all who rely on its service during the current crisis. Aldi’s support will see it increase donations of cupboard essentials such as rice, pasta and tinned goods to enable the charity to reach communities and individuals in need.

Aldi’s €50,000 donation to FoodCloud will also help with additional staffing costs at a time when its services are experiencing unprecedented demand.

34|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Covid-19 Pandemic

National call-out for volunteers Homeless and disability charities have issued an urgent appeal to ask members of the public to register as Covid-19 emergency staff.

A NUMBER of leading homeless and disability organisations have come together to urge the public to become ‘ordinary heroes’ to prevent services to vulnerable people from having to shut their doors during the coronavirus pandemic.

Under the umbrella of the Crisis Cover Initiative, organisations including Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, Novas, Dublin Simon, Walk, Sophia Housing, and others are asking members of the public with relevant qualifications and experience to add their name to a list of individuals who may be called on to step up where staff levels in services become depleted by personnel having to take time off.

A range of skill sets and roles are required, including reception and cleaning staff, as well as specialist supports such as disability care workers, healthcare workers, and project workers.

Vulnerable people “Our services are homes for some of the most vulnerable people in Ireland. We absolutely must keep them open at this time,” said Una Burns, Head of Policy and Communications in Novas. “The HSE have issued ‘a call for Ireland’ to ensure adequate cover for health services, and we are adding our voices to that – NGOs provide another opportunity for people to work in a variety of roles in essential services.”

“Many people have found themselves without employment in the last week. For those who have experience in working in care, teaching or social support services or in cooking, transport or reception, this initiative can connect them to services that vitally need their skills,” says Caroline Gardner, Co-founder of Quality Matters, the charity managing Crisis Cover. For more information, see www.crisiscover.ie.

CALLING ALL HEROES

Homeless and care services across Ireland and Northern Ireland are experiencing staff shortages.

Crisiscover.ie connects people with experience to services that need them.

You can sign up to a paid crisis relief panel for homeless and disability services if you: A Qualification in social care, social work, health care, psychology or related fields or, Work experience with vulnerable groups such as: homeless people, disability, the eldery, refugees or children in care or, Experience and interest in working as a cleaner or cook

CRISIS COVER I N I T I A T I V E

www.crisiscover.ie crisiscover@qualitymatters.ie

HELP KEEP VITAL SERVICES OPEN

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Nivea

Complete cleansing care with Nivea – no compromise

CREATED to offer easy make-up removal, skin cleansing and care, the Nivea cleansing range delivers the most complete cleansing experience. The innovative collection of products from Ireland’s number one face brand helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin, while gently caring and protecting its delicate moisture balance. The Nivea cleansing line comprises of various formats to suit all cleansing preferences with dermatologically and ophthalmologically approved products.

• Biodegradable Cleansing Wipes Gently but effectively cleansing the skin while maintaining its natural balance, these wipes thoroughly remove face and eye make-up, while providing the skin with refreshing moisture. These soft and gentle wipes are made with 100% renewable plant fibres, are biodegradable, and are enriched wth specially selected Organic Argan Oil and Organic Aloe Vera, esuring they are suitable for even sensitive skin.

•

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Daily Essentials Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Cleansing Water This award winning product has an innovative formula which cleanses and removes makeup, while moisturising the skin in one simple step. It respects the skin’s natural balance, requires no rinsing and is free of perfumes, colourants and parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

Daily Essentials Double Effect Eye Make-Up Remover This wonder product benefits from a gentle bi-phase formula which effectively dissolves eye make-up, while caring for eyelashes and the delicate skin around eyes. The ‘oil phase’ is designed to remove waterproof mascara and eye make-up without irritation.

The ‘aqueous phase’ is formulated to protect

*Nielsen ROI Extended Scantrack 52 week data to 17th June 2019 (Copyright © 2019, The Nielsen Company).

and care for lashes without leaving any oily residue. The highly effective yet caring formula is also enriched with cornflower extract which is known for its antiinflammatory and soothing properties.

The Nivea cleansing range helps to thoroughly cleanse the skin, while gently caring and protecting its delicate moisture balance.

NIVEA.IE

36|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Kind

A new business!

of

Since launching in Ireland in 2019, Kind has sold over two million bars and its unique proposition and expanding range are helping the brand to grow from strength to strength here.

“KIND is not just a clever brand name, its who we are. It’s a state of mind, a community, a movement.” explained Daniel Lubetzky, who founded Kind in 2004. Lubetzky wanted to create a snack that was both healthy and tasty but also create a platform to spread kindness.

Kind has been growing year on year ever since, which shows not only the need for a nutritious snack on the go but also an affinity to the community that Kind has created. Since 2019, Kind has expanded to over 40 countries thanks to its partnership with Mars. Kind officially launched with Mars Ireland in January 2019; and has sold over two million bars since then.

“At Kind, we promise to treat everyone and everything (including our ingredients) with kindness and integrity.

From our suppliers, our team-members and our retailers, kindness is what fuels our business,” explains Anne Sheeran, Kind Brand Activation Manager, Mars Ireland. “We believe that you should be kind to your body, your taste-buds and

your world. In other words; be kind to yourself; eat well and move your body and be kind to your community.”

Kind to tastebuds Kind created a snack that was both nutritious and tasty so consumers could feel good about eating it, while still enjoying the taste. The first ingredient in all of its products is always nutritionally dense; nuts are the primary ingredient in Kind’s core and Protein ranges. They use whole, minimally processed ingredients that you can see and pronounce and package them in transparent packaging so the consumer can see exactly what they are buying.

All Kind products are all gluten-free, low GI, and packed with heart-healthy fats from nuts. In Ireland, the core range currently has eight flavours and there are three in the Protein range. “From our best-seller Dark Chocolates Nuts and Sea Salt to Crunchy Peanut Butter, we have a unique variety of flavours that consumers love,” Sheeran notes.

Kind introduced their Protein range last July and it has seen steady growth in sales and distribution ever since.

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Kind Kind to the body With the growing demand for protein snacks to help fuel people’s busy lives, Kind introduced its Protein range last July and it has seen steady growth in sales and distribution ever since.

Consumers’ lifestyles are changing.

Snacking is now a necessity rather than a treat and with our increased awareness of the effects of what we put in our body fuelling our mood and our energy, consumers of all demographics are now seeking energy from real nutritionally dense food. Kind Protein offers a new proposition for existing Kind customers as a protein boost pre- or post-workout and has also recruited a new consumer into the Kind brand.

us and the local community.”

In the past year, Kind has supported over 20 retailer events throughout the country, from Cork to Cavan and everywhere in between. They are proud supporters of the IGBF, sponsoring a number of their events throughout the year. In 2019, Kind donated all of the takings from its events to Pieta House, and this year they will be supporting The Simon Community.

“We are proud of the efforts we have put in so far, but as this brand grows, so too will our contribution to social causes,” Sheeran notes.

Kind to the world “At Kind, we encourage people to be kind to their world. But what does that mean?” asks Sheeran. “We believe that community is important for people’s health and wellbeing, from local charities and social causes to sports clubs and yoga studios to online communities on social media.

Surrounding yourself with people who are like-minded and working towards the same cause, as well as feeling a sense of belonging and purpose, is a key pillar for our mental health.”

Kind uses social media to communicate with the Kind community.

“Two-way dialogue is very important to us as a brand,” Sheeran explains.

“People often reach out and ask for us to support local charity events, fundraisers and sports events, and we always support where we can. Our local retailers are also a great connection to

Kind to the environment “We can’t talk about being kind to the world without mentioning the environmenat,” Sheeran insists.

Kind has been on a journey over Kind Protein offers a new proposition for the past number of years to existing Kind customers as a protein boost become more sustainable. pre- or post-workout and has also recruited “Sustainability is important a new consumer into the Kind brand. to Kind, and we know it is equally important to our community,” As a result, for most recipes, they explains the Brand Activation Manager. have removed palm oil. “While we are In 2020, Kind will localise production a proud member of the Roundtable from the US to the UK and Europe to on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) and better serve the business and make their exclusively source our palm oil from RSPO-certified suppliers, we recognise first steps to a more sustainable future.

“By removing the US supply chain, consumer sensitivity towards palm oil we will reduce our carbon footprint and that its removal from the ingredient and responsiveness to customers,” statement results in a more consumeraccording to Sheeran. The move to friendly offering,” Sheeran explains.

In close partnership with Mars, Kind local manufacturing also gives Kind the opportunity to change their ingredient is evaluating non-plastic alternatives, sourcing and enhance their recipes in like biodegradable/compostable materials that meet its food safety & accordance with consumer preferences. brand equity needs. Like Mars, Kind is a member of the Sustainable Packaging Coalition. Flexible packaging is not accepted in most global recycling infrastructure systems. However, Kind is actively looking for solutions, like alternative materials, for its wrappers.

In the past year, Kind has supported over 20 retailer events throughout the country, from Cork to Cavan and everywhere in between.

Kind to your bottom line Kind is available in impulse, convenience and grocery retailers nationwide, as well as gyms, pharmacies and cafes – Kind has recently launched in Insomnia Coffee with three of its most popular core bar flavours.

“Since January 2019 we have grown from being the No. 14 singles brand to the No. 1 singles brand in the fruit, nut, cereal category,” Sheeran explains.

Kind currently has 11 flavours in its core and Protein range and plans to launch Kind Breakfast later in the year.

Kind’s journey in Ireland is just getting started and now is the time to give Kind a try!

38|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Drinks News Guinness announces €1.5m fund to support Irish communities GUINNESS has announced the establishment of a €1.5m fund providing support to communities affected by Covid-19 in Ireland. The fund will see €1.2m go to support bar staff, alongside a further €300,000 to elderly vulnerable people through a partnership with Alone, and its Befriending service. “We have been supporting the licensed trade through what is an unprecedented period as we all work together to keep people safe through the closure of licensed premises across the country,” said Oliver Loomes, Country Director of Diageo Ireland. Sean Moynihan, CEO of Alone, said, “Guinness have been supporting us for over three years in a bid to address social isolation, but it’s now that we need this most. Today’s news of an additional €300,000 is going to make a significant impact.

This support will help us to continue to provide vital services to older people who need additional support and are experiencing increased social isolation at this time.”

Matt D’Arcy wins prestigious whiskey awards IRELAND’S newest whiskey brand, Matt D’Arcy & Co Limited has won multiple awards at the internationallyacclaimed San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2020.

The brand’s super-premium 17-yr-old single malt (pictured) won Best Irish Whiskey and Best Irish Single Malt, having just launched to market earlier this year. Among the other awards for the Newry-based whiskey company was a Double Gold medal for its super-premium 17-year-old single malt, which is only awarded when all judges unanimously deem a product to be of gold-medal standard. The company was also awarded Gold in the Blended Irish Whiskey category for its 10-year-old port-finished blend - a whiskey that is rich on the palate with plenty of dried fruit sweetness and a touch of oak. While Matt D’Arcy was a prominent name in whiskey making in the 1800s and 1900s, production stopped at the Newry distillery more than 100 years ago. It has since been revived by historian and founder Michael McKeown and the company launched to market in March.

Roku Gin unveiled in Dublin

NOffLA calls for MUP to be commenced within first 100 days of next Government

THE first premium Japanese Craft Gin available for purchase in Ireland, Roku Gin, made its presence known in Dublin recently with an intimate Japanese spirits dinner in Balfes restaurant at the Westbury. Guests were treated to a unique tasting experience across flavours and scents from Japan, with a three-course dinner, each course paired with a Japanese spirit and a bespoke cocktail. The event was hosted by Kevin Hurley, GM of Balfes, and Zoran Peric, International brand ambassador for The House of Suntory. Meaning ‘six’ in Japanese, Roku incorporates six traditional Japanese botanicals which are infused, distilled and blended by the Japanese artisans of The House Of Suntory Spirits in Osaka, Japan. With history dating back to 1899, Suntory has earned its reputation as one of Japan’s most awarded spirits producers, mastering the skill of making gin since 1936.

THE National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has made a submission to the negotiating teams of all political parties, calling for a commitment to commence Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) within the first 100 days of entering Government. NOffLA’s call came in early March, prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, as Dublin hosted the 6th Global Alcohol Policy Conference, the world’s leading forum for alcohol policy makers and advocates. NOffLA’s Government Affairs Director, Evelyn Jones (pictured), said, “It is ironic that Ireland is playing host to the Global Alcohol Policy Conference despite our failure to introduce MUP. We know that Minister Harris is was initially seeking to introduce MUP immediately, but groundless concerns regarding cross-border shopping were voiced and so Government changed its position. We cannot allow economic considerations to take priority over public health. Further delays to implementing MUP in the Republic is facilitating over-consumption of alcohol and costing lives.”

C&C releases trading update C&C Group plc has announced its trading update for the 12 months ended February 29, 2020, with Earnings Before Interest and Taxes expected to be marginally ahead of current market estimates. Adjusted EPS (Earnings per Share) growth of above 10% is in line with the Group’s stated guidance for FY20 and follows prior year double-digit EPS growth. Consistent with recent performance, free cash flow generation and conversion continues to be strong, consequently leading to a net debt/EBITDA multiple below the Group’s stated target of 2.0x. Delivery of C&C’s brand-led distribution model progressed to plan in FY20, with Matthew Clark and Bibendum reporting blended operating margins within the stated range of guidance for this time following acquisition. These businesses continue to perform well against key financial metrics and performance targets, with identified synergy benefits being realised. The company also noted that the process to appoint a new CEO is progressing, with global executive search firm Spencer Stuart formally engaged.

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Baby Food

Bringing up baby The Irish baby food market is extremely lucrative, with a host of new and innovative products, as well as tried and trusted brands, ensuring it remains competitive.

WITH the highest birth rate amongst the EU Member States and one of the lowest breastfeeding rates in Europe, the Irish market is lucrative for both baby food and milk formula. Milk formula use is also strengthened by the high proportion of women aged 20-45 years of age that are both employed and work outside the home.

Health and wellness trends have impacted on baby foods, especially organic, according to Euromonitor International. Prepared baby food continued to be the most dynamic baby food category in 2019, particularly benefitting from greater need for convenience, good economic growth and high employment rates. Its growth also comes from continuous quality improvements and an alignment with current health and wellness trends, according to the Euromonitor report.

“Other” baby food is doing well thanks to the snacking trend that is spilling over from “adult” food, according to Euromonitor, who are referring to the grazing trend that has been going on in packaged food for a while in Ireland, where snacks generally are highly demanded. Whereas in the past, parents in transit may have simply brought a packet of plain biscuits or rusks along to give their children something to nibble on, there is a growing number of specific (and value-added/more expensive) products to be consumed on the go that are addressing that need.

Baby food is largely led by multinational companies or brands, such as Hain Celestial Group’s Ella’s Kitchen, which ranks first in prepared baby food; Danone’s Nutricia Aptamil and Cow

& Gate, which rank first and second, respectively, in milk formula; and Milupa, the leading brand in dried baby food. However, they find themselves under more pressure from emerging brands, such as Irish brand Pipin Pear (formerly Pip & Pear), which is gaining traction and continuing to expand.

Tesco launched its own brand of baby food within prepared baby food and the “other” baby food categories at the end of 2018. Although it saw triple-digit value growth in both categories by the end of 2019, it is too soon to know how well it will be received or the extent to which it will impact the baby food category overall.

Glenilen Farm launched a childorientated yogurt product with no

added sugar in March 2019, and competition from products like these may increasingly come from outside of established baby food manufacturers.

As Ireland is a lucrative market for baby food, both new players and companies present in other areas of packaged food may expand into the category.

Milupa Ireland’s number one baby cereal, Milupa holds a 59% market share (Source: Nielsen Scantrack Sales Value MAT, December 29, 2019).

Milupa Cereals are tailored for little tummies through every step in the weaning journey, and now come in a convenient resealable bag, with some yummy new flavours. Milupa Cereals

40|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Baby Food

Milupa Cereals are tailored for little tummies through every step in the weaning journey, and now come in a convenient resealable bag, with some yummy new flavours. contain no added sugar or salt and no added flavourings, colours or preservatives – Milupa only contains naturally occurring sugars and sodium.

Milupa has reformulated the three most loved recipes and also introduced exciting new flavours to ensure the best progression possible in both taste and texture for shoppers’ little ones!

stages that are age appropriate, the textures of each stage also help with the development of a normal palate, fine motor skills, aiding speech and language development.

With their newly designed packaging now in a ‘bowl’ format, Pipin Pear is now even more convenient, making preparing each dish easier when it comes to stirring while heating and allowing little ones and parents to feed directly from the bowl, with no need to decant into a separate dish, and the packaging is 100% recyclable.

Pipin Pear Chilled Baby Food offers the best alternative to homemade in a convenient little pot and makes it easier for babies to transition to a broad range of solid foods.

Pipin Pear Organic Ireland’s much loved Pip & Pear recently changed its name and will now take on the world of nutritious, organic baby food in the form of Pipin Pear. While the name may have changed, the core of what makes this chilled baby food range the best alternative to homemade meals for parents remains the same. Pipin Pear’s guiltfree offering is a natural and delicious range that is gently cooked using organic ingredients.

Pipin Pear is 100% organic and free of all preservatives and additives. A healthy and delicious alternative to home cooking that doesn’t compromise on taste or nutrients, Pipin Pear offers families delicious dishes to choose from. With a short chilled shelf life, meals also offer up to three of a child’s five a day fruit and veg portions.

The range includes dishes like Spaghetti Bolognese, Mighty Mango & Chicken, Cottage Pie, Hearty Beef Stew, Creamy Chicken, Peas & Pasta and Vegetarian Superstar Pasta. With no added salt, sugar or additives, Pipin Pear is made for children aged from seven Pipin Pear’s guilt-free offering is a natural and delicious range that is gently cooked months to three years. With using organic ingredients. the range split into three

42|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Advertising Effectiveness

Banner blindness: a tale of two billboards

Aileen McDaid, Director of Digital Planning, Spark Foundry, writes on the influence of outdoor advertising vs digital creative strategies on consumer attitude, highlighting the debate currently raging over facial recognition technology.

THE year is 1994 and a plucky upstart of a digital banner ad boldly asks internet users, ‘Have you ever clicked your mouse right here? – You Will!’ At the same time, its distant cousin, the outdoor billboard, sits stoic and calm without too many tricks up its sleeve.

Fast forward 26 years, and these distant relatives could be mistaken for twins, due to all the striking similarities they now possess. Both media have a range and complexity of specs. There are over 40 sizes of online banner to choose from, but out-of-home (OOH) trumps this with a whopping 84 different formats due to the wide range of standard, digital and ambient displays available (Source: PML, 2020).

In addition to the range challenge, there is a mismatch between perception

and reality when it comes to how quickly OOH and digital banner assets can be implemented. There is a perception that anything digital can be implemented immediately; however, the layers of tracking and testing involved today have swollen lead-times from hours into days in some cases, with the likes of YouTube requiring 72 hours for its own copy review process alone.

An additional similarity between these media is that neither OOH nor digital banners have a captive audience.

‘Banner blindness’ emerged as an issue with online advertising less than five years after the introduction of the format. The same can be said of OOH, where the audience is literally travelling past the advertisements, often with their attention focused on their smartphones.

Location, location, location For all the similarities that make them complex, there are also similarities that bind these media in their effectiveness.

Outdoor is the ultimate location-based medium, but when location-based options became available online through IP and device targeting, this became an effectiveness game changer for digital banners on mobile devices.

Proximity targeting created synergies between the two media at this point, while ‘quick response’ (QR) and ‘near field communication’ (NFC) technology brought them closer together.

Challenges to overcome OOH has always had a major advantage over digital; it is in the physical world and can be held tangibly accountable.

But with the advent of digital OOH, the proportion of digitised inventory is expected to increase to 30% of OOH

“

A draft EU paper proposes a ban on the use of facial recognition in public places for up to five years.

”

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Advertising Effectiveness revenue in 2020 in the Republic of Ireland (Source: Ibid). Now that fixed poster sites are starting to be converted to screen-based ad rotation displays, there is a need for these digital OOH units to embrace the same accountability requirements as online advertising.

Website banner ads have been challenged by questionable visibility claims in the past, and, to combat this, viewability is now a standard metric in digital buying. To date, the standard for OOH reporting has been survey-based, so modernisation is needed.

The facial recognition debate The relaunch of the Joint National Outdoor Research (JNOR) will bring some improvement in the metrics associated with OOH, but other options such as ‘Glimpse’ and ‘Quividi,’ which use live image recognition to quantify views, are also available.

There are some examples of impactful uses of this technology in advertising; the most famous being a 2015 campaign to raise awareness of domestic violence in the UK. The campaign was called ‘look at me’.

The poster depicted a woman with a bruised face that actually changed and healed as passers-by stopped and looked at the image. The poster used facial recognition technology to note when people paid attention to the ad and gradually altered the image as the number of people increased.

This type of tracking is not only useful in quantifying audience numbers; it can also be used to personalise advertising, and it is this use of biometric data that has caused much debate, because it involves the use of our faces to estimate our age, gender and whether we are happy or sad. This raises obvious ethical concerns which deserve our attention.

The use of image recognition

Aileen McDaid, Director of Digital Planning, Spark Foundry.

technology in outdoor advertising is enticing for marketers, but we need to exercise caution, which is why the current providers insist it is ‘facial detection’ as opposed to ‘facial identification’ technology. This is important not just because of basic privacy concerns but because of claims that the technology is inherently biased; for instance, it has been shown to be problematic when distinguishing race and gender (Source: The Major Concerns Around Facial Recognition Technology, Forbes, September 2019).

Naturally, the industry is always looking for the ‘next big thing’ to boost ad revenue and ultimately increase relevance, which in turn reduces waste of ad spend. This is understandable in an uncertain advertising landscape, but regulation of this technology is essential.

Even Microsoft supports ‘a government initiative to regulate the proper use of facial-recognition technology, informed first by a bipartisan and expert commission’ (Source: Facial Recognition Technology: The Need for Public Regulation and Corporate Responsibility, Microsoft, July 2018).

Companies that use image processing The use of image recognition technology in outdoor advertising is enticing for marketers, but we need to exercise with digital OOH claim caution.

compliance with GDPR because no images are recorded, but given the uncertainties with this technology, we should tread carefully, and this view seems to be growing in Europe. A draft EU paper on the subject proposes a ban on the use of facial recognition in public places for up to five years, while policymakers get to grips with the technology.

Blending the two In the meantime, digital OOH allows for ample opportunity to buy effectively and efficiently via other technological means. There is potential to increase the relevance of advertising through data that can be used dynamically to fuel creative that triggers copy changes to reflect the time of day, day of week, changes in the weather, breaking news, etc.

However, we must not forget that 70% of sites in the Republic of Ireland are non-digital, and these formats will continue to deliver most of the reach and impact in the medium term. There has been continuous investment in upgrading outdoor sites in recent times, including the growth of backlit 48-sheets and the ongoing redevelopment of bus shelters. This means that the medium has never looked better.

The media planner’s job is to advise clients on the best blend of the traditional and the new to achieve the right combination of reach and dynamism. Ultimately, however, it is creative bravery and an intricate knowledge of how to use each format that delivers real success. These too are qualities that the online and out-ofhome worlds have in common.

44|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

In-Store Efficiency

Seven ways to boost store efficiency EFFICIENCY has changed from being something of an optional extra, that only retail geeks were interested in, to an essential in your retail survival tool kit.

Retail is experiencing massive change as technology, innovation and customer behaviour shifts create a perfect storm that is shaking all parts of the retail sector. This leads to an increase in competitive and commercial pressures, where margins are tighter and every penny counts in a way it never did before. An efficient store operation is essential to reliably give your customers the experience your brand promises, while keeping costs under control; so you can invest in the changes needed to retain and build your customer base.

Where there is change, there is also opportunity. Having an efficient and agile operating model frees you up to exploit the business opportunities that today’s market changes will bring to you.

The challenge with efficiency is where to start. At one extreme, it can feel like a vague concept. At the other, something you can only do if you have a battery of measures and KPIs that create a whole industry of measuring and monitoring.

Simon Hedaux, founder and CEO of Rethink Productivity, advises on seven steps to help boost efficiency in your store.

Here are our top tips for practical ways to get you the fastest improvement in your efficiency.

1. Sell more This might sound a glib statement and in a tough market it isn’t always easy to drive sales. Yet, selling more is the single best thing you can do for your productivity. You can often sell more without Simon Hedaux, founder and CEO of Rethink increasing your costs Productivity. and needing a bigger team. And higher revenues mean you a category a week and optimising the offer, store managers can start to get sweat your property assets harder and improve your stock turn. incremental growth from customers So, what can you do to sell more? already in your shop. It might be Review your category sales and identify stock availability, not communicating great offers as clearly as possible or where sales are not keeping pace with the store figures overall. By looking at not having the latest products that

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In-Store Efficiency manufacturers are spending advertising euros on.

And don’t forget your impulse sales. If you could sell an extra item to every other customer, it could have a big impact. I don’t mean offering every customer something that is not relevant to them in an automatic way. Instead, you need to think like your customers and identify what might be appealing to your customers. Your model is Penneys, who have perfected the art of impulse offer in their queues, to such an extent that the payment area is a mini shop full of things to tempt you. You don’t need to go for their scale, however; just think what would Penneys do if they had your shop?

2. Speed up payment Did you know that typically it takes half the time for customers to pay with a contactless card or device than a chip and pin card or cash? We know because we’ve measured it! Switching more of your customers to contactless will be quicker for your customers and for you.

Make sure it’s easy for customers to reach your contactless device and use the point of sale material well to prompt your customers to use contactless when they can

3. Slick click and collect retrieval Click and collect is a great way of giving customers easy access to your widest range and generates footfall into your store. Yet the average time we’ve measured for retrieval is one minute, 12 seconds, which is longer than many till transactions take. The fastest retailer we’ve measured is an average of 19 seconds from start to finish. They achieve this by having a well-laid out storage area right by the tills, so it’s easy to put your hand straight on the parcel the customer is calling for. Are you spending longer than you need on order retrieval?

4. Look at your stock levels It is essential to have the stock your customers want in your store and available on your shelves. Yet stock in a stockroom just creates work for your teams and increases the chance it will get damaged. The ideal stock process is for items to be delivered when needed and put directly to the shelf. This means your team touch an item once before the customer selects it. Any additional stock handling and counting is work that could potentially be eliminated. To improve your efficiency, empty as much

of the stock from your stock room onto the store shelves and manage your stock flow so lines don’t have to be moved around and counted while they hang around in the shop. Work out how often your team touch an item before it is sold - you might be surprised.

5. Make an efficiency study An efficiency study is a useful measurement technique that looks at the operation, capturing data on what colleagues and customers are doing.

This data analytics creates a detailed picture of how much time is spent with customers rather than on processes and how well the available colleague resource matches the customer flow and demand.

Insights from this study help retailers remove wasted time from their operation and release time from tasks to increase time with customers. One company with stores across Europe has used this analysis to reduce time on essential tasks and eliminate wasted time in their business. They’ve increased the time they spend with customers by almost 40% over a period of seven years.

6. Examine your rotas It’s worth a look at your rotas to see if the shift patterns match the business demand and opportunity. Do you have enough people available for your peak - the time when it is easier to grow your business? Do you have too many people if it gets quieter towards the end of the day? Do your break patterns fit the quieter times, so you don’t lose people from the sales-floor when you need them most? Simple tweaks can make a big difference to the service you deliver when it matters most to customers 7. Constantly review your efficiency Your operation and customers will continue to change. To keep your operating model slick, agile and ready for the opportunities that will come your way, you will need to have efficiency permanently on your agenda. Efficiency is not a one-off project, it’s a way of working that the best retailers embrace.

About the author:

Review your category sales and identify where sales are not keeping pace with the store figures overall. By looking at a category a week and optimising the offer, store managers can start to get incremental growth from customers already in your shop.

Simon Hedaux is founder and CEO of Rethink Productivity, a world leading productivity partner which helps businesses to drive efficiency, boost productivity and optimise budgets. For more information see https://rethinkproductivity.co.uk/

CHARACTERISING FLAVOUR BAN WHEN DO THESE RUL ES COME INTO EFFECT? The new rules come into effect from 20th May 2020, in line with TPD2 requirements.

WHAT IS BEING BANNED?

Flavoured cigarettes and cigarettes with flavour capsules will be banned from this date.

EVOLVE

APR

2020

No. Only flavoured cigarettes and cigarettes with flavour capsules are affected by this ban.

MAYFAIR SEA GREEN & SILK CUT CHOICE GREEN*

New Names, New TPD2 Compliant Blends

ESTABLISH

Innovative Blends, Fresh Tastes, Same Quality.

MAY 2020

MAYFAIR CHOICE RED & GREEN CAPSULE

Leaf Wrapped Double Capsule Cigarillos From Irelands No.1 Value Brand**.

MENTHOL EXPAND

DOES THIS BAN AFFECT VAPING PRODUCTS?

MAY 2020

LOGIC COMPACT 3 NEW MENTHOL FLAVOURS

Polar Menthol, Spearmint, Peppermint The Future is Fresh, Upgrade to Compact.

*Also available in Mayfair Superkings Sea Green and Silk Cut Choice Super Line Green. **Source: Nielsen ROI Scantrack, RMC SOS, YTD 37.1% 22 March 2020.

This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás.

Smoking kills.

Affected SKUs

Substitute

Alternative

20

KS

Fresh taste

20

20

KS

If the consumer* insists on Menthol

KS Fresh taste

20

20

SS

SS Capsule offering

20

20

cigarillos

KS Fresh taste

20

If the consumer* insists on a capsule offering

20

GREEN

SEA GREEN

KS

20

KS cigarillos Fresh taste

20 SUPERKINGS

GREEN

SK

20 SUPERKINGS

SEA GREEN

SK

This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public. *Existing adult smoker/vaper.

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás.

Smoking kills.

48|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products

Menthol ban coming in May

May 20 of this year sees the introduction of a ban on the sale of menthol cigarettes and menthol flavoured fine cut tobacco, as well as capsule, click-on, click & roll, crushball and dual menthol cigarettes.

THE biggest change to the Irish tobacco market from a legislative point of view this year will see flavoured cigarettes and cigarettes with flavoured capsules, including menthol tobacco and cigarettes, prohibited from May 20, 2020. After that date, it will be illegal to sell menthol cigarettes and menthol flavoured fine cut tobacco, as well as capsule, click on, click & roll, crushball and dual menthol cigarettes. However, it does not apply to e-cigarettes or tobacco accessories. This legislative update is an extension of the EU’s revised Tobacco Products Directive II (EUTPDII) which saw the introduction of a wide range of measures, including the ban on sale of fine cut tobacco in weights lower than 30g. With menthol or mentholated products estimated to make up 18% of the Irish cigarette category, this brings some challenges but manufacturers are responding in innovative ways, as you will read below.

Meanwhile, grocery retailers, led by convenience stores, remained the leading distribution channel for cigarettes in the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International, released in July 2019, covering the

year 2018. These were followed by newsagent-tobacconists/kiosks, with internet retailing continuing to account for only a very small share of volume sales.

Silk Cut As Ireland’s number one cigarette brand, with over 21% share of the ready-made cigarette market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOM 21.2%, February 23, 2020), JTI Ireland’s Silk Cut Purple, Blue & Silver remain some of the most recognised cigarette products amongst existing adult smokers in Ireland.

With the largest cigarette portfolio on the market, consisting of 14 SKU’s in total, Silk Cut is widely recognised not only for its distinctive taste and superior quality but also for its market leading innovations. From Flavour on Demand to FirmTech™ Filter, Silk Cut continues to adapt its portfolio to meet the changing preferences of existing adult smokers in Ireland.

On May 20, the Characterising Flavour Ban will be introduced in Ireland. From this date all flavoured cigarettes and cigarettes with flavoured

Silk Cut is Ireland’s number one cigarette brand. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

CHARACTERISING FLAVOUR BAN COMPLIANT

STAY FRESH.

INNOVATIVE BLEND. FRESH TASTE. SAME QUALITY.

Also available in Super Line From Ireland’s No.1 cigarette brand*

RRP (Recommended Retail Price) Silk Cut Choice Green €13.70 and Silk Cut Choice Super Line Green €13.20. *Nielsen ROI Scantrack, RMC SOS, YTD 37.1% 22 March 2020. Outer must be removed before retail sale.

Packs in this outer are Plain Packaging compliant. This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás.

Smoking kills.

50|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products capsules will be banned. As a result, Silk Cut will see its ‘Choice’ portfolio transition to Silk Cut Choice Green, Silk Cut Choice Super Line Green. These EUTPD2 compliant products have been created with an innovative blend, fresh taste but with the same great Silk Cut quality.

Benson & Hedges Benson & Hedges Gold 20’s from JTI Ireland is the country’s leading cigarette product with 9.7% share of the Irish cigarette market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOM 9.7%, February 23, 2020).

Leveraging its rich heritage and superior quality, Benson & Hedges Gold remains at the forefront of the tobacco category, diversifying and innovating to remain the number one cigarette product in Ireland.

Mayfair offers market-leading quality, which is chosen by over one in every three existing value smokers. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

Benson & Hedges Gold 20’s is Ireland’s leading cigarette product.

Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products.

Mayfair As Ireland’s number one value brand, Mayfair offers market-leading quality, which is chosen by over one in every three existing value smokers (Source: (Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RMC SOS 36.7%, February 23, 2020).

On May 20, the Characterising Flavour Ban will be introduced in Ireland. From this date all flavoured cigarettes and cigarettes with flavoured capsules will be banned. As a result,

Mayfair will see its ‘Green’ portfolio transition to Mayfair Sea Green and Mayfair Superkings Sea Green. These EUTPD2 compliant products have been created with an innovative blend, fresh taste but with the same great Mayfair quality.

Mayfair continues to deliver on its brand promise of leading the way in innovation within the value segment, with the launch of Mayfair Choice Red & Green Capsule, Ireland’s first double capsule cigarillo with four flavours on demand - correct at the time of printing.

This product is compliant under EUTPD2 and will be available from May 2020. Watch this space!

Amber Leaf has pioneered the development of some of the key innovations within the Irish RYO category. Pack images are for illustration purposes only and do not represent actual packs available for order from JTI Ireland limited, which comply with plain packaging requirements of tobacco products. category. Amber Leaf was the first to launch the Crush Proof Box (CPB) format and the first to include filters!

Amber Leaf, favoured by existing adult Irish RYO smokers, is made from the finest Virginia tobacco, which is expertly blended to deliver its distinctive market leading taste! Amber Leaf Original & Blonde are available in two formats: 30g Pouch with papers & 30g Box with papers & filters.

Pall Mall From PJ Carroll & Company, Pall Mall, available in King Size, Superking, Double Capsule and recently launched XL 30’s, is one of Ireland’s most successful

Amber Leaf With over 69% of the Roll Your Own market, JTI Ireland’s Amber Leaf is the clear leader within the market (Source: Nielsen Extended Scantrack, latest 4 weeks RYO SOM 69.4%, February 23, 2020). As market leader, Amber Leaf has pioneered the development of some From May 20, the current Pall Mall range will transition of the key innovations to the Pall Mall Flow Range with the introduction of within the Irish RYO the latest premium smooth flow tube filter technology.

NEW GREAT BLEND

GOODBYE MENTHOL! As of 20th May 2020, the sale of menthol cigarettes will be prohibited

by EU regulations.

WITH A FIRMER & SMOOTHER FLOW FILTER

CURRENT PORTFOLIO

AFTER MENTHOL BAN

Red Flow Capsule King Size

Red Flow Capsule Superkings

Flow Red

Flow Red Superkings

Blue Flow Capsule King Size

Blue Flow Capsule Superkings

Flow Blue

Flow Blue Superkings

Shift Double Capsule

Shift

For further information please go to B2B.PJCARROLL.IE, contact your P.J. Carroll representative or call 1800 604500. It is an offence to sell tobacco to persons under 18 years of age.

For tobacco trade use only - Not to be left within sight of consumers. Branded packs are for illustrative purposes only. All packs sold will be in plain packaging.

52|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products value for money cigarette brands, with a current national share of 7.61% (Source: ePOS data, Pall Mall family national share on 2020-02).

Pall Mall is the only capsulated family brand on the market combining superior quality and innovation at a competitive low price. Pall Mall has grown from strength to strength by leading the way in innovation and quality.

In preparation for the upcoming Menthol Ban on May 20, PJ Carroll & Company has made some key changes to the Pall Mall family in line with its continuing ethos to deliver quality, innovation and tailored blends at a competitive price for adult smokers.

These changes will see the removal of all flavoured capsules from the current Pall Mall range, transitioning to the Pall Mall Flow Range with the introduction of the latest premium smooth flow tube filter technology.

This technology gives Pall Mall a firm quality filter, a premium modern look and a smooth well-rounded smoking experience for adult consumers. Pall Mall Flow will continue to be available in King Size and Superking formats. The popular Pall Mall Double Capsule will transition to Pall Mall Shift, retaining its smooth blend with the introduction of tube filter technology.

Pall Mall XL 30’s will remain unchanged, capsule free with its legacy non-tube filter.

For more information on the Pall Mall Family changes, please go to https://b2b.pjcarroll.ie/, contact

The popular Pall Mall Double Capsule will transition to Pall Mall Shift on May 20, retaining its smooth blend with the introduction of tube filter technology.

From May 20, Vogue Blue Super Slim will transition to Vogue Essence Bleue and Vogue Demi Slim Blue will change to Vogue Compact Bleue. Both will see the introduction of the latest smooth flow tube filter technology. your PJ Carroll Sales Representative or contact the company’s Telemarketing Department on 1800 604500.

Vogue With 1.30% share of the cigarette category, it is not surprising that PJ Carroll & Co.’s Vogue is Ireland’s number one super slim brand (Source: ePOS data, Vogue Family National Share on 2020-02).

Vogue Original Green and Demi Slim Blue Capsule remain two of the most recognised cigarette products among existing female adult smokers in Ireland.

Vogue’s other two family members, Vogue Blue Super Slim and Vogue Green Demi Slim, also provide innovation and premium quality to their female adult smokers.

In line with the Menthol Ban on May 20, Vogue will consolidate its range with some slight brand description changes to the remaining two SKUs. Vogue Blue Super Slim will transition to Vogue Essence Bleue and Vogue Demi Slim Blue will change to Vogue Compact Bleue. Both will see the introduction of the latest smooth flow tube filter technology.

Vogue adult smokers will continue to experience the same great blend and a smoother well-rounded smoking experience.

Vogue continues to be a leader in innovation, differentiated with its sophisticated super slim and demi slim formats.

For more information on the Vogue

Family changes, please go to b2b. pjcarroll.ie, contact your PJ Carroll Sales Representative or contact the company’s Telemarketing Department on 1800 604500.

John Player & Sons As the May 20, 2020, menthol ban approaches, European legislation is being introduced whereby it will soon be illegal to sell menthol cigarettes and menthol flavoured fine cut tobacco.

The ban also applies to capsule, click on, click & roll, crushball and dual menthol cigarettes; however, it does not apply to e-cigarettes or tobacco accessories.

This legislative update is an extension of the European Union Revised Tobacco Products Directive II (EUTPDII) which saw the introduction of a wide range of measures, including the ban on sale of FCT in weights lower than 30g.

The European Commission hopes this legislative update will reduce the number of smokers by approximately 2.4m people. These restrictions pose a new challenge to adult smokers and tobacco manufacturers as menthol or mentholated products currently account for 18% of the total cigarette category in Ireland.

Research conducted by Imperial Brands in 2019 indicates that adult menthol smokers will seek alternative solutions within tobacco or vaping: • 70% of adult menthol smokers will remain in the same brand family and switch to smooth or full flavour

NEW

JPS BRIGHT A PREMIUM SMOOTH & MELLOW EXPERIENCE

FROM IRELAND’S FASTEST GROWING CIGARETTE BRAND*

For Tobacco Traders Only, For Adult Sale Only.

Outer pack for illustrative purposes only, packs are plain packaging compliant. *John Player estimates based on 6 months EPOS data up to March 7th 2020.

Log on to www.showmeid.ie & make sure your business is protected. Smoking is for adults and John Player believes that children should not smoke.

Please be ever vigilant. If there is any doubt about a person’s age - always refuse the sale. Information for Trade Customers Only.

Toradh caithimh tobac - bàs.

Smoking kills.

54|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Products

New JPS Bright, the smoothest offering in the JPS portfolio, as advanced technologies and a premium tobacco blend are coupled to deliver a truly mellow smoking experience. variants.

• 12% will move to fine cut tobacco and menthol tobacco accessory options.

• 18% will move to a vaping alternative.

With innovation at the core of its business, John Player is proud to provide a varied portfolio of quality and trusted tobacco products and accessories for all adult consumers, from its newest innovations, Blas Flavour Cards & JPS Bright, to more established products like myblu vape devices and Rizla Menthol & Polar Blast crushball tips.

Yet, in order to offer choice, John Player must remain agile; continue to innovate, listen to changing consumer demands and adapt to accommodate legislative changes.

Expanding its already hugely successful JPS portfolio, John Player has announced its new addition, John Player has introduced a new JPS Bright, category to the the smoothest market, with the offering in the launch of Blas JPS portfolio, mentholated as advanced flavour card. Cards technologies are individually and a premium wrapped and tobacco blend single use, ensuring are coupled to a fresh flavour deliver a truly infusion when mellow smoking users want it, as well as being easy experience. With its Virginia blend, to use for people on the go. stream filter &

less smoke smell paper technology, in addition to a white tip, JPS Bright has been developed to satisfy the needs of the modern adult smoker who enjoys a smooth and mellow smoking experience.

Alongside JPS Bright, John Player has introduced a new category to the market, flavour cards, with the launch of Blas. Adult smokers simply ‘Insert, Wait & Enjoy’ and get a menthol infusion with Blas, John Player’s new mentholated flavour card; users release the chill and mentholate their way by letting the Blas flavour card sit for 60 minutes before enjoying. Cards are individually wrapped and single use, ensuring a fresh flavour infusion when users want it, as well as being easy to use for people on the go.

Both JPS Bright & Blas Flavour cards are available in stores from April 6, with JPS Bright 20pk retailing at €11.50, and Blas having an RRP of 35c per card.

Ireland’s number one tobacco accessories brand (Source: John Player Estimates on last six months of EPoS up to April 2020), Rizla leads the charge when it comes to tobacco ancillary products, namely filters & tips. Rizla offers adult smokers quality product at a strong price point, bringing both value to the consumer and equally, a strong trade margin to the retailer. Rizla Menthol tips and Rizla Polar Blast crushball tips are unique and appealing product offerings that will act as an alternative product solution for adult menthol, crushball & capsule consumers (Rizla Polar Blast Tips 60pk RRP €1.50, Rizla Menthol Ultra Slim Tips 120pk RRP €1.30).

As the menthol ban comes ever closer, so does the anniversary of myblu’s first year in trade. myblu entered the market as an easy to use click ‘n go, mod pod vaping device, and over the past 11 months has established itself as being a reliable ‘go to’ brand for adult smokers and vapers. myblu has a range of flavour and pod strengths, from Menthol and Mint Chill, to Tobacco and

Rizla Menthol tips and Rizla Polar Blast crushball tips are unique and appealing product offerings that will act as an alternative product solution for adult menthol, crushball & capsule consumers.

Green Apple, across strength ranges of 9mg and 18mg. myblu is a sound solution for adult menthol smokers who are looking to switch to vaping as an alternative (Myblu device: RRP €20, Myblu pods: 9mg, 18mg RRP €7).

John Player consistently provides adult consumers with innovation, quality and trusted products which meet their varied needs and expectations, and will continue to do so as the company helps customers and consumers navigate through the latest legislative change.

myblu is an easy to use click ‘n go, mod pod vaping device, and over the past 11 months has established itself as being a reliable ‘go to’ brand for adult smokers and vapers, with a range of flavour and pod strengths, from Menthol and Mint Chill, to Tobacco and Green Apple.

Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie|55

Forecourt Focus: News Applegreen launches ‘Get Creative for Good’ in aid of the Irish Youth Foundation APPLEGREEN has launched ‘Get Creative for Good’ in aid of the Irish Youth Foundation.

The campaign sees Applegreen inviting the children of Ireland to unleash their creativity and draw what makes them happy. For each drawing shared to either Instagram (@applegreen_plc) or Facebook @goapplegreen) tagging Applegreen and using the #powerofcommunity hashtag, the Applegreen Charitable Fund will donate €3 to the Irish Youth Foundation.

“This family-friendly activity is the perfect Applegreen launched ‘Get Creative for Good’ in aid of the Irish Youth Foundation. way to keep children entertained, to stay Covid-19 crisis will have a devastating impact for thousands of safe, brighten people’s news feeds and raise vital funds to children who were already living in disadvantaged circumstances support vulnerable children in Ireland,” noted Dáire Nolan, before this crisis visited their door. The immediate and urgent Applegreen’s Managing Director for Ireland. “During these issues are nourishment, due to hot meals usually supplied by unprecedented times, it’s difficult for children and their schools and after-school clubs, lack of connectivity and a huge parents, so we hope this will go some way to lift all our spirits change in educational arrangements. Prizes for the top three whilst also supporting our charity partner at the same time.” drawings will be selected by the Irish Youth Foundation. For The Irish Youth Foundation supports children living in the more information, please see the Irish Youth Foundation website most vulnerable circumstances in Ireland. The fallout from the https://iyf.ie/events-campaigns/.

Maxol supports Blood Bikes East during current Covid-19 crisis FOLLOWING a call from Blood Bikes East for donations during the Covid-19 crisis after an upsurge in demand for their services, The Maxol Group has offered to provide fuel to the voluntary organisation for its fleet of emergency medical transport.

Blood Bikes East’s work is 100% funded by sponsorships and donations, and fuel is one of the organisation’s biggest overheads in keeping bikes on the road 24 hours a day.

The volunteers provide a free out-of-hours emergency medical transport service to 22 hospitals and to many families with sick children in Dublin and the Leinster area. Safe medical transport is provided for blood and blood products, samples for testing, test results, transplant-related tissue and medical products, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

By using Blood Bikes East, hospitals do not have to deploy their own staff or transport, saving much-needed resources and time.

Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group said: “Blood Bikes East provides a critical service and it was a practical way for us to do something that would have an immediate impact at a time when resources are stretched and donations have dropped.

“We are so grateful to the volunteers at Blood Bikes East and all those working in the health service that are working tirelessly to get us through the crisis, and we are delighted to be able to provide fuel to keep their transport on the road.”

To donate or for more information on Blood Bikes east: www.bloodbikeseast.ie.

The Maxol Group is fuelling Blood Bikes East’s fleet of emergency medical transport vehicles to ensure bikes are kept on the road during the current Covid-19 crisis.

56|Retail News|April 2020|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: News Maxol opens new forecourt in Wicklow MAXOL opened a new forecourt in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow, on March 20. “At a time when people are hugely concerned about being able to access everyday essentials as well as fuel, there was no doubt in our minds but that we had to proceed with the opening of Maxol Rathnew,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group. “Not only does it mean that there is an additional outlet for groceries and fuel in the area, but the opening also means the creation of 20 new jobs and our industry is hugely cognisant of the need to create and maintain jobs at this really difficult time.

“In opening Rathnew, we have had to make some urgent modifications such as planning for the introduction of Perspex sneeze-guards to protect both staff and customers; the introduction of store markers to ensure proper social distancing is maintained; and hugely enhanced cleaning and sanitisation measures. We have also decided not to open the 32-seater eat-in area at this time,” Donaldson continued.

These measures are also being rolled out across Maxol’s 115 other company-owned forecourts throughout the country, with the health and safety of staff and customers being a top priority for the group, now more than ever before.

“One of the benefits of our new forecourts, as well as our newly renovated sites, is our pay-at-pump facilities,” the CEO noted. “This means that customers can purchase petrol or diesel without having to enter the shop or come into any human contact. Covid-19 obviously wasn’t a consideration when we were making plans for these facilities, but it’s amazing how companies like ours are now seeing unintended benefits from relatively low-tech innovations that were created for totally different purposes.”

Maxol Rathnew is located at Tighes Avenue, close to the N11, and will serve both the local community in addition to passing trade from Dublin or the South East. In addition to groceries and fuel, the new store offers fresh food-to-go from the Maxol Deli and freshly brewed Rosa coffee.

The new Maxol forecourt in Rathnew, Co. Wicklow.

The opening of Maxol Rathnew, which was built on a greenfield site, was to be one of the group’s flagship events to mark the family-owned business’ centenary year. “We have obviously cancelled all fanfare around the launch. Our focus has moved to ensuring staff are looked after as they look after shoppers with a special focus on our older customers, who need even more support,” said Donaldson.

“We would like to reassure all our customers that we will continue to serve them as always during this difficult time with all their daily essentials,” the Maxol CEO concluded. “We have an amazing team and I want to thank our staff, retailers and suppliers who are keeping everything running smoothly and safely. I would like to pay special tribute to Jason and Rachel McMullan, our licensees and independent retailers, who have remained steadfast in their commitment to running this new site in the middle of a national crisis.”

Check out www.maxol.ie for updates and more.

Circle K provides free hot drinks for frontline HSE staff and emergency services personnel CIRCLE K is offering free hot drinks to all frontline HSE staff and all emergency services personnel across its network of service stations. The measures are designed to support those dealing with the current Covid-19 pandemic as well as supporting local communities.

“In this challenging period, it is vital we all come together and support one another,” said Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director of Circle K Ireland. “Businesses have a responsibility and crucial role in this regard and Circle K must play its part.

We are committed to supporting communities across Ireland during this testing period and hope the small measures we have announced will assist HSE frontline staff and emergency services personnel whom we rely on so heavily in difficult times like these.”

The Circle K MD has also moved to reassure people on fuel and convenience item supply for the weeks ahead: “Overall, we want to reassure customers that there is sufficient fuel supply available for the weeks ahead and there is no need to overstock on fuel. Our supply chain for food and convenience items is also operating without any disruption.”

For more information, check out Circle K Ireland on Facebook, @circlekireland on Twitter or visit www.circlek.ie.

GOODBYE MENTHOL! As of 20th May 2020, the sale of menthol cigarettes will be prohibited

by EU regulations.

Essence Green SS

Essence Bleue SS

Essence Bleue SS

Compact Green Capsule DS

Compact Bleue Capsule DS

Compact Bleue DS

For further information please go to B2B.PJCARROLL.IE, contact your P.J. Carroll representative or call 1800 604500. It is an offence to sell tobacco to persons under 18 years of age.

For tobacco trade use only - Not to be left within sight of consumers. Branded packs are for illustrative purposes only. All packs sold will be in plain packaging.

E T A L O H T N E M Y A W R U T U O O Y R AVOU L F .

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