JUNE 2017
CELEBRATING
1
7 - 20 1 5 7 9 GREAT YEARS
F A E L R E B M A
Y D REA
E D MA G N I M CO
N O SO
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 – bås. Smoking kills.
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|3
s
ng
ati Celebr
R
Contents S
a il N e w et
R
EA Y 0 6 1957- 2017
Retail News is 60 27
We celebrate our 60th birthday with a special commemorative section, where Feargal Quinn, probably the best known face in Irish retailing, looks back over the last 60 years of retailing in Ireland and has some interesting observations on the future (Page 28), while we cast our eyes back over the stories that made the headlines since 1957 (Page 30). We also have a host of wonderful prizes up for grabs in our Big Birthday Giveaway (Page 48). Sustainability
DECEMBER 2016
MARCH 2017
MAY 2017
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
A FRESH ARRIVAL
ACCELERATE YOUR SALES WITH THE BIGGEST EVER ACTIVATION ON GUM, CAR BOTTLE CAMPAIGN
19
*Free gum holder when you buy one bottle of Wrigley’s gum in participating stores only, while stocks last.
Gum - retail news A4 page.indd 1
Retail News Turns 60! BACK in 1957, Ireland’s grocery sector was a very different one from the high tech category it is today, but it was no less exciting. It was 60 years ago that Retail News first began reporting on this dynamic industry and we’re still excited by it now, as we celebrate six decades as Ireland’s leading grocery trade magazine. Like your stores, today’s Retail News looks very different to its original incarnation, but the reasons we publish the magazine remain the same: the desire to report on the news stories that matter; to get to the heart of the big issues facing retail; to talk to the biggest names in the industry; and to provide retailers and suppliers will the information they need to ensure their business is as profitable as possible. These are the things that drive us and we’re very proud of having done so for 60 years. Of course, we couldn’t operate without the support of the industry we serve and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our advertisers, sponsors and partners, who have helped Ireland’s longest established FMCG title to remain in business for so long. We couldn’t do this without you. To celebrate our birthday, Irish retail legend Feargal Quinn recalls the last decades of this vibrant, fast-changing industry and wonders what the future will bring (Page 28), while we cast our eyes back over six decades of news that tells the story of Irish retailing since 1957 (Page 30-47), while our Big Birthday Giveaway has a host of great prizes up for grabs (Page 48). Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director.
20/01/2017 17:07
5 7 - 20 1 7
ZERO CALORIES LUCOZADE ZERO is a registered trade mark of Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited.
165372 LRS Lucozade Zero Trade Ad A4.indd 2
CELEBRATING
Special 60th Birthday Commemorative Issue
News
4
151036 SCA Hygiene Mag Cover A4.pdf
Built by protein
POWERED BY DAIRY Fact Not Fad
MORE FOR YOUR CATEGORY
6
SuperValu still on top as grocery growth continues; Appointment at Musgrave Group.
8
ABFI welcomes research on youth drinking; Tesco goes green with renewable electricity.
10
BWG trade show generates €23m for suppliers; Worldwide acclaim for INM research.
The Nation’s Favourite Cookie Brand * worth
€1m
Retail News Interview
Find out more ndc.ie
STOCK UP NOW!
*Nielsen total mults data to 29.11.2015 **Kantar Worldpanel data to 03.01.2016 ***Nielsen Addynamix data to Nov 2015
*Kantar Total Biscuits 52w/e 22nd May 2016
JUNE 2016
APRIL 2016
NEW
NOW ON THE GO
Willie O’Byrne, Retail Ireland’s new Chairman talks us through the big issues facing retailing in the next two years and how to tackle them, from local authority rates to the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill.
High in Taste, Low in Sugar Chocolate snack bars with Benefits. 100% of your RDA of 9 Vitamins.
20g Protein
9
Vitamins 100% RCA
Low Sugar
® Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
F&S Retail News Cover_V3.indd 1
15/06/2016 13:49
FULFIL_202x276_AD_v1_Bleed.indd 1
Sandy Boundy, Communications and CSR Manager, Heineken Ireland discusses the company’s 2016 Sustainability Report and why sustainability is far more than just a buzz-word to the company.
@RetailNews1
Kathleen Belton
kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie
14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.
Editor: John Walshe
johnwalshe@tarapublications.ie
Tel: 00353 1 6785165 Fax: 00353 1 6477127
Sales: Brian Clark
brian@tarapublications.ie
Web: www.retailnews.ie Email: kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie
Printed by: W&G Baird
only
28/03/2016 09:35
163371 Heinz BMH Retail News Magazine 210x297mm.indd 1
05/04/2017 10:26
TWIG 50
54
The recent Today’s Women in Grocery networking lunch proved a tremendous success, with a host of top class speakers. Home-grown brands came out on top in the latest Kantar Brand Footprint.
Bloom 2017 64
Bord Bia’s Bloom Festival attracted a record number of almost 120,000 people over the June bank holiday weekend.
CSNA Annual Conference 66
Sustainability
Editorial & Sales Director:
Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen
purpose
Introducing NEW AERO® Mousse, combining delicious bubbly milk chocolate and a layer of chocolate mousse.
fulfilnutrition.com
20
Published by: Tara Publishing Ltd,
Graphics: Catherine Doyle
27 For illustrative
BARS, with Benefits
Kantar Brand Footprint
Managing Director: Patrick Aylward
Production: Ciara Conway
MAY 2015
APRIL 2017
Meat your NEW SNACK
FDI updates reformulation report; Mars voluntarily recalls products.
facebook.com/RetailNews1
NOVEMBER 2016
OCTOBER 2016
JULY/AUGUST 2016
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016
over 22% market share*
DOES
Retailers Against Smuggling launch new campaign.
24
15:33
No.1 Brand, with
Keeping the category top of mind as the BIGGEST investor in advertising***
Most valuable shoppers who spend more per trip**
5
20
08/02/2016
The
Brexit to shake up supermarket shelves.
12
1
The CSNA’s inaugural Annual Conference proved hugely successful, with a host of insightful guest speakers.
FoodCloud 76
FoodCloud is an award winning social enterprise that is helping to combat food poverty through redistributing surplus food.
Regulars & Reports
Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter
10/03/2017 11:58
GREAT YEARS
Subscription to Retail News: e95 plus VAT Email: ciara@tarapublications.ie Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.
14 58 68 72 74 78 80 84 86
Industry News Snack Food Pet Care Drinks News Focus On HR Retail Ireland: Monthly Update What’s New Forecourt Focus: News Shelf Life
4|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
News
Brexit to Shake Up Su RETAILERS could see a fundamental change in the type of products on Irish supermarket shelves in the event of a hard Brexit, according to a representative group for Irish food and drink manufacturers. Love Irish Food, whose members employ over 15,000 people in the prepared consumer foods category, told Retail News the imposition of expensive tariffs on food imports could cause retailers to source brands closer to home. “If you go into any supermarket here, you see a lot of English produce on the Irish supermarket shelf,” said Jim Power, Love Irish Food Chairman. “In the event of a hard Brexit, it could make all that produce more expensive for retailers. They will have to look at possibly sourcing from an EU market or domestically.” In 2016, Ireland imported over €3.5 billion of food and drink from the UK, which includes essential ingredients for indigenous prepared foods. The UK supplies around 80% of Ireland’s flour, for example. In the event of tariffs being introduced, higher prices could be passed on to the Irish consumer. Alternatively, manufacturers and retailers would be forced to stop importing products. One response, suggests Power, is import substitution. He cites the example of the biscuit category as one where there is “definitely an opportunity for import substitution.” According to Kieran Rumley, Love Irish Food’s Executive Director, the biscuit market is worth €200m: “The imposition of tariffs might present an opportunity for local producers to dial up their own product quality and develop products specific to Irish taste. East Coast Bakehouse products use Irish butter as an essential ingredient, for example, whereas imported biscuits usually use a blend of oils instead of butter.” Love Irish Food’s comments followed a survey of its members. 70% of prepared consumer foods exported from Ireland go to the UK, so concerns are running high amongst food and drink manufacturers. According to the survey, 89% of food and drinks business leaders have already felt the impact of the Brexit vote. 33% noted the impact had been “significant”, with currency fluctuation the immediate repercussion. Food exports suffered in the second half of last year due to the weakness of Sterling and this trend has continued in 2017. “The second effect is the extent to which a food and drink manufacturer’s planning process might be imperilled,” said Rumley. “For example, if they are developing an existing customer relationship in the UK, they may have to revise that.” Power recently spoke to an artisan food producer who had been exploring options in the Scottish market: “The minute Brexit happened, he stopped exploring that market. They think the market is too vulnerable because of possible Brexit outcomes. Any investment in that market is being put on hold.” Of those surveyed, 60% believe the impact of Brexit will be “significant” over the next 18 months. 64% believe sales development will be a key activity in maintaining their company’s performance. In the longer term, Irish brand manufacturers are concerned about trading tariffs. Under the World Trade Organisation regime, thousands of different tariff rates apply to different products. “Beef exports have a 50%
tariff, flax seed has a 5% tariff, chocolate is 19%,” said Power. “So every business involved in importing or exporting any of those products will need to consider their exposure. Certain sectors will be impacted differently.” Three quarters (76%) of chief executives surveyed believe the Irish food and drinks sector is inadequately prepared for Brexit’s impact. However, following this month’s UK election, which flung the Conservative party into turmoil, there is even more uncertainty. How can Irish food and drink brands possibly prepare, when the outcome is unknown? “The imperative now, as an economy, is to look at Brexit exposures and take action to alleviate bad effects,” Power noted. “For example, if you are manufacturing something here that requires imported inputs from the UK, you should look at
Kieran Rumley, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, pictured at the Love Irish Food pavilion at Bloom 2017.
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|5
News
permarket Shelves alternative markets.” Despite the uncertainty, 45% of CEOs surveyed insisted that Britain’s exit from the European Union could create positive opportunities for the Irish food and drinks sector here. Import substitution could be the main positive opportunity. “It could kick-start manufacturing here. Manufacturers are already exploring that route,” said Power. Rumley continued: “The UK is our nearest neighbour, so there is a common heritage of language and taste when it comes to consumer goods. If that is replaced by imported goods from Germany, France, or Italy, they may be to a different palate. Somebody isn’t going to produce goods just for Ireland; it will be for a broader market. To some degree, that might create an opportunity for local producers to say, ‘We can cater for taste in a much more accurate and responsive fashion for the local market’.” In any event, retailers will be frontline in delivering changing categories to the Irish consumer. “No doubt,” said Rumley. “They have a central role in the long term survival and success of Irish food brands.” Meanwhile, the National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has released its Annual Members’ Survey results, revealing that 67% of surveyed off-licence retailers believe that a reduction in excise on alcohol will mitigate against the likely impacts of Brexit. Drawing on the latest cross-border trade research from Intertrade Ireland, NOffLA’s 2018 Pre-Budget Submission also details the reality of the threat posed by Brexit, arguing that failure to reduce excise on alcohol in light of Brexit will see continued increases in cross border shopping trips, decimating the Irish SME sector.
Jim Power, economist and Chairman of Love Irish Food. NOffLA has called for the Government to reduce excise duty on alcohol by 15% (10c on spirits/beer/cider and 50c on a bottle of wine) to support Ireland’s already struggling regional and local economies by increasing rural employment, as well as securing the livelihoods of communities in border regions, particularly considering Brexit. They also want parity applied to wine taxation, and a reintroduction of the ban on below cost selling of alcohol.
Retailers Against Smuggling Launch New Campaign RETAILERS Against Smuggling (RAS) have launched a new campaign, Smuggling Matters To Me, giving a voice to the thousands of retailers affected by illicit trade. The campaign centres around posters showing small and medium-sized Irish retailers talking about their experience of the illicit trade, which saw 742m cigarettes bought illegally or brought from abroad last year alone. The campaign highlights the impact that illicit trade is having on small retailers nationwide, and its knock-on effects. RAS spokesperson, Benny Gilsenan, said: “With our Smuggling Matters To Me campaign, RAS want to give a voice to the shopkeepers around the country that are having their business undermined by smuggled tobacco, alcohol and solid fuel. Retailers face an uncertain future with Brexit looming, so the Government need to provide more resources to Revenue to stop the flow of illicit goods into Ireland and her local communities.” RAS have arranged for posters to be displayed in their members’ shop windows, in order to tell the stories of individual retailers and show the human face of those affected by smuggling. RAS hope that the campaign will put pressure on Government to increase the resources available to combat illicit trade in Ireland. Smuggling Matters To Me is designed to not only show
Smuggling Matters To Me: the hard-hitting new campaign from Retailers Against Smuggling to highlight the devastating effect the illicit trade has on retailers. what is happening to shopkeepers, but also to understand how illicit trade is affecting our local communities. Anyone with any knowledge of smuggling activities should call Revenue, confidentially, on 1800 295 295.
6|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
News SuperValu Still on Top as Grocery Growth Continues THE latest grocery market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland for the 12 weeks ending May 21, Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend 2017, show that the market 12 Weeks to 22 May 2016 12 Weeks to 21 May 2017 change** continues to grow despite %* %* % continued price deflation. Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 2.2 The value of the grocery Total Multiples 88.7% 88.9% 2.4 market has increased by SuperValu 22.7% 22.5% 1.2 2.2% during the past quarter Tesco 22.4% 22.0% 0.3 compared with last year, making the sector worth Dunnes 21.3% 21.9% 4.9 €2.37 billion over the 12 Lidl 11.3% 11.4% 2.7 weeks, up €50m on last year. Aldi 11.0% 11.2% 4.0 “With the average price Other Outlets** 11.3% 11.1% 0.4 per pack falling slightly, *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers growth has been driven by **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops households buying extra items, with the average last year. This is despite the number of consumers visiting shopping basket increasing in size,” explained David Berry, Dunnes actually falling: the retailer had 54,000 fewer shoppers Director at Kantar Worldpanel. “Retailers’ own brands continue during the past 12 weeks. “However, this has been offset by an to lead the way, growing sales by 3.8% and accounting for 54% impressive spending increase among remaining customers, of grocery purchasing.” with Dunnes shoppers spending 10% more, €47 extra on Among the retailers, SuperValu remains in the top spot average, with the grocer during the latest quarter,” revealed with a clear 0.5 percentage point lead over Tesco in second David Berry. place. Sales at SuperValu have increased by 1.2% as shoppers Meanwhile Lidl and Aldi have also enjoyed strong added more items to their trolleys, spending an additional €1 performances during the past 12 weeks. Growth for Lidl has on average per trip compared with this time last year. accelerated to 2.7%, with Aldi boosting sales by 4%. “Lidl now Edging ahead of Dunnes Stores by 0.1 percentage points, captures 11.4% of the grocery market, with Aldi just behind Tesco has moved back into second place during the past with an 11.2% share,” Berry noted. “Both retailers have quarter for the first time since September 2016, capturing a benefited from shoppers visiting them more often, with Lidl 22% share of the market. While value sales increased only seeing almost one additional trip per shopper over the past 12 slightly by 0.3%, volume sales continue to tell a more positive weeks.” story, up 4.6% year on year as shoppers visit Tesco more Grocery market inflation stands at -0.2% for the 12 week regularly. period ending May 21, 2017, up slightly from the -0.3% seen The recent strong performance from Dunnes Stores has last month. For more information, see continued, with overall sales improving by 4.9% compared with www.kantarworldpanel.com.
Appointment at Musgrave Group MUSGRAVE has announced the appointment of Chris Pilling as Non-Executive Director on the board of Musgrave Group plc. Chris succeeds Brian Flanagan, a Non-Executive Director since 2013. Chris Pilling has a background in retail and financial services, having served as Director of Marketing and Customer Services for UK retailer Asda, Chief Executive of Yorkshire Building Society, the second largest building society in the UK, and previously holding a number of executive positions with HSBC Bank plc. Chris has also worked with leading international corporates, including British Airways, Kraft Foods and
Procter & Gamble. Until March of this year, he was a NonExecutive Director on the board of the Department of Health for the UK Government. “I am delighted to welcome Chris to the board and look forward to drawing on his insights to further the Musgrave business,” noted Peter Lacy, Musgrave Group Chairman. “Through his previous roles, Chris brings with him a wealth of experience across a broad range of sectors, which will undoubtedly be a valuable asset. On behalf of the board, I would also like to recognise the substantial contribution and commitment from Brian since 2013, and wish him well for the Chris Pilling, Non-Executive Director, Musgrave Group plc. future.”
Growing Good Business We are committed to making great quality, healthy and inspiring food available to everyone. We are also the leading supporter of local Irish suppliers. At Musgrave we are working in partnership to develop highly successful brands that achieve sustainable, profitable returns, enrich everyday lives and contribute to a healthier, more prosperous, environmentally-conscious society. In a nutshell, it is about leaving a positive and lasting legacy for future generations. Learn more about how we work at www.musgravegroup.com
www.musgravegroup.com
8|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
News ABFI Welcomes Research on Youth Drinking ALCOHOL and Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), which represents alcohol drinks manufacturers and suppliers in Ireland, has welcomed findings in a new report which confirms that young people are consuming less alcohol and having their first alcoholic drink at a later stage. The Report, published by the Health Promotion Research Centre at NUIG, has looked at the data of 50,000 10-17 year olds since 1998 and patterns and behaviours up until 2014. The findings include; • Age of first alcohol drink: Between 2002 and 2014 there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of children who reported having their first alcohol drink at age 13 or younger (48.4% in 2002; 29.8% in 2014). • Overall, 58.2%, 57.2%, 52.7% and 41.2% of 15-17 year olds reported having ever been drunk in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 respectively. Of those who have ever been drunk, there was a statistically significant decrease in the proportion of 15-17 year old girls and boys who reported having their first alcohol drink at age 11 or younger, 13 or younger and 15 or younger between 2002 and 2014. “These findings support a growing body of international evidence and confirm what we in the industry already know, that alcohol consumption is declining In Ireland,” said Director of ABFI, Patricia Callan. “A recent ESPAD (EU alcohol) survey found that Irish teenagers were third lowest out of 32 EU countries surveyed for alcohol consumption and the WHO
Health Behaviour in School Aged Children Study stated that ‘Ireland is amongst a group of countries which have the most abstemious adolescents’. Furthermore, the Healthy Ireland Survey 2015 commissioned by the Department of Health found that 58% of those surveyed drink alcohol less frequently than once a week and there has been a decline in the numbers engaged in binge drinking.” She argued that the drinks industry has openly supported the introduction of legislation to tackle alcohol misuse and the consumption of alcohol by young people. “However, there is no evidence to support certain measures contained in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill, which we believe will do nothing to tackle misuse and but will jeopardise jobs and local economies in the wider hospitality sector, which employs 200,000 people,” she said.
Tesco Goes Green with Renewable Electricity Tesco Ireland has switched its operations to renewable electricity. The supermarket giant told Retail News that it made the conversion in April, as part of Tesco’s wider plan to become a zero-emissions firm by 2050. “In the past year, we have partnered with ESB’s new Smart Energy Services division to help identify and deliver energy efficiency projects, ranging from high efficiency LED lighting upgrades, heating and ventilation upgrades and improved controls,” noted a company spokesperson. “They also helped us to better manage our energy using plant and equipment.” In February, the retailer completed a seven-month programme to retrofit 76 stores to high efficiency LED lighting. “Tesco Ireland has long held the view that the most environmentally friendly and cost effective energy reduction is analysing the energy that you don’t need to use. In recent years, we have focused on implementing a wide range of energy efficiency and energy management measures across our 149 stores and distribution centres,” the spokesperson continued. Last month, Tesco announced tougher science-based carbon reduction targets for its stores and distribution centres. The retailer has pledged to reduce emissions from its stores and distribution centres by 50% per square foot by 2030. The company spokesperson told Retail News that renewable energy is cost effective, as well as environmentally astute.
Tesco Bloomfields, Dun Laoghaire, was recently converted to high efficiency lighting. “As a food retailer, our supply chain and long-term business success depend on the health of the natural environment,” the spokesperson concluded. “As citizens and members of the community, our customers and colleagues expect Tesco to play its part in caring for the planet. Business can do a lot to reduce energy usage, which has an immediate positive effect on both cost and emissions.”
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
10|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
News BWG Trade Show Generates €23m for Suppliers MORE than 1,000 independent retailers from the across the country attended Ireland’s largest retail trade event hosted by BWG Foods in the Citywest Hotel Dublin recently, generating record sales of over €23m for exhibiting suppliers. Over 150 indigenous and multinational suppliers, spanning categories including health & wellness, fresh food, pre-prepared meals, chilled produce, alcohol, beverages and confectionery, received exclusive access to the largest grouping of retailers in Ireland, representing over 1,000 retail stores across the Spar, EuroSpar, Mace, Londis and XL retail brands, who together have combined annual retail sales of approximately €1.75 billion. “This week’s event has firmly established itself as a key feature in the Pictured at the BWG Foods Trade Show are Willie O’Byrne, Managing retail calendar and is now the industry’s Director, BWG Foods; Republic of Ireland footballer Stephanie Roche; Leo leading retailer-supplier showcase and Crawford, Chief Executive, BWG Group; Evanne Ni Chuilinn, RTE; and Davy trading event,” enthused Leo Crawford, Fitzgerald, Wexford Hurling Manager. Chief Executive, BWG Group. “The BWG Trade Show is a great opportunity for around potential new solutions to emerging consumer trends, suppliers to showcase their latest product offerings and helping to ensure that offerings continue to evolve to meet the promotions directly to retailers. The event is also a unique changing needs of the ultra busy, modern day shopper.” chance for retailers to engage proactively with suppliers
Worldwide Acclaim for INM Research INDEPENDENT News & Media’s (INM) research initiative, The Book of Evidence, received worldwide recognition at the International News Media Association (INMA) Global Media Awards, which took place at the Harvard Club of New York City recently. The Book of Evidence placed second in the category of Best Use of Consumer Research at the Global Media Awards competition - the news media industry’s premier barometer for growing audience, revenue, and brand across platforms. The initiative is a culmination of two major research studies commissioned by INM in 2016, the largest of their kind in Ireland, proving without doubt the strong return on investment that print media offers to brands. “As market leaders, we have a Marian Slevin, Group Research Manager, Independent News & Media. responsibility to educate, to innovate, to energise the market and to challenge internationally. We will continue to invent and bring the best perceptions,” said Karen Preston, Group value to our advertisers. The customer has a powerful voice Advertising Director, Independent News & Media. “Return on at every table in INM and our research is the conduit for investment is fundamental to our advertisers, and the Book of that voice which is why it is so powerful. To have the Book of Evidence served to prove the power of print to deliver financial Evidence research initiative recognised on a global level is a returns. The wealth of entries to the awards demonstrates fantastic achievement.” that INM is leading the media sectors both in Ireland and
Gala Retail Services Gala Retail Services Summit House Summit House Embassy Office Park Embassy Office Park Kill Kill Co. Kildare Co. Kildare W91 VK0T W91 VK0T 910066 045045 910066 Gala Retail Services
Summit House Embassy Office Park Kill Co. Kildare W91 VK0T 045 910066
THE THE NATIONAL NATIONAL BRAND BRAND THE WITH LOCAL WITH LOCAL NATIONAL FOCUS FOCUS BRAND
WITH LOCAL FOCUS
WITH200 200STORES STORES WITH WITH 200 STORES NATIONWIDE, NATIONWIDE, NATIONWIDE, THERE’S ALWAYS THERE’S ALWAYS THERE’S ALWAYS STORE STORE AAA STORE NEAR YOU! NEAR YOU! NEAR YOU! www.gala.ie
www.gala.ie www.gala.ie
12|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
News FDI Updates Reformulation Report FOOD Drink Ireland (FDI), the Ibec group that represents the sector, presented its latest report on the impact of reformulation, at the Food Industry Summit, which took place in the Aviva Stadium on May 18. The FDI Reformulation Project report, compiled by leading analysts Creme Global, used data on 600 products from 14 of Ireland’s major food and drink companies and was supported by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI). It showed that during the seven years (2005 – 2012) covered by the research: salt content of the products analysed reduced by 37%; sugar content fell by 14%. The amount of energy as measured in calories sold over the seven years to 2012 reduced by 12%, while both total fat and saturated fat intake reduced by approximately 10%. “Reformulation is one of the most effective ways in which the food and drink industry can contribute to reducing obesity and improving public health but never before has its true impact on the diet of the entire nation been analysed,” stated FDI’s Director of Prepared Consumer Foods, Kevin McPartlan. “While personal responsibility will always be the most significant factor in having a healthy diet, by reducing the levels of fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar in our recipes, industry is demonstrating its absolute commitment to play its part.” During the Summit, FDI announced plans to expand the Reformulation Project to also include analysis of the impact of reduced package sizes and fortification of food and drink products with extra nutrients. This will be included in a followup report due to be published by the group next year. “We will also analyse how changes to package sizes will help reduce the levels of fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar consumed in Ireland,” McPartlan said. “Food companies are often criticised for smaller unit size, particularly for snack and confectionery products, but small reductions in package sizes reduce portion size and have a positive impact on the national diet. “In addition to reducing the level of certain nutrients in products, such as saturated fats, food companies also add others, such as dietary fibre, iron, folic acid and Vitamin D as a positive contribution to improved public health. The next
Kevin McPartlan, FDI’s Director of Prepared Consumer Foods. iteration of our project will demonstrate the real-life changes to consumption levels of these nutrients in Ireland.” For more information, see www.fooddrinkireland.ie.
Mars Voluntarily Recalls Products MARS Ireland and Mars Chocolate UK are voluntarily recalling certain products due to the potential presence of Salmonella from the ingredients used in making chocolate. The precautionary recall in Ireland and the UK concerns only the products below with the following best before dates. In total, a small amount of the below packaged units distributed in both countries could potentially be affected. The retrieval of this product is to ensure the confidence and safety of consumers. In Ireland, the products affected include: Galaxy Counters 112g pouch, with a Best Before Date of 13.05.2018 and Maltesers Teasers 35g bar with a Best Before Date of 13.05.2018. A Mars Chocolate spokesperson said: “Through our routine testing, we have detected the potential presence
of Salmonella from the ingredients used to make our chocolate. As a precaution, we are voluntarily recalling certain Galaxy Smooth Milk Chocolate bars, Galaxy Minstrels and Galaxy Counters and Maltesers Teasers bars. We are working closely with the relevant food safety authorities and our customers to ensure that the affected products are no longer available for purchase. If you have one of the products listed above, you should not eat it. Please keep the product and contact our Consumer Care team to arrange return and reimbursement. “This precautionary recall has been initiated with the best interests of our consumers at heart and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused. No other brands or varieties of chocolate, pack formats, bar sizes or best before dates are affected.”
Join the Winning Team Selling Ireland’s Favourite Games
46
33
4
Lottery Select is now available to all Payzone and PostPoint customers* Lottery Select offers a selection of Ireland’s best-selling games including Lotto and EuroMillions as well as a range of successful Scratch Cards, Winning Streak and All Cash Gold. The Draw game tickets are now available on the Payzone and PostPoint terminals with all retail agents supplied with a National Lottery dispenser to stock and merchandise our best-selling Scratch Card range. If you are interested in becoming a Lottery Select retailer: Please contact your provider for more details and an application form:
Recruitment Hotline: 1890 20 4220 E-Mail: postpoint@anpost.ie
Recruitment Hotline: 1800 746 4484 E-Mail: lottery@payzone.ie
* Lottery Select is a stand-alone service provided through the Payzone & PostPoint terminal infrastructure and is not available to existing National Lottery Retailers.
14|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Industry News
SuperValu Scoops Top Marketing Awards SUPERVALU had plenty to celebrate along with its consumer PR agency, TRA Brands at The Reputations Agency, at the annual All Ireland Marketing Awards recently, after scooping the prestigious award for Best Public Relations campaign 2017 and the Best Loyalty Marketing Award. The PR award was won for its yearlong campaign for wine that was developed based on strong consumer insights by SuperValu and TRA Brands, which saw SuperValu successfully establish itself as the go-to supermarket for wine through an effective PR plan with an integrated approach across all media platforms. The Best Loyalty Marketing Award was awarded to the SuperValu loyalty team for best engagement of loyal shoppers, as they increased the number of loyalty members within Real Rewards and obtained greater insights into SuperValu shoppers. Pictured are (l-r): Irene Gowing, Bord Gais Energy (Sponsor of the Public Relations Award, with SuperValu Communicaitions Manager, Anne-Marie Fenton, Sarah Brewer, TRA Brands, and Caitriona Hayes, SuperValu Retail Marketing Manager.
Dublin Stars Line Out for Courtneys COURTNEY’S EuroSpar in Fairview, Dublin 3, hosted a launch event on May 13 to showcase all of the new ranges in the supermarket, including a full bakery, a new salad bar concept, Subway, Insomnia barista and a large deli department. Dublin GAA stars, Dean Rock, Ciaran Kilkenny and Brian Fenton were in-store during the event to pose for photos and shoppers also had a chance to have their photo taken with the Sam Maguire cup. Bobby Kerr of Insomnia and hit TV show Dragon’s Den was also on hand to meet customers on the day. Pictured are David Bagnall, BWG Foods; Malachy Hanberry, EuroSpar Managing Director; Dublin GAA Players Brian Fenton, Ciaran kilkenny and Dean Rock; and John Clohisey, Property Director, BWG Foods, with (front) Lil Courtney, store owner.
Londis Retailers Climb For Joy for Pieta House OVER 165 people, including a host of Londis retailers, their family and friends, climbed Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrauntoohil in Co. Kerry on May 27 in order to raise money and awareness for mental health charity, Pieta House. Irish football legend Paul McGrath was on hand recently to lend his support for the launch of Climb for Joy. Pictured are: John Roche, Londis Doneraile, Co. Cork, with Paul McGrath, Senator Joan Freeman, Founder of Pieta House, Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director, and Gillian Rigney, Londis Marketing Manager.
Avonmore Inflates Ireland’s Fitness!
AVONMORE Super Milk are the proud sponsor of Ireland’s largest inflatable 5k event, the Wild Air Run. An experience like no other, the Avonmore Super Milk Wild Air Run is suitable for ages 7+ and those of all fitness levels can enjoy the 10 larger than life inflatable obstacles spread over 5km of family fun, including Europe’s longest slide; the ‘Super Scream’. The event will visit counties, Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway and Kilkenny and more. “We are really excited about this partnership with Wild Air Run,” said Linda Sheehan, Senior Brand Manager, Glanbia Consumer Foods. “The event is the perfect energetic family day out or indeed it offers something fun and different for groups of friends of all ages.” Pictured are (l-r): Irish international rugby star and former Dublin GAA player Kim Flood; Ronan O’Kelly, Wild Air Run; Linda Sheehan, Senior Brand Manager, Glanbia; and Ciara O’Malley, Wild Air Run. See www.wildairrun.com for booking and further details.
Moy Park ‘Rule the Roost’ Saturday Night Gameshow ‘Takes Off’ with Navan Family! MOY Park’s latest consumer marketing campaign, Rule the Roost, saw Navan family, the Doyles taking part in its newest gameshow on May 20 on the official Moy Park Chicken Facebook page. Based on the format of a traditional Saturday night gameshow, Rule the Roost saw four families from Dublin, Belfast, Navan and Macroom taking part in a series of challenges to find out who Rules the Roost in each home. The Doyle family, Megan, Angela, Conor and Gerry, are pictured with presenters Hector Ó hEochagáin and Mairead Ronan, and of course, Moy P.
Contact: Philip Lynch 086 8100789 www.newamsterdamspirits.co.uk
16|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Industry News
Tipperary Store Named XL Store of the Year COLUM Browne’s XL store in Clogheen, Co. Tipperary, was awarded the XL Store of the Year accolade at the recently held XL Retailing Standard Awards 2017, which attracted retailers from all over Ireland to the Lyrath Hotel in Co. Kilkenny, for the ceremony held by BWG Foods, owners and operators of the XL brand. “XL retailers have an unwavering passion for improving their businesses as they continue driving on store standards across the group and the wider retailing community. The XL retail group continues to grow each year and it’s easily explained by way of our retailers’ deep knowledge of and loyalty to their local communities,” noted John Moane, Managing Director, BWG Foods Wholesale Division (left), pictured with Colum and Marian Browne, Browne’s XL, Clogheen; and Colin Fitzsimons, XL National Business Development Manager.
Where the West Cork Buffalo Roam... JOHNNY Lynch of Macroom Buffalo Mozzarella and ‘Black Beauty’, a member of his West Cork herd of buffalo take centre stage in a new advertisement commissioned by Aldi Ireland to showcase its deep commitment to Irish food and Irish farmers. The advertisement tells the story of the quintessentially Italian practice of farming buffalo and creating mozzarella, with the unique caveat of it taking place in rural Ireland. Using an Italian themed score to combine the flair of Italy with all the charm of a West Cork setting, the advertisement is voiced by Ardal O’Hanlon.
Manor Farm Launches Omega 3 Irish Chicken
MANOR Farm and Tesco Ireland have launched the first Omega 3 Irish chicken in Ireland, following a significant period of research by Manor Farm’s innovation team. The 100% Irish chicken is fed on a diet that includes Omega 3 rich algae and can provide adults and children throughout Ireland with a new source of this vital nutrient. “Our unique Omega 3 Irish chicken is now another way to enjoy a popular, staple food with added nutrients,” said Vincent Carton, Managing Director of Manor Farm, pictured (right) on Dun Laoghaire Pier with Damian Harte, Senior Buyer: Meat, Fish, Poultry & Deli, Tesco Ireland (left) and Aveen Bannon, registered dietitian, Dublin Nutrition Centre.
The Times Prints Ireland Edition
Musgrave MarketPlace Partners with Leading Dietician AS part of its ongoing commitment to innovation and inspiring healthier choices, Musgrave MarketPlace has announced a new partnership with dietitian Gillian McConnell (pictured). Gillian, a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, founded ‘Inside Out Nutrition’ to help people make better lifetime nutritional decisions. Her extensive experience in providing dietary advice to patients with diabetes, IBS, coeliac disease and other conditions requiring special diets lends a unique, specialised skillset for Musgrave MarketPlace customers. In addition, her keen interest in sports nutrition equips her with expertise to advise both professional and amateur athletes on optimising their performance.
NEWS Ireland has announced that the Ireland edition of The Times will be available in both digital and print formats from Saturday, June 3, 2017. The Ireland edition of The Times was launched as a digital only format in September 2015, and offers an in-depth and authoritative mix of Irish and international news, business, politics and sport, as well as opinion and analysis. This print edition will replace the international edition currently in the market, building on the success of the digital version. It will continue to feature balanced, professional news and analysis from an experienced Irish team of up to 30 journalists. Pictured are Frank Fitzgibbon, Editor of The Sunday Times and Richard Oakley, Editor of the Ireland edition of The Times.
18|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Industry News
SuperValu Scores at Sockies SUPERVALU has won the Grand Prix and three other awards, Best use of Facebook (In-house team managed); Best Digital Video campaign; and Best In-House Social Media team, at the Sockies, Ireland’s leading social media awards, sponsored by SpunOut.ie. This year more than 800 nominations were submitted to the Sockies by over 200 organisations across Ireland. The SuperValu team won over the judges on a range of criteria such as the level of engagement, quality of content and integration of their social media channels. “We are thrilled to have won the Grand Prix as well as three
Gillette Partners with Lions IRISH International rugby great and former Lions member Rob Kearney launched Gillette’s partnership with the 2017 British & Irish Lions Tour to New Zealand. The partnership unites two iconic brands who share very similar values in their passion for innovation to help men be the best they can be. Gillette & Venus Brand Manager, Matt Thomas said: “The sponsorship of the British & Irish Lions, one of the world’s most famous rugby teams, is something we’re very proud of. At Gillette, we aim to help men look, feel and be their best by preparing them for what lies ahead. The idea of preparation is synonymous to both Gillette and the British & Irish Lions so we are aiming for this campaign to show guys that with the right preparation and precision you can achieve great things.” A specially commissioned Gillette Fusion Proshield razor with Flex Ball technology and four proshield blades has been created to celebrate the partnership.
other awards at the 2017 Sockies. We have worked hard as a team to deliver engaging content to make food Inspiring and be a force for good in building better communities. We are passionate about what we do and have been relentless in telling the SuperValu story by bringing our suppliers and food to life through video and on-line content. Winning the awards is great reflection of the effort and impact of our work,” noted Emma Henry, Digital Content Manager, SuperValu, pictured (second left) with Luke Wilson, Claire Whyte and Darran McCarthy.
Tesco Wins People’s Choice Irish Quality Food Award TESCO Finest 7 Nut Granola from Bokomo Foods has won the first People’s Choice Irish Quality Food Award, judged by 50 consumers at the Limerick Institute of Technology (LIT). The granola was one of the winners of the 2016 Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards, and all winners were given the opportunity to put their products to the distinguished panel at LIT’s consumer and sensory lab facility. Tracey Larkin, lecturer in food science at Limerick Institute of Technology (right), presents Tracey McDermott (left), head of trading law and technical at Tesco Ireland, with the award. Winner of the drinks category was Dunnes Simply Better Freshly Squeezed Valencia Pure Orange Juice from Keelings. The Naturally Cordial Strawberry, Cucumber & Lime Cordial received a commended award in the same category. The Small Producer winner was Ballyhack Smokehouse for their Wild Irish Smoked Salmon. This year’s Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards are now open for entry: see irish.qualityfoodawards.com.
Maxol Chops a Winner
MAXOL is pleased to announce the opening of its first Asian cuisine restaurant Kanoodle, along with its fourth Freshly Chopped, the heathy fast food franchise, at the newly refurbished service station at Lucan Road. Maxol has extended its successful relationship with Brian Lee and Andy Chen of award-winning franchise Freshly Chopped, who have been appointed licensees by Maxol to operate Maxol Lucan Road. The refurbishment at Maxol Lucan Road follows an investment of €560,000, with the creation of 20 new jobs to include retail supervisors, shop sales assistants, and deli sales staff, bringing total employment levels at the Maxol service station to 35. Brian Donaldson, CEO Maxol, is pictured with Brian Lee, Managing Director of award-winning franchise Freshly Chopped, and now also licensee of Maxol Lucan Road.
Rustlers On the Ball with FAI Deal RUSTLERS, the Irish flame-grilled burger brand, has announced a deal with the FAI to become an Official Sponsor of the Republic of Ireland team for the next four years. In addition to becoming an Official Sponsor of the Irish Soccer Team, Rustlers, owned by Kepak, will also be the new title sponsor of the Colleges and Universities Competitions to be re-launched in September 2017. Pictured at the announcement are (l-r): Stephen Donnelly, Sales Director, Kepak; Republic of Ireland Manager, Martin O’Neill; and Adrian Lawlor, Marketing & Business Development Director, Kepak.
Daire Nolan Head of Commercial Fuels 01 512 4800 087 961 7552
daire.nolan@applegreen.ie
Joe Hanney Business Development Manager Connacht area & Donegal 087 410 0000
joe.hanney@applegreen.ie
David Watson National Sales Manager Leinster, Monaghan & Cavan
Ray O’Sullivan Commercial Fuels Manager Munster area
david.watson@applegreen.ie
ray.osullivan@applegreen.ie
086 130 0219
086 464 1565
20|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News Interview
Leading From The Front Willie O’Byrne, Retail Ireland’s new Chairman talks us through the big issues facing retailing in the next two years and how to tackle them, from local authority rates to the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill.
YOU’D think being Managing Director of BWG Foods wouldn’t leave a lot of time for extracurricular activities, that you’d be so busy with running the Spar, EuroSpar, Mace, Londis and XL brands that your energy might be spent. Not for Willie O’Byrne. Since returning to the grocery industry in 2008, initially as Mace MD, having spent some time in the drinks industry, the aviation sector and mobile telecoms, the extremely articulate, affable and energetic O’Byrne has served a term as Chairman of Appeals for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund, joined the Retail Ireland Council and has been an active board member of Retail Ireland for the last two years. Given that O’Byrne’s re-entry to the grocery sector roughly coincided with the biggest recession in a generation, he believes that Retail Ireland provided him with knowledge and access to experts that he may not have otherwise been privy to. “The value that Retail Ireland was to me at that time was tremendous,” he insists. “I found it very useful to be part of that broader group, to network first of all, but it was also an area where we had exposure to Government ministers, economists and other experts,
so you got a better sense of what was happening in Ireland Inc.” April of this year saw O’Byrne taking over the mantle of Retail Ireland Chairman, succeeding Conor Whelan, outgoing Easons MD and himself a former MD of BWG Foods. “It’s kind of ironic that I’ve followed Conor into two of his jobs now, but I’ve promised him I won’t do it again,” O’Byrne laughs. When approached by the Ibec group to become Chairman, the BWG Foods MD gave it careful consideration, to balance the day-job with the new role, “while stil being effective”. He also consulted with BWG’s CEO, Leo Crawford to make sure that there was no issue: “he was happy to give me a little wriggle room. That’s not to say that I don’t have to deliver for BWG Foods, but there is an understanding that there will be some time commitment to the Retail Ireland position as well. I also feel that I got so much from being part of Retail Ireland that it was time to give back.” Retail: A Broad Church The new Chairman is happy that the organisation’s succession plan is already in place, with Vice Chairman Brian Donaldson, CEO of the Maxol Group,
primed to take over when O’Byrne’s twoyear term is complete. So what does he feel he will bring to the role of Chairman, given his experience in retailing, and grocery retailing in particular? “The first think I want to do is to fight against allowing my day-job to dominate this position,” he insists. “Retail is a very broad church and grocery is only one aspect of it. I need to be a Chair for retail and not for grocery only.” To that end, O’Byrne is planning to spend time visiting other Retail Ireland members outside the grocery sphere, including city centre department stores, DIY superstores and others, having “cup of coffee conversations in their businesses to try to get a sense of space and place. I find that nothing compares with standing in a man’s store to appreciate his business and his business issues as well.” The incoming Chairman believes that he is lucky to take over the role as the ink is drying on the new Retail Ireland strategy document, Shaping the Future of Irish Retail, which spells out the organisation’s objectives until 2020 in four clear strategic pillars, the four C’s: competitiveness, careers, confidence and community.
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|21
Retail News Interview Careering Ahead If he was to really make his mark on any particular aspect of Retail Ireland strategy, O’Byrne opts for the area of careers. “I feel that the wider retail industry undersells itself in terms of the intellectual challenge, the complexity, the sophistication, the need for analytics, all the aspects that are involved in retail, when the wider public think that we’re simply opening and closing our doors, selling bits and bobs and counting receipts,” he reveals. “All of us who work in this industry, particularly at senior levels, know that retail is a fantastic industry to work in and you can build a wonderful career. I think we need to sell that better.” So many Irish people have passed through retail with summer jobs, “but how many of them have thought that they could have a real career in this?“ he asks. He cites the success so far of the training and education body, Retail Ireland Skillnet, which he believes has the potential to drive this agenda forward, offering everything from apprenticeships to Fetac Level 7 or Level 8 degree courses. However, the Chairman believes we need more cohesive Government policy when it comes to education and training in retail. “For example, apprenticeships really need to have some form of statutory footing for them to work well,” he argues. Brexit: Stage Left Originally an engineer by trade, Willie O’Byrne takes an analytical approach to business issues, which means that he is very clear about the challenges ahead and the potential solutions to them. Brexit is very much the big UK-shaped elephant in the retail room, although we can’t really gauge its shape or size until the negotiations between the UK and EU come to some kind of conclusion “Brexit is such a fluid issue, it is very hard to be sure what the hell is going to happen,” he admits. “I personally have a real worry about the supply chain when it comes to Brexit. Ireland is now a manufacturing light economy. The goods we sell and consume are, by and large, brought in, with the exception of fresh and chilled foods and with some honourable exceptions like the alcohol industry. Once you have the potential re-imposition of a customs border, it is going to be a big challenge for all our industries. It was fine pre-1973, but the world has moved on. Everyone now runs JIT (Just In Time) systems when it comes to stocks. People are long-lining in overnight what they are selling the following day, so I have a real concern
“
Lots of crazy things happen in the world of promotions and discounting and
alcohol is a big footfall
driver, but we probably need to be protected from ourselves, to
some extent... So I do think Minimum Unit
Pricing when it comes
to alcohol is something we can live with.
”
about how the supply chain is going to work through these issues, and that is at the core of what we do.” Brexit has already begun to bite in terms of competitiveness, the Retail Ireland Chairman admits: “There is a fragility around the confidence in the market at the moment and Brexit has certainly sucked in things like the gap between volume and value growth, which has created actual deflation in the market. For those of us in the business of moving boxes, we are moving more boxes but the top-line is deflating, both because of Sterling movements and the relative competitive advantage of people outside the state in these circumstances.” He is also worried about what will happen two years down the line, when Britain actually has to leave the EU. “The flaw with Article 50 is that it is a fixed two-year term, so in March 2019 something happens. At the very minimum, probably a crisis happens,” O’Byrne avows. The two options, he believes, if negotiations are not complete, are either a forced hard Brexit on the second anniversary of Article 50 or all 27 EU Member States vote for an extension to the negotiating period. “To get all 27 states to vote in the same direction, with all the different agendas, is not a comfortable thing to rely on, so I would worry about the March 2019 deadline and how that will work out.”
The High Cost of Success It’s easy to view Britain’s impending European divorce as the only issue in town but there are other challenges facing Irish retailers in the years ahead, not least the high costs of doing business here, from commercial rates to insurance. Retail Ireland have identified local authority rates as a serious issue, particularly the inconsistencies across councils and the re-rating process currently underway, which has seen many retailers being faced with rates bills that are “multiples of their previous charges”, O’Byrne notes, and has spawned an entire industry of experts who are helping businesses to appeal these new rates. Insurance is another concern. O’Byrne acknowledges that retailers need to take the overall health and safety agenda seriously “but equally, we are entitled to see some benefits when there is a statistically measurable improvement in those KPIs,” he argues. “I’m not sure that we are getting that. I find the whole insurance industry very opaque when it comes to what is driving the market. When you are in a deflationary environment, with a real volume versus value issue, to have your costs moving up against the head, all that happens is that your margins get squeezed.” These are costs for bricks and mortar enterprises and the Retail Ireland Chairman is quick to stress that he doesn’t just represent these physical businesses, yet all of his members have bricks and mortar businesses as part of their retailing repertoire. “I think as a country we need to be really careful because if everything is delivered from dark warehouses by drones to people’s doors, there’s not a lot of theatre, there’s not a lot of social activity and there’s no particular raison d’etre for town centres and stores that add to the colour of Irish life,” he warns. “I think we need to protect our bricks and mortar businesses. We need to get the balance right in terms of how we do that. Certainly, having them carry the heaviest load when it comes either to the collection of taxes or the cost of doing business is bad. “The problem in Ireland is that we have a pathological fear of a broadening of the tax base, and when it comes to local authority taxes, it all rests on the commercial sector, which cannot weather the egregious rate increases that we’re seeing at the moment.” Town centres and their regeneration has been a big issue for some years, particularly for Retail Ireland. It is a difficult issue, with no one-size-fits-all
22|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News Interview
Pictured at the launch of Retail Ireland’s strategy document, Shaping the Future of Irish Retail, which spells out the organisation’s objectives until 2020, are (l-r): Willie O’Byrne, Chairman of Retail Ireland and Managing Director of BWG Foods; Thomas Burke, Director of Retail Ireland; and Conor Whelan, former Chairman of Retail Ireland and MD of Easons. panacea that will instantly revitalise our towns and villages, but is enough being done? O’Byrne isn’t sure. He cites the example of Dublin, “the biggest town centre of them all”, where current plans to introduce huge pedestrian-only swathes of the city centre and to re-route motorists, have caused much consternation. “This whole area of how we balance the use of the city centre for cars, public transport and shopping is an art rather than a science,” he admits. “I’m not claiming I could get it right myself if I was king for a day, but I do feel it is hugely important. We all need to have a say in the intentions, which is to maintain a vibrancy and a life in our town centres, with a mix of residential and commercial interests, private and public transport.” The Insatiable Thirst for Value Retail Ireland Director, Thomas Burke, in the last issue of Retail News, wrote a stirring piece on how retail still lags behind other sectors in terms of performance and how the rising economic tide has not exactly lifted all boats. Trying to figure out the reasons
why remains difficult. Noting that retail sales haven’t grown pro rata with domestic consumer expenditure, he argues that that services are inflating at a period when product is deflating, which is “part of the mismatch”. However, he also feels that retailers are also “the architects of our own misfortune, in that as we have bridged ourselves through the recession, we created an insatiable appetite for offer and for deal, the result of which is that you can end up with a situation where people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.” While acknowledging that retailers should never engage in “insult pricing”, the Retail Ireland chairman stresses that “net returns in retail are wafer thin”. “All you need to do is look at the amount of stores that have gone out of business in the last eight years to understand that this is not a sector crying wolf, living off the fat of the land and having people pay for their largesse,” he argues. “By the time independent business owners get to pay themselves, there often can be very little left.”
State Secrets? One of the key roles of Retail Ireland is to engage with policy makers. So what does the new Chairman believe the state can do to support retail? First and foremost, he’s pleading with the Government to stimulate disposable incomes: “That is probably one of the biggest single things the state can do. It has done it in the past and it would bring a near instantaneous change.” He also believes that the Government have a role to play in maintaining consumer confidence. “There is no doubt that consumer confidence is a very delicate flower and while there is no longer a linear correlation between consumer confidence, consumer expenditure, the growth of the economy, the labour market and retail sales, there is no doubt that when consumer confidence dips, retail sales are the first to feel it,” he insists. He feels that some form of grant aid to help indigenous bricks and mortar businesses create a viable online presence would be extremely helpful: “We do live in an omnichannel world
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|23
Retail News Interview can make”. “Lots of crazy things happen in the world of promotions and discounting and alcohol is a big footfall driver, but we probably need to be protected from ourselves, to some extent,” he admits. “I remember years when we decided to stay out of that [alcohol promotions] and we just got burnt, so unfortunately if you are in retail and you are a player, you can’t simply stand proud and say ‘we’re right’ and see it hit your sales. So I do think Minimum Unit Pricing when it comes to alcohol is something we can live with.”
Shaping the Future of Irish Retail spells out Retail Ireland’s objectives around four key pillars - competitiveness, confidence, careers and community. and our indigenous Irish retail industry needs to get up to speed. There are R&D grants and development grants in other areas, and we’d like to see some form of grant aid for businesses that are getting serious about the world of online retailing.” Regulation Nation The regulatory burden is another area of concern, adding an administrative load and subsequent cost to already strained businesses. “All the various legislative proposals, be they in the alcohol sector in the area of health and wellness, need to balance the good with the bureaucracy and we are asking the government to be cognisant of layering bureaucracy on our businesses.” The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill has proven particularly contentious for the grocery sector, notably the issue of structural separation. While stressing the need for responsible retailing of alcohol, O’Byrne feels this is “particularly onerous on smaller stores”, who will be put at serious risk of closure of structural separation goes ahead. Perhaps surprisingly, O’Byrne is a supporter of Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol, which he describes as “probably the most effective move the government
“
The problem in
Ireland is that we
have a pathological
fear of a broadening of the tax base,
and when it comes to local authority taxes, it all rests
on the commercial sector, which
cannot weather
the egregious rate increases that
we’re seeing at the moment.
”
Maintaining the Labour Force Retail is Ireland’s biggest employer, paying the wages of 280,000 souls across the country, yet that number still lags behind peak employment figures for the trade. So how could employment levels rise? A general move towards the foodservice aspects of grocery retailing has the potential to create potential job opportunities, but the high cost of employing staff is a challenge. Reintroducing a lower rate of employers’ PRSI could help, the Chairman feels. “When it comes to retail, the minimum wage is not just a floor, but a mechanism that sets many of the pay rates. There is a need to balance being able to raise the minimum wage over time with the fact that the owner of the store also needs to be able to make a living,” he states. “Labour is a huge part of retail costs and anything that helps us put more money in people’s pockets and less being paid out in employer taxes is a good thing.” Rent is another area of concern, and not just in the commercial arena. The spiralling cost of residential rents is making it extremely difficult for retail staff to be able to afford to live in the city centres where they work, and is leading to a potentially problematic labour shortage. “As the economy grows back closer to full employment, how can we entice people to work in the lower layer of jobs in retail and for them to be able to afford to live in a city environment?” he wonders. “The market is getting tougher in terms of labour supply, to the point where I worry about the accommodation crisis more than I worry about commercial rents.” Amid all the unpredictability surround Brexit, legislative change and our future economic performance, one thing remains certain. With Willie O’Byrne as its Chairman, the interests of Retail Ireland and its members will be to the fore in the coming two years.
24|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Sustainability
Heineken Ireland Committed to Brewing a Better World Sandy Boundy, Communications and CSR Manager, Heineken Ireland talks us through the company’s 2016 Sustainability Report and why sustainability is far more than just a buzz-word to Heineken Ireland. HEINEKEN Ireland recently published its 2016 Sustainability Report, outlining its ongoing commitment to sustainability. It provides an update on the significant progress made in meeting the ambitious sustainability targets as part of its ‘Brewing a Better World’ strategy. Launched in 2010, the ‘Brewing A Better World’ programme is a 10-year sustainability journey that sets clear 2020 sustainability commitments for the Irish business to achieve. “We are 100% committed to sustainability,” noted Maggie Timoney, Managing Director of Heineken Ireland. “We look at sustainability from barley to bar and our journey is a true team effort with all of our stakeholders. We can only achieve our ambition through the ongoing efforts of our colleagues and stakeholders and we are very grateful for the great work undertaken to date. Over the past year, we are delighted with our sustainability performance and have exceeded many targets and sourcing local is key to this. We are very proud to be one of Ireland’s leading beer and cider companies. We combine a love for our craft, passion for quality and a commitment to the responsible consumption of our products to deliver sustainable growth.” Advocating responsible consumption is one of the key elements of ‘Brewing a Better World’ and
Heineken Ireland demonstrate this commitment by allocating 10% of the Heineken brand media budget to responsible consumption. Another highlight of 2016 saw employees encouraged to become actively involved in their communities through a volunteering programme which resulted in donations of almost €10,000 and 1,600 volunteer hours. Sandy Boundy, Communications & CSR Manager, talks us through the 2016 Report and Heineken Ireland’s ongoing commitment to sustainability. Sustainability has become something of a buzz-word in the business world, yet it seems much more than that to Heineken Ireland. Why is it so important to the company? Sustainability is part of who we are in Heineken Ireland. It comes from our values, respect for people and planet, and is a strategic and business imperative for us. Our aim is to ‘Brew a Better World’ from barley to bar while we grow our business. We are in year six of our 10-year programme and are on track with most of our 2020 Brewing a Better World commitments. We are very proud of our 161-year legacy here in Ireland and in order to be around for another 161 years, we will continue to grow sustainably.
Sandy Boundy, Communications & CSR Manager, Heineken Ireland.
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|25
Sustainability •
Over 50 community connections to whom we donated the equivalent of €465,000.
Our success is a shared one across the business. We have a dedicated cross functional Brewing a Better World team internally but there is also significant contribution from other stakeholders such as our customers, suppliers, NGO partners, whom we listen to and work with, in order to achieve our commitments.
Pictured at the launch of Heineken Ireland’s 2016 Sustainability Report are (l-r): Sandy Boundy, Communications & CSR Manager; Maggie Timoney, Managing Director; and PJ Tierney, Brewery Operations Manager. While sustainability is increasingly important to consumers, it can also make sense from a business/financial standpoint. What has been Heineken Ireland’s experience of this? Sustainability is a key consumer trend, especially for millennials, 66% of whom say they will pay more for brands and products that are sustainable, according to the 2015 Nielsen Global Survey of CSR. It is also increasingly important as we recruit new talent into our business and retain our 400-strong Heineken Ireland team. They are looking to our sustainability and corporate social responsibility plans as part of their decision making. We have set very clear targets against six focus areas where we and our stakeholders believe we can make the biggest impact. We have seen great achievements across CO2 emission reduction, water efficiency and sourcing sustainably. Sustainability is part of how we do business and our cross functional ‘Brewing a Better World’ team are constantly looking for opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint. Can you talk us through some of your notable achievements as part of the ‘Brewing a Better World’ strategy and what has been involved in ensuring their success? Heineken Ireland focuses on six core areas as part of our Brewing a Better World strategy; protecting water resources, reducing CO2 emissions, sourcing sustainably, advocating responsible consumption, promoting
health and safety and growing with our communities. Some of our key highlights from 2016 include: • • • •
•
•
•
Heineken has been to the forefront of promoting the moderation message to alcohol consumers. How important is this (a) to the company and (b) to society as a whole? Promoting a moderation message to consumers is extremely important to Heineken Global, Heineken Ireland and to me. Partnership and working towards a common aim of reducing alcohol misuse in Ireland is what is needed if we are to really solve this important issue. Heineken Ireland plays an active role, as a company, and at an industry level, to deliver on our responsible consumption commitment, as well as campaigning to make moderation aspirational and cool. Since 2014, we have been doing that in Heineken Ireland with a number of marketing communication campaigns where we use the strength of our brands, and particularly our Heineken brand, to help the moderation message resonate with consumers. Campaigns such as ‘Sunrise Belongs to Moderate Drinkers’, ‘Dance More Drink Slow’ and most recently, our ‘If you Drive, Never Drink’
100% of our malted barley is sourced from Irish farmers, supporting local jobs and families. €100m spend in the local economy, supporting local suppliers; 100% of our draught beers brewed in the Lady’s Well Brewery in Cork uses Irish malted barley; We continue to be one of the most water-efficient breweries within Heineken globally and have reduced our water consumption by 8% since 2008; CO2 emissions have decreased by 52% since 2008 and we are now sourcing 100% of electricity from renewable resources; The successful continuation of a strategic partnership with the Cork Simon Community and their Addiction Aftercare Programme; The first market in Europe to launch Heineken Light with lower ABV and lower Heineken Ireland’s 2016 Sustainability Report outlines calories; the company’s ongoing commitment to sustainability.
26|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Sustainability term sustainability ambitions. Right now, we are working hard to achieve our 2017 targets and continuing to reduce our CO2 emissions is a top priority. We are also working on a new community collaboration with Grow It Yourself International on community greening, which we are all very excited about. Advocating responsible consumption continues to be top 100% of Heineken Ireland’s draught beers brewed in the of our agenda and Lady’s Well Brewery in Cork use Irish malted barley. we will continue to promote campaign with Sir Jackie Stewart, have moderation through our brands, our led the debate on moderation in recent products and our stakeholder years. engagement. The launch of Heineken Light, last year, which has a lower alcohol content What more can be done by the drinks and lower calories, is also part of our industry in general to promote a commitment to deliver on moderation. sustainable future? The drinks industry in Ireland employs What work on sustainability is planned 92,000 people and supports 12,000 for the coming months? farming families. Last year alcohol We are over half way through 2017 and taxation contributed €2.3 billion (in remain 100% committed to our longthe form of VAT and excise) to the
exchequer and our exports were valued at €1.3 billion. The biggest influence businesses have is through the positive impact we have on the economy and our communities. We all have a responsibility to make a positive contribution to the communities in which we live, work and sell our products. It is vital that all businesses focus on a sustainable future and there are great examples of how businesses across the retail sector, communities and consumers are focusing on this important issue. Heineken Ireland celebrated 160 years of a proud brewing heritage last year and this could not have been achieved without the collaboration of our employees, suppliers and our customers.
The launch of Heineken Light, last year, which has a lower alcohol content and lower calories, is part of the company’s commitment to deliver on moderation.
Heineken are working on an exciting new community collaboration with Grow It Yourself International on community greening.
Is the Government doing enough to support business in the drive for sustainability? We believe that the Irish Government and its agencies have a strong focus on sustainable development. We are very proud to work with Bord Bia as part of its Origin Green programme. Since 2014, Heineken Ireland has been a verified member of this programme, which is the only sustainability programme in the world that operates on a national scale, uniting government, the private sector and food producers.
DECEMBER 2016
MARCH 2017
MAY 2017
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2017
A FRESH ARRIVAL
5 19
ACCELERATE YOUR SALES WITH THE BIGGEST EVER ACTIVATION ON GUM, CAR BOTTLE CAMPAIGN *Free gum holder when you buy one bottle of Wrigley’s gum in participating stores only, while stocks last.
Gum - retail news A4 page.indd 1
20/01/2017 17:07
7 - 20 1 7
ZERO CALORIES LUCOZADE ZERO is a registered trade mark of Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited.
165372 LRS Lucozade Zero Trade Ad A4.indd 2
CELEBRATING
10/03/2017 11:58
GREAT YEARS
Special 60th Birthday Commemorative Issue 151036 SCA Hygiene Mag Cover A4.pdf
1
08/02/2016
15:33
The
NOVEMBER 2016
OCTOBER 2016
JULY/AUGUST 2016
JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016
No.1 Brand, with
Built by protein
over 22% market share*
POWERED BY DAIRY Fact Not Fad
DOES MORE FOR YOUR CATEGORY
The Nation’s Favourite Cookie Brand * worth
Keeping the category top of mind as the BIGGEST investor in advertising***
€1m
Most valuable shoppers who spend more per trip**
Find out more ndc.ie
STOCK UP NOW!
*Nielsen total mults data to 29.11.2015 **Kantar Worldpanel data to 03.01.2016 ***Nielsen Addynamix data to Nov 2015
*Kantar Total Biscuits 52w/e 22nd May 2016
JUNE 2016
APRIL 2016
MAY 2015
APRIL 2017
Meat your NEW SNACK
NEW
NOW ON THE GO
se only
tive purpo
For illustra
BARS, with Benefits High in Taste, Low in Sugar Chocolate snack bars with Benefits. 100% of your RDA of 9 Vitamins.
20g Protein
9
Vitamins 100% RCA
Low Sugar
Introducing NEW AERO® Mousse, combining delicious bubbly milk chocolate and a layer of chocolate mousse.
fulfilnutrition.com
® Reg. Trademark of Société des Produits Nestlé S.A.
F&S Retail News Cover_V3.indd 1
15/06/2016 13:49
FULFIL_202x276_AD_v1_Bleed.indd 1
28/03/2016 09:35
163371 Heinz BMH Retail News Magazine 210x297mm.indd 1
05/04/2017 10:26
28|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News 60th Birthday
Crowning the Customer Over 60 Years 12 years after leaving the business, Feargal Quinn remains the best known face of Irish retailing for generations of Irish people. Here, the former Superquinn owner and Senator casts his eye back over the last 60 years of retailing in Ireland. OVER 60 years ago, I remember accompanying my father on a visit to Dun Laoghaire to meet the owner of a grocery shop there. “How is business?” asked my father. “Very tough. It’s not like it used to be in the old days”, replied the grocer. On leaving the shop, my father said to me, “You know that’s exactly what my own father heard people say back in the 1930s”. I have heard the same comment so many times over the last 60 years. The reality is that the grocery business has always changed at a rapid pace, and will continue to change. So many household names have disappeared over the decades, Findlaters, Crazy Prices, Quinnsworth, and of course the company I founded myself, Superquinn is now no longer, other than in the form of the famous Superquinn sausage. Radical Transformation When I started back in 1960, grocery shopping was coming from an era where the customer stood at one side of the counter and the brown coat wearing staff member stood at the other and picked the groceries from a shelf behind them. We led the radical transformation that was to become the self-service supermarket of today and fortunately the consumer was ready for the transition.
As other supermarkets entered the marketplace, the competition at times was fierce. Daily promotional offers, in many cases loss leaders, free shuttle buses to bring customers from their homes to the branch and a price driven consumer were all part of the landscape back in the earlier decades. World Class Standards In Superquinn, we continued to focus on two areas, fresh foods and customer service, believing these attributes would be strong enough to attract customers if we executed them to world class standards. On the whole, that strategy worked for many decades and was followed by other newer innovations, like being the first supermarket in Ireland to have self-scan shopping, being the first supermarket to have on-line shopping and a global first with our DNA traceability on beef. The only constant in the marketplace over the decades was probably Dunnes and Superquinn. The others came and went. Dunnes enhanced their offer with a strengthening of their clothing and household ranges and today stand in a world class retail space with some of their shops, especially where their new experiential food offer is part of the format.
“
For decades, the speculation was always that Dunnes would be sold to one of the UK retailers. Imagine the irony if they purchased Tesco Ireland from a mothership which is about to head into a period of massive turbulence with Brexit on the horizon.
”
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|29
Retail News 60th Birthday ownership of the food retail landscape. I admire the work BWG have done to evolve the convenience sector and some of their sites, can and do act as a global classroom for food-to-go best practice. Arrival Of The ‘Groceraunts’ It would be remiss not to acknowledge the arrival of the “groceraunts” pioneered initially by Applegreen and followed more recently by Topaz and Maxol: a new breed of food retailer that combines what would have once being grocery shopping with a restaurant experience. We probably have some of the best motorway retailing in Europe being led by Irish operators.
Feargal Quinn served as a Senator from 1993 to 2016. SuperValu’s strategy of individual store ownership and community focus has come into its own in more recent times, regularly taking the number one slot for market share. The Changing Face of Retailing I remember back in the 1990s being at a European meeting and listening to the German retailer at the table, Edica, describing the psyche of the German consumer, which was to spend as little as possible on food, but enjoy the other luxuries in life. At the time, I didn’t quite comprehend the impact that the German retailers would have on the Irish marketplace and one cannot omit their role in changing Irish consumer behaviour.
I knew Sir Terry Leahy well during the era he led Tesco UK, Ireland and Global to being an impressive global player. Within a year of his departure, things started to fall apart at a rapid rate. Financial scandals, limited investment in its estate and a struggle to position itself to the consumer has led to a lacklustre performance. For decades, the speculation was always that Dunnes would be sold to one of the UK retailers. Imagine the irony if they purchased Tesco Ireland from a mothership which is about to head into a period of massive turbulence with Brexit on the horizon. Aside from the meltdown that the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission would go into, it would certainly rebalance the Irish
Superquinn was one of the innovators in Irish grocery for a generation thanks to the leadership of Feargal Quinn.
Feargal Quinn: “In Superquinn, we continued to focus on two areas, fresh foods and customer service, believing these attributes would be strong enough to attract customers if we executed them to world class standards.” I would like to think that if Superquinn had remained under family control, the brand might still be operating today, but that might be wishful thinking. Selling the business was very much a personal and family decision and one that was right for us at the time. We will never know the outcome if an alternative route had been chosen 12 years ago. In another 60 years’ time, a young reader of this article today will hear the words uttered about food retailing, “it’s not like it was in the old days. You know it’s really tough nowadays”. Food retail is about constant change and that change can have brutal consequences for retailers that fail to embrace it!
30|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60
60 Ye of RETAIL As Retail News celebrates 60 years as the voice of Irish grocery retailing, we remind you of some of the biggest stories over the course of the magazine’s lifetime.
1957 • •
Retail News begins publication, serving the needs of Ireland’s grocery sector. Dunnes Stores opens its first Dublin outlet, located in Henry Street.
1958 •
•
•
Jack Musgrave joins forces with Dutch franchise Voluntary Group (VG), giving the Musgrave Group increased buying power, groupwide sales, and lowering prices for their grocery clients. Merchants National Co-operative (MNC) is granted full wholesale terms. Two years previously, RGDATA established MNC as its buying arm, with the goal of reducing the cost of supplied goods. The Groceries Order (established 1956) is amended to allow suppliers to divide their customers into different classes in order to apply different terms and conditions. Those who buy in bigger quantities are able to secure better deals.
1959 •
Managing Director of H Williams, is quoted as saying in the RGDATA Review, “Self-service is a natural development in trading, and to my mind the only way to conduct a retail business today. It is successful because it is more efficient and it is better for customers.”
In November, Ireland’s first supermarket — a 5,500 square feet H. Williams outlet – opens in Dublin’s Henry Street. John Quinn,
1960 •
•
•
•
Feargal Quinn opens Quinns Supermarket in Dundalk, the first store in the future Superquinn franchise. Dunnes Stores opens a “superstore” in South Great Georges Street, Dublin. Advertisements boast that this is a ‘personal choice store’, with assistants behind every counter. Instead of asking for items, the customer could “examine” those on the countertop. Cork wholesaler Musgrave introduces Ireland’s first cashand-carry wholesale warehouse. Instead of delivering orders to its customers, retailers come to the warehouse: a brand new concept. Musgrave begins its VG franchise of retail stores.
1961 •
Rowntree and Mackintosh businesses merge. Mackintosh’s Rathmines factory is sold and all
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|31
Retail News is 60
ars NEWS •
production transferred to Inchicore. National Wholesale Groceries Alliance is established.
1963 •
•
•
•
•
Dublin wholesaler AWL and Cork wholesaler MUM bring the Spar franchise to Ireland for the first time. In April, a new fiscal package proposes a 2.5% turnover tax to be levied on retailers’ turnover. The industry reacts in fury. In May, RGDATA organise a gathering at Dublin’s Mansion House, attended by over 3,000 traders. The following resolution is passed: “This meeting protests in the most vigorous fashion against the unjust turnover tax and protests also at the impression created that the retail trades could or should absorb such a tax.” In July, a protest against the
turnover tax is held in Dublin, attended by over 10,000 traders from across Ireland, who parade from Parnell Square to Government Buildings. In November, despite retailers’ protestations, the turnover tax comes into force. All retailers with a monthly turnover in excess of £750 must register.
1965 •
The “Sauce War”, one of the first price wars takes place, as multiples sell selected goods at below cost prices.
1966 •
•
Musgrave complete a new distribution centre in Cork, growing sales from £1.31m in 1961 to £3.02m in 1969 and quadrupling profits. Dunnes opens a store at Cornelscourt, Ireland’s first out-oftown shopping centre.
“Congratulations to Kathleen and all the team at Retail News. RGDATA was founded in 1942 – fifteen years before Retail News – so we really appreciate the hard work and commitment that goes in to lasting the pace for 60 years. Retail News has been a stand out supporter of the independent retail sector and the family owned grocery/convenience stores that RGDATA represents. We wish Kathleen and the team the very best on reaching this milestone. Keep up the good work.” Tara Buckley, Director General, RGDATA.
32|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60
“Many congratulations to Kathleen and everyone at Retail News for achieving the fantastic milestone of 60 years of great service to the Irish retail and FMCG sector. Retail News has been a great supporter of our trade and I wish Kathleen and the team every success in the future.” Leo Crawford, Group Chief Executive, BWG Group. •
•
Taoiseach Sean Lemass opens the 1966 Conference of the International Federation of Grocers Associations (IFGA) in Dublin. The week-long conference is primarily devoted to self-service (now that the traditional counter-service shop has become an anachronism). The (UK) Benevolent Society for the Grocery and Provision Trade, later to become the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund, establishes an Irish branch.
1967 • •
In January, Mangan Brothers acquire the Mace franchise. In March, Nestlé merge with Williams & Woods, undertaking the distribution of Nestlé products throughout the Republic of Ireland.
•
1971 •
Allied Breweries and Guinness Ireland merge.
• • •
1969
Cadbury Group Ltd merges with Schweppes Ltd to create Cadbury Schweppes plc.
1970 • •
•
ADM secure the Londis franchise. The multiples have by now grabbed a 30% grocery market share, leaving the remaining 70% split equally between symbol groups and other independents. The future Unilver Ireland commences trading as CPC Foods.
The detested turnover tax is replaced by VAT, which would climb as high as 35% in the mid-1980s. Quinnsworth is founded by Pat Quinn with the slogan, “Let’s get it all together at Quinnsworth”. McMullans changes its name to Maxol, replacing and phasing out existing brand names, Mex, Silensol and Daisy.
1973 •
•
In February, the Republic of Ireland decimalises its currency.
1972
1968 •
Chivers settles down in Coolock, Dublin, at a modern facility covering over 100,000 square feet and comprising of a factory warehouse and company headquarters
A new Groceries Order introduces a new provision: suppliers may vary the terms of any transaction by implementing supplementary terms, otherwise known as off invoice discounts. However, the FTC, who brought the recommendations for the legislation, believe that an outright ban on below cost selling is not justifiable and will present “formidable and possibly insuperable problems”.
1974 •
Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur is created in Ireland.
l ongstanding Brand o ptimise your Business n ational Distribution Centre d evelopment and Innovation i ntelligent IT Retailing s ales + Profit through Partnership BWG Foods is investing over ¤8m in the Londis brand over the coming two years, giving our longstanding brand a new lease of life. We want you to be a part of this journey, so contact David Moroney to learn more about Londis and our new era of retail.
www.londis.ie
david moroney tel: 086 827 0894 email: dmoroney@bwg.ie
34|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60 1975 •
Keencost Centres (Ireland) begins trading.
• • •
1978 •
•
•
In June, yet another Groceries Order is passed, this time introducing new provisions in regard to own label goods, payment of bills, and the exclusion of fresh and frozen meat and vegetables from the Order. A group of retailers and wholesalers boycott an Irish manufacturer who was complicit with a retailer that allegedly sold goods below cost. In November, the Examiner of Restrictive Practices recommends a change to the Order to facilitate prosecutions demanded by the trade in regard to selling below the “net invoice price”. In December, yet another Groceries Order is signed, making a total of six Groceries Orders, in what is becoming a somewhat confusing regulatory environment.
1979 •
Musgrave’s VG chain is disbanded: the larger outlets become SuperValu stores, while the smaller
•
•
ones become Centra shops. Irish food wholesalers unite to form the Irish Association of Distributive Trades (IADT), headed by Ray Burke. Marks & Spencer open their first Irish store on Dublin’s Mary Street. In March, Ireland ends its pound’s parity with sterling. October sees RGDATA and IADT apply to the High Court for an injunction to prevent 3 Guys Ltd (an Irish multiple operated by UK giant Tesco) from advertising goods below cost. 3 Guys acknowledged that they had sold products beneath the net invoice price but argued that discounts and rebates, paid to them by their supplier and not shown on the invoice, should be taken into consideration. In December, Justice Ronan Keane rejects the 3 Guys argument, stating: “I cannot accept the submission on behalf of the defendants that the net invoice price is to be equated to the real purchase price. If this were correct, it would mean that at the date the goods were advertised for sale, it could not be said with any certainty that the goods were in fact being advertised for sale at a price equal to or greater than the net invoice price, since a period of up to a year might elapse before the ‘real purchase price’ could be ascertained.”
“As MD of Musgrave Wholesale Partners, I’m very aware of the value Retail News brings to our business and our teams. Whatever the subject, you can be sure of a comprehensive and up-to-the-minute view of what’s happening in the retail sector and what drives the decision making of our retail customers. From a personal point of view, and in my capacity as a past President of Appeals for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF), I’m very grateful for the wonderful support Retail News and in particular, Kathleen Belton, have afforded this important charity over many years. Their numerous articles, advertisements and features have served to raise the profile of the charity and in no small way, encouraged colleagues in the industry to give generously”. Noel Keeley, MD, Musgrave Wholesale Partners.
ON 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS FROM JIM AND THE TEAM AT
36|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60 1980 •
Multiples now maintain a 36% share of the market. Symbols have fallen to 31% and other independent retailers are down to 25%.
1984 •
•
1981 •
•
•
Advertising the sale of goods at below cost is banned - a largely cosmetic measure that has little real impact. The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund splits from the UK branch to become a fully independent organisation and a registered charity. The IGBF is also registered under the Friendly Societies Act. Geoff Read founds Ballygowan Company.
1982 •
•
H. Williams is taken over by property developer Finbarr Holland. However, the change of ownership fails to revive its fortunes. A new Planning Directive obliges planning authorities to consider the likely impact of retail developments on existing retailers when granting planning permission.
1986 •
MNC is taken over by BWG. A Joint Oireachtas Committee on Small Businesses is established. Chaired by Wexford TD Ivan Yates, the Committee decides to launch an investigation into the retail and distribution sectors and invites submissions from interested parties.
The Homestead brand is established under the direction of the National Wholesale Groceries Alliance.
1987 •
1983 • •
The multiples’ share of the market has by now reached 58%, one of the highest levels in Europe, while the symbols and other independent retailers are down to 21% each. In October, the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Small Businesses is critical of the multiples, stating: “The Committee believes that multiple stores have an unfair advantage through their inordinate strength to (a) obtain from suppliers prices and credit terms that are in effect unsustainable and unfair, and (b) can be punitive to Irish manufacturers. In the long term, this is not in the public interest and we therefore recommend three modifications to the existing controls on retail trading and development.” The Committee’s first recommendation is a ban on below-cost selling.
•
•
In autumn, Dunnes Stores launch yet another price war, leading to the collapse of multiple H. Williams. Hundreds of employees are left without a job, in a time of high unemployment, and many Irish suppliers are left nursing heavy losses. The Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987 (known as the “Groceries Order”) is introduced, prohibiting the sale of below cost goods. The National Lottery is formed.
“60 years in business is a wonderful achievement, congratulations for continuing to provide a vital service to all retailers through the publication. Retail News is recognised as an authoritative and well researched publication and is a must-read for all CSNA members each month.” Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA.
HAPPY
RETAIL NEWS
Stonehouse Marketing Ltd, 12 Dundrum Business Park, Dundrum, Dublin 14
38|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60
“Being in business for 60 years is an incredible achievement and it’s a testament to Retail News that in all of that time, they’ve been steadfast in taking the pulse of our industry and have offered opinion, insight and a comprehensive picture of developing trends across the FMCG sector. “Kathleen, John and the whole team at Retail News have been an enormous supporter of our sector and we are proud of our continuing relationship with them. Everyone at Barry Group would like to offer their congratulations on this significant milestone to the entire Retail News team and we look forward to reading the magazine for many years to come.” Jim Barry, Managing Director, Barry Group.
1988 • • •
The Irish Retail Newsagents Association is formed. Donegal Catch launches its first foil bag range of frozen fish in Ireland. Marks & Spencer open their second outlet in Grafton St.
1990 •
Greencore acquires 50% of Odlums.
1995 •
1996 • •
1991 • •
Feargal Quinn’s son, Eamonn, takes a key management role as deputy chairman in Superquinn. The Sugar Company becomes part of the Greencore Plc Group, and is now known as Irish Sugar Plc.
•
1992 •
The Irish Fair Trade Network is established.
1994 •
In December, an act of the Dáil establishes Bord Bia/Irish Food Board, bringing together the former CBF (Coras Beostoic agus Feola the Irish Meat and Livestock Board) and the food promotion activities of the Irish Trade Board.
ADM (originally Allied Dublin Merchants Limited, later Allied Distributive Merchants Ltd) buys the Londis brand in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
•
Barrys launch the Quik Pick franchise. Tayto build a new state-of-the-art distribution centre in Ballymount, Dublin. The centre is 30,000 square feet in size, containing 10 automatic loading bays, with the capacity to hold in excess of 150,000 crisp cartons at any one time. Maxol intervenes in the row between Statoil and the Irish Government over the blocking of Statoil’s intended takeover of Jet, the deal going through on the basis that Maxol acquires 80 additional retail outlets from Statoil and Jet. The first Irish product bearing the Fairtrade Mark - Bewley’s Direct coffee - is launched.
1997 •
In May, Tesco acquire the retailing and supply chain operations of Associated British Foods for £643m. In the Republic of Ireland, the buyout includes retail operations,
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|39
Retail News is 60 •
• •
• • •
Powers Supermarkets Ltd (trading as Quinnsworth), Crazy Prices, Stewarts Wine Barrel off-licence chain, Lifestyle Sports, the meat processing and packing business Kingsway Fresh Foods Ltd, and the Fresh fruit and vegetable distributor, Daily Wrap Produce Ltd. The first store under the Tesco name opens in Athlone. Seamus Scally becomes Chief Executive of Musgrave Group. One of his first moves is to consolidate the group’s position in Northern Ireland by acquiring the chain of 21 Wellworth stores, giving Musgrave a 10% share of the Northern Irish grocery market. Musgrave Group launch the Day Today brand, servicing smaller grocers across Ireland. Mangans launch the XpressStop symbol group. Repak, the not-for-profit waste scheme, launches in Ireland in a bid to help the country to meet EU recycling targets.
“A big Happy Birthday to Retail News. Kathleen, you don’t look a day over 40! Retail News has been an integral part of the Irish retail landscape over the last half century and has played a vital role in probing and challenging retail over the period. From the big breaking stories to the human interest news, Retail News has been there. Congratulations and here’s to another 60 years. Cheers!” Tom Shipsey, CEO, Stonehouse.
1998 •
•
• •
The Planning Directive for Superstores places a floor-space cap of 3,000 square metres on new supermarkets. In July, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland is established under the Food Safety Authority of Ireland Act, 1998. Gala Retail Services launches, operating under three brands: Gala, Gala Superstore and Checkout. Allied Domecq acquire 100% of C&C Soft Drinks Company.
•
•
•
1999 • • •
•
Smirnoff Ice is launched in Ireland. Guinness Draught in a Bottle is introduced. In November, Aldi, a German discount grocery retailer, opens its first Irish supermarkets: one in Dublin, the other in Cork. Avonmore Foods and Waterford Foods merge, changing their name to Glanbia (meaning ‘pure food’ in Irish).
2000 •
Tesco Ireland launches its tesco.ie online shopping service for the
• •
Dublin area. Musgrave buy a 43% share of the English grocery chain Budgens, which operates 167 stores in England. The first critical review of the Groceries Order takes place. In October 2000, Mary Harney TD, the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, decides to retain the Order, saying that she believes below cost selling is not in the public interest. Keencost Centres (Ireland) and the National Wholesale Groceries Alliance merge to form Stonehouse. German discounter Lidl opens its first Irish store. Barry’s acquires the Costcutter Franchise for the Republic of Ireland.
2001 •
January sees new Retail Planning Guidelines, which maintain the 3,000 square metre cap on new supermarket floor space but increase the allowable floor space in the Greater Dublin Area to 3,500 square metres.
40|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60 2002 •
•
On January 1, Ireland changes over to the euro. The new notes and coins are introduced, primarily via retailers. The exercise is a resounding success, with virtually all transactions conducted via euro within two weeks. Mangans Wholesale acquire the Vivo franchise for the Republic of Ireland.
•
2004 • •
•
On March 29, the smoking ban is introduced to the delight of offlicenses across Ireland. In August, the Jacob Fruitfield Food Group is created, as a result of the amalgamation of Fruitfield Foods (bought out from Nestlé in 2002) and Irish Biscuits (purchased from Groupe Danone earlier in 2004). In October, Finance Director Chris Martin takes over as Musgrave Group Managing Director from the retiring Seamus Scally.
2005 •
•
•
In January, ADM Londis converts from a co-operative to private plc status, allowing its retailers to own a chunk of the business: the only group in the Irish sector to make such a move. In August, Superquinn is sold to the Select Retail Holdings consortium. Simon Burke replaces Feargal Quinn as Executive Chairman, Quinn
• •
•
becomes non-executive President. Eamonn Quinn leaves the company. In November, Micheál Martin TD, Irish Minister for Enterprise, Trade & Employment, announces that the Groceries Order will be revoked. He said: “One of the key aims of the current Order, which was introduced in 1987, was to prevent below cost selling by larger retailers in a manner that would damage their smaller competitors. Unfortunately, key provisions and terminology in the Order designed to achieve that objective have been identified in the Report as no more than an ‘administrative convenience’. It is simply no longer acceptable that State intervention in a key sector of our economy should be based on an administrative convenience with no economic rationale to support it whatsoever. Predatory pricing is an anti-competitive practice and is outlawed by the provisions of the Competition Act. The Groceries Order, on the other hand, is incapable of addressing the threat of predatory pricing in any sort of proportionate way.” Musgrave launch new symbol group, Daybreak. Diageo acquires Bushmills Irish Whiskey. Unilever Foods Ireland and sister company Lever Faberge Ireland merge and are renamed Unilever Ireland. In December, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland launch the Monitoring Body for Alcohol Advertising.
“Gala has been working with Retail News for almost 20 years now. We understand what it means to build a longstanding, enduring and prosperous business and for Retail News to be marking 60 years of providing industry insight as one of the leading magazines for the FMCG sector is a remarkable achievement. We’d like to wish Kathleen and all of the team at Retail News a Happy 60th Birthday and the best of luck for the future.” Gary Desmond, CEO, Gala Retail Services
Happy 60 Birthday from all at Maxol th
www.maxol.ie /Maxol
@TheMaxolGroup
/ TheMaxolGroup
42|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60 2006 • •
•
In March, The Restrictive Practices (Groceries) Order 1987 is abolished. In May, the Irish Retail Newsagents Association is renamed the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA). In September, in the face of increasing criticism that retailers have not dropped prices in the wake of the Groceries Order dissolution, Tesco announces that it has reduced the prices of more than 5,000 grocery items since May.
•
•
•
2007 • • FREE e100 Hotel Gift
Certificate
• •
October 2006
Premier Foods announces the acquisition of Chivers Ireland. Repak celebrates its 10th anniversary. The National Lottery celebrates its 20th anniversary. Off trade sales overtake pub sales, accounting for 52% of all alcohol sold.
•
•
2008 • • • • • • September 2010
wit WIN h se Pos BIG e p tP ag oin e3 t 3
•
Eason and John Menzies form a joint venture to create EM News Distribution. BWG Group acquires the business of Mangan’s Wholesale. National Lottery launches Millionaire Raffle. Irish shoppers crossing the border in huge numbers. Heineken acquires Beamish & Crawford. New EU regulations require retailers who sell batteries to take waste batteries back for recycling. The VAT rate increases from 21% to 21.5%.
•
•
2011 •
2009
•
•
•
•
The cigarette display ban is introduced in stores nationwide. Love Irish Food launches to support Irish food and drink brands in the marketplace. Within six months, it has 73 member brands.
2010 •
September Cover.indd 1
02/09/2010 15:34
Barry Group purchases the Carry Out off-license business, adding 52 specialist off-licenses to its
retail stock of Costcutter, Buy Lo and Quik Pick brands. The Group then embarks on a massive expansion plan, including a €3.5m, 55,000 square feet expansion of its warehouse facilities. The new Finance Bill dramatically increases the maximum fine that can be handed out a person caught smuggling cigarettes into the country, up from €12,695 to €126,970. Retailers call for the proposed grocery code of practice to allow smaller stores to voice complaints against suppliers. The Bord Bia report, Pathways For Growth, reveals that Ireland should adopt a strategy of developing a world-class agricultural industry by 2016 and set itself the goal of becoming the most efficient, most highly innovative food and drink country in the world. One of the most respected and loved figures in the Irish grocery sector, George Cooke, founder of the National Grocers Wholesale Alliance (NGWA), passes away. A report from the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) suggests the off-licence sector is driving growth in the drinks sector. The report states the off-licence sector had 34.8% of market value in 2009, compared to 27.5% in 2000. BWG Foods launches an exclusive Irish fresh meat range, Glenmór, investing €1m over three years in the roll-out through its 800-strong store network. Jameson strengthens its position as the world’s leading Irish whiskey, with the announcement of three million case sales globally.
•
Superquinn is acquired by Musgrave Group. The European Commission proposes introducing plain packaging for tobacco products. The JLC system is deemed unconstitutional by the High Court, following a case taken by the Quick Service Food Alliance. A Spar store opens its doors on the nation’s favourite homegrown TV soap, Fair City.
44|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60 November 2011
BIC Ireland, Regus House, Harcourt Centre, Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, Registered Ireland No. 37033
How Safe Are Your Lighters?
“For the past 60 years, the Irish retail sector has been strongly supported by the hard work and dedication of the Retail News team, through their informative analysis of key retail related issues and insightful opinion pieces. Congratulations on turning 60!” Thomas Burke, Director, Retail Ireland
3 out of 4 Lighter models sold in the EU don’t conform to ISO 9994 International Safety Standards* Selling non-compliant lighters may result in being fined up to E3,000 per lighter sold
Be 100% ISO 9994 Compliant - Sell a BIC®
MORE FOR YOUR MONEY Selling lighters that are non-compliant with ISO 9994 safety standard and/or with child-resistant requirements or novelty lighters, may be punished by fines: up to £3,000 per lighter sold. *Lighter models tested by PROSAFE (2008-2010) a non-profit organisation established by market surveillance officers from various countries throughout Europe who deal with the safety of products.
November Cover.indd 1
17/11/2011 14:05
MARCH 2013
2012 •
•
•
E KISSRM ISH
•
I’M I
Retail Mar 2013 cover.indd 1 154063 M&Ms Paddy RetailNews VD.indd 1
13/03/2013 16:15 25/02/2013 15:17
May 2013
•
•
CK STO OW UP
N
•
Boyne Valley Group acquires the Irish brands of Premier Foods: McDonnells, Chivers, Erin and Gateaux. SuperValu launch a new own brand, which sees 1,500 product lines introduced across the SuperValu store network. Nestlé Confectionery becomes the first major confectioner to remove artificial colours, flavours and preservatives from its entire confectionery range. The Irish dairy industry reacts angrily to a Broacasting Authority of Ireland (BAI) proposal to ban cheese advertising to children, accusing the BAI of using “unrepresentative” data. October sees the BAI ruling that cheese will be exempt from their proposed new advertising rules, the Children’s Commercial Communications Code, and can continue to be advertised to children in broadcast media. BWG Foods is one of the first businesses in Ireland to go contactless, in partnership with Visa Europe. Ireland’s new Retail Planning Guidelines are an update on the 2005 guidelines, whereby the size of stores can be increased from 3,500 square metres to 4,000 square metres in the Dublin area, and from 3,000 square metres to 3,500 square metres in the cities of Cork, Waterford, Galway and Limerick/ Shannon. Alcohol and tobacco is more expensive to buy in Ireland than any other European country, according to a Eurostat survey.
2013 • •
•
•
•
• •
•
• •
SuperValu launches the first grocery shopping app in Ireland. A new EU Directive, Late Payment Directive 2011/7/EU, is aimed at tackling the issue of late payment of invoices across the EU and could make a massive difference to Irish businesses, particularly SMEs. EU member states move to deal with the horsemeat scandal with large-scale product testing taking place throughout the EU. BWG Group opens a major new 240,000 square feet, state-of-theart National Distribution Centre located in Kilcarbery Business Park, Dublin 22. Quish’s SuperValu, Ballincollig, Co. Cork, the first SuperValu in Ireland to allow shoppers to pick up a handheld scanner at the door to scan products and pack their groceries while moving along the aisles. A new study by RGDATA reveals that the use of violence in retail crime has almost tripled since 2011. The European Parliament gives the green light to EU plans to introduce clearer rules on the labelling and content of baby milks and foods for special medical purposes. The EU Commission proposes new rules to cap charges on debit and credit card payments across the EU. The package would also see increased security for payments and clearer rules for all operators. Gala celebrates 15 years in operation. The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine’s report on the grocery
Putting some of the biggest brands in the spotlight in Ireland
SHS Sales & Marketing has the breadth of sales coverage across all trading channels combined with category specialist knowledge and insights to support great brands and give them the opportunity to shine in competitive markets across both the UK and Ireland. Congratulations to Retail News on celebrating 60 years of success
WHERE GREAT BRANDS GROW IRELAND — WWW.SHS-SALES.IE T: 00353 (0) 1 4016200 E: INFO@SHS-SALES.IE
46|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail News is 60 JULY/AUGUST 2016
•
sector recommends a statutory code of practice for retailer-supplier relations, the establishment of a supermarket ombudsman and the introduction of minimum pricing on alcohol.
• •
2014 •
• MARCH 2017
•
• •
•
ZERO CALORIES LUCOZADE ZERO is a registered trade mark of Lucozade Ribena Suntory Limited.
165372 LRS Lucozade Zero Trade Ad A4.indd 2
10/03/2017 11:58
APRIL 2017
• •
March 31 sees the Government publishing the Competition and Consumer Protection Bill 2014, designed to prevent certain unfair practices, such as unilateral altering of contracts, retailers requiring ‘hello money’ for space in supermarkets or forcing suppliers to fund promotions, as well as wastage or shrinkage. The European Commission publishes new proposals for a new Regulation on organic production and the labelling of organic products. Ireland’s illicit trade in fuel and tobacco is worth €337m per year, according to a new report from business advisory firm Grant Thornton. Londis celebrates 60 years serving local communities in Ireland. The first meeting of the Retail Consultation Forum takes place in Dublin Castle, allowing retailers to directly engage with legislators and policy-makers to help shape a better business environment for Irish retail. Some of Ireland’s leading representative groups join forces to call on the Government to end upward only rent reviews. The group includes RGDATA, Retail Ireland, the CSNA, The Irish Exporters Association, ISME and the Small Firms Association. Meanwhile, Independent Senator Feargal Quinn tables a bill banning upward only rents, which passes the Seanad but never makes it through the Dáil. C&C Group plc confirms the acquisition of the Gleeson Group, creating C&C Gleeson. Ireland jumps from fourth to the second most successful country when it comes to packaging recycling.
2015 • • 163371 Heinz BMH Retail News Magazine 210x297mm.indd 1
05/04/2017 10:26
Milk quotas are removed across the EU. The parent company of Topaz
•
• •
•
•
• •
Energy Limited agrees to purchase the Esso fuels and convenience store businesses in Ireland. BWG Group acquires the trading business of ADM Londis. Retail in urban centres is on the road to recovery but rural areas still lag behind. The Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation publishes its final report and set of recommendations on policy options to support business growth, employment creation and job retention in Irish towns and village centres. Retailers called for a change to Ireland’s data protection laws in order to allow them to share information about serial shoplifters. While their counterparts in the UK can exchange images and information about offenders with previous convictions, Irish laws prevent retailers here from doing the same. Barry Group celebrates 60 years in business. The National Lottery introduces a number of innovations from September 3, 2015, to make the flagship Lotto game, and the associated Lotto Plus game, more exciting and engaging to players. Budget 2016 receives a broad thumbs-up from the retail and grocery trade, with most commentators welcoming new measures to put additional money in consumers’ pockets. Rounding officially commences on October 28. From that date forward, all retail operators will be encouraged to round all cash transactions to the nearest 0c or 5c, unless the customer chooses not to. SuperValu launches home and car insurance. Topaz is to be acquired by the Canadian company, Couche-Tard.
2016 •
•
The Irish Grocery Goods Regulations come into force on April 30, 2016. Enforced by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, the regulations apply to food and drink retailers and wholesalers in Ireland with a worldwide turnover in excess of €50m. The independent retail grocery sector makes a greater economic contribution to local economies than multiple supermarkets,
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|47
Retail News is 60
•
•
•
•
according to Local Heroes II, a study of the economic, financial and social significance of the independent grocery sector - €100 spent in a local shop results in an injection of €250 into the local economy. The same amount spent in a large multiple results in an injection of just €140. March 1 sees the new ASAI Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland coming into effect, including revised rules for advertising and promoting food to children, as well as new guidelines governing the advertising of e-cigarettes. Britain votes to exit the European Union, a move which has huge consequences for the Irish retail sector. The Irish government’s plan to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened drinks is broadly criticised, including by leading nutritionist, Mike Gibney, a Professor of Health and Food at University College Dublin (UCD), who describes it as regressive. The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill proves
extremely controversial, particularly with regard to Minimum Unit Pricing, structural separation and sponsorship/advertising regulations.
2017 •
• •
•
Great Sales
Be part of a growing brand today! Contact Colm Fitzsimons on 086 807 9051 Visit our NEW WEBSITE! xlstores.ie www.facebook.com/XLIreland
Built by protein
POWERED BY DAIRY
Retail News celebrates its 60th birthday. Britain officially triggers Article 50, paving the way for Brexit. The Public Health (Alcohol) Bill is still being debated, with a new report suggesting that the proposed measures would have a detrimental economic impact on an industry that generates €3 billion in GDP annually, and do little to reduce harmful drinking. The Terms of Employment (Information) (Amendment) and Organisation of Working Time (Amendment) Bill 2017 receives
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS OF LOCAL 1997-2017
Minimise Overheads
NOVEMBER 2016
Fact Not Fad
Find out more ndc.ie
cabinet approval but retail groups fear it may restrict flexibility in the retail sector.
Congratulations to Retail News on reaching 60 years in business Flexible Retailing
Maximise Profitability
Benefit from the buying power of BWG Foods, the local convenience of 20 Value Centre branches and a market leading supply chain.
l of Bring a new leve e! stor success to your
I WIN! N! W I N! IN! W ! 7 - 20 1 N 5 W I 7 19 N! IN! W W ! N
Retail
CELEBRATING
GREAT YEARS
Retail News is 60 years old an
Enter our Big Bi PRIZES TO BE WON • Vodafone Smart Platinum 7 • 2 X Electric Picnic Tickets • 2 Nights B&B in the Sheraton Athlone Hotel including dinner for two & 1 spa treatment each • 3 X €100 One4all Gift Cards • 1 Night B&B in the Athlone Springs Hotel including dinner for two • 2 Tickets to Republic of Ireland v Serbia • €200 Applegreen Voucher • BBQ & Gaslight Cylinder • 2 Nights B&B at the Malton Hotel, Killarney • Case of Amsterdam Vodka
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Fueling Ireland
R
4 X Tayto Park Admission Passes Case of Pink Elephant Rose Frizzante 2 X Heinz Hampers Case of Wine An Irish Banquet Hamper €100 Value Centre Voucher Maxol Car Care Range Hamper Musgrave MarketPlace Hamper 2 X Cases of Villa Maria Wine €50 Home Heating Oil Voucher €100 Lidl Voucher 3 X Giant Andrex Puppies
ETAIL
N
EWS
D
IRECTORY
201 3
Retail News would like to th H
GALA
Head Office: Gala Retail Services Limited, Summit Hou
W WI IN N! WI N! ! W W 7 - 20 1 5 W I 7 I 9 N N 1 ! W! W IN I GREAT YEARS !
News CELEBRATING
d we want to celebrate with you.
rthday Giveaway RE T A I L NE W S DIR E C T O R Y 2 0 16
To be in with a chance to win one of these INCREDIBLE PRIZES, all you have to do is answer the following questions.
MULTIPLES/DISCOUNTERS Q1. Name one Retail Grocery Group Q2. Who is this legend of the Irish grocery industry
Discounters Tesco Ireland Ltd
ENTER TO WIN
To Enter: Email your answers together with your name, address and telephone number to: info@retailnews.ie, or send a postcard to Retail News Birthday Competition, Tara Publishing, 14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2. Aldi Entries must be received by: 18th July 2017. Judges decision is final. No cash alternative given.
cash & c Wholesale
Dunnes Stores
ank our Big Birthday Sponsors
ouse, Greenhills Road,
00 odservice.ie odservice.ie
hef’s Kitchen
r: John Moane .ie
RETAIL GROUPS GUIDE
ERVICE
VALUE CENTRE Head Office: BWG Foods, BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24. Tel: (01) 409 0300 Web: www.valuecentre.ie Email: info@valuecentre.ie Parent Company: BWG Foods Symbol Groups: XL & Xpress Stop
jmoane@bwg.ie
WINE TASTING Are you fruity for Sauvignon or a nut for Merlot? Allow our resident sommelier help you find out as he guides you through a celebration of fine wines from different regions of the world.
Head Office: BWG Foods, Greenhills Road, Walkinstown, Dublin 12 Tel: (01) 409 0300 Web: www.spar.ie / www.facebook.com/SPARIreland SPA BEAUTY DEMO Sales & Retail Advisory Services Director Malachy Hanberry mhanberry@bwg.ie SPAR National Sales Manager Colin Donnelly cdonnelly@bwg.ie AQUA AEROBICS SPAR Regional Manager (Leinster) Musgrave Peter Dwan pdwan@bwg.ie SPAR Regional Manager (Munster) Barry Doyle barrydoyle@bwg.ie
Lidl Ireland
Private Labels: Family Value & Chef’s Kitchen MANAGEMENT: Managing Director: John Moane
SPAR
activities to ensure you are entertained. Below are just some of the activities we have available:
Do we really need to cleanse and tone our skin daily? Indulge in the ultimate beauty experience and learn the best skincare tips and tricks from our expert beauty therapists.
MarketPlace
It may look like a lot of splashing around but aqua aerobics has been a popular way of keeping fit for years. So why not get your blood moving and those tummies toned with an invigorating aqua aerobics session.
50|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
TWIG
Industry Support for Women in Grocery
The recent Today’s Women in Grocery networking lunch proved a tremendous success, with a host of top class speakers. THE recent Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG) networking event in the InterContinental Hotel, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, provided women working within the Irish grocery industry with a fantastic opportunity to meet and network. The TWIG group was created by the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF) as a platform for women in grocery to grow their connections, learn from leading inspirational women and discuss issues of concern and network with each other. The event has a key focus on raising the profile of women in the sector. All proceeds from the lunch go to support the IGBF charity. Phenomenal Success “The aim of TWIG is to provide exciting new networking initiatives targeted at a female audience, raising the profile of women in grocery, encouraging more female leadership and participation in IGBF events and driving better understanding of the IGBF’s charity work,” explained Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Chair of TWIG and MD of Think Plan Do Consulting, at the event. “This year’s event was a phenomenal success, with more than double the number of attendees than in 2016,” she continued. “We were delighted to be hosting our second TWIG networking lunch at the Intercontinental Hotel, Ballsbridge. This event helps to facilitate networking amongst women in recognition of the challenges and issues of concern faced by our members and guests. Women at the event were encouraged out of their comfort zone, to grow their connections and avail of the opportunity to connect with new people in the grocery sector by sharing and discussing topics of relevance in an open and supportive environment.” Generous Sponsors Themed ‘Growing Connections’, the event proved the perfect platform for attendees to do just that, thanks to the generous support of its sponsors, including Musgrave MarketPlace, The National Lottery, CPM, LR Suntory, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard, Stafford Lynch and Santa Rita Europe Ltd. “Musgrave’s involvement with the IGBF spans many years and it was an honour to be involved as a sponsor of the TWIG event and to contribute to making a difference to those in the grocery industry who have fallen on hard times,” noted Anne O’Brien, Category Manager Food Services, Musgrave. “We are already looking forward to the Event in 2018 and from the feedback received to date post the event via emails, texts and
the coverage received on social media, next year will only be bigger and better.” Superb Speakers The fantastic line-up of speaker’s included Louise Ryan, Managing Director, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard; Áine Maguire, Managing Director, Persuasion; Aoibheann O’Brien, CEO of FoodCloud Hub; and Sheila Gallagher, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland, while event MC was Melanie Morris, Editor-InChief of Image Magazine.
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|51
TWIG The speakers proved particularly inspirational and insightful. Sheila Gallagher’s hugely entertaining presentation examined her career progression to Commercial Director of Tesco Ireland. To a soundtrack that included Taylor Swft, she revealed her tips for fellow attendees as: • Be confident to drive change; • Listen and seek advice; • Find your voice; • Be Resilient; • Don’t stress, impress. Consultant and business coach Aine Maguire focused on the theme of growing connections, reflecting on a career which began in marketing electronics and encompassed public affairs and finally corporate business development. Her extremely interesting presentation included: • Connecting career with heritage; • A competency that we can all leverage; • A habit that supports and guides your career; • A connections strategy for your career.
Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Chair of TWIG and MD of Think Plan Do Consulting, addresses a packed house at the Todays’ Women in Grocery TWIG networking luncheon.
Eilis Tobin, Marketing Manager - Oral, GSK; and Elaine McCague, Marketing Controller at Britvic Ireland Ltd.
The TWIG committee (l-r): Lorraine Butler, Managing Director, CPM Ireland; Paula Donoghue, Insight and Brand Manager, Bord Bia; Brigid O’Neill, National Account Manager, Birds Eye; Sharon Yourell Lawlor, MD, Think Plan Do Consulting; Paula Conlon, Customer Marketing Controller, Heineken Ireland; Anne O’Brien, Category Manager - Foodservices, Musgrave Wholesale Partners; and Francis Higgins, Head of Promotions, BWG Foods.
Michelle Finan, Customer Director, Valeo Foods, and Lauren Whelan, Valeo Foods, pictured at the TWIG lunch.
52|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
TWIG Louise Ryan discussed her career, which took her from Mars Ireland in 1996 to MD of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard in 2016, as well as bringing up her three daughters. She paid particular tribute to the influence on her career of Anna Malmhake, former CEO of Irish Distillers and current CEO and Chairman and CEO of The Absolut Company, who advised her to show
Elizabeth Sheehan, Marketing Director, LR Suntory, and Sharon Yourell Lawlor.
her daughters that “they don’t need to choose between a family and a career.” “Our vision is for a world where no good food goes to waste,” revealed Aoibheann O’Brien, who explained how FoodCloud has developed a software platform that enables businesses to work with charities in their local community to coordinate surplus food redistribution and ensure that no edible
surplus goes to waste across Ireland and the UK. 1,800 retail outlets and 100 food companies are donating 18m meals annually for people in need via 4,000 charity partners in the UK and Ireland. The event proved both inspirational and entertaining, and we look forward to the continued success of TWIG events in the future.
Pictured are the speakers: Louise Ryan, Managing Director, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard; Sheila Gallagher, Commercial Director, Tesco Ireland; Sharon Yourell Lawlor, TWIG Chair; Aoibheann O’Brien, CEO of FoodCloud Hub; and Áine Maguire, Managing Director, Persuasion.
Pictured are (l-r): Michelle Thornton, MD, Hotel Solutions; Linda McCartney, Hotel Solutions, and Lorraine Butler, MD, CPM Ireland.
Event MC Melanie Morris, Jenny Fisher, Head of Legal & Regulatory Affairs at Premier Lotteries Ireland Limited, and Sharon Yourell Lawlor.
Niamh Higgins, Commercial Director, The Delta Group, and Juliette Roche, Premier Lotteries Ireland.
Siobhan Hennessy, Head of Customer Experience at Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland, at the TWIG lunch.
54|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Kantar Brand Footprint
Irish Brands Are
Shining Bright!
Home-grown brands came out on top in the latest Kantar Brand Footprint. David Berry, Director of Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland, talks us through the results.
IRISH consumers favour Irish brands, according to the fifth annual Brand Footprint Ireland ranking from Kantar Worldpanel, measuring which brands are being bought by the most consumers the most often. The top four most chosen brands in the country are home-grown favourites, with Avonmore, Brennans, Denny and Jacob’s leading the way. “The top four are homegrown brands, the first time that has happened, which is good news,” revealed David Berry, Director of Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland. “Three out of those four are seeing improvement as well, including Brennans, who have seen a 15% growth in reach points year-on-year.” Six of this year’s top 10 brands in Ireland – Avonmore, Brennans, Jacob’s, Heinz, Coca Cola and Tayto – have seen the frequency at which their goods are bought increase by an average of 6.6%. However, across eight of the top 10 names, the percentage of the population buying the brand has gone down, and overall branded sales have decreased by 0.2% in comparison to private label growth. “It has been tough for a while for brands,” David Berry explained, “with own label encroaching on their space. On one hand, Aldi and Lidl continue to pick up share in the market and they are predominantly own label. Then you have the fact that some of the other retailers have done a lot of good work on their own label ranges as well, expanding their own brand offering and improving the quality of their range. For brands, being innovative and continuing to improve what they do are becoming more and more important.”
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|55
Kantar Brand Footprint Kantar Brand Footprint Top 50 Irish Brands Rank
David Berry, Director of Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland. Native Successes Avonmore leads the Irish ranking for the fifth consecutive year, thanks to 73.4% of the population picking it from supermarket shelves an average of 28.8 times a year. Brennans and Denny remain in second and third place respectively, while Jacob’s has climbed one place to fourth, as consumers buy its products 3.4% more often than the year before. The biggest success story of this year’s ranking is everyday fish specialist John West, which has risen 16 places to 37th in the overall Irish ranking by achieving the highest penetration increase among any brand in the top 50. This has been driven by a strong consumer response to new product innovation, such as its John West Steam Pots range, which meet the growing trend for convenient food options among consumers. Changing Consumer Behaviour “Consumer behaviour is changing at a rapid pace,” revealed David Berry. “To keep up, brands and manufacturers will need to recognise consumer needs which aren’t being met or demographic group which are under-performing and come up with innovative new products
Brand
CRP
CRP % Change
Penetration 2015
Penetration 2016
Frequency 2015
Frequency 2016
1
Avonmore
36
36
75.9
73.4
27.2
28.8
2
Brennans
35
15
71.6
75.6
25.3
27.5
3
Denny
20
-7
76.7
70.8
16.3
16.3
4
Jacob’s
18
2
84.6
82.7
12.5
12.9
5
Knorr
18
-4
84.3
81.8
13.1
12.9
6
Muller
16
-10
67.4
62.1
15.3
14.8
7
Heinz
15
1
83.8
82.6
10.3
10.3
8
Coca-Cola
15
7
66.6
64.5
12.1
13.4
9
Tayto
13
11
72
72.7
10
10.9
10
Birds Eye
13
-11
70.2
66.2
12.3
11.6
11
Batchelors
13
-6
69.2
64.6
11.8
11.8
12
Cadbury’s Dairy Milk
12
3
75.5
72.9
9.3
9.9
13
Mc Vitie’s
12
0
74.2
71.9
9.7
10
14
Pat The Baker
12
10
58.7
57.9
10.8
12
15
Irish Pride
11
-8
60.6
56.5
11.6
11.3
16
Keelings
10
10
51.5
50.9
10.7
11.8
17
Glenisk
9
7
46.9
45.7
11.2
12.2
18
Galtee
9
-17
62.1
55.9
10.4
9.5
19
Green Isle
9
5
68.9
66.6
7.1
7.7
20
Nicky
9
25
56.3
55.6
7.3
9.2
21
7-UP
8
-2
57.4
56.8
8
7.9
22
Colgate
8
-3
74.5
73.6
6.2
6.1
23
Fairy
8
7
70.8
69.7
5.9
6.4
24
Walkers
8
-4
56.2
55
8.2
8
25
Nescafé
7
14
50.3
50.6
7.6
8.6
26
Dairygold
7
3
38.4
36.3
11
11.9
27
Goodfellas
7
-5
55.7
54
8
7.8
28
Connacht Gold
7
4
27.5
28.9
13.7
13.6
29
Alpro
7
11
29.5
28.5
12.1
13.8
30
Pringles
6
19
54.6
56.8
5.9
6.7
31
Flahavans
6
9
48.4
47.6
7.2
7.9
32
Erin
6
-9
61.8
55.1
6.6
6.7
33
Dolmio
6
0
51.7
51.8
7.1
7
34
Flora
6
14
40.2
34.5
10.4
10.4
35
Hellmann’s
6
6
64.5
64.9
5.2
5.4
36
Clonakilty
6
14
39.1
38.6
7.9
9.1
37
John West
6
20
44
47.4
6.6
7.4
38
Johnston Mooney And O’Brien
6
-8
49.1
44.5
7.7
7.8
39
Lyons
6
-3
49.9
47.3
7.1
7.2
40
Miwadi
6
4
46.2
43.3
6.8
7.5
41
Carroll’s of Tullamore
5
-1
50.3
44.3
6.6
7.3
42
Yoplait Petit Filous
5
-2
35.1
33.1
9.4
9.7
43
Nivea
5
-2
59.3
58.7
5.6
5.5
44
Charleville
5
4
49.8
46.4
6.2
6.9
45
Staffords
5
12
32
32.4
8.9
9.7
46
Barry’s
5
2
39.4
38.3
7.8
8.2
47
Yoplait
5
-1
39.9
35.6
7.8
8.7
48
Pedigree
5
4
27.5
29.4
10.7
10.4
49
Fitzgerald’s
5
2
44.3
40.8
6.6
7.3
50
Comfort
5
-3
51.4
48.5
5.9
6.1
56|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Kantar Brand Footprint Deep discounting has become the norm in a lot of grocery sectors, a fact which can hurt brands. On one hand, Irish consumers are price sensitive, Berry admitted, and many will switch brands, depending on what is on promotion, but the Kantar Director believes that supermarkets and brands have started to cut down the amount of promotions in-store. “I think, overall, we are seeing the number of promotions in supermarkets dropping and becoming less prevalent,” he insists. “Tesco in particular have cut back on the number of promotions they have running. At one point, at any given time, they had hundreds of promotions running in-store but they have pulled back on that to make it more balanced, where they are offering more long-term value, while there aren’t as many promotions, and certainly not as many conflicting promotions as there were in the past.”
Avonmore: top of the Kantar Brand Footprint ranking in Ireland.
Coca-Cola: consistently in the top ten of the Kantar Brand Footprint Ireland ranking. and experiences that can successfully tap into these markets.” According to Berry, brands across all sectors are finding the Irish retail landscape more challenging. “Traditional retailers have responded to a more competitive marketplace by expanding and improving their own-label lines, and brands and manufacturers are feeling the impact. While own label is growing by almost 6.2%, the proportion of the population buying the top 10 branded products is down by an average 2.8%.”
The Value of Brands Despite the growth in own label, the fact that so many of the top brands in Kantar’s Brand Footprint are indigenous reveals that homegrown brands still speak to Irish consumers. “People trust brands,” Berry noted. “Some of these brands have been part of their lives for a long time. They still mean a lot to people, so they are willing to invest in them. Brands are often the ones driving innovation in the market and the brands that continue to grow are generally the most innovative brands. We have noted that John West has been a particularly strong mover this year in the Kantar Brand Footprint and they continue to push innovation, which is a big part of that growth.” If Berry had advice for brand owners and managers in the coming years who are (a) looking to consolidate their place in the market or (b) looking to break into the Top 50 brands, what would it be? “Firstly, you have to shout about your quality and what your brand brings over and above what may be cheaper options,” Berry explained. “The story of the brand is important: when brands can engage with consumers on their story, that’s a great position to be in. Innovation is hugely important: it’s not about reinventing the wheel but continuing to change and evolve what you offer to consumers. The fourth piece of advice I would offer is ‘don’t give your brand away’. Consumers will pay a premium for the right brand, so it’s about finding the right level of that premium. It’s not about deep discounting and continuing to offer half-price deals: it’s about what helps you to win in the long-term.”
John West which has risen 16 places to 37th in the overall Irish ranking, the biggest improvement of the year.
AWARD WINNING TASTE
THE SIMPLY BETTER COLLECTION IS NOW WINNER OF OVER 200 IRISH AND INTERNATIONAL FOOD AWARDS.
- EXCLUSIVELY FOR DUNNES STORES -
@simplybetterds
58|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Snack Food
Leaders of the Snack
Snack food is big business, with Irish consumers treating themselves to €572m of savoury snacks last year.
WE Irish love to snack, with the savoury snacks category worth €572m in 2016 (volume: 51,000 tonnes), according to the latest figures from Euromonitor International, and the sector grew by 3% in both current value and volume terms. Innovation has driven growth within the category as several new products continue to be developed around the area of health and wellness, as well as treat and indulgence products. According to a recent survey carried out by Eurosender, one of the leading European booking engines for ordering shipping services of various items, more than half of Irish students surveyed (61%) miss Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps the most during their Erasmus year abroad: 15% of responders miss Dairy Milk chocolate; 13% Barry’s Tea and only 10% miss their mum’s home cooked meals. Euromonitor predict that savoury
snacks will increase at a constant 2016 value CAGR of 2% over the forecast period to reach €616 million by 2021. A healthier category and also the desire for novel flavours is likely to help drive growth within this category over the forecast period. The take-home market for crisps, snacks and nuts is worth €199.56m, according to the latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland (52 weeks to April 23, 2017), up from €197.97m in 2016, and a whopping 10.9% up on the 2015 figure of €179.97m. The 2017 figure breaks down into: Crisps (€79.57m), Snacks and Crackers (€82.82m), Nuts (€20.16m) and Other Snack Foods (€17.01m). Meanwhile the sweet biscuits, snack bars and fruit snacks category has grown by 3% in current value terms in 2016 to reach €315m, according to Euromonitor International, who predict
WE’VE GOT YOUR SNACK
60|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Snack Food annual growth rates of 1% to reach €325m in 2021. Tayto Tayto remains Ireland’s number one crisps and snacks brand with a portfolio of sub brands that meets different consumer need states (figures sourced from Nielsen Marketrack, Value Sales MAT M/A 17). Tayto holds 32% share of the crisp market, with Ireland’s original crisp offering, as well as the more recent Tayto Bistro, which offers consumers a premium, indulgent, gluten free crisp from a well-known, iconic brand. Tayto Treble Crunch offers consumers a permissible treat, with only 99 calories per bag, and has seen growth of 30% in the latest MAT as consumers are becoming increasingly health conscious. The Tayto Snacks range, which includes family favourites such as Snax, Waffles and Mighty Munch, has seen a good response to their new bigger value bag snacks range and Tayto Occasions have just had a makeover, with new premium packaging hitting shelves now. Tayto Occasions are a ‘must have’ to liven up any party! Tayto currently have an on-pack promotion on their impulse 37g Cheese & Onion, offering consumers a chance
to win up €50,000 worth of Tayto Park tickets, following on from their hugely successful ‘It’s not lunchtime…It’s Tayto time’ campaign. King Crisps Irish consumers continue to love the simply superior taste of King crisps, which currently holds 8.5% value share and 8.8% volume share of the Irish crisp market (Source: Nielsen Markettrack, Value, MAT M/A 2017). For the second summer running, King have teamed up with GAA All-Star Bernard Brogan for the launch of King’s latest brand campaign - King of the Hill. Brogan’s involvement with King
King Crisps are offering consumers a chance to win €1,000 every day for the month of June, for a GAA club of their choice, with their latest campaign, King of the Hill.
Tayto currently have an on-pack promotion on their impulse 37g Cheese & Onion offering consumers a chance to win up €50,000 worth of Tayto Park tickets.
reinforces the brand’s strong Dublin connection. The campaign features outdoor, digital, social media, PR and an on-pack activation. King Crisps have long played a part of the weekly GAA match day ritual; the jersey’s on, the sambos wrapped, King Crisps in the bag, the excitement of the game in the air. King Crisps are and always will be King of the Hill. To celebrate the launch of this campaign, King Crisps are offering consumers a chance to win €1,000 every day for the month of June, for a club of their choice. Consumers simply grab a 37g bag of King and enter via www.facebook.com/KingCrispsIreland. KP KP is Ireland largest nut brand and is the category leader with a value market share of 9.9% (Source: Nielsen Markettrack, Value, MAT M/A 2017). KP nuts are picked after 130 days and are packed full of vitamins and nutrients. Consumers are increasingly seeking out protein filled snacks that help provide a steady source of energy throughout the day. A couple of handfuls of KP nuts (25g) provides a consumer with 7g of protein, which helps curb hunger until their next meal. KP have a variety of packs for a number of different occasions. Their 50g pack is perfect for when consumers want a nutritious snack on the go, while the 270g and 450g packs are ideal for when consumers have visitors over. KP XL nuts are a unique coated nut and are available in three distinctive flavours: Flamegrilled Steak, Sweet Chilli and Jalapeno and Salsa. Also from KP, Hula Hoops is Ireland’s largest take home snack brand, with a market share of 8.1% (Source: Nielsen Markettrack, Value,
KP XL nuts are a unique coated nut and are available in three distinctive flavours: Flamegrilled Steak, Sweet Chilli and Jalapeno and Salsa.
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|61
Snack Food MAT M/A 2017). Hula Hoops Big Hoops sharing bags are available in two tantalising flavours, BBQ Beef and Original. O’Donnells O’Donnells, Ireland’s number one hand cooked crisps (Source: Nielsen Markettrack, Value, MAT M/A 2017), are showing no signs of slowdown in the market, recently taking the title as the number four crisp brand in the market. The brand is showing double digit growth year on year, even seven years after launch, and is the market leader within the growing premium crisps segment (Source: Nielsen Markettrack, Value, MAT M/A 2017).
The new mouthwatering O’Donnells Ballymaloe Relish and Cheddar Cheese flavour is sure to add incremental sales to the hugely popular crisp brand in 2017. O’Donnells launched their multipacks late last year in their award winning flavours; Mature Irish Cheese & Red Onion and Irish Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt. Both multipacks have performed above expectations since launch and continue to add to their market share. In March this year, O’Donnells launched an exciting collaboration between two household Irish brands. O’Donnells and Ballymaloe Foods worked tirelessly together to give crisplovers a truly delicious new flavour and a unique taste in a crisp. No wonder it won Gold at the Free From Food awards in May! The new mouthwatering Ballymaloe Relish and Cheddar Cheese flavour has crisp lovers licking their lips and wanting more, resulting in high demand for this exciting new flavour.
The new addition to the O’Donnells range is sure to add incremental sales and see the O’Donnells brand even further cement their market leading position in 2017. Keogh’s Farm The crisp range from Keogh’s Farm has had a make-Keoghver, with new-look packaging on shelves nationwide, putting home at the heart of the family business. The Keogh family enlisted local illustrator Peter Donnelly to give their crisp packaging a fresh new design, whilst also paying a respectful homage to the many Irish suppliers, family members and iconic landmarks that have shaped the Keogh’s brand over the years. Whilst each crisp flavour remains exactly the same, as tasty as ever, the new packaging draws on unique elements to tell the Keogh’s Farm story, from crop to crisp. Keogh’s Irish Cheese & Onion features Peter Keogh, family father, escaping from the city with his wedge of farmhouse cheese and a big white onion tied to the back of his red pick-up truck, while Peter’s boat, The Mermaid 132 appears on the new Atlantic Sea Salt & Irish Cider Vinegar packaging. The Keogh’s Sweet Chilli & Irish Red Pepper design gives a playful nod to the Keeling’s bell peppers which give the crisps their distinctive flavour, while the Skelligs in Co. Kerry are seen in the background of the Irish Atlantic Sea Salt packaging, with the Mermaid 132 also making an appearance. The new Keogh’s Shamrock & Sour Cream crisp packaging sees a return to the family farm with a dairy cow, speckled with Ballingskelligs shamrocks, chowing down on three-leaved stems, while the latest addition to the Keogh’s flavour family, Irish Chorizo & Cherry Tomato, features a little piggy trotting home to
the farm, carrying ripe and juicy cherry tomatoes. Finally, the special edition for Christmas, Keogh’s Roast Turkey & Secret Stuffing illustrates the herb boxes from mother Denise Keogh’s back garden. “We are privileged to say that Keogh’s is a very well-loved and recognised brand in Ireland and as we grow, we began to feel that it was time to freshen up our look,” said Tom Keogh, Managing Director at Keogh’s Farm. “Working with a local illustrator was of paramount important to us and Peter Donnelly has absolutely perfected the essence of Keogh’s in his designs. Each crisp packet now tells a story and truly puts home at the heart of it. We couldn’t be happier with our makeover and are confident that Irish consumers will love it as much as we do.” For further information on Keogh’s Farm, visit www.keoghs.ie. Charleville Snackfuls Kerry Foods have expanded the Charleville Snacking range with the launch of new 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.
The crisp range from Keogh’s Farm has had a make-Keoghver, with new-look packaging putting home at the heart of the family business.
62|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Snack Food 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 is set to explode adult cheese snacking through the launch of its new range, GoGo’s, which offers shoppers the chance to snack on tasty cheese bites alongside a range of delicious and nutritionally packed ingredient combinations, creating more moments for shoppers to love cheese. GoGo’s provides the goodness of cheese always fresh from the fridge,
There are two great tasting flavours in the Charleville Snackfuls Bites range: Crunchy BBQ Bites and Sweet Chilli Bites. 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 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
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.
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. Pom-Bear Pom-Bear, the tasty bear-shaped snack, celebrates its 30th Birthday this year and to mark the occasion, Pom-Bear has launched its first TV appearance in Ireland. Pom-Bear is unique, melts-in-themouth and is simply yummy: the light and crispy potato snack that’s fun to eat for both young and old! Pom-Bear is available in two delicious flavours: Original and Cheese & Onion. PomBear tasty snacks are gluten free, contain no artificial colours or flavours and are suitable for vegetarians: they really are the bare bear snack. PomBear is approved by the Coeliac Society of Ireland and is stocked by all major retailers, including Tesco, Dunnes, SuperValu and Spar.
than trad
nal mayo itio
85%
LESS FAT
MASTERS OF DAIRY INNOVATION WHEN IT COMES TO DAIRY
WE THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX, THE PACK, AND THE BOTTLE.
64|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Bloom 2017
Record Numbers for Bloom 2017 Bord Bia’s Bloom Festival attracted a record number of almost 120,000 people over the June bank holiday weekend. A RECORD number of almost 120,000 people attended Bord Bia’s Bloom festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, over the June bank holiday weekend. “We are proud that our Bloom event has developed into such an inspirational festival of creativity, a place where creators of food and drink, of gardens, craft and art get a platform to tell their story,” noted Tara McCarthy, Chief Executive, Bord Bia. “Each year, Bloom provides Bord Bia, and our key stakeholders, with an invaluable opportunity to engage with consumers, helping us to build insight, learn and share new ideas while celebrating and showcasing the best of Ireland’s horticulture, food and drink industry. In addition to being a great place to visit, Bloom has a strong track record of delivering sales and new business for our stakeholders, both here onsite and more importantly, developing trade relationships for future business. This is a key component of the show, and one that Bord Bia is keen to deliver and build upon.” Bord Bia has released some of the event facts and figures from Bloom 2017: • •
•
•
According to Bord Bia’s exit survey, over 30% of this year’s visitors were first time Bloom visitors; Bloom 2017 attracted many newly established food companies, and craft makers. Almost a third of exhibitors (33) within the Food Village were new to Bloom and a third of the Craft Village retailers were new companies and / or new to Bloom; Within the Food Village, Jelly Bean Factory gave away 50,000 beans, East Coast Bakehouse sampled over 25,000 biscuits and Wild Irish Seaweed sold 100 kilos of dry seaweed over the weekend. A total of 4,000 people worked onsite over the five days including 200 Bord Bia volunteers.
Bord Bia Trade Breakfast Before the doors opened to the public on Friday, June 2, over 250 national and international food buyers, with a combined buying power of more than €10 billion, attended Bord Bia’s business breakfast at Bloom for face to face meetings with the exhibiting food and drink companies. The breakfast briefing and product showcase presented the food and drink companies with a highly-valuable networking opportunity, as well as allowing them to display their product ranges to some of the industry’s most prestigious and successful buyers on both sides of the water. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the Bord Bia trade event has already helped secure multiple new routes to market for exhibiting food and drink companies. Attending buyers included UK retailers such as Dean and Deluca, Selfridges, Buckley and Beale, Costwold Fayre and Ocado, alongside Irish-based companies like Aldi, Lidl, Tesco Ireland, Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, Insomnia, Pallas Foods, Compass Group Ireland,
Fuel for a Busy Life
CHAMPION rowers Paul and Gary O’Donovan were at Bloom to launch the 2017 Bord Bia Quality Assured Eggs Campaign, encouraging people to choose eggs as fuel for their busy lives. The brothers are fronting the outdoor campaign on 300 sites across the country, which coincides with a national radio campaign, highlighting the nutritional benefits and versatility of eggs for everyday meals.
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|65
Bloom 2017 Love Irish Food Brand Development Award
LOVE Irish Food, in partnership with Exterion Media, launched the annual Love Irish Food Brand Development Award at the Food Village at Bloom, providing Love Irish Food member brands with the chance to win an €80,000 advertising campaign to promote their brand to consumers. The lucky Love Irish Food member brand that wins will receive €70,000 in advertising space, scheduled across Exterion Media’s retail six-sheet portfolio and retail digital network. The extensive out-of-home campaign will appear nationally for two weeks and includes print production and digital animation for broadcasting. Additionally, OwensDDB Advertising Agency will provide the winner with a €10,000 creative bursary towards the winning outdoor campaign. “At a time when Brexit has added much uncertainty to the market, the Love Irish Food Brand
Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD, pictured with Ryan Sharkey, Chris O’Donnell, Evan Talty and Michael Talty, from Wild Irish Seaweed, Ennis, Co. Clare.
From Wild About, Monamolin, Co. Wexford are Fiona Falconer and her team.
Pictured at the Bord Bia business breakfast at Bloom are Des Jeffares, Mr Jeffares Blackcurrants and Ross Mooney, Lidl.
Love Irish Food member brands exhibiting in the Love Irish Food ‘Meet the Makers’ Marquee at Bloom’s Food village. The Brand Development Award is open to all Love Irish Food members. Development Award allows the winner the certainty of knowing that they have an advertising campaign for their brand in their plans for 2017/18,” noted Kieran Rumley, Executive Director, Love Irish Food. For more information, see www.loveirishfood.ie.
Topaz and Applegreen. “Irish producers, large and small, get the potential to secure significant new contracts with some of the UK and Ireland’s leading companies,” noted Tara McCarthy. “For visiting retailers and food service buyers, it provides a unique platform to engage directly with suppliers and identify new trends, new products and opportunities to bring to market.” Innovation Among the 110 food and drink exhibitors at Bloom 2017 were 33 new exhibitors, many of whom used the opportunity as a platform to launch new products to sample with the visiting public. A number of new products were introduced, including a new beef burger from The Farmer’s Daughter in Meath called the Skinny Cow that is less than 5% fat, gluten free and has no added water or preservatives; a new Irish sliced chicken and turkey product from O’Brien Fine Foods called Homebird; a new raw fruit and nut bar from Karma in Mayo called Karma Free that comes in a biodegradable and fully compostable wrapper, a first for snack food in Ireland; and a new-tomarket offering of tea plants from Mr. Middleton, Irelands oldest mail order garden retailer based in Mary Street, Dublin; while McCambridge’s Bread launched a new range of home bake bread kits. Bord Bia’s Consumer Insight Centre, ‘The Thinking House’ also relocated to Bloom and served as a hub for business development and networking for exhibitors and potential
buyers over the course of the five-day event. Dates for 2018 According to Bord Bia, plans and preparations are already well underway for Bloom 2018, with many showgardens, sponsors and designers already signed up for May 31 to June 4 next year. “We are already working hard talking to consumers, exhibitors, stakeholders and staff to ensure next year’s show will continue to surprise and delight,” concluded Tara McCarthy.
Dawn Meats Launch Rustic Burger
DAWN Meats recently unveiled the latest addition to its Premium Butcher range at Bloom 2017. The Irish Rustic Burger, crafted from 170g of quality Irish beef, was specially created as a result of a challenge to the Premium Butcher Chef’s team to create the ultimate burger experience using the very best quality beef which Ireland has to offer. The Rustic Burger, made with the finest, grass-fed Irish beef, is succulent and tender in flavour and loose and crumbly in texture.
66|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
CSNA Annual Conference
CSNA’s Inaugural Conference a Huge Success The CSNA’s inaugural Annual Conference proved hugely successful, with a host of insightful guest speakers. THE Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA) recently held its inaugural Annual Conference at Clontarf Castle Hotel, Dublin 3. The Conference proved hugely successful, with 120 delegates treated to insightful presentations from some of the biggest names in the Irish FMCG market, including Dermot Griffin, CEO, Premier Lotteries Ireland; Robert Pitt, CEO, Independent News & Media; Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland; and Thomas Ennis, CSNA member in Dublin. Sponsored by the National Lottery, the event also heard presentations from the CSNA’s security (private investigations) and insurance experts on how to avoid the common pitfalls of internal theft and fraudulent insurance claims. Each of the CSNA sub-committees provided a résumé of their year, summarising the long hours of work across the following sectors: alcohol, tobacco, lobbying, services, lottery, news and magazines, marketing and membership. CEO’s Report The Chief Executive’s Report saw CEO, Vincent Jennings highlighting the need for the Government to address the ongoing costs of doing business and warning of the dangers that will follow for retail employers if their workforce continues to experience increases in housing, transport and childcare costs. The CSNA were delighted to present Epilepsy Ireland with a cheque for €2,500 from proceeds raised from the charity raffle that night at the gala dinner, sponsored by Vodafone, which saw Ann Martyn elected President of
The CSNA National Executive 2017-2018, including CEO, Vincent Jennings (third from left); and incoming National President Ann Martyn (sixth from left)
CSNA National President Ann Martyn presents a cheque for €2,500 to Conor Culkin, Communications Officer, Epilepsy Ireland. the Association, while Marcella O’Neill was elected Vice President. Guest of honour at the dinner was the founder of Largo Foods and the owner of Tayto Park, Raymond Coyle, who recalled his successes and struggles in a lifetime in business, and outlined his ambitious plans for Tayto Park in the years ahead.
Guest speaker, Raymond Coyle, founder of Largo Foods and owner of Tayto Park.
Fueling Ireland
Top Oil is a family owned Irish company, dedicated to the oil industry. We provide a true end-to-end solution, from ‘Port to Pump’ ensuring the best quality fuel products for Irish homes and businesses. Our nationwide network of service stations, motorway service areas, fuel card locations and home heating oil depots is growing every day. At Top Oil we have a tradition of serving the local communities of Ireland stretching back over 200 years. We are proud of this tradition and providing our customers with Quality Assured fuel products they know they can trust.
Top Oil, Promenade Road, Dublin 3. Tel: 01 819 8000
www.top.ie
68|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Pet Care
Pet Days for Pet Care Irish consumers love their pets, as evidenced by the almost €136m we spent on pet food over the last year. IRISH people love their four-legged friends, who really are part of the family. If you need convincing, look no further than the fact that the pet food market is valued at €135.96m (Source: Kantar Worldpanel, 52 weeks to April 23, 2017), although Kantar report that is a 0.4% decrease on the previous year’s figure of €136.54m. Demand for premium brands increased during the year, according to the latest report into the sector from Euromonitor International, as Irish consumers increasingly want the best for their beloved pets. Economy products also performed well, however, indicating that value for money is still important for many pet owners in Ireland. The pet humanisation trend is firmly established here and shows no signs of subsiding. Major manufacturers are increasingly seeking to capitalise on this trend by investing heavily in the development of healthier, more natural and more nutritious products. Millennial consumers, in particular, tend to be very concerned about the ingredients used in the food they give to their pets, and have no problem with spending
extra money on food and treats that can provide them with lasting benefits. This willingness to spend more on products that can improve the health and general wellbeing of their pets is reflective of growing confidence among Irish consumers. However, pet obesity is fast becoming a major issue for pet owners across Ireland, Euromonitor report. Veterinary experts believe that one in every three pets that visited a veterinary clinic in the country in 2016 had an obesity-related problem. The pet obesity epidemic is primarily due to the lifestyles of pet owners. In order to combat this mini-crisis, companies are investing heavily in the development of healthier pet food and treats products. This should help to reduce the incidence of obesity-related health issues in Ireland’s pet population over the medium term. It is expected that the evolving socioeconomic environment in Ireland will contribute to moderate changes in pet care distribution over the coming years. Supermarkets will remain the single most important distribution
channel, particularly for dog and cat food. Pet shops should gain ground in some categories thanks to the wider trend towards premiumisation in pet care. Moderate gains are also projected for the internet retailing channel, partly due to rising demand for more niche and specialised products among dog and cat owners. Ireland’s small dog population is expected to grow in the coming years, Euromonitor predict, while its large dog population is expected to decline. Accordingly, products developed specifically for smaller dog breeds have the potential to perform strongly. Euromonitor expect economy dog food products to perform reasonably well in the next few years but are likely to come under growing pressure towards 2022 as more consumers switch to healthier options such as wheat-based dry dog food and low-fat wet dog food. Industry sources suggest that premium wet dog food products for smaller breeds and dogs at different life stages will perform particularly strongly. The trend towards wet dog food should be largely insulated from uncertainty surrounding
We put the best in, you get the best out. Naturo only ever use high quality, 100% natural ingredients that are fresh and locally sourced. Every meal is nutritionally balanced with all the essential vitamins, minerals and oils your dog needs. Here’s to a happy, healthy life together. naturopetfoods.com
naturopetfood Tag your #naturodogs photos and they could be in our ad campaign! Naturo will own the copyright to all content submitted for entry to the competition and may use this content on our social channels, websites and print material.
70|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Pet Care Brexit, as most raw materials used in the manufacturing of this product type are sourced in Ireland, according to Euromonitor. Naturo from Mackle Petfoods 2017 has been a very busy sales year to date for local pet food manufacturer Mackle Petfoods, with both their flagship brands Brandy and Cat Club performing well and their super premium brand Naturo gaining traction in retailers across Ireland. Mackle Petfoods recently completed a Stg£3m investment in their plastic tray manufacturing facility, enabling the company to more than double production of high quality, natural pet food. The investment is a result of increased demand and the company’s commitment to producing the highest quality pet food. Naturo is Mackle Petfoods’ super premium wet dog food offering, made with 100% natural ingredients that are fresh and locally sourced. Naturo offers consumers the convenience of plastic packaging, available in a plastic tray with foil lid and cardboard sleeve, an easy ‘rip and tip’ concept. The attraction of Naturo as a competitively priced, premium product, along with offering retailers incremental sales, has helped the brand achieve impressive growth this year. Consumers are increasingly looking for high quality products which support the health and well-being of their dog, contain a high percentage of meat and are 100% natural, all of which Naturo offers. Every meal is nutritionally balanced with 60% meat and contains no artificial colours, flavours or preservatives. The range is available in a 400g tray in the following varieties: Lamb & Rice with Vegetables; Chicken, Lamb & Rice with Vegetables; Salmon & Rice with Vegetables; Duck & Rice with Vegetables; and Senior Turkey & Rice with Vegetables. Grain Free 400g dog food recipes are also available, along with 150g pack sizes for small dogs. Naturo have recently launched a new range of grain and gluten free canned food for dogs. The three flavour varieties each contain 50% high quality meat chunks plus fruit and vegetables in a herb gravy: Chicken with Sweet Potato, Mixed Peppers and Green Beans; Turkey with Cranberry, Broccoli and Carrot; and Duck with Blueberry, Pumpkin and Courgette. Each 390g variety includes a number of superfoods, along with the addition of certain ingredients specifically added for their health benefits, such as nettle, green tea, rosehip and marigold. Omega 3 and 6 and Glucosamine and Chondroitin are also added to promote healthy cartilage
and to keep joints supple and strong. Naturo have embarked upon an extensive advertising campaign across Ireland and the UK for 2017, including national press, online media and a calendar of consumer events and shows. The campaign, entitled ‘We put the best in, you get the best out’, features real Naturo dogs and encourages Naturo fans to share their #Naturodogs photos on social media. For more information, visit www.naturopetfoods.com. Brandy Grain Free Dog Food The humanisation factor continues to drive the pet food category. Consumers are also becoming more health conscious and this in turn is reflected in their pet food purchasing decisions. With this in mind and following research and development, Mackle Petfoods recently launched Brandy Grain Free dog food. With 38% of pet buyers reporting an interest in grain or gluten free pet food (Source: Mintel 2016), Mackle Petfoods identified an opportunity to meet demand and extend their popular Brandy dog food range with the introduction of a Grain Free 6 pack offering. Grain Free dog food has numerous health benefits for dogs, particularly those with an allergy to grain and sensitive digestion. Brandy Grain Free dog food has been developed especially for digestive and cereal sensitive dogs to help promote easier digestion, improve skin and coat and reduce itching. Mackle Petfoods are proud to strengthen their existing canned dog food offering with
Brandy Grain Free Chunks in Gravy Variety 6 Pack with Chicken, Beef and Lamb with Vegetables is adding value to the pet food category and bringing new consumers into the canned dog food segment.
Brandy Grain Free. It gives current Brandy customers an additional option within the range, along with attracting new customers with an interest in canned grain free pet food. Brandy Grain Free is available in the following pack offering: Chunks in Gravy Variety 6 Pack with Chicken, Beef and Lamb with Vegetables. Mackle Petfoods are confident it will add value to the category and bring new consumers into the canned dog food segment, in particular those looking for a high quality Grain Free offering at a value price, which Brandy Grain Free offers. The brand will be supported by an all-Ireland radio advertising campaign and a strong digital campaign and promotional activity throughout 2017. Cat Club Not to forget our feline friends, Cat Club is continuing to experience sales
The Irish consumer has really embraced Cat Club Variety Chunks in Jelly 3 Pack, price marked at €2. growth. When it comes to meal times our feline friends can be fussy creatures, so product quality and palatability is key. Prepared using high quality Irish meats, Cat Club cat food is fully traceable from farm to bowl. Cat Club’s carefully prepared natural meaty chunks in appetising Jelly and Gravy have all the nourishment and essential vitamins and minerals to ensure all-round good health and lively energy, so consumers know they are feeding their cats a tasty, nutritious meal they’ll love. Sales have been driven by the brand’s Variety Chunks in Jelly and Chunks in Gravy 3 Packs, price marked at €2. The Irish consumer has clearly embraced these high quality, value for money offerings. Both packs are ideal for the convenience trade and offer the retailer strong margin. Cat Club is also available in Variety Chunks in Jelly and Gravy 6 Packs and a Chunks in Jelly 12 Pack.
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|71
Prepacked Meats
Masters of Meat Henry Denny’s Meat Masters is a new premium brand set to shake up the prepacked meats market with a range of innovative new products, beginning with Rustic Rotisserie. NEARLY 200 years after Henry Denny opened his first butcher store in Co. Waterford, Kerry Foods continue to lead the sliced cooked meats category with the launch of their exciting new brand, Henry Denny’s Meat Masters. Building on their rich heritage and years of mastering the crafts of butchery and all things meat, the new brand will focus solely on bringing new exciting innovative products to market, setting out to be the inventors of tomorrow’s meat eating. Inspiration from Around the World The Meat Masters team, young and old, take inspiration from around the world, taking both age-old, traditional and modern day, cutting edge meat preparation and cooking methods and experimenting to put their unique spin on them to inspire and delight consumers. 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.” Rustic Rotisserie 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
The first range under the meat masters brand, Rustic Rotisserie takes inspiration from the art of rotisserie cooking, and includes turkey, chicken, ham and pork. 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.
72|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Drinks News Guinness Announces Brewery Collaboration
Slane Irish Whiskey Launches
GUINNESS has announced its first ever beer collaboration, with Two Roads Brewing Company, based in Connecticut, USA. This is the first time in Guinness’ long history that it has collaborated with another brewer to create a beer, a landmark event for St James’ Gate. The Guinness and Two Roads Brewing Co. brewers used their combined skills to marry two classic beer styles, Guinness and a Belgian Saison, creating unique and balanced Dark Saison beers. The resulting beers were brewed at The Open Gate Brewery, Dublin, and The Two Roads Brewery, USA, with the same theme and brewing specification used for each. However, each brew was adapted to use local botanicals. Irish mint, gorse and moss were used in the The Open Road beer, brewed at The Open Gate Brewery, St James’ Gate Dublin, while cedar and sassafras from New England, USA, feature in the May The Road Rise beer, brewed at Two Roads Brewing Co. in the US.
SLANE Irish Whiskey has officially been launched in Ireland. A unique, triple casked blend of exceptional Irish whiskey, born on the historic grounds of Slane Castle in the Boyne Valley, Co. Meath, Slane Irish Whiskey comes to market almost two years after Brown-Forman announced their purchase of Slane Castle Irish Whiskey Limited, marking the beginning of a buoyant partnership with the Conyngham family, proprietors of the legendary Slane Castle Estate. Alex Conyngham co-created Slane Irish Whiskey alongside Brown-Forman master blenders Chris Morris and Steve Hughes, ensuring a smooth balance of the highest quality grain and malt Irish whiskies, enhanced by a signature triple casked blending method using virgin American oak, seasoned American whiskey and Oloroso sherry casks from Jerez in Spain.
Glendalough Gin Wins Gold LAUNCHED only four months ago, Glendalough Distillery’s new Wild Botanical Gin has already scooped its first major award, a Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Glendalough Distillery’s Wild Botanical Gin is the newest addition to the company’s established and award-winning stable of gins. It uses fresh botanicals (never dried) from the Wicklow hills, carefully and sustainably foraged from March to October by Geraldine Kavanagh, which are then slow-distilled by still-man, Rowdy Rooney.
Cono Sur Gears Up for Tour de France THIS July, Cono Sur will once again be Official Wine Partner to the most famous cycling event of them all: the Tour de France. To celebrate, the Chilean winery are releasing 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). The campaign will roll out to all off-trade channels, supported by in-store POS, special promotions and press features. 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. Pictured is Irish cycling legend, Seán Kelly, with Cono Sur Chief Winemaker, Adolfo Hurtado, on St Stephen’s Green in Dublin, where they celebrated the partnership in idiosyncratic fashion.
Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy Launched THE Irish Whiskey Association’s Midlands/East Regional Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy was launched by Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD recently at the Tullamore D.E.W. Old Bonded Warehouse. Distilleries in the Midlands and East currently attract over 100,000 visitors to the region every year. The Regional Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy aims to increase this figure to 158,000 whiskey tourists each year, which will support 270 jobs. Pictured are (l-r): John Quinn, Tullamore Distillery; Stephen Magennis, Kilbeggan Distillery; Alex Mount Charles, Slane Distillery; Miriam Mooney, Irish Whiskey Association; Minister for Tourism and Sport, Patrick O’Donovan TD; Patricia Callan, Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland; John Teeling, Great Northern Distillery; Sally-Anne Cooney, Boann Distillery; at the Midlands/East Regional Launch of the Irish Whiskey Tourism Strategy.
D EĞǁƐ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ EĞƚǁŽƌŬ ĞůĨĂƐƚ ŚƵď Θ ĞƌƌLJ ƵďůŝŶ ŚƵď Θ Zh
ǀ
EM NEWS
• EMND operate two hub (Belfast and Dublin) and 11 spoke branches serving a network across Ireland.
'ĂůǁĂLJ
<ŝůĚĂƌĞ
• Distribute over 3,000 newspaper and magazine titles per month with over 60,000 issues allocated, picked and packed.
>ŝŵĞƌŝĐŬ ĂŶĚ dƌĂůĞĞ
• Utilise a fleet of several hundred vehicles to ensure that our publisher and customer delivery expectations are maximised. • Compliance, Governance and Enviromental policies ensure that we exceed our internal and external objectives. • Ongoing diversification into new business opportunities.
DƵůůŝŶŐĂƌ Θ >ŽŶŐĨŽƌĚ
hƌůŝŶŐĨŽƌĚ͕ ŽƌŬ͕ ;tĂƚĞƌĨŽƌĚͿ tĞdžĨŽƌĚ
D EĞǁƐ ŝƐƚƌŝďƵƚŝŽŶ ^LJƐƚĞŵƐ • HS and Pack by Light are designed to enhance the quality of service to our retail customers.
CONTACT DETAILS
EM News Distribution (Ireland) Ltd PO Box 5192 Willsborough Industrial Estate Clonshaugh Dublin 17 CONTACT NUMBER:
8023200
Λ
WEB:
emnewsdistribution.com
EMAIL:
dublin.customer.enquiries@emnewsdistribution.ie
• Axon scanning system for product identification using computer controlled camera technology.
• i-Menzies - allows customers to amend orders, request additional copies, make claims and view all their paperwork through a number of platforms.
74|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Focus on HR
Zero Tolerance for Zero Hour Contracts? New legislation proposes changes to the law in relation to zero hour contracts, low hour contracts and banded hours. THE University of Limerick recently published a report which focused on the use of Zero Hour Contracts amongst Irish employers. This study was completed by Dr Michelle O’Sullivan and a team from UL’s Kemmy Business School at the request of Ged Nash TD, former Minister for Business and Employment at the Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation. The report outlined that zero hour contracts are not generally used in Ireland: however, the emergence of “if and when” contracts was identified by the University of Limerick. While both types of contracts involve non-guaranteed hours of work, the main difference is that workers on zero hours contracts are obliged to make themselves available for work while those on “if and when” contracts are not contractually required to make themselves available for work. Low working hours can arise in different forms in employment contracts, such as regular part-time contracts with fixed hours or a contract with “if and when” hours only.
Some key points of concern were outlined in the report: Hours of Work: • It is recommended that the contract should reflect actual hours worked based on the average they worked in the previous six months: this may be problematic based on seasonal work environments and they recommend this is periodically reviewed and contracts are updated to reflect this. • A key concern regards the fact that after the employee’s normal hours are agreed in line with the point above, if they are required to be available for extra hours, they should be compensated by 25% of the additional hours for which they have to be available or for 15 hours, which is not realistic. Notice: • 72 hours’ notice is being recommended to give to employees in relation to any extra hours worked or hours that may be
•
cancelled. If they work with less than 72 hours’ notice, they will be compensated by 150% which is unsustainable due to sick cover etc.
Minimum Shifts: • A minimum of three-hour shifts are being recommended. Additional Recommendations: • One of the recommendations suggests that employees get contracts from day 1 and not up to two months after the employment commenced. • The contract should provide a statement of working hours which is a true reflection of those required. • Employer organisations and trade unions which conclude a sectoral collective agreement can opt out of some of the suggested legislative provisions above. Huge Debate At the time of the report being issued, Mnister Nash undertook a consultation
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|75
Focus on HR
process with employers, trade unions and other interested parties on the findings and recommendations of the report. The Minister acknowledged the need to “tackle this type of precarious work, while at the same time recognising the need for some levels of flexibility for employers and employees.” As expected, since the report was issued, there has been a lot of national debate regarding these recommendations. The Government has just approved draft legislative proposals brought forward by the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell O’Connor TD, and by the Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD, designed to address problems caused by the increased casualisation of work and to strengthen the regulation around the issue of precarious work. The draft legislation covers zero hour contracts, low hour contracts, banded hours and related matters and is targeted at low-paid workers who consistently work a certain amount of hours per week but whose contracts do not reflect the reality of such hours worked. Potential Future Proposals There are a host of potential future proposals in this area, including: •
Ensuring that employees are better informed about the nature of their employment arrangements and their core terms at an early stage in their employment. • Amendments to the Organisation of Working Time Act, which will prohibit Zero Hour contracts in most circumstances. • Employers must inform employees in writing, within five days of commencement of employment, of the following five core terms of employment: 1. Full name of the employer and
•
•
•
•
employee; 2. Address of the employer; 3. Expected duration of the contract; 4. Rate or method of calculating pay; 5. Expectation of what the normal length of the employee’s working day and week will be. • Provisions around minimum payments to lowpaid, vulnerable workers who may be called in to work for a period but not provided with that work. • Floor payment for low-paid workers who are called into work and then sent home in these circumstances. Improved compensation for lowpaid workers: to introduce a new minimum floor payment, of three times the National Minimum Wage or three times the minimum rate set down in an Employment Regulation Order (ERO), to compensate workers if they are called in to work but do not receive the expected hours of work. It is intended to delete the phrase ‘zero hours practice’ from the title of Section 18 of the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. To ensure workers on low hour contracts who consistently work more hours each week than provided for in their contracts of employment will be entitled to be placed on a band of hours that reflects the reality of the hours they work. This will provide greater certainty and a truer reflection of their hours of work and level of earnings, thereby addressing, in particular, difficulties employees may have accessing financial credit, including mortgages. Strengthen the anti-victimisation
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. provisions for employees who try to invoke a right under these proposals. It is intended to provide against an employer penalising or threatening to penalise an employee for exercising any right under the proposed legislation. Priority Drafting of Important Legislation “I am very pleased that the Government has agreed to the priority drafting of this important legislation,” said Minister Mitchell O’Connor. “It is important because it will improve the employment protections for low-paid, vulnerable workers in particular. It will also improve the predictability of hours of work and earnings for many employees whose contract of employment does not reflect the reality of the hours they work on a consistent basis.” The Minister for Employment and Small Business, Pat Breen TD, said that, “Developing policy proposals on employment rights is a complex matter. A balance needs to be found between protecting the rights of employees and avoiding unintended consequences on business, particularly small and medium sized businesses, which may negatively affect the competitiveness of the Irish economy.” Now is a good time for all employers to review employees’ contracts of employment to address whether they will be affected by future legislation in the area of zero hour contracts and banded hours. If you have any questions or queries in this area, please do not hesitate to contact the office on (066) 7102887 or email info@thehrsuiteonline.com, where one of our HR Consultants would be more than happy to assist you.
76|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
FoodCloud
Changing the World: One Meal at a Time! FoodCloud is an award winning social enterprise that is helping to combat food poverty through redistributing surplus food from businesses to those who need it.
IN Ireland alone, we waste a million of tonnes of food annually and yet one in eight people experience food poverty. The UN stated that if global food waste was reduced by 25%, we would have enough food to feed all of those who are malnourished. FoodCloud is an award winning social enterprise, founded in Ireland, that is responsible for redistributing the equivalent of over 18m meals from surplus food to charities across Ireland and the UK. FoodCloud began in 2013 when Aoibheann O’Brien and Iseult Ward arranged for food from the Honest to Goodness market in Glasnevin to be delivered to a local charity. They were inspired by the positive impact and by October 2013 launched with one of the world’s largest retailers, Tesco. Four years later and FoodCloud is a rapidly growing social enterprise that is redistributing food from retailers, as well as from the food growing, manufacturing and distribution industry, through FoodCloud Hubs.
is perfectly good but they cannot sell. To donate food, the store uploads details of the food available. A local charity is then notified about the food available by text message and collects the donation directly from their local store. Over 200,000 meals are being donated to charities every week. FoodCloud results in meaningful local relationships, a reduction in edible food going to waste and increased food offerings for charities. The social enterprise is also continuing to expand its retail solution internationally and will be announcing new partnerships throughout 2017.
Connecting Retailers with Charities FoodCloud connects retailers with surplus food to local charities that need it through a technology platform. FoodCloud works with over 1,600 retail outlets, connecting them to over 5,000 charities and community groups in Ireland and the UK. Tesco Ireland, Aldi Ireland and Tesco UK are ensuring that their edible surplus is benefiting local communities, while FoodCloud is also piloting with Waitrose in the UK. Stores often have unsold food that
FoodCloud Hubs FoodCloud does not just offer a retail solution, however. FoodCloud Hubs operates three large warehouses in Cork, Dublin and Galway, which takes surplus food from farmers, manufacturers and distributors. The Hubs implement a robust, industry standard food safety system to ensure that food is collected and delivered in a safe condition. FoodCloud Hubs work with over 100 food industry partners, including Musgrave Group and Glenisk.
FoodCloud co-founders Aoibheann O’Brien and Iseult Ward are pictured at the launch of the FoodCloud Hub in Tallaght, Dublin 24. The food is then redistributed to people in need through the Hubs’ network of charity partners across the country. The charities that receive the food include youth services, childcare services, homeless and addiction services and family resource centres. Receiving this food means that they can reduce their food bills, reinvest in critical supports in the community and provide a better food offering. Ireland is one of the first countries in the world to have an end-to-end solution for surplus food redistribution and FoodCloud’s aim is for Ireland to become a leader in developing solutions for surplus food redistribution from an ever-growing network of sources. FoodCloud is looking to work with more food industry partners. If you are a farmer, manufacturer or distributor with surplus food you can contact hubs@foodcloud.ie.
Table for one. IT’S YOUR FOOD. IT’S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. IT’S THE LAW. Failure to provide accurate food allergen information in writing for your customers can have serious or even fatal consequences. Visit fsai.ie/allergens to learn how to comply.
Retail_News_185x130_Table_For_One.indd 1
05/05/2017 14:50
78|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Retail Ireland: Monthly Update
Q1 UPTURN IN RETAIL PERFORMANCE RETAIL Ireland recently published the tenth edition of Retail Ireland Monitor, our quarterly trends analysis and industry affairs report. The Monitor provides a comprehensive analysis of Irish retail’s performance throughout the first quarter of 2017. Key indicators show that there was an upturn in performance in the first quarter of 2017. Total sales values grew by 3.1% compared to the same period in 2016. However, falling prices and declining consumer and retailer confidence were a cause for concern during the quarter. Quarter one saw significant deflation and heavy discounting across most categories. Of the 32 major retail categories tracked by the CSO, 25 saw price deflation in March when compared to the same month in 2016, with consumer prices now back to 2009 levels. This downward pressure on prices is particularly worrying given recent cost increases for retailers in rents, rates and insurance. With consumer confidence remaining shaky, difficult trading conditions are expected over the coming months. At a glance, the paper sets out the following trends: Supermarkets and convenience stores: This category of retailing is experiencing a growing gap between its performance and growth in consumer expenditure, in common with the wider retail sector. Convenience stores are better at mirroring the strong numbers delivered by the macro economy. Deflation remains a problem, with the latest CPI figures showing food and non alcoholic beverage deflation
running at 2.6% in March, while alcohol prices declined by 5.2%. Department stores: Overall, a positive first quarter for department stores, with online being the main driver of growth in the first quarter of the year. The key categories driving growth are: electrical, furniture, homewares, women’s shoes and beauty. Department stores are already reporting a positive outlook for business in Q2. Furniture and homewares: Bedroom and dining furniture have seen good recovery in Q1. These two categories were probably the most affected during the economic downturn but current consumer confidence has seen demand for these products return. The fabric sofa category had the biggest single growth in the first three months of 2017. Computer and electronics: Electrical and electronics stores have been experiencing strong demand for TVs, white goods, large kitchen appliances and wearables. Brands offering a health and fitness focus have also been in high demand throughout the first three months of 2017. Books, newspapers and stationery: It was a mixed performance in Q1 for the books, newspapers and stationery category. Core book volumes were up modestly, but newspapers and magazines’ volumes continued to decline. Stationery volumes remained static.
No Evidence for Minimum Wage Increase RETAIL Ireland recently met with the Low Pay Commission in advance of the publication of their report to Government on the appropriate level of the National Minimum Wage in 2018 and related matters. Our recent submission to the Low Pay Commission focused on the following key priorities: • • •
• •
There is no evidence base for any further increase in the level of the National Minimum Wage in 2018; A further increase in the National Minimum Wage at this point would negatively impact upon the creation of new jobs in retail as the sector continues to recover; A further increase in the National Minimum Wage could potentially lead to job losses in the sector and/or reduced hours for employees in those businesses who could not afford to pay the increase; A further increase in the National Minimum Wage has the potential to negatively impact upon investment in the sector; A further increase in the National Minimum Wage will only further add to wage inflation across the sector due to relativity wage claims;
•
An increase in the National Minimum Wage has the potential to negatively impact upon competitiveness in the sector.
Retail Ireland stressed to the Commission that our sector is facing tremendous pressures from wage inflation and a rising cost base, a highly competitive domestic market, falling consumer sentiment and Brexit uncertainty. The retail sector is changing rapidly and in recent times, the traditional link between a better performing economy and increasing retail sales has been broken. Retail is performing below general economic growth, with sales growth slowing in recent months. Retail Ireland is strongly of the view that decisions on the 2018 rate must take account of the rapidly changing economic circumstances and therefore, maintenance of the current rate is the correct decision at this time.
Tel: 01-6051558 www.retailireland.ie Need more? For more information about Retail Ireland and details of how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie
d’Arry’s Original 2012 Gold Star Award Winner—Irish W
Available nationally in Independent Off Licences
Gold Star Award Winner Irish Wine Show 2015-16 Available nationally in Independent Off Licences
Proudly distributed by
T: 01 2161400 W: www.febvrewines.ie
So
Fresh! would like to congratulate Retail News on their 60th Birthday www.macklepetfoods.com
Every Retailer. Every County. Everyday.
www.coldmove.ie
Pantone
Contact us today Pantone about your logistics requirements: 549 P: + 353 (0) 91 792926 E: info@coldmove.ie Pantone 540
80|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
What’s New LINDT LINDOR TREAT BAR
GSK INVESTS IN CORSODYL
GROWING at +28.3% and now worth over €1m in RSV, the smooth melting milk chocolate Lindor Treat Bar is Ireland’s number one premium chocolate countline and is a proven must stock product (Source: Nielsen Scantrack MAT, Snacking DB to 26/2/ 2017). Available in a slim stick format, it is the perfect treat for when consumers are on the go. Following on from the success of the milk Lindor Treat Bar, this summer sees the launch of the new Lindor Milk Orange Treat Bar, the same slim stick format with a smooth melting milk orange filling, perfect for those looking for something a little more adventurous. The Lindor 38g Treat Bar range retails at €1.29 and is available nationwide.
MOST Irish adults believe their teeth and gums are healthy, yet 80% have some form of gum disease. Corsodyl, one of Ireland’s leading gum care brands from GSK, is set to help tackle the nation’s gum disease through an insight-led re-brand across its entire range, as well as the launch of a new, daily toothpaste, Corsodyl Ultra Clean, which will be supported with a heavyweight media investment throughout 2017. Corsodyl Ultra Clean toothpaste, with 67% sodium bicarbonate, is designed for daily use for individuals with, or susceptible to, gingivitis and is clinically proven to reduce plaque and help stop and prevent bleeding gums. With research suggesting shoppers often find it difficult to differentiate between the various products and packaging in the oral health aisle, Corsodyl will be introducing a new red pack design to attract shoppers’ attention at the fixture to help unlock growth in the gum care category.
INNOVATION FROM MCVITIE’S McVITIE’S continues to excite and delight consumers with a constant stream of winning edge innovation. New range extensions include; McVitie’s Milk Chocolate Hobnobs Nibbles, McVitie’s Digestive Banoffee Caramels and McVitie’s Digestive Coffee Caramels. pladis has marked its ongoing commitment to unlocking new occasions for growth in the biscuit category with the launch of its hero sweet NPD for 2017, McVitie’s Digestives Thins. A thin and light biscuit with a delicate crisp, covered in scrumptious chocolate, McVitie’s Thins lets consumers enjoy the taste of McVitie’s Digestives biscuits in a modern and more refined way. McVitie’s Thins are available in three variants – Milk Chocolate, Milk Chocolate Cappuccino and Dark Chocolate. The launch will be supported with an ATL marketing campaign kicking off in September.
BRITVIC IRELAND ADDS VITAMINS TO MIWADI BRITVIC Ireland have improved MiWadi through adding vitamins, making it the only dilute in the Irish Market with added vitamins. MiWadi now contains vitamins B3, B6 & Zinc, which help to contribute to the growth of healthy bones and the maintenance of a healthy immune system. MiWadi with Added Vitamins is the latest development to the MiWadi range and will be added to the Regular, No Added Sugar and 0% Sugar variants. The MiWadi brand has been improved and extended by Britvic Ireland over the last number of years to bring more flavour and choice to consumers. MiWadi with Added Vitamins will be supported with an extensive through-the-line marketing campaign, including new digital and television advertising, PR and in-store activation.
MILKYBAR PUTS MILK FIRST NESTLÉ’S family favourite white chocolate brand, Milkybar is increasing the amount of milk in the recipe, making it the brand’s number one ingredient. The percentage of milk in the new core range recipe has increased from 26% to 37.5%, which also allowed Nestlé to remove some sugar. The new products will remain free from artificial flavours, colours, preservatives and sweeteners. Newly designed packs, highlighting ‘Milk is now our No.1 ingredient’ feature across the full Milkybar range of bars, blocks and sharing bags and replace the existing products since May. The new Milkybar recipe will take out almost 350 tonnes of sugar and 130m calories from UK and Ireland’s public consumption, part of Nestlé UK and Ireland’s pledge to remove 10% of sugar from across its total confectionery portfolio by 2018.
NEWSPREAD DISTRIBUTE CÚL HEROES NEWSPREAD has been awarded the exclusive contract to distribute Cúl Heroes trading cards to over 4,000 supermarkets, convenience stores and newsagents across the island of Ireland. Cúl Heroes is the official GAA trading cards collection for children, featuring leading inter-county hurlers and footballers and is fully endorsed by the GAA and the GPA. There are over 600 different cards to collect and this year for the first time the collection includes ladies football and camogie. Making the announcement were Matt McCormack, who founded Cúl Heroes and Paul McDonnell, Commercial Director (News), Newspread.
FREE ACTIVITIES
Over 50’s breaks 2 Nights B&B & 2 Dinners from €129pps
Throughout your stay we will be hosting various midweek complimentary activities to ensure you are entertained. Below are just some of the activities we have available: WINE TASTING
Located in the heart of Ireland, just off the M6 motorway and less than a five minute walk from the main bus and rail stations, Sheraton Athlone Hotel offers an ideal central location for those wishing to explore many of Ireland’s treasures or simply relax beside the Lakelands. Our packages include sumptuous dinners, award winning breakfast and free in house activities.
2B+B, 2D
from
€129 pps
Are you fruity for Sauvignon or a nut for Merlot? Allow our resident sommelier help you find out as he guides you through a celebration of fine wines from different regions of the world.
SPA BEAUTY DEMO Do we really need to cleanse and tone our skin daily? Indulge in the ultimate beauty experience and learn the best skincare tips and tricks from our expert beauty therapists.
AQUA AEROBICS It may look like a lot of splashing around but aqua aerobics has been a popular way of keeping fit for years. So why not get your blood moving and those tummies toned with an invigorating aqua aerobics session.
CRAFT BEER TASTING Our craft beer expert will guide you through the passion, experience and technique that goes into every brew. With a wide variety of craft beers to sample, enjoy an array of great tasting brews and explore the exciting world of Irish craft beers.
BINGO Legs Eleven…. No.11. Let our bingo enthusiast, Mary, help you unwind and learn some ‘Bingo Lingo’ in an evening of banter, wit, prizes & surprises.
T&C’s Apply
All of our guests receive a platinum discount shopping card, providing discounts on a range of shops in the adjacent Athlone Towncentre Shopping Centre - home to M&S, H&M, Next, Eason, Pamela Scoot, TK Maxx and lots more. *activities are subject to numbers
090 645 1000 l sheratonathlonehotel.com l reservations@sheratonathlonehotel.com
82|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Yoplait
Yoplait Announces
Product Reformulations Yoplait has announced a series of reformulations, bringing lowersugar and increased vitamin D yogurt products to market in both the adult and kids yogurt categories. YOPLAIT has announced an exciting series of product reformulations at an event in the historic Constitution Room in Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel. The Yoplait brand is now an affiliate of General Mills, who are responsible for major brands such as Petits Filous, Liberté and Super Fruitii. Indeed, General Mills is one of the world’s largest food companies, operating in over 100 countries and marketing over 100 brands, including Háagen-Daz, Old El Paso, Nature Valley, Green Giant, Betty Crocker, Fibre One and Jus-Rol pastry. It had net sales for 2016 totalling US $17.6 billion. Andrew Burke, Country Manager for General Mills and Yoplait Ireland, opened the event by introducing the speakers and Yoplait’s reformulation strategy. Yoplait currently has seven brands available in Ireland, claiming leadership of the yogurt and kids categories with an 18.6% and 58.3% market share, respectively. The company believes in a consumer-first approach and always explores ways to improve the nutritional value of their products and reduce sugar intake. Burke cited the World Health Organisation contention that good nutrition creates a cascade of benefits that improve health, education and
Yoplait’s new Petits Filous recipe has reduced sugar levels by 17% to 9.9g per 100g, while increasing vitamin D fortification to 50% NRV per portion. employment, while reducing poverty and inequality. In Ireland, latest figures reveal that the cost of obesity is approximately €1.6 billion and impacting on one out of every four children. Very low levels of Vitamin D intake are extremely widespread. Consequently,
Yoplait are taking a holistic approach to nutrition and aim to fortify and increase the intake of Vitamin D. Nutritional Improvements The Country Manager explained that Yoplait have a strong track record of
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|83
Yoplait health improvement and have brought in a raft of nutritional improvements. Popular product, Petits Filous has undergone a decade of nutritional changes, while the reformulations include a new recipe for Frubes, which reduces sugar by 15%. “We recognise that many consumers in Ireland are changing their preferences when it comes to food and drink products,” Burke noted. “As the country’s leading yogurt brand, we want to continue to deliver great tasting products and to do that we are proactively investing in developing innovative new yogurt products and reformulating our popular ranges like Frubes and Petits Filous. “These product reformulations are the latest in our ongoing programme to improve the nutrient profile of our yogurts, while products like Super Fruitii and My First Petits Filous are setting new standards in the category. We are constantly exploring innovative ways to create products that Irish consumers will love.” Reformulations: The Facts Catering for parents who are looking to purchase healthier products for their children, Yoplait’s reformulated Frubes products, designed for lunchboxes, now include 15% less sugar, at 10.9g per 100g, down from 12.8g per 100g. One serving (2 x 40g tubes) will now contain 8.7g of sugar and continues to provide 50% of the daily vitamin D NRV. The company also revealed that a new Petits Filous big and small pots recipe has reduced sugar levels by 17% to 9.9g per 100g, down from 11.9g per 100g. Mindful of the importance of vitamin D to Irish children, Yoplait has also increased vitamin D fortification in the country’s leading kids yogurt product to 50% NRV (nutrient reference value) per portion (2.5µg). For the adult yogurt market, the recently introduced Super Fruitii range has 0% fat and only 60 calories per pot. Fortified with calcium and essential vitamin D and vitamin B2, on average, the sugar content is 30% lower than other fat-free yogurts. Super Fruitii is a thick and tasty yogurt for the adult market on a layer of unique fruit flavour combinations. The company’s bold reformulation initiative is being complemented by new product innovation. Yoplait’s My First Petits Filous product is a low sugar, vanilla flavoured fromage frais tailored for babies from six months, which contains just 4.5g of sugar per portion (2 x pots, 94g) and is currently the lowest
sugar flavoured fromage frais on the market. The Role of Yogurt Belinda Quick, Health and Nutrition Leader Europe and Catering for parents who are looking to purchase healthier Australia products for their children, Yoplait’s reformulated Frubes at the Bell products now include 15% less sugar, at 10.9g per 100g. Institute of Nutrition, outlined the role that yogurt plays in the Irish diet. Committee on Nutrition (SACN) recently “Dairy products are an important source recommended an increase in the RNI of protein and calcium for children and of Vitamin D intake due to vitamin D by adding vitamin D to our core range, deficiencies becoming increasingly we always work to ensure the overall prevalent. In October 2016, the European product nutrition profile takes into Food Safety Authority (EFSA) revised its account consumer needs,” she revealed. dietary reference values (DRVs) for the In examining food and nutritional intake of vitamin D. intakes, Quick revealed there are quite high intakes of total fat, saturated fats, Changing Consumer Needs sugar and salt, and inadequate levels Yoplait recognises that the needs of of fibre, vitamin D, iron and calcium their consumers are changing. At the consumed. In addition to vitamins and first post-six months stage of feeding, calcium, protein has a pivotal role in smooth fromage frais such as My First one’s diet. Petits Filous are highly recommended as Quick went through a pyramid they are low in sugar and are specifically illustrating daily dietary guidelines. targeted for this stage of development. Three servings of milk, yogurt and Yogurt is a key part of a weaning cheese should be eaten by children diet for young children. Babies and daily. For children and young adults toddlers enjoy different textures and aged between nine and 18, five portions tastes. Offering these as an infant of milk, yogurt and cheese should be progresses through the weaning consumed each day. journey can help them develop chewing, Petits Filous fromage frais was swallowing and speaking skills. For first formulated over 50 years ago example, smooth, thicker foods such as especially for children. Low in calories fromage frais can help babies master and saturates, while high in vitamin the art of moving food from the front D, calcium and protein, it has a wide to the back of their mouth and making range of nutritional benefits and is also swallowing easier. Introducing different extremely convenient and versatile. flavours, particularly green vegetables, encourages babies to be less fussy about Communicating with the Market new foods when they get older. Jonathan Bennett, Head of External From seven to nine months, dairy Relations, Yoplait UK Limited, said that foods such as fromage frais, cheese and he was excited about the new product yogurt can be introduced to a wider diet innovations and reformulations and that that includes more flavours and textures. it was time for Yoplait to communicate Family meals can be introduced to the more with the market and its customers. diet from nine months on, aiming for As a parent, he revealed that his three small meals a day and healthy household bought “industrial quantities” snacks. of yogurt on an ongoing basis. Yoplait’s bold reformulation Fresh dairy products are initiatives are complemented by new recommended as part of a healthy product innovations, which will continue balanced diet as they are excellent with new additions to the range in the sources of protein, calcium and vitamin future. For more information, see D and help children to meet their www.yoplait.ie or nutritional needs. The Scientific Advisory www.generalmills.co.uk.
84|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Forecourt Focus: News Appointment at Applegreen
Maxol Supports Malin2Mizen Cycle
DAVID Watson has been appointed as Applegreen’s National Sales Manager for the Dealer Business Division, with responsibility for the development of the dealer business nationally and to continue to nurture Applegreen’s existing dealer base. Applegreen Dealer Business division was established just over two years ago and has grown from strength to strength, with over 54 dealer sites nationwide. David joined the Applegreen dealer business two years ago and brought with him significant sales and development experience, having worked for multinational IT companies and founded and successfully ran two companies in IT manufacturing and consultancy. He is looking forward to the continued expansion of the dealer business within Applegreen and the opportunities as it continues its significant growth plan throughout Ireland.
MAXOL once again helped to support the Malin2Mizen Cycle for Cystic Fibrosis which took place recently, providing refreshments to the cyclists at Maxol service stations along the route, which started at Malin Head, County Donegal, and finished at Mizen Head, County Cork. The aim of the cycle is to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis nationally and generate €100,000 in funds to help provide support and services for people with CF. Pictured at the launch of the Malin2Mizen Cycle for Cystic Fibrosis are two sporting heroes, Dublin football star, Alan Brogan, and cycling legend, Seán Kelly.
Top Oil Sponsorship Deal with Showjumping Ireland TOP Oil has announced a new sponsorship agreement with Showjumping Ireland. Top Oil will sponsor the National Ladies Championship, which runs from May to September at showjumping venues across the country. “Top Oil is proud to sponsor Showjumping Ireland’s Ladies Championship for 2017,” Gerard Boylan, Group Chief Executive of Top Oil noted. “As a leading Irish family owned home heating and fuel provider, we are committed to supporting local communities, and this partnership reflects that commitment. The development of both horses and athletes in a competitive arena is an important part of our heritage in Ireland and we are proud to be associated with Showjumping Ireland. We wish all the teams involved in competing this year the very best with the Championships.”
Pictured are Michael Hennessy, Regional Chairman, Showjumping Ireland, and Iris Kavanagh, Marketing and Communications Manager, Top Oil.
Always FRESH MILK
and the SAME BEANS as our coffee shops
Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie|85
Forecourt Focus: News Maxol Opens Ballycoolin Services THE Maxol Group has announced the opening of its third largest development in Ireland at Ballycoolin, following the launch of Maxol M3 Mulhuddart last year. Located on the N3 on a 2.5-acre site, the new services have been constructed using a contemporary design, similar to the state-ofthe-art facilities opened last month at A26 Tannaghmore Services, in Pictured at the new Maxol Northern Ireland. Ballycoolin Services in North West After an investment Dublin are Brian Donaldson, CEO, of over €4m, Maxol Maxol Group, and Agnis Punculis, Ballycoolin Services Manager, Maxol Ballycoolin. provides 50 new jobs in the area and offers well known food brands, O’Brien’s Sandwich Cafe, Abrakebabra and the Bagel Factory. The offering will be further enhanced when the first drive-thru Starbucks opens at the site in the summer. The Maxol Group has appointed Aramark, a global specialist in food service, as its licensee to operate the new Maxol Ballycoolin Services. The team will be led by Agnis Punculis, who will manage the new facilities.
Topaz Play or Park Winner for April TOPAZ has announced Carmel Moore from Wicklow Town as the April 2017 winner of Topaz Play or Park, having played her points at Topaz Wicklow, Sinnotts, Dublin Road. Carmel will be living Pictured is Wicklow town’s Carmel the life of luxury Moore, winner of the Topaz Play of for 10 nights Park once in a lifetime trip to Vietnam, as she returns alongside Topaz Head of Loyalty, to Vietnam Richard Pollock, and Pawel Oposzka with her sister Topaz Store Manager, Wicklow Town. Siobhán, having visited the country 15 years ago as backpackers. This time around, they’re set to re-discover Hanoi from the comfort of a chauffeur driven car, explore Ho Chi Minh City by an exhilarating Vespa ride and enjoy a bespoke boat tour along the breath-taking Halong Bay. The two sisters will be able to relax in their 4-star accommodation each night after their jam-packed days of exploring. In addition, they will receive €2,000 spending money, allowing them to build on the memories that they created together 15 years ago.
Maxol Sponsors Irish University Rugby Team
Pictured are brothers Kevin and Brian Slater, along with Maxol’s Regional Manager, Mark Walsh.
MAXOL continued its longstanding partnership of over two decades with Irish University Rugby by sponsoring the Irish team’s jerseys for their third level international rugby meeting at Oxford University RFC recently. This year’s encounter saw the Irish students play out a sensational 36-36 draw with their English counterparts. The revival of third level international representative rugby continues from its reintroduction in 2016, with Maxol delighted to play a supporting role. “At Maxol we understand the importance of sport in Irish communities,” said Dermot O’Toole, Head of Retail & Marketing at Maxol. “We are pleased to provide our support to the development of student rugby in Ireland and to ensure that young Irish rugby players are given the opportunities to perform to their best.”
To find out what Costa Express can offer you contact: ROI tel: 021 500 3526 NI tel: 02892 580207
86|Retail News|June 2017|www.retailnews.ie
Shelf Life FYFFES’ Head of Human Resources, William Faulkner, has labelled their high-profile presence at the recent Agri Careers Fair in the RDS a ‘resounding success’. Since the event, the company has received over 1,000 applications from students seeking a place on their 2017 Graduate Management Programme, which begins in September. Geared towards those pursuing a career in agriculture, horticulture, agribusiness, agri-technology, engineering or forestry, the programme offers selected students a two-years work placement that includes travel and hands-on experience working on a Fyffes banana, melon or pineapple farm in Central America. William Faulkner is pictured with Fyffes’ Marketing Manager, Emma Hunt-Duffy, at the Agri Careers Fair.
INSOMNIA’S flagship store at St Stephens Green, Dublin, recently opened its doors for the first time since April, unveiling a new vibrant, inviting environment for its customers to enjoy great value handcrafted coffee in a welcoming and comfortable space with a great ambiance. Insomnia has enjoyed excellent growth and has the sixth fastest coffee chain growth in Europe, with an impressive portfolio of 140 stores across Ireland and the UK. Other 2017 openings include Drumcondra, Cavan , Mallow, Belfast, Mary Street and, in Q4, Insomnia will open its first store in Germany. By the year’s end, Insomnia will have 175 stores across Ireland, the UK and Germany. Pictured at the re-opening of the Stephen’s Green store are Bobby Kerr, Chairman, and Harry O’Kelly, CEO, Insomnia.
BEWLEY’S was awarded the Corporate Social Responsibility Award at the 2017 All Ireland Marketing Awards. Bewley’s received the award for Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice, which they have supported for 25 years. In over two decades, one of Ireland’s longest running one-day charity events has raised over €32m for hospice care nationwide and served over 16m cups of coffee. “We are absolutely delighted to be presented with the CSR Award at this year’s All Ireland Marketing Awards in recognition of our long term support for Ireland’s Biggest Coffee Morning for Hospice,” noted Mark Saunders, Bewley’s Brand Director. Pictured are (l-r): Nicola Weldon, Kerry Foods, sponsor of the Corporate Social Responsibility Award, with Mark Saunders, Bewley’s Brand Director; Sean Tackaberry, Bewley’s; Eleanor Flew, Director of Fundraising and Communications, Our Lady’s Hospice and Care Services, Harolds Cross; and Laura McDonnell, Bewley’s.
MAY 2017 saw FMI launching their new brand, after 20 years in business. Hinged on the cornerstones of ‘People’ and ‘Power’, the new FMI brand is a strong, high-energy visual representation of these core attributes that more accurately reflects the energy and diversity of FMI people and the services the company offers. “We wanted our brand image to represent the personality and culture of FMI,” said Nicola de Beer, Managing Director of FMI. “An integral part of our value system is the diversity of our people. We have over 50 nationalities working across three locations in Ireland. We wanted to showcase how we work collaboratively to deliver results for the clients we represent, and we feel the new brand does this through celebrating diversity, which we believe is key to encouraging change and enhancing our culture.” See www.fmi.ie for more details.
JUST Eat has recently signed up with popular off-licence O’Brien’s Wines, who began delivering wine, prosecco and champagne to customers in south Dublin. The first partnership of its kind in Ireland, O’Brien’s Wines are the latest big name to join Just Eat, who have over 1,900 restaurant partners throughout Ireland. Available from 1pm until 9.30pm, seven days a week, customers can conveniently choose from an expansive O’Brien’s Wines menu that includes some of their most popular red and white wines, Prosecco and Champagne for speedy delivery to homes in 21 South Dublin locations, including Harold’s Cross, Milltown, Portobello, Sandymount and Rathmines, with prices starting from €15 plus delivery. THE Irish Independent has announced its continued sponsorship of the prestigious Irish Greyhound Laurels competition, which runs from June 24 to July 22, and marks the second year of a three year sponsorship agreement. The sponsorship includes an advertising support package for the event via the Irish Independent and Independent.ie, bringing the Irish Laurels to a nationwide audience. One of the most important fixtures in the Irish greyhound racing calendar, the Irish Independent Irish Laurels is hotly contested by the country’s fastest greyhounds for a €60,000 prize purse, with the winner taking home €30,000 and the chance to join a respected group of thoroughbred champions. Launching the 2017 Irish Independent Irish Laurels at Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium, with the help of Sonia the greyhound, are Mattie Murphy, IGB Member; Richie O’Regan, Local Director, Curraheen Park; Frank Nyhan, IGB member; and David Hartnett, Channel Sales Manager at INM.
MINISTER of State for Communities and National Drugs Strategy Catherine Byrne TD, presented 36 participants of the Diageo Ireland Learning For Life programme with certificates in a special graduation ceremony which took place in the Mansion House recently. Learning For Life is a Diageo Ireland initiative run in partnership with the Department of Social Protection, which equips young people who are long-term unemployed with the skills and training necessary to take up employment opportunities in the hospitality industry. Learning For Life was originally piloted in Dublin 8 in 2014 and has since expanded to Dublin, Louth, Cork, Waterford, Limerick, Kerry and Kilkenny. In that period, 225 young people have completed the programme, with 72% of the participants going on to full time employment or education. Pictured at the event are (l-r): Cormac McAuley, Bernie Duff, Liam Reid, Diageo Corporate Relations Director, Minister of State for Communities and National Drugs Strategy, Catherine Byrne TD, and Holly Tighe. PANINI have launched the much-anticipated Road to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Sticker Collection. Featuring top players from around the world and the best national teams, this collection will prepare fans for the biggest event in world football and the emotion and excitement it will bring with it. Collectors can kick start their collection with a starter pack, which includes an album plus 26 stickers. There are 528 stickers to collect in total, including those well-known faces from Ireland, England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The collection is backed by a multi-faceted marketing campaign, including TV advertising, a nationwide press and digital campaign, investment at retail across key listings, magazine cover-mount activity across key children’s titles, as well as a wide-ranging sampling campaign.
Congratulations!
Musgrave MarketPlace would like to congratulate Retail News on serving Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Retailers and Suppliers for the past 60 years.
Happy Birthday!