Retail News June 2018

Retail News JUNE 2018

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

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Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents News

Facing the Challenges Ahead BWG Foods’ Managing Director, Willie O’Byrne is one of the most recognisable faces in the Irish grocery market. As Chairman of Retail Ireland, his voice is also one of the most influential when it comes to the FMCG sector. Half-way through his tenure with the Ibec group, O’Byrne talks to Retail News Editor, John Walshe, about the big issues facing retailing and the FMCG sector going forward (Page 16).

In an extremely thorough and wideranging interview, the Retail Ireland Chairman discusses the potential fallout from a hard Brexit, the need for reform in both commercial rates and insurance, the high cost of hiring staff and why, despite all the challenges, he’s confident of a bright future for grocery in Ireland.

Elsewhere, we report from the Today’s Women In Grocery annual networking lunch, where a new mentorship programme was launched to empower tomorrow’s female leaders (Page 30); we examine the success of the Food Academy programme, between Bord Bia, SuperValu and Local Enterprise Offices (Page 34); and we focus on Waste Management, including a revealing look at the future for plastic packaging, from Rosemarie Downey, Head of Packaging Research at Euromonitor International (Page 47).

Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director.

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PayPoint reach point of no return in Irish market.

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Top international award for Fresh; M&S launch huge price campaign.

4

Tesco back on top of grocery market; Top award for Frank Gleeson.

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SuperValu & Centra introduce 100% compostable coffee cups; Tesco opens €30m Liffey Valley store.

8

Musgrave announces €80m profit for 2017; Kepak publishes sustainability report; Trevor Logan: an appreciation.

9

New Chairman at FSAI; Repak announces special offer for independent stores.

The Retail News Interview 16

Just over halfway through his two-year tenure as Retail Ireland Chairman, Willie O’Byrne reflects on the progress made, the challenges that remain and the issues facing Irish retailers over the coming 12 months.

Musgrave MarketPlace

Following a €2.5m upgrade, Cork Food Emporium is officially launching at Musgrave MarketPlace.

CSNA National Conference 24

The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association celebrated its 30th anniversary with a National Conference and Gala Dinner at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney.

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Managing Director: Patrick Aylward Editorial & Sales Director:

Published by: Tara Publishing Ltd,

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

Sales: Aaron Stewart

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Subscription to Retail News: e95 plus VAT

Production: Ciara Conway Printed by: W&G Baird

Graphics: Catherine Doyle

33

Kerry Foods is launching a new website to help retailers fully capitalise on the opportunity for the deli counter, at deliexperts.ie.

Food Academy 34

The Food Academy Programme from Bord Bia, SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Offices is back for its fifth year.

Cover Story 36

‘Seize the Denny’ is a new throughthe-line campaign, set to reposition the Denny brand as an Irish icon and a household staple.

44

Repak - a cost effective method of complying with packaging waste regulations; Raising awareness of Ireland's Recycle List; Integrating plastic into a circular economy.

Recruitment 50

Rezoomo is a recruitment marketing and management tool that helps businesses to harness and promote their employer brand.

Bloom 2018 52

Bord Bia’s Bloom 2018 was a sunfilled success story, with 119,000 visitors, including more than 200 trade buyers.

Music In-Store 62

If you play music in your store, you must have a Dual Music Licence from IMRO.

Focus on HR 64

How do you deal with an employee complaint in the workplace?

Regulars & Reports

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen

Today’s Women in Grocery broke new ground as a record 460 women gathered to ‘talk shop.

Deli/Food To Go

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Retail News Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter

30

Waste Management

16

22

TWIG Networking Lunch

Email: ciara@tarapublications.ie Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

10 28 38 55 60 66 68

Industry News Retail Ireland: Monthly Update Snack Food Pet Food Drinks News Forecourt Focus: News What’s New

2|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

News

PayPoint Reach Point of no Return in Irish Market

A BRITISH payment services and technology provider, operating in Ireland since 1996, has announced its decision to leave the Irish market. PayPoint is one of three service providers including Payzone and PostPoint - that collects customer payments on behalf of household and service organisations, through a network of convenience retailers.

A Co. Wicklow retailer, using PayPoint since he took the lease on his shop eight years ago, told Retail News he was concerned the move would leave him high and dry.

"It will have a significant effect on footfall," said Jim O'Connor, proprietor of O'Connor's shop in Arklow. "I'm a small corner shop and I have a lot of local people coming in to me for electricity top ups, mobile top ups and bill pay. I'll lose all that.

Their margins are insignificant: 2.5% to 3%. It's the footfall that I'm worried about."

PayPoint services include ESB, Electric Ireland, Eir, Vodafone, and Bord Gais. While Payzone and PostPoint terminals can be found in thousands of retail outlets across the country, PayPoint is thought to number around 450.

"For many years, PayPoint was a shadow of the way they operated in the UK, where they at one point had 50% of the market," said another retailer, who asked not to be named.

"They never grew the business here. They were late coming on board with integrated systems; late tendering for products; they didn't invest in staff. Their dedicated office in Swords was reduced to a skeleton staff. Then they transferred their call centre to the UK." PayPoint - which has a head office in Hertfordshire, England - claims to have 29,000 sites across UK and Ireland.

They reported a 0.8% fall in pre-tax profit to £52.9m in the 12 months until March 31, 2018.

In a statement to Retail News, the company said: "Following an extensive review of our business, we have taken the decision to leave the Irish market to focus on our core markets of the UK and Romania. Our operations will close in October 2018. This has already been communicated to our retailers and clients in the Irish market. The Irish market represents a very small part of our overall business. Our strategic focus is on our core markets of the UK and Romania." Brexit did not play a part in this decision, added the spokesperson.

Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), recommended that PayPoint retailers now sign up for Payzone or PostPoint.

O'Connor expressed concerns that he might not qualify for one of the other operators, as there are a number of other retailers in his area currently using the service. However, Joe Tierney, CSNA's services chairman, explained that service providers do not discriminate.

"They are similar to Lottery, which will go into every

physical store and say 'be the best in your own shop; don't worry about anywhere else'," explains Tierney.

While the other payment operators may have a wider product portfolio than PayPoint retailers currently have, ESB tokens are exclusive to PayPoint terminals.

Customers feed these physical cards, each worth €5, into their home electricity meters.

Tierney believed Payzone and PostPoint are likely to pick up this business in PayPoint's absence, although ESB tokens are being phased out. "At one time, in our shop, we were doing seven or eight customers a day with ESB tokens. Now we're probably doing two or three a week," he said.

Some retailers expressed concerns about differences between commission rates, but one of the other operators maintained that commission rates are broadly similar, and that retailers could benefit from higher transaction volumes with a different operator, while the retailer’s costs for processing card payments could be reduced if they enable their new terminal for debit/credit card payments.

PayPoint is thought to have had a better rate on mobile phone topups, but this too is a declining market, points out Jennings: "There are more people now on bill pay. Fewer people are spending larger sums of money because phone companies became more competitive."

According Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA. to PayPoint, it is business as usual for their retail customers until October: "PayPoint’s service will be unaffected. We will be in touch with them with further specific details on the closure of the service in the next few months."

The spokesperson added: "The majority of brands using PayPoint do so non-exclusively and offer alternative providers for customers to pay their bills. We have given retailers plenty of notice so they can make alternative arrangements in their stores."

Jim O'Connor, however, has another issue to contend with.

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|3

News His PayPoint terminal was traditionally operated through the telephone line, which PayPoint paid for. Payments became unreliable, so he was forced to start a Wi-Fi contract at his own expense.

"I'm about two or three months into a one-year contract, which is costing me €50 a month," he told us. He will have to keep paying for it when PayPoint leave.

Tierney advises retailers in this situation to keep their Wi-Fi for another services provider. PayPoint's lack of technical support in Ireland means retailers may be better off in the

hands of another provider, he suggests: "There are huge amounts of money that can be lost on these machines if they are incorrectly used. Every day, these companies are getting phone calls about retailer concerns, so you need a good level of customer support."

PayPoint's days were numbered in Ireland, it appears.

"They are massive in the UK, but they haven't invested or gone to tender for anything in Ireland over the last couple of years," remarked Tierney. "It's been an open secret they were eventually going to leave Ireland. The writing was on the wall."

Top International Award for Fresh FRESH The Good Food Market has won the 2018 NACS International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award for its Camden Street store in Dublin. The award honours the most innovative and successful international convenience and fuel retailing store of the year, as chosen by a Grand Jury of leading international retailers and experts.

Judges agreed that Fresh The Good Market exemplifies excellence in convenience retailing. Said one judge: “Really a unique and powerful example of ‘foodvenience,’ with food as a destination and a broad range and appeal set in an authentic food experience.” Another judge added, “One of the stand-out entrants this year; strong across all categories and challenging the norm for urban convenience retailing.”

The judging panel recognised the positive impact Fresh took in terms of developing the in-store experience.

Specifically, The Fresh Kitchen, The Fresh Caffé, its extensive in store dining, partnerships with indigenous Irish brands and its complete focus and commitment to preparing freshly made food throughout the day.

“We are thrilled to be chosen by the judging panel of NACS as their 2018 International Convenience Retailer of the Year,” enthused Noel Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Fresh.

“The standard of all of this year’s finalists was extremely high.

As a company, we are passionate about pushing the boundaries of food retailing and maintaining the best standards throughout our stores so to be recognised by NACS is fantastic for our team. We will continue to develop and continue innovating for our customers.”

Competition for this year’s International Convenience

Pictured are Greg Grouse, General Manager of Fresh; Henry Armour President/CEO at NACS; Scott Hill, Director of Sales C-Store, Jack Link’s Beef Jerky, sponsor of award; Noel Smith, MD and founder of Fresh; Iulian Dascula, Store Manager, Camden Street; Austin McGinley, Marketing Director, Fresh; Shane Byrne, Head of Marketing/Sales, Fresh; Derek Dunne, Head of Fresh Food, Fresh; and Mark Wohltmann, Director - Europe at NACS. Retailer of the Year Award was strong, with 14 finalists from retail companies in India, Ireland, Norway, South Africa, the UK, Australia and Spain selected by convenience and fuel retailing industry peers.

M&S Launch Huge Price Campaign MARKS & Spencer (M&S) has dropped prices on 200 food lines in its biggest ever price investment in the Republic of Ireland. Prices are being slashed by an average of 24%, with no compromise on the trusted M&S quality and sourcing standards customers know and love. It will be promoted to customers through a new campaign – ‘M&S For Less’.

“This is our biggest ever price investment in the Republic of Ireland,” explained Ken Scully, M&S Ireland Country Manager. “We’re doing it to sharpen our prices for customers who we know come to us for our trusted value and great quality products.”

The first phase of the campaign launched on May 23, with further prices to be lowered in the coming months.

M&S Ireland Country Manager, Ken Scully, pictured launching 'M&S For Less'.

4|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

News Tesco Back on Top of Grocery Market TESCO has reclaimed top spot of the Irish grocery market for the first time in more than two years with an overall Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend share of 22.3%, according to the latest grocery market share figures from 12 Weeks to 20 May 2018 change** 12 Weeks to 21 May 2017 Kantar Worldpanel, for the 12 weeks %* %* % ending May 20, 2018. The retailer grew Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 2.8 sales by 4.5%, far ahead of the overall Total Multiples 88.9% 88.8% 2.6 market, which saw growth of 2.8%. The SuperValu 22.4% 22.0% 0.8 gap between the top three has widened, Tesco 22.0% 22.3% 4.5 with SuperValu and Dunnes capturing Dunnes 21.8% 21.8% 2.6 22.0% and 21.8% of the market Lidl 11.3% 11.4% 3.5 respectively.

Aldi 11.3% 11.3% 2.0 “A strategic emphasis on volume Other Outlets** 11.1% 11.2% 3.9 sales, particularly through its private *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers label offering, has been key to Tesco **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops becoming Ireland’s biggest grocer once again,” explained Douglas Faughnan, private label items at Aldi and Lidl still account for over 90% of Consumer Insight Director at Kantar Worldpanel. “While sales, but both retailers have expanded their branded ranges value sales are robust, growing at 4.5% on last year, volume to attract shoppers and encourage more spend from existing performance has been even stronger. Tesco’s own label range customers. Branded sales at Aldi now account for 7.6% of has been at the centre of its performance, now accounting for overall sales, up from 6.5% in 2017, while 11.1% of Lidl’s sales more than half of overall sales, following double digit growth are from branded items, compared to 8.6% at the same time this period.” last year. These increases have been central to the overall SuperValu sales grew by just under 1% this period, growth of 2% and 3.5% at Aldi and Lidl respectively.” achieving an overall share of 22%. The retailer’s focus on fresh The introduction of the sugar tax in Ireland on May 1 has produce through its SuperValu 7 offer is evident – volume sales not yet been reflected in volume sales of carbonated soft of vegetables are up on last year, with staple vegetables like drinks – overall volume sales in May were up 4.8% on the same tomatoes, potatoes and carrots showing particularly strong period last year. However, this did coincide with a period of hot performance. weather over the early May Bank Holiday, where other drinks For the first time in more than 12 months, Dunnes has categories like mineral water and fruit squash also experienced seen an increase in customers coming through its doors – an a volume increase. Although the tax is in its infancy, there is a extra 9,000 shoppers in the last 12 weeks. This, combined with substantial level of awareness among Irish shoppers about its a 3.4% increase in average price paid and shoppers buying existence – 50% say they are aware of it and that it is important more items per trip, helped the retailer grow by 2.6% compared to them. with last year.

Grocery market inflation stands at -0.6% for the 12 week Branded sales have been helping boost discounter period ending May 20, 2018. performance, as Douglas Faughnan explains: “Combined, For more information, see www.kantarworldpanel.com.

Aramark’s Frank Gleeson Named European Industry Leader of the Year FRANK Gleeson, President of Aramark Northern Europe, has been named the 2018 NACS European Industry Leader of the Year. The award, sponsored by Mondelez International, was presented during the NACS Convenience Summit Europe in London on June 6.

“I cannot think of a better leader to be recognised for this prestigious award. He has been one of the industry’s strongest advocates for decades, and his leadership is second to none,” said Rick Brindle, Vice President of Industry Development at Mondelez International.

Gleeson is highly respected in the convenience retail industry as an executive who thinks globally but acts locally. He is a firm believer that convenience stores can

flourish under a “rule of three”: 1. Be famous for good food and beverages; 2. Offer consistent and reliable customer service; 3. Keep all promises to customers and suppliers.

“Frank Gleeson exemplifies outstanding leadership in our industry.

He’s passionate, forward thinking, loves to win and, most important, wants to make a positive difference in the lives of the people with whom he works and the customers and communities he serves,” said NACS President & CEO, Henry Armour.

Frank Gleeson, President of Aramark Northern Europe: 2018 NACS European Industry Leader of the Year.

NEW NAME, SAME PEOPLE.

For more information visit www.circlek.ie

6|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

News SuperValu & Centra Introduce 100% Compostable Coffee Cups FRANK and Honest, which is available in Centra stores and SuperValu stores across Ireland, will replace all non-recyclable single-use cups with a new compostable cup and lid from September this year. CupPrint and Down2Earth Materials will supply the compostable cups and create 20 new Irish jobs in Ennis and Cork to cater for the increase in production.

The decision to switch to compostable cups has the potential to divert millions of coffee cups from landfill.

Consumers will able to dispose of their compostable coffee cups in domestic brown bins. Compostable coffee cups can also be organically recycled in commercial composting facilities around Ireland before being converted into renewable energy or fertiliser.

The announcement forms part of Centra and SuperValu’s overall sustainability strategy and follows the recent introduction of compostable bags in SuperValu to replace the use of plastic bags in the fruit and veg section.

Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD, commended SuperValu and Centra for “making this important commitment. The decision to introduce compostable cups is a significant move that will lead to millions of single-use non-recyclable cups being diverted from landfill annually”.

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra, added: “As Ireland’s biggest grocery and convenience brands, we know that SuperValu and Centra have an important role to play in helping to make more environmentally friendly packaging available to consumers. We have taken this leadership position to eliminate non-recyclable single-use cups and replacing them with compostable coffee cups in line with Minister Naughten’s strategy. Further to this, we are actively

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu and Centra, and Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten TD, at the launch of the Frank and Honest compostable cups. looking at how we can make additional improvements instore and across our supply chain as part of our commitment to make 100% of SuperValu own brand and fresh produce packaging recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025.”

Tesco Opens €30m Liffey Valley Store TESCO Ireland recently opened its biggest store. The new environmentally-friendly €30m Liffey Valley Tesco Extra store has created 175 jobs and was officially opened by TV presenter

Pictured at the official opening are Robbie Kelly, Tesco Liffey Valley Store Manager, TV presenter Lucy Kennedy, and Tesco Ireland CEO, Andrew Yaxley.

Lucy Kennedy and Tesco Ireland CEO Andrew Yaxley.

The vast majority of the 175 jobs have been recruited locally within the Liffey Valley area. Tesco now employs over 13,000 people in Ireland and over 5,000 in Dublin alone.

The Liffey Valley store is part of Tesco’s €70m national store investment plan. The new store features 60,000 square feet of shopping space and over 440 free car parking spaces for customers, as well as retail units including Tesco Mobile, Vision Express, Costa Coffee, Holland & Barrett and more.

Tesco Ireland CEO, Andrew Yaxley, said: “Tesco Ireland is really committed to ensuring that our stores play a big part in local communities. We are very proud that the vast bulk of the 175 jobs at this Liffey Valley store are going to local people.

“This new environmentally-friendly flagship store will boast an extensive range of fresh food, groceries, beers, wines and spirits, as well as an exciting range of F&F clothing, toys and home-wares. Providing a totally new and enhanced type of shopping experience for customers in the area, we look forward to working with local suppliers and becoming a strong and vibrant part of the community.”

The new Liffey Valley store is a highly carbon-efficient design, which includes in-built energy-saving measures, advanced lighting, heating and cooling systems and waste recycling facilities. The store layout showcases Tesco’s continued focus on fresh, local and seasonal produce.

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www.deliexperts.ie

‘Rate Your Counter’ to work out your current Deli Counter Expertise ‘Grow Your Sales’ using our Insight Driven Advice

We worked with Kerry Foods to improve our range, product knowledge and quality displayed across our deli counter, leading to an increase in sales of 27%. The team worked closely with a number of departments at Kerry Foods and we found them to be innovative and sales and customer focused in guiding and assisting us in our new deli layout.

Together we transformed our Deli to not only make it easier for our customers to shop, but also easy for our colleagues to maintain throughout the day.

John, Retailer

www.deliexperts.ie

8|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

News Musgrave Announces €80m Profit for 2017 MUSGRAVE has announced results for the financial year ended December 30, 2017, with sales of €3.7 billion and profit before tax of €80m, a 9% increase on the previous year. Net cash was €71m and net assets totaled €330m, an increase of €82m.

“We have delivered a strong financial performance, reporting a third consecutive year of profit growth, with sales also performing well despite on-going food deflation,” said Chris Martin, Musgrave Chief Executive. “Our brands enabled local community retailers to go head-to-head with the multiple chains in a highly competitive market. These family businesses are benefiting from their partnership with us and our financial strength enables us to support them into the future. This financial strength also means we can continue to explore opportunities through acquisitions, exports and by developing new brands.”

The CEO said that the Musgrave business is “combining brand and digital innovation to deliver a seamless shopping experience across the island of Ireland and exporting Irish food and our own brand products”.

He noted how Frank & Honest coffee is now available in over 630 stores and has become the “number one selling coffee brand in Ireland”, while Musgrave also continued the rollout of the new Chipmongers brand and expect to end this year with 30 outlets. The acquisition of La Rousse Foods has allowed Musgrave to strengthen their food expertise and to

Musgrave CEO, Chris Martin. broaden their offer into the premium foodservice market.

SuperValu in the Republic of Ireland recorded sales of €2.7 billion in 2017, a new record for the brand, while Centra recorded sales of €1.58 billion. MarketPlace, Musgrave’s foodservice business, reported a strong sales performance which was helped by the full year contribution of the C.J. O’ Loughlin business, which was acquired in 2016, and the continued rollout of the successful Food Emporium format.

Their wholesale and convenience food brands in Northern Ireland delivered a good performance in 2017, while their Spanish business had a good year, and they signed an agreement to export to Alosra in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Kepak Publishes Sustainability Report KEPAK Group has committed to halving food waste across all its sites by 2030. This pledge follows Kepak’s donation to FoodCloud in 2017 of 8200kg of surplus food, which provided 18,040 meals to those in need, and saved 90,300kg CO2 emissions. As part of its commitment to sustainability, Kepak is also working to significantly reduce water and energy usage, develop healthier products and share agricultural knowledge regarding on-farm environmental awareness and biodiversity with farmers.

Kepak’s commitments come as the company announces several significant sustainability achievements during 2017, including reducing general waste by 100 Tonnes and saving 20 Olympic swimming pools of water, 10,000,000kg of carbon, 10,700,000 Kwh of electricity and 26,000,000 Kwh Thermal Energy (Oil & Gas).

The achievements are outlined in Kepak’s inaugural sustainability report, published to coincide with European Sustainable Development Week 2018.

“At Kepak, we recognised our position and responsibilities within the supply chain and the importance of working with each of our stakeholders to create a blueprint for achieving growth in a sustainable way,” noted Eimear Gallagher, Environmental Officer, Kepak Group. “As a business, we are fully committed to achieving our ambitious sustainability goals and we are very proud of what we have accomplished to date in this regard. The driving force behind Kepak’s sustainability plan is consistently seeking better ways to grow and improve our business in a manner that is respectful of our environment, our staff, our suppliers and our customers.”

Trevor Logan, 1953 – 2018. An Appreciation.

ALL of us in Stonehouse feel a great sadness and a huge sense of loss on the passing of our friend and colleague, Trevor Logan.

A proud Dub, Trevor started working with AND Keencost in 1975 and remained with the group that subsequently became Stonehouse in the year 2000.

He retired from Stonehouse after 43 years in service just a couple of days before his untimely passing.

In the days since his death, the tributes paid by wholesalers and suppliers alike talk about his integrity, his gentleness, his sense of fun, his laugh and (at times), when payments hadn’t been made, his grumpiness!

He was loyal, honest, fair and had a great sense of what was right. That usually meant doing things his way! He lived life to the full, was always last to bed on a night out and thoroughly enjoyed the social side of the industry. He loved his work but worked for his family. To Valerie, Ian, Brian, Amy, his family and close friends, we offer our deepest sympathies.

We will miss his counsel, his sense of humour and his gentle way. We feel privileged to have known him.

Tom Shipsey, Stonehouse CEO

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|9

News New Chairman at FSAI THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland has appointed Martin Higgins as its new Chairman.

Higgins became the first Chief Executive of safefood, the allisland Food Safety Promotion Board, and led the organisation from its inception in 1998 until his retirement in 2014. Prior to that, he was the first Director of Corporate Services in the FSAI, having previously held the post of Principal Officer at the Department of Health, Martin Higgins, Chairman, specialising in finance and FSAI. health agency regulation. He has professional qualifications in accountancy, international regulation and governance; and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute.

In 2015, he was appointed to the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland. Mr Higgins currently chairs the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC) of both An Bord Pleanála and COMREG and is also a member of the ARCs of the Central Statistics Offices and the Pharmaceutical Society of Ireland. He is a qualified mediator, and executive and leadership coach.

“I am confident that Martin Higgins’ experience and expertise will continue to make a substantial and valuable contribution to the work of the Authority,” said Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD. According to Dr Pamela Byrne, CEO, FSAI, Higgins is highly regarded in Irish health, food, and nutrition sectors; and his experience in policy formulation and implementation will be a great asset to the FSAI Board.

Repak Announce Special Offer for Independent Stores

REPAK have announced a new promotion to help all independent retail stores comply with the European Union (Packaging) Regulations (2014). Independent stores can become a Repak Member in 2018 for €200 (+ VAT), equating to a reduction of 75% in the joining fee, a saving of €600.

This offer is subject to the completion of an application form with direct debit details. Subsequent yearly membership will be charged at a normal rate. This promotion will be available for a limited time only and will finish on July 31, 2018.

“Our members' fees ensure that there is a recycling bin outside every household in Ireland,” noted a Repak spokesperson. “Also you may not be aware that every business in Ireland is benefiting from subsidised bin collection rates from Repak members. Furthermore, we provide support for all our members with different services such as Prevent & Save, a programme dedicated to assisting Irish businesses to optimise their packaging, which can prevent or minimise the use of unnecessary packaging during the manufacture, transport and sale of your products.”

If you are interested in joining Repak and availing of the special offer, you can access an application form on www.repak.ie or contact one of their sales team on (01) 4670190.

Save up to 30% on Your Card Payments WHETHER you’re starting out in business or looking to switch provider, PostPoint can help you take secure credit and debit card payments in person or over the phone. To find out more, call Paul on 087 1921126 or request a free quote on our website at http://www.postpoint.ie/card-payments/.

In switching to PostPoint, some of our retailers have saved up to 30% on their card payment charges. And, because PostPoint is part of An Post, you can trust that your payments will be processed safely, securely, and effectively.

If you decide to choose PostPoint as your card payment provider, a qualified An Post Engineer will visit your site to install your terminal. Additional pin pad and terminal stand is available upon request.

Our iCT250 Card Payment Terminal is one of the most reliable and robust systems in the market.

However, if your system does become damaged, it will be repaired or replaced by one of An Post’s 16 nationwide engineers the next working day after the fault is reported.

PostPoint offer a range of different card payment bundles and contract lengths. While some providers may tie you in to contracts lasting up to three years, we offer six and 12 month contracts. If you decide to leave after your contract expires, we won’t charge you any exit fees.

Unlike some providers, we do not apply any additional charge for cashback. For some businesses, cashback charges can add up to be an expensive hidden cost and they are worth bearing in mind when choosing a card payment provider.

Our card machines have the function for ‘Card holder not present’. So, if you wish you can complete transactions over the phone. Our terminals also accept both Android Pay and Apple Pay, so, customers can easily pay with a touch of their phone.

Our pricing is completely clear and transparent.

We detail exactly what you pay on each transaction, including interchange charges and scheme fees. Monthly statements also clearly break down these charges for you by transaction type. So you will be fully informed of the exact rates you are paying.

10|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News GM Marketing Adds Premium Olive Oil Brand to Portfolio SALES and distribution company GM Marketing Ltd have added iconic olive oil specialists, Filippo Berio to their growing portfolio. This exciting new partnership will see GM Marketing distributing the extensive range of Filippo Berio oils, vinegars and pestos to retailers across Ireland. “We are delighted to add Filippo Berio to our portfolio, they are an Iconic brand with great heritage and are synonymous with product quality. There is a great fit between the two companies and they will complement the other foodie brands in our portfolio. We see good opportunities for growth for the core Filippo Berio range within the Irish market across retail and foodservice, and there are also some exciting new products that will appeal to Irish consumers,” noted Gerard McAdorey, GM Marketing Managing Director, pictured with Walter Zanre, Managing Director, Filippo Berio.

New MD at Largo Foods

JEFF Swan has been appointed Managing Director of Largo Foods.

Swan joins from KP Snacks, part of the Intersnack Group, where he held the role of Marketing Director. He previously held senior positions with some of the world’s leading branded FMCG companies, including Coca-Cola and Mondelez. Swan’s appointment follows the decision by Maurice Hickey to step down as CEO of Largo, and he will work closely with the existing management team with a view to directing Largo Foods in the next stage of its development.

Iceland Opens Second Kerry Store ICELAND opened its newest store in Listowel, Co. Kerry, recently, bringing 20 new jobs to the town. The new 8,200 square feet store is the second Kerry shop for the retailer, having opened in Tralee back in 2015. Ron Metcalfe, Managing Director of Iceland Ireland commented, “We have had a great response from customers shopping at the Tralee store over the last few years and are delighted to now bring Iceland’s great quality and great value products to the Listowel community.”

Kinetic Demonstrates New Digital OOH Department KINETIC Ireland recently hosted an industry seminar to demonstrate the capabilities of Digital Out of Home (DOOH) and its new in-house division and system, D:Four. The new system is powered by an in-house content management system that allows content, creative, moderation, preview and dynamic ad-serving from a centralised platform in Kinetic’s Dublin headquarters. Over 100 people from the media industry attended the event, which covered topics like ‘The Digital Journey Out of Home in Ireland’, ‘Digital growth in the UK’ and D:Four, which provides endless scope for creativity as Kinetic innovates new ways to reach consumers by bringing various data sources together with brand insights, in order to create and build reactive campaigns. Pictured are (l-r): Andrew Newman, DOOH.com; Aoife Hudson, Kinetic Ireland; Emma Everard, Zenith Media; Jeremy Taylor, DOOH.com; and Rosh Singh, Kinetic UK.

Coca-Cola’s €100k Thank You Fund CRITICALLY acclaimed writer, actor and screenwriter Stefanie Preissner reminded youth-oriented non-profits and community groups to apply now to the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund. €100,000 in total is up for grabs, and Stefanie is urging those with creative project ideas who want to make a difference to their communities to get online at www.coca-cola.ie/thankyou and submit their application before the deadline of Friday July 13. “I’m thrilled to come on board as an ambassador for the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund,” said Stefanie Preissner. “As a creative and ambitious person with big ideas, it can be such a struggle to get access to funding to get your dream project off the ground. I’m calling on all youth groups out there who also dream big to apply for funding with the Coca-Cola Thank You Fund and make a difference to their own lives and those of their communities.”

Bold tastes best Be Bold

12|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Bewley’s Launch Sustainable Coffee Cups BEWLEY’S have launched 100% recyclable and 100% compostable takeaway cups as part of their ongoing commitment to sustainability. The brand new Bewley’s Recyclable Cups have a specially designed liner that breaks down in the recycling process therefore leaving 100% of the paper to be recycled cleanly. The cups and lids will be compatible with regular recycling bins which consumers will be familiar with in their home or work.

The Bewley’s Compostable Cups are new takeaway cups, made from sustainable paper sources and including a compostable lid. They are manufactured in Ireland and can be disposed of in the brown bin that is found in most homes and many businesses, and are then fully broken down once taken to industrial composting.

Carbery Wins Top Cheese Award CARBERY was crowned Best Maker of Finest Mature Cheddar with its Carbery Cracker Cheddar Cheese product at the 2018 British Cheese Awards. In addition to this DuPont Danisco Grand Prix award, Carbery cheeses, which are manufactured in Ballineen, West Cork, won two gold, three silver and three bronze medals at the prestigious international cheese competition. Dubliner Lighter White and Carbery Special Reserve both won gold; Dubliner Lighter White, Vintage and Mature cheddar all won silver, while the Red Cheddar with Chilli, Red Leicester and Mature cheese types won bronze awards in their relevant classes.

Spar Backs Better Choices REPUBLIC of Ireland football captain Seamus Coleman returned in his role as a Spar ambassador for Better Choices, a healthy eating initiative aimed at encouraging healthier choices on-the-go, and at home, with Spar. Seamus launched Spar’s new Better Choices summer menu, which provides delicious recipes for cooking healthy breakfasts, lunches and dinners at home, all made with ingredients available in your local Spar store. “I’m delighted to be working with Spar again this year to highlight the Better Choices initiative and launch these delicious new recipes, all made using fresh, convenient and affordable products from your local Spar. This initiative shows how easy it is to prepare healthy meals at home for everyone in the family, and I hope it will help people make better decisions when it comes to shopping for food,” noted Seamus, who is pictured at the launch with Sophie Bracken (5) and Alex Donoghue (6).

Glanbia Appoints New Group Chairman GLANBIA has announced Martin Keane as its new Group Chairman, succeeding Henry Corbally with immediate effect. Patrick Murphy has been appointed to the position of Vice Chairman in place of Martin Keane, while John Murphy will continue as a Vice Chairman. “I am very pleased to be appointed to serve as Group Chairman of Glanbia,” Keane said. “I will continue to build on the work of all those who have had the vision to make Glanbia the global nutrition group it is today and to help steer the business through its next phase of growth and development.”

Solus Launches New Retail Display Stand IRISH light bulb company Solus really stood out at the recent Retail Excellence Retreat in Citywest and the Hardware Conference in Galway with their pioneering new ‘Retail Experience Display Stand. Solus was all lit up at both events, showcasing their innovative new Point-of-Sale solution, which is both highly visual and captivating, allowing customers to ‘experience’ the brand and see what various lightbulbs look like in familiar settings. The new Solus Retail Experience Displays predict and answer users' questions in a simple friendly way. The customer is brought on a journey with clear visuals and descriptions from Halogen and LED to the new premium Solus XCross Filament LED range. The interactive ‘try me’ stations are a pioneering move and a first for the lighting sector as customers can see exactly what the bulb looks like when lit. “Stores that have installed the new Solus concept displays have reported increases of 53% on average in sales in the first year,” said David Reynolds, Sales and Marketing Manager. “We are committed to supporting the trade with continuous brand innovations, new product development and consumer led strategies such as ‘The Search for Solus Brightest at Bloom’ and many more to keep the brand frontof-mind and support sales.”

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14|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Food and Drink Companies Best Prepared for Brexit

IRISH food and drink companies are better prepared than general business for Brexit but are more worried of its impact, according to a recent Ibec Brexit survey of businesses across Ireland. “Food and drink companies are actively engaged in Brexit planning,” noted FDI Director, Paul Kelly (pictured). “With 35% of food and drink exports going to the UK and a further 33% destined for the rest of the EU, mainly via the UK land-bridge, it is clear they are more worried than other business sectors, even though they are better prepared. Government must implement policies to help mitigate the risks facing the sector by addressing cost competitiveness in the economy and helping companies innovate and improve productivity.” 59% of food and drink companies had a hedging or pricing arrangement in place (an increase from 51.5% in summer 2016 when the previous Ibec Brexit survey was published) compared with 35% of businesses generally. FDI continues to call for Brexit policy measures to support and protect Ireland’s most important indigenous sector, including a transition period of sufficient duration; an ambitious EU-UK future trade agreement that avoids tariffs, TRQs and regulatory divergence and no hard border with Northern Ireland.

Greene Farm to Take Back Lunch GREENE Farm has teamed up with TV chef, Clodagh McKenna, to help change Ireland’s lunch break culture with their #TakeBackLunch campaign. Greene Farm and Clodagh McKenna are offering clever tips, advice and delicious, healthy recipes as they encourage the nation to change their lunch-time habits and make the most of their lunch break. Top tips, recipes and ideas can be found on the Greene Farm Facebook page or under the hashtag #TakeBackLunch. Greene Farm makes the perfect lunch, every time, with hand prepared meats that are 100% natural, and free from additives, allergens and gluten. Changing up lunch time couldn’t be easier with Greene Farm’s 10 ready to eat products, including two new products, Sriracha and Tex Mex Mini Chicken Fillets.

Brian Murphy and Lisa Doran pictured with Greene Farm ambassador, Clodagh McKenna at the launch of Greene Farm’s #TakeBackLunch campaign.

Union Hall Secures €920k Deal With SuperValu

UNION Hall has signed an agreement worth €920,000 with SuperValu to supply a range of oak-smoked fish products after securing nationwide distribution with the retailer, arising from the company’s participation in the Food Academy programme, run by SuperValu in association with Bord Bia and Local Enterprise Offices. Based in West Cork, Union Hall Smoked Fish specialises in Smoked Salmon, Mackerel, Tuna, and Fish Patés.

“Today’s deal with SuperValu was made possible through our participation in the Food Academy programme. We have been able to invest throughout in our business, as well as in our topclass Artisan Smoke House through their support,” said Sean Nolan, Managing Director, Union Hall (pictured). “Furthermore, we now employ eight people, which has seen us reach new heights, including winning an award for our smoked mackerel at the Blas na hÉireann awards in 2017.”

Castletroy Celebrates Community Spirit

TOM Duggan, Licensee at Maxol Castletroy, is pictured with Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol, winning the award for ‘Excellence in Community Engagement’ at the 20172018 Maxol Excellence Awards, which were presented at the K Club, Co. Kildare.

Maxol Castletroy lent its support to Milford Care Centre and raised €1,227. The service station ran an in-store promotion building awareness for the centre and supported the fundraising activity on their Facebook page. Within the shop, the Maxol team chatted to customers about the hospice and encouraged many people to donate.

IRELAND IS MOVING TO PLAIN PACKS BRANDED

PLAIN PACKS

NOW – 28TH SEPTEMBER 2018 Branded products can continue to be sold at retail up to and including 28th September 2018. Both branded and plain packs will be available at the same time during this period.

NEED TO KNOW • Plain packs will appear at various points over the coming months • Both branded and plain packs can be sold up to and including 28th September 2018 • ONLY THE PACKS WILL CHANGE. JTI TOBACCO PRODUCTS WILL STAY EXACTLY THE SAME • We are here to support

FROM 29TH SEPTEMBER 2018

PLAIN PACKS

Only tobacco products in plain packaging can be sold from this date.

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 This document 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.

16|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

The Retail News Interview

State of the Retail Nation

Just over half-way through his two-year tenure as Retail Ireland Chairman, Willie O’Byrne reflects on the progress made, the challenges that remain and the issues facing Irish retailers over the coming 12 months.

THIS time last year, Retail News spoke to BWG Foods MD, Willie O’Byrne about his new role as Chairman of Retail Ireland.

Keen to embrace the broad church of retail, O’Byrne was enthusiastic about the challenges of the role and the real change that an umbrella organisation like Retail Ireland is capable of bringing about.

12 months later, the affable Chairman is still extremely positive about his tenure so far, citing the significant compromises gained on the structural separation elements of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill as a particular highlight of his first year in the role.

“The role that Retail Ireland played in moderating the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill in respect of structural separation to a position whereby we could all live with the blueprint was a significant achievement,” he maintains. “I am not attributing it all to Retail Ireland by any means. There was a mobilisation of retailers around the country and the other trade organisations also played a very constructive part, as did the RRAI itself. I think we got a pretty fair result, at the end of the day.”

The other items that stand out from his first year include the progress made towards establishing a formal retail apprenticeship under the Solas

scheme, as well as garnering significant Governmental promises in the area of commercial rates and insurance reform, more of which later.

It's been a busy year in retail. “We saw very strong growth in the macroeconomy but fairly modest pick-up within retail,” he admits. “We saw escalating input costs, leading to the erosion of competitiveness. We saw two major weather events, between storms Ophelia and Emma, which had a major impact on our sector. And obviously there is the whole unknown in terms of how Brexit is going to work out. As the clock ticks down, that needs to be dialled up in our consciousness and our work.”

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|17

The Retail News Interview

Willie O’Byrne, Retail Ireland Chairman and BWG Foods’ Managing Director.

A Strategy for Success O’Byrne admits himself “lucky” that his tenure as Chairman coincided with the publication of Retail Ireland’s latest strategy document, which “effectively gave us a road map for the public policy issues we wanted to pursue and a number of workstreams for the team in Retail Ireland”.

The strategy is built around four pillars: competitiveness, confidence, careers and community. “Rather than spin plates on the end of sticks and do a little on each of them all the time, we decided to focus on each pillar for a period of time,” the Chairman explains.

“Last year, competitiveness was first out of the traps, followed by confidence and we are now getting to the careers section, while community will be the focus for my second year as Chairman.”

The whole idea of promoting retail as a career is one that is close to O’Byrne’s heart and one where he feels there has been significant progress made: “The Retail Ireland Skillnet has been an excellent programme but in my view, we have hidden its light under a bushel somewhat. I don’t think we communicated particularly well and I don’t think we celebrated its graduates and its alumni in the way we should, and that is an area we have worked on.”

New modules have also been added to the Skillnet to address the area of e-commerce and digital marketing, including accredited programmes to QQI

Level 5 in Retail Digital Marketing and Level 7 in Social Media Marketing.

The Skillnet’s ongoing association with Letterkenny Institute of Technology will continue, but a lot of work has gone into migrating programmes onto online platforms, so the course can be accessed by students right across the country. “While our association with LYIT is as strong as ever, it means that the logistical, physical and geographical challenges of partnering with LYIT are no longer an issue for those people operating in Cork, Kerry etc.”

Perhaps the most exciting news in the careers pillar, however, is the aforementioned plan to establish a formal retail apprenticeship, with a “very structured programme of accreditation”.

Retail Ireland hope to actively market this new apprenticeship by the end of this year, with a view to it operating in Q1 of 2019. That’s not the end of the careers focus, however.

“We also intend to announce a number of initiatives aimed at shifting the perception of the sector as a career option in the near future,” O’Byrne stresses. “These are aimed at offering potential retail employees a recognised route within the industry. We want to work to attract the brightest and the best into our industry. That is really what we need for the sector to not just survive but thrive, develop and grow.”

When we spoke in 2017, the then newly installed Retail Ireland

Chairman admitted that while he was intimately familiar with the issues facing grocery retailing, perhaps he wasn’t as knowledgeable on the challenges facing other retailers, and he vowed to familiarise himself with these issues during his tenure as Chairman. True to his word, O’Byrne has availed of the “opportunity to have cup-of-coffee conversations with CEOs of retail businesses well outside my comfort zone and my area of functional expertise”.

The biggest lesson from these meetings, he insists, is “how much we have in common in retail”.

“The same pressures that relate to the immediacy of our businesses, the immediacy of sales, the ability to act fast, to fail fast and move on, these are common right across retail. But then there are some specifics that relate to department store retailing, bigger box retailing, hardware retailing, pharmacy retailing etc and I’ve found it a fantastic opportunity to take the blinkers off and develop a broader perspective through this role,” he notes.

Brexit: Will Common Sense Prevail?

A lot of the issues discussed over the last year are still with us. Brexit is the big elephant in the room, with the outlook seeming to change sometimes on a weekly basis. At one point, it looked very much like common sense had prevailed with assurances that there would be no return to a hard border

Retail Ireland have plans in place to establish a formal retail apprenticeship under the Solas scheme, which they hope will be up and running in Q1 of 2019.

18|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

The Retail News Interview reinstalled on the island of Ireland, but since then, the UK position seems to have rolled back on commitments made.

“Hope isn’t a strategy, but when it comes to Brexit, we have to hope for the best, while preparing for the worst,” O’Byrne smiles ruefully. “It looked in December as if there was some kind of an understanding, but it didn’t have the force of law. Ultimately, with Brexit, the problem is that nothing is agreed until everything is agreed, so if the talks fail on some big issue, then the deadline of March 19, 2019, kicks in and the fact that a whole infrastructure was almost built is neither here nor there, as a hard Brexit kicks in on that date. We have to be mindful of that, even as we see small progressive steps.”

He describes Retail Ireland as being “comforted” by the EU’s strong backing of Ireland’s position, but he warns that “if no agreement is reached, we also know what the default position is, and that’s an appalling vista”.

Evolving Supply Chain While the potential implications of a hard Brexit have been well documented in terms the effects on sectors that rely on exporting goods to the UK market, O’Byrne warns that the implications for our grocery market, where the vast majority of goods are imported, are equally dire.

The FMCG supply chain has evolved from the old model of having large warehouses in Ireland with significant country operations here, to very lean operations for big brands, with JustIn-Time supply chains that deliver into Ireland either from Europe via landbridge through the UK or from the UK itself.

“When there are storms on the high seas, for example, it very quickly impacts on stock availability,” O’Byrne explains, “so there really is very little buffer any more. It is really impossible to recreate the old infrastructure that was there back when there was a border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. So if the border reemerges in that kind of hard form with paperwork, queues, roads closed off etc, we will have a huge problem in terms of our supply chain. It’s also not the kind of thing that you can invest in on a contingency basis to gear up for.”

The roll-out of the world’s biggest container ship, the MV Celine, on a regular route from Belgium to Dublin Port will effectively bypass the landbridge through our neighbouring island, but there is no simple solution to imports sourced directly from the UK.

“

The thing about retail is that it’s not for shrinking violets: it’s consenting adults who play the game and we tend not to look for sympathy or digouts…We’re probably a bit frustrated at the layering of bureaucracy on our sector, because not only does it add cost, but it also hampers our ability to move quickly, and the one thing retailers need is to be fast and fleet of foot.

”

Another potential issue with a hard border is that it would create “slopes”, in terms of pricing differences between the Irish and

Northern Irish/UK jurisdictions: “For a nation that has smuggling in our DNA, the potential for black and grey markets reappearing at scale is a real possibility.”

So what can be done to ensure we don’t face a hard Brexit?

“It calls for cool heads,” O’Byrne insists. “The problem with these kind of negotiations is that they’re a game of poker, whereby you can’t show your hand. The minute you show any weakness in your position, you don’t know how far back that will slide. I think the Government have played their hand well. They are focused on ensuring there is solidarity across Europe behind our position and I think once we have that, it piles the pressure on the British side to come to some form of accommodation or face the worst of Brexits from their point of view that and of their economy.”

Examining the Cost Base You could be forgiven for thinking that Britain’s impending exit from the EU is the only issue facing the Irish retail sector, but some of the same old stumbling blocks also remain in place, most of them adding to the high cost of doing business in Ireland.

Labour costs are a big concern.

O’Byrne argues that runaway domestic accommodation costs have “inflated so out of sync with the rest of our economy, that it is not an attraction to come and work in Ireland for a minimum wage of

The implications of a hard Brexit on our grocery market, where the vast majority of goods are imported, are potentially dire.

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|19

The Retail News Interview €9.55”. The result: a significant staff shortage, as retailers are having to pay higher rates to attract staff: “I’m not suggesting that the Minimum Wage is becoming irrelevant, but the labour market works on a supply and demand basis and when demand exceeds supply, you have to buy yourself into a good position, so pay rates are moving ahead of the minimum wage.”

Rates and insurance are perennial pitfalls for retailers, and Retail Ireland have issued very structured position papers The Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax, which came into force on May 1, has “almost been a success before it on both topics. was introduced in that it has taken so many tonnes of sugar out of our diets”.

Regarding the former, O’Byrne they accept that the system is broken soft tissue injuries like whiplash etc insists that they have had meaningful and that it needs to be fixed and have are attracting three times the rate discussions with John Paul Phelan TD, promised reforms for later this year.” of settlement here as that of our Minister of State at the Department neighbours in the UK? of Housing, Planning and Local Insurance Reform Before the Year’s "Without disrespecting our judges, Government with special responsibility End? I think there is an argument to be for Local Government.

Another area where Retail Ireland have made for special training of judges in “We have always been careful not engaged with the Government over these specialised areas. The end result to simply lay the problem at someone much-needed reform is in the realm is that we have seen retailers put to else’s door,” he notes. “With rates, of insurance, this time liaising with the pin of their collars to pay rising for example, we have highlighted the Michael D’Arcy TD, Minister of State premiums and in some cases, we’ve poor collection efficiency, whereby at the Department of Finance and the seen retailers who are not insurable people who owe money are not paying Department of Public Expenditure and in the context of the money they are it and we suggested that the Revenue Reform with special responsibility for making from their businesses.”

Commissioners act as the collections Financial Services and Insurance.

To tackle the crisis, Retail agency. Some might say that is making The scale of rising premiums has Ireland made 27 recommendations a rod for our own backs but the issue for become an immediate concern for for insurance reform in a policy us is that as compliant and upstanding many retailers, alongside the rise in paper, including calling for corporate citizens of Ireland, we pay our fraudulent claims, many of which are the full implementation of the bills as they fall due and when others not challenged by insurance companies, recommendations made by the Cost don’t, it gets loaded back into the realm some due to the “egregious legal of Insurance Working Group’s Report of a smaller base of people who are costs involved in bringing a case to on the Cost of Motor Insurance paying. We might argue with the rates conclusion”. and Employer and Public Liability but when rates are levied, they need to “It is our job as retailers to reduce Insurance. At the moment, there is an be collected. risk, to reduce incidents and to reduce official Working Party Paper on the “We also wanted to highlight the accidents and we don’t shy away from desk of the Minister with 30 promised challenges the current system imposes that in the context of the insurance reforms: “they don’t exactly dovetail on our sector in particular, the flaws debate, but the insurance market is with our recommendations but there is in the current ongoing revaluation extremely opaque,” O’Byrne insists. none of them that we would disagree programme and the urgent reform of “There are many retailers so frustrated with. At a meeting with us, the Minister the system that is needed,” O’Byrne when fraudulent claims are settled promised that 26 of those 30 reforms explains. “The Government have out-of-court by insurance companies. would be implemented by year’s end so engaged well overall: by and large, And how do you explain the fact that let’s hope he follows through on that.”

20|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

The Retail News Interview Government tax take. The loss to the exchequer and the loss to legitimate retailers at the moment is still an extremely material issue.”

Ireland has seen very strong growth in the macro-economy but fairly modest pick-up within retail.

Public Health (Alcohol) Bill New legislation is never too far away when it comes to the retail sector, with the aforementioned Public Health (Alcohol) Bill (PHAB) potentially having the biggest impact. While retail groups have managed to engage policy makers on the structural separation part of the Bill, the issue around Ireland-specific health labelling is currently being challenged at EU Commission level in relation to competition law.

Willie O’Byrne’s position is clear: “If there needs to be a warning on the label from a health point of view, can we not agree what we are going to do across the EU and implement it across all Member States, so it is on French wine being sold in France as well as French wine being sold in Ireland? In the context of a single market, that’s really the only way this will work.”

He insists that retailers have been very responsible in their reaction to the PHAB, citing the fact that there have been no arguments to the proposal for Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) of alcohol.

Indeed he declares that “Minimum Unit Pricing would probably save us all from the madness of the market”. He argues that if alcohol becomes a football driver in some stores, competition is so fierce that other players have to then place alcohol products on offer to compete or risk losing customers, even if they’d rather not.

“We’d like to see MUP in place,” he insists, “but the difficulty for us is if it’s not also put in place in Northern Ireland at the same time at similar levels of minimum pricing, we will have a tsunami of product coming across the border, leading to a greatly distorted market. It is encouraging that Scotland have finally enacted their legislation, which is now in law, so the precedent is there.”

The Sugar Sweetened Drinks Tax, which came into force on May 1, has “almost been a success before it was introduced in that it has taken so many tonnes of sugar out of our diets. In that sense, a long-stop notification that something is going to happen but set at a level whereby it is possible to avoid its impact, is not a bad way to drive through social policy.”

The problem of the illicit tobacco trade re-emerged starkly with March’s discovery of a cigarette factory in Louth, a story which the Retail Ireland Chairman describes as “an eye-opener in terms of the scale and sophistication of what was going on”.

He believes that more resources are needed to combat the illicit trade, arguing that any investment would be recouped in the form of an increased tax revenue to the exchequer: “I cannot understand why more resources and a more robust approach to this haven’t been taken years ago because it’s absolutely self-financing, in relation to

Seeds of Growth are Sown In general, O’Byrne is quietly confident for the future of the Irish retail sector.

While admitting that retail hasn’t risen as fast as the overall economy, with value increases trailing volume [the average rise in retail value was 2% in April versus last year, while volumes grew by 4.3%], he is comforted by the fact that rising volumes will eventually lead to significant value gains: “If our volumes are growing, I feel that the seeds are there for real value growth: that applies to the wider world of retailing but particularly for grocery.”

When it comes to grocery, he feels that the market has changed: “The future augurs well for a renewed appreciation for local, for shopping little and often, for an aversion to waste, and it has probably played more into BWG’s estate of stores and away from the big box retailers and hypermarkets that were being trialled 10 years ago. But the thing about retail is that it’s not for shrinking violets: it’s consenting adults who play the game and we tend not to look for sympathy or dig-outs. We get on with it. We’re probably a bit frustrated at the layering of bureaucracy on our sector, because not only does it add cost, but it also hampers our ability to move quickly, and the one thing retailers need is to be fast and fleet of foot.”

So what does the Chairman predict will happen in the coming year?

“Brexit is going to dominate the next 12 months,” he admits, “possibly with a resolution or some way of kicking the can down the road a bit further. My prediction is that a deal will be done at the eleventh hour. I’m confident that Ireland’s interests will be protected and I think that the formula lies somewhere in the agreement of last December.”

He's also reasonably confident, based on assurances from Government, that there will be reform of Local Authority rates and of the insurance sector over the next 12 months.

The Retail Ireland strategy will continue to focus on the pillars of careers and, particularly, community.

“Community covers everything from urban regeneration right through to the whole ethos of a company, including CSR: maybe the things that retailers are doing every single day but not shouting about. So I see that as a very positive pillar to shape the future of Irish retail.”

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22|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Musgrave MarketPlace

Cork Food Emporium to Launch at Musgrave MarketPlace Following a €2.5m upgrade, Cork Food Emporium is officially launching at Musgrave MarketPlace.

MUSGRAVE MarketPlace is set to officially launch its new Food Emporium at Musgrave MarketPlace Cork on Wednesday, June 27. The launch event will feature a Cork Food & Drink Trail, a Retail Hub and some famous Cork faces.

The €2.5m upgrade of the Ballycurreenbased branch follows the significant investment in the Ballymun, Duncrue and Robinhood branches to transform what was once a traditional cash-and-carry The new Food Theatre at Musgrave MarketPlace Cork will host product demonstrations. business into state-of-the-art Food Emporiums. concession, a Food Theatre with product offering, which allows customers Musgrave MarketPlace Cork demonstrations, as well as expert advice to place orders online, hassle-free. will follow the company’s new Food in-store and an expanded product range.

Customers can then park in the Emporium format, which is designed to conveniently located Click & Collect offer a first-class customer experience, Impressive Developments parking spots at the store exit alongside unrivalled value and food New developments to the Cork branch and, if you have paid online, have expertise in each branch. Musgrave also include: your order brought out to your car MarketPlace Cork will offer customers when you call the Click & Collect a bespoke butchery service, a coffee • An upgraded ‘Click and Collect’ number. Alternatively, you can pick

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|23

Musgrave MarketPlace

Musgrave MarketPlace Cork will offer customers a bespoke butchery service.

Noel Keeley, Managing Director, Musgrave MarketPlace. up some extra items in branch while your order is being brought to the express till, where you can then pay for all your items.

•

Saving time for those who simply seek a small number of items, a new express till has been implemented for those purchasing 10 or less items, and for customers who are unable to travel to a store, nationwide delivery is available.

Musgrave MarketPlace Cork will follow the company’s new Food Emporium format, which is designed to offer a first-class customer experience, alongside unrivalled value and food expertise.

There is an extensive off-licence area in the new Musgrave MarketPlace Cork, with a range of premium spirits brands on offer.

•

Navigating the store has been made easier than ever thanks to a colour blocking system, which aligns with a map on your trolley.

Best-in-Class Experience Commenting on the upcoming opening, Noel Keeley, Managing Director, Musgrave MarketPlace, said: “Our €2.5m investment in Cork has seen the transformation of this branch into a firstclass Food Emporium. We have listened to our customers here and have responded to their needs by bringing them a bestin-class experience along with the same great value, which will in turn allow them to deliver excellence within their businesses.”

Easier to Order The Musgrave MarketPlace MD insists that the Click & Collect service will prove a real advantage for time-strapped customers: “Not only have we invested in our team of in-house experts who can provide valuable advice to customers where they need it most, but we have now made it even easier for shoppers to order what they need at a time that suits them best through our upgraded Click & Collect offering, ensuring they can respond to their customers’ requirements at all times.

“The relaunch of our Cork branch is part of the exciting journey that our brand is on and we look forward to welcoming both existing and new customers through the doors from June 27.”

To find out more information about Musgrave MarketPlace, visit: https://www.musgravemarketplace.ie/

24|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

CSNA National Conference

CSNA Celebrates 30th Anniversary The Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association celebrated its 30th anniversary with a National Conference and Gala Dinner at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney.

THE Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA) recently celebrated 30 years since the inauguration of the Association with an action-packed National Conference and Gala Dinner at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, Killiney.

The Association which represents over 1,500 members of the retail industry, from independent stores to those aligned to the various symbols, provides independent support, advice and lobbying on behalf of all of its members.

Attendees at the conference enjoyed The CSNA Executive Committee, pictured at the National Conference at Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel, presentations by Killiney, Co. Dublin.

Joe Barrett, Chief the people of Ireland, and contributing food, security, HR and insurance, which Operations Officer of Applegreen, Willie to good causes in communities all over delegates really enjoyed, presented by O'Byrne, Managing Director of BWG the country at the same time,” he noted.

Olivia Lane O’Brien, Fresh Food Advisor, Foods, and Miriam Donoghue, Corporate “We are currently on a mission to remind CSNA; Stephen Goode, MTS Security; Pat & Communications Manager of The people that nearly 30 cent in every euro Brady, Director of Workplace Solutions; National Lottery. spent on National Lottery games goes and Gerry Monks, JDM Insurance. back to the good causes fund. That Addressing delegates, National Professional Workshops amounts to approximately €620,000 Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, paid tribute The CSNA also presented a suite of every day.” to retailers who have played a vital professional workshops, the contents of Griffin explained how National part in the growth and success of the which were based on a recent survey of Lottery Good Causes funding has helped National Lottery over the last 30 years. members, where they were asked what shape the development of modern “In partnership with our retailers all over topics they would like expert advice on.

Ireland. “The fingerprint of Good Cause the country, we are proud to say that we The results of the survey saw the CSNA funding is everywhere, from the new are delivering a world class lottery for organise workshops on topics covering

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|25

CSNA National Conference

Incoming National President, Marcella O'Neill from Limerick, receives the chain of office from outgoing President, Ann Martyn.

Miriam Donoghue, Corporate & Communications Manager of The National Lottery.

Joe Barrett, Chief Operations Officer of Applegreen, addresses delegates.

Joe Tierney, CSNA Executive Officer, pictured with Ray Bates, former CEO of the National Lottery, guest speaker at the Gala Dinner.

National Children’s Hospital and the Croke Park redevelopment right down to arts groups, local sports clubs, heritage centres and community organisations everywhere,” he revealed.

A Vital Representative Body Incoming National President, Marcella O'Neill from Limerick, stated that the key to “the success of The CSNA for the last 30 years is simple: it is because it is an independent organisation run by retailers for retailers”.

Speaking at the Gala Dinner in Fitzpatrick’s Castle Hotel, Killiney, the new President said, “We are delighted with how today’s event has gone and heartened by the support we have received from our fellow members and the trade. The Association is a vital representative body for each one of us as retailers, as it offers us an independent and collective platform to have a voice and a real impact on behalf of our

26|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

CSNA National Conference members.”

Guest speaker at the evening event was Ray Bates, former CEO of the National Lottery, who provided some fabulous anecdotes around the creation of the National Lottery back in 1987 and its notable successes since.

CSNA Achievements CSNA Chief Executive, Vincent Jennings also addressed the Gala Dinner, stressing that it is and always has been an organisation run by retailers for retailers and highlighting some of the association’s achievements, including the trojan work done to lobby the Government to re-draft the structural separation elements of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill.

Sponsors of the CSNA National Conference and Gala Dinner included the National Lottery, Brennans, LR Suntory, Butlers Chocolates, RTE Guide, Britvic Ireland, BGC Ltd, Logic and Excel Recruitment.

National Lottery CEO, Dermot Griffin, addresses the CSNA Annual Conference.

Vincent Jennings, CEO, CSNA.

Stephen Goode, MTS Security, presenting the security workshop.

Pat Brady, Director of Workplace Solutions, presenting the HR workshop.

Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director of BWG Foods, accepts a cheque for €2,500 on behalf of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund from CSNA President Marcella O’Neill and outgoing President Ann Martyn.

The insurance workshop, presented

by Gerry Monks, JDM Insurance.

Olivia Lane O’Brien, Fresh Food Advisor, CSNA, pictured presenting the food workshop.

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28|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update STORM EMMA COOLS RETAIL SALES IN Q1 2018 RETAIL Ireland recently published the fourteenth edition of Retail Ireland Monitor, our quarterly trends analysis and industry affairs report. The Monitor provides a comprehensive analysis of Irish retail's performance for quarter one 2018.

Our latest edition identifies that sales values grew by 2% in the first quarter of the year, and sales volumes were 5% higher compared to the same period in 2017. Overall, these figures reflect a modest start to 2018 for Irish retailers, with a strongly performing macro economy and growing consumer disposable income fuelling some sales growth.

Unfortunately, the benefit of a strong start to 2018 was largely wiped away during the last week of February, as Storm Emma caused widespread disruption and closures over four key trading days, and longer-term supply chain and consumer disruption ran into a full week. Some Retail Ireland members have reported like-for-like falls in sales of over 30% when compared to the same week in 2017, as retail outlets were forced to close, and supply chains disrupted.

It is clear, however, that the industry deserves great praise for its rapid and responsible reaction to the unfolding weather events, in what was a difficult situation for all involved. Retail Ireland worked closely the National Emergency Coordination Group over the course of the extreme weather and continues to work with Government to consider how we keep vital routes clear for deliveries during future such events. We are also seeking clarification from Government around red weather warning definitions and commercial fleet insurance implications.

At a glance, the paper sets out the following trends: Supermarkets and convenience stores: Total sales values increased by 4% in Q1 2018, compared to the same quarter last year, and total sales volumes were 6% higher compared to Q1 2017. Storm Emma, with its heavy snowfalls, ultimately proved a net positive for convenience stores and local supermarkets but impacted more adversely on big box retailing.

Fuel stations: Prices at the pump increased by 1% in the first three months

of 2018 compared to Q4 2017. On an annualised basis, prices at the pump increased by 1% in Q1 2018 versus Q1 2017.

Volumes were significantly impacted by Storm Emma at the end of February and start of March, and the drop in fuel sales volumes during that week was not recovered in subsequent weeks.

Pharmacies: Q1 2018 was a relatively solid quarter for the pharmacy category, despite total sales values decreasing by 1% compared to the same quarter last year, as total sales volumes increased by 3% versus Q1 2017. The key area driving growth in quarter one was a prolonged cough and cold season, coupled with a healthy performance in core toiletries.

DIY and hardware stores: Quarter one proved a rollercoaster quarter for the DIY and garden sector. The cold conditions in January and February proved a boon to sales in the insulation, heating, fuel and plumbing categories. The in-home DIY and enhancement categories also fared well, with a solid performance in the painting and decorating sector. The sales progress in the first two months was wiped out by Storm Emma, with the situation exacerbated by a very poor March for garden centre sales.

Retail Ireland Skillnet Launches e-Learning Platform RETAIL Ireland Skillnet, the education and training division of Retail Ireland, recently launched its e-learning platform, where its renowned work-based learning meets the convenience and quality of online delivery. The learning tool is available whenever and wherever the learner chooses to engage, making it possible for employers to offer their staff essential, certified training, without causing disruption to the operation of the shop floor. Our new e-learning platform provides a rich learning experience to those with even the most basic computer skills through interactive features that enhance learner engagement.

Later this year, Retail Ireland Skillnet will extend their Level 6 programme range to include a Certificate in Social Media Marketing and a Digital Imaging and Photography Course. With the increased use of digital marketing and e-commerce in the retail sector, these courses are designed to advance learners’ understanding of social media within

an organisation, and to equip the learner with the necessary practical skills to excel in this area.

Retail Ireland Skillnet offers work-based training and education, which is developed by retailers and delivered at a time, place and pace to suit the sector. The courses, which are fully accredited by Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) and part-funded by the State, cover areas as diverse as customer care, communications, merchandising and display, selling skills, security, as well as warehousing and management.

A number of Level 7 and Level 8 degree courses are available, along with our Masters of Business in Innovation and Leadership. Courses are designed and delivered in conjunction with industry and address the challenges and opportunities faced by employers in today’s dynamic business environment.

If you would like to find out more about Retail Ireland Skillnet programmes, please call (074) 9176853 or email info@retailirelandskillnet.com.

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

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

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30|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

TWIG Networking Lunch

TWIG Breaks New Ground

Today’s Women in Grocery broke new ground as a record 460 women gathered to ‘talk shop’ and make their mark on the future of the grocery sector, while a new mentorship programme was announced to empower tomorrow’s female leaders.

A RECORD 460 senior female figures from the leading companies in Ireland’s food, grocery and retail sectors gathered in the InterContinental Hotel to discuss their role in shaping the industry at a charity networking event entitled ‘Breaking New Ground’ hosted

by Today’s Women in Grocery (TWIG), a sub-committee of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF).

In a move to pave the way for future female talent to make their impact on the food, grocery and retail sectors, TWIG has also unveiled details of a unique new mentorship programme, which will be faciltated by CPM. The programme will partner business leaders with emerging female talent in the sector and aspiring female leaders are urged to register their interest at TWIGmentoring@cpmire.com.

Marking the first year of their support for the luncheon, Kildare Village is partnering with TWIG to host a series of engaging complementary style masterclasses later this year to empower women to unlock the potential of their personal brand by presenting themselves with confidence.

Those interested can register at https://www.kildarevillage. com/TWIG. Now in its third year, the Today’s Women in Grocery networking charity luncheon has quickly become one of the must-attend professional networking events of the year for senior women in grocery

due to its format of bringing inspirational female business leaders together to empower women through a frank and open exchange of the challenges and opportunities in business for women today and tomorrow.

Impressive Speaker Line-Up Speakers included entrepreneur Alison Cowzer, co-founder of East Coast Bakehouse, which produces a range of cookies and biscuits for the Irish, UK and European markets, and one of the investors on RTE’s Dragon’s Den; Lorraine Higgins, the newly announced CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland, representing the interests of 1,750 leading retailers and a former senator; and business woman, broadcaster and social entrepreneur Sonya Lennon, the driving force behind the award winning frock advisor digital platform and the Lennon Courtney fashion label.

Sonya imparted her insights on empowering women to succeed from her experience establishing the Irish branch of the internationally acclaimed Dress for Success social enterprise. Since its establishment in 2011, Dress for Success Ireland has supported 1,500 women on their journey to economic independence by offering professional clothing, the skills to succeed at interview and a suite of CPD and mentoring programmes.

“Todays’ networking event

Guest speakers at the TWIG Networking Lunch, Sonia Lennon, Lorraine Higgins, and Alison Cowzer, are pictured with Sharon Yourell Lawlor, Chair of Today’s Women in Grocery and MD of Think Plan Do Consulting.

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|31

TWIG Networking Lunch

Christine Mullan Jensen, Research PM at Spark Market Research, and Paula Conlon, Customer Marketing Controller, Heineken Ireland.

The TWIG Committee (l-r): Frances Higgins: Vice Chair of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund and Group Head of Promotions, BWG; Lorraine Butler: Managing Director, CPM; Brigid O’Neill: National Account Manager, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard; Sharon Yourell-Lawlor: Chairperson and MD, Think Plan Do Consulting; Edel O’Keeffe: Commercial Planning Controller, Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ireland Ltd; Paula Conlon: Customer Marketing Controller, Heineken Ireland; and Anne O’Brien: Category Manager, Musgrave Wholesale. was one of those rare occasions where we not only saw the power of female leadership first hand, but we felt it too as a record 450 plus women from top positions in the food, retail and grocery industries united to shine a light on their role in this important sector of the economy,” noted Sharon YourellLawlor, Chair of Today’s Women in Grocery and MD of Think Plan Do Consulting. “As well as hearing from three inspirational female business leaders, Alison Cowzer, Sonya Lennon and Lorraine Higgins, we are also thrilled to announce that Today’s Women in Grocery is establishing a new mentorship programme to encourage the next generation of female leaders to secure their seats at the top of tomorrow’s grocery, food and retail sectors.”

Supporting Branch of IGBF TWIG was founded in 2016 as a supporting branch of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF) and aims to encourage more female participation in industry events and initiatives. The IGBF plays a vital role is fundraising for people in the industry that need help and all funds raised at the TWIG

networking luncheon are donated to support worthy causes in the industry.

The TWIG networking luncheon is kindly supported by Musgrave MarketPlace, The National Lottery, CPM, Lucozade Ribena Suntory and Kildare Village, a new partner in 2018.

The TWIG Committee is comprised of the following senior representatives from the food, grocery and retail sectors: • • • • • • •

Sharon Yourell-Lawlor: Chairperson and MD, Think Plan Do Consulting; Frances Higgins: Vice Chair of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund and Group Head of Promotions, BWG; Paula Conlon: Customer Marketing Controller, Heineken Ireland; Lorraine Butler: Managing Director, CPM; Anne O’Brien: Category Manager, Musgrave Wholesale; Brigid O’Neill: National Account Manager, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard; Edel O’Keeffe: Commercial Planning Controller, Lucozade Ribena Suntory Ireland Ltd.

Alison Cowzer, co-founder of East Coast Bakehouse, and Elizabeth Sheehan, Marketing Director, Lucozade Ribena Suntory.

Sian Young, Avril Collins and Dee Cunniam at the Today’s Women in Grocery Networking Lunch.

32|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

TWIG Networking Lunch Live Poll Results..

IN a first of its kind for the TWIG networking luncheon, Spark Market Research conducted a live poll during the event to gauge women’s views on a range of topics that matter in the industry. The findings were as follows: •

•

Pictured at the TWIG Networking Lunch are the Musgrave MarketPlace team: Anne O’Brien, Category Manager for Foodservices; Jennifer Whyte, Assistant Brand Manager; Clement Pavie, Product Development Manager; and Jane McEvoy.

•

•

•

IGBF Chairman Donal O’Shea and Miriam Donohoe, PR and Corporate Communications Manager, National Lottery, at the TWIG networking lunch.

Pictured enjoying the TWIG Networking Lunch are Rebecca Burke, Marketing Manager, and Aoife Donohoe, both from PepsiCo. •

•

Catherine Lambe, HR Director, Musgrave, and the Musgrave team at the TWIG Networking Lunch.

For women in grocery, food and retail, the top three factors for job satisfaction include sense of achievement (39%), flexible hours / remote working (21%) and good career progression (21%) with financial reimbursement only attracting 6%.

When asked if a male or female CEO would motivate them more, for a staggering eight in 10 women from the grocery and retail industry who responded, CEO gender doesn’t matter.

Just two in five (37%) women in grocery have a mentor, meaning that 63% don’t. For the majority, it’s a professional peer or a colleague.

TWIG, in partnership with Lorraine Butler, MD of CPM, announced details of a new mentorship programme at the luncheon that has received an overwhelming response in the days since the luncheon.

62% of women in grocery and retail feel there is a gender pay gap within their organisations, while a staggering four in 10 feel there is a gender pay gap in their specific role.

In terms of what policies women in grocery and retail would like the Government to implement to assist women in the workplace, the top area is making gender gap reporting mandatory for all companies in Ireland (42%), followed by giving tax breaks on childcare costs (36%) and better paternity leave for fathers (12%).

When asked to future gaze as to what they expect to happen in the next 10 years, ‘equal pay for women’ and ‘more flexible working’ came out on top, while ‘women being paid more than men’ came in bottom of the pile, with just 2% predicting it could become a reality.

As regards the daily challenges women in grocery and retail are facing, the top three are work-life balance (25%), keeping confidence levels high (18%), followed by asking for a raise / promotion at (13%), alongside guilt from juggling working motherhood (13%).

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|33

Deli/Food To Go

Kerry Foods Launch New Deli Experts Website Kerry Foods is launching a new website to help retailers fully capitalise on the opportunity for the deli counter, at deliexperts.ie.

KERRY Foods is delving into all things deli with the launch of its new website, deliexperts.ie.

Launched specifically for the island of Ireland, the platform showcases Kerry Foods’ expertise in deli counters and allows retailers to capitalise on the deli opportunity and grow sales with leading brands. The website aims to offer retailers support to become deli experts and in turn, enjoy more shoppers as a result.

As of 2017, Ireland has one of the fastest growing economies in Europe, seeing year on year growth as unemployment rates fall and population rises, hitting 4.8m people. This roughly equates to around 1.7m hungry households and prospective deli counter visitors.

Research shows that one in four people don’t buy deli meat because they don’t know the price and 88% of those who visit the deli counter only decide to buy from there once they arrive at the store. You will find these compelling insights and more housed on the Deli Experts site, alongside an offering of knowledge which retailers can use to succeed in the deli opportunity longterm.

Rate Your Deli Counter Deliexperts.ie has a ‘rate your counter’ feature which involves a two-minute test that ultimately rates retailers’ ‘deli expert level’; it also provides tips to grow

and progress to the next level. Those who want to explore the deli opportunity further can also ‘consult an expert’ by leaving their details on an online form on the website for a representative to contact them. Detailed descriptions and images of Kerry Foods’ deli products are also listed to provide inspiration on the best deli products to stock.

“With the grocery retail market becoming increasingly competitive, retailers must find a way to stand out from the crowd and we think the deli counter can be the perfect way for retailers to differentiate themselves,” noted Marian O’Higgins, Category Executive at Kerry Foods. “We want to help retailers succeed in running a successful deli counter and as experts, we would like to share the tools to do so.

We believe deliexperts.ie will be seen as an easily accessed and informative hub

of information which retailers can use to really drive their business forward.”

Unlocking Deli Counter Sales “Our goal is to help retailers unlock their deli counter sales with more support, more shoppers, creating more deli experts,” enthused O’Higgins. “Our portfolio of brands, Denny & Sons, Fire & Smoke, Ballyfree and Shaws, will also provide retailers with the best-selling deli counter brands of high quality delicious meats, keeping their deli customers coming back for more and tempting the taste buds of those new to the deli counter.”

Launched in March 2018, Deli Experts is offering a bespoke deli retailer competition to celebrate, with the chance to win a deli counter makeover and €500 worth of Kerry Foods stock at www.deliexperts.ie.

34|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Food Academy

Fifth Year of Food Academy Programme The Food Academy Programme from Bord Bia, SuperValu and the Local Enterprise Offices is back for its fifth year.

2018 sees the fifth year of the Food Academy programme, which is expected to generate €50m in sales annually for emerging Irish food producers within the next five years. Food Academy is a joint initiative between Bord Bia, the network of Local Enterprise Offices and SuperValu and was established

Participants in the Food Academy programme are pictured with Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine Michael Creed TD; Minister for Trade, Business & Employment, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection, Pat Breen TD; Tara McCarthy, Bord Bia CEO; and Martin Kelleher, MD, SuperValu. to support early-stage Irish food businesses. Participating companies gain access to expertise in branding, market research, business development and distribution, to allow them to scale up and secure listings with SuperValu.

Since the programme’s inception in 2013, Food Academy graduates, supported by their Local Enterprise Offices, have sold €78m worth of produce in SuperValu stores and the 329 suppliers involved have grown to provide approximately 1,500 jobs.

A range of suppliers have substantially grown their business with SuperValu since graduating from the programme and have benefitted from the ongoing financial and mentoring supports from their Local Enterprise

Office For example, Absolute Nutrition, the award-winning nutritional snack company, supported by Local Enterprise Office South Dublin, has recorded approximately €85,000 in sales at SuperValu to date this year by tapping into the trend of consumers looking for paleo treats.

Similarly, SynerChi Kombucha, supported by Local Enterprise Office Donegal, produces a range of organic healthy Kombucha brews, an alternative to soft drinks, which are extremely popular with SuperValu shoppers, who have spent almost €95,000 on them so far this year.

This is all possible due to the collaborative nature of the Food

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|35

Food Academy Academy Programme, in which a cross government departmental programme engaging with the private retail sector has allowed Food Academy participants to get specialised local support. This comes through the assistance of the Local Enterprise Offices, SuperValu’s community retail model, whereby their independent retailers can provide participants with a unique opportunity to sell in one or a small group of stores, and Bord Bia’s on-the-ground knowledge of the food sector nationwide.

Boosting the Sector “There is increasing consumer interest in high quality locally-produced food products,” noted Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD, at the launch. “This interest has helped to boost growth of the sector in recent years, ensuring that small food and drink producers are now more closely than ever associated with Ireland’s food and drink identity.”

Minister for Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection, Pat Breen TD, noted how the Food Academy initiative has been “hugely successful in facilitating and showcasing the very high-quality food products that local entrepreneurs are producing throughout the country.

The success that so many of these companies have achieved reflects the very real interest and willingness amongst Irish consumers to support high-quality food and drink producers and this has been central to the support of some 1,500 jobs that contribute so strongly to Irish communities”. He went on to describe the success of Food Academy as “a wonderful example of the capacity of state agencies to work together with the private sector to the benefit of enterprise and of Irish consumers”.

Innovative Food Businesses Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu said: “Working with over 1,800 Irish suppliers, SuperValu is uniquely placed to support more Irish food producers than any other grocery retailer. As our stores are independentlyowned and operated, SuperValu retailers are able to provide emerging indigenous food producers with their all-important first supermarket listing and a route to market. This approach has helped suppliers like Jo Davey of Absolute Nutrition move from making nutritional snacks in her kitchen for her friends and relatives to establishing a successful food business with a unique offering that employs local people. This is exactly the

Pictured at the celebration of the fifth year of the Food Academy at the Thinking House, Bord Bia, Dublin, are (l-r): Oisin Geoghegan, Chair of the Local Enterprise Office Food Committee; Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Michael Creed TD; Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord Bia; Minister for Trade, Business & Employment, EU Digital Single Market & Data Protection, Pat Breen TD; and Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu. type of result that the Food Academy is achieving through its partnership with SuperValu, Bord Bia and Local Enterprise Offices.”

Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia, added: “Bord Bia is proud to partner with the Local Enterprise Offices and SuperValu to grow and support innovative food businesses through the Food Academy Programme. Over five years, the programme has attracted

a diverse range of producers from all across Ireland. Operating both locally and nationally, Food Academy producers have become an integral part of Ireland’s successful food and drink industry.

As the programme evolves into the future, Bord Bia will continue to provide comprehensive market knowledge, consumer insight and branding expertise to Food Academy participants nationwide.”

David and Stephen Flynn from The Happy Pear, pictured with Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu (left); Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord Bia; and Oisin Geoghegan, Chair of the Local Enterprise Office Food Committee (right).

36|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Cover Story

New Denny Campaign Goes Live with a Fresh Voice ‘Seize the Denny’ is a new through-the-line campaign, set to reposition the Denny brand as an Irish icon and a household staple, created around the discovery that Henry Denny was the inventor of the rasher!

2018 is an exciting year for the Henry Denny & Sons brand, with the launch of an exciting through the line brand repositioning campaign. The new communications pull out some of the highlights from the brand’s 200 years of rich history and encourage consumers to take inspiration from the Henry Denny story and ‘Seize the Denny!’. Driving relevance and brand meaning is central to the campaign, which will focus on talking to consumers in a fresh way.

Denny remains one of the biggest iconic Irish brands in the market, in over two thirds of Irish fridges. However, the brand faces the same challenges as all other food producers in a dynamic marketplace, where consumer food trends are constantly evolving and the retail environment remains as competitive as ever.

Consumer diets continue to evolve, with some opting for alternative diets,

Seize the Denny is a new through-the-line brand repositioning campaign, which is set to re-establish Denny as an iconic brand and a staple in Irish households. as seen in the growth of veganism, dairy free, gluten free, whereas others continue to seek flavour excitement and variety through exploring new flavours, crafts and styles. A direct response to the ‘flavour craver‘ trend was the 2014 launch of Henry Denny’s Fire & Smoke,

a deep south BBQ inspired range which has proven hugely successful.

Reigniting the Love After spending some time looking into the brand’s extensive history, the Denny team and selected partner agencies

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|37

Cover Story

Conor Farrell, Kerry Foods Marketing Manager. uncovered huge richness in the brand’s story – going right back to their founder Henry Denny, an incredibly brave and inspiring man.

Henry Denny pioneered some of the great advancements across the world of meat as we know it today, and in 1846 he invented the rasher.

Yes, that’s right, Henry Denny invented the rasher! He was an entrepreneur who wanted to export pork across the globe but first needed to find a way to do so without the meat spoiling. He discovered that by cutting the meat into thin strips and soaking it in brine, the meat could successfully travel, thus rashers were born! It was exploration through preservation. This golden nugget of history served to inspire the entire launch platform of the new brand campaign for 2018.

Inspiring Ireland to Go For It Henry Denny’s legacy lives on through the Denny team, who share and live his spirit of being passionate, open-minded, innovative and brave. It is his philosophy of saying yes and going for it that Henry Denny & Sons wanted to share with consumers. The brand ambition is to inspire Ireland to ‘go for it’ no matter what their ‘it’ is and to recognise that not everyone wants to climb mountains, but even the small moments of bravery in life are ones we should celebrate and

Denny’s new ‘Seize the Denny’ campaign has been specifically designed to place Denny firmly in the consumers’ minds as a contemporary, relevant and relatable brand, while also ensuring visibility and physical availability in stores. can be incredibly rewarding.

In the spirit of Henry Denny, the new positioning is to be the brand that encourages people to step out of their comfort zones and do those everyday things that may seem small or insignificant but are a big deal to you.

Seize the Denny!

“Our team are hugely excited to go live with our new fresh positioning, as the brand that encourages people to get out there and ‘Seize the Denny’ and to see this come to life through our new heavyweight through-the-line campaign,” explained Conor Farrell, Kerry Foods Marketing Manager.

“The idea of pushing the boundaries and doing something which may look small, but feels like a big deal for you is universally relatable and ties back perfectly to our roots.”

The campaign launched in May and will be live for the rest of the year with a heavyweight support plan. The two new TV ads capture two relatable characters who are inspired by Henry Denny’s bravery to take on their own ‘Seize the Denny’ moments of getting a fringe and going travelling to …

Ballyhaunis! The warmth and inherent Irishness shines through the ads, which are light-hearted, fresh and funny, truly capturing the magic of ‘Seizing the Denny!’. The campaign will be supported by TV, video on demand, radio, radio partnerships, a packed social media content calendar and a nationwide shopper marketing campaign.

Watch out for it on a screen, radio and in a store near you. Now it is over to you: what are you going to do to Seize the Denny?

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Snack Foods

Return of the Snack

The snack food market is showing strong growth, as new flavours and healthier options help to drive sales.

SAVOURY snacks grew by 4% in retail value terms in 2017 with sales reaching €598m, according to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International, who attribute the growth to the increased demand by consumers for healthier snacking options, in combination with new flavours and products being introduced continuously.

According to figures from Kantar Worldpanel Ireland, the Irish takehome snack market for ‘chips, snacks and nuts’ grew by 6.2% in value terms from 2017 to 2018 (Source: Kantar Worldpanel, 52 weeks ending April 22, 2018), following a modest 0.8% growth the previous year. Like other sectors, this lags behind volume growth of 9.1% for the same period.

Euromonitor maintain that the Irish consumer’s palate is becoming ever more sophisticated, which is helping the sales of savoury snacks and the Irish public is beginning to switch from

more traditional options in favour of lesser-known ones. They predict that the savoury snacks category will see annual growth rates of 1% over the coming years, reaching €635m in 2022. A desire for healthy alternatives and product innovation will be the main contributing factors to growth.

Tayto Largo Foods' Tayto continues to hold its position as Ireland’s number one crisps and snacks brand (Source: Nielsen Markettrack Volume Sales MAT, J/F 2018) with a portfolio of sub brands for every occasion and consumer need state.

Tayto, the original Irish crisp, accounts for a 26.6% share of the crisp market alone (Source: Nielsen Markettrack Volume Sales MAT, J/F 2018). However, this figure is further enhanced when Tayto Bistro, an indulgent, gluten-free offering, and Tayto Ripples, potato crisps with a real bite,

are included.

The Tayto Snacks range includes family favourites like Snax, Waffles, Mighty Munch and Chipsticks in a variety of impulse, sharing and multipack offerings. Occasions Bacon Fries and Party Mix are a must have for any social gathering – the recent packaging makeover has performed well and these sharing bags have grown by 8.3% compared to last year (Source: Nielsen Markettrack Volume Sales MAT, J/F 2018).

Treble Crunch offers Tayto’s consumers a permissible treat, with just 99 calories per bag. Consumers are becoming more health conscious and with this in mind, 2018 will be an exciting year for Treble Crunch as a new flavour is introduced to the range in Q3!

Mr Tayto has teamed up with Tayto Park and they are giving away 1,500 family entry passes to Tayto Park throughout May and June, just in time

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Snack Foods Hunky Dorys Hunky Dorys from Largo Foods are the nation’s favourite crinkle crisp brand and Ireland’s second most popular crisp! The robust brand performance continues year on year with Hunky Dorys now holding 20.7% value share and 17.6% volume share of the market (Source: Nielsen MS, MAT, J/F 2018).

Prepare to Love Prep Co.

UNILEVER is shaking up the snacking category with the launch of exciting new brand, Prep Co. This step-changing addition to the instant pot snack aisle offers Irish consumers a healthier snack option in a handy pot format. What’s more, it is made with natural ingredients and provides one of the recommended ‘five a day’.

Available now, the new brand has been developed to appeal to busy consumers looking for a healthier snack option without compromising on taste. By simply adding hot water to the natural ingredients inside, consumers can enjoy a fussfree hot snack that can be enjoyed on-the-go or at-the-desk. Prep Co. has globally-inspired recipes from the Mediterranean, Mexico and South East Asia and includes: Mediterranean Couscous, Thai Green Curry, Indian Spiced Lentils and Mexican Chilli Rice.

Tayto’s More Than Just a Crisp campaign returns this year, having proved very successful last year. for summer holidays and bright evenings at the Park! For a chance to win, consumers can pick up a promotional 12-pack of Cheese and Onion or Variety Tayto for just €3, locate the unique code inside and check if they have won! This follows on from Tayto’s 3 Festivals on-pack offer on Cheese and Onion 35g packs that ran from March to May, and sees one lucky winner heading to three music festivals with three of their friends in Barcelona, Croatia and Hungary this summer!

Tayto’s More Than Just a Crisp campaign returned in May and will run again in September. Keep your eyes peeled for Mr Tayto on TV and Out of Home. The More Than Just a Crisp campaign has proven very successful in the past, with consumers stating they are more likely to buy the Tayto brand after seeing the campaign (Source: Red C, 2018).

Mr Tayto will be very busy during the summer with key shopper marketing campaigns and in September he will be launching the winning limited-edition flavour as voted by the public. Wondering which flavour won? Watch this space!

New Hunky Dorys Chips, the Love Child of a Chip and a Crisp, packing full-on chipper flavour in every bite.

The latest campaign from Hunky Dorys, Buffalo Is How We Roll, is currently live on our screens and out of home. The ad communicates an attitude for Hunky Dorys which is all about adventure, discovery and freedom…all in the context of community, which in this instance is represented by a group of skilful and talented roller-skaters! Featuring Hunky Dory’s brand icon, the buffalo, for the first time ever in a campaign presents an opportunity to bring to life in film, digital and outdoor formats the confidence and individuality the buffalo represents.

The latest addition to the range, Hunky Dorys Chips is being heralded as the Love Child of a Chip and a

Prep Co. taps into the trend for world food flavours, with globally-inspired recipes including Mediterranean Couscous, Thai Green Curry, Indian Spiced Lentils and Mexican Chilli Rice.

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Snack Foods Crisp, which packs full-on chipper flavour in every bite, just like your chipper does it. Hunky Dorys Chips come in two flavours, Salt & Vinegar and Curry Sauce, allowing consumers to have a chipper experience at home, and the brand featured on OOH throughout May. These new additions will expand the Hunky Dorys range further, giving the Buffalo community a reason to keep returning to this Irish success story!

KP KP Nuts, distributed by Largo Foods, is Ireland’s most popular branded nut, with a volume share of 8.8% (Source: Nielsen, Nuts MS Volume, M/A 18).

KP Nuts' flavour combinations bring excitement to consumer taste buds, whatever the event! Their new flavoured peanuts are available in five tantalising flavours and are perfect for sharing.

Smokehouse BBQ and Salted Caramel are becoming real fan favourites, so make sure to stock them in-store.

Hula Hoops recently announced a three-year extension to its partnership with Basketball Ireland, as well as launching Ireland’s very first #HulaHoops3x3 championship in Dundrum Town Centre.

The nation’s top men’s and women’s Super League teams competed to become the #HulaHoops3x3 champions.

UCC Glanmire and DCU Saints were victorious on the day and received their €2,000 prize money as well as their Hula Hoops cups. The event was streamed live on the Basketball Ireland YouTube page and was viewed by a massive 16,000 fans. Hula Hoops is looking forward to growing participation in Irish basketball over the coming years through more fun and engaging competitions and events.

In case you missed the action online, make sure to have a look at the Hula Hoops FB page to catch up: https:// www.facebook.com/HulaHoopsIreland/.

KP Smokehouse BBQ is becoming a real fan favourite.

Hula Hoops Hula Hoops, Ireland’s favourite multipack snack (Source: Nielsen Crisps/Snacks MS Volume, M/A 18), officially announced a three-year extension to its partnership with Basketball Ireland. To tie-in with the announcement, Hula Hoops launched Ireland’s very first #HulaHoops3x3 championship in Dundrum Town Centre on May 12. 3x3 basketball is an exciting and fast paced version of basketball, which has been added to the schedule of events at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

The championship took place on a specially constructed court with tiered seating for the fans and players alike.

O’Donnells From Largo Foods, O’Donnells is Ireland’s favourite hand cooked crisp brand (Source: Nielsen MAT Value Sales J/F 2017), and is showing no signs of slowdown in the market. The brand continues to show double digit growth

year-on-year and continues to hold its position as market leader with 47% of the growing premium crisps segment.

Last year saw the exciting launch of a collaboration between two Irish household brands, O’Donnells and Ballymaloe. The mouth-watering Ballymaloe Relish and Cheddar Cheese crisp has a delicious and unique flavour and won gold at the Irish Free From Awards in 2017. Unsurprisingly, it is a firm favourite amongst O’Donnells consumers and is already the number three best-selling flavour within the range! 2018 will be another exciting year for O’Donnells Ballymaloe Relish and Cheddar Cheese: from Q3, it will also be offered in a multipack as well as the current impulse and sharing formats.

O’Donnells is proud to be the official sponsor of Grey’s Anatomy Season 14 on RTE 2 for 2018. A range of seven and 10 second TV stings were created for the show, marking O’Donnells’ first foray into TV. This step into TV allows O’Donnells to reach a mass audience

O’Donnells continues to show double digit growth year-on-year.

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Snack Foods and create further awareness of the topselling brand.

O’Donnells are sampling and selling their six award-winning flavours at Bloom, Taste of Dublin and The National Ploughing Championships, amongst other key consumer shows, this summer. With a combined footfall of nearly 500,000 in attendance, these shows are a staple in the O’Donnells diary every year.

September will see more news on the brand, with on-pack offers, along with O’Donnells' next first in advertising, as there are exciting times ahead for Ireland’s number one hand cooked crisp brand.

Keogh’s In a first, Keogh’s has announced a three-year partnership with Vita, which has seen the business become the Irish first food manufacturer to go carbon neutral, and which involves Keogh’s sharing valuable best practice farming knowledge with Ethiopian potato farmers. Vita is a not-for-profit overseas development agency, which can deliver a platform for Irish businesses to offset their carbon footprint via their high impact, climate-mitigating programmes in Africa.

Keogh’s Farm is to partner Vita in the development of its sustainable potato cultivation programme for Ethiopian farmers over the next three years.

Keogh’s Farm was awarded the carbon neutral status in May of this year, meaning their carbon emissions have been tracked from the field right through to the crisping house. In addition, Keogh’s Farm is a member of Bord Bia’s Origin Green sustainability programme for the food and drinks sector.

According to Tom Keogh, Managing Director of Keogh’s Crisps, “Vita’s carbon reduction programme has enabled our family business to offset our carbon emissions while bettering the lives of many Ethiopian families at the same time. In a world where consumers increasingly care about sustainability, those who buy our crisps will be able to follow this story to see the direct impact our business will have on the lives of Ethiopian potato farmers.” To follow the story, go to www.keoghs.ie.

Tom Keogh travelled to Chencha in Southern Ethiopia last year as he wanted to see the impact of Vita on the ground, as well as to help address any issues in relation to potato cultivation and market development for the region: “I quickly realised that there was a great opportunity here for the Keogh's farm and business to make a real difference

Tom Keogh, MD of Keogh’s Crisps, travelled to Chencha in Southern Ethiopia last year as he wanted to see the impact of Vita on the ground. on many levels. We then partnered with Vita to write a three-year development plan that underpins our commitment to the region.”

Keoghs’ work with Vita was originally expected to be purely about knowledge transfer, helping to empower communities to produce better crops, avoid hunger and become selfsustainable. “However, Vita’s carbon reduction programme has enabled our family business to offset our carbon emissions, while bettering the lives of many Ethiopian families at the same time. For us at Keogh’s, this is an ongoing partnership where generations to come will benefit from a cleaner environment both at home and abroad,”

explained Tom. John Weakliam, Head of Vita, described it as a “win-win for Irish businesses like Keogh’s who are looking to make a positive impact on the environment and on people’s lives. By supporting Vita’s carbon programme, Irish businesses can enable rural Africans to create sustainable livelihoods free from aid while reducing carbon emissions in a very efficient and cost-effective way. . By supporting Vita’s carbon reduction programme, Vita is there every step of the way in partnering this change.”

Meanwhile, Keogh’s recently secured a major contract with Emirates, the largest international airline in the world, which will see an estimated one million bags being served across all their routes globally. The premium Irish brand will be available to First Class passengers and was selected by the Emirates Group following a blind tasting of 15 different brands, of which Keogh’s came out top. Keogh’s Crisp flavours selected by the Emirates Group include Irish Mature Cheddar, Shamrock and Sour Cream and Lightly Salted, with seasonal variations such as Roast Turkey and Stuffing.

2017 saw Keogh's secure 8% of the overall Irish crisp market, while exports are now set to grow substantially with the announcement of the Emirates deal.

The 400-acre farm will be increasing potato production to fuel growth to meet its current three-year expansion plan, which aims to increase productivity by 50%.

Keogh’s Crisps have been enjoying strong growth in both the domestic and export markets.

44|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Waste Management: Recycling & Recovery

Repak Continues to Deliver for Irish Companies Repak continues to deliver over 90% recycling and recovery of packaging placed on the Irish market, and is a cost-effective method of complying with your legal obligations.

Today, Repak members and the public help deliver on achieving all recycling and recovery targets as set by the European Union, in doing so helping to protect Ireland’s environment. However, the introduction into legislation of the objectives of the Circular Economy Package and in particular the Circular Economy Plastic Strategy will require Ireland to double its recycling effort on plastics. Therefore, it is important that all businesses that have a legal obligation demonstrate their commitment to a sustainable future for Ireland.

Repak has made significant achievements since it was established in 1997. It has helped, through its members, to increase Ireland’s recycling and recovery rates from 15% to over 90% today. Repak has invested over €425m in ensuring that we have a properly funded system to recycle end of life packaging from consumers. Packaging recycling obligations is a complex area and to try to help those in the retail industry to understand the scheme better and to determine if they are legally obligated, Repak CEO, Séamus Clancy explains what obligations retailers need to be aware of.

What obligations do those in the retail industry need to be aware of?

Retailers in Ireland have two broad sets of legal obligations; firstly, to recycle back door waste at their premises, and secondly, to fund the segregation, collection and recycling of household waste packaging on goods they sell to customers. The latter can be done by being a member of Repak Ltd or by putting in place a self-compliance system on site in accordance with

Repak CEO, Séamus Clancy. regulation requirements.

The rules for compliance under the Waste Management Act are contained in Irish legislation and are governed by two variables, the turnover of the company and the amount of packaging supplied on the market. These are known as 'de minimis' or the threshold above which a company is obligated to fund/collect for recycling the packaging they supply on goods or services sold. In Ireland, this means having a business turnover of over €1m and placing over 10 tonnes of packaging on the goods sold or supplied to customers.

How can Repak help you?

Repak is a packaging recycling compliance scheme, not a recycler of packaging. Repak helps fund packaging recovery/ recycling on behalf of its members to fulfil their legal obligation. Repak members pay a fee to fund the recovery of the packaging they supply.

These monies are then used to fund recycling systems for packaging from household recycling bins, recycling centres and bottle banks.

Householders dispose of their dry recyclables through these convenient collection facilities, rather than taking packaging back to retail outlets from where the packaging originated.

Local authorities, via civic amenity sites and waste contractors, then collect, separate and send these materials for recycling. Once they prove to Repak by audit that they have been recycled, Repak pays a subsidy towards the recycling cost.

Recycling costs money and the subsidy contributes to the recycling infrastructure, including collection, staffing, separation facilities and transport to end recyclers. Local Authorities and waste contractors receive income from selling these materials, all of which are subject to world commodity supply and demand vagaries. So the more we recycle, the greater is the cost to Repak.

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Waste Management: Recycling & Recovery householders continue to recycle and to ensure we meet our EU targets throughout the year, with initiatives like Repak Recycle Week, Repak Green Christmas, the Repak Easter Appeal, Repak Schools Programme, and Shop with a Repak Member, which encourages consumers to shop with businesses who are fulfilling their obligations in supporting packaging recycling.

How are the funds generated used and what have they achieved?

Over 75% of the annual fees paid to Repak are spent on funding packaging recycling collections. The remaining amount, excluding overheads, is used to help promote packaging recycling education, while packaging prevention programmes aim to reduce the amount of packaging on the market in the first place. Educational programmes undertaken by Repak have been critical to the success in helping to drive Ireland’s packaging recycling rates from under 15% in 1998 to almost 70% over the last 20 years.

Repak members can take pride in knowing they financially help support: • 1.2m household recycling bins outside homes; • 1,848 bring banks; • 100 recycling centres.

Repak has ensured that Ireland achieves its EU packaging recovery targets, as well as: • Diverting over 10m tonnes of used packaging from landfill; • Contributing €425m to support packaging recycling over the last 20 years.

Repak assists organisations in reducing the packaging they produce through its ‘Prevent & Save Programme’. Its annual recycling awards ceremony, The Pakman Awards, encourages, promotes and acknowledges best practice in packaging recycling, prevention and waste management. Previous winners and finalists have included Aldi, Lidl, Sandymount Hotel, Meade Potato Company, ReCreate Ireland, Rehab Glassco, SMILE Resource Exchange, University College Cork, Radió Teilifis Éireann and Adare Tidy Towns, to name but a few.

Repak also funds a number of programmes to ensure that

What options do companies have?

Under the Irish Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations, if a business exceeds the above mentioned threshold, also known as ‘de minimis’, then they have two options, either self comply (fund the collection, segregation and recycling of packaging themselves) or alternatively join Repak.

How much does it cost to comply and how are the costs structured?

Repak is the preferred route of compliance for the majority of companies. Repak’s minimum fee is just €400, with 55% of members paying less than €1,000 per annum for their compliance. Repak, when benchmarked against comparative European schemes, ranks as one of the lowest cost recycling schemes. Recycling is expensive and obligated companies must contribute to this cost. This is known as Producer Responsibility. The Repak scheme, in effect, is a packaging tax and operates on a shared responsibility model, with all in the packaging supply chain paying, but at varying amounts. Those importing or who are the local brand holder of the packaging pay the most, while those selling others' brands pay a lesser amount. At Repak, companies pay proportionality based on the amount and type of packaging that they produce, making it as equitable as possible and ensuring that those who cannot make packaging decisions pay substantially less.

Repak, as an industry led initiative, is also significantly more cost effective than the proposed government imposed packaging tax that is currently in the programme for government. This proposed tax is targeting to collect €60-80m, which is three times what Repak currently collects from industry.

Repak is responsible for targets for packaging recycling and has been very successful in delivering Ireland’s EU used packaging targets.

What are the implications of selfcomplying?

Self-compliance is the alternative to joining Repak but it can be complex and is a more onerous route for most

companies. Registration with the respective local authority, per premises, is a minimum fee of €500, and can rise up to €15,000, and this is only one of a number of obligations. Businesses are also required to accept back used packaging supplied on the goods sold or packaging of a similar material not only from customers but from the general public. This means outlets need to have staff trained on collecting, storing and recording used packaging on-site, whilst managing waste contractors and ensuring they have dedicated additional space to hold returned packaging.

Businesses must also put up signs notifying the public that used packaging will be accepted back, submit quarterly packaging returns and advertise this fact twice a year at a cost of €800 - €1,000.

What happens to ‘free riders’ or companies who ignore their obligations?

Companies who break the law are a burden to compliant businesses in Ireland. Enforcement of the regulations is the responsibility of Local Authorities.

Currently, Local Authority enforcement personnel are calling on businesses all over the country and can enact court proceedings against non-compliant organisations. The fines, which can be on average €15,000 per business (excluding court costs), are generally multiples of the Repak fee. In addition to these costs, law breaking companies also face the negative publicity generated through court reports and local newspapers.

Repak operates very much as a partnership organisation and our membership team is happy to meet and assist with any queries its individual members or potential members may have regarding membership issues.

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Waste Management: Recycling List

Shopkeepers Have Ireland’s Recycling List in the (Reusable) Bag WHEN the plastic bag levy came into force in March 2002, Irish householders adapted to a new way of shopping.

Reusable bags quickly became commonplace, while meeting the neighbour coming from the local shop carrying a carton of milk and a loaf of bread in his/her hand, became the norm. Habits changed, and we were all the better for it - the consumer, the retailer and of course the environment.

16 years on, and Irish householders are again adjusting their shopping habits as they embrace Ireland’s Recycling List.

As awareness grows that paper, cardboard, rigid plastics, tins and cans are now disposed of in our kerbside recycling bin, the savvy shopper is avoiding soft plastics, cling film, foil and any other packaging that can only be disposed of in the general waste bin for now.

Compostable Bags In fact, where possible, more and more householders are opting for products with less packaging. When packaging is necessary, many people are now opting for packaging that can be recycled.

Compostable bags are also proving extremely popular among consumers, and shops providing such an option can testify to this.

Ireland’s three Regional Waste Management Offices (Connacht/Ulster, Eastern/Midlands, and Southern) are continuing to raise awareness of Recycling List Ireland in homes, schools and places of employment throughout the country.

“We are delighted with the support of Ireland’s retailers so far in this effort as they work to reduce all waste,” notes a spokesperson, “particularly that which does not appear on recyclinglistireland.ie.”

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Waste Management: Plastic Packaging

Ethical Living: Plastic - Lose It or Re-Use It? Rosemarie Downey, Head of Packaging Research at Euromonitor International, assesses the importance of plastic as a packaging material, including its role in preventing food waste, and examines what needs to be done to integrate plastic into a circular economy.

EUROMONITOR International’s team of economic, consumer, and industry trend experts has identified 20 megatrends shaping consumer markets and Ethical Living is one of our eight focus megatrends.

Plastic, an influential part of modern society, is under scrutiny for its polluting presence in the global environment. There are visible and invisible pollutants. Greater awareness and growing ethical concerns about plastic waste are evident, with circular thinking initiatives to design out surplus plastics, improve recovery and re-use apparent. Current pressures represent an opportunity to tackle plastic waste and advance towards zero-litter.

Plastic’s Influence in Shaping Modern Society The global plastics industry has expanded at a phenomenal rate since its commercial inception in the 1940s, bringing rapid innovation to modernise society and public health, from uses in medicine (from prosthetics to IV bags to syringes and much more), construction, transportation, to consumer goods, including provision of safe drinking water to the developing world. More than 300m metric tonnes of plastics were produced in the world in 2015, with China the largest producer (accounting for over a quarter of global production).

Aligned with its leading place in

production of plastic, Asia Pacific is also the world-leading regional consumer of plastic. Asia Pacific’s demand for products packed in plastic surpassed one billion packs in 2017.

The largest onward gains for plastics are set to be derived from consumers’ purchases in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, supported by a growing, organised retail infrastructure enabling consumers to buy packaged goods. This is alongside a broader global trend of consumers opting to buy smaller packs for health (for example, chocolate portioning), on-the-go (soft drinks) and affordability (staples like noodles, bread, rice) needs.

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Waste Management: Plastic Packaging Plas,c Packaging Consump,on by Region 2012/2017/2021

About the Author

Rosemarie Downey heads up the global packaging research at Euromonitor International.

Rosemarie holds more than 20 years of experience in research of the international consumer packaging industry and of retail consumer goods.

2012 2017 2021 0

500

1,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

Billion units Asia Pacific La,n America Australasia

Western Europe Eastern Europe

North America Middle East and Africa

Source: Euromonitor International company in Japan and within the top 10 Plastic Protects and Saves Resources players globally, changed the packaging The importance of plastic to packaging of its well-established Auslese brand of and closures is vast, with its myriad of men’s grooming products in 2017 from a applications across the consumer goods 200ml glass bottle to 220ml PET bottle, marketplace. From food to soft drinks to taking this opportunity to also slightly beauty and home care products, the rise change the bottle’s shape for better grip, of plastics over competing pack types is EU Plastic Waste Recycled 2012-2017 keeping its older customers in mind. largely thanks to its resource-efficiency.

Within the global packaging industry, European Policymakers Launch flexible 2012 plastics, PET bottles and thin Strategies to Target Plastic Waste wall plastic containers rank among the Despite the widespread success of top five most common pack types for 2013 plastic, evident in the scales of plastic retail grocery purchases. production and growth across industries, Packaging holds a valuable and 2014 sustainable role in guarding against waste, 2015 especially important for the food industry where plastic holds the strongest presence. The United Nations 2016 estimates that food waste represents about 2017 a third of all food produced for human consumption (1.3 billion tonnes) and amounts to 8% of global9.6 greenhouse 9.0 9.2 9.4 9.8 10.0 10.2 10.4 10.6 10.8 gas emissions, which is of wide concern, a problem notable in developing Million tonnes countries where, for example, there is inadequate processing/packaging of Eurostat Source: Euromonitor International from seasonal produce. The rise in use of packaging, including plastic, is widely recognised as a remedy to tackle the problem of food waste by providing product protection and shelf life.

Furthermore, lightweighting has long been and remains a tool of efficiency used in the packaging industry, such as in neck, bottle and closure re-designs. New designing-out innovations push the bar on what can be achieved. Lighter weight packaging proffers an additional benefit when it comes to ageing populations. Japan, for example, is witnessing growing demand for lighter packaging types, such as Plastic has come in for severe criticism for its polluting presence in the global refill plastic pouches. Shiseido, the environment, particularly marine and beach pollution. second largest beauty and personal care

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|49

Waste Management: Plastic Packaging the recovery of said material for re-use has not progressed at the same rate.

Concerns about plastic’s sustainability credentials have shot into sharp public focus since the end of 2017, elevated by learnings and concern that more than eight million tonnes of plastics end up as marine waste and the detrimental impact of such pollution.

Visible, commonly single-use, plastic waste polluting the global environment ranges from plastic beverage bottles and closures to food wrappers, grocery bags and straws to coffee cups/lids and takeaway containers. There are also invisible plastic pollutants including microbeads and microfibres.

The issue of plastic waste, particularly single-use plastic, is being addressed in a number of ways, including via 2018-launched strategies, as governments look to re-think design to avoid waste at the outset and maximise recovery for re-use, to minimise its environmental and economic impact.

In January 2018, the European Commission, in the release of its Plastic Strategy, indicated that the potential annual energy savings that could be achieved by recycling all global plastic waste equates to 3.5 billion barrels of oil per year - that would be surely no small gain for society.

The UK government’s environment strategy similarly aims to reduce waste, with a 2042 target for plastic packaging.

Its strategy seeks to reduce the number of types of plastics in circulation. It will be important in the review of alternatives for difficult-to-recycle plastics to consider the whole lifecycle for sustainability and so ensure that neither product safety nor environmental impact is compromised.

Plastics’ Recovery and Recycling Rates are Improving But More To Do Globally, plastic recycling is increasing but tends to lag behind other materials.

In part, the ability to produce virgin plastic so economically has thwarted the development of recycled plastics.

However, with a growing sense of environmental stewardship, creating capacity of recycled plastics and brands’ uses of them looks set to rise.

Currently, around 30% of plastics in Europe, 25% in China and 9% in the US are recycled. Recycling varies considerably by polymer and country.

Germany, Japan and South Korea are among the best recyclers in the world.

PlasticsEurope announced that, in 2016, plastic waste recycled surpassed volumes sent to landfill for the first time in Europe, further indication of the

EU Plastic Waste Recycled 2012-2017 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 9.0

9.2

9.4

9.6

9.8

10.0

10.2

10.4

10.6

10.8

Million tonnes Source: Euromonitor International from Eurostat

Source: Euromonitor International from Eurostat

positive moves that are taking place.

In October 2017, a consortium of packaging associations petitioned the European Commission and Council of the EU for separate collection of all used packaging, showing there is will on behalf of the packaging industry to further improve on collection and recycling across materials.

sustainability grows.

Altering consumer behaviour with regard to littering to one of waste recovery via recycling or return post-use, such as via a deposit system, will aid plastics recovery and reduce waste. The voluminous sources of plastic pollution in developing countries further require a globally-supported recovery action plan.

Mindful consumption is a global duty of all; consumers have their part to play to help realise a zero-litter society, as do corporate players in their use and handling and governments in providing the necessary infrastructure.

For more information on our packaging research visit http://www.euromonitor.com/packaging.

Waste Concern Lends Gravitas to the Circular Economy Model There are signs of a shift in the plastics industry from a linear model to one that is more circular.

Innovation in plastics, following circular economy principles, is one that reduces reliance on the finite supply of petroleum-based plastics by optimising plastics through responsible design and sourcing to ensure complete recovery and zero litter and re-use or through alternative renewable materials to minimise environmental footprint. This design optimisation helps address material scarcity and environmental impact, can deliver cost savings for manufacturers, and taps into consumer demand for ethically-sourced products and services.

Innovative, ethical re-thinking of design is in practice within the The issue of plastic waste, particularly single-use plastics industry and plastic, is being addressed in a number of ways, as will continue to rise in governments look to re-think design to avoid waste importance across all materials and industries at the outset and maximise recovery for re-use, to minimise its environmental and economic impact. as the importance of

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Recruitment

Reignite Your Employer Brand with Rezoomo Your employer brand is key to attracting and retaining the right staff. Rezoomo is a recruitment marketing and management tool that helps businesses to harness and promote their employer brand, currently available on a free trial basis.

COMPANIES in the retail sector know the importance of branding, from the brand of your store to the brands you sell.

However, your employer brand is just as important. Simply put, your employer brand is your company’s reputation as a great place to work. It can include elements such as your company’s culture, values, testimonials from current employees, benefits and more.

For retailers, it is essential to build a positive reputation as an employer. 55% of retail employees rate an employer’s reputation as a great place to work as the most important factor when considering a career move. This is even higher than salary, which comes in at 48%! A poor employer brand or a lack of one can make it harder to find the right people and to fill roles.

Indeed, 72% of recruiting leaders worldwide agreed that employer branding has a significant impact on hiring.

Building an Attractive Employer Brand Candidates have an abundance of choice when it comes to deciding their next career move.

Employer branding gives candidates insight into what it’s like to work for you, so they can determine if your company is a good ‘fit’. It allows you to forge a connection with prospective employees before they even apply for a job, giving you a competitive advantage. People don’t apply to companies any more: they apply to brands.

Laying the Foundations Use your corporate brand as the foundation for creating your employer brand: you want both to be consistent with each other. You want the overall message to convey what your company is about, so if you have core values, a mission or vision, reinforce these statements throughout your employer brand.

Do you have an Employee Value Proposition (EVP) in place: i.e. the combined rewards and benefits that an employee will receive in return for their performance? If not, now is the time to create one.

Your EVP, in tandem with your employer brand, will be the determining factor in attracting and retaining talent in your organisation.

cultural advocates to amplify the message of your employment brand.

Be Transparent Give candidates real and genuine insight into your company by giving them the information they require upfront. The end result will be more qualified job applications from candidates who deem themselves to be a good ‘fit’ for the role/ organisation.

Your most valuable insights will come from your employees, so let them tell their stories through testimonials and video, and allow them to become your brand ambassadors. Your existing employees will become your greatest

Promoting Your Employer Brand In a candidate driven market, to stand a chance of attracting the best candidates, retailers need to not only build but also promote a positive employer brand.

Rezoomo is a recruitment marketing and management tool that helps businesses to harness and promote their employer brand. The platform, which also facilitates the distribution and promotion of job postings and includes a powerful applicant tracking system, is available for free trial now at www.rezoomo.com/Retail.

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Bloom 2018

Business Blooming in 2018!

Bord Bia’s Bloom 2018 was a sun-filled success story, with 119,000 visitors, including more than 200 trade buyers.

119,000 people attended Bord Bia’s Bloom festival in the Phoenix Park, Dublin, over the June bank holiday weekend, who marvelled at the wonderful show gardens, enthused over the latest horticultural sensations and tasted some of Ireland’s finest food and drink products in the glorious sunshine.

“Since our first Bloom event in 2007, we have welcomed over one million visitors to experience the best of Ireland,” noted Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia. “Bord Bia is proud of how our Bloom festival has blossomed and continues to showcase our world-class horticulture and food sectors, both of which play a significant and sustainable role in Ireland's story and economy."

Bord Bia Trade Breakfast Visitors to the festival included more than 200 national and international

An Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar TD, pictured with Kieran Rumley, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, at the Love Irish Food ‘Meet the Makers’ marquee.

Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia.

buyers, who attended a trade breakfast in the Food Village at Bloom, where they met more than 100 Irish food and drink exhibitors. The buyers included Partridges, TJX (Homesense and TK Maxx), Sourced Market and EAT from the UK. Among the Irish buyers were some of Ireland’s largest retailers such as Dunnes Stores, Tesco, Lidl, Aldi alongside specialist retailers such as Donnybrook Fair, Fallon and Byrne and Butler’s Pantry. Prominent buyers in the Irish food service sector included Dalata Hotel Group, the biggest hotel chain in Ireland; Retail in Motion, responsible for on-board retail with airlines across five continents; Freshly Chopped food chain,

Circle K/Topaz, Applegreen, BWG and Musgrave Wholesale Partners.

The breakfast event is just one of a number of business opportunities which Bloom offers to Irish companies exhibiting at the festival with the showcase also offering a platform for emerging businesses and new product innovations to launch. A 2017 visitor report quantified spend at the show at almost €9m, with the potential for up to €34m spent with exhibiting companies post-event.

“Bloom offers a powerful platform for Ireland’s thriving craft food and drink sector to showcase their products and is the ideal opportunity to engage with

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Bloom 2018

Pictured at the Bord Bia Trade Breakfast are Aisling Flanagan, Velvet Cloud, with Laura Harper, Aldi Ireland. potential buyers,” noted Tara McCarthy at the event. She went on to highlight how this event “has yielded very positive results for producers and buyers alike”.

“We are delighted to have such

Des Jeffares, Mr Jeffares Blackcurrants.

strong representation from UK buyers who have travelled not just across the Irish Sea but through the uncertain waters of Brexit,” McCarthy noted. “This is a significant show of confidence in the

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Bloom 2018 Irish food and drink industry and a testament to the work that is being done in both markets to ensure strong future trade relationships between our countries.”

Previous Bord Bia trade breakfasts at Bloom have resulted in a number of significant listings for Irish companies. This includes an exclusive agreement with Sadie’s Kitchen for supply of their bone broth across all Freshly Chopped outlets; the supply of Flahavan’s flapjacks on the Aer Lingus on-board menu; and listings for Pro U Yoghurts with both Dunnes Stores and BWG. Michael Murphy, Founder and MD of Pro U Yogurts, said, “The Bloom food market allows buyers to experience your product in practice and gives them the space to consider how it would work in their business. I had been targeting the Dunnes Stores Dairy buyer for some months, but I got the chance to meet her and some of her senior colleagues at Bloom. As a result, we were invited in to do a presentation in July and things progressed from there. We also progressed business with BWG Foodservice as a result of Bloom… and we now supply a range of hospitals and workplace canteens through BWG Foodservice.”

Innovation Bloom has also proved to be an attractive setting for companies to launch new products over the years and 2018 is no different. One third of the exhibitors in 2018 are new and among the new product launches was the launch first-ever Irish Free Range Chicken Burger from Farmers to Market.

Speaking about the opportunity, Charles Smith of Farmers to Market said, “We have chosen Bloom as the perfect place to launch this new product as the event highlights all that is excellent about Irish food and the passion of those who produce it. We have developed this new product range to address an everincreasing demand by discerning food connoisseurs for better quality chicken that can be conveniently prepared and cooked. Bloom allows us to engage directly with consumers and gauge in real time their response to the product.”

Mr Jeffares Blackcurrants introduced Bloom visitors to a New Lightly Sparkling Ready to Drink Blackcurrant Juice with No Added

Sugar. Made from Blackcurrants grown on Des Jeffares’ own farm in County Wexford, this is the first of his new Ready to Drink range.

Sadie's Kitchen launched a Super Seven Greens Bone Broth, which has all the goodness of Sadie's Kitchen Comforting Chicken Bone Broth, but is fortified with seven green herbs and vegetables, along with flax seed.

Other launches of note included Lainey’s Handmade Foods, who unveiled new packaging for their confectionery product range, and Maria Lucia Bakes, who introduced their new Ancient Grains granola, which is suitable for Coeliacs as it does not contain oats.

Love Irish Food The Love Irish Food ‘Meet the Makers’ marquee returned to the food village. The 27 Love Irish Food member brands at Bloom this year employ over 8,500 people directly and indirectly with a total wage bill of more than €300m between them, contributing €80m to the exchequer.

Visitors to Bloom savoured, sipped and sampled their way through the ‘Meet the Makers’ marquee, tasting more than 20,000 biscuits, 30,000 gelatos and 40,000 burger samples, all the while meeting the producers of many great Irish-produced food and drink brands.

Member brands exhibiting include household names like Flahavan’s, Ballymaloe Foods, Broderick’s Bros, East Coast Bakehouse, McCambridge Bread, Big Als & Bundys, Gino’s Gelato, O’Donnell’s Crisps, Golden Irish Eggs, Manor Farm, Coffee House Lane, The Jelly Bean Factory, Sussed and Spice O’Life, and new to Bloom this year were Golden Bake and Sunshine Juices.

Kieran Rumley, Executive Director, Love Irish Food, said the Love Irish Food ‘Meet the Makers’ marquee is showcasing the best of Irish food and has become “a staple for foodies visiting this popular annual event. With the Irish food industry facing the challenge and the uncertainty from Brexit, it is vital that Irish shoppers have the opportunity to identify locally produced food brands, with the Love Irish Food logo and to undertstand their importance and contribution to local communities throughout Ireland.”

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Pet Food

Pet Projects Irish pet owners love to treat their four-legged friends to the best food on the market, good news for the retail trade.

IT’S well known that Ireland is a nation of pet lovers, and we treat our fourlegged friends to the best quality pet food and treats on the market. Demand for premium brands has increased in recent years, as Irish consumers increasingly want the best for their beloved pets.

The latest report into the Pet Care sector by Euromonitor International, however, reveals that economy products also performed well, indicating that value for money is still important for many pet owners in Ireland.

The pet humanisation trend is firmly established in Ireland, and shows no signs of subsiding, according to Euromonitor. 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.

Pet obesity is fast becoming a major issue for pet owners across Ireland, with veterinary experts estimating that one in every three pets that visited a veterinary clinic in the country in 2016 had an obesity-related problem. In order to combat this mini-crisis, companies are investing heavily in the development of healthier pet food and treats products, which should help to reduce the incidence of obesity-related health issues in Ireland’s pet population over the medium term.

Euromonitor predict that Ireland’s small dog population is expected to grow in the coming years, while its

large dog population is expected to decline. Accordingly, products developed specifically for smaller dog breeds have the potential to perform strongly.

Economy dog food products are expected to perform reasonably well during in the immediate future, 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 Brexit, as most raw materials used in the manufacturing of this product type are sourced in Ireland.

Wet and dry premium dog food, including dog treats, are the areas in

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Pet Food which most growth is expected in the coming years.

Provenance and perceived health benefits for their pets are increasingly being demanded

by Irish dog owners, and this is expected to be reflected in the products the leading brands will make available.

In terms of cat food, Euromonitor expect consumers to Mackle Petfoods’ premium brand, Naturo is experiencing spend more significant growth, as pet owners love the fact that it’s made money on highwith 100% natural ingredients that are fresh and locally end premium sourced. cat food, and for high quality products which support move away from the health and well-being of their pet. mid-priced alternatives. This, coupled Every Naturo meal is nutritionally with the pet obesity problem, should balanced with up to 60% meat and see premium brands flourish over the contains no artificial colours, flavours or coming years. preservatives. The Naturo range caters The latest figures from Kantar for dogs at every life stage, from puppy Worldpanel Ireland for the 52 weeks, to senior, taking into consideration some ending April 22, 2018, show the Irish pet of the specific conditions they may suffer food category declining in value terms by from – sensitive skin or stomach (grain 2.2%, down to €133.08m from €136.02m free) and overweight (light with 40% in 2017, with a corresponding volume less fat). Various pack sizes are also decline of 2.6%. available, from 150g trays for small dogs to 400g trays and 400g multi packs for Mackle Petfoods more variety.

2018 has been a very busy sales The range also includes grain year to date for local pet food and gluten free canned food for dogs. manufacturer Mackle Petfoods, with The three flavour varieties each both established brands, Brandy and Cat Club, performing well and their premium brand, Naturo, experiencing significant growth over the past year.

Mackle Petfoods recently completed a £3m investment in their plastic tray manufacturing facility, enabling the company to more than double production of high quality, natural pet food.

Naturo Naturo pet food is made with 100% natural ingredients that are fresh and locally sourced. Naturo dog and cat food is 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 throughout Ireland, the UK and across Europe.

Consumers are increasingly looking

contain 50% high quality meat chunks (Chicken, Duck or Turkey) plus fruit and vegetables in a herb gravy. Each 390g can 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 recently embarked upon an extensive advertising campaign across Ireland and the UK for 2018, including TV, online media and a calendar of consumer events and shows. The campaign will introduce Naturo as the one and only natural pet food that makes pets feel good. The campaign is entitled ‘A campaign for natural beauty’, because to Naturo, true beauty isn’t always picture perfect or polished: pets that feel good, look good.

For more information and to view Naturo’s Feel Good Films, visit www.naturopetfoods.com.

Brandy Brandy has a strong local heritage dating back to 1971. Brandy is made using only 100% Irish meat sourced from across the island of Ireland, fully traceable from farm to bowl. Brandy continues to perform strongly in the market; testament to a reliable, trusted Irish brand. Sales are driven by Brandy’s two promotional variety 3-packs, Brandy Loaf and Brandy Chunks in Jelly, both price marked at €2, offering the customer value for money, while offering the retailer strong margin.

Brandy 6-packs are available in four variety options: Loaf, Chunks in Jelly, Chunks in Gravy and the newest addition, Grain Free Chunks in Gravy.

Brandy’s two promotional variety 3-packs, Brandy Loaf and Brandy Chunks in Jelly, both price marked at €2, offer the customer value for money, while offering the retailer strong margin.

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Pet Food Brandy Grain Free launched in 2017 and was developed especially for digestive and cereal sensitive dogs to help promote easier digestion, improve skin and coat and reduce itching.

Brandy Grain Free 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 will be supported by ongoing digital activity and strong promotional activity throughout 2018.

Cat Club This summer, Cat Club presents an exciting on-pack promotion, not to be missed by retailers and customers alike. The search is on to crown the King or Queen of Cat Club! To win, customers must share a photo of their cat along with why they deserve the Cat Club crown. The winning cat will star on packs of Cat Club, receive a cat photoshoot and a supply of Cat Club cat food. The competition runs from July to October on all Cat Club 6-packs (Chunks in Jelly and Chunks in Gravy). It will be supported by an all-Ireland radio advertising campaign, a strong digital campaign and PR activity. Customers will be able to enter the competition at www.catclubcrown.com.

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!

Homestead Paws Pet Food The Homestead Paws Pet Food is one that Homestead don’t often shout about. Their great value-for-money pet care range consists of Complete Dog Food, available in 10kg & 2.5kg +60% Free Bags and both Premium Cat and Premium Dog canned.

Homestead Paws Premium canned dog food is showing strong growth year-on-year.

The Homestead Paws Pet Food range includes Complete Dog Food, available in 10kg & 2.5kg +60% Free Bags.

Homestead Paws Premium canned cat food, part of their great value-formoney pet care range.

This summer, Cat Club presents an exciting on-pack competition which will see one winning cat starring on packs of Cat Club.

The premiumisation and humanisation of pets are the leading trends in premium and wet food spaces.

The dog food market volume sales are increasing year on year by up to 3% and the rising demand for private label products is driving economy dry dog food.

“2018 will see continuous reevaluation of our Paws Pet Food range to ensure we are offering consumers great products at great prices,” explained Homestead Brand Manager, Janice Gibney. “As demand from consumers grows for value for money pet food, Paws definitely offers the consumer a choice of value for money options for their furry family members.”

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Drinks News Archway Lager launched by Franciscan Well FRANCISCAN Well has launched Archway Lager. Born out of deep consumer-centric insights, combined with the changing tastes and demands of the Irish drinker, Archway Lager marks a significant commercial and brand evolution for Franciscan Well, which in 2018 is celebrating 20 years at the forefront of innovative brewing in Ireland. For lovers of great beer moments together, Archway has a 4% ABV, is an expert blend of three hops and four malts, and has been skilfully crafted to deliver an accessible lager that’s exceptional in both substance and flavour. Archway Lager’s launch will be supported by a major marketing campaign, comprising out of home, digital, PR and experiential. Archway will be available in the off-trade in 330ml cans.

Guinness Bound Together with GAA in New Campaign GUINNESS has launched its new 2018 GAA campaign, ‘Bound Together’. Continuing from last years ‘Behind Every Great Town’ campaign, this year Guinness will shine a light on the GAA and how it unites communities across Ireland. GAA fans are bound together and are passionately connected to their local tribe.

Guinness is bringing the vibrant county colours of the GAA to life through this new fully integrated campaign that went live on June 4 across on TV, OOH, digital and social channels. The new OOH creative uses an ink technique to represent both the movement and dynamism of the sport of GAA and the liquid binds the stories together. County colours are a powerful form of cultural expression and communion within the GAA community.

It’s county colours that strengthen the unique bond with the GAA and are an expression of fan identity and a motif to bind them together.

Gold Rush for Dublin Distillery QUINTESSENTIAL Brands have won two gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, with The Dubliner Irish Whiskey and The Dubliner 10 Year Old (pictured) both taking gold. “It’s a source of immense pride to see our Irish whiskies continuing to gain recognition from the industry, not just for me, but for the whole team here in Dublin. With the Dublin Liberties Distillery due to open later this year, this awards success for The Dubliner is very timely,” noted Darryl McNally, the Dublin Liberties Distillery’s Master Distiller.

New Gin from Origin Spirits Origin Spirits Ireland Ltd, producers of the award winning Kalak Vodka range, has launched Ornabrak, a distinctive and rare Single Malt Gin. Crafted from 100% Irish malted barley, the single malt spirit is four times copper pot distilled and then distilled a fifth time with five carefully selected botanicals - juniper berry, Douglas Fir needles, garden angelica root, lemon verbena leaf and lemon peel - to create a complex and floral single malt gin. The name ‘Ornabrak’ is derived from the Gaelic ‘Eorna Braiche’ meaning Malted Barley. Patrick Shelley, Founder of Origin Spirits, is pictured with the new Ornabrak Gin.

Maggie Timoney to Head Heineken USA HEINEKEN Ireland CEO, Maggie Timoney is to become Chief Executive Officer of Heineken USA. A seasoned executive with over 25 years’ experience in the beer and cider business, Timoney will succeed Heineken veteran, Ronald den Elzen, who will be returning to Holland for a global role within Heineken NV. Timoney joined Heineken in 1998 in a national sales planning role for Heineken USA and then held a series of sales, strategic planning and distribution roles in the Netherlands before being named the Managing Director of Heineken Canada in 2006. She returned to Heineken USA in 2010 as SVP of Human Resources and a member of the management team. Before Heineken, Maggie worked in sales for at E&J Gallo and an AnheuserBusch Wholesaler in The Bronx.

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Personal Care

A Fresh New Look for Nivea Deodorants NIVEA have introduced new look deodorant range with an enhanced, ergonomic design. Following over three years of extensive design development and consumer testing, Nivea is relaunching its deodorant range, creating the perfect ergonomic can.

Launched in March 2018 with a fresh new look and sleek shape, the new can design has shown strong results in consumer testing. Its improved functionality has enhanced its ease of use and the cans’ modern new look has been validated by consumers: testing has shown a significant increase in purchase intent compared to the previous design.

The Benefits Benefits of the new-look Nivea deodorant range: • Fights off perspiration with long lasting freshness: 48-hour protection and Quick Dry technology

*Dry Confidence. Clinical Study with 64 people, June 2017

•

•

•

keeps users dryer for longer; Expertly created for easy use on the go: its new and improved ‘twist to lock’ functionality keeps the top firmly closed when not in use; The redesigned spray allows users to apply from different angles with light pressure, even when applied underneath clothing; All variants are free from ethyl alcohol and dermatologically approved.

Nivea’s relaunched deodorant range has a fresh new look and sleek shape.

The complete Nivea deodorant range, including Roll On, Stick and the Nivea Men deodorant range has been relaunched with a new modern look, available since March 2018.

The new collection is now available in pharmacies and grocery stores nationwide: RRSP from €2.69 for 150ml and €4.29 for 250ml.

For more information, please visit www.nivea.ie or www.facebook.com/niveaireland.

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Music In-Store

Tune Into The Benefits of Music in Your Business

Playing music in-store can have huge benefits for customers and staff, but if you play music in your store, you must have a Dual Music Licence from IMRO. THERE is little doubt that the atmosphere and experience in a retail premises would not be the same for customers or staff without the presence of music.

The relationship between music and business has come a long way from the days when the only music customers ever heard was muzak in an elevator or instrumental versions of well-known pop hits as they walked up and down supermarket aisles.

Taking out a Dual Music Licence from IMRO for the use of music in a retail premises ensures that you can legally use IMRO’s vast repertoire of music to create a more positive and productive environment for your customers and staff. You are also ensuring the music creators behind the music you use to enhance your business are fairly remunerated for their work.

The Benefits to Your Store 60% of customers who like music-instore agree they would spend more time in a shop if they hear music they like. Music has been proven to relax customers, which in turn leads to more time in stores and to the spending of more money.

Music is a useful tool in helping shape a brand’s identity; the correct music can help set the lifestyle image of a brand in the mind of their customers, for example, young and edgy or sophisticated, creating a strong

and constant brand image. In addition, brands with music that ‘fits’ their identity are 96% more likely to prompt memory recall. This increased brand awareness can lead to increased sales.

Shoppers are more likely to make impulsive purchases when overstimulated. The use of music in combination with exploiting other senses within the retail premises can help create an atmosphere that draws in customers and makes them purchase more.

76% of small retailers believe they can positively influence the behaviour of customers through music.

Improving Staff Morale 78% of small retailers recommend that other retailers should play music to

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Music In-Store required IMRO and PPI copyright music licences through a single contract, receive a single invoice, make a single royalty payment, and administrationwise, interface with a single licensing body.

improve productivity and staff morale, while 99% of staff who work in stores without music think that retail stores that play music tend to be more modern and appealing places to shop. Music has been proven to increase work productivity, leading to a more efficient workforce.

In a recent survey, 71% of employees would like to be able to listen to music in work, while 88% of employees believed they worked more accurately when listening to music.

88% of staff who work in stores with music would prefer to listen to music by recognisable performers rather than imitators.

91% of managers and business owners agreed or agreed strongly that playing music makes customers and staff happier. Additionally, one third of employees have said they are less likely to take time off for illness if music is being played at work.

Dual Music Licence A Dual Music Licence from IMRO gives you access to a vast repertoire of music that you can use to transform and add value to your business. Music has the power to relax, enhance and entice.

Consumers and employees enjoy better experiences when they’re surrounded by music.

Previously, businesses in Ireland that played recorded copyright music were obliged to obtain two separate licences covering different copyrights; one covering the public performance

of the musical work on behalf of composers, songwriters and music publishers, and the other covering the public performance of sound recordings on behalf of record producers and performers.

Since January 1, 2016, one Dual Music Licence covering both of these copyrights is now administered by IMRO. This new arrangement makes life easier for businesses in Ireland by enabling them to obtain both the

Copyright Legislation Just like any other valued service provider, the creators behind the music you use to enhance your business must be paid for their work.

Music creators appoint IMRO to licence their music to businesses on their behalf, whether it be played by means of a television, radio, recorded music device, streamed from an online service or performed live. With IMRO, you can easily tap into the wealth of music you need to drive your business forward, in full compliance with copyright legislation. And all for a single annual fee.

By paying your annual licence fee to IMRO, you are enabling music creators and artists to continue making music that you will ultimately use to improve your business operation.

If you play copyright music in your retail premises for background purposes, you will need a Dual Music Licence for your business.

For further queries, contact IMRO’s Customer Support Team at (01) 6614844, by email at duallicence@imro. ie or visit www.imro.ie/duallicence. (research studies source: www.musicworksforyou.co.uk)

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Focus on HR

Good Grief: Dealing with Employee Complaints How do you deal with an employee complaint in the workplace?

Do you have the right system in place to protect both your company and your employees?

A GRIEVANCE is a complaint which an employee or group of employees has concerning his or her terms and conditions of employment, working environment or working relationships.

Employee grievances can arise for a variety of reasons, including the following: changing work practices, alleged discrimination, bullying or harassment, health & safety issues, promotion and grading, issues with fellow employees etc. Detailed below is a step-by-step process on how to manage the early start of a grievance.

Have a Policy The first and most important step is to have a policy in place, which means that you have taken proactive steps in order to address this before it became an issue. The aim of a grievance procedure is to encourage consistency, transparency and fairness in the handling of workplace problems or complaints. Such a policy: • Provides individuals with a course of action if they have a complaint; • Provides a point of contact and timescales to resolve issues of concern; • Resolves employee problems quickly and informally.

Remain Impartial It is vital you approach any grievance with a clear, unbiased opinion from the outset. You know and work with both the employees and management on a daily basis. Keep in mind that you need to be neutral. Do not allow your past experiences with any of the parties involved to influence you or cultivate an

opinion in advance of the procedure ever being invoked.

Procedure A grievance policy and procedure will provide a mechanism to solve problems and no employee shall suffer any form of victimisation as a result of raising a grievance under this procedure. The Code of Practice on Grievance Procedure as provided for by S.I. number 146 of 2000 sets out the best practice guidelines for Grievance procedures. The first step for anyone dealing with a grievance issue is to refer to the company policy. The procedure should be applied fairly and consistently to all staff. These policies should be communicated to employees

and signed by both parties to ensure that employees understand the content.

It is advised that as a company, you should provide appropriate training to any staff members who have staff management functions. This training should be kept under review in light of developments and best practice in this area and show management the basics in addressing grievances in the first instance.

Be Fully Informed Your company policy should have several routes for your employee to invoke should she so wish. A typical policy will have three routes; informal, mediation and formal.

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Focus on HR Informal: It is preferable if all complaints could be dealt with informally whenever possible. This can resolve matters proactively, quickly and effectively, with the minimum of conflict and stress for both individuals involved.

There are a couple of scenarios: A.The employee addresses her concerns directly to her manager in private.

B.The employee asks for an informal meeting to be facilitated by the company between herself and her manager, in private.

Mediation: This is not about blame, but about understanding the conflict and finding agreed ways of future interaction and behaviour. There is no right/ wrong or blame in mediation. A trained mediator would facilitate a meeting with both parties if both parties agree to this option. This option is particularly effective where personality conflicts are core to the problem.

Formal: The formal route is also open to your employee. She would need to provide you with a written statement.

You would also meet with the manager to discuss the complaint with them.

Further investigatory meetings may take place with any witnesses, if deemed appropriate. The decision regarding the outcome of the complaint will then be made to the employee.

It is vital you know the difference between these routes and explain them in easy to understand language. It is important, before you discuss this with the employee, that you are fully aware of what her routes are and how she should go about them.

Know your policy inside out and upside down. This means that you can be as informative as possible and use your discussion with the employee to be of as much assistance in resolving such problems or allaying her fears. This will be a difficult time for the employee and it is your role to ensure she has confidence in the policy and the company that you can resolve her concerns.

Representation The employee should have the right to

About the Author

THIS advice is provided by the HR Suite, which offers specialist tailored and effective human resources and business solutions to clients throughout Ireland. Caroline McEnery, Managing Director of The HR Suite, is a member on the Low Pay Commission and is an Adjudicator in the Workplace Relations Commission. She is also author of 'The Art of Asking the Right Questions', a manager’s toolkit to all HR related tips to proactively manage your team. For more information, please contact The HR Suite on (066) 7102887 or (01) 9014335 or email info@thehrsuiteonline.com. Website: http://thehrsuiteonline.com. be accompanied by a work colleague or a chosen representative at any meeting under the procedure.

Under the Code of Practice, “employee representative” includes a colleague of the employee's choice or a registered trade union, but not any other person or body unconnected with the enterprise.

A witness may address the meeting but not speak on the employee’s behalf.

The right to representation should be stated in all correspondence and in minutes.

Talk to the Employee In this case, your next step is to speak with the employee. You should: • Make sure your meeting is held in private with no interruptions.

• Explain the policy and the routes available in easy to understand language.

• You should listen sympathetically, without agreeing with the employee. Remember, you have heard one version of the scenario.

• Ask the employee does she have any questions.

• •

•

Explain that you are available and you operate an open-door policy if she wishes to discuss further.

It is essential for you to explain to your employee that the company cannot proceed with any action outside of the procedure on her behalf. At times, employees just want management to be aware of the scenario, in the hope that we can resolve it without the confrontation on their part to invoke the policy. You cannot resolve the issue, as it belongs to the employee.

Explain to the employee that if she does not wish to invoke the policy in this instance, the procedure is always available to her to invoke at any other time.

Make sure that you follow this meeting up in writing and include the company policy.

This is most likely new to your employee, so she will take certain things away from the meeting and may forget others.

This protects the company by showing you have provided this to the employee and did everything you can to help her.

Additionally, you should include a deadline so that you can close this issue out or further it to be completed in a timely manner to avoid any undue stress to both parties.

Invoke the Procedure If the employee confirms the route she wishes to go down, it is your role to ensure it is invoked. Failure to follow through on this may result in a case of constructive dismissal i.e. “I had no other choice to leave my job because my manager was bullying me and the company failed to do anything about it.” Finally, if in doubt about how to complete correctly, seek professional advice on how best to proceed.

Paper Trail The operation of a good grievance procedure requires the maintenance of adequate records. It is important to have a paper trail documenting each step of any investigation.

If you require further information or advice on the above, contact our HR Consultants on (01) 9014335 or (066) 7102887 or email info@thehrsuiteonline.com.

66|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: News Maxol Ballindine Unveils New Fresh Food-to-Go Offer MAXOL recently renovated its Ballindine service station to further expand the Centra fresh food-to-go forecourt offering. The new deli, healthy salad bar, and wider variety of hot food, caters to meet customers’ every need, especially those that are time poor but looking for a fast, fresh, quality meal.

“I was appointed licensee at Ballindine two years ago and since then, based on positive customer feedback, we have gone from strength to strength, whether serving people from the local community dropping in to fill their shopping baskets for dinner, or customers passing through looking Pictured are (l-r): Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group; Francis McDonnell, Licensee for a quality bite to eat on their journey,” noted Francis McDonnell, at Maxol Ballindine, Co. Mayo; and Thomas McMullan, Director, The Maxol Group.

Maxol Ballindine licensee. “We are priced everyday grocery essentials. very happy with the newly refurbished store, which gives us a Brian Donaldson, CEO of The Maxol Group, said, “Maxol much improved offer, and look forward to continuing to greet Ballindine is one of three Maxol service stations in County our customers with a great welcome, and to make sure they Mayo and we are pleased to be improving the food options for have a pleasant experience with us every time.” our customers. The development has created four new jobs at The made-to-order menu options are complemented by the Ballindine and is part of an overall investment of over €6m in introduction of barista style Frank and Honest coffee choices store refits by Maxol in the first half of 2018. We look forward that will satisfy even the most discerning caffeine lovers. The to continuing to support Francis to make sure that quality €400,000 investment enhances the station’s current services, service, tasty food, and a great cup of coffee is always on offer which include a full off-licence, butchery, ATM services, a new in Ballindine.” drive through car wash, and an extensive range of competitively

Freshii Goes Greener with New Food Containers FRESHII is continuing its commitment to protect the environment by introducing a fully compostable range of food containers and cups in all its Irish restaurants and are encouraging all local suppliers to join them on the journey.

Almost every Freshii food container a customer eats from will be fully compostable, degrading into the earth in just six to eight weeks, with only organic matter left behind. The new forks, spoons, knives and straws are also made from ecofriendly vegetable starches which decompose quickly, leaving no trace metals behind and Freshii will provide compost bins in-store so that every item can be disposed of correctly.

In addition to introducing compostable packaging in all of their Irish outlets, Freshii is joining Conscious Cup and encouraging customers to bring reusable cups when purchasing coffee or tea at Freshii and will offer 20c discount as an incentive. Freshii are also planning to sell reusable cups in their restaurants.

“Freshii is leading the way in the food industry and society as it lives by its Mission Green statement 365 days a year,” said Dave O’Donoghue, CEO, Freshii Ireland. “We are committed to being kind to the earth by eliminating traditional fast food practices. We are making efforts to decrease our carbon footprint and ensure we are operating an environmentally friendly business from using compostable packaging, natural eco-friendly cleaning products to our simple food preparation setup and cleaning that does not require energy-hungry dishwashers or ovens.”

Freshii’s outlets include a number of forecourts, including

Pictured are Green Party Councillor, Ciaran Cuffe; Timmy Dooley TD, Fianna Fail Spokesperson for Communications, The Environment & Natural Resources; with Dave O’Donohgue, CEO, Freshii Ireland; and Cormac Manning, CFO, Freshii Ireland.

Applegreen Midway (Portlaoise), Applegreen Motorway services at Lusk (Northbound and Southbound, and Applegreen Motorway Service Area at Enfield.

Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie|67

Forecourt Focus: News Circle K Announces Play or Park Winner for April CIRCLE K (formerly Topaz Energy), Ireland’s leading fuel and convenience retailer, is delighted to announce Tara Ffrench as the April 2018 winner of Circle K’s Play or Park.

Tara, from Bettystown, Co. Meath, was announced as the lucky winner of a once in a lifetime trip to the Seychelles, thanks to Circle K and its airline partner, Turkish Airlines. Tara and her husband will travel business class to the Seychelles, where they will spend seven nights exploring the exotic islands, including a day trip to Praslin. The trip also includes a private tour of the Unesco World Heritage Site at Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve and snorkelling at Anse Lazio, along with a day trip to La Digue Island. Tara will also get to enjoy a luxury spa day and €1,000 spending money to spend as she pleases.

Richard Pollock, Loyalty and Insights Manager at Circle K Ireland, commented: “On behalf of Circle K and Turkish Airlines, I am delighted to announce Tara Ffrench as this month’s Play or Park winner. We are thrilled to give this prize to such a deserving winner and we hope Tara and her husband have a fantastic time!”

Hasan Mutlu, Manager at Turkish Airlines Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have partnered with Circle K this year to give participants in its Play or Park initiative the chance to travel all over the world with Turkish Airlines! Flying to 302 destinations in 121 countries, we fly to more countries than any other airline in the world. We are thrilled to be whisking Tara and her husband away on this amazing trip to the Seychelles.”

Richard Pollock, Loyalty and Insights Manager at Circle K Ireland, is pictured with April Play or Park winner, Tara Ffrench.

Meath Forecourt Scores on Customer Service MAXOL recently announced the winners of its 2017-2018 Excellence Awards at the company conference at the K Club in Co. Kildare. Souhan’s Maxol Service Station, Trim, has been honoured in the ‘Excellence in Customer Experience’ category.

The Excellence Awards promote and reward excellence in retail standards, customer experience, and community engagement throughout its network of service stations across the island of Ireland.

“We are delighted to have won this award for the second year in a row,” noted Nicola Souhan, one of the owners of Souhan’s Maxol, along with her daughter Ena. “And we are very happy to have won a place on the Maxol incentive trip later this year. At Pictured are (l-r): Brian Donaldson, CEO, Maxol, with Nicola Souhan, Independent Maxol Souhan’s, we aim to exceed our Dealer at Souhan’s Maxol Service Station, Meath, at The Maxol Retail Conference customers’ needs and expectations. at the K Club, Co. Kildare, celebrating Souhan’s ‘Excellence in Customer Service’ This wouldn’t be possible without our award. great team and I would like to take extra mile to make every visit a memorable experience. We this opportunity to thank our staff for their hard work and are delighted to partner with Nicola and Ena. They are a great dedication.” mother and daughter team, and we enjoyed celebrating their Brian Donaldson, CEO of the Maxol Group, said, “I would success recently at the conference. Well done to the Souhans, like to congratulate Nicola, Ena, and all of the employees at who are excellent ambassadors for Maxol.”

Souhan’s for reaching the highest standard of excellence in The Maxol Excellence Awards are now in their 20th year. terms of customer experience at the Maxol Excellence Awards.

Awards were presented on merit in the following categories; Nicola and her entire team truly focus on the experience at Excellence in Community Engagement; Customer Experience; their station from the customer’s point of view, and go that Best Standard; and Store of the Year.

68|Retail News|June 2018|www.retailnews.ie

What’s New CLUB ZERO SUPER SPLIT RETURNS FOR SUMMER BRITVIC Ireland is excited to reintroduce Club Zero Super Split to quench the thirst of consumers throughout Ireland.

After the success of last year’s launch, the delicious limited edition soft drink that combines juicy oranges and smooth vanilla but with zero sugar, is back on shelves for a limited time throughout the summer! Club Zero Super Split represents summer in a bottle, but not just any summer, a truly Irish summer filled with festivals, melting 99’s and dodgy sunburn! Club Zero Super Split is available now in stores nationwide for a limited time only at an RRP of €1.29 for the 500ml bottle.

NEW NESTLÉ ON-PACK PROMOTION NESTLÉ has partnered with over 50 venues across Ireland to encourage families to spend more time together and do something fun as part of the new ‘Kids Go Free’ on-pack promotion. Families will have the opportunity to get a free kids ticket when buying any promotional pack of Nestlé confectionery products, such as Smarties, Rowntree’s or Milkybar. All participating packs contain a unique code that can be exchanged for one free child ticket when buying a full priced adult ticket (or two child tickets for the price of one) at a variety of venues across Ireland, including aquariums, lighthouses, family fun farms, museums and castles, as well as activities like kayaking, horse riding and exploring mazes. The promotion will run until April 30, 2019, and will be supported by a digital media campaign, including online advertising and social media.

QUORN TO REMOVE BLACK PLASTIC FROM PACKAGING QUORN has announced its groundbreaking move to eliminate more than 297 tonnes of black plastic packaging from its supply chain by the end of June 2018. With the April 2017 WRAP announcement that black plastic was not being recycled by local authorities, instead being sent to landfill, the company’s packaging strategy group met to formulate a plan to remove black plastic from its supply chain as quickly as possible. As a result, Quorn is pleased to announce its ongoing plans to eliminate unrecyclable black plastic from its products. Since April 2018, black plastic has been phased out of the majority of Quorn packaging, including some of its bestselling products such as chilled Quorn Mince and Pieces. In June 2018, in-store packaging of the vast majority of the chilled range will move to white and opaque recyclable plastics.

VOLVIC RELAUNCHES TOUCH OF FRUIT THIS summer sees Volvic re-launching its entire Touch of Fruit original range, with half the sugar and a new look ‘refreshing’ packaging.

Available nationwide from June 2018, the reformulated range took 18 months of careful development to perfect the recipe. Through using extract from the stevia leaf, Volvic has managed to half the sugar content from 4.8g/l to just 2.4g/l, whilst maintaining the same taste consumers love. The Volvic Touch of Fruit relaunch will be supported with the brand’s biggest ever marketing campaign, ‘Well that’s refreshing’ rolling out in August. The unmissable 360 activation aims to add a ‘refreshing’ twist to the mundane everyday moments of their millennial audience.

TWO WORLD-FIRSTS FOR ‘METHOD AND MADNESS’ IRISH Distillers has added two new and experimental, limited edition Irish whiskeys to its Method and Madness range; Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak (RRP €89) and a 28-yearold Ruby Port Pipe Single Cask Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey (RRP €1,900). First launched in 2017, Method and Madness aims to push the boundaries of Irish whiskey through innovative releases, harnessing the creativity and fresh thinking of the masters and apprentices in Midleton Distillery. In a world first for Irish whiskey, Method and Madness Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey Finished in Virgin Hungarian Oak has been finished in virgin oak felled in the Carpathian Mountain range in the North East of Hungary, where volcanic soils are best suited to the growing of Quercus Petraea. The 28 year old Ruby Port Pipe is a single pot still Irish whiskey matured initially for six years in American oak barrels, before being re-casked into a Ruby Port pipe for a further 22 years.

ALDI TO SELL €24M OF IRISH POTATOES ALDI announced it will sell €24m worth of Irish grown potatoes this year, with New Season Irish Potatoes arriving in select Aldi stores on Thursday, May 24. Piltown, Co. Kilkenny based O’Shea’s Farms is supplying the potatoes to Aldi’s stores, with Queens and Home Guard due on shelf imminently and New Season Roosters to follow in August. O’Shea’s Farms’ parent company, fruit and vegetable wholesaler Iverk Produce, agreed a three-year contract with Aldi in 2017 to provide Aldi with €70m worth of Irish-grown potatoes. Pictured are (l-r): James O’Shea of O’Shea Farms and Paul Scally, Buying Director Aldi Ireland.

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