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Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie|3
Contents Wishing For a Brighter Future IT may seem like Budget 2018 is ages away but retail groups and trade associations across the country are already beavering away on their preBudget submissions to Government, as Finance Minister, Paschal Donohoe and his Department are crunching numbers ahead of the October announcement. With this in mind, Retail News spoke to some of the leading names in the Irish grocery retail landscape to hear what they would like to see the Government doing to help the sector. Tax rates, town centre regeneration and the high costs of doing business in Ireland top the agenda, as Ireland’s FMCG market puts together its Budget wish-list (Page 4). Also inside, Research and Insight Director at HIM International, Blake Gladman looks at the trends set to drive Ireland’s convenience market over the next 18 months, from increasing basket size and spend to the continued growth in health and wellness, the rise of protein power and the key to tapping into the indulgence sector (Page 24). Philip Lynch, Country Manager, E&J Gallo, talks us through the changing face of the Irish wine market, highlighting the effect of high excise duties on the market and the difficulties in getting the consumer to trade up (Page 28), while our Wine Correspondent, Jean Smullen reveals the best selling wines in the country (Page 30). We also present the first in a regular series of features, highlighting the latest stories and products in the Retail Technology sector (Page 54). Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director.
Money matters for Budget 2018: the retail sector’s Budget wish-list.
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SuperValu still on top as grocery growth continues.
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Dump Varadkar’s supermarket skips idea, say retailers; WHO report reveals fall in children drinking sugary drinks; Appointment at Kerry Taste & Nutrition.
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Musgrave announces €73m profit for 2016; Overall retail sales rise but value lags behind volume.
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Musgrave MarketPlace launches culinary arts support programme with DIT; IGBF annual lunch serves up a feast of sporting talent; New look Spar in Glenageary.
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ABFI warns over drinks sponsorship; Iceland opens in Douglas; PostPoint column.
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Lidl opens new store in Cabra; Four businesses merge to form Findlater & Co.
The H2 Group MD, Seán Heaphy talks us through their plans, as the Group unveils its upgraded Fermoy store.
Stonehouse Awards
The annual Stonehouse Gold Standard Awards saw a number of Stonehouse members and suppliers rewarded for excellence.
Convenience Market 24
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Wine Market 28
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Philip Lynch, Country Manager, E&J Gallo, on the changing face of the Irish wine market, the effect of high excise duties here and what the future holds for wine in Ireland.
Research and Insight Director at HIM International, Blake Gladman looks at the trends set to drive growth in the convenience market.
Jean Smullen reveals Ireland’s topselling wine brands.
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The new Nivea Men Protect & Care range brings a complete skincare line-up that protects the skin against everyday stresses.
Recycling & Recovery 38
With recycling and recovery rates topping 90%, Repak continues to deliver results for its members, at a fraction of the cost of selfcompliance.
Forecourt Focus
Kevin Bracken was the first retailer to join the Gala Group in 1997 and he remains extremely happy with the partnership today.
Retail Tech 53
The latest news in Retail Technology.
Focus on HR 58
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When it comes to disciplinary and grievance procedures, you must ensure you are compliant with the law, particularly the Separation of Process, regardless of the size of your business.
Regulars & Reports
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Retail Ireland: Monthly Update
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Drinks News
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What’s New
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Shelf Life
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News
Money Matters for Bu A CALL to retain the 9% VAT rate for the hospitality industry is amongst items on retailer wish lists for Budget 2018. The Department of Finance is believed to be considering a return to a 13.5% VAT rate, following the lowering of the rate during the economic crisis. While the 9% special rate is primarily associated with tourism, it also assists small retailers, explained Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA). “Newspapers and magazines have availed from the reduction of the VAT rate,” said Jennings. “Newspapers are a cornerstone of democracy so it’s arguable there should be no VAT at all. There isn’t in the UK and I don’t see why there should be in Ireland.” Food service businesses also benefit from the lower rate. Lorraine Higgins, incoming deputy CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland (REI), told Retail News that many REI members cater for tourism: “The 9% has worked very well over the course of the last number of years. It has benefited vast geographic areas of the country.” Topping the wish lists of most retail groups we spoke to was a desire to encourage consumer confidence in the upcoming budget. “Consumer sentiment has been fluctuating over the last number of months,” said Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA. “The retail sector is very Vincent Jennings, CEO of the competitive, so we need to ensure the Government don’t CSNA. do things that impact on consumer confidence. We need to buoy up consumers and get them out spending money.” Leo Crawford, Group CEO at BWG Group, said the Government should adjust personal taxation rates. “Ireland has some of the highest tax rates in the world, and this has implications for living standards and disposable income, especially for those on the average wage or lower,” said Crawford. “While there is a lot of talk about economic growth, the fact remains that many people are still cash-strapped.” The Government should include a focus on town centre regeneration, according to retailers. RGDATA want to see funding provided for a national programme of town centre health checks, alongside more investment for the Gardaí to help tackle retail crime. Compensation culture is another concern. Higgins called for the introduction of emergency legislation to reduce the cost of insurance: “We believe it’s imperative we look at public liability insurance and employee liability insurance as well.” The high cost of doing business here remains as contentious as ever. Leo Crawford, wants to see a reinstatement
of the 4.25% PRSI rate for lower paid workers. “In recent times, the employer’s PRSI rate for lower paid workers was doubled and the National Minimum Wage has been increased,” he said. “This is a growing burden for retailers... Small business needs a break. Retailers are the backbone of our many towns, the length and breadth of the country, yet they carry a disproportionate responsibility when it comes to commercial rates. Local Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General. Government should have access to a wider revenue base, so that retailers can re-direct these costs to re-invest in growing their business.” Thomas Burke, Director of Retail Ireland, described employment growth in the retail sector as “anaemic”, attributing blame to the high cost of employer’s PRSI. “Employment has only grown by about 6,500 over the last four years,” said Burke. “As the input and labour costs increase, Leo Crawford, CEO, BWG Group. it’s a further disincentive to employing people in the sector. The cost of doing business in Ireland is increasing significantly. We’ve seen it in terms of rates, utilities, and
Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie|5
News
dget 2018 labour. We’re asking the Government to freeze the National Minimum Wage at the current level and address some of those other creeping business costs.” Cost of business for the drinks industry includes spiralling excise on alcohol. The National Off Licence Association (NOffLA) called for a 15% reduction on excise. If this was implemented, 34% of
Thomas Burke, Director, Retail Ireland.
off-license owners would employ more staff and 33% would increase salaries, according to the association. NOffLA also called for a reintroduction on the ban on below cost selling of alcohol. All retailer representatives were united in calling on Government to consider the implications of Brexit when drafting Budget 2018. “They need to focus on providing a sustainable and forward-thinking level of capital investment,” said Jennings. “We have to be fearful of anything that has the potential to cause additional cost to our members, especially in light of Brexit. Every retailer would like to see consumers with more money. But we can’t go back to the situation of the state borrowing at such a high level that we put our grandchildren into debt. We’re not out of the woods yet.”
SuperValu Still on Top as Grocery Growth Continues THE Irish grocery market enjoyed its highest market growth since January, Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend according to the latest 12 Weeks to 18 Jun 2017 change** 12 Weeks to 19 Jun 2016 grocery market share %* %* % figures from Kantar Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 3.5 Worldpanel in Ireland, Total Multiples 88.8% 88.9% 3.6 for the 12 weeks ending SuperValu 22.5% 22.3% 2.5 June 18, 2017. The Tesco 22.0% 22.1% 3.8 latest figures reflect Dunnes 21.4% 21.6% 4.5 the impact of Easter on consumers and Lidl 11.7% 11.7% 3.3 Aldi 11.2% 11.2% 3.7 retailers alike, with the Other Outlets** 11.2% 11.1% 2.8 holiday falling outside of the comparable time *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers period in 2016. Price **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops deflation, which has 2.5%,” Campbell noted. held steady at -0.2%, has “SuperValu can’t remain complacent. Second place been offset by an increase in overall volume sales of 4.6%. retailer Tesco is growing ahead of the market, at 3.8%, and “The grocery sector grew by €80m over the past 12 has closed the gap in share between itself and SuperValu to weeks: that’s a 3.5% increase on the year before,” said Cora just 0.2 percentage points. With the battle for the top spot Campbell, Consumer Insight Director at Kantar Worldpanel. hotly contested over recent years and only 0.7 percentage “While average pack prices are down, shoppers are choosing points separating the top three retailers, there can’t be any to take advantage of this recent period of deflation by adding guarantees that you’ll stay in position.” more items to their baskets per trip, driving the market’s Despite a drop in shopper numbers, Dunnes Stores overall growth. remains the strongest growing retailer, increasing value “In the face of continuing competition, the major sales by 4.5%. Existing customers are shopping more often retailers’ investment in developing and improving their own and spending an additional 10% on average while they’re at brand lines is paying off. Overall sales of private label goods it, increasing their average spend in the retailer by €44.50 in are up by 4.2% and they now account for 54% of grocery the latest 12-week period. spend, the highest proportion since March this year.” Lidl and Aldi both enjoyed a strong performance, holding Among the retailers, SuperValu’s lead over Tesco has market share at 11.7% and 11.2% respectively. Lidl’s growth narrowed to 0.2 percentage points. “On average SuperValu’s accelerated to 3.3% while Aldi was just ahead at 3.7%. shoppers are spending an extra €0.60 each time they shop For more information, please see with the retailer and while this may not seem like much, it’s www.kantarworldpanel.com. been enough to contribute to an increase in overall sales of
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News Dump Varadkar’s Supermarket Skips Idea, say Retailers RETAILERS have described Taoiseach Leo Varadkar’s call to put large-scale recycling bins outside supermarkets, to force shops to “think twice” about needless packaging, as rubbish. Lorraine Higgins, incoming Deputy CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, said the proposal was unworkable: “It goes away from the worldwide benchmark on green policies, whereby the polluter pays. I think the proposals are flawed and it needs to be looked at again. We’ll be putting a big effort towards lobbying against such proposals. I hope other representative bodies will join us in opposing these measures.” Thomas Burke, Director of Retail Ireland, pointed out that retailers already pay significant premiums to dispose of product and waste packaging through the Repak initiative: “We believe that is the most efficient way of disposing of packaging material that is put on the market. It’s doing a very good job at the moment. When you look at recycling rates of over 85%, it puts us pretty much at the top of the class, when you look at some of our other European counterparts. We wouldn’t recommend Government should do anything to disrupt that system that currently works quite well.” Placing skips or recycling bins outside shops would pose enormous problems, Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association, told us, including “health, fire and insurance problems that come from consumers accessing skips.”
We put this argument to the Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment, who responded that, “The appropriate placement of any receptacle needs to be evaluated on an individual basis and no decisions would be made without consulting the appropriate regulatory bodies and paying attention to potential fire and health hazard issues.” The proposals were revealed in tandem with a series of measures, launched by Environment Minister Denis Naughten TD, to tackle food waste in Ireland, which includes the establishment of Ireland’s first ever Action Group on Food Waste in the Retail Sector, which includes retail groups and has an initial remit of 12 months. The Department told us that when it comes to packaging waste and recycling, “The Minister is currently considering the issues around this type of action, which has the potential to provide consumers an opportunity to reduce excess packaging at source.” Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General, called for a proper consultation and debate around waste management and reduction. “There needs to be thought put into how the scheme will be operated, how it will work, and how it will be managed,” she said.
WHO Report Reveals Fall in Children Drinking Sugary Drinks A NEW World Health Organisation (WHO) Europe report shows that 11-15 year olds in Ireland who consumed sugar-sweetened soft drinks on a daily basis fell by 70% between 2002 and 2014, from 37.3% to 11.1% in 2014. “We are seeing the impact of industry innovation with an increase of new ‘no sugar’ and ‘low sugar products’ on the market
Colm Jordan, Director, Irish Beverage Council.
and growth in volume sales for this sub-category in recent years,” noted Colm Jordan, Director, Irish Beverage Council. “While obesity rates continue to increase, daily consumption of sugar-sweetened soft drinks amongst 11, 13 and 15 year olds is falling dramatically.” Jordan argued that the results prove that “a holistic approach is needed to tackle childhood obesity. The singling out of the soft drinks industry by way of the proposed sugarsweetened drink tax is unjustified.” He said that in four countries where sugar-sweetened drink taxes were introduced (Mexico, France, Denmark, Hungary), obesity has actually increased (NCD-RisC). “A tax on sugar-sweetened soft drinks is a way of looking tough on obesity without actually tackling it,” he argued.
Appointment at Kerry Taste & Nutrition KERRY Taste & Nutrition, a world leader in providing food and beverage solutions, has announced the appointment of Michele Van Der Walt as Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Sales, UK & Ireland. She joined Kerry in 2016, as Vice President for Strategic Marketing Taste, Dairy & Culinary, is a member of the Kerry Europe executive team and has responsibility for Kerry’s commercial activities across the end use markets and channels in these two home markets.
Michele Van Der Walt, Vice President and General Manager, Commercial Sales, UK & Ireland, Kerry Taste & Nutrition.
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Toradh caithimh tobac – bás. Smoking kills.
8|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
News Musgrave Announces €73m Profit for 2016 MUSGRAVE has announced its results for the financial year 2016. The Group reported sales of €3.7 billion and profit before tax of €73m, excluding exceptional non-cash pension gains of €15.5m. Net cash was €121m and shareholder funds were €249m at year end. “2016 saw a strong performance by Musgrave, benefitting from investment in our brands, a clear focus on cost reduction and the delivery of a transformation programme which we initiated in 2014 to turn Chris Martin, Musgrave Group CEO. around the business and return to growth,” explained Chris Martin, Musgrave Chief Executive. “Investing in our brands during the recession was a successful strategy, positioning us to benefit from recovering economies in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Spain. “Our business performed strongly in 2016, with turnover up 3.4% on a constant currency basis and we are well positioned to deliver long-term sustainable growth, capitalising on the anticipated growth of the grocery and foodservice markets across the island of Ireland and Spain.” Musgrave is also innovating with its brands to drive growth, the CEO continued. “This has included award-winning formats, new concepts, digital innovations and new brands like Frank and Honest, our artisan take away coffee brand, which has been launched in SuperValu and Centra in response to increased consumer demand for freshly prepared food and drink in-store.
“We are continuing to drive our business and to look for new opportunities as appropriate,” he revealed. “While the business is performing well to date in 2017, we remain cautious as a result of the uncertainty created by Brexit and its potential to slow growth in the Irish food and grocery retail sector.” SuperValu consolidated its position as Ireland’s market leading grocery retailer, with sales of €2.67 billion for 2016, an increase of 2.4% over the previous year. Centra is redefining the convenience sector through its ‘Live Every Day’ programme which is focused on developing new in-store experiences, as well as making it easier for shoppers to choose healthier food options. This strategy is delivering and Centra achieved sales of €1.59 billion in 2016, a 3% increase on the previous year’s performance. Musgrave MarketPlace continues to be the largest and fastest growing wholesale supplier to retail, foodservice and SME businesses across the island of Ireland.
Retail Sales Rise but Value Lags Behind Volume RETAIL Ireland welcomed the strong growth in retail sales evidenced by the May sales numbers released by the CSO recently, but the group cautioned against a widening gap between sales volume growth and sales value growth, meaning that Irish retailers need to sell twice as much product than in previous years to secure a return at a time of growing input costs. “Retail sales patterns in recent months have been erratic, but one consistent feature has been the disparity between the rate of growth in sales volumes and sales values,” warned Retail Ireland Director, Thomas Burke. “Retail sales values, excluding bars and car sales, increased by 4% in May when compared to the same period in 2016, whereas sales volumes rose by almost twice that amount in the same period, at 7.8%. This is mainly due to the deep discounting, which has become a feature of the Irish retail market in recent years. “With prices now back at 2009 levels, consumers can avail of great value in-store. But it means retailers now have to sell
twice as much product than they did in previous years to secure the same return, which is significantly increasing their input costs.” However, Burke welcomed the positive performance by the sector as cause for real optimism that Ireland’s strong economic performance of the last 12 months will finally translate into increased sales at their tills. Meanwhile, Visa’s Irish Consumer Spending Index, which measures expenditure across all payment types (cash, cheques and electronic payments), recorded another month of modest growth in consumer spending year-on-year, with a 1.6% increase in June. While this was the quickest rate of expansion in the past three months, the quarter overall was the weakest of the series to date, since the index began almost three years ago. Spending increased by +1.0% during the quarter on an annual basis, with growth now having slowed in four successive quarters.
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10|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
News Musgrave MarketPlace Announces Culinary Arts Support Programme with DIT MUSGRAVE MarketPlace has announced a €250,000 culinary arts support programme with DIT Grangegorman that will see the development of a new training restaurant and annual scholarship fund for the college’s School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology. The programme is part of Musgrave MarketPlace’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development of the Irish food sector and investing in up-andcoming chefs and future leaders of the food industry. The Musgrave MarketPlace training restaurant will serve as a state-of-the-art teaching space in the heart of the new DIT campus at Grangegorman. The restaurant will provide training facilities for over 800 students from 11 different full and part-time programmes within the DIT School of Culinary Arts & Food Technology, as well as the wider student population in hospitality and tourism studies. The wholesaler has also launched a new scholarship fund for Culinary Arts students at DIT, which will support eight high achievers studying for Bachelor of Culinary Arts honours degrees and Bachelor of Culinary Entrepreneurship honours degrees. Each Musgrave MarketPlace scholarship is valued at €3,000 and the first group of scholarship recipients was announced in November 2016. The scholarships will be funded on an annual basis as part of the wholesaler’s focus on the development of food leadership and investment in the future of the Irish food sector.
“Supporting the future influencers and leaders of the Irish food sector is hugely important for us and for the continued development of the industry,” said Michelle Fennell, Marketing Director of Pictured is Professor Brian Norton, Musgrave President of DIT, Michelle Fennell, MarketPlace. Marketing Director of Musgrave “The School of Wholesale Partners, and Dr Frank Culinary Arts & Cullen, DIT Head of School of Culinary Food Technology Arts & Food Technology at the launch produces top of the Musgrave MarketPlace Culinary class culinary Arts Support Programme with DIT. graduates every year and I hope the new training restaurant will become a hub for educational excellence with significant impact on the food industry in Ireland.”
IGBF Annual Lunch Serves Up a Feast of Sporting Talent
Darragh Maloney, who will act as MC. He will be THE annual IGBF joined by prominent sports panellists; Sky Sports Sporting Legends lunch The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund news anchor, Rachel Wyse, former professional will take place in the would like to invite you to the annual Aviva Stadium on Friday, footballer, Niall Quinn, who will share some great September 1, sponsored stories from his days with Ireland and working at Sunderland with Roy Keane, and current Leinster, by Cadbury and in September 1st | 12PM | Aviva Stadium Ireland and Lions star out-half, Johnny Sexton, association with The who will doubtless share what it was like to draw a Sales Institute and Fulfil Nutrition. monumental series against New Zealand with the Guests can expect Lions. a drinks reception at There will be fantastic raffle prizes to be won on the day, with proceeds raised going towards the Irish 12 midday, followed by lunch and the Grocers Benevolent Fund. For more information or to book a place at this all-important sports panel discussion. Keeping an eye on proceedings is RTE’s fantastic event, please contact: bernard@legacyconsultants.ie. sponsored by
Sporting Legends Lunch
Darragh Maloney MC
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RSVP: Email Bernard Brogan at bernard@legacyconsultants.ie Recommended dress code: Business Causal
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New Look Spar in Glenageary SPAR celebrated the official launch of its new look store at Glenageary Shopping Centre, Co. Dublin, recently, with a a number of customer events taking place over the weekend of July 7-9, including a coffee morning, a wine and cheese tasting event in-store, and plenty of entertainment for children. The official ribbon cutting was carried out by local
Councillor Cormac Devlin, while Dublin and Cuala GAA stars present included Brian Fitzgerald, Colm Cronin, Niall Carty and Sean Treacy. “We have concentrated on having a strong fresh food focus in our new look store,” revealed Brian O’Hara, owner of Spar Glenageary. “The new bakery and Spar Tasty Deli will offer customers a great selection of healthy, fresh fare. I would like to thank the local community for their support. It was great to meet so many customers over the weekend.” Congratulating Brian on the launch and wishing him Brian O’Hara, owner of Spar success in his new venture, Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Gleneagery, pictured with Cllr Cormac Devlin at the official opening Director, said: “The new Spar Glenageary is a credit to Brian. We wish him and his staff the best of luck with of the new look store. this venture.”
Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie|11
News ABFI Warns Over Drinks Sponsorship Report PROPOSALS contained in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill to restrict advertising and sponsorship will decrease the volume and value of cultural sponsorship by drinks companies, putting these partnerships and local cultural events around the country in jeopardy, according to Alcohol Beverage Federation Ireland (ABFI). “The drinks industry provides almost €8.5m in sponsorship to over 50 arts and cultural events around the country, which is essential to their viability and sustainability,” explained Patricia Callan, Director of ABFI. “Almost €6 in every €10 of the wider spend in this space is spent on activity in the greater Dublin area, the remainder is invested in regionally based activities. In Patricia Callan, Director, ABFI. addition to their immense contribution to Irish cultural life, festivals and cultural events have multiple economic dividends, including job creation, tourism and regional development, in addition to enhancing Ireland’s reputation abroad.” Callan went on to bemoan the real lack of joined up thinking when it comes to Government policy, with the Programme for Government promising to increase access to and participation in the arts, while she argues that “the unintended consequences of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill will only serve to undermine this commitment by jeopardising the partnerships that make cultural events possible. A much more workable solution is to place the existing codes on a statutory footing, with significant penalties for breaches. This could be implemented within a much shorter short timeframe with a regulatory authority already in place to police the system.”
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Iceland Opens in Douglas
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FOOD retailer Iceland has officially opened its newest store at Ardfallen Mall, Douglas Road, Cork, the retailer’s 15th store in Ireland. In April, Iceland announced an investment of €12m into nine new stores in Ireland this year. Douglas marks the third store Ron Metcalfe, Managing Director of Iceland Ireland. opening within that investment. The opening of the Iceland Douglas store sees the creation of 27 jobs, bringing the total number of staff in Iceland Ireland to 330 in 15 stores across eight counties in Ireland. “We have had a great response from customers across the country when launching new stores and it’s exciting for us to be in Cork now, three years after opening in Midleton,” stated Ron Metcalfe, Managing Director of Iceland Ireland. “2017 is a big year for us and we’re excited to see the store numbers grow continuously, as well as welcoming new colleagues to the Iceland family.”
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12|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
News Lidl Opens New Store in Cabra LIDL Ireland has opened a brand new store at Hanlon’s Corner in Dublin 7, with the creation of 34 new jobs. The opening of Cabra brings Lidl’s number of stores in the Republic of Ireland to 151, with over 4,200 employees. The new store has been welcomed by local suppliers such as Manning’s Bakery, who supply to Lidl’s network of 151 stores throughout the country. “Through Lidl, Manning’s are now introducing a new generation to a taste of traditionally hand baked breads, pies and tarts which are on sale across Lidl stores both nationally and internationally,” explained Eithna Brooks, Sales Manager of Manning’s Bakery. “As a family business, our commitment to the local community and employment is key to our continued success. The new Lidl store in Cabra represents another new opportunity for Manning’s Bakery, and all Lidl’s Irish suppliers.” Pictured at the opening of Lidl Cabra are Cllr Teresa Keegan; Nathan McKeever, Speaking at the Lidl Cabra opening, Store Manager; Brian Greenan, Lidl District Manager; and Dublin Gaelic football Nathan McKiever, Store Manager said; star, Noelle Healy. “We are delighted to open Lidl’s 151st in Castleknock, which will include a new state-of-the-art Lidl Irish store in such a fantastic high store,” said Alan Barry, Director of Property. “We have been profile location. We are right in the involved in a lengthy planning process for almost two years heart of a very vibrant community and the whole team is really and are pleased that An Bord Pleanála has recognised that excited to get to know our new customers over the coming this development will contribute positively to the local area. weeks. We have a fantastic state-of-the-art new store, packed Together with our architects and planners, we have designed full of fantastic value and quality products at market leading a development to the highest standards, which I believe prices.” complements the area and provides suitable amenities for the Meawhile, Lidl have been given planning permission by An local community.” Bord Pleanála for a mixed use development at Castleknock, Lidl will immediately begin the process of appointing a Dublin 15. “We are delighted with the decision from An Bord building contractor and plan to begin construction works before Pleanála to grant planning permission for our development the end of the year.
Four Businesses Merge to Form Findlater & Co. FINDLATER Wine and Spirits has merged with Robert Roberts, Batchelors Coffee Company and Odlums Ingredients to form a new specialist food and beverage business, Findlater & Co. The new business, which will operate from a state-of-the-art facility in Tallaght, will manufacture and distribute premium products in coffee, wines and spirits, along with professional bakery and culinary ingredients, to the out-of-home (OOH) channel, including foodservice and hotel/ restaurant/café segments. Underpinning the Findlater & Co. business is a new end-to-end operational structure that provides customers with bespoke solutions from personalised manufacturing to marketing support and branded goods. This model is scalable, flexible and can be tailored to meet individual customer’s needs. Leading the business is newly appointed Managing
Director, Oliver Sutherland, who brings extensive experience in the food industry to this role, having been Chief Commercial Officer at Valeo Foods Group and, most recently, Chief Strategy and Business Development Officer at the company. Findlater & Co. is a part of the Valeo Foods Group. “Our team is passionate about further strengthening the product portfolio, offering unique and competitive solutions to customers, founded on a significant increase in service capability,” noted Sutherland. “Not only does this improve our competitive edge, but it also offers our customers a number of new ways that we can support their growth. Front and centre of our business strategy is offering consumers a better-quality product and a more convenient service, consistently flexible to accommodate their needs.”
NEW
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14|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Industry News
Spar Aims to Raise €300,000 for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland SPAR has announced that Cystic Fibrosis Ireland will be its new national charity partner for the next two years. Spar has vowed to raise up to €300,000 during this time for Cystic Fibrosis Ireland through collection boxes in 400 Spar stores nationwide, a donation on selected Spar Own Brand products and a number of key events. Philip Watt, CEO Cystic Fibrosis Ireland (left) is pictured with Jillian McNulty, Cystic Fibrosis campaigner, and Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods, in Residence, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, at the launch of the charity partnership. Well-known campaigner, Jillian, who lives with cystic fibrosis, has campaigned the HSE and the Government to fund the Orkambi drug, which is used to treat the underlying causes of the disease.
Londis Offers Heaven at Hell & Back OVER 5,000 participants took part in Ireland’s toughest mental and physical endurance challenge, Hell & Back in Killruddery Estate recently. The stunning private farm was once again converted into an adventure playground of torturous man-made obstacles, including 10 Foot Walls, Satan’s Pit, Hell on Earth, Sniper Alley and Electric Shocks, which were spread out across both a 7k and 12k trail, crossing rivers, lakes, hills, mountains, bogs and swamps. New to the course this year was the Londis Water Jump, which offered some light relief to the heat of the day. “This is the first year that Londis is sponsoring Hell & Back and we have thoroughly enjoyed being involved with the country’s largest and most popular obstacle course event,” noted Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director. Pictured are boxer, Gary Spike O’Sullivan, footballer Stephanie Roche, and former Irish rugby star Shane Byrne.
Buddy Up for Centra’s 21-Day Challenge CENTRA’S 21-day Buddy Challenge is part of Centra’s monthly Live Well initiative to make small, consistent lifestyle changes that will help you live well and stay on track. The full 21-day programme, which includes exercises as well as healthy meal plans and recipes, are available on Centra.ie. Capitalising on the fact that an exercise buddy helps you exercise more, in comparison to going it alone, Centra’s Buddy Challenge asks consumers to ‘buddy up’ with their best pal to complete the specified buddy workouts three days each week for 21 days. The workouts are all about fun, connection and pushing you and your partner to get 1% better each session!
Alan Quinlan Reappointed Aramark Ambassador FORMER Munster and Ireland rugby international Alan Quinlan has been reappointed to his role as Health & Wellness Ambassador with Aramark, the global provider of awardwinning services in food, facilities management and property. As an Aramark Health & Wellness Ambassador, Alan will be working with the company to promote healthy lifestyle choices in workplaces across Ireland. In particular, Alan will focus on positive mental health and the importance of good nutrition and being physically healthy to a person’s mental wellbeing. “I’m delighted to be continuing in my role as Health & Wellness ambassador with Aramark and to continue the great work we have been doing together to encourage people to take charge of their health,” Quinlan noted.
Manor Farm
Bought by Swedish Giant MANOR Farm, the largest chicken processor in the Republic of Ireland, is in the process of being bought by Swedish giant Scandi Standard for an initial payment of approximately €70m, which includes settlement of debt. This payment will be partly in the form of Scandi Standard shares. There is also an earn-out mechanism. Completion of the transaction will require approval at an Extraordinary General Meeting of Scandi Standard later in the summer. Vincent Carton (pictured) and Justin Carton, who own 85% of Manor Farm, are the eighth generation of the family in the business. Both will continue to run the company and will become shareholders in Scandi Standard.
€11.50
Additive free natural tobacco does not mean less harmful tobacco. 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.
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16|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Industry News
Pat the Baker Partners with WGPA THE Women’s Gaelic Players Association (WGPA) have launched a groundbreaking new partnership with Pat the Baker to promote their new Be Healthy Wholemeal loaf. The five-year deal is the first of its kind for women in sporting organisations in Ireland and the revenue share arrangement will see a percentage of all sales go towards the WGPA Player Development Programme. The new Be Healthy Wholemeal loaf is 100% wholemeal, high in fibre and low in sugar and fat and has only 58 calories per slice. It is also fortified with 1.6g of Vitamin D which has a strong link to athletic performance, positively effecting the immune system and muscle function. Pat the
Baker’s Be Healthy Wholemeal Loaf will carry WGPA branding and promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Pictured are (l-r): Limerick Camogie player Niamh Mulcahy; Wexford Camogie player Ciara Story; Sligo footballer Etna Flanagan; Limerick Camogie player Judith Mulcahy; Joe Curran, Head of Sales, Pat the Baker; Dr Aoife Lane, Chair of the WPGA; Declan Fitzgerald, CEO, Pat the Baker; Down Camogie player Paula Gribben; Cavan footballer Donna English; Kerry footballer Aislinn Desmond; and Dublin footballer Lyndsey Davey, at the Herbert Park Hotel in Dublin.
Aldi Sponsors Junior Baking Competition ALDI will once again this year sponsor The National Junior Baking Competition, in association with Foróige, the finals of which will take place in the Aldi Marquee at the National Ploughing Championships in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, in September. Pictured are Foroige members Céire Boland, Liam McMahon-Buggy, Anna May McHugh (NPA), Cara Bradley, and Nicholas Culligan. The theme of the National Junior Baking Competition this year is Lemon Drizzle Cake and the winner of the National Junior Baking Competition will win a €1,000 bursary to help them on their baking journey, as well as a trip for their local Foróige group to Delphi Adventure Centre in Co. Mayo. Aldi will also be stocking the winning lemon drizzle cake, a huge achievement for any budding young baker!
Baz Signs Up with Greene Farm
GREENE Farm has just announced Baz Ashmawy and celebrity Masterchef winner Niamh Kavanagh as its newest brand ambassadors. The pair will work across the Torn for Taste Range which offers hassle-free, ready to eat products that are 100% natural, gluten free, allergen free and additive free. Baz and Niamh, both busy parents, joined forces with kids’ fitness guru, coach Eamonn Lynch from Lightning Legs and model and mum, Sarah Morrissey, to devise a series of Greene Farm recipe and activity videos to help mums keep active whilst eating healthily, delivered across the Greene Farm social media outlets and website. Greene Farm is also running an extensive in-store sampling campaign, which will see consumers taste the Torn for Taste range and receive a summer recipe booklet designed by Niamh.
Say Cheese!!! BORD Bia is celebrating the success of three Irish cheesemakers who were awarded top prizes at a prestigious international cheese and dairy fair, Mondial du Fromage. For the second time, Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers were successful in the Sheep Milk Blue Cheese category, winning a Super Gold Medal for their Crozier Blue Cheese. Cahill’s Farm Cheese won a Silver Medal in the uncooked pressed cheeses category for their Vintage Cheddar, and Carrigbyrne Farmhouse Cheeses won a Bronze medal in the soft cheese with washed rind category, for their Humming Bark Cheese Pictured at Mondial du Fromage, were medal winners Helen Cahill of Cahill’s Farm Cheese; Sarah Grubb of Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers; and Aisling O’Donnell of Carrigbyrne Farmhouse Cheese.
Musgrave Commercial Director One of Ireland’s Most Powerful Women
SHARON Buckley, Group Commercial Director of Musgrave, has been named in Women’s Executive Network’s list of Ireland’s 25 most powerful women. Sharon has been inducted in to the Women’s Executive Network Hall of Fame, having been named as one of 25 of Ireland’s most influential and successful women for the third year. At Musgrave, Sharon leads the development of the Group’s commercial strategy, managing long-term relationships with suppliers, developing the commercial team and sourcing the Group’s own brand range. Sharon is also responsible for Musgrave’s sustainability agenda, which focuses on growing good business in a way that considers social, environmental and economic well- being. Commenting on the award, Chris Martin, Musgrave Group CEO, said, “We are delighted that Sharon has been acknowledged as one of Ireland’s most influential and successful women for the third time. Her professional experience and diverse skill set have been an invaluable asset to Musgrave as we continue to grow our business to the benefit of all our stakeholders.”
B&H GOLD 29s MAXI BOX €15.75
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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.
18|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Industry News Appointment at Imperial Tobacco John Player IMPERIAL Tobacco John Player, one of Ireland’s leading tobacco companies, has announced the appointment of Tamara Teixo-Baliñas as Market Manager for the Irish business. Tamara assumed the position on June 1, following the departure of Peter Lassche, who has taken on a global marketing role in Imperial’s headquarters in Bristol. Tamara has a rich background in the tobacco industry and joins the Irish leg of Imperial from their Iberian cluster, where she held the role of Market Manager for the Canaries and Gibraltar, delivering a strong track record of successful growth in both markets. Prior to that, she also worked in Spain and Russia for Imperial’s Cigar Business in commercial and financial positions.
Kilmeaden’s Statuesque Performance KILMEADEN has introduced new ziplock packaging across the entire range, encapsulating the heritage, craft and tradition that goes into every single block of Kilmeaden. The new ziplock packaging now allows consumers to seal in the flavour and taste, ensuring each packet can be enjoyed to the fullest. To tie in with the announcement of the new ziplock function, Kilmeaden Cheese commissioned international food sculpture artist Prudence Staite to create a stunning life size replica of the historical Greek mythical ‘Discobolus’ statue. Using 100 Kilos of Kilmeaden Cheese, Prudence took great time and care to produce the iconic masterpiece, echoing the time and quality that goes into each and every block of Kilmeaden, and can be seen in the new advertising campaign for Kilmeaden.
€7m Investment at SuperValu Dundalk SUPERVALU is set to create over 40 jobs with the opening of a new SuperValu store in Dundalk, Co. Louth, this autumn. The 17,600 square feet SuperValu Store, representing a total investment of €7m, will be located in a flagship new retail development at the former Fairways Hotel Site in Dundalk. A further 70 jobs will be supported during the development’s construction phase. SuperValu Fairways will be the anchor premises of this €25m development by local Dundalk developer, Wonderglade, which will also include a number of smaller retail units. The SuperValu store will be operated by Dundalk retailer, Richard Tiernan, providing consumers with a tailored local Irish offer, with a range of locallysourced produce from Louth suppliers, including Moran Jams, Kookie Dough and Slig li. The new store will also include a butcher counter, fish counter and fresh bakery, complemented by in-store experts, as well as ample customer parking.
GAA Stars Cook-Off in Kellogg’s Challenge
AS the summer of Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps kicks off, Mayo footballer Lee Keegan, Tipperary Hurler, Seamus Callanan, Wexford Camogie player, Kate Kelly and Ladies Gaelic footballer, Caoimhe Mohan, swapped their GAA jerseys for aprons at a one-off l’Ecrivain breakfast event, where they had to prepare a breakfast dish for guests, incorporating classic Kellogg’s cereals, such as Rice Krispies and Corn Flakes, while taking account of the GAA stars’ favourite foods. Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps for 6-13 year olds encourage children to be physically active during the school holidays. Pictured at the Breakfast CookOff Challenge are Seamus Callanan, with competition judge and former Celebrity MasterChef contestant, Yvonne Connolly, Lois Caffrey and Lee Keegan.
Cold Move Deliver for Freshways IN a food supply chain, there is little more challenging than sandwich picking and national distribution, where production to consumption timelines are mere hours. The Cold Move team recently designed and implemented a pick by SKU, pick to zero configuration, allowing Freshways to produce up to minutes before vehicles depart for radial distribution hubs. This was one of Cold Move’s most challenging opportunities, both in terms of IT integrations and physical execution. “We are delighted to have Freshways on board as a long-term client and we will continue to innovate to allow for tighter timelines between production and consumption,” noted a company spokesperson. “Freshways products are, without a doubt, the freshest.”
20|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Shop Profile
H2 Group Expanding Its Footprint The H2 Group has ambitious plans to grow its suite of Spar stores countrywide. MD Seán Heaphy talks us through their plans, as the Group unveils its upgraded Fermoy store. SEÁN Heaphy is Managing Director and Co-Owner of the H2 Group, which has grown to own and operate no fewer than nine Spar shops since its establishment in 2004. With a head office in Listowel, Co. Kerry, the group’s stores are scattered across Counties Kerry, Tipperary, Kildare, Dublin, Offaly and Cork, employing in excess of 220 people across all its locations. A career in retail was always on the cards for the MD, as he explains. “I grew up around retail,” Seán tells Retail News. “I’m the fourth generation in my family in the grocery business and I have many years of experience working in the sector. Even with all of that experience, I always see the benefit of working with a partner like Spar. It does not matter how good you are, you can always get even better. “Initially, we chose Spar and BWG because at the time we were starting out back in 2004, they were at the forefront and cutting edge of convenience retailing and it is great to say that they are still in that position today. We have some of the highest standards in convenience retail in the world here, and we are proud to play our part in that.”
Seán describes his working relationship with Spar as “absolutely vital to our ongoing business and continued growth within the group. The combination of BWG’s partnership approach, their management team under the expert Seán Heaphy, MD and co-owner of the H2 Group (left), guidance of pictured at the opening of Spar Fermoy on the Cork Road, in Willie O’Byrne Fermoy, with Gillian Morris, Operations Manager, and Conor and their McElligott, Store Manager. knowledge of the partner but also a strategic partner that convenience sector is a key differentiator fully understands our business and can for us. As a growing and progressive add real value.” business, we not only need a trading
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Shop Profile FACT FILE: Owner:
H2 Group
Location:
Cork Road, Fermoy, Co. Cork
Size:
3,000 square feet retail space
No. of Staff:
35, full time & part time
Opening Hours: 06:00-23:00, Monday-Sunday and grab-and-go fridges to cater for the change in our customers’ lifestyle choices.”
Driving Standards Since opening its first shop, the H2 Group has worked hard to play its part in driving up standards in the sector and within the Spar group itself, according to Seán: “We ensure we stay ahead of the competition by putting the Spar 5 Star programme as the foundation on which we operate and control the business. We have always been a huge advocate of the programme and indeed we have our own Store Audit app based on the 5 Star Audits. Our Operations Manager carries out audits in each of our stores each month, which in turn feeds back into a league table on our Intranet site. It is our firm belief that you have to continually audit your own stores to ensure standards and the customer experience are kept at the 5 Star plus level.” With locations spread across a wide geographic area, the H2 Group has noticed some consistent trends emerge among its customers. A strong value for money proposal is still very important for consumers, but when the product and quality is right, customers are prepared to pay. “Health and wellness concerns continue to increase in importance and we are finding that customers are willing to spend a little extra on premium healthy fresh food products,” he says. “As part of the Spar Better Choices programme, we have introduced a range of products made in-house, like salads and fruit pots in both our deli
Ambitious Plans for Growth According to Seán, the H2 Group is actively looking to acquire and develop new sites, with a plan to grow the H2 Group to 15 shops around the country in the medium term. Over the years, they have refined and perfected store development with Spar, recently completing works in Fermoy. “When upgrading or opening a new site, we always get great support from Declan Ralph and the Spar development team,” he notes. “There can be a new challenge every day when developing and opening a new site but the most important thing is choosing the right team that will assist you every step of the way.” He professes to being “absolutely delighted with the finished product on our latest site in Fermoy and have received very complimentary feedback on the store design, even from other symbol groups.” So successful has it been that the H2 Group are currently working with the Spar development team on upgrading two more sites before the end of 2017. The H2 Group’s ambitions are matched by their symbol group partner, as Seán explains: “BWG is working hard on developing shoplink, a new businessto-business e-commerce platform that is
currently being rolled out nationally and will bring the entire ordering system to a whole new level. Two of our stores took part in the pilot phase earlier this year, which went extremely well, and we are looking forward to rolling it out to the rest of our stores over the next two months. It’s very encouraging to see BWG’s investment in its IT infrastructure and systems such as shoplink, My Spar Rewards and the Spar Virtual Academy and it provides fantastic support for ambitious retailers.” The Right Team Investing in your business and your people is paramount for success, and the H2 Group is no exception, ensuring the right team is in place to guide the Group’s growth in the coming years. “Over the past number of years, we have developed an experienced team in finance, operations and HR that is really our foundation for achieving profitable and sustainable growth,” Seán notes. “Also, the development of a strong retail management team has always been a strategic initiative of H2 Group and we consider it one of our competitive advantages. We have developed an experienced management team at store level, who are key in implementing our main strategies across the group and assist us day in, day out in achieving our company mission.” With the investment and back-up of Spar and BWG, along with the drive and determination of Seán and his team, the H2 Group is in an ideal position to successfully meet the demands of its growing customer base as it continues to expand.
22|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Stonehouse Gold Standard Awards
Stonehouse Setting Standards! The annual Stonehouse Gold Standard Awards took place recently in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galway. THE annual Stonehouse Gold Standard Awards, which took place in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Galway, saw a number of Stonehouse members and suppliers rewarded for excellence across a variety of standards. For excelling in their audits and keeping up a consistently high standard, Stonehouse presented 18 members with a Gold Standard Award. For outstanding support throughout the year, the White Hat Sales & Support Award went to McCarrick Brothers Ltd, Longford, while Birr’s Sean Glennon & Sons received the Homestead Sales & Support Award. There were also a host of awards for suppliers who excelled in sales, successful promotions, and overall performance throughout the year. Largo Foods received the Promotion of the Year Award for for their offer of Tayto & King: ‘Buy four cases get two cases of Coke Contour free’. Lucozade Zero was named Product of the Year, while Britvic Ireland were named as Overall Supplier of the Year. Tom Shipsey, Stonehouse CEO, heralded the Awards as “a huge success and a great display of the high standards our members meet every day”, congratulating each of the winners on “a wonderful achievement”.
Janice Gibney, Group Retail Manager at Stonnehouse, presents the White Hat Sales and Support Award to Padraic Prunty, McCarrick Brothers Ltd.
The Product of the Year Award was awarded to Lucozade Ribena Suntory for Lucozade Zero. Stonehouse CEO, Tom Shipsey presents the award to Alan Claffey, Customer Business Manager, Lucozade Ribena Suntory.
Stonehouse CEO, Tom Shipsey presents the award for Promotion of the Year to Dave Johnston, Business Development, Largo Foods.
Brian Magennis, Sales Director of Britvic Ireland, accepts the Supplier of the Year Award from Tom Shipsey, Stonehouse CEO.
Seamus Glennon of Seán Glennon & Sons, is pictured receiving the Homestead Sales and Support Award from Janice Gibney, Homestead Brand Manager and Stonehouse Group Retail Manager.
24|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Convenience Market
Future Proofing the C-Store
Research and Insight Director at HIM International, Blake Gladman looks at the trends set to drive Ireland’s convenience market in the months and years ahead. CONVENIENCE is as popular as ever in Ireland, with shoppers visiting a convenience store on average at least twice a week. However, time and subsequently money spent in-store is falling behind that of the UK, for example. In fact, two in three shoppers spend less than five minutes in a store in Ireland, compared to less than half of those in the UK and it’s even less in the rest of Europe. One of the key factors at play here is the basket size. In Ireland, the average shopper purchases three items per trip, this rises to 3.3 for the rest
of Europe and 3.5 for the UK. Driving basket size and spend, therefore, is a key opportunity for convenience stores in Ireland to thrive under the current climate. Convenience shoppers are often operating on ‘autopilot’ mode and crashing this autopilot opens the door to success. It’s no surprise really when you consider that they will shop in your store over 100 times a year and are often buying a combination of the same products: however, through inspiring and impactful displays and solutions in-store, it is possible to interrupt their predesigned behaviour. Once you can tap
into it, the convenience shopper is very impulsive and upsell opportunities can be maximised. With so many possibilities to explore, we take a look at those which will be having the biggest impact over the next 18 months. Record Obesity Levels by 2025 Health and wellness will continue to dominate the lives of the shopper in 2017/18. This is no longer a niche trend and very much broke through into the mainstream during the back end of the year: with increased awareness comes
Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie|25
Convenience Market the European average in all day parts, except lunch. Meeting the Health Agenda Retailers need to make sure they are stocking healthy options to meet the need of all shoppers. Wider range is then required to meet modern day diets, meeting the need of older shoppers in particular, because of the rise of malnutrition and age related diseases. With an ageing population, there is an opportunity for suppliers to shout about those health benefits. Convenience stores of the future will need to embrace the health-conscious attitude of the modern shopper, HIM International have carried out research on the trends but we cannot to impact the Irish convenience channel in the coming 18 ignore the fact that months. some of the most common categories bought from smaller stores are an improvement in knowledge from the impulsive treats, including confectionery, shopper, and expectations change as soft drinks and alcohol. health’s definition has evolved. With this in mind, there is a fantastic Obesity rates are highest in Europe, opportunity to create theatre around with one in three people expected to indulgences in store and to provide be obese by 2025. At the same time, inspiration and impulse opportunities for health awareness has never been more those times when we just want to treat prominent, with one in seven people ourselves. Shoppers in Ireland, however, now members of a gym (growing at a spend less time in-store compared to rate of 5%). Out of 600,000 food items other European countries, meaning in a grocery store, 80% contain added they can be difficult to interrupt and to sugar. Pressure is now on the food and influence. Using targeted promotions to drink industry to help consumers make encourage impulse spend, and ensuring healthy choices. Ultimately, shoppers offers are time of day and location are now expecting more from retailers relevant, could help in boosting basket and suppliers to help them maintain a spend and size. healthy diet. Irish convenience stores are already “Healthy living is shared ahead of the curve compared to the UK responsibility,” said Tim Smith, Group and most of Europe when it comes to Quality Director, Tesco Plc, during a healthy options in-store, due in no small Food Matters Live event in November part to the strong food to-go presence 2016. But these needs vary from shopper in Irish c-stores. Food-to-go (FTG) is a to shopper. Groupings should at least mission which holds big potential for factor in life stages, as health needs the convenience sector because it is in differ most prominently by age. Despite growth: 48% of Irish shoppers are on a the increasing number of people wanting FTG mission in convenience, compared to have a healthier diet, the number of to 34% in the UK. It is key for retailers shoppers in Ireland who think stores and suppliers to work together in order offers enough heathy options is below
About the Author
Research and Insight Director at HIM International, Blake Gladman has over seven years’ experience in delivering high quality research solutions. Before joining HIM! in February 2009, Blake previously worked for Kantar.
to provide shoppers with inspiration via hot and chilled meals options. There is an opportunity to learn from the UK regarding Top-Up: 35% of Irish shoppers are on a top-up mission compared to 45% in the UK convenience channel. Delivering higher satisfactions across needs like availability, ease of shop, speed of service, product quality and price perception will encourage shoppers in Ireland to actively seek out c-stores to appease their everyday needs. Protein Power With health, it’s often the case that something is removed, like sugar, salt or calories, but there is another health trend which actively seeks to add, namely protein. The functional food trend is certainly one which the Irish market has jumped on and we’re seeing Irish shoppers responding well to protein added products. Protein stations have appeared in convenience stores and impulse is strong within the forecourt specific channel. Even large consumer brands such as Avonmore have delivered huge growth in the category through their protein milk products. The global functional six proteins market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.6%, in terms of value, from 2017, to reach US$5.73 billion by 2022, with Ireland growing in line, if not ahead, of the global average. HIM recently spoke to 2,000 Irish convenience shoppers as part of their global shopper research, and 21% of respondents want to see more functional foods in convenience stores, compared to 18% who want to see more freefrom products. Clearly, the demand is there and there is a real opportunity for NPD in traditional snacking categories to introduce functional derivatives of existing brands to tap into this growing market. The high concentration of shoppers looking for food on the move and a ‘quick fix’ in convenience also means that this is a channel in which the category fits well and should prosper if delivered correctly.
26|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Convenience Market while supermarkets are unable to match the chilled offering. The Coffee Revolution Another area of strong, sustained growth is coffee, with big brands vying for position amongst convenience stores. This ‘new wave of coffee’ has traditionally been way behind the UK but is now catching up. Clearly, convenience stores in Ireland are getting something right in the eyes of their shoppers. Our latest research shows that 29% of convenience shoppers in Ireland rate the hot drinks to go offer in stores as ‘outstanding’ versus just 18% for UK shoppers. One in 10 shoppers in Ireland now say that ‘to buy a hot drink to go’ is the main reason they are visiting the store, on a level with lottery and Blake Gladman, Research and Insight Director, HIM only three percentage International. points behind the newspaper category. The Soft Parade It’s not a long shot to suggest that over With the sugar tax on the horizon, it’s no the next few years that we will see surprise that we have seen an increase coffee overtake newspapers as a more in innovation in the soft drinks category important footfall driver to convenience within the Irish convenience market. for shoppers. Lucozade Suntory Ribena stand out here With coffee such an impactful and have invested heavily in NPD as they footfall driver, it’s important to consider strive to maintain position as a market the incremental sales opportunities leader with so many new SKUs fighting around the drink itself. This is where for fridge space. Flavoured water, both the key trend of health and treat coconut water and particularly energy play together to create a compelling drinks are enjoying strong support from offer for shoppers across all day parts, distributors and retailers alike. interrupting and inspiring shoppers According to data from HIM, one when they are at the point of purchase to category continues to outperform truly unlock the full potential of what a its rivals in-store and has done for a strong coffee offer can bring to a store. decade: soft drinks. We believe that Inspiration and interruption are two the convenience channel represents a words that should be the mantra of any fantastic opportunity for the soft drink successful convenience retailer. The key category, boasting large, varied ranges difference in today’s modern world is of all the leading brands within each what it takes to achieve these two holy category, all fully chilled, along with a grails is forever evolving. shopper base which is looking for instant It’s often easy to think that refreshment on-the-go. According to convenience doesn’t need to keep HIM, the convenience channel has an up to date with the latest trends and advantage over other channels when technology because shoppers will it comes to soft drinks, as traditional always have a need for convenience, food-to-go players are somewhat tied as nobody ever plans everything. With to a small range or particular brands, the world getting smaller, everything is
“
There is a fantastic opportunity to create theatre around indulgences in-store and to provide inspiration and impulse opportunities for those times when we just want to treat ourselves. Shoppers in Ireland, however, spend less time in-store compared to other European countries, meaning they can be difficult to interrupt and to influence. Using targeted promotions to encourage impulse spend, and ensuring offers are time of day and location relevant, could help in boosting basket spend and size.
”
getting more and more convenient, from smartphone apps to smart commuting and social media. Today’s shoppers are not just more knowledgeable about the options available to them but can access what they want when they want and it’s all at their fingertips. Shoppers are actively looking for convenient solutions, which is a perfect opportunity for convenience stores to not only survive but to thrive in tomorrow’s world. It’s an exciting time for the convenience channel and the risks and rewards have never been greater. For more information, see www.himinternational.com.
TOBACCO PACKAGING changes 2017-2018 TPD2
20TH MAY 2017 – 28TH SEPTEMBER 2017 From 20th May 2017, only TPD2 packs can be sold at retail.
TPD2
PLAIN PACKS*
29TH SEPTEMBER 2017 – 28TH SEPTEMBER 2018 TPD2 products manufactured before 29th September 2017 can continue to be sold at retail until 28th September 2018. Tobacco products in plain packaging will also be available during this period as TPD2 packs sell through.
FROM 29TH SEPTEMBER 2018
PLAIN PACKS*
From 29th September 2018, only tobacco products in plain packaging can be sold at retail.
JTI IS YOUR KEY PARTNER
For more information, speak to your jti contact, call 01 404 0240, email customerservices.ireland@jti.com or visit jti.com/ireland *UK market example for illustrative purposes only
28|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Wine Market
From California, With Love Philip Lynch, Country Manager, E&J Gallo, on the changing face of the Irish wine market, the effect of high excise duties here and what the future holds for wine in Ireland.
PHILIP Lynch knows a thing or two about wine. The affable Country Manager has been the face of E&J Gallo in Ireland for over five years, having previously worked in sales, marketing and national account management roles with Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard. Passionate about the business, he’s proved a perfect match for Gallo, which has been a favourite wine of Irish consumers for over 20 years, regularly introducing new varietals that suit even the most discerning of palettes across all price points. Indeed, the Californian brand has developed a reputation as one of the most innovative in the wine market, not just here in Ireland but worldwide. Who better to talk to us about the changing face of wine?
has resulted in some distributors withdrawing from the market, while brand owners look to deliver quality wines at reasonable retail prices that deliver an ever changing and evolving consumer taste profile. This is where innovative varietal driven wines like Gallo Family Vineyards and Barefoot
are growing and resonating with the consumer. Now that the economy is improving, is the Irish wine drinker trading up or are value and promotion still vital to wine sales? Value and promotion will always be vital to wine sales. The economy is improving but for many, this is not resulting in extra disposable income. Wine sales very much follow the days of the week, where some consumers buy their weekday wines but if they are entertaining or having a family meal at the weekend, then they will trade up. E&J Gallo believe that variety is the spice of life and have wines to suit any moment. What can be done to encourage the consumer to trade up to more premium wines? I think this falls mainly with ourselves.
How has the Irish wine market changed in recent years? The consumer is ever price sensitive, while still savvy to their wine palate. A large number of independent off licences have disappeared. Discounters are a retail reality, while multiples strive to deliver range and choice to an ever more cost conscious shopper. All of this is set to a backdrop where for many families, disposable income is measured and minded. What impact has the recession had on the Irish wine consumer? The onset of the recession, coupled with large duty increases, accompanied by increased VAT rates, has resulted in a more competitive retail landscape, where the consumer in the main is still reluctant to spend over €10. This
Barefoot Wines continues to gain more and more loyal ‘Footfans’ through its fun, flavoursome and friendly approach.
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Wine Market For example, Gallo have wines for every moment and style. It is our job to get the consumer to taste our wines, knowing that the quality across our portfolio caters for every moment and every budget. It is well documented that excise levels on wine in Ireland are the highest in the EU. Is this damaging the wine market? Of course this is damaging to the wine market. For such a small country like Ireland to have the second highest excise rates in Europe is very disappointing. Just because we are not a wine producing nation is no reason to subject one part of the industry to draconian taxes. I think it is not fair to the hard-pressed consumer or tourist to this country to have to pay on average €9 a bottle of wine, compared to half this in continental Europe. Should the Government reduce excise levels and why? Yes, excise should be reduced on wine as it is out of proportion to beer or spirits. Just look at the increase in sales volume generated by the last duty reduction: this increase could arguably be claimed was going to Northern Ireland or French ports. What would such a reduction achieve? Reducing excise would help our hospitality industry and our independent off licences, which support so many jobs in Ireland. It would also encourage the consumer to explore more of the quality wines which budgets may restrict currently. How are Gallo wines performing in Ireland? I am happy to say that Gallo wines are performing very strongly in Ireland, from our flagship brand, Gallo Family Vineyards, where innovation continues to introduce new consumers to the category, with wines like Moscato and lighter wines like Spritz, which are based on everyday favourite varietals like Pinot Grigio and Grenache Rose. Barefoot Wines continue to gain more and more loyal ‘Footfans’ through our fun, flavoursome and friendly approach. Barefoot continues its 27-year association with the LGBT community, as well as trying to keep our beaches clean, as we are now working with An Taisce, while we’re also involved at events like Sea Sessions, where we support the annual Sea Sessions Expression Session for surfers from around the world. In addition to these great brands, consumers are creating bonds with Apothic, Dark Horse, Louis Martini and MacMurray, to name but a few.
‘inTOEduced’ to the Irish consumer, we have grown our ‘Footfans’ by delivering fun, flavoursome and affordable wines that resonate with the consumer. Next star has to be Gallo Spritz, varietal based wine with fruit flavours, gently spritzed to create a light, slightly sparkling, refreshing, low alcohol wine. Apothic, which sells in the €15 bracket, has generated a truly loyal consumer since its launch two years ago.
Philip Lynch, Country Manager, E&J Gallo. Has there been a significant change in the way you market your wines here? Gallo have focused on the consumer. We know we make great varietal driven wines, wines for every moment, but this is only part of the solution. We must present these wines at a competitive price in the market to be truly successful. Price plays a big part in this, as does efficiencies. At Gallo, we have an annual promotional calendar to support our brands. We have also streamlined our route to market to maximise the supply chain efficiencies which allow Gallo to offer wines at every price point. What have been the star performers in your wine range? Barefoot is the stand-out brand in our portfolio. Since the brand was first
What new brands/wine styles are driving wine consumption? At E&J Gallo, we see the growth drivers of the Irish wine industry in brands like Barefoot, which consistently outperforms the market. We see lighter and sweeter wines gaining significant traction and there is a growing market for brands like Apothic and Dark Horse. There has been a move towards lighter wine styles: how significant is this? Lighter wines have proved to be a very exciting part of the wine market. I estimate E&J Gallo’s share of this market to be circa 15%+. These wines are consumed by people who want to enjoy a glass of wine without all the restraints of a 12% abv wine. These wines are also popular amongst the calorie conscious consumer. Mostly, these wines are great chilled over ice on a long lunch with friends or on a sunny day. Do you see the trend towards lighter and lower alcohol wines continuing in Ireland? Yes but I’m not sure if this will continue at the same rate of pace we have seen. What other trends are driving growth in the market? Innovation is driving growth in the wine market: this is where winemakers are trying new and imaginative ways of maximising flavours to suit the consumer. Jen Wall, Barefoot’s most awarded Winemaker and second generation Irish immigrant, always says she wants to make wines to reflect the way they taste on the sun drenched slopes of California.
Gallo Family Vineyards Spritz is bursting with vibrant fruity notes in two flavours: Pineapple & Passionfruit and Raspberry & Lime.
What do you have planned for the coming year? We will continue to push the boundaries with Barefoot over the next year, while a new pack upgrade for Gallo Family Vineyards will be in the trade by Christmas. Dark Horse will also have a pack upgrade for Christmas, while Apothic Dark is rolling out across the market to join Apothic Red.
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On The Vine
Wines of the Times!
Jean Smullen reveals Ireland’s top-selling wine brands.
FIGURES for the retail wine sector in Ireland on a MAT basis, for the period March 2016-2017, show that overall sales of wine were flat. On an MAT basis to March 2017, total wine sales decreased by -1.0%. According to Scantrack, the MAT figure for 9-litre case sales to March 2017 was 5,416,383. During the same period, value sales decreased by -2.5%. The good news, though, is that the average retail price has now broken the €8 barrier to €8.10. Off trade sales in Ireland continue to be dominated by Chilean wine, which continues to grow strongly on the back of two key Chilean wine brands. Santa Rita remains Ireland’s top selling wine for the third consecutive year and Concha y Toro’s Casillero del Diablo showed significant sales growth during 2016. In terms of off trade sales, Chile still dominates: figures to March 2017 show that off trade case sales of Chilean wine held steady at 1,224,948 (+0.1%). The average retail price for a Chilean wine is €8.06.
While the volume market for Australian wine decreased by -0.9% to 875,647, their average price per bottle is €8.25. France remains in third place, despite not have any flagship brands: French wine achieved sales of 863,069 cases, a volume decrease of -1.1%. The average price for a bottle of French wine is currently €8.16. There was no change to the top five brands, though their positions have shifted a little. The top five wine brands to March 2017 are: 1: Santa Rita; 2: McGuigan; 3: Casillero del Diablo; 4: Wolf Blass 5: Blossom Hill. The performing brands for 2016 included: Campo Viejo (Spain), Concha y Toro (Chile) with both their Casillero del Diablo and Cono Sur brands, Dona Paula (Argentina), Fincas las Moras (Argentina) with the Dada brand, McGuigan (Australia), Torres (Spain), Villa Maria
(New Zealand), Wolf Blass (Australia) and [yellow tail] (Australia). The Nielsen figures also reveal that from a Country of Origin perspective, Argentina, Australia, California, Chile, New Zealand and Spain drove volume sales in this market during 2016 (Source: Nielsen Scantrack March 2017). Nielsen figures for off trade sales to December 2016 show the volume market breakdown as follows: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
CHILE 22.33 AUSTRALIA 16.37 FRANCE 16.21 SPAIN 12.20 ITALY 11.24 NEW ZEALAND 4.62 AMERICA 5.59 SOUTH AFRICA 5.72 ARGENTINA 2.16 REST OF WORLD 2.06 GERMANY 1.21 PORTUGAL 0.29
(Source: Nielsen Scantrack Dec 2016)
#1 SELLING WINE BRAND IN IRELAND
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CHILE
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For details contact: Gerry Conlon, Trade Marketing Manager, Gilbeys. email: gerry.conlon@gilbeysofireland.ie
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On The Vine Viña Santa Rita - Chile (Gilbeys Wines) Viña Santa Rita, Ireland’s biggest wine brand for the third year in a row, have invested enormously in this market in terms of price promotion and more importantly, in sponsorship activities such as Bord Bia’s 2017 Bloom in the Park. This year, they won a Gold Medal for their ‘Living Oasis - Living La Vida 120’ Show Garden. From September 2017 to February 2018, Santa Rita will also sponsor The Santa Rita Concerts at the Viña Santa Rita is Little Museum Ireland’s biggest of Dublin. The wine brand for the fourth season third year in a row. of Santa Rita concerts will once again entertain Dubliners with beautiful music and Santa Rita wine in an intimate, candlelit setting. For further information and to book tickets, see www.littlemuseum.ie. Santa Rita have expanded the 120 range, which now includes two new varietals; watch out for the must stock Santa Rita 120 Malbec and the Santa Rita 120 Pinot Grigio. The Santa Rita National Gallery Series will launch in 2017 and the first of five labels to be released on the Irish market will include a Cabernet Sauvignon made from grapes sourced from Maipo Valley and a Sauvignon Blanc with grapes sourced from Casablanca valley. These Reserva wines will feature brand new labels with imagery of some of the most famous paintings in the world. These limited edition wines will launch in Ireland later this year and a percentage of the profits from each bottle sold will be donated to the National Gallery of Ireland. Other wines in the range will include a Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a Merlot. Viña Santa Rita was awarded ‘Winery of the Year’ by Wines of Chile in 2016.
McGuigan - Australia (Barry & Fitzwilliam) Australian Vintage Limited is owned by the McGuigan family, who are owner/ managers of vineyards sold under McGuigan label, including the flagship brand, McGuigan Black Label. McGuigan Black Label, their biggest selling brand, recently added a Malbec to their range of varietal wines, which now includes Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Malbec, Merlot, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio and a Rosé. The McGuigan Black Label varietal range will be on promotion for the month of August at an RRP of €9. The brand new McGuigan Frizzante is also making great inroads in terms of sales. This light style of sparkling wine is made from Semillon and is regularly on offer. McGuigan Frizzante is available in 750ml bottles and in the smaller, snipesized 200ml bottles. It aims to compete McGuigan Frizzante with Prosecco is a light style of and the current sparkling wine, campaign, made from Semillon ‘Like Prosecco? grapes, which is Love McGuigan supported with Frizzante’, will be a high profile ongoing through campaign: ‘Like autumn 2017. Prosecco? Love McGuigan Frizzante’. Casillero Del Diablo (Concha y Toro) - Chile (Richmond Marketing) Moving into third place in 2017, up from fourth in terms of volume sales, Concha y Toro has seen their volume sales significantly increase in the last year. The Casillero del Diablo range retails year round at €12 in all major retail and multiple groups and is regularly on promotion at a €9 price point, which is what helps to drive volume sales. I spoke to Annmarie Nangle, the Concha y Toro Country Manager, who told me that they are also seeing good sales for their mid-priced range, the Marques
de Casa Concha €15.99 (€13 on offer). These wines and the Casillero del Diablo are made by Marcelo Papa, one of Chile’s top wine-makers. As well as their Chilean portfolio, Concha y Toro are the owners of two of California’s best known wineries, Fetzer and Bonterra (known as one of California’s top organic producers). Their Californian brands are also performing well and CyT hopes to create greater visibility on this market for them during 2017. Wolf Blass - Australia (Findlater & Co.) Wolf Blass, one of Ireland’s best-selling Australian wine brands, has grown from a humble tin shed in the Barossa Valley to become one of the world’s most successful and awarded wine brands, with more than 3,000 medals and trophies at national and international wine shows. Wolf Blass celebrated another successful year at the 2017 International Wine Challenge in May, with its team of winemakers awarded the Barossa Valley Shiraz Trophy for the Wolf Blass Platinum Label Shiraz 2013, along with eight Gold, 23 Silver and 18 Bronze Medals. This win comes off the back of Wolf Blass winning International Red Winemaker of the Year for a record third time last year, coming out on top ahead of 15,000 entries from more than 50 countries, demonstrating their strength and consistency of winemaking across a variety of wine styles.
Wolf Blass, one of the most successful wine brands in the world, has been awarded over 3,000 medals and trophies at national and international wine shows.
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On The Vine Blossom Hill – California, USA (Findlater & Co.) The big news is that Blossom Hill have moved their distribution in the Republic of Ireland to Findlater & Co., who have taken over the brand since June 2017. There are exciting plans for the number one Californian brand this summer, with the ‘Blossom Boat’ inviting consumers to sample the newly launched Blossom Hill Spritz on-board during August & September. The brand also launched a major new partnership with www.feelunique.com, where consumers get a gift voucher with every promotional bottle during the summer campaign.
the company. Spain’s Bodegas Torres, one of Findlater’s key brands, was awarded first place for a record-breaking third time this year. This almost 150-year-old Spanish cellar returns to the number one spot after coming first in 2014 and 2015, which makes it the only Spanish and European winery to head the list. Since the ranking first started seven years ago, Torres has always remained the top European wine brand and either first or second in the overall list. Drinks International poll 200 of the world’s top Masters of Wine, sommeliers, commercial wine buyers, educators and
New 2017 Limited Edition Cono Sur Bicicleta labels, designed by Eliza Southwood, celebrate the winery’s ongoing association with the Tour de France. carbon-neutral wine brand, named their Bicicleta range in honour of the employees who cycle around their vineyards in order to keep their environmental impact to a minimum and ensure the healthiest grapes possible. The Chilean winery have released their 2017 Limited Edition Cono Sur Bicicleta labels onto the Irish market in celebration of the winery’s ongoing association with “La Grande Boucle” (aka the Tour de France). Each bottle features new artwork, exclusively commissioned by esteemed British artist Eliza Southwood, with her distinctive style celebrating the beauty, energy and elegance of cycling.
New Blossom Hill Spritz, the latest addition to the hugely popular range from California. Blossom Hill began with a revolution back in 1992 in the Californian sunshine, when their first winemaker, Carol Thorup, passionately believed that wine should be enjoyed, not debated. Complex terminology and vintages were drowning out what mattered most: taste. So taste is where she started, and that’s when the world started to fall in love with Blossom Hill. More than 20 years later, there is a Blossom Hill wine to suit all tastes and occasions, from classic crisp whites to fruity reds and fresh rosés, meaning that everyone can find something to love in Blossom Hill. Torres - Spain (Findlater & Co.) Findlater & Co. have an impressive four of the top 10 World’s Most Admired Wine Brands in their current drinks portfolio, meaning that the Republic of Ireland market has access to a number of key global wine brands distributed here by
Torres, the world’s most admired wine brand, according to Drinks International. journalists, in order to draw up a list of well marketed and packaged wines with a strong appeal to a wide demographic. Cono Sur - Chile (Findlater & Co.) Cono Sur is once again sponsoring the Tour de France this year, and they’ll have new limited edition labels for their popular Bicicleta range available nationwide. It’ll be supported by price promotions and in-store POS, as well as PR and media coverage. Look out for publicity in the national press, including the Irish Independent and Sunday Business Post, as well as in consumer magazines and on TV3. The national publicity programme will raise awareness for Cono Sur wines and will help to drive consumer purchases instore this July. Cono Sur, the world’s first
Villa Maria – New Zealand (Barry & Fitzwilliam) Sir George Fistonich founded Villa Maria in 1961, when he was 21, and the brand is now exported to 50 countries worldwide. Villa Maria is now the number one New Zealand wine brand on the Irish market. They achieved a significant increase in volume sales during 2016, which has jumped them from number 12 in the chart to number eight.
Villa Maria is the number one New Zealand wine brand on the Irish market.
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On The Vine Villa Maria will shortly be launching a new wine range, which will be backed up by a nationwide programme of in-store sampling to promote the new SKU’s. The competitive price promotions which drive sales of this key New Zealand wine brand will also continue on an on-going basis during 2017. Villa Maria Reserve Wairau Sauvignon Blanc and Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir will also be on offer this summer, reduced from their standard of RRP of €20 to a promotional price of €15. E&J Gallo – California, USA (10 International) Gallo Family Vineyards continues to perform steadily on the Irish market. Their core range of lighter style wines of summer white and summer rosé and their comprehensive range of varietals keep this brand very much to the fore. The Gallo Family Vineyards’ success is largely due to strong instore promotional activity. Another wine in the Gallo stable which also features in the Top 20 is Gallo Family their Barefoot Vineyards’ range brand, part of the of light wine E&J Gallo group. styles, like Pink Thanks to its global promotions Moscato, keep the brand to the fore. involving participation in maritime life, Barefoot performs well with younger wine drinkers. The varietal range is fruit forward and the brand has strong links to the outdoor lifestyle. Campo Viejo - Spain (Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard) Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard have introduced the Campo Viejo Tapas Trail for its seventh year. The Campo Viejo Tapas Trial allows guests to immerse themselves in the tapas culture of Rioja through a food and wine experience brought to life with the Campo Viejo range of wines and specially created restaurant menus. Dedicated hosts will guide guests along the route from restaurant to restaurant, inspiring them with local city and Spanish anecdotes and will share their expertise
and insights into the unique characteristics of Campo Viejo wines. This year, for the first time, in partnership with Deliveroo, they will deliver Spanish food and wine to homes in Dublin, Cork and Galway. The various Tapas & Wine packages range in price from €24 to €48 and include a bottle of Campo Viejo and free delivery. Tickets for the Dublin Tapas Trail, which includes Drury Buildings, Fallon & Byrne, Eden Bar & Grill and Market Bar, are currently on offer priced €35. Campo Viejo, Jacob’s Creek one of the most Australia (Irish popular Spanish Distillers Pernod wines on the Irish Ricard) market. Jacob’s Creek was first established by Orlando Wines’ founder Johann Gramp nearly 170 years ago in 1847, along the banks of Jacob’s Creek, where he planted his first vineyard. This summer, Jacob’s Creek will be adding a new premium wine range to their existing portfolio. Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel is the latest in a modern range of premium reds finished in Irish whiskey barrels. There are two wines in the range. The Jacob’s Creek Double Barrel Cabernet Sauvignon, with the fruit sourced from Coonawarra, uses aged barrels Jacob’s Creek from the Irish whiskey Double Barrel, industry to age this the new wine. The Jacob’s premium wine Creek Double Barrel offering from Shiraz sources their fruit from the Barossa the popular Australian Valley and ages the winery. wine in Scotch whisky
barrels. Both are complex and very interesting, with lots of nuance and the quality shines through. This is a more premium style of wine from one of Australia’s best known wineries and the mid-pricing reflects this. [yellow tail] – Australia (Gilbeys Wines) John Casella created [yellow tail] exclusively for the US market in 2001. The brand, named after Australia’s yellow-footed rock wallaby, has created a huge niche for itself since. In 2005, [yellow tail] became the first varieal wine to sell one million cases in a single year. Two years later, [yellow tail] was launched on the Irish market and this year celebrates 10 years of success. Make sure you have plenty in stock, as sales of [yellow tail] showed extremely good growth during 2016.
[yellow tail] is celebrating a decade of success on the Irish market. Viña Carmen - Chile (Gilbeys Wines) Viña Carmen, one of the oldest wineries in Chile, have just appointed a new winemaker, Emily Faulconer, who took over the role in June 2017. She has previously worked in wineries in the United States (Cakebread Cellars), New Zealand (Trinity Hill Winery) and France (Chateau Canon) and was head winemaker at Viña Arboleda. Santa Rita Estates added Viña Carmen to their portfolio in 1987 and since then they have gone on to develop a number of tiers within the range, including Tolten, Classic, Premier 1850, Wave Series by Carmen, Gran Reserva, D.O., Winemakers Reserve and their top wine, the Gold Reserve. Gilbeys Wines have a special retail promotional retailer offer for the Carmen Premier Reserva range this summer: buy three cases and get one free. The varietals in the Premier Reserva range include Carmenere, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
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On The Vine Hardy’s - Australia (Gilbeys Wines) Hardy’s have built a tradition of great endeavour in winemaking. Thomas Hardy’s vision was to produce wines which would be prized by showing outstanding innovation and resourcefulness, to make wines of quality and character. The expertise and devotion, driven by the Hardy family since 1853, is evident in the quality of their wine. Hardy’s is one of the most powerful Australian wine brands in the world. Hardy’s Stamp of Australia is their entry level wine. The Stamp series is a barbeque friendly wine and the varietals are perfect for summer
Dona Paula from Argentina has been performing extremely well in Ireland. Cardos Sauvignon Blanc, Los Cardos Cabernet Sauvignon and the Los Cardos Malbec.
Hardy’s: one of the most powerful Australian wine brand in the world. drinking. Hardy’s also have a good range in the mid-price sector, mostly single varietal and blends, sold as the Private Bin. Dona Paula – Argentina (Gilbeys Wines) Dona Paula was established in 1997. It is owned by the Santa Rita group. They are an estate wine by virtue of the fact that all their grapes come from their own vineyards, which cover 703 hectares on some of the best local sites. Their varietal range includes the Dona Paula Los Cardos, which are made from vines located at 1,000 metres above sea level in the Mendoza region. Gilbeys Wines have a special promotional offer for this range this summer: buy three cases and get one free. Los Cardos means ‘the thistle’ and the varietals in the range include the Los Cardos Chardonnay, Los
Oyster Bay - New Zealand (Delgats Wine Estate) This New Zealand family-owned company also features on an ongoing basis in the top 30 of Drinks International’s most admired brands. Oyster Bay have been running a campaign to highlight their varietal range through in-store tastings for the last five years. The range includes Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot and Pinot Noir, as well as two sparkling wines, the Oyster Bay Brut and Oyster Bay Rosé. These wines are regularly on offer, helping to drive sales. Oyster Bay added two Australian wines to their stable in 2014; the Barossa Valley Estate Shiraz and the Barossa Valley Estate GSM both are premium wines and have been performing well since they were launched on this market. Faustino - Spain (Richmond Marketing) The Faustino brand, launched here in 1960, is one of Ireland’s most popular Rioja brands. Faustino VII has enormous brand recognition and the Gran Reserva Faustino I is a “must stock”. The Faustino VII and V have just launched a range of brand new modern labelling for the wines. However, the iconic Faustino I labelling remains the same. The brand will be supported with a press and digital campaign later this year, entitled ‘Timeless Icon’. The range will be on offer this summer with Faustino VII on promotion for €10, down from €13; Faustino V at €15, down from €19; and Faustino I at €20, down from €26.
Brancott Estate - New Zealand (Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard) Brancott were the pioneers of the Marlborough region in New Zealand. In 1975, they were the first winery to plant Sauvignon Blanc in the Marlborough region. The Brancott range includes Sauvignon Blanc, Sauvignon Gris, Pinot Grigio and Pinot Noir. A popular brand with the Irish consumer, make sure you stock this much sought after New Zealand wine brand. Fincas las Moras Brancott Estate is (Dada) - Argentina hugely popular (Coman’s with the Irish wine Beverages) consumer. Brand new to Ireland’s Top Wine Brands, the Dada brand from Argentina has become enormously popular with the Irish wine consumer. Made from a blend of Malbec and Bonarda, this fruit forward style from one of Argentina’s top producers is softer in style and very drinkable. Dada has gained an enormous following since its launch three years ago. Watch out for a new wine from the Fincas las Moras team in the coming weeks, called Love. A concept wine made by the same company who produce Dada, Love is a premium Malbec; the fruit is sourced in Tulum and Pedernal Valley in San Juan and the wine is oak aged for nine months. Another Argentine wine in the Coman’s stable is the Trapiche varietal range, which includes Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as a number of premium mid-priced wines. Sales of Trapiche continue to grow enormously and this is another much sought after Argentine wine brand. Argentine Malbec ticks all the boxes on the Irish market: it is probably one of the most popular red wine styles on our shelves at the moment and the sales figures certainly reflect this, so make sure you have plenty in stock to meet the demand.
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Nivea
New Nivea Men Protect & Care Range Nivea Men have relaunched the Originals range with a new name, design and an improved formula and masculine scent. THE new Nivea Men Protect & Care range brings a complete skincare lineup that protects the skin against every day stresses. The new range provides the skin with the optimum comfort and care it deserves, protecting men’s skin no matter what it goes through.
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What is new in the formulas? The new and improved formulas contain Aloe Vera and Pro Vitamin B5, protecting the skin from drying out and ensuring it gets the moisture and care it needs. The formulas have a new and more masculine scent. The new scent is based on a ‘fougère’ accord and complemented by amber, marine, woody, and musky notes. The new Nivea Men Protect & Care range includes: • Nivea Men Protect & Care Intensive Cream 50ml (RRP €7.99);
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Nivea Men Protect & Care Moisturising Shaving Foam/Gel 200ml (RRP €3.99); Nivea Men Protect & Care Replenishing Post Shave Balm 100ml (RRP €6.49) Nivea Men Protect & Care 2 in 1 Refresh & Care Post Shave Lotion 100ml (RRP €6.49) Nivea Men Protect & Care Exfoliating Face Scrub 75ml (RRP €5.49) Nivea Men Protect & Care Deep Cleaning Face Wash 100ml (RRP €4.99).
Nivea Men’s Protect & Care range includes 2 in 1 Refresh & Care Post Shave Lotion 100ml and Rehydrating Moisturiser 75ml.
The new Nivea Men Protect & Care collection is now available in pharmacies
and grocery stores nationwide. For more information, please visit www.nivea.ie or www.facebook.com/niveaireland.
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Recycling & Recovery
Repak Delivers on Recycling Rates With recycling and recovery rates topping 90%, Repak continues to deliver results for its members, at a fraction of the cost of self-compliance. REPAK has made significant achievements since it was established in 1997. It has helped, through its members, to increase Ireland’s recycling and recovery rates from 15% to over 90% today. Repak has invested over €400m in ensuring that we have a properly funded system to recycle end of life packaging from consumers. Packaging recycling obligations is a complex area and to try to help those in the retail industry to understand the scheme better and to determine if they are legally obligated, Repak CEO, Séamus Clancy explains what obligations retailers need to be aware of. What obligations do those in the retail industry need to be aware of? Retailers in Ireland have two broad sets of legal obligations; firstly, to recycle back door waste at their premises, and secondly, to fund the segregation, collection and recycling of household waste packaging on goods they sell to customers. The latter can be done by being a member of Repak Ltd or by putting in place a self-compliance system on site in accordance with regulation requirements. The rules for compliance under the Waste Management Act are contained in Irish legislation and are governed by two variables, the turnover of the company and the amount of packaging supplied on the market. These are known as ‘de minimis’ or the threshold above which a company is obligated to fund/collect for recycling the packaging they supply on goods or services sold. In Ireland,
this means having a business turnover of over €1m and supplying over 10 tonnes of packaging on the goods sold or supplied to customers. How does the Repak scheme operate? Repak is a packaging recycling compliance scheme, not a recycler of packaging. Repak helps fund packaging recovery/recycling on behalf of its members to fulfil their legal obligation. Repak collects fees from member companies to pay towards the recovery of the packaging they supply. These monies are then used to fund recycling systems for packaging from household recycling bins, recycling centres and bottle banks. Householders dispose of their dry recyclables through these convenient collection facilities, rather than taking packaging back to retail outlets from where the packaging originated. Local authorities, via civic amenity sites and waste contractors, then collect, separate and send these materials for recycling. Once they prove to Repak by audit that they have been recycled, Repak pays a subsidy towards the recycling cost. Recycling costs money and the subsidy contributes to the recycling infrastructure, including collection, staffing, separation facilities and transport to end recyclers. Local Authorities and waste contractors receive income from selling these materials, all of which are subject to world commodity supply and demand vagaries. So the more we recycle, the greater is the cost to Repak.
Repak CEO, Séamus Clancy. How are the funds generated used and what have they achieved? Over 75% of the annual fees paid to Repak are spent on funding packaging recycling collections. The remaining amount, excluding overheads, is used to help promote packaging recycling education, while packaging prevention programmes aim to reduce the amount of packaging on the market in the first place. Educational programmes undertaken by Repak have been critical to the success in helping to drive Ireland’s packaging recycling rates from under 15% in 1998 to almost 70% over the last 20 years. Repak members can take pride in knowing they financially help support: • 1.2m household recycling bin collections; • 1,848 bring banks; • 100 recycling centres. Repak has ensured that Ireland achieves its EU packaging recovery targets, as well as: • Diverting over 10m tonnes of used
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Recycling & Recovery • •
packaging from landfill; Contributing €400m to support packaging recycling over the last 20 years.
Repak assists organisations in reducing the packaging they produce through its ‘Prevent and Save Programme’. Its annual recycling awards ceremony, The Pakman Awards, encourages, promotes and acknowledges best practice in packaging recycling, prevention and waste management. Previous winners and finalists have included Aldi, Lidl, Sandymount Hotel, Meade Potato Company, ReCreate Ireland, Rehab Glassco, SMILE Resource Exchange, University College Cork, Radió Teilifis Éireann and Adare Tidy Towns, to name but a few. Repak also funds a number of programmes to ensure that householders continue to recycle and to ensure we meet our EU targets throughout the year, with initiatives like Repak Recycle Week, Repak Green Christmas, the Repak Easter Appeal and Shop with a Repak Member, which encourages consumers to shop with businesses who are fulfilling their obligations in supporting packaging recycling. What options do companies have? Under the Irish Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, if a business exceeds the above mentioned threshold, also known as ‘de minimis’, then they have two options, either Self Comply (fund the collection, segregation and recycling of packaging themselves) or alternatively join the collective recycling scheme called Repak. How much does it cost to comply and how are the costs structured? Repak is the preferred route of compliance for the majority of companies. Repak’s minimum fee is just €400, with 55% of members paying less than €1,000 per annum for their compliance. Repak, when benchmarked against comparative European schemes, ranks as one of the lowest cost recycling schemes. Recycling is expensive and obligated companies must contribute to this cost. This is known as Producer Responsibility. The Repak scheme, in effect, is a packaging tax and operates on a shared responsibility model, with all in the packaging supply chain paying, but at varying amounts. Those importing or who are the local brand holder of the packaging pay the most, while those selling others’ brands pay a lesser amount. In the Repak scheme, companies pay proportionality based
on the amount and type of packaging that they produce, making it as equitable as possible and ensuring that those who cannot make packaging decisions pay substantially less. Repak, as an industry led initiative, is also significantly more cost effective than the proposed government imposed packaging tax that is currently in the programme for government. This proposed tax is targeting to collect €60-80m, which is three times what Repak currently collects from industry. Repak is responsible for targets for packaging recycling and has been very successful in delivering Ireland’s EU used packaging targets. What are the implications of selfcomplying? Self-Compliance is the alternative to joining Repak but it can be complex and is a more onerous route for most companies. Registration with the respective local authority, per premises, is a minimum fee of €500, and can rise up to €15,000, and this is only one of a number of obligations. Businesses are also required to accept back used packaging supplied on the goods sold or packaging of a similar material not only from customers but from the general public. This means outlets need to have staff trained on collecting, storing and recording used packaging on-site, whilst managing waste contractors and ensuring they have dedicated additional space to hold returned packaging. Businesses must also put up signs notifying the public that used packaging
will be accepted back, submit quarterly packaging returns and advertise this fact twice a year. What happens to ‘free riders’ or companies who ignore their obligations? Companies who break the law are a burden to compliant businesses in Ireland. Enforcement of the regulations is the responsibility of Local Authorities. Currently, Local Authority enforcement personnel are calling on businesses all over the country and can enact court proceedings against non-compliant organisations. The fines, which can be on average €15,000 per business (excluding court costs), are generally multiples of the Repak fee. In addition to these costs, law breaking companies also face the negative publicity generated through court reports and local newspapers. Repak operates very much as a partnership organisation and our membership team is happy to meet and assist with any queries its individual members or potential members may have regarding membership issues. For more information, see www.repak.ie.
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Recycling
WEEE Ireland Recycles 32m Batteries! 2016 saw the highest volume of waste batteries and electrical and electronic equipment collected in Ireland to date. For WEEE Ireland, it was the ‘year of the battery’, seeing a total of 812 tonnes of batteries collected, which is the equivalent of 32m AA batteries. The report shows that WEEE Ireland has gone above and beyond the 2016 battery recycling target of 45% as set out by the EU. This, coupled with a record breaking 34,482 tonnes of waste electrical equipment, marked a Stacey Moloney, Tadg O’Reilly and Ireland’s successful year for WEEE recycling, favourite redhead, Bosco, reminding with Ireland now positioned as one retailers to display the blue WEEE Ireland of the best performing countries in battery recycling boxes. Europe. made to LauraLynn since the beginning These impressive battery takeof the partnership in 2011 to €285,000. back rates mean WEEE Ireland was able to donate €50,000 to its longBlue Battery Boxes standing charity partner, LauraLynn, WEEE Ireland reminds all battery Ireland’s Children’s Hospice. This brings retailers that it is easy to play their part the total amount of charitable donations
in encouraging customers to recycle their waste batteries in-store. The familiar Blue Battery Boxes can be ordered through Newspread for free and should be displayed in prominent locations in-store. Retailers can then return these boxes, when full, to WEEE Ireland via their Newspread distributor, after which WEEE Ireland will ensure the correct and responsible recycling of the batteries. “The collection of waste batteries and electrical equipment in Ireland has gone from strength to strength,” noted Leo Donovan, CEO of WEEE Ireland. “The figures speak for themselves and reflect the tremendous effort from all the parties involved. We will continue to work closely with stores to facilitate easy fulfilment of their obligations as a battery retailer.” Advice for battery retailers and details of WEEE Ireland’s operational areas can be found at weeeireland.ie.
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B2S / Lunch Box
Rolling with the Lunches
The market for Back To School and Lunch Box is a valuable one, with huge profit opportunities for smart retailers. THE Back To School / Lunch Box market is hugely important for retailers, with opportunities to grow your profits. With many schools now starting term-time in late August, the Back To School season effectively begins in July and stretches through to September. Retailers and brand owners who prepare properly and treat Back To School as a significant market in its own right, akin to Easter or Christmas, will reap the rewards. The lunch time market includes far more than children’s school lunches, and the lunch box market is particularly valuable for convenience stores, as adults treat themselves to sandwiches, salads and other treats in the middle of their working day. The health and wellness trend is particularly prevalent in the lunch market, where canny retailers stand to increase their profits by offering timepoor consumers convenient and healthy options.
It’s not just adults who are moving towards healthier fare, however. A recent Carat survey into the Back To School period cited nutrition as the most important motivating factor for parents when choosing what goes into their children’s lunch boxes. The lunch-time market remains a key part of the overall food-to-go market, which continues to demonstrate strong growth, driven by channel, health and innovation. Some to the key trends expected for 2017 in food to go are expected to be a continued focus on health and wellness, an increase in the channel and meal occasion offering, an increase in the use of technology and a blurring between retail and food to go lines according to IGD. “The 2017 Bord Bia Irish Food Service Channel report valued the total size for the food-to-go segment in the island of Ireland for 2016 at €126m. Consumer spending within ROI for the food-to-go segment is estimated at €96m,” reveals Karen Tyner, Senior
Manager Food & Beverages Division, Bord Bia. “Health awareness is continuing to grow among consumers and retailers are responding by providing increasing numbers of healthier options within their food-to-go range. The variety of products is expanding to support the consumer lifestyles, which are becoming more common in many markets.” Brennans Back To School means fresh everything for your customers - uniforms, books, bags and shoes, but most importantly, packed lunches that are precisely that - packed with enough fresh ideas to get the family through the week. That’s where Brennans comes in. When the bell goes and it’s back to school time, Brennans’ great tasting Be Good Sandwich Breads have all the answers for every question a family can throw at you, because when it comes to family values, they’ve put their bread where their mouth is.
r e i h t l a e h a m e h t Give r i e h t ts art to ol day! scho Stock up on Ireland’s number 1 cereal Highest sales in our 85 year history. Brand is now worth over €20 million in ROI alone* The Nation’s Favourite Cereal is growing 4% YOY!* Perfect for parents looking to provide their children with a nutritional start to the school day £10m investment in a massive new advertising campaign in the UK and ROI, and iconic new packaging
Have you? had yours
For more information contact Weetabix on 01 - 4081588. *Source: Kantar Jan 2017.
www.weetabix.ie
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B2S / Lunch Box
Brennans’ great tasting Be Good Sandwich Breads come in two varieties: traditional Wholemeal and Sesame & Linseed. Convenient, nutritious and tasty, the Be Good range really is the best in class. The measure of a good sandwich bread starts with its consistent portion size: when lunch time arrives and those lunch box lids are peeled back, there’s no room for disappointment. “At Brennans, we also understand that tasty and nutritious shouldn’t be a choice,” notes a company spokesperson. “Our selection of breads have been made with the kind of love that’s reflected in every grain, measuring a low 96 calories per bread. So, whether the request screamed from the top of the stairs is for chicken salad, tuna mayo, or left-over beef from the Sunday lunch, Brennans always helps to make it a nutritious sandwich. “As a family baker, we know families, and we know that choice is everything, keeping everyday fresh with a choice of traditional Wholemeal and Sesame & Linseed Sandwich Breads. All this takes us to the top of the shopping list, fuelling smiles and feeding hungry eyes, every day of the week. That’s why, when it comes to pleasing everyone, you can’t go wrong with too much ‘today’s bread today’.” Weetabix Weetabix remains one of the most popular breakfast cereals in Ireland, loved by generations of Irish consumers. “We believe that our continued commitment to offering customers the best, and most nutritious products is key to this success,” explained Kevin Verbruggen, Head of Brand, Weetabix. Weetabix research reveals that
seven in 10 consumers are influenced by health benefits when selecting a breakfast cereal. “We introduced allgreen traffic light symbols to Weetabix Original packaging to highlight the cereal’s low sugar, salt and fat levels. Parents looking to provide their children with a healthy and nutritious start to their school day are able to easily identify Weetabix as a suitable and trusted option, and the all-green traffic lights give Weetabix a unique stand out from other cereals on cluttered shelves,” Verbruggen noted. In order to ensure Weetabix remains parents’ first choice for their childrens’ breakfast, Weetabix announced a Stg£10m investment and new bold packaging earlier this year. On television, they have brought back the memorable ‘Have You Had Your Weetabix?’ strapline, reinforcing the message that Weetabix are the go-to cereal to set parents and
Loftus, Head of Brand, Weetabix On The Go. Convenient on the go breakfast drinks have become a popular and profitable option for retailers looking to target students, and are a worthwhile investment alongside traditional cereal options. Weetabix On The Go provides consumers with energy, protein and fibre equivalent to two Weetabix biscuits and milk, bottled into a handy 250ml bottle. Weetabix On The Go meets the needs of students looking for taste, satiety, convenience and nutrition, and with four best-selling flavours, chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and banana, to choose from, the drink gives retailers the opportunity to appeal to a broad range of tastes. Weetabix On The Go is also supported by a heavyweight communications campaign, including TV, to maximise the reach and knowledge of the products. In addition, sampling has remained central to our marketing plans this year, putting Weetabix On The Go in the hands of new consumers and attracting even more new customers, including students.
Weetabix announced a multi-million euro investment and new bold packaging earlier this year and it’s back on TV with the memorable ‘Have You Had Your Weetabix?’ strapline. children alike up for busy days. One sector experiencing significant growth is the on-the-go breakfast category, where Weetabix excels. A huge factor in this growth is the rise of the need for convenience at breakfast, particularly among younger consumers aged 18-35 who are living increasingly busy lives. Students are central to this demographic, and present a huge opportunity for retailers during university term times as, despite unpredictable lifestyles, the need still remains for a healthy and nutritious start to their days. “Students are part of a generation of lost cereal eaters, as they are no longer in the traditional family environment. It is important for retailers to tap into this opportunity and make the most of this customer demographic,” explained Gavin
Weetabix On The Go provides consumers with energy, protein and fibre equivalent to two Weetabix biscuits and milk, bottled into a handy 250ml bottle in four flavours: chocolate, strawberry, vanilla and banana.
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B2S / Lunch Box Henry Denny’s Meat Masters The first range under the Henry Denny Meat Masters brand, Rustic Rotisserie takes inspiration from the art of rotisserie cooking, and includes turkey, chicken, ham and pork. Kerry Foods continue to lead the sliced cooked meats category with the launch of their exciting new brand, Henry Denny’s Meat Masters. Craft and quality are at the forefront of the Henry Denny Meat Masters brand, which is positioned as a contemporary premium brand, aimed at lapsed and unengaged prepack cooked meats consumers.
“Henry Denny Meat Masters is a hugely exciting launch for us,” explains Marketing Director, Nicola Weldon. “The world of meat is constantly evolving and the DNA of this brand is all about discovery and exploration, allowing us to constantly experiment, innovate and bring new news to consumers.” The first range under the meat masters brand, entitled Rustic Rotisserie, takes inspiration from the art of rotisserie cooking, a craft trend on the rise both abroad and in Ireland. Rotisserie cooking dates back to medieval times and is a style of roasting where larger joints of premium meats are cooked while rotating, cooking in their own juices. The Rustic Rotisserie range contains four products: a rotisserie turkey made with 100% turkey breast; a rotisserie chicken made with 100% chicken breast, a rotisserie ham made from prime pork leg cuts, and a unique skin-on pork from pork tenderloin. Each product is hand glazed in a mouth-watering combination of butter, thyme, seasoning, stock and spices, slow cooked and roasted while turning and self-basting to give a truly unique taste delivery. The launch of the new brand is being supported with a strong digital campaign, sampling, in-store shopper support and outdoor media. With a huge focus on innovation, the Meat Masters team have a strong pipeline of innovation which they continue to develop, pushing boundaries in protein, format, recipe and processes. Charleville Snackfuls Kerry Foods have expanded the Charleville Snacking range with the launch of Charleville Snackfuls Bites, a delicious new on-the-go snack from Ireland’s number one cheese brand. Adult Cheese Snacking is an under-developed category in Ireland, with the UK market the equivalent of 2.5 times the size (Source: Nielsen 52 weeks ROI, YOY to Feb 22, 2016). Following a 2016 Great Taste Award for its Charleville Snackfuls Chunky Country Relish & Crackers pack, Charleville is perfectly placed to expand this sector considerably. “At Charleville, we believe simple pleasures should be celebrated and grabbed with two hands, grabbed in big wedge shaped chunks in fact,” noted a company spokesperson. “That is why we’re taking a stand, to banish the bland. Eat well, live well and get out there and enjoy it. That’s what Snackfuls are all about: a hearty whollop of flavour on the go.” There are two great tasting flavours
There are two great tasting flavours in the Charleville Snackfuls Bites range: Crunchy BBQ Bites and Sweet Chilli Bites. in the Charleville Snackfuls Bites range. Crunchy BBQ Bites include Charleville Cheddar Cubes, BBQ rice puffs, spicy jumbo corn kernels and roasted black beans. Sweet Chilli Bites include Charleville Cheddar Cubes, chilli rice puffs, chilli & lime peas and soy broad beans. Charleville Snackfuls Bites are ideal for those who are looking for a more nutritious alternative to traditional snacks and with 9g protein per serve, consumers can live the good life on the go. Charleville Snackfuls Bites retail in a 55g pack format for a RRP of €2 and can be found in the dairy aisle. GoGo’s Kerry Foods GoGo’s range offers shoppers the chance to snack on tasty cheese bites alongside a range of delicious and nutritionally packed
New from Kerry Foods, GoGo’s provides the goodness of cheese always fresh from the fridge, along with other tantalising ingredients for adults to enjoy and snack throughout the day.
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B2S / Lunch Box ingredient combinations, creating more moments for shoppers to love cheese. GoGo’s provides the goodness of cheese always fresh from the fridge, along with other tantalising ingredients for adults to enjoy and snack throughout the day, like dark chocolate covered coffee beans. The brand is centred around enlivenment and delivering surprising ingredient, flavour and texture combinations that make nutritious food exciting for shoppers. Initially, the new line-up includes three varieties with further flavour and ingredient combinations rolling out throughout 2017. The range includes: Full of Beans, roasted edamame beans and chilli and lime peas, reduced fat cheese bites and dark chocolate covered coffee beans and pretzel sticks; Oat-Tastic, spicy roasted corn and roasted edamame beans, reduced fat cheese bites and fruity and seeded flapjacks; and Protein Power, soy broad beans and roasted edamame beans, reduced fat cheese bites and Chorizo bites. “We know that many adults are looking for tasty snacks that make them feel good about what they are eating and that’s what we reflected in our GoGo’s innovation,” noted Amanda Ryan, Senior Brand Manager at Kerry Foods. “We believe GoGo’s will resonate strongly with Irish shoppers as our research shows that 72% prefer to see healthy snacks over confectionery. Finding a gap in the market, GoGo’s will disrupt snacking and revolutionise the dairy aisle with a range of products that allow shoppers the chance to experience interesting flavour combinations.” GoGo’s Full of Beans and Oat-Tastic are available in 55g packs (RSP: €2) and Protein Power is available in a 70g pack (RSP: €2.50). The launch will be supported through disruptive shopper marketing, sampling and geo-targeted digital campaigns aimed at disrupting snacking. O’Brien Fine Foods O’Brien Fine Foods is delighted to unveil Homebird, a new entrant into the convenience, cooked meats category and the only Irish brand to offer 100% Bord Bia approved sliced Irish chicken and turkey. Homebird is produced by three families, who are long-established in the Irish fresh food industry. Created by O’Brien Fine Foods, the people behind the Brady Family brand, who are experts in cooking great tasting, quality meats since 1978. The Irish chicken is sourced from Manor Farm, industry experts since 1775, and the turkey comes from Hogan’s Farm,
The Homebird range includes Sliced Carvery Turkey, which comes from Hogan’s Farm, experts in the business since 1962. experts in the business since 1962. With a combined 336 years of expertise in rearing, sourcing and cooking high quality Irish meat, they have been inspired by what their families have always believed in; that Irish home grown produce is the best. Homebird will be produced from the O’Brien Fine Foods facility in Timahoe, Co. Kildare, which announced an €14m, 8,000 square feet expansion in 2016. Homebird is the first cooked meat brand to use only Irish chicken and turkey from its own farms.
turkey, sweet and smoky and garlic and herb chicken. “We are always committed to bringing our consumers great-tasting, nutritious products inspired by those who have gone before us,” said John O’Brien, Managing Director of O’Brien Fine Foods. “To be the first to use 100% Bord Bia approved Irish chicken and turkey in the cooked meat category in Ireland is testament to the commitment of our partners Manor Farm and Hogan’s Farm. Together, we aim to drive forward the Irish poultry farming sector and we hope Homebird will be pioneering in this category.” All Natural Slims All Natural Slims, a low calorie alternative snack recently launched by JFC Distribution, is proving a major marketing success and is poised to expand business in the Republic of Ireland. Based at Roslea in Co. Fermanagh, All Natural Slims are multi-grained popped crackers that are both fat and sugar free and have less than 20 calories per cracker. The crackers are popped from multigrain seeds using heat but not oil. The new natural crackers are available in three delicious flavours – Original, Onion and Honey Wheat. “The slim pops are proving extremely popular with customers looking to keep a balanced diet. The flavours can be enjoyed in many different ways, from a dipping snack to a salad bowl,” explained Noel Allen, Marketing Manager. “JFC Distribution launched the brand to meet the rapidly growing health and wellbeing trend, particularly among parents concerned about keeping children on a balanced diet. All Natural Slims is a healthy snack that can be enjoyed as a sweet or savoury snack. Feedback from consumers has been hugely positive and we are very exciting to be launching our first sampling and educational campaign later this year.”
New Homebird ‘Just Add’ Sweet and Smoky Chicken, uses chicken sourced from Manor Farm. The Homebird range includes ‘Sliced Carvery’ and ‘Just Add’ varieties that are cooked and ready to serve and come in a variety of flavours, including traditional Irish roast chicken and
All Natural Slims are multi-grained popped crackers that are both fat and sugar free and have less than 20 calories per cracker.
Phone: 01 - 841 3262 Email: sales@clarkesfreshfruit.ie Web: www.clarkesfreshfruit.ie
Innovators in Retail Technology Point-of-sale solutions for the supermarket, forecourt and convenience store sectors
Sales Merchandising In-store demos Talent Acquisition Customer Service Centre Mystery Shopping
www.fmi.ie 1890 373000 info@cbe.ie www.cbe.ie @CBE_EPoS
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Forecourt Focus
Twenty Years of Success Kevin Bracken was the first retailer to join the Gala Group in 1997 and he remains extremely happy with the partnership today. KEVIN Bracken was the very first retailer to sign with Gala 20 years ago, and he is still part of the group more than two decades later. His Portlaoise store has been through a lot in the intervening years, as has the Irish retail sector, yet the retailer remains optimistic for the future of his busy store. Kevin grew up around retail as it was the family business. He continued to work in the sector once he had left home and gained more experience. When it came time to open a shop for himself, he put a lot of thought into the process. He had acquired a great deal of experience at that time, but he was still very keen to look for a symbol group partner to work with. Energy, Enthusiasm & Commitment “Forecourt retail had changed a lot from the beginning of the ‘90s to the later part of the decade,” he recalls. “When I was opening this shop, I knew I wanted to work with a symbol group partner. I knew how hard it was to get retail right and how much hard work was involved. I wanted to work with a group where I felt their commitment matched my own.” The Gala Group ticked all the boxes. “The Gala Group was brand new when I joined with them,” he remembers. “There was a tremendous sense of energy and enthusiasm in the group, and the concept itself really impressed me. The idea behind Gala was very attractive to me: although it is a national brand and started with intentions to grow quickly, it has an extremely local focus. To make this shop the local store of choice, I need to focus squarely on the needs of my customers and to allow me to do that, the Gala Group has always listened to my needs.” Indeed, Kevin pays tribute to the “fantastic working relationship” he has built up with Gala. “Our store has been supported by Gala and the team through the highs and lows, especially during the recession, whenever everyone in the sector faced their challenges,”
Store owners, Maeve and Kevin Bracken, pictured outside their Portlaoise store.
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Forecourt Focus he admits. “There’s a real sense of togetherness. The group is fully aware of the importance of each individual shop to the strength of the overall brand. The team in Gala, along with Liam, Paschal and the team in 4 Aces Wholesale, have been just fantastic over the years. You get an incredibly personalised support network for your shop when you work with Gala.” Investing in the Future In recent years, Kevin has invested heavily in cost saving technology for his shop and forecourt. Having traded through the recession, he was extremely keen to find ways to make his business more robust in the face of future economic changes. “Gala has a huge amount of knowledge of this sector and advice for retailers such as myself,” the store owner explains. “Over the last few years, myself and Gala have been looking closely at all the costs associated with running the shop and forecourt. It became apparent that running costs were too high and investing in the efficiency of the systems would save enough money for the initial investment to be repaid in just a few years. We’ve replaced lighting, both interior and exterior, the deli oven, and some of the fridges and I’ve been absolutely delighted by the size of the reduction in energy costs that have resulted.” Significant savings in running costs are the equivalent of a margin increase on every line in the shop, which is good news for any retailer. With that in mind and given events in the town, Kevin is making more plans for the future. The shop is situated on the Stradbally Road in Portlaoise, not far from a very large new primary school development. The finished project will see six local national schools relocate to the site and Kevin is already considering the consequences for his shop. “The new school will be very large,” he tells Retail News. “However, since it is a primary school, it may be that little bit too far away for the kids themselves to come here. But it will mean a huge increase in cars in the area in the morning and afternoon. Myself and the store development team have been working together for a while now to create a new layout for the shop that will allow us to meet the changes in demand that we’re going to experience.” The plan for the shop includes improving the visibility of the expanded coffee offer in-store, an increased focus on food-to-go through the deli and Gala’s Baker’s Corner offering, which delivers tasty, fresh baked goods, as well as a
FACT FILE: Owner:
Kevin Bracken
Location:
Stradbally Road, Portlaoise, Co. Laois
Size:
1,400 square feet retail space
No. of staff:
16, full time & part time
Opening Hours: 06:30-22:00, Monday-Sunday
top quality ice-cream offering and a sit-down area that will help make the shop a destination location. “We’ll also be relocating and revamping the deli and its offering,” Kevin reveals. “I’ve been thinking about this investment for a few years and now that the energy investments are paying dividends, the time is right to make this next investment in the shop.” A Real Community Focus Kevin’s commitment to, and engagement with, the local community is obvious around the town and on the shop’s online presence. Being the community shop means supporting the community games, schools and the local GAA club, and Bracken’s Gala can be found celebrating this online. In partnership
with Kevin’s work in the community, the Gala Group continues to build as a national brand with a local identity. That sense of community is continued in-store with well-trained staff who serve local and passing trade with the same friendly attitude that keeps the community coming back. In closing, Kevin says, “We’re coming up to 21 years working together, which we will celebrate next year. I’d like to thank all my staff, Catriona Conlon, our Retail Executive at Gala, and all the Gala team for all their hard work, and huge thanks must go to and huge thanks must go to Liam, Paschal and the team in 4 Aces Wholesale. We’ve made a fantastic team for 20 years and I am very confident that together we will make this next investment another success.”
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Forecourt Focus: News Maxol Celebrates Official Opening at Lucan Road MAXOL celebrated the official opening of the newly refurbished Maxol station at Lucan Road recently, where the Maxol team had lots of fun and freebies for customers to choose from. Free lunches were available from the site’s top class restaurants. Kanoodle, which serves authentic Asian food, delighted customers by offering a choice of three ‘one pot’ noodle dishes, while healthy food company Freshly Chopped tempted customers with its delicious salads and wraps, including signature dish, the Dublin Ceasar. Spin 1038 FM’s Spinis team gave out prizes and goodies, and made sure that DJ Ray Shah played some great music to entertain the customers. The refurbishment at Maxol Lucan Road, follows an investment of €560,000 with the creation of 20 new jobs in the area including retail supervisors, shop sales assistants, and deli sales staff, amongst others, bringing total employment levels at the Maxol service station at Lucan Road to 35. “We are delighted to celebrate the refurbishment of the station and the creation of 20 new jobs in the Lucan area,” noted Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol. “We aim to offer our customers quality and choice, which is why we have brought Freshly Chopped and Kanoodle to Lucan. We look forward to continuing to provide excellent service and quality choices to the local community, at the pump and in store.”
Daybreak Dawns at Texaco Station A NEW €4m Texaco service station has opened at Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow, complete with a brand new Daybreak convenience store and a Bewley’s Coffee café, with its own dedicated table seating area. Family-owned and managed by Gerard Marbach and his son Benjamin, the outlet is set on an 8.5 acres site, bordered by trees on all sides, situated little more than 200 yards from Junction 12 on the main Dublin to Wexford dual-carriageway. According to a statement, future plans for the site include the construction of a motor showrooms and an additional retail development built on the continental model and styled on the lines of Cork’s renowned English Market. It would house a bakery, restaurant and numerous other artisan outlets, with 250 car parking spaces adjoining.
Store owners Gerard and Benjamin Marbach pictured on the forecourt of their new €4m Texaco-branded service station at Newtownmountkennedy, Co. Wicklow.
Topaz Play or Park Winner
Pictured at the official launch of the newly refurbished Maxol Station at Lucan Road are (l-r): Spin 1038’s Lauren Flanagan; Brian Lee and Andy Chen, Co-Managing Directors of Freshly Chopped; Dave Murnane of authentic and fresh Asian restaurant, Kanoodle; Maxol’s Regional Manager, Mark Walsh; and (kneeling) DJ Ray Shah.
BRENDAN Hall from Lucan, Co. Dublin, is the May 2017 winner of Topaz Play or Park. As the lucky winner of a €10,000 cash prize, Brendan plans to put his win to good use by saving the money towards buying his first home. Brendan and his wife, Lisa, have been saving for a house for the last few Pictured is Topaz Play or years and this fantastic prize Park winner for May 2017, will certainly help them to Dublin’s Brendan Hall with achieve this sooner than his wife Lisa. planned. Richard Pollock, Head of Loyalty at Topaz said: “We’re thrilled to announce that Brendan is May’s Play or Park winner and delighted that we are helping to make Brendan and his family’s plan to buy a new home a reality!
Always FRESH MILK
and the SAME BEANS as our coffee shops
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Forecourt Focus: News Amber and Costcutter ‘Make it Official’ AMBER and Costcutter have signed a five-year partnership that will ensure a secure trading environment for over 20 of their retailers across Munster and their customers. The official partnership will also see the duo expand its offering to customers in many of its stores, with upgrading and refurbishment plans for stores in Fermoy, Watergrasshill and Youghal on the cards. Amber and Costcutter, owned by Barry Group, enjoy a relationship based on many shared values. The complementary brands have more than 10 years’ involvement in the provision of advice and guidance for their franchise partners. “There has always been a great working relationship between Amber and Barry Group,” noted Chairman of Amber, Liam Fitzgerald. “We share the same work ethic, which has formed the cornerstone of both family-owned, family-run businesses. Over the years, we have used these personal relationships to support our retailers with expert advice and support, no matter what the issue is.” “Costcutter – under the umbrella of Barry Group – and Amber have enjoyed an extremely fruitful relationship and look forward to continuing and expanding this relationship. We aim to continue to work closely together to further develop customer led
Pictured at the Charleville Costcutter Amber store are: Edwina Lucey, Sales Director, Barry Group; Jim Barry, Managing Director, Barry Group; Liam Fitzgerald, Chairman, Amber; Gerry Condon, Managing Director, Amber, and Kevin Rice, General Manager, Amber. concepts in-store and to continue to offer the very best service to our customer and retailers,” says Managing Director of Barry Group, Jim Barry.
Applegreen Team up with Jaguar for Stunning Competition APPLEGREEN have joined year. There’s nothing better than a good forced with luxury car Irish staycation and with Applegreen, brand, Jaguar, to offer one you can now fuel your journey for longer. lucky customer the best in And what better way than to explore the performance, efficiency and country than in the comfort of a Jaguar? style as they hit the road Applegreen and Jaguar are known for this summer. Along with a their high standards and I am proud to be 172 Jaguar XE, the most their latest ambassador in collaboration fuel-efficient Jaguar to date, with Jaguar,” said Packie. the winner will drive away “At Applegreen, we pride ourselves with free Applegreen fuel for on our fuel quality with our ‘trusted fuel a full year, plus an exciting source’ and commitment to offering driving experience at customers the best value. We pride Jaguar’s Art of Performance ourselves on providing our customers Tour. Five runners up will with ‘low fuel prices, always’ and teaming Ireland’s most decorated Goalkeeper, Packie Bonner, that with the efficiencies of the Jaguar also get their fill, driving is pictured at Applegreen, Lusk, Co. Dublin, with away with free Applegreen XE, we hope our customers enjoy all that fuel for year and an exciting Conor Lucey, Head of Operations at Applegreen, and this competition has to offer and they can Melanie McCourt, Marketing Manager at Jaguar. driving experience at staycation in style this summer,” said Jaguar’s Art of Performance Tour. Applegreen’s Head of Operation, Conor Lucey. On hand to launch the competition was Irish soccer legend, Every Applegreen customer who spends €40 or more on Packie Bonner, who has delivered some of Ireland’s most fuel at any Applegreen forecourt will have the opportunity to legendary ‘saves’ and knows what ‘fuels’ a good team. “I’m enter the competition: also online entries are available without delighted to be part of this exciting new campaign for Applegreen purchase. To find out more visit to offer one lucky winner a 172 Jaguar XE and free fuel for a applegreenstores.com/jaguar.
To find out what Costa Express can offer you contact: ROI tel: 021 500 3526 NI tel: 02892 580207
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Retail Ireland: Monthly Update SAVE THE DATE: RETAIL IRELAND SUMMIT ON Thursday, October 12, Retail Ireland will hold its annual conference in the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin. Building on the success of previous Retail Ireland Summits, delegates will hear from domestic and international industry experts and many more on the theme of delivering a high quality customer experience, in what will be a highly engaging and informative event. Early bird tickets cost €240 plus VAT per delegate, rising to €270 plus VAT per delegate thereafter, so book early. Places can be booked now through www.retailsummit.ie.
Patrick Dixon, Futurist, addressing the Retail Ireland Summit 2016.
Retail in a Post Brexit World RETAIL Ireland recently joined forces with the British Retail Consortium and the Northern Ireland Retail Consortium to brief a number of Government departments, consumer advocates and individual retailers on the implications for the sector arising from Brexit. This meeting allowed Retail Ireland the opportunity to assess the risks and challenges with our counterparts from the UK and Northern Ireland, as well as with key domestic stakeholders. Brexit presents a number of challenges to the Irish and UK retail sector, due to the close supply chains between the two economies and the numerous high street retail brands operating across both markets. The Irish and UK retail representative bodies jointly called on the Irish and UK Governments to protect consumers and ensure that Brexit negotiations yield results for the industry that: • • • •
Safeguard employment and retail growth; Minimise cost pressures and regulatory burdens; Maintain fair consumer prices and cost competitiveness; Minimise supply chain disruption, allowing for seamless movement of products and people between the two jurisdictions;
• •
Avoid any new tariffs; Support the allisland retail market, ensuring retailers can continue to operate on an all-island basis.
More than 280,000 jobs in the Republic of Ireland and approximately 80,000 jobs in Northern Ireland are dependent on the retail sector. Therefore, it is crucial that all parties to the EU-UK negotiations are cognisant of the impact Brexit will have on retailers, consumers and the domestic economy as a whole. Throughout the EU-UK negotiations, the Irish, Northern Irish and UK retail representative bodies will work closely together to address the challenges in a spirit of co-operation and collaboration.
Up-Skilling with Retail Ireland Skillnet THE retail sector is currently undergoing significant changes and is becoming more dynamic and competitive. If you are currently in a managerial role in retail or have aspirations in the future to be a retail manager, then Retail Ireland Skillnet’s Bachelor of Business in Retail Management Practice is the programme for you. Designed by retail professionals in collaboration with Work Based Learning specialists from Letterkenny Institute of Technology (LYIT) this three-year Professional Practice Degree will equip learners with the knowledge, skills and competencies necessary to achieve a rewarding career in the retail profession. Commencing this September in Dublin, this work-based learning degree is suitable for retail employees at a supervisory or managerial level and is delivered on average two days per month and commences in early September in Dublin. Designed for retailers, there are no classes in December or January.
This is a debt free degree. Skillnets, through funding from the National Training Fund, provides 50% of the funding for the candidates and learners only pay €1,500 per year. If there is more than one learner from the same organisation, further discounts may be available. As part of Retail Ireland’s strategy, Shaping the Future of Irish Retail 2020, we are committed to working with member companies, government and stakeholders to promote and raise awareness of the exciting and rewarding career paths available within retail. Professionalising the sector will help to promote retail as an attractive and desirable career choice and Retail Ireland Skillnet is committed to up-skilling all employees and new entrants within the sector. If you would like to find out more about Retail Ireland Skillnet programmes, please call (074) 9176853 or email info@retailirelandskillnet.com.
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.
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Retail Tech
Big Moves Afoot at CBE Retail software company, CBE have announced a number of big appointments, including a brand new CEO and Managing Director.
A NUMBER of new appointments have been announced at retail software company CBE. Sean Kenna has been appointed CEO and Dominic Feeney takes on the role of Managing Director. This follows the retirement of Gerard Concannon from the position of CEO; he retains the position of Chairman. In addition, Gearรณid Concannon has been appointed a Group Director within the company, with Shane McGowan being promoted to Systems Director and Oliver Sheridan promoted to Director of Retail. Headquartered in Claremorris, Co. Mayo, CBE was founded by Gerard Concannon and his wife Catherine in 1980 and has grown to become one of the major retail technology companies in Europe,employing over 150 people. CBE designs and develops software applications for the supermarket, convenience, forecourt and hospitality sectors and currently operates in Ireland, the UK, Spain, Algeria, Canada and Australia. The appointments come at an exciting time for the company as they have announced plans to enter the American market. Indeed, CBE have added 40 new employees to their workforce on the back of winning a number of major contracts and to aid their global expansion plans.
Seรกn Kenna, CEO, CBE.
About CBE CBE provide cutting edge point of sale solutions to the retail, forecourt, pharmacy, hospitality and general merchandise sectors. Employing over 150 highly skilled personnel, CBE continue to lead the way in retail
technology innovation. Having expanding into the UK market in 2009, they are fast becoming one of the major players in the whole of Europe and are currently expanding their solutions into the American market. For further details call 1890 373000
Gearรณid Concannon, Group Director, CBE.
Shane McGowan, Systems Director, CBE.
Dominic Feeney, Managing Director, CBE.
Oliver Sheridan, Director of Retail, CBE. (ROI) / 0800 7314591 (NI), email info@cbe.ie, visit www.cbe.ie or follow CBE on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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Retail Tech PaycheckPlus Wins Global Award PAYCHECKPLUS, the multi-award winning Irish payroll outsource provider, has won a prestigious global award at the The Payroll Awards, hosted by the Global Payroll Association, in Amsterdam recently. The Co. Louth based payroll company beat a host of international competition to take home the ‘Incountry Payroll Provider of the Year 2017’ award, while PaycheckPlus payroll expert, Michelle Melia also received a special recognition award in the ‘Payroll Specialist of the Year’ category. “We are absolutely delighted to win this award, particularly with so much recent change within the sector and with significant developments on
the way, such as the introduction of PAYE Modernisation, the General Data Protection Regulation and legislation changes as a result of Brexit,” enthused Anne Reilly, Founder and CEO of PaycheckPlus. “Preparing for these developments is imperative for businesses and can be challenging for HR and payroll staff. That’s where we can help. We deliver a complete, consistent, proven service that’s built on the solid foundations of tight, wellhoned practices and a highly qualified expert team.” Founded in 2005, PaycheckPlus has the largest payroll team in Ireland and provides Irish and UK payroll processing services to companies across 18 different countries.
Anne Reilly, Founder and CEO of PaycheckPlus.
Payzone Acquires EasyPaymentsPlus and MyEasyPay
Novi Creates €450k IT Infrastructure for O’Brien Fine Foods
PAYZONE has announced that it has acquired the EasyPaymentsPlus and MyEasyPay payment platform businesses developed by Irish owned FeePay Ltd. FeePay Ltd was originally established in 2009 by its founders, Mary Kelly and Paddy Meehan. In recent times, Payzone has been diversifying further into customised payments solutions as consumers look to conduct more transactions electronically. Both the EasyPaymentsPlus and MyEasyPay online platforms provide Payzone with a complementary offering that can now be deployed across its multiple channels and through its physical retail network of over 3,000 branded Payzone retail agents located throughout the country. EasyPaymentsPlus provides organisations such as schools, clubs and small businesses with a ready-made ‘branded’ online payment facility and data management tools that enable their customers/members to make easy, secure payments. Over €40m worth of transactions are processed annually, with over 140,000 people registered and making payments through the system. Clients include such organisations as Leinster Rugby, ISME, The National Performing Arts School, in addition to over 500 schools and clubs nationwide. The MyEasyPay system is designed for people such as tradespeople, field sales teams, private contractors and professional associations who wish to get paid online or by phone. The solution provides a facility to allow users to get paid online and supports this service with reporting tools to track payments and help with bank reconciliation. “We are really looking forward and excited to be bringing the EasyPayments Plus and My EasyPay payment platforms into the Payzone family,” noted Jim Deignan, CEO at Payzone Ireland. “These very popular services are an excellent fit for the Payzone brand and will enable us to bring further innovative services to our consumer base around the country that deliver more choice, convenience and the ability to make payments easier for our customers.”
NOVI, the proactive managed services provider, has designed and implemented an all new IT infrastructure for O’Brien Fine Foods in a €450,000 deal. The new infrastructure is designed to Pictured are: Enda Duffy, IT Manager, O’Brien enable mobile Fine Foods; and George O’Dowd, Managing working for Director, Novi. employees, as well as increased security, reliability and performance. Novi will monitor and manage the infrastructure. O’Brien Fine Foods is a family-run food company that specialises in supplying cooked meats products to the Irish and UK markets, best known for its Brady Family and Homebird brands. The company’s expansion put the old IT infrastructure under increased strain, driving the need for a new infrastructure. The first step was to install a new 10 gigabit backbone network that provides 1GB Wi-Fi across O’Brien Fine Foods’ entire facility, enabling the company’s employees to work wirelessly from their laptops or mobile devices anywhere on the site. Novi also deployed a Fortinet Firewall cluster at the core of the new infrastructure to ensure very strong security. This allows the internal network to be segmented to avoid any potentially damaging event impacting on the core production systems. Novi also installed perimeter firewalls that incorporate twofactor authentication to maximise security for anybody connecting to the network from a remote location. Finally, Novi employed HPE and Microsoft technologies to make O’Brien Fine Foods’ servers accessible through the cloud.
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Retail Tech Good Planning the Key to Tech Success: CBE WHILE the obvious changes in retail revolve around visible features like self-checkouts and contactless payments, especially with services like Apple Pay and Android Pay now available in Ireland, many more innovations have been happening behind the scenes. Retailers in the country are becoming Oliver Sheridan, Director of more efficient and Retail, CBE. smarter, and by gathering data and integrating technology into their solutions, they can enhance their efficiency and customer loyalty. One company that’s been helping retailers in Ireland and the UK is CBE, which specialises in retail software solutions. Its Director of Retail, Oliver Sheridan reveals that some of the biggest changes have been in the area of analytics, which allows for innovations like dynamic pricing, which lets you change prices of goods depending on time or demographics. “There are a lot of algorithms and analytics that can help them make important decisions and KPI (Key Performance Indicators) reports on the system,” said Sheridan. “Things like reports on products incorrectly set up or below margin, we can give them those reports instantly and on-the-go through a notification app. For example, if your shop hasn’t opened before 7:30am, you’re alerted in real-time, because a lot of shop owners aren’t there 24/7 and they need to know this wherever they are”. While the services CBE offers bring many benefits, Sheridan also advises that there’s no such thing as a one-sizefits-all solution. Any new feature or service introduced has to fit in with the needs of the retailer, not the other way around. “The key thing is no one solution fits every retailer, or no one innovation serves them all,” he said. “You’re trying to adapt
the technology that they have to the process they want, rather than the other way around. “A lot of it depends on their needs, whether they want to increase their margins, get better price control, or make better and leaner decisions. The key thing is that they get something that tangibly improves their business.” Since their services are now software-based, CBE’s devices are future-proofed, as all updates are automatically sent to their clients via their online portal. The company does four releases per year, so every customer has up-to-date software running in their stores. The goal isn’t to create one massive change but lots of smaller changes that add up. One example Sheridan offered is by integrating contactless payment systems, a shop can save 14 minutes of transaction time over 250 transactions. In a busy retail environment, that can make a major difference. “Technology is there to help retailers and their customers,” Sheridan concludes. “Stores that have embraced new initiatives such as self-checkout have seen huge improvements in customer satisfaction, reduced queues at peak periods, increased customer numbers and, significantly, it has provided a healthier bottom line.”
All of CBE’s devices are future-proofed, with updates automatically sent to their clients via their online portal.
M&S Introduces Laser Fruit Labelling innovative packaging and has worked IN a UK & Ireland first, M&S recently hard to reduce overall packaging in launched a unique method of laser the food department by 25%. labelling on avocados in stores. The innovative lasering method is a cost“When we first saw the effective, eco-friendly alternative to technology in Sweden a couple of years ago, I knew we had to get traditional stickering. involved,” revealed Charlotte Curtis, Moving from stickering to lasering M&S fruit technologist. “We’ve been will save the retailer 10 tonnes of labels and backing paper and five tonnes of following it for a while and are so adhesive every year on avocados alone. In excited to finally be launching it on avocados. Sustainability is at the addition, the production uses less energy, so the carbon footprint will be much heart of our business and the laser lower. Avocados with laser-printed labels went on labelling is a brilliant way for us to reduce packaging and energy use.” The cutting-edge laser technology sale recently at M&S in a bid to cut paper works by shining intense light onto the Providing all goes well with the waste. avocado lasering, M&S could look fruit’s skin, which retracts back and at rolling the technology out to all sorts of other fruit and discolours only the very top layer. This is not destructive to vegetables in the future, Curtis noted: “We have the potential the fruit and can be very precise. The avocados will be lasered to reduce packaging exponentially which is very exciting. with the M&S logo, best before date, country of origin and product code for entering at the till. M&S has a history of Watch this space!”
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Drinks News Top Honours for Torres
Guinness Provides Nutritional Info On-Label
TORRES had much to celebrate recently, following the recent release of the International Wine Challenge 2017 award winners. Mas La Plana 2012 and Perpetual 2014, two of the Torres family’s flagship wines, received top honours at the IWC by winning three trophies between them, the highest accolades given at the prestigious awards. The famous Mas La Plana took home two of these trophies: one for best varietal wine (International Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy) and another for best regional wine (Penedès Cabernet Sauvignon Trophy), while Perpetual was voted the best Priorat red (Priorat Red Trophy). Milmanda, the Torres family’s flagship Chardonnay, joined the prestigious line-up with a Gold Medal.
Reformulation of Fanta FANTA will be revamped inside and outside the bottle in Ireland this summer as the world’s fourthlargest beverage brand reduces its sugar content by one-third and unveils an innovative new spiral bottle and logo. Rolling out in shops this month, the relaunched brand will have a reduced-sugar recipe but will retain the same great taste that has been popular with Irish consumers since 1963. Total sugar content in the new Fanta will be reduced by 33%. It will also have a new spiral bottle, visual identity and logo. The launch of the new reduced sugar Fanta is part of a wider sugar reduction programme by the CocaCola Company across its wide drinks portfolio.
GUINNESS is the first global beer brand to provide Irish consumers with full on-label nutritional information and alcohol content, with the expansion of the Diageo labelling initiative to 500ml Guinness cans in the Republic of Ireland. The new labels, designed to help consumers understand what’s in their glass, provide consumers with nutritional information on contents including calories, carbohydrates, protein and sugar, as well as grams of alcohol per serve and warnings on drink driving and consuming alcohol during pregnancy. Guinness is the first global beer brand to provide consumers with this information, in a major expansion by Diageo of the hugely successful consumer led initiative that was rolled out last year on Smithwicks. “The new Guinness labels are part of our on-going commitment to engaging with and empowering Diageo consumers so they have the tools to make positive and informed choices about what they drink,” noted Oliver Loomes, Diageo Ireland Country Director.
MiWadi 0% Sugar Wins Top Award MIWADI 0% Sugar was named Best New Product at the prestigious All-Ireland Marketing Awards, hosted by RTE news anchor Bryan Dobson, recently. The award reflects the MiWadi Marketing Team’s strategic ability to address consumers’ concerns and respond by introducing the only dilute brand in the market with 0% sugar. MiWadi has driven and ensured a reverse in the dilute soft drinks category decline, by focusing on overcoming the main barriers for consumers, which centre on health concerns. “We are delighted to have won the Best New Product Award. It champions and recognises the innovative work the MiWadi Marketing Team carried out with MiWadi 0% Sugar. It is a fantastic accolade for us all,” noted Niamh McArdle, MiWadi Brand Manager, Britvic Ireland, pictured (right), with Dee Cunniam, Marketing Manager, Britvic Ireland (centre), receiving the award from Evelyn Moynihan, Head of Loyalty, SuperValu, award sponsors.
FAI Team Up with iPro Sport REPUBLIC of Ireland manager Martin O’Neill is pictured at the launch of the partnership between the Football Association of Ireland and iPro Sport, who were announced as the preferred sports drink of the FAI. Fast becoming the leading supplier of isotonic sports drinks to the world of sport, iPro Sport is the official hydration partner to football teams across the Championship, League One and League Two, as well as international teams within rugby, cricket, netball, basketball, cycling and running associations. The sponsorship will see iPro Sport provide isotonic drinks for the Republic of Ireland senior men’s and women’s international teams, as well as each of the underage teams. In addition to supplying all international teams, iPro Sport will proudly support the domestic game by providing SSE Airtricity League clubs with isotonic sports drinks and include iPro Sport branding at all League stadiums. For more information, see www.iprosport.com.
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What’s New NEW MARLBORO BIG PACK
SENSODYNE RAPID RELIEF
PHILLIP Morris Ireland launches Marlboro Gold Big Pack on the Irish market. The new 29-stick packs keep the premium Marlboro quality while increasing quantity. The new 29 Big Pack with a Firm Filter will retail for only €15, a big saving for the adult smoker. Marlboro Gold is the bestselling cigarette in its segment and the addition of the Big Pack reflects the brand’s core commitment to delivering high-quality products and excellent trade margins. With few other value pack products available, Marlboro Big Pack gives retailers the opportunity to capitalise on the steadily increasing demand for great quality at a competitive price. For further information or sales, contact your John Player sales representative or any leading cash and carry outlet.
GSK is unveiling its latest advanced formulation for Sensodyne Rapid Relief toothpaste, which is engineered to provide fast relief from sensitivity pain. From Ireland’s number one selling sensitive toothpaste brand (Source: Nielsen, Unit Sales, MAT Feb 2017), Sensodyne Rapid Relief is available in stores with new ingredients and a new pack design. The launch will be supported by a €600K media investment and shopper marketing plan called ‘Face up to sensitivity pain fast’, which focuses on the various triggers of tooth sensitivity. The campaign includes TV, shopper and digital activity.
AMBER LEAF LAUNCHES NEW CIGARETTES IRELAND’S favourite tobacco brand is now available ready-made (Source: Nielsen ROI Extended Scantrack YTD data to June 18, 2017)! New Amber Leaf Original 20 Cigarettes offers existing adult smokers great taste, quality tobacco and an affordable price-point from a brand they know and trust. New Amber Leaf Original 20 Cigarettes is available nationwide now at an RRP of €9.80. Amber Leaf – Expect More.
AMERICAN SPIRIT: 100% ADDITIVE FREE FOR over 30 years, adult smokers have been enjoying American Spirit, a tobacco which is 100% itself, unaltered tobacco in its natural state, without any preservatives, aromas, moisturisers or flavour enhancers. The taste of the products comes solely and exclusively from the whole tobacco leaves, which are grown using earth-friendly cultivation methods and processed in part by hand. American Spirit Blue and Yellow King Size cigarettes (RRP €11.50) are now joined by American Spirit Original Blend 30g (RRP €16) hand rolling tobacco pouch with freshness seal. Note, “additive free”, “unaltered tobacco”, “natural” and “without preservatives” do not mean less harmful tobacco.
HB ICEBERGER TOP OF THE ICE CREAM LIST HB has revealed that the iconic Iceberger is the nation’s number one choice when it comes to choosing a frozen treat, followed by Brunch and Maxi Twist. Paul Kelly, Head of Marketing, Refreshments at Unilever, said: It’s no surprise that the Iceberger has come out on top as Ireland’s number one ice cream. A firm-favourite among all age groups, the Iceberger holds a special place in the hearts (and freezers) of ice cream lovers across the nation.” For all the latest information on HB, visit www.facebook.com/hbicecream.
PICCOLO LAUNCHES IN IRELAND THE baby food aisles will become a little bit more exotic this summer as the Mediterranean inspired baby food brand, Piccolo, launches into SuperValu stores across the Republic of Ireland. Piccolo, which was created by mum of one, Cat Gazzoli, launched in April 2016 and is already the UK’s fastest growing baby food brand with a projected turnover of Stg£4m. The brand launches its range of over 30 different products aimed at little ones from their very first tastes in SuperValu and Boots stores across Ireland from July. Piccolo has giving back at its core; it is committed to donating 10% of its profits to food education charities, and is the only food brand to work in partnership with the National Childbirth Trust, the UK’s largest parenting charity.
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Focus on HR
Separation Anxiety? When it comes to disciplinary and grievance procedures, you must ensure you are compliant with the law, particularly the Separation of Process, regardless of the size of your business. ENSURING that you, as an employer or manager, are compliant in terms of employment law is essential, particularly in the area of disciplinary and grievance procedure. The Disciplinary Procedure is designed to provide an objective and consistent process to address issues of misconduct, capability, competence or qualifications, or failure to meet company standards relating to behaviour or performance. Management will normally adopt an approach involving coaching and advice in relation to minor infringements and will try to find positive means of resolving problems, in order that the morale and potential of the individual will not be damaged. However, in certain situations, it will be necessary for management to proceed with a formal disciplinary investigation. Disciplinary hearings should always be carried out away from the immediate workplace and in a suitable private area. Right to a Fair Hearing In all cases of discipline, the employee will have the right to a fair hearing. The matter(s) will be fully and fairly investigated; the employee will be informed of the reason for the discipline and have full right to reply. The company will always strive to be balanced, not to pre-judge and to apply discipline in a consistent and honest manner. It is very important to ensure that you not only have the necessary procedure in place but that it has been issued to and signed off by all employees in order to guarantee that you are in a position to correctly manage disciplinary issues in the workplace. A disciplinary and grievance procedure should make it easier for you, the employer, to manage the situation, as it ensures that the process is standardised, employees are aware of the process and know what to expect when involved in a disciplinary investigation. Having a formal procedure in place, which is issued to all staff members, will remove any ambiguity
A disciplinary and grievance procedure should make it easier for employers to manage the situation, as it ensures that the process is standardised, employees are aware of the process and know what to expect when involved in a disciplinary investigation. or accusations of unfair treatment as, when correctly applied, a disciplinary and grievance procedure allows for all employees to receive the same treatment if a disciplinary issue arises. Although implementing the disciplinary procedure can seem to be tedious and time consuming, failure to follow the process is a costly decision that is easily avoidable. Indeed, the majority of cases at third parties are lost due to a failure to follow procedures. Fair Procedures Section 6(7) of the Unfair Dismissal Act states that in determining whether the dismissal is fair or unfair, it has regard to: (A) The reasonableness or otherwise of the conduct of the employer in
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Focus on HR About the Author THE HR Suite are based in Tralee, Co. Kerry, and provide human resources consultancy, employment law advice, training and recruitment services to businesses throughout Ireland. MD Caroline McEnery has over 20 years’ experience in providing HR services to Irish companies. She is a member on the Low Pay Commission and is also an adjudicator in the new Work Place Relations Commission. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact our office on (066) 7102887 or (01) 9014335 or email info@thehrsuiteonline.com. Website: http://thehrsuiteonline.com.
In all cases of discipline, the employee will have the right to a fair hearing., where matters are fully and fairly investigated. The employee is also afforded the right to representation throughout the disciplinary process.
relation to the dismissal, and (B) The extend, if any, of the compliance or failure in comply with the employer in relation to the employee to the disciplinary procedures or the provisions of the Code of Practice on Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures (Industrial Relations Act 1990) (Code of Practice on Grievance and Disciplinary Procedures) (Declaration) Order 2000. The employer’s own disciplinary procedures will first be looked at, as it may be more extensive than the procedures outlined in the Code of Practise. The Rules of Natural Justice The procedure you implement should follow the rules of natural justice: follow the procedures! Employers who commence disciplinary proceedings against their employees must ensure that they follow the rules of natural justice. The rules of natural justice require: • An employee is made fully aware of any formal allegation made against them; • They are afforded the opportunity to reply to any formal allegation made against them; • They are afforded the right to representation throughout the disciplinary process; • They receive the right to a full and objective investigation of the allegation; • They receive the right of appeal. How to Implement the Right To Receive A Fair and Impartial Investigation It is our advice that prior to commencement of the disciplinary process, the managers of each stage are put in place. This is helpful in establishing order to the disciplinary process, prior to communicating with the
gross misconduct. This manager will interview witnesses, finalise the investigation and will draft a summary report to be issued to both the employee and the Outcome Manager. The invitation to the disciplinary outcome meeting, where the employee has an opportunity to respond to the summary report and include any other comments, will be drafted by the Outcome Manager. The sanction will be issued by the Outcome Manager and will include the process of appeal and whom the employee can address their appeal to. The appeal meeting and the appeal decision will be attended by the Appeal Manager. Having a formal procedure in place, which is issued to all staff members, will remove any ambiguity or accusations of unfair treatment as, when correctly applied, a disciplinary and grievance procedure allows for all employees to receive the same treatment if a disciplinary issue arises. employee. For example, in some cases this may be the assistant manager acting as the Investigation Manager; store manager acting as the Outcome Manager; the managing director acting as the Appeal Manager. Note-takers can accompany the managers at each stage. There is no onus on the employee to have a separate note-taker at each stage. The reasoning behind this is that the note-taker is not involved in the meeting and is merely in attendance to provide a note-taking service. The separation of process also extends to the correspondence which is issued through the disciplinary process. The invitation to the disciplinary investigation meeting will be drafted by the Investigation Manager. This manager may also be involved in the suspension of the employee is cases of suspected
Separation of Process: No Leeway for Small Businesses It is important to note that even in smaller organisations, the separation of process must still be adhered to. Case law has indicated that the separation of process is key to ensuring fair procedures within any organisations and no leeway is given to smaller organisations for failing to comply with this. In these circumstances, the smaller organisation is advised to ensure that the Disciplinary Policy includes a reference regarding the company reserving the right to avail of the services of an experienced third party in conducting all or part of the disciplinary process. Employers invariably lose Unfair Dismissal cases because fair procedures and the rules of natural justice were not adhered to. Based on the experience of our team, this happens because advice from experienced professionals was not obtained before the dismissal procedure was put in place and in a worst case scenario, before the dismissal took effect. For advice on Employment Law or other HR related issues for employers, contact the team at the HR Suite on 066 7102887 to discuss your requirements.
60|Retail News|July/August 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Shelf Life MARTINA Gleeson, an illustrator and painter from Adare, Co. Limerick, has been revealed as the overall winner of One4all’s annual ‘Design a Gift Card’ competition. Gleeson, a graduate in Fine Art Painting from Limerick School of Art and Design, will now see her winning gift card design sold throughout the Post Office network nationwide and online at One4all.ie in 2018. Martina’s winning design (pictured) has not only earned her national distribution for her One4all Gift Card creation but she also takes home a MacBook Pro. The five runners-up will also receive a €100 One4all Gift Card each and their designs will also be sold online at One4all.ie. Visit One4all.ie/design to view all finalist gift card designs. UNIVERSAL Sourcing Services International (USSi) are celebrating 19 years in business, importing promotional items direct from the Far East for leading FMCG brands. “We are the ‘gadgets and gizmos’ people,” explains Seamus Greaney, Managing Director. “We visit trade shows and factories all over the globe trying to find that unique premia item that enhances your brand and gifts that makes people go ‘wow!’” Greaney cut his teeth running the family’s independent supermarket business in the west of Ireland from 19831998, which gave him a good understanding of brands. To date, USSi have imported over 10m assorted pieces from the Far East since 1998 and have a database of over 3,000 factories across all genres. For more information, call Seamus on 086 2489886 or visit www.ussinternational.ie. KEPAK Group has scooped a whopping six awards at this year’s prestigious World Steak Challenge. Flying the flag for Ireland, Kepak beat off stiff competition not only from Ireland but from large beef-producing countries such as Japan and Brazil to take home gold, silver and bronze accolades across a number of different categories. Kepak was the only Irish company to achieve three gold medals, one silver and two bronze at the competition; in addition Kepak picked up awards in both grass and grain-fed categories. Victoria Antoniades (front) is pictured celebrating with her fellow Kepak team members (l-r): Mark Connolly, Finbarr Barrett, Tom Finn, Paul Horgan, Eoin Higgins, Joanne Farrelly and Roy Mulrooney. PURINA PetCare has announced that they will provide the DSPCA, Ireland’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity, with 40,000 meals for the cats, kittens, dogs and puppies at its Rathfarnham rescue and rehoming facility. This comes as part of a social media campaign, highlighting that every pet deserves a good meal, regardless of their circumstances. The online push features social media videos profiling the stories of cats and dogs, recently cared for by the DSPCA. “In 2016 alone our staff served up over 10,000 meals to animals in our care, thanks to the generosity of the public and Purina,” noted Brian Gillen, CEO of the DSPCA. Pictured is Jodie Pezzilli with Pippa at the DSPCA campus in Rathfarnham, Dublin.
FIANNA Fáil leader Micheál Martin TD is pictured with Sarah Carroll from Down Syndrome Ireland at the HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays Party in support of Down Syndrome Ireland at Leinster House. Senator John Dolan hosted the special gathering, where Senators and TDs were invited to enjoy Ireland’s favourite ice cream and raise much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. Over the past 16 years, HB Hazelbrook Farm has helped to raise over €3m for Down Syndrome Ireland. Members of the public are being called upon to support the initiative by hosting their own ice cream party in aid of DSI. To get involved, simply lo-call 1890 37 37 37 or register online at www.downsyndrome.ie to receive your free HB Hazelbrook Farm Ice Cream Fundays party pack. THE Subway brand has set out ambitious plans to increase the number of stores in Ireland and Northern Ireland to 321 by 2020, creating around 408 new jobs. This follows the recent announcement of the 100th store opening in Northern Ireland. CONGRATULATIONS to Wilson Hartnell, who landed four major awards at the PRCA Awards for Excellence 2017, held recently at Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel. The four best in class awards were; Best Consumer PR Campaign (over 50K) Guinness Open Gate Brewery ‘Taste of Beer’; Best Sports Campaign AIB Backing Club & County, ‘The Toughest’; Best Consumer Relations Campaign (under 20K) - Bord Bia Eggs Campaign with The O Donovan Brothers, ‘Fuel for a Busy Life’; and Best Sponsorship - Electric Ireland, ‘The Power Within’. Pictured celebrating are (l-r): Clodagh Hogan, Ruth Gleeson, Aisling Delaney and Rachel Solon from Wilson Hartnell. IRISH fortified yogurt, ProU Yogurt, created by former Bord Bia executive Michael Murphy, is now available at SuperValu stores throughout Ireland in an expanded retail listing worth €200,000. Produced at Killowen Farm in Co. Wexford using locally-sourced premium Irish dairy ingredients, ProU is the first yogurt product on the Irish and UK market fortified with protein, calcium and Vitamin D, to help maintain bone and muscle health from mid-life onwards. “We have enjoyed a strong partnership with SuperValu since the launch of ProU Yogurt last year, supplying stores in Dublin and Wexford,” noted Michael Murphy. “The decision by Musgrave to build on this partnership by stocking ProU in over 70 SuperValu stores throughout the country marks a major milestone in our business progression, deepening our footprint across Ireland and enabling us to meet increased consumer demand.” THE good folks at Canny & Doherty’s SuperValu in Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, are taking their commitment to customer service a step further than most. They recently launched a new ‘Quiet Evening’ initiative in-store for customers with additional needs. Their first evening was a huge success and they ran it every Tuesday night during the month of June. “This is the first event of its kind in our area and we are thrilled to host it,” revealed Jenny Walker from the store. For more information, see www.facebook.com/supervalu.carndonagh/.
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