Retail News March 2016

MARCH 2016

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Retail News|March 2016| www.retailnews.ie|3

Contents Irish Stores Beguiling WITH this being the month of our national holiday, it’s a good time to reflect on the Irish grocery market, which is in rude health, it seems.

Ireland has the best convenience stores in Europe, based on shopper feedback conducted by international research experts, him! International, the second year that Irish c-stores have come out on top (Page 6).

Meanwhile, SuperValu continues its impressive sales performance, making it Ireland’s largest retailer, according to the latest figures from Kantar Worldpanel Ireland (Page 10), while a new survey from RGDATA argues that the independent retail grocery sector makes a greater economic contribution to local economies than multiple supermarkets (Page 4).

Elsewhere in this issue, we ask what more can be done by the Government and Gardaí to protect retailers, following the worrying results of RGDATA’s recent retail crime survey (Page 24), where we talk to retailers at the coal-face who are hugely frustrated with what they perceive to be judicial leniency, calling for a tougher line on retail crime.

Drew McIvor, Invest Northern Ireland’s Food Business Development Executive, explains the thinking behind Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink 2016 (Page 18), and we examine the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland’s new Code, which covers revised rules for advertising and promoting food to children as well as new guidelines governing the advertising of e-cigarettes (Page 46) and Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director. kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie

News

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

18

32

Retail Ireland review highlights solid recovery; Latest CSO consumer price index.

34 Retail News Interview 18

4 4

Independent retailers’ contribution hailed in new report.

5

Irish Beverage Council condemns sugar tax proposal.

6

Food recalls cause concern; Ireland tops European c-store league.

7

Positive employment outlook for Q2 2016; EuroCIS 2016 exceeds expectations.

8

Over 1,000 participants in Skills For Work Week.

9

Food companies ready for ascent; SMEs not availing of grants.

10

11

Ireland leads Europe in electrical recycling standards; Grocery price inflation continues.

Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink 2016 aims to increase the presence and amount of NI food and drink brands in the retail and foodservice sectors in the Republic, explains Drew McIvor, Invest Northern Ireland’s Food Business Development Executive.

Tobacco Market 34

SuperValu National Conference 22

SuperValu reached a new milestone, with record sales of €2.6 billion in 2015.

Martina Branconi, Government Affairs Manager at PJ Carroll & Company, discusses the increased regulation of the tobacco category and the likely impact of the forthcoming Tobacco Products Directive this May.

Newspapers & Magazines

24

38

The latest ABC figures show a slowdown in the decline of newspaper sales, while the outlook for magazines is extremely positive.

Advertising Standards 46

Retail Crime 24

First Cashzone ATM goes live in Ireland; RGDATA advice column.

With 90% of shop owners being the victims of crime in the last year, a tougher line on crime is needed, say shop owners, who are afraid for their safety and that of their staff.

March 1 saw the new ASAI Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland coming into effect, including revised rules for advertising and promoting food to children, as well as new guidelines governing the advertising of e-cigarettes.

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4|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

News

Independent Retailers’ Contribution Hailed in New Report

THE independent retail grocery sector makes a greater economic contribution to local economies than multiple supermarkets, a new report has claimed. According to Local Heroes II - a study of the economic, financial and social significance of the independent grocery sector - €100 spent in a local shop results in an injection of €250 into the local economy. The same amount spent in a large multiple results in an injection of just €140.

Jim Power, a local economist and Chairperson of Love Irish Food, which promotes Irish manufactured food and drink, surveyed independent retailers across the country to reach the conclusions in his report. “I was able to estimate how much money these retailers spent in the local community in terms of buying from local suppliers and

services - painters, directors, accountants, etc. They also engage in massive local sponsorship,” Power told Retail News.

The report, commissioned by RGDATA, found that the trade organisation's 4,000 members pay almost €77m in commercial rates, €32m in local authority charges, an estimated €91m in advertising spend, and €41m in sponsorship to local groups.

“I devised a questionnaire that RGDATA conducted amongst their members, looking at a whole range of activities, such as where they buy produce that they sell, whether it's local national or overseas, contributions to the local economies, in terms of commercial rates, rents, the services they buy from cleaners, accountants, legal, etc,”

Retail News| March 2016|www.retailnews.ie|5

News Power explained. “I tried to calculate the contribution those RGDATA members make to the local and national economy.”

Local Heroes II reveals that locally-owned community-based shops bring bigger benefits to local economies, employing more people, including full time, part time and first jobs. “If 10% of spending in the three foreign multiples were to switch to locally owned retailers, it would result in an injection of an extra €556m into the local economy each year,” Power Jim Power, economist, author of Local Heroes II, a study of the asserted. economic, financial and social Power claimed that significance of the independent the independent sector grocery sector. accounts for around 35% of turnover in the grocery market and employs around 90,000 employees. Multiples, on the other hand, account for 65% of the market and employ an estimated 35,000 staff. “Lidl has an average of 20 workers per store, and Aldi has an average of 24 per store.

Employment intensity for an equivalent sized independent grocery would be around 50,” Power said.

The report reveals the extent of family involvement in

locally owned shops. 89% of premises are family owned and managed. Of these, 47% are first generation, 31% are second generation, and 15% are third. “In terms of supporting local charities, sponsoring local sports organisations, providing part time jobs to locals, they are very tightly embedded in the local community,” said the economist.

Yet despite their healthy contribution, independent outlets are waning, according to the report. The cost of doing business is a burden, but the biggest threat to their existence is out of town development.

Power suggested a number of ways in which the independent sector might be regenerated. “Local authorities and town counsellors need to attract people back into towns to live,” he said. “Once that happens, you will see a retail offering developing around it. The definition of an ideal town is one where you have restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, clothing retailers, food and convenience shops, book shop, personal services like hairdressing, bank, Garda station, tourism, IT infrastructure, public amenities like parks and playgrounds, education facilities, sports facilities, adequate and affordable parking, and residential accommodation over shops and offices. That to me is the ideal scenario.”

The economist proposed the creation of a town manager who can oversee the regeneration of forgotten communities.

This is not for nostalgia's sake, he insists, but about protecting a vital economic and social contributor to Ireland.

“I passionately believe that retailer-vibrant towns should be an objective,” he concluded. “The imperative is to do something massive [for the sector] at this point. I think that's something the government found out to its cost a couple of weeks ago.”

Irish Beverage Council Condemns Sugar Tax Proposal THE Irish Beverage Council (IBC), the Ibec group that represents manufacturers and distributors of soft drinks, bottled water and fruit juices in Ireland, has condemned proposals from various political parties for a sugar tax as pre-election posturing, which will cost consumers money, but do nothing to improve public health. Evidence, rather than electioneering, should inform policy decisions, according to the Irish Beverage Council.

“In the debate on a sugar tax, simple, verifiable facts are being ignored in favour of populist sound bites based on ill informed opinion,” argued IBC Director Kevin McPartlan.

“An additional and blunt tax on one ingredient and product is not an effective way to combat the complex and multifaceted obesity challenge."

Despite its introduction in several countries around the world, no causal link has ever been established between additional tax on sugar sweetened beverages and reduction in obesity, the IBC argues. Indeed, the soft drinks tax in Mexico has only reduced average calorie intake by 4.7 calories a day, while sales in France are at pre-tax levels. In 2013, Denmark scrapped its fat tax because of its economic impact and abandoned plans for a tax on sugar.

The beverage industry in Ireland has taken massive steps to reduce the amount of sugar it puts into the national diet through increased promotion of low and no calorie products (which now account for 50% of the Irish market) and reformulation (changing the recipes) of existing products. Between 2005 and 2012, the beverage industry has reduced sugar in their products by approximately 10% at no

cost to the consumer.

“We are all rightly concerned about obesity but the contention that an additional tax on products which account for just 3% of the calories consumed in Ireland will solve it is nonsense,” McPartlan stressed.

“We already pay VAT on soft drinks. This is an unnecessary additional cost to consumers in Ireland dressed up Kevin McPartlan, Director, Irish as a public health Beverage Council. measure. It will not solve the root causes of obesity. It is simply another stealth tax.

"It would be better to focus on evidence-led interventions that will make a positive difference to obesity. It is vital that whoever makes up the next government talks to industry so that effective initiatives are not sacrificed for snappy election sound bites.”

6|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

News

Food Recalls a Concern THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) has cautioned retailers to stay vigilant for news of recalled food products, as the global food supply chain has increased the risks for food contamination. “Supermarkets are buying products from all around the world, so supply chains are longer and more information has to be kept,” Raymond Ellard, FSAI Director of Consumer Protection, told Retail News.

In recent weeks, Mars recalled Celebrations, Mars Funsize, Milky Way Funsize, and Funsize mix variety packs, with best before dates from May 8 to October 2, 2016, due to the possible presence of plastic pieces. Weetabix recalled its Oatibix Flakes “as the product may contain pieces of blue soft rubber”. Meanwhile, Tesco Ireland has recalled batches of its flavoured butter discs, offered to customers at the fresh meat and fish counters, after Listeria monocytogenes was detected in a production factory.

Incidences of contaminated food products appear to be increasing in recent years. In Germany, in 2011, an E. coli outbreak, traced to fenugreek sprouts, infected 3,950 and left 53 dead. The same year in the USA, a listeria outbreak caused 146 infections and 33 fatalities.

Food Safety in a Globalised World, a report published in 2015, revealed that the number of recalls per year in the US has almost doubled since 2002. “In a more globalised economy, ensuring the highest level of food safety is becoming an ever greater challenge for firms,” said Jayne Plunkett, Head of Casualty Reinsurance at Swiss Re. “Today, ingredients and technologies are sourced worldwide.

This leads to greater complexity for food manufacturers, and consumer and regulatory demands on companies are continually increasing.”

In the UK, the number of food recalls by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) grew by 78% compared with the previous year, according to insurance firm Lockton.

Ellard told Retail News that the recall system works “reasonably” well in Ireland. “If a manufacturer recalls a product, they are obliged to tell the Food Safety Authority.

We get the information out quickly. Retailers use the barcode to block the sale at the till and that ensures the product doesn't get sold. In our experience, businesses that are upfront about recalls generally do better. The problem arises when people decide it's not in their best interests to come clean and try to hide the problem. In our experience at the FSAI, though, retailers are responsive and responsible and cooperate when there are recalls.”

According to Ellard, retailers can impose penalties on suppliers when they recall products. After all, food recalls not only prevent retailers from making profits, but they can cause reputational damage. “There's lost sales, the lost opportunity to make sales, plus the general risk to their customers arising from faulty or unsafe goods,” he said.

Ireland Tops European C-Store League

THE best convenience stores in Europe are in Ireland, based on shopper feedback conducted by international research experts, him! international.

This is the second year that Irish c-stores have come out on top. Last year, him! international’s global convenience shopper research and insights identified that the Republic of Ireland has the best convenience stores in Europe in the eyes of shoppers, based on shopper feedback. The 2016 research now examines the Irish market in more detail by providing account specific insights: who is delivering against shoppers' needs best, in the eyes of shoppers themselves?

This time, the research team spoke to shoppers of 10 convenience retail chains or groups in Ireland, allowing clients to benchmark results between each chain. They

interviewed 300-1000 shoppers who have used the following retail chains in the previous four weeks: Applegreen, Centra, Costcutter, Londis, Gala, MACE, Maxol, SPAR, Tesco Express and Topaz.

The results make very interesting reading, identifying which shopper profiles/demographics use each chain, why they do so and what are shoppers' views on c-stores' offer in terms of range and service.

In general, the Irish shopper is likely to be an affluent female shopper living with her partner and children. Three out of four shoppers will have regular access to a vehicle, while 40% would be in full time employment, compared to 48% at a European convenience shopper average.

The majority of Irish shoppers combine a weekly shop with smaller supplementary top-up shops. They use a wide repertoire of channels, with convenience being the second most popular choice. Supermarkets are the most visited format for grocery shopping, followed by convenience stores and discounters. However, convenience/petrol forecourt stores are visited most, with shoppers going over four times per week.

To drive loyalty, retailer emphasis should be on availability, as Irish shoppers operate on a ‘two strikes policy’ when it comes to availability from convenience stores.

While quality of staff, customer service and product range are important, price is unsurprisingly a barrier to sale in c-stores, particularly when it comes to certain categories. For more information, see www.himinternational.com.

Retail News| March 2016|www.retailnews.ie|7

News Positive Employment Outlook For Q2 2016 IRISH employers are expecting to increase staffing levels across most industry sectors during the second quarter of 2016, according to the latest Employment Outlook Survey from ManpowerGroup Ireland.

The figures show that employers are reporting a seasonally adjusted Net Employment Outlook of +5% for April to June 2016, maintaining the cautiously optimistic forecast previously reported for the first quarter of the year.

The survey also shows that staffing levels across 10 of the 11 sectors surveyed are reporting growth for Q2 2016. However, wholesale and retail employers report a Net Employment Outlook of + 4% for the second quarter of 2016, down four percentage points on the same period last year.

The Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is conducted by interviewing a representative sample of 620 Irish employers.

When broken down by region, employers in Dublin report an Employment Outlook of +4%, representing no difference on the same period last year. The hiring pace in Leinster is expected to remain fair, with employers reporting an Employment Outlook of +6%, up three percentage points on the same period last year. Employers in Munster report an Employment Outlook of +7%, the first time in over a year that hiring intentions in this province have slowed down, with a three percentage point

Cara O’Leary, Sales Director, ManpowerGroup Ireland.

decrease in hiring intentions on the same figure for Q1.

“The results of our survey clearly show continued employer confidence in 2016,” noted Cara O’Leary, Sales Director, ManpowerGroup Ireland. “Staffing levels are forecast to grow in 10 of the 11 industry sectors surveyed; this demonstrates a sustained level of employer confidence for the second quarter of the year.”

EuroCIS 2016 Exceeds Expectations EUROPE’S leading technology trade fair for retail, EuroCIS 2016, reported sensational results when it closed its doors in Düsseldorf at the end of February, with 10,400 trade visitors, an 18% increase over 2015, and 411 exhibitors from 29 countries, up from 320 exhibitors last year.

The trade fair highlighted how things have long since moved on from physical versus online retail and it is now much more about the networking of all channels. Already now, but even more so in the future, it is the shopper alone who decides where, when and via what channel they wish to gather information on products and make purchases – whether this be by smartphone, tablet, PC or at the store itself. Hence, solutions that support retailers in the implementation of their omnichannel strategies were at the focus of EuroCIS 2016, including mobile solutions – for supporting staff at the store, enabling interaction with customer smartphones or using mobile payment. Beyond this, trade visitors were also interested in topics such as business analytics, cloud-based solutions and, as always, issues like self-checkout and selfscanning.

“This year’s EuroCIS went exceptionally well,” said a very satisfied Hans Werner Reinhard, Managing Director at Messe Düsseldorf. “EuroCIS has become the leading trade fair for retail technology in just one decade. This is primarily because at present no other trade fair reflects the dynamic technological developments in retail and none presents retail IT in all its forms and functions in such a comprehensive way.”

The next EuroCIS will be held in Düsseldorf as part of EuroShop 2017 from March 5-9, 2017.

8|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

News Over 1,000 Participants in Skills For Work Week MORE than 1,000 young people took the opportunity to gain the skills they need to get back to work when they visited 30 participating companies in 43 locations during Ireland’s Skills for Work Week from February 29 to March 4, 2016. This year marked the largest number of companies that are participating since the programme began in 2013.

This is the third year of the initiative and involved retail and grocery companies and foodservice providers throughout Ireland providing free pre-employment skills for young people under 24 years. According to the Department of Social Protection, the number of young people aged between 18 and 25 on the Live Register in January 2016 was 39,806 (12.4%), down from 13.7% in January 2015.

The project is part of Feeding Ireland’s Future, an initiative by the Irish food and grocery industry, launched byTánaiste and Minister for Social Protection, Joan Burton, TD. Pictured at Musgrave MarketPlace Ballymun are Skills For Work Week Skills for Work Week 2016 provided a range of initiatives, including free on-site skills workshops and participants Emma Staunton and Ryan Smyth, with Elaine Heffernan, HR site visits for young people at locations across Ireland. Officer, Musgrave Wholesale Partners (centre).

The focus was on developing pre-employment skills reputation, CV preparation, drafting cover letters and and included interview preparation skills, interview applications, and interview role plays. Participants were also tips, CV writing skills, food hygiene and safety training, and job searching advice. Participants received behind the scenes taken on site tours to give them an overview of what a career in the food and grocery industry entails. tours of farms, factories, depots, stores and offices of some of “As the largest private sector employer in Ireland, we are Ireland’s leading food and grocery companies. delighted to be participating in this initiative and helping Companies signed up for Feeding Ireland’s Future 2016 young people gain an understanding of the range of career include some of Ireland’s leading names in the grocery industry; BWG Foods, Coca Cola Hellenic, Danone, Heineken opportunities available in the Irish food industry,” explained Adrian Grey, Musgrave Group HR Director. “Our workshops Ireland, Irish Distillers, Keelings, Kellogg’s, Mondelez, are designed to support young unemployed people in Musgrave Group, Nestlé, Topaz Energy and Unilever are all developing the skills needed to secure a job through handsinvolved. on experience, which demonstrates what a day in the food Those taking part in activities at Kelloggs in North industry is like. We hope to inspire young people to pursue a Dublin looked at ‘The Journey of Cornflakes’, learning about career in food and in doing so, help to boost one of the most how one of Ireland’s favourite breakfast cereals is made, important industries for the Irish economy.” while over at Kerry Foods in Naas, Co. Kildare, participants Coca-Cola HBC Ireland hosted 40 jobseekers from across got an insight into R&D and took part in sausage testing.

North Dublin, who availed of the opportunity to develop Unilever gave participants hand-on cookery experience in its practical skills required to secure employment or return to testing kitchens using leading Unilever brands. work. Sessions throughout the week included workshops Musgrave Group ran career development sessions for on CV writing and interview preparation, how to leverage young jobseekers, with participants attending a Musgrave online tools such as LinkedIn, insights into recruiter workshop at 12 Musgrave sites nationwide. Over the course selection methods, and communication and presentation of the week, Musgrave’s HR team delivered workshops on skills training. a range of topics, including how to manage social media “As Ireland’s leading non-alcoholic beverage company with roots in Ballycoolin, we were delighted to participate in Feeding Ireland’s Future for a second year, supporting jobseekers from communities across North Dublin,” said Orla Heffernan, HR Business Partner. “We were really pleased to see such engagement in this initiative from our employees at Coca-Cola HBC, who were eager and willing to impart their experience and advice. Feedback from the programme participants has indicated that it was a valuable, worthwhile week for all involved.”

“Skills for Work Week is a great example of how the food and grocery industry can collaborate to enhance the skills of young job seekers in Ireland and better prepare them in their quest for work,” said Declan Carolan, General Manager, ECR Ireland.

The Skills for Work initiative, is promoted by ECR Ireland, with the support of its members, in partnership Pictured at Coca-Cola HBC’s office in Ballycoolin, Dublin 15, are with the Department of Social Protection through its Intreo participants in the Feeding Ireland’s Future initiative from North Dublin, alongside members of the Coca-Cola HBC Ireland team service. and Margueritte O’Flaherty, Intreo.

Retail News| March 2016|www.retailnews.ie|9

News Food Companies Ready For Ascent?

BORD Bia and PwC have launched a call for applications, from medium-sized food and drink companies, for this year’s Ascent programme.

According to Bord Bia, the Ascent programme is targeted at companies with a need for bespoke mentoring and support to identify and overcome obstacles to growth. Some of this year’s advice and service offerings include accessing finance, route to market planning, strategy development and business restructuring.

“This year marks the second year of the programme and feedback from last year’s members has been extremely positive,” commented Maria Stokes, Ascent Programme Manager, Bord Bia. “We worked with a wide range of companies Pictured at the launch of the Ascent programme are Pauline Dunne, Killowen Farm; John Dunne, in year one, covering all sectors Partner, Private Client Services, PwC; Maria Stokes, Ascent Programme Manager, Bord Bia; and and sizes, and each had a Maxine Hyde, Ballymaloe. unique challenge to overcome, company. They understood the business challenges very from distribution and logistics to succession planning and quickly and they dealt with issues head-on. The objectives export growth strategies. Through one-to-one advice and set were met in full, and it gave us the insight to make mentoring from Bord Bia and PwC, the companies were strategic decisions that has set Killowen on a new growth provided with a customised action plan outlining clear phase. As a direct result of the programme, we have workable solutions.” reviewed our financial planning and managed to cut one Through Ascent, Ballymaloe Foods in Cork, a day out of the production week, improving our financial participant in last year’s programme, were provided with efficiencies by 10%.” external advice in many areas such as finance, sales and Bord Bia has once again partnered with PwC, who will online. Speaking at this year’s launch, Maxine Hyde assist in terms of the initial diagnostic, problem solving commented, “Ballymaloe Foods were thrilled to be part sessions and the mentoring where appropriate. “PwC of the inaugural Bord Bia Ascent programme. It helped is delighted to be involved in this important initiative, us shape our growth plans and ideas on how best to move supporting Irish food companies and a key sector for forward with them. PwC provided excellent advice on our economy,” said John Dunne, Partner, Private Client succession planning, tax, affording and incentivising key Services, PwC. “Following the successful launch last year, employees. As a result of the programme, we employed a we look forward to working with the 2016 companies, and new business development manager and to date we have hopefully providing the benefit of our experience as they achieved 12% growth year-on-year. We also introduced new embark on their journey with Ascent.” strategies to help management work together better, in Applications are now open for companies interested in addition to new tracking and measurement tools.” being a part of this year’s Ascent programme. Applicants Meanwhile, Pauline Dunne from Killowen Farm should have an annual turnover between €1m and €20m. in Wexford, who also participated in the last year’s There is a €500 participation fee for companies who programme, said it more than exceeded her expectations. wish to avail of this service. Deadline for applications is “The Ascent mentors were the best we ever had in the Wednesday, March 30.

SMEs Not Availing of Grants ONLY11% of SMEs are aware of the availability of Government technology and business grants that can help them grow their business, according to a new survey carried out on behalf of cloud telecoms provider, Magnet.

According to the study of IT decision makers at 540 companies, only 6% of Irish companies surveyed had successfully accessed the Enterprise Ireland innovation voucher, which is worth €5,000 and is available to assist a company to explore a business opportunity or problem with higher education institutes, although this is twice the 3% it was a year earlier. The number of companies availing of the

online trading voucher to assist small firms to develop their ecommerce capability, worth €2,500, rose from 1% to 4% over the last year.

Companies reported feeling considerably more optimistic about business opportunities than they did this time last year, with 74% of those surveyed expressing a positive outlook, up from 61% last year. However, 62% of respondents said the Government still wasn’t doing enough for SMEs, while 37% reported difficulties finding employees with the right skills.

10|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

News Ireland Leads Europe in Electrical Recycling Standards IRELAND is leading the charge within Europe in the field of quality electrical recycling, as one of only three countries in Europe with mandatory WEEE recycling standards in place since 2014.

WEEE Ireland, the Irish compliance scheme for recycling household waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and waste batteries, welcomed the recent electrical industry position paper, which calls on the European Commission to take appropriate measures to make compliance with the EN 50625 Series mandatory and make standards on WEEE recycling legally binding across Europe. Currently in Europe, more than half of all WEEE generated in the EU is not treated in accordance with requirements of Directive 2012/19/EU, which results in a lower quality of WEEE within Europe.

“The significance of recycling standards has never been more important against the back drop of the proposed Circular Economy package currently being debated across the EU,” stressed WEEE Ireland CEO Leo Donovan. “If we want to become more resource efficient and sustainable from both an environmental and financial perspective, we must have authorised recycling and recovery facilities, all operating to high quality standards. There is no room for cowboy management of WEEE as we move from a linear

waste disposal era toward a more circular resource efficient future.”

Donavan maintained that the Irish waste landscape has changed completely in the 10 years WEEE Ireland has been in existence and we are among the leaders in Europe in collection and recycling environmental target achievements. “However, we need to have both a level playing field and cost effective solutions for producers to compete across Europe,” he said. “WEEE Ireland will continue to support the electrical sector WEEE Ireland CEO, Leo Donovan. as they work towards their objective of mandatory EN WEEE recycling standards as evidenced in this position paper.”

Grocery Price Inflation Continues THE latest supermarket share figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland, for the 12 weeks ending Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend February 28, show that 12 Weeks to 04 Jan 2015 change** 12 Weeks to 05 Jan 2014 the strong start to 2016 %* %* % has continued for the Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 3.6 supermarket sector. Shopper spend has increased by 3.6% Total Multiples 89.0% 89.5% 4.2 over the past 12 weeks, Tesco 25.0% 24.2% 0.6 Dunnes 23.4% 24.1% 7.0 making this the third successive period where Total SuperValu 24.9% 25.0% 3.7 growth has been above 3% Total Discounters 15.7% 16.2% 6.7 for the Irish grocery market.

Aldi 8.1% 8.1% 3.0 “Over the past 12 Lidl 7.6% 8.1% 10.6 months, we have seen a Other Outlets** 11.0% 10.5% -1.6 gradual increase in the level *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers of price inflation, increasing **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops from slight deflation of -0.1% in March 2015 to inflation of 2.6% in the past 12 weeks,” grocery spend and increasing sales by 0.6% year on year. explained David Berry, Director at Kantar Worldpanel.

This is the third successive period of growth for Tesco and “Interestingly, shoppers don’t seem deterred by rising prices, has been driven by more frequent visits: each shopper increasing their spending well ahead of the rate of inflation.” visited the retailer 14 times on average over the past There are signs that the Irish public may be sticking to quarter, compared with 13 visits last year. their new year’s resolutions, with healthy foods performing Meanwhile, Dunnes’ recent run of success continues, well ahead of the market. Sales of fresh fish increased by with sales 7% higher than last year, an increase of almost 13% in the past 12 weeks, while fruit saw an 11% boost and €3m per week across the quarter. “Bigger baskets remain sales of nuts have increased by 17% compared with last the primary driver of growth for Dunnes, with the average year. “However, we’re still looking to treat ourselves too – shopping trip now coming to €37.60, almost €2.50 higher sales of chocolate confectionery were up 14% this quarter, than last year,” Berry explained. while ice cream saw a 13% sales increase compared to the Elsewhere, Lidl’s double digit growth continues, same period last year,” Berry revealed. improving their market share by half a percentage point.

Among the major retailers, SuperValu has grown slightly Over 66% of Irish households shopped in a Lidl store in the ahead of the market, increasing sales by 3.7%. This has past 12 weeks, compared with less than 60% five years ago. boosted the retailer’s market share to 25%, reaffirming its Aldi’s growth is more modest but remains impressive, with position as the number one supermarket in Ireland. larger shopping trips increasing sales by 3%.

Tesco remains in second place, capturing 24.2% of

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First Cashzone ATM Goes Live in Ireland

Mond

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Lo - Call 1890 924 914 Unit 25-26, N17 Business Park, Tuam, Co. Galway !

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Advice Column

www.r wedn www.retailsolutions.ie www.reta Tuesday 8 5 Tuesday Thursday www.retailsolutions.ie sund Tuesday Tuesday Monday Thurs Wednesday wednesday 9 6 wednesday Friday Mond wednesday Wednesday Tuesday Frida Thursday 10 7 Thursday saturday Tuesd Thursday Thursday wednesday satur Friday Friday 11 8 sunday wedn For all your Corporate and Friday For more information call Friday sund Thursday For all your Corporate and Contract Publishing Saturday saturday 12 Needs 9 saturday Monday For more information call Thurs 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 saturday Saturday Contract Publishing Needs Friday STAFF Sunday Mond sunday 13 10 sunday consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com Tuesday Call RECRUITMENT the01 4046438 or 086 3894276 Experts Frida sunday SundayTuesd !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'3 saturday Callconsumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com the Experts Monday Monday 14 !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$8 11 !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'. wednesday satur !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345' Monday Monday !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345 sunday wedn !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$89-': Q. I!"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$89-':*$;-'<)='>$&?$@'A'???=8"#$%&,)&*#%)+,=%" haveTuesday recently recruited15 a new staff member, 12 Tuesday Thursday sund !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'3 Tuesday Tuesday Monday Thurs but I am not sure about their suitability for the role. !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'3 !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$8 !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$89-':*$;-'<)='>$&?$@'A'???=8"#$%&,)&*#%)+,=%"'A'4BCD'C/E'C Wednesday wednesday 16 !"#$%&'()&*#%)+,-'.+%#,'/01/2-'345'6*,%+",,'7$8 13 wednesday asH wedNesday Friday Mond wednesday What is the best way to address this?

Wednesday Tuesday Frida Thursday 17 14 Thursday sT. ValeNTiNe’s day Tuesd saturday Thursday Thursday wednesday satur Friday 18 15 sunday wedn A. WhenFriday an employee is recruited, it should be made Friday sund Friday Thursday clear that their employment is 19 subject to a probationary Saturday saturday 16 saturday Thurs Monday Saturday saturday Friday Mond period as contained Sunday sunday in the RGDATA 20 sample Contract 17 sunday Frida Tuesday SundayTuesd sunday of Employment. RGDATA recommends that this period saturday Monday Monday 21 18 satur wednesday be for six months, with the employer reserving the right Monday Monday wedn sunday Tuesday Tuesday 22 19 sund to extend the probationary period if necessary, for up For more information call Thursday For more information call Tuesday Tuesday Thurs Monday Kathleenbelton@tarapublications.ie to 12 months.

It is best practice that a review of the Wednesday wednesday Mond 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 23 20 wednesday Friday 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 For more Kathleenbelton@tarapublications.ie Wednesday Frida wednesday www.retailnews.ie Tuesday progress is carried out at regular intervals, consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com For more information call For more information call employee’s Tuesd Thursday Thursday For more inf 24 21 www.retailnews.ie 01 404643 saturday satur Thursday For more information call so that any issues surrounding performance, conductThursday orconsumeradhesi 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 01 4046438 o Friday Friday 25 22 sunday 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 suitability consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com for the role can be addressed.

The employer Friday sund Friday consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com consumeradhesives. consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com Saturday saturday should retain all notes of such 26 reviews, including 23 saturday Monday Mond Saturday saturday feedback from the employee. The Sunday sunday 27 new employee 24 sunday Tuesday Tuesd Sunday sunday should be assessed Mondayin sufficient 28time to address 25 Monday LONDISwedn wednesday lOn Monday concerns before the expiry of the probationary periodMonday RETAILERSreta Tuesday Tuesday 29 26 Thursday Thurs and be given the opportunity to improve.

Tuesday Tuesday MORE MO Wednesday wednesday It should also be noted that30under the Terms of27 wednesday CHILLEDFrida Friday Wednesday chil wednesday www.rgdata.ie THAN EVER Employment (Information) www.rgdata.ie Act,31 1994-2001, employers Thursday 28 Thursday tha satur saturday Thursday are obligedFriday to provide all employees with a written Thursday Friday sunday Friday sund HELPLINEwithin 01 283 4188 HELPLINE 01 283 contract of employment two months of 4188 Friday saturday Saturday saturday Mond Monday Saturday commencement of employment. saturday sunday Tim Halford, Commercial Director, UK & Ireland, Cardtronics Europe.

Sunday sunday For a sample Contract of Employment or for further Tuesday SundayTuesd Confederation House sunday information, go the Members’ section Monday 84/86 Lower BaggotOnly Street, Dublinat2 www. Monday Monday CARDTRONICS Europe has launched its first ATM in the rgdata.ie. IfTuesday you needTel: a username or password, emailMonday 01-6051558 Tuesday Republic of Ireland. The global independent cash machine Tuesday us at rgdata@rgdata.ie or call us on (01) 2834188. Tuesday

www.retailsolutions.ie

Retail Solutions.indd 1

10/12/2014 16:09

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10/12/2013 15:53

01 01 6785165 6785165

OctOber

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility!

Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus savings of 6% is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings, big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

Because we are ‘owned by is on passing savings back of our Centralised Chill fac big brand availability, store Londis retailers. No wonde with the most chilled out re

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

operator saw its first transaction completed on Friday, March 4, at a “Cashzone” branded ATM installed inside a local convenience store at Dromiskin, just outside Dundalk.

Cardtronics Ireland will be working closely with businesses across the Republic of Ireland to bring convenient access to cash to local communities in convenience stores, forecourts and places where people shop, work and live.

According to research commissioned by Cardtronics Europe www.rgdata.ie on the value of cash in convenience stores and at forecourts, 71% of shoppers interviewed consider a cash machine as an important service to have on-site. Furthermore, nearly HELPLINE 01eight 283 4188 in10 people (77%) in local shops spent newly withdrawn cash directly on-site, and there are tangible increases in customer loyalty, footfall and sales.

“Our experience both in Europe and globally means we are very well positioned to establish a market for independent ATMs in the Republic of Ireland,” noted Tim Halford, Commercial Director UK & Ireland at Cardtronics Europe. “Our team knows how retailers can best harness the advantages of having an ATM in store to boost customer footfall, loyalty and spend. We expect Cashzone’s new ATMs to be a great new service for the Irish consumer too, supporting local communities and giving people greater access to cash wherever and whenever they need it.”

www.retailireland.ie September 2012

OctOber 2012

OctOber

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OctOber

LONDIS www.rgdata.ie www.rgdata.ie RETAILERS MORE HELPLINE 01 283 4188 CHILLED HELPLINE www.rgdata.ie THAN EVER 01 283 4188

www.rgdata.ie

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility!

Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings, big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

HELPLINE 01 283 4188 HELPLINE 01 283 4188

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

22/10/2012 14:23

For further information on this, go the Members’ Only section at www.rgdata.ie. If you need your members’ username and/or password, email us at rgdata@rgdata.ie or call the Helpline on 01-2834188.

If you are interested in joining RGDATA, please contact us on 01-2834188.

LONDIS CHILLED chil lOnDis tha RETAILERS THANwww EVER retailers MORE MOre CHILLED chilleD www.rg HELPLINE THAN EVER than ever HELPLINE 0

savings of 6%

Because we are ‘owned by is on passing savings back

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility! of our Centralised Chill fac Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings, big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

big brand availability, store Londis retailers. No wonde with the most chilled out re

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility!

Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings,

big brand availability, store efficiencies extra margin to savings of 6% with and new centralised chill facility!

Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction

Because we are ‘owned retailers for country! retailers’ our focus with the most chilled out by retailers in the is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings, big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

2C

12|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News GALA & SPECIAL OLYMPICS JOIN FORCES

SPECIAL Olympics’ athletes in Louth and Meath took the first steps on their Olympic journey recently, as they competed in the Special Olympics National Area Event for Bowling at the Drogheda Leisureplex. Taking place countrywide, thousands of athletes will compete in 90 area events in multiple sports and the programme is the first step towards building the next team of Irish athletes to compete at World Games in 2019. The event was marked by the announcement of a major six figure sponsorship by Gala Retail, which begins with supporting the Special Olympics National Area Events. The relationship will reflect the fouryear Olympic cycle, with Gala’s sponsorship continuing until the 2019 World Summer Games.

Gala’s support also includes the Ireland Winter Games (2016), the World Winter Games (2017) and Special Olympics European Games (2018). Pictured are (l-r): Gala CEO, Gary Desmond; Special Olympics bowling athlete, Deirdre Nevin from Dunshaughlin, Co. Meath; former rugby international and Special Olympics board member, David Wallace; and Special Olympics bowling athlete, Brendan Kerley from Dundalk, Co. Louth, with CEO of Special Olympics Ireland, Matt English.

Lidl Opens in Glanmire

LIDL opened a brand new concept store in Glanmire, Co. Cork, bringing to 145 the total number of Lidl stores in the Republic of Ireland, as well as creating 22 jobs in the new store. Staff at the new store are pictured with Store Manager, Zaneta Mista, and Seamus Hogan, Lidl Sales Operations Manager, at the opening. The store was officially opened by Cork hurler Daniel Kearney from Sarsfields GAA Club, who are neighbours of the new store, while Briege Corkery, Cork GAA dual star and ambassador for Lidl's sponsorship with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, popped in to cast a vote in the post primary school kit competition, which is happening in all 145 Lidl stores across the Republic of Ireland.

Mr. Tayto Teams Up with St. Patrick’s Festival

CELEBRATED in more countries around the world than any other national holiday, St. Patrick's Day is the day when everyone wants to be Irish and this year Mr. Tayto and his band of drummers brought the craic to the streets of Dublin. Mr. Tayto warmed up festival goers, with plenty of pre-parade shenanigans, as well as bringing Coláiste Tayto to various locations around the city centre from March 17-19, consisting of 15 minute fun-filled, Irish language sessions, all within the confines of Tayto and the festival’s own little hedge school.

Moy Park Sponsors Ant & Dec on UTV Ireland MOY Park has been announced as sponsor of the new series of Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway on UTV Ireland. “As Ireland’s numberone poultry brand, we’re delighted to be partnering with UTV Ireland on this exciting project,” said Andrew Nethercott, Director of Sales and Brand at Moy Park. “Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway is a firm family favourite and is a perfect fit for the Moy Park brand. Sponsoring this prime time programme allows Moy Park to extend our reach and appeal amongst our ever-growing Irish customer base.” Pictured are (l-r): Briege Finnegan, Marketing Manager, Moy Park, and Head of Brand Partnerships at UTV Ireland, Ronan O’Donoghue.

Coca-Cola Puts Best Foot Forward

THE Coca-Cola HBC Campus 5k run will take place in the National Sports Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15, on Sunday, May 8, to raise vital funds for Foróige and the young people of Dublin 15. This unique 5k run takes in all the major developments and facilities at the National Sports Campus including the new GAA National Centre of Excellence, the FAI National Training Centre, The Irish Institute of Sport and the National Horse Sport Arena. As part of its range of community investment initiatives, the event is supported by Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, which employs almost 300 people nearby in Ballycoolin, and almost 1,000 across the island of Ireland. “We are proud to be able to invest in the community where our employees live and work, while also offering the opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved in a great local event that encourages active and healthy lifestyles,” said Ciara Cashen, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland, pictured (right) with Gary Steward, National Sports Campus; Foróige members Neil Macaraeg, Carl Maguire and Shane Beasley.

Freephone 1800 604 500 for more information

NEW, QUALITY BLEND

For tobacco trade use only. Not to be left within sight of consumers.

Toradh caithimh tobac – bás Smoking kills

14|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Santa Rita 120 Celebrations SANTA Rita recently celebrated the milestone of reaching 120m glasses enjoyed by the Irish consumer since the brand launched in Ireland in 1989, with a Santa Rita 120 celebratory dinner at Christchurch Cathedral on February 12. The chosen date was significant, with Chile’s capital city of Santiago being founded on that day 475 years ago in 1541 and the Chilean Declaration of Independence being formally approved by Bernardo O’Higgins on February 12, 1818. Born in Chile but with immediate ancestry from County Sligo, O’Higgins rose to the ranks of General and successfully led the Chilean army towards establishing independence from Spain.

According to legend, 120 of O’Higgins’ patriots, exhausted after one of the many battles for independence, found refuge in the Santa Rita estate cellars. Baltazar Sanchez Guzman, Executive Vice Chairman of Vina Santa Rita, is pictured at the dinner in Christchurch.

Savage Sponsorship for Spelling Bee EASON have announced their media partnership with Today FM’s Anton Savage Show for this year’s sixth annual Spelling Bee. The partnership will host a range of web-page, social media and on-air updates, as well as live broadcasts around the country at the provincial and All-Ireland finals, with Anton taking on the role of Spelling Bee Master. The All-Ireland winning school will receive a mountain of books for their library to the value of €7,500 and the winner themselves will be awarded a goodie package full of books worth €500 and the prestigious title of the 2016 Eason Spelling Bee champion.

“We are delighted to be working with the Eason Spelling Bee and really looking forward to meeting the contestants and their supporters around the country in the lead up to the big final in June,” noted Anton Savage, pictured with busy bees Brandon Noble and Beau Rose Garratt.

Food Works Searching for Entrepreneurs FOOD Works, an intensive business development and accelerator programme

designed for food and drink start-ups, is seeking out ambitious individuals, with an interest in building an international food or drink business in Ireland. Through a series of workshops and one-to-one mentoring, successful participants are given an invaluable range of practical business supports required to develop an initial concept into a winning food product with global export potential. The available supports provided by Bord Bia, Teagasc and Enterprise Ireland include consumer market research, business plan development, technical advice, commercial viability testing, in addition to access to fast track access to R&D facilities and possible investors and state funding. Over the past three years, following a competitive process attracting in excess of 250 proposals, a total of 60 start-ups from all food sectors have participated in Food Works. Pictured are previous participants, Roisin Hogan, whose HiRo by Roisin range is listed in 223 SuperValu stores, and Natalie and Karen Keane, Bean and Goose chocolate company.

See www.foodworksireland.ie for more information.

Bosco Supports Battery Recycling WEEE Ireland and Bosco have launched their 2016 battery recycling campaign and are calling on all retailers to support this initiative. The compliance scheme donated a further €50,000 to the vital LauraLynn@home service and is driving to reach a total donation of €250,000, once Ireland’s EU battery recycling target is reached later this year. Getting set up and compliant is easy – just call WEEE Ireland on (01) 2999320. All retailers using the Newspread service can also order their WEEE Ireland battery box through the Newspread ordering system. A legal poster can simply be downloaded from www.weeeireland.ie. Once you have received your pack, display your legal poster and WEEE Ireland blue battery boxes in your store. For Newspread retailers, full battery boxes can be left for collection with your returns. Other retailers can return directly with WEEE Ireland by calling 1890 253 252.

Aramark Partners With Chopped ARAMARK, the global provider of award-winning services in food, facilities management and property, has announced an exciting new partnership with leading Irish healthy food company, Chopped. The five-year deal will be exclusive to Aramark within the food services sector with outlets across education, business and industry sites. The initial roll out phase will include five new locations, with the potential to bring Chopped to locations across the international Aramark portfolio in the future.

Pictured at the announcement are Frank Gleeson, Region Managing Director, Aramark Northern Europe; with Chopped co-founders Brian Lee and Andy Chen.

Tee-time treats

g n i y fl e b l Th eyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;l ! s e v l e h s off th e

Give your customers a chance to win the ultimate Irish Open 2016 experience with Moy Park Breaded Chicken promotional packs.

Stock up and share the goodness!

Contact our Commercial team to stock up now +44 (0) 28 3835 2233

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open hosted by the Rory Foundation is one of the highlights of the golfing calendar.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s taking place at the world-famous K Club in Co Kildare, from 19th-22nd May 2016. Prize includes event tickets, hotel spa break and VIP treatment.

Proud sponsors of

16|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News PICTURE OF GOOD HEALTH BUSY mum and fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger Pippa O’Connor was

master of ceremonies for a Health and Wellbeing evening organised by Connacht Gold and the National Dairy Council recently in Breaffy House Resort, Castlebar, with a full house of more than 450 eager participants.

Celebrity Chef Joe Shannon provided some Easter entertaining tips whilst showcasing the quality and diversity of Irish dairy. Joe made use of the wide range of Connacht Gold produce to create delicious dishes including Smoked Haddock Chowder; Irish Cheddar Cheese, Buttermilk and Herb Bread; Spiced Roasted Lamb Leg; and Joe’s Raspberry & Lemon Posset (available at www. ndc.ie and www.connachtgold.ie). All proceeds from admission tickets and a raffle on the evening were in aid of the ISPCC’s Childline, Connacht Gold’s charity partner for 2016. Pictured are Pippa O’Connor; TV chef Joe Shannon and expert nutritionist, Paula Mee.

Mash Direct Surpasses Growth Targets MASH Direct, the award winning vegetable accompaniments supplier, has over-achieved on its 2015 sales target, increasing turnover by an additional £1m (€1.29m) over the latter six months of the year. With year-onyear sales growth of £2m (€2.58m) since 2013, this year, the company has achieved the same growth in half the time. Annual revenue reached £15m (€19.36m), following a boost in sales over the Christmas period, in addition to the earlier launch of the award-winning vegetable burger range in the summer. “We’re in a strong market position at the moment, as consumers are increasingly taking more care when it comes to eating healthily,” said founder and Managing Director Martin Hamilton (pictured). “Quality and provenance are also key selling points for the brand, which won a total of 17 new industry awards in 2015.”

Wheyhey Doubles Distribution with Musgrave Group

MUSGRAVE Group is doubling its distribution of award winning, sugar free ice cream brand, Wheyhey, across stores in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. “Wheyhey has exceeded its original targets set by Musgrave Group and as a result, they have doubled their order and supermarket space for Wheyhey. Musgrave Group were early adopters of Wheyhey, and it is a pleasure to have this partnership continue as our businesses thrive,” enthused Damien Kennedy, co-founder of Wheyhey, pictured with fellow co-founder, Greg Duggan.

Wheyhey was established in 2013 and is a high protein and sugar free ice cream, designed to provide a healthy snacking alternative. It is an all natural protein ice cream, which is made from whey, a high protein product from the cheese making process. The formula contains xylitol, which is a natural sweetener that does not impact blood sugar levels.

Bia Hams It Up Exhibit at Taste of Dublin Bord BORD Bia have launched a new campaign, ‘Ham for Free & Bacon – A Family

BANK of Ireland has launched its ‘Show Your Business at Taste of Dublin’ competition, which offers one lucky food or beverage business the chance to win a stand at this year’s festival, from June 16-19. In addition to showcasing alongside some of Ireland’s best known brands, the winning company will exhibit to more than 34,000 foodies expected attend the festival over four days. Pictured with trays of his vibrant organic wheatgrass are former competition winner Marty Brennan from My Organics, with Avril Bannerton, Managing Director at Taste of Dublin, and Emer McDonnell, Marketing Manager, Business Banking at Bank of Ireland. Visit bankofireland.com/tasteofdublin for more information.

Favourite’, which encourages consumers to always choose Bord Bia Quality Assured ham and bacon carrying the Bord Bia Quality Mark, ensuring that food is independently checked against Bord Bia’s highest quality standards. New research by Bord Bia shows that Irish consumers cherish a great recipe. In fact, 8 in 10 of those surveyed said that they still use recipes passed on to them by their parents and grandparents, whilst one in five said they still make dishes that their grandparents prepared for them. Bord Bia teamed up with actor and foodie Simon Delaney and Irish food historian Regina Sexton (pictured) for the campaign, who have selected their own favourites from the new batch of traditional and contemporary recipes from Bord Bia. For more information, see www.recipes.bordbia.ie.

Altogether more.

Customers love Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s multi-award winning food and drink products We have a superb track record at the Great Taste Awards, Irish Quality Food Awards and the Blas na hEireann Awards.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the combination of our quality environment and innovative producers who are dedicated to traceability, passionate about quality and driven to go the extra mile.

To find out more about how Northern Irish food and drink can help drive your business forward, visit BuyNIFood.com

BuyNIFood.com

18|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Retail News Interview

Due North: Focus on NI Food and Drink Drew McIvor, Invest Northern Ireland’s Food Business Development Executive, explains the thinking behind Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink 2016, which aims to increase the presence and amount of NI food and drink brands in the retail and foodservice sectors in the Republic.

NORTHERN Ireland: Year of Food & Drink 2016 is a yearlong celebration of food and drink from Northern Ireland, aimed at increasing its reputation and export prospects, while boosting food tourism in the region. Operated by Tourism NI, in partnership with Invest Northern Ireland, Food NI, local authorities and government departments, the initiative is expected to boost sales of food and drink products from Northern Ireland, both internally and in terms of exports, with the Republic of Ireland an important market for Northern food and beverage brands.

Specific plans in the Republic of Ireland include consumer shows, trade events, promotions in shopping centres, press trips, branded EcoCabs and BugBikes in key Dublin locations over the summer months and high profile marketing at Connolly train station in Dublin.

What is the thinking behind Northern Ireland: Year of Food & Drink 2016?

The NI Year of Food and Drink 2016 initiative will be a celebration of pure natural quality and encompass all that is good about food and drink in Northern Ireland.

It’s about the celebration of all of NI’s producers and manufacturers, from artisan to major producer. It’s hardly surprising that food and drink is Northern Ireland’s single biggest industry and a major exporter to over 70 countries.

The industry’s outstanding achievements, particularly in international markets, are being celebrated during Northern Ireland’s Year of Food 2016. Northern Ireland has some of the highest quality, safe and wholesome foods available to the retail sector, foodservice sector and manufacturing sector.

Northern Ireland are amongst the world leaders in food security and has world leading traceability and safety controls. Northern Irish food is produced on farms with a strong track record in quality assurance systems and high animal health and welfare standards. This makes our produce very attractive to the global market.

What are the main aims of the Year of Food and Drink?

Throughout the next 12 months, Northern Ireland will be heavily promoted and showcased as a destination, predominantly through its food and drink offering.

Whilst Tourism NI have been asked to take lead, it is very much seen to be a joint initiative. We in Invest NI are, however, taking the lead in developing and delivering an enhanced range of external marketing and trade activities, with the purpose of raising the profile of food and drink

Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie|19

Retail News Interview

After a very tough recession, which had an effect on food manufactures across the whole island, both North and South, we are now starting to see growth across the Republic of Ireland's economy, resulting in increased consumer spend, and this is evident across both the grocery and foodservice sectors.”

Northern Ireland: Year of Food & Drink 2016 is a year-long celebration of food and drink from Northern Ireland.

throughout the world and ultimately increasing export sales and food trade. As a result, a number of departmental bodies and Councils have joined up over the last six months to take a coordinated approach to the delivery of a large number of food, drink and tourism activities throughout 2016.

How important is the food and drinks industry to the economy in NI? The Food and Drinks industry is vital to the Northern Ireland economy, so much so that Invest NI has a dedicated Food & Tourism Division, which delivers support to around 440 companies across the Food & Drink, Print & Packaging and Tourism sectors. The food and drink processing industry generated sales of nearly £5 billion, and employs over 20,000 people. The industry is the largest single contributor to Northern Ireland’s total manufacturing sales (accounting for 26%), manufacturing external sales (accounting for 23%), and manufacturing export sales (accounting for 24%).

How important are exports to the Republic of Ireland to the Northern Irish industry?

In terms of exports, The Republic is Northern Ireland's second largest export market behind GB. Indeed, total sales outside Northern Ireland amounted to nearly £4 billion, accounting for 69% of the industry’s sales. The main external markets serviced are Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, which accounts for over £760m worth of sales.

Drew McIvor, Food Business Development Executive, Food and Tourism, Invest Northern Ireland.

20|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Retail News Interview manufacturer, contributing almost £5 billion to the economy in 2014, generating sales abroad in excess of £4 billion and providing employment for around 100,000 people across an extensive supply chain. Almost 75% of food and drink is sold outside Northern Ireland.

As well as being a major supplier to Great Britain and the Republic of Ireland, the industry exports to more than 70 countries, including the US, Asia, the Middle East and other parts of Europe. Dairy produce, red meat, poultry, fresh fish and seafood, such as salmon, oysters and langoustines, are exported to Europe and further afield.

What events do you have targeted at the Republic of Ireland?

Within the Republic of Ireland, Invest NI supports and sponsors the Blas na hEireann and Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards.

Recently, we had a stand at Food Bev Live in Citywest, showcasing some of our award winning foods and drinks, and in early 2017, Harvesting the Comber Potatoes: part of Northern Ireland: Year of Food & Drink we will be showcasing our food and drink 2016. companies at CATEX in Dublin. This will give How much room exists for further growth of food and drink buyers the opportunity to come along and see exports from Northern Ireland into the Republic? products from Northern Ireland, as well as talk to some of After a very tough recession, which had an effect on food the producers directly. manufactures across the whole island, both North and South, we are now starting to see growth across the Republic of Each month throughout 2016 has a specific focus. Can you Ireland's economy, resulting in increased consumer spend, explain the thinking behind that? and this is evident across both the grocery and foodservice The Year of Food and Drink will play a central part of the sectors. So, in terms of opportunities for Northern Ireland Northern Ireland marketing and destination sell as we producers and manufacturers, yes I see growth coming, which progress throughout the year. Rolling out a range of support will stem from Northern Ireland being able to produce such measures to enable the industry to make the most of these high quality food and drink brands. Another significant area next 12 months, through monthly sectoral themes, allows the is the growth of own brand development among the Irish year to be both sustainable and with an equal focus on each grocery retailers, with many Northern Ireland companies separate month. bringing experience gained within this area through supplying the GB multiples.

What is the main focus of Year of Food & Drink from a grocery perspective?

The main aim from a grocery perspective is to showcase all Northern Ireland producers to buyers from various sectors within the Republic of Ireland, from grocery retail and foodservice to ingredients, and this will be achieved through trade shows, ‘Meet the Buyer’ events and the Food and Drinks Awards such as the Great Taste, Blas na hEireann and Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards.

What does the initiative mean for food and drink manufacturers in Northern Ireland in terms of helping them to grow their market?

Food and drink is Northern Ireland’s biggest

Bramley apples from Armagh: part of Northern Ireland’s rich food heritage.

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Retail News Interview

Fresh fish from Northern Ireland, like eels from Lough Neagh, are exported to Europe and further afield.

What has the reaction been like to date?

The reactions has been fantastic so far and the feedback from the food and drinks producers have been very positive, with initiatives such as the road shows around Northern Ireland and dozens of new or expanded events. Invest Northern Ireland had a stand at Food Bev Live, showcasing award winning products, and is working up new events for the autumn period. Most of our energy is focused on export markets in Europe, the Middle East and North America, with a major airport and airline food tourism campaign being the main manifestation.

Month by Month THE Year of Food & Drink has a specific focus each month.

• • • • • • •

January: Breakfast Month February: Love Local March: Heritage & Traditions April: Brewing & Distilling May: Landscape & Places June: Love Dairy July: Sea, Rivers & Lough

• • • • •

August: Love Northern Ireland Meat September: Bread & Baking October: Harvest November: Legacy & Learn to….

December: Christmas & Premium Food

For more information, see www.investni.com

The NI Year of Food and Drink 2016 is about the celebration of all of NI’s producers and manufacturers, from artisan to major producer.

What has the support of Tesco Northern Ireland meant to Year of Food & Drink 2016?

Tesco NI have fully embraced the Year of Food and Drink with a substantial instore campaign across all its stores and an associated local radio campaign. Year of Food and Drink high and low level branding has been enthusiastically adopted and the retailer’s staff are ambassadors for the brand and the promotional year.

At the end of 2016, what do you hope to have achieved?

By the end of 2016, Invest NI aims to have increased the recognition for the standards, quality, traceability and great taste of our food and drink amongst all the buyers within the Republic of Ireland and worldwide, thus leading to greater export opportunities for our producers and manufacturers.

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SuperValu National Conference

SuperValu Hits Record Sales

SuperValu reached a new milestone, with record sales of €2.6 billion in 2015.

SUPERVALU recorded retail sales of €2.6 billion in 2015, representing a new milestone for the brand and underlining its position as Ireland’s most popular grocery retailer with 25% market share. The results were announced at the SuperValu National Conference in Killarney, where it was also revealed that SuperValu plans to invest €28m in 2016, opening five new stores and adding 350 jobs to the SuperValu network.

SuperValu’s fresh food leadership strategy has been a core driver of its impressive performance. Ireland’s leading grocery retailer drove strong growth throughout 2015, particularly at Christmas, as it outperformed the market with 4.3% growth over the last 12 weeks of the year.

Fresh Food Leaders “We are pleased to announce that we have achieved a new sales milestone Pictured at the SuperValu National Conference in Killarney are (l-r): Michael Morgan, SuperValu Sales Director; Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu; and Dan in what is a highly competitive McCartney, Chairman of the SuperValu Retailer Council. marketplace,” stated Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu. “The other grocery retailer in the Irish market – equating to an fact that we are the largest grocery economic contribution of €2.19 billion,” Kelleher revealed. retailer in Ireland clearly illustrates that we have the best “From 100% fresh Irish meat, scratch bakeries in-store, offer in the market, with consumers responding to our locally-sourced fruit & veg, specialist fish counters and our commitment to fresh food leadership and opting for locallyFood Academy suppliers, we continue to give shoppers the sourced, quality Irish food and in-store expertise.” best locally sourced food. As our stores are independently Underpinning SuperValu’s success in 2015 was the owned and operated, this means even more money goes back grocery retailer’s Good Food Karma campaign, which was into the local economy.” designed to demonstrate the benefits of good wholesome food and the importance of making time for food occasions.

Online Shopping Surge The campaign resonated strongly with consumers, helping SuperValu’s online shopping was a key sales driver for the to drive fresh food sales and enabling SuperValu to grow its retailer last year, growing by 32% for the last six months of engagement with customers across all channels.

SuperValu has now helped 250 small Irish food producers the year and projected to grow over the next 12 months. The grocery retailer’s online shopping active customer base grew to secure a retail listing through Food Academy, a joint by 23.6%. The SuperValu Online Shopping App had 129% initiative with Bord Bia and the Local Enterprise Office. more downloads and visits to SuperValu on mobile phones In 2015 alone, sales of Food Academy products reached increased by 37% in 2015. €13m, exceeding targets and highlighting the consumer SuperValu serves over 2.6m customers every week and demand for local produce. A number of food producers such has 221 stores nationwide. Together with its retail partners, as The Happy Pear, HIRO and Strong Roots, all of whom SuperValu employs approximately 14,500 people, making started by supplying one store, grew their relationship with it one of the state’s largest private sector employers. 75% of SuperValu and now supply the entire network of 221 stores. everything on SuperValu’s shelves is sourced or produced SuperValu’s commitment to the programme helps to support in Ireland. SuperValu continues to source locally wherever 900 jobs across all of the participating companies. possible which helps to sustain 30,000 jobs in the Irish “As the number one supporter of the Irish food industry, economy. we source from over 1,800 Irish suppliers – more than any

24|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Crime

Protecting Your Livelihood?

With 90% of shop owners being the victims of crime in the last year, more needs to be done to protect Ireland’s retailers from criminals. Retailers call for a tougher line on crime.

A MASSIVE 90% of retailers have been the victim of crime over the last 12 months. More than 80% of retailers feel more vulnerable in their shop now than in the last, with almost the same number believing that crime has become more dangerous in the last year. This is perhaps the most worrying statistic to come out of RGDATA’s recent crime survey, which reveals a nation of shop-owners who are genuinely afraid for their safety and that of their staff while going about the normal, everyday business of running a grocery store.

“The impact that the increased spate of retail crime is having on our members is extremely serious and impacting not just on their livelihoods, but also increasing their stress and anxiety levels beyond what is acceptable,” noted Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General. “Independent family owned businesses are vital for our local rural communities.

However, they are also extremely vulnerable, as everyone knows who they are and where they live.”

Store owners have invested heavily in security and CCTV but this is not deterring crime to any great extent, Tara Buckley notes, warning that some store owners are considering closing up their shops “as a consequence of the fear and threat to themselves, their staff and their families from criminal elements”.

Urgent Changes Required Following the results of its survey, RGDATA wrote to then Minister for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald TD, outlining the serious situation shop owners find themselves in and calling for a number of urgent measures required to tackle retail crime.

These measures are as follows: • A more visible Garda presence in rural towns and villages; • A commitment by Garda to follow up with retailers in relation to a crime reported; • The use of the network of retailers for installation of Garda CCTV facilities in areas of particular vulnerability or in locations of pivotal importance from a transport perspective; • Longer sentences for serial shoplifters – in particular the practice of imposing concurrent sentences for offences fails to provide the deterrent required for recidivist criminals; • Lifetime driving bans for drivers of getaway cars; • Stronger trespass laws, with increased protection for retailers who wish to refuse a person access to their store;

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Retail Crime •

Electronic tagging of offenders; • Stricter bail laws; • A specialist retail crime unit to assist with deterring and investigating crime against retailers.

Career Criminals “I don’t think there is any retailer in Ireland who hasn’t been affected by crime,” avows William O’Brien, owner, SPAR, MacCurtain Street, Cork. “There are people who make a career out of RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley. targeting shops and businesses for their own selfishness and greed. Our society doesn’t send out a loud and clear enough message that this is unacceptable.

Everyone has the right to live in this country equally, freely and without prejudice, whereas we seem to allow a system to take place whereby people feel they can do whatever they want and that is not right. It is fundamentally wrong but we are too laid back in dealing with criminality in this country.”

Shop-lifting is O’Brien’s main experience of criminality in Ireland, and the store owner is particularly frustrated by the lack of results when it comes to serial offenders, citing one particular individual who continually re-offends and has more than 90 shoplifting convictions to his name.

“As a citizen of the state of Ireland, I genuinely do not believe we have a justice system in this country: what we have is a legal system,” argues O’Brien. “It’s played out in the stage of the court-room and it’s a game that takes place between barristers, solicitors and judges: they put on a performance and it’s a case of ‘may the best man win’. When someone is a repeat offender, we have to acknowledge, as a society, that when it comes to the person they affected on the fourth, tenth or eighty-sixth them they offended, we allowed that to happen. That is not acceptable in a civilised society. I would agree with those who call for a ‘three strikes’ approach to justice.”

O’Brien feels that Ireland is using “an outdated Victorian legal system that is not fit for purpose any more… we just

RGDATA has called for a more visible Garda presence in rural towns and villages.

“Dealing with constant shoplifting is causing huge stress for independent retailers and putting their shops and the jobs they provide at risk. Government needs to recognise this and address the issue as a matter of urgency.” give criminals a slap on the hand and away they go. This system is not doing its job. It is not failing: it has failed. And those who sit on lofty benches would want to wake up and realise that they are administrating a system that does not work.”

He calls for heftier fines to be imposed and that the fines be dependent on the circumstances of the individual. “For example, if somebody in receipt of unemployment benefit steals €5 of goods, their fine could be perhaps €1,000, which should be taken from their unemployment benefit on a weekly basis until the fine is paid. If it is someone earning €80,000 per year: in their case, let the fine be €15,000, and let them feel the pinch.

“I know that shoplifting isn’t a key issue of justice on a national basis but at the same time, I have a right to earn a living, and if others impede me from that, I have a right to defend myself.”

At one point in time, several years ago, O’Brien became so frustrated with the system that he took an unusual approach: displaying photographs of offenders in the store: “I knew I was taking a risk and it could have gone badly wrong, but it was one of the most effective things I ever did.

It hit the headlines in newspapers and radio stations and my business went up. Nobody wants to be caught and they don’t want exposure, so I found that shop-lifting dropped significantly in the store.”

Armed Raids Dublin store owner Con Gilmore, is no stranger to shoplifters, with “at least one incident a week in our shop”, but came face-to-face with a far more frightening experience at his SPAR store on Dublin’s Collins Avenue.

“From December 2014 to February 2015, we had three armed raids in a row, guys coming in with knives and hammers,” Gilmore reveals. “They didn’t get a lot because we have our tills down to an absolute minimum but they did a lot of damage: they couldn’t get one till open so they smashed it on the ground. I had a couple of young girls working who were very traumatised: we now don’t have any girls on in the evenings. There were customers in the shop at the time, who were shocked. It was horrifying when it happened.”

Gilmore’s staff were able to identify the car on the third occasion but the case is not proceeding as “the DPP doesn’t feel he has enough evidence, which I feel very frustrated

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Retail Crime seriously and they are getting very positive results.”

Unless something is done, shops will close, as store owners and managers are ever more afraid of confronting potentially violent criminals. “We had an incident in a local shop recently, where a guy stole a case of beer: he went outside the shop and two women were looking at him, so he took a bottle out and threw it through the windscreen of their car,” Gilmore reveals. “That’s the kind of stuff you are dealing with. They have no respect, no fear and the jails are a holiday camp for them.”

Store owners and managers are ever more afraid of confronting potentially violent criminals

about. It’s very frustrating when you’re not seeing results.”

The store owner, however, lays no blame for the situation at the feet of the Gardaí. “I think the Guards are absolutely snowed under with this stuff and even when they get these guys, the amount of paperwork and administration they have to do in order to proceed with a case against someone who has stolen a couple of packets of ham or a packet or rashers, is just not worth it for them. Then when they do get them into a court, the judge gives them a little fine, slaps them on the hand and sends them out again.”

Gilmore and some other local retailers have set up an instant messaging group, who share information about criminals and crime in their area. One major concern, however, is the fact that retail staff are “in dangerous water” when they approach a suspected shoplifter in-store for fear of being sued for slander. “The law needs to change,” Gilmore argues. “There is absolutely no deterrent. It is us against them and we’re not supported by the law, because we can’t approach people unless we’re 1000% sure and they know that and are taking advantage of it. If you have a discreet conversation with somebody, it shouldn’t be a slander-able offence.”

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some criminals are deliberately acting suspiciously, lifting goods from a store which they then surreptitiously drop, so that when they are approached by shop or security staff, they have no shoplifted items on their person and can then start a legal claim for slander.

High Tolerance Levels In general, however, Gilmore feels that tolerance levels for shoplifting are far too high in Ireland. “Incarceration is probably a bit much for robbing a couple of packets of rashers but they should be hit financially,” he insists, calling for a sliding scale of fines, whereby a shoplifter is charged €50 for a first offence, €100 for a second, with ever-increasing fines, which are deducted from either their wages or social welfare payments.

He cites the example of New York where there is “zero tolerance of all crime because their view is that crime starts at the bottom. When someone is breaking windows, robbing shops and lifting things lightly and not getting punished for it, they become hardened criminals over time because they find it easy to do. In New York, they’ve stamped all that out.

They treat shoplifting and other so-called minor offences very

Fuelling Forecourt Crime For Derek Klis, Manager of the busy Centra store and garage forecourt on Newtownpark Avenue in Blackrock, Co. Dublin, the biggest issue is ‘drive-offs’: customers who fill their car with fuel and drive away without paying. He estimates it could happen a few times every week, and ascertains that his store isn’t the worst affected, with another local forecourt seeing at least one drive-off every day.

“Some people just fill up, jump in the car and drive off,” he notes. “Others fill up, then come into the store and pick up some grocery products: maybe nobody asks them at the till if they have any petrol or diesel purchases, and it could be a mistake, but if someone fills up their car with €60 of fuel and then comes to the till with a €5 note to pay for a paper, it’s probably not an accident.”

Klis estimates that he ends up spending at least eight hours each week, going through CCTV footage to get the registration plates of those who drive off without paying for their fuel. He then passes the information on to the Gardaí, who follow it up.

There is, however, a potential solution, the Store Manager believes: a system similar to that run in the UK, whereby the forecourts pass on the details of drive-offs to a registered and recognised private investigating firm, who then follow up to recover the money, earning commission on each euro regained.

It also has the benefit of not having a Garda car turning up outside the door of someone who has genuinely forgotten to pay for their fuel. “At the moment, my only option is to call the Gardaí, and pass the details on to them,” Klis says.

“Some people get very upset, saying that I sent the Gardaí to their door, but part of my job is to reclaim this money.”

The Manager acknowledges that the Gardaí are doing their best but the scale of the problem is massive. “In Blackrock alone, there could be 10 forecourts, who all have this problem,” he admits. “When I have a €10 drive-off, the Gardaí don’t really want to deal with it, but for me, it’s the profit for an hour of petrol sales, because margins are so

The impact that the increased spate of retail crime is having on retailers is extremely serious and impacting not just on their livelihoods, but also increasing their stress and anxiety levels.

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Retail Crime low.”

One potential solution is the installation of prepay fuel pumps but with margins on fuel so small, most retailers rely on the extra spend in the shop to make a living, as Klis admits: “We want people coming into our shop. We want them to spend €10 on fuel and then maybe spend more Store owners have invested heavily in security at the deli, on and CCTV but this is not deterring crime to any a paper or a great extent. coffee. For us, the grocery shop is the mainstay of our business: petrol is the little extra which brings people into the shop.”

The Solution?

RGDATA has called for a number of changes to existing legislation to help curb crime against retail stores. Their crime survey revealed that: • 90% of retailers have been the victim of crime over the last 12 months; • 90% of crime is shoplifting, with burglary following at 40%; • Over 80% of retailers feel more vulnerable in their shop in the last two years than in the past; • Nearly 80% of retailers claim crime has become more dangerous in the last year; • In 85% of cases, the Gardaí were called and the response time was less than 30 minutes in over 60% of incidents; • Over 70% of retailers were satisfied with the Garda reaction. However, only 55% were kept up to date on the progress of any investigation; • While the perpetrators were prosecuted and convicted, in over 80% of cases a sentence was not imposed.

According to RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley, independent retailers identify crime as one of the key concerns impacting on the future viability of their businesses. “It is a major issue that needs to be dealt with and serial offenders should face the same penalties as those who rob private dwellings. Dealing with constant shoplifting is causing huge stress for independent retailers and putting their shops and the jobs they provide at risk. Government needs to recognise this and address the issue as a matter of urgency.”

The Minister’s Response The Office of the Justice Minister penned a detailed response to the retailers’ representative organisation, which highlighted the “range of measures” already in place to address retailers’ concerns, including Operation Thor, launched by the Gardaí in November 2015, to tackle burglars, organised crime gangs and prolific offenders, as

well as working with communities to prevent crime.

These activities include additional high-visibility patrols in identified burglary hot-spots; increased use of checkpoints to tackle the criminal gangs using the national road network; the use of new high powered vehicles by the armed Regional Response Units; efforts to disrupt the stolen goods market; William O’Brien, owner, SPAR, MacCurtain programmes to help Street, Cork: “There are people who make a career out of targeting shops and reduce re-offending businesses for their own selfishness and by prolific offenders; greed.” a high-profile national crime prevention awareness campaign and targeted crime prevention advice for local communities and enhanced supports for victims.

The Minister’s office revealed that Operation Thor has been supported by a special financial allocation of €5m for Garda overtime, as well as significant investments in manpower, vehicles and surveillance resources.

The letter went on to explain that Minister Fitzgerald also brought RGDATA’s suggestions to the attention of the Garda authorities for consideration, and stressed that the Garda authorities have expressed their willingness to engage with RGDATA and other representative groups and to consider relevant proposals in more detail. RGDATA were also invited to attend the next meeting of the National Strategic Retail Forum The Department also revealed that the Minister has contacted the Garda Commissioner to ascertain the viability of introducting a similar initiative to that in Belfast, involving “appropriate data sharing between retailers and police with a view to targeting persistent offenders”.

“Building on the recommendations of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality, proposals are being developed to enhance our approach to tackling low level offenders and effectively address their offending behaviour through a Community Justice Intervention type programme. This would be a diversion from the courts system and one that seeks to deal with low level offences, while applying meaningful sanctions and focusing on the principles of restorative justice,” the letter read. “It would build very specifically on the idea of a Community Court, and on some experiences from abroad, but without creating a new Court per se.”

The letter went on to detail the general scheme of a new Bail Bill which seeks to improve the operation of the bail system and make the law as effective as possible in protecting the public against crimes committed by persons on bail, while also safeguarding the rights of the individual, and would allow for “the focused and targeted use of electronic monitoring”.

While the Minister’s response is welcome and takes the issues seriously, changes to legislation generally take a long time to happen and electioneering took precedence over law-making for the month of February. Hopefully, the new Government will take retailers’ concerns on board and will get serious about tackling crime.

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Cheese

The Big Cheese!

Cheese sales are on the rise, with a 4% increase in 2015 expected to herald continued growth in the category in the coming years.

SALES of cheese grew significantly over the course of 2015, due to an increase in consumer demand and the end of milk quotas, according to the latest report into the Irish cheese market from Euromonitor International. Current value sales of cheese increased by 4% in 2015, reaching â&#x201A;Ź216m.

Sales were still not at the level seen before the recession began, however, as consumers continued to opt for private label offerings in this category, due to the high quality and variety of own label products, according to Euromonitor.

According to Euromonitor, Kerry Foods was the leader in cheese in 2015, with a value share of 19%. The company continued to consolidate its leadership in this category, with its actual sales continuing to grow. Its Charleville brand continued to be the best-known brand of cheese in Ireland, and in 2015 accounted for a 9% share of sales in a relatively fragmented category. Its sales continued to grow despite the competition from private label throughout the economic downturn. Strong heritage and brand recognition allowed it to remain the best-selling cheese brand in Ireland.

Cheese is anticipated to continue to see growth in sales, with a value CAGR of 3% predicted over the coming years, according to Euromonitor, who predict value sales of â&#x201A;Ź253m by 2020.

Charleville Charleville cheese from Kerry Foods, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s number one cheese brand (Source: Nielsen 52 wks MAT to Dec 2015), recently Charleville Snackfuls are a perfect on-the-go snack launched for consumers who are looking for a more nutritious new alternative to traditional snacking options.

Charleville Snackfuls, a range of full-bodied Charleville mature red cheddar, crunchy crackers and relish in one handy pack.

Charleville Snackfuls are a perfect on-the-go snack for consumers who are looking for a more nutritious alternative to traditional snacking options. Charleville Snackfuls

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Cheese are ideal for convenience and front of store and come in two delicious flavours: ‘Mature Cheddar, Crispy Crackers and Sticky Chilli Chutney’ and ‘Mature Cheddar, Crispy Crackers and Chunky Country Relish’.

Low Low Snack Bites Also from Kerry Foods, LowLow Snack Bites were redesigned as part of a re-launch for the LowLow brand. Today’s consumers are continuingly looking to eat healthier, and LowLow is primed to deliver. The LowLow re-launch dials up the dairy credentials of the brand, cheese cleverly made with Irish semi skimmed milk, so consumers get all the dairy taste and goodness, with 33% less fat. Snack Bites now have improved recipes, ‘made with natural ingredients’.

SuperValu Cheese Store of the Year SUPERVALU Deansgrange has been crowned overall winner of the first SuperValu Cheese Store of the Year 2016 Award. The Dublin store picked up the award at the recent SuperValu National Conference in the Malton Hotel in Killarney, Co. Kerry.

The award, sponsored by the Traditional Cheese Company, recognises stores’ commitment to providing shoppers with a wide range of traditional and diverse cheeses, superb displays and knowledgeable staff. In addition to the award, the winners were also presented with a trip to visit the Parma Region and Parmigiana Reggiano Cheese production sites in Italy.

Other winners on the night included Pettitt’s SuperValu in St Aidan’s, Wexford (Large Store Winner), SuperValu Oranmore in Galway (Medium Store Winner) and SuperValu Rathgar in Dublin (Small Store Winner).

Following the success and enthusiasm for the competition this year, SuperValu announced that it will run for a second year in 2016 across stores nationwide.

SuperValu constantly aims to provide its shoppers with an unrivalled range and through this award and other initiatives, they aim to further extend their cheese collection and counters, having over 150 SuperValu stores cutting and selling fresh cheese by the end of 2016.

LowLow Snack Bites contain slices of mouth-watering mature cheese, together with pieces of multigrain toast and four different topping variants: roasted red pepper chutney, sweet chilli jam, caramelised onion chutney and cranberry relish.

The Snack Bites contain slices of mouth-watering mature cheese, together with pieces of multigrain toast and four different topping variants: roasted red pepper chutney, sweet chilli jam, caramelised onion chutney and cranberry relish.

“LowLow Snack Bites have really taken off since the re-launch with sales increases of 86%,” explains Amanda Ryan Senior Brand Manager from Kerry Foods. “These snacking products are resonating with consumers, as they are now demanding more from their snacks. They are looking for healthy, natural products that also taste great, and the LowLow Snack Bites range fits right into this space.”

Kilmeaden Kilmeaden, the number one mature cheddar cheese block in Ireland, from Glanbia Consumer Foods, has unveiled details of an exciting new media campaign.

This year sees Kilmeaden celebrate its 50th anniversary and the milestone birthday will be marked with a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign, including extensive TV, outdoor, in-store and online executions.

From its beginnings as a small 'Cottage Industry' cheese sold locally to farmers, Kilmeaden is now the number one mature cheddar block in Ireland and one of the country’s longest established and most popular brands. It was the first farmhouse cheese to be branded nationally with its innovative brand proposition built around the tagline, ‘The Fillet of Cheddar’, which first featured in its iconic 1989 TV ad with the memorable voiceover from actor Mick Lally (Miley in Glenroe) and the evocative bodhrán background music.

Pictured are (l-r): Tina Monaghan, National Account Manager, Traditional Cheese Company; Mary Kate Mageean, Musgrave Trading Manager, Cheese; Cormac Pettitt, Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s, Large Cheese Store of the Year Winner; Rachel Twomey, SuperValu Deansgrange, Overall Cheese Store of the Year Winner; Padraig Doran, manager of Pettitt’s SuperValu, St Aidan’s; John O’Malley, manager of SuperValu Rathgar, Small Cheese Store of the Year Winner; Gavin Walsh, manager, SuperValu Oranmore, Medium Cheese Store of the Year Winner; and Grainne Whalley, Marketing Director, Traditional Cheese Company.

Kilmeaden is renowned for its superior quality and unique taste, thanks to the craftsmanship and care that goes into every block. The quality and uniqueness of Kilmeaden Cheddar can be attributed to a strict selection process, which ensures only the best cheese goes into Kilmeaden. Kilmeaden is matured for up to 10 months, giving it all the time it needs to develop its distinctive flavour and unique taste.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Kilmeaden have

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Cheese Bord Bia Salutes Success of Irish Farmhouse Cheese

Kilmeaden celebrate its 50th anniversary with a comprehensive 360-degree marketing campaign, including extensive TV, outdoor, in-store and online executions.

developed a full ATL campaign to run across TV, outdoor, digital and in-store. The tongue-in-cheek 50th birthday creative concept playfully depicts a birthday party scene for the much loved cheese, accompanied by the tagline ‘Well, at least the cheese is maturing nicely’.

A key platform for the campaign was a weekend takeover of the TV3 group over the first weekend of February, with the brand sponsoring all available programming, accompanied by a weeklong promotion on TV3's morning show, Ireland AM. The advertising campaign, created by Irish International, is being supported by a nationwide PR campaign devised and implemented by Unique Media, while the media buying is being handled by Carat.

“We’re really excited to launch this campaign to mark Kilmeaden’s milestone 50th anniversary,” notes Grainne Murray, Brand Manager, Glanbia Consumer Foods.

“Kilmeaden has stood the test of time as being one of Ireland’s best loved brands and number one mature cheddar block and we intend for that to continue far into the future.

Our new media campaign is designed to further foster consumer brand loyalty and build on Kilmeaden’s taste, heritage and quality credentials.”

Kilmeaden is the recipient of numerous national and international awards for its superior cheddar, including the International Cheese Awards and World Cheese Awards. The current Kilmeaden range includes Kilmeaden Mature White and Red, available in block, slices and grated, and Kilmeaden Fully Mature Red and White, available in block and slices.

Mike’s Fancy Cheese Northern Ireland artisan cheese maker Mike’s Fancy Cheese has seen business for its Young Buck raw milk blue-veined blue product in the Republic of Ireland grow by over 50% over the past two years.

The artisan cheese enterprise, which is owned by Mike Thomson and is based at Newtownards in County Down, has seen business in the Republic grow strongly as a result of a deal with La Rousse Foods in Dublin, one of the biggest gourmet food operations on the island of Ireland.

As well as marketing Young Buck to leading chefs in hotels and restaurants, La Rousse is also using the cheese in its bakery in Dublin, where it is being used in sourdough breads in particular.

“The distribution agreement with La Rousse has made a tremendous difference to my business through the access it has provided to chefs throughout Ireland,” Thomson reveals. “It’s usually very hard for an artisan business to

BORD Bia has saluted the success of The Little Milk Company and Cashel Farmhouse Cheese in taking top honours at France’s premier cheese and dairy products event, the ‘Salon du Fromage’ in Paris.

The two artisan cheese makers won the ‘Coup de Coeur’ prize which was awarded to eight exceptional cheeses, following a blind tasting test by a jury of nine chefs and cheesemongers. The winners were selected from a total of 72 entries from 30 producers.

The 'Salon' trade event showcased 190 artisan dairy producers from 12 countries. Over 6,000 buyers and visitors, primarily French, attended the event over the four days. In addition to providing market insight and logistical support, Bord Bia arranged meetings with buyers for the seven Irish companies participating at the event, while also hosting a trade reception on the ‘Ireland – Origin Green’ stand for up to 100 guests to further develop relations between the Irish cheese makers and French buyers.

Ireland had the second largest non-French presence at the show and according to Noreen Lanigan, Bord Bia Manager for France and Belgium, there has never been a better time to introduce French buyers to Irish farmhouse cheese, noting that Irish artisan cheese imports to France have trebled in just two years.

Mike’s Fancy Cheese has seen business for its Young Buck raw milk blue-veined blue product in the Republic of Ireland grow by over 50% over the past two years.

reach the right people who make decisions in top hotels and restaurants. What La Rousse has provided is contact with chefs throughout Ireland. The La Rousse team has really marketed my cheese and this has led to excellent business for me.”

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32|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update Retail Ireland Review Highlights Solid Recovery RETAIL Ireland recently published the fifth edition of Retail Ireland Monitor, our quarterly trends analysis and industry affairs report. Providing a comprehensive analysis of Irish retail's performance throughout 2015, our latest issue also contains a detailed assessment of the performance of the all-important Christmas trading season across all of the industry’s core categories.

Key indicators show that 2015 was the year of retail’s recovery, buoyed by a strong Christmas trading period, which saw sales values rise 3% over the same period in 2014, representing the best performing Christmas since 2008. Looking at 2015 as a whole, the combined value of Irish retail sales was up a healthy 2.5% versus the previous year, with volumes posting a 6.4% increase. Looking ahead, Retail Ireland estimates that consumer spending will rise by 4.4% in 2016, following growth of 3.7% last year.

Despite the positivity, challenges remain. Turnover is still running at 10% behind levels of the mid 2000s, total retail employment is still some 37,000 down on pre-crash levels and over 3,000 retail units have closed across the country in recent years. Many traders are also facing growing pressure for wage increases and other rising business costs, particularly insurance and rent. In addition, while volume growth is strong, value growth continues to lag behind. Consumers still expect a discount on their day-to-day purchases.

The signs are positive, however, and if costs are contained, we can expect a further strong year for the sector. Many more people are now in work, disposable income is rising and falling oil prices will enhance consumer spending power. This is welcome news not only for retailers, but for the wider economy. It means more jobs and more tax revenue.

At a glance, the paper sets out the following trends: Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: Despite intense competition and continued deflation impacting most grocery products, the country's supermarkets and convenience chains closed out Q4 with year-on-year value growth of 3.5%, the best performing period since early 2009.

Department Stores: Department Stores saw their combined sales values during Q4 rise by a solid 5.9%, with volumes jumping 9% over 2014, buoyed by an early start to festive shopping during a particularly

impressive November. Beauty, homewares, fashion accessories and menswear continue to rebound strongly.

Service Stations: Although sales volumes are slowly recovering, service station operators are still significantly challenged by collapsing oil prices, with the value of the combined market in fuels slipping -11.0% during Q4 and -8.1% over the entire year.

Pharmacies: The recovery in pharmacy sales during 2015 was largely driven by front-of-shop purchases of beauty, fragrance, over-the-counter medicines and gifts. Despite a more robust performance towards the end of the year, the sector ended 2015 a modest 1.5% up in value terms, with volumes 4.6% higher than 2014.

Furniture and Home Accessories: As property owners continue to unlock savings and invest in home renovations and refurbishment projects, the impressive rebound in furniture and home accessories continued throughout 2015, with total value growth of 11.1% compared with 2014.

DIY and Hardware: Mirroring a strong resurgence in the construction sector and related activities, DIY and hardware operators ended 2015 3.7% up in value terms over the previous year, boosted by Q4's solid growth in household purchases of decorations and seasonal lines.

Computers and Electronics: A perennial favourite in advance of Christmas, sales of computers and electronics performed well, with Q4 value growth of 7.3%, fuelled by a sensational peak in November, which itself returned value growth of 18% over November 2014.

Books and News: While consumers continue to migrate to digital formats for their favourite news and magazine titles, a reported surge in online sales of physical books in advance of Christmas helped push the combined category back into growth mode, with the overall value of sales during 2015 rising by 2%.

Retail Ireland will be working with stakeholders, including the new Government, in the coming months to highlight the emerging threats to the recovery in our sector, and will be seeking action from policymakers to support the industry in continuing its growth trajectory.

To access a copy of Retail Ireland Monitor, visit www.retailireland.ie.

Consumer Price Index THE CSO’s Consumer Price Index for January 2016 indicated that when comparing January of this year to January of 2015, Irish consumer prices increased by an average of 0.1%. From a retail perspective, the most significant trends were as follows: • Food products, as a whole, fell by -0.9%; • Alcoholic drinks saw their combined average price fall by -3.1%; • The following categories recorded an increase in average consumer price: hair products (+8.3%); combined tobacco products (+5.2%); newspapers/magazines (+1.6%), stationery (+1.5%); books (+1.4%) and watches/jewellery (+0.4%).

Need more?

Tel: 01-6051558 www.retailireland.ie

For more information about Retail Ireland and details of how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie

34|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Market

TPD to Change TOBACCO Retailing Forever Martina Branconi, Government Affairs Manager at PJ Carroll & Company, Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oldest tobacco company, discusses the increased regulation of the tobacco category and the likely impacts of the forthcoming Tobacco Products Directive this May. DEALING with increased legislation is par for the course when it comes to the tobacco category, but the forthcoming Tobacco Products Directive will bring the biggest changes since the implementation of the Display Ban in 2009.

Martina Branconi, Government Affairs Manager at PJ Carroll, talks us through the likely impacts.

Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tobacco category is arguably the most heavily regulated in the entire grocery spectrum. How is the sector responding to continued and stricter regulation?

PJ Carroll & Company are fully aware that tobacco products are harmful, so we welcome all regulation which is proven to have positive effects on public health. We do not agree with the implementation of policies without impact assessment in terms of health benefits. The sole aim of these policies is to impact the tobacco industry, which subsequently affects the retail industry. In response to this, we are asking the legislators to conduct an impact assessment to justify the implementation of any policy, for example plain packaging. Currently, any available research on this specific regulatory measure does not have any conclusive evidence of positive effects on the health of the public. However, it does show that it could boost illicit trade. With standardised plain packs, counterfeiters will have a much easier job illegally reproducing packs.

How have regulatory changes impacted on the market and the consumer?

The Retail Display Ban, which was introduced in Ireland in 2009, has had a huge impact on the market and the adult consumer of tobacco products.

The display of products serves important practical and commercial functions, enabling retailers to communicate product availability and prices to adult consumers and allowing fair brand competition among manufacturers.

The next big change for Ireland and Europe will be the implementation of the Tobacco Products Directive, which will introduce new labelling and packaging restrictions, and plain packaging legislation. In addition to these upcoming changes, tobacco taxation has and is impacting the market. In the last five years alone, the price of a pack of 20 cigarettes has increased by more than â&#x201A;Ź1.30 (Source: Tax Strategy Group, 2014).

This increase is making it more and more attractive to switch to the illicit market. This does not help legal retailers, who are faced with unfair, unregulated competition, driven by criminal gangs who indiscriminately target minors and move the profits from tobacco smuggling to fund other illicit activities like weapon and drug trafficking.

Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie|35

Tobacco Market How will the forthcoming Tobacco Products Directive impact on the market for (a) retailers and (b) consumers?

The European Tobacco Products Directive will impose a number of changes for tobacco products. For example, pictorial health warnings must be 65% of the front and back of the pack; textual health warnings on 50% of both sides of the pack and minimum quantities for cigarette and fine cut (RYO) packs. All these provisions are expected to come into force as of May 2016, but the Government has still to transpose the Directive into Irish legislation.

The impact on the market will be huge, as all packs will change their look and even some formats: a good example of this will be RYO tobacco, which currently ranges from 9g to 30g pouches. With TPD, RYO pouches will only be available to purchase in a 30g format. Retailers will have to learn how to navigate these changes in order to help adult consumers with their choices. PJ Carroll identify that this will be a complicated process for both the retailer and adult consumer.

We aim to render the transition as smooth as possible by assisting retailers with their queries and providing clear and accurate information as soon as it is available.

How will PJ Carroll support retailers during the introduction of the TPD? The Tobacco Products Directive will bring new rules into law that will change the look of tobacco packaging as we currently know it today. These changes to the labelling and packaging of tobacco will make it increasingly difficult for retailers to differentiate between brands and formats. It will affect the normal, everyday interaction with their customers.

Currently, PJ Carroll are preparing our Trade Marketing Representatives to assist our retailers with this transition and we will provide tools with the aim to avoid any business disruption, once the legislation is in place.

When it comes to legislation, the challenge is to try to make sure that any regulation being considered is balanced and evidence-based, and that it takes into account the wider implications of its impact. Does the Tobacco Products Directive do this?

The revised Tobacco Products Directive is the first of its kind. Only post-implementation assessment will provide us with evidence of its effectiveness in terms of health

“Research demonstrates there is no deficit of information among adult consumers about the health risks associated with smoking that large graphic health warnings could address. Awareness of these risks is nearly universal. Absence in behavioural change by adult tobacco consumers does not mean a lack of information. It means an exercise of free choice by adults.”

About Martina Branconi BORN in Italy, Martina Branconi graduated in political science and international relations in Rome and then specialised in diplomacy and international negotiation both in Rome and Beirut (Lebanon). She subsequently worked for the Pakistani Embassy in Italy as political and press officer.

She joined BAT Italy in 2011 and was assigned to its Brussels office as European Affairs Executive to support the EU Team during the Tobacco Products Directive revision process. Following this, she was reassigned to Italy as Regulatory Affairs Manager, helping to develop a strong Italian Government position against excessive regulatory measures and in favour of a balanced excise reform. She took over as Government Affairs Manager for PJ Carroll in July 2015, with the challenge of managing regulatory and fiscal issues in one of the most stringent regulatory environments for the tobacco industry in the world.

Branconi is the primary point of contact in relation to the implementation of regulation in Ireland.

protection. If we examine its provisions one by one, none seem to be supported by conclusive arguments to justify its introduction. The Directive will introduce 65% pictorial health warnings on the front and back of pack, with the aim of decreasing pack attractiveness and thus reducing smoking incidence. There is no evidence to support this assertion. Evidence from countries that have such warnings in place shows no statistically significant relationship between pictorial health warnings and reduction in smoking prevalence. Also, research demonstrates there is no deficit of information among adult consumers about the health risks associated with smoking that large graphic health warnings could address. Awareness of these risks is nearly universal.

Absence in behavioural change by adult tobacco consumers does not mean a lack of information. It means an exercise of free choice by adults.

One of the biggest issues surrounding tobacco regulation has been the plain packaging debate. Where does PJ Carroll stand on this issue?

We welcome any balanced and evidence-based regulation but there is no conclusive evidence on the effectiveness of plain packaging as a tobacco control measure. Standardising packs means depriving legitimate companies of their right to use their legal trademarks, in the absence of which adult consumers will struggle to differentiate one product from another. This hampers quality assurance and makes counterfeiting much easier.

What are your thoughts on the slippery slope argument, that it is tobacco today and potentially alcohol tomorrow?

Don’t you believe this will cast a lot of doubt on Ireland as a place to do business?

Proposals for plain packaging measures are not unique to tobacco products. Indeed, other consumer and food products are already the subject of discussion of similar measures.

Introducing plain packaging for tobacco products could therefore set an important precedent for these other markets and industries. For example, South Africa’s Health Ministry has given indications that it is looking to use tobacco control measures for alcohol and processed foods. Graphic health warnings for all alcoholic beverages have been suggested

36|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Tobacco Market

“South Africa’s Health Ministry has given indications that it is looking to use tobacco control measures for alcohol and processed foods. Graphic health warnings for all alcoholic beverages have been suggested in Kenya and Thailand, and Chile has notified its intention of putting large “warning” labels on fatty and sugary foods with a view to discourage consumption.” in Kenya and Thailand, and Chile has notified its intention of putting large “warning” labels on fatty and sugary foods with a view to discourage consumption. If Ireland decides to follow this course of action, then it could probably become one of the most restrictive markets in the EU for the alcohol and fat/sugary food industry, making it very difficult for them as well to do their business in the country.

What else could be considered to achieve the same aims, rather than introducing plain packaging?

Alternatives to Plain Packaging exist: smoking incidence can be reduced by enforcing existing laws and engaging in retail campaigns to prevent the sale of tobacco products to minors (Show Me I.D.), as well as targeted education and awareness programs.

Is increased legislation playing into the hands of tobacco smugglers and the illicit trade in general?

A range of commentators and governments, including the Australian Government, recognise that plain packaging could lead to an increase in illicit trade. Plain packaging would more easily facilitate counterfeiting and smuggling, and thus the distribution of products through unregulated, untaxed criminal networks, which are more readily accessible to underage and vulnerable smokers, while at the same time making policing the illicit trade in tobacco significantly more difficult.

It would be far easier for counterfeiters to replicate a government mandated standard pack design than to copy the designs used on current tobacco packaging. This would most likely result in a broader network of manufacturers of illegal tobacco.

The illicit trade of tobacco products is not a victimless crime. Illegal tobacco is sold by well-organised criminal gangs, some of whom have recognised links to terrorism.

Today’s black market in tobacco involves criminal gangs producing counterfeit cigarettes, cross-border smuggling and large-scale tax evasion that governments can little afford in these challenging economic times.

Martina Branconi, Government Affairs Manager, PJ Carroll.

Is the situation improving and what more can be done to curb the problem?

Illicit trade remains a big issue in Ireland and plain packaging, as well as excise hikes on tobacco products, will not help to tackle the problem. We were very surprised by the Government’s decision to increase the excise on tobacco products by 50 cent in October 2015 after a 40 cent increase in October 2014. We are also very concerned

by Fine Gael and Labour’s declarations during the recent electoral campaign, especially their intention to increase excise on cigarettes by 45c year on year for the next five years. We believe that a constant increase in price will not encourage adult smokers to quit, but rather to switch to the illicit market and to cheaper alternatives. This means huge losses for legitimate tobacco retailers and for Government revenues. It is also worth mentioning that public health will suffer, given the absence of any quality and hygiene controls in the production of counterfeited products.

Finally, in the current market and given the tough legislative environment in which we operate, how can retailers increase profits and/or margin within the tobacco category?

We have seen in recent years that adult consumers are becoming more and more open to brand switching. Adult tobacco consumers are considering different product innovations, formats and of course, are very sensitive to price. To maximise profitability in the category, a retailer must be able to satisfy adult consumer needs at the point of purchase. This can be achieved by stocking a full range of products and also by being knowledgeable about the range. Strict stock management and the reduction of stock shrinkage go hand in hand as the key to maintaining profitability in the sector.

For further information on any topics covered in this interview, please contact PJ Carroll on 01 2052345.

YOU GET

wITh ThE

ORE AIl

Jan-Dec ’15 ABC figures show The Irish Daily Mail is the BEST PERFORMING Irish national newspaper. what’s MORE impressive is we are the ONlY IRISh NATIONAl NEwSPAPER to show an increase in circulation year on year.

38|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Newspapers & Magazines

In Praise of Print!

The latest ABC figures show a slowdown in the decline of newspaper sales, while the outlook for magazines is extremely positive.

PRINTED newspaper sales continue to fall in Ireland, but the annual rate of decline slowed down in the second half of 2015, according to the latest figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC).

Sales of daily morning newspapers fell by 4.2% in July to December 2015, compared to the same period in 2014, while the Sunday market fell by 6.5% year-on-year.

The Irish Independent continues to lead the quality daily newspaper market, accounting for 50.4% of all sales. It increased its market share by 0.1% on the previous year by selling 108,460 copies.

The print circulation of The Irish Times now stands at 74,092 copies, down 3.6%. However, The Irish Times Digital Edition had ABC-certified daily sales of 7,507 for the period,

compared to 2,951 in the second half of 2014, an increase of 154%. This took the combined sale for the print and digital editions of The Irish Times to 81,599, up 2.2% year-on-year.

Separately, a year after it launched its digital subscription service, The Irish Times announced that its overall subscriber base has now risen to 40,000, including subscribers to digital, print and joint packages. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are very encouraged by the growth in sales as reported by ABC and by the overall success of our reader subscription services,â&#x20AC;? noted Liam Kavanagh, MD, The Irish Times.

The Irish Examiner now sells an average of 32,648 copies, down 5.2%, while The Herald sells 44,317 copies, down 10.5%.

7 10 out of

people in Ireland buy a magazine regularly

2 3 out of

shoppers buy their total magazine purchases from the same store

2.5 million

adults read a magazine in the last month

RSV of the magazine market is

€175million – a major revenue stream for retailers

Irish magazines

OUTSELL their UK counterparts in every category

The retail margin on magazines is

25% es Magazliynsale are ful turn or re ) (SOR

ers: y u B to rs se w ro B g in rt e Conv y accessibility availability visibilit

n become buyers ca rs se ow br 5 of t ou 4 ● magazines ● 43% of shoppers buy on impulse... whereas only 25 % buy confectionaacryks 10% buy crisps or sn 20% buy soft drinks

● 88% of shoppers say it’s important that they are able to find their magazine easily and quickly

– one of the highest margins of any category

Retain loyal customers by ensuring they always get a copy of their favourite magazine

Talk to your wholesaler and publisher about developing more initiatives to boost sales and return on space and which enhance the shopping experience for your customers For further information about Magazines Ireland and its members please contact Grace Aungier 01 667 55 79 grace@magazinesireland.ie or visit www.magazinesireland.ie

the average magazine purchaser

spends

€3 on other products and shops more frequently

40|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Newspapers & Magazines Irish Daily Mail Increases Circulation The Irish Daily Mail’s circulation, however, rose by 2.3% to 45,146, the only newspaper in Ireland to increase its circulation over the review period. The good news for the Mail carried into January which showed that the Irish Daily Mail increased sale by 2.2% against 2015.

“These results show that the Irish Daily Mail is committed to newspaper sales and that we continue to invest both in our products and our retail partners,” said David Vaz, Circulation Manager, DMG Media (Ireland), the publisher of the Irish Daily Mail and The Irish Mail on Sunday.

“Without doubt, this would not have been achieved without the effort and co-operation of the retail trade. We invested in promotions with selected retailers throughout 2015 and are delighted with both the response and sales results.

“We have continued this policy into 2016 and our recent promotion looks like being one of our most successful yet. To celebrate the Rising Centenary, we are offering our readers a unique commemorative 1916 coin and producing 8-page supplements on the Rising Story. “ The Irish Daily Mail weekday edition increased in price in March 2016 by 20c to €1.20, the first cover price increase since August 2008, and in the process DMG Media (Ireland) have maintained the current retail discount terms.

“So DMG Media (Ireland) are really positive about 2016,” Vaz enthuses. “We look forward to working harder and building closer relationships with the retail trade.”

The Irish Daily Star’s circulation of 50,199 is a decrease of 5.7%, while sales of the Irish Daily Mirror fell 14% to 40,300. The Irish Sun’s circulation dropped 1.1% to 58,463 year-on-year.

In the Sunday market, the Sunday Independent remained out in front with sales of 211,856, down 3.3%. The circulation of the Sunday World fell 7.7% to 175,060.

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Taoiseach sent a string of emails to minister... then group was controversially given a grant

enda, the castlebar charity... and €180k exclusive

Enda Kenny sent out a series of emails to former Jennifer Bray environment minister By Deputy Political Editor Phil Hogan on behalf of a Supported Employment was Mayo disability group that of plucked from the bottom of a list of later received €180,000 in deserving groups competing for taxpayer funding. funding after the intervention.

Belmullet-based Irish Association

This was despite the group being

ranked as low as 137 in a list of 157 organisations for funding, and concerns raised about its ‘capacity to deliver’ as early as the assessment stage.

The Taoiseach wrote to Mr Hogan three times, seeking urgent updates on the awarding of funding to the IASE. And junior minister at the Taoiseach’s Department Simon Harris even got involved, telling Mr Hogan the group’s

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The Irish Daily Mail continues to buck the trend by increasing its circulation.

Irish Magazine Brands Name Average Circulation Business Plus 10,562 Cork Independent 25,003 Dublin City Gazette 15,276 Dun Laoghaire Gazette 6,680 Dundrum Gazette 7,189 Easy Food 17,053 Easy Parenting 6,345 Food & Wine 8,100 GCN (Gay Community News) 9,925 Hot Press 17,898 House & Home Magazine 16,212 Image 22,691 Image Interiors & Living 16,235 Ireland of the Welcomes 19,888 Irish Country Magazine 25,295 Irish Golfer Magazine 11,336 Irish Tatler 23,224 Irish Tatler Man 5,214 Irish Wedding Diary 5,849 Limerick Post 34,726 Lucan Gazette 7,197 RSVP 3,299 RTE Guide 51,413 Social & Personal 21,436 Social & Personal Weddings 4,822 Stellar 18,154 Swords Gazette Plus 5,342 Tesco Food Family Living ROI 149,000 The Irish Garden 8,437 TV Now! 22,019 U Magazine 20,291 VIP Magazine 25,011 Woman's Way 21,218 Xpose Magazine 15,061 Sales of the Sunday Times fell 7% year-on-year to 80,023. The Sunday Business Post’s circulation is 3.2% lower than it was a year ago at 32,162.

The Irish Mail on Sunday fell 9.2% to 80,920 in the Republic, while the Sun on Sunday rose 1.6% to 55,779 copies. The Sunday Mirror dropped 13.3% to 28,835 and the People, owned by the Trinity Mirror group, sells 10,751 copies, down 14%.

Driving Audience Figures The latest figures confirm that the Independent News & Media stable of the Irish Independent, Sunday Independent, Sunday World and The Herald, Dublin’s favourite daily newspaper, achieve sales on average of 1,259,261 copies per week.

Independent News & Media Editor-in-Chief, Stephen Rae, commented: “We are delighted to see our titles put in strong performances and grow market share. Readers trust the Independent brand of journalism and it is driving audience across our print and online titles. The Irish Independent has grown to account for 50.4% of the quality newspaper market during the week, selling more copies than its two main competitors combined. The Sunday Independent had an outstanding year and now accounts for 65.6% of quality sales every week. The Sunday World had a strong six months growing its share of the market to 47.4%.”

Geoff Lyons, Marketing Director, INM, added: “As the leading newspaper group on the island of Ireland, Independent News & Media strives to develop products

Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie|41

Newspapers & Magazines a trusted magazine brand is now stronger than ever. These latest ABC figures show yet again how magazine brands remain uniquely engaging as an environment for both editorial and commercial content.”

According to Magazines Ireland Chairman, Rebecca Markey, the figures “showed the continued strength of Irish magazines and Irish magazine publishers deserve credit for continuing to produce quality magazines in an increasingly challenging market.” She went on to call on the incoming Government to consider reducing the VAT rate on magazines and reviewing current postal charges. “Over 750 people are directly employed in the sector with a further 3,000 jobs such as freelance journalists, photographers and models, reliant on the sector,” Markey noted. “With the proper framework, we can help boost the Irish economy by creating more jobs and launching new magazines.”

Printed newspaper sales continue to fall, but the rate of decline has slowed.

in line with our readers’ needs. This has resulted in a significant number of changes across key titles which, as latest ABC figures confirm, our readers are enjoying. The ABC figures also highlight a year-on-year market share increase across the Irish Independent, Sunday Independent and Sunday World. It is very pleasing to learn that new and existing loyal readers are choosing INM titles as their number one every day.”

The Power of Magazines Meanwhile, the ABC Ireland figures for magazine brands were also released, covering the period to December 31, 2015, and based on circulation for the magazine in print and, where available, also incorporate circulation data for digital editions to provide a single, combined circulation figure.

Grace Aungier, CEO, Magazines Ireland, argued that the latest ABC figures “turn a spotlight on the magazine brands at the core of our sector and serve as a reminder of their unique power in engaging and influencing readers, whether mass market or specialist interest.

“Magazine brands have shown great innovation in moving to serve their audiences across a variety of platforms in recent years,” she said. “The attraction to professionallycreated and intelligently-curated content under the banner of

Magazine brands have shown great innovation in moving to serve their audiences across a variety of platforms in recent years.

The latest ABC figures reinforce the power of Irish magazines to engage and influence millions of readers.

Continued Strength Ciaran Casey, CEO of Harmonia, one of the country’s largest magazine publishers, stressed that the ABC figures “demonstrate the continued strength of our publications, reinforcing the power of Irish magazines to engage and influence millions of readers. At Harmonia, we’re delighted with these results. Once again we are the number one publisher of women’s magazines in Ireland selling more women’s magazines than all other publishers combined.

We’re particularly pleased to note Irish Tatler’s increase in active sales, positioning it as the firm favourite amongst Irish women.”

Irish magazines which have really embraced the digital age have reaped the rewards, it seems. Clodagh Edwards, CEO, Image Publications, feels that "one of the most interesting aspects of adopting a 360-approach to publishing is the huge impact it has had on our printed magazine sales.

Our digital, experiential, social and print products feed into, and from each other, resulting in an impressive increase for Image Magazine. In the past year, we've noted that magazine circulation and print advertising revenues are up, and we credit this as largely due to the increased awareness our multi-channel strategy has brought to our titles. The significant growth in audience has, in turn, driven demand for the magazine, and introduced Image to a whole new generation of readers.”

42|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Baby Care

Little Wonders

The baby food and baby care categories are in growth, as parents aim to treat their little ones to the best products and brands on the market.

PARENTS’ desires to give their babies the very best means Cow & Gate Super Yummies that there is huge potential for growth in baby food and baby Cow & Gate are introducing The Super Yummies, a new care. Consumers seek out products which, in an ideal world, range of deliciously different snacks, developed by mums they would prepare themselves at home, using the best and nutritionists for little ones 12 months+. They are made ingredients and following the latest nutritional guidelines. from carefully selected ingredients to create new, unique and Organic products, for example, have gained greater traction exciting tastes and textures for toddlers to discover. in recent years as products have become more widely Part of the well-loved Cow & Gate family, The Super available, with an increase in the number and diversity of Yummies are superly delicious and come in scrumptious brands, formats and variations. flavours for little ones’ tummies, with only naturally Baby food experienced current value growth of 1% in occurring salt and sugar, making the range irresistible for 2015, reaching sales of €89m (Source: Euromonitor International). The increasing unit price of baby food was the biggest factor contributing to growth, according to Euromonitor, who predict continued annual growth rates of 1% over the coming years, with sales of €93m anticipated for 2020. Trends include the move towards organic and more natural products, as well as more convenient packaging, which will continue to attract consumers.

Aside from food, baby and childspecific products grew by 1% in current value terms in 2014, with sales approaching €41m, according to Euromonitor International, who expect this category to post a modest value annual growth rate of 1% in the coming years, which is a big improvement over recent years, when the category New from Cow & Gate, the Super Yummies range includes breadsticks, rice cakes, and a variety of fruit and yogurt pouches. declined by 1% annually.

44|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Baby Care both mum and their little one.

Perfect to fuel little ones’ everyday adventures, the range includes breadsticks, rice cakes, and a variety of fruit and yogurt pouches – all of which taste, look and feel like the real deal.

The Super Yummies Promise:

• • •

Tailored nutrition for toddlers Developed with mum & nutritionists Only naturally-occurring salt or sugars

All formula milks should be used on the advice of your healthcare professional. Aptamil Profutura Growing Up milk should be used as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Bepanthen Bepanthen is the strong number two player in the nappy care market and is showing +5% year on year growth (Source: Nielsen MAT, Jan 2016). The Bepanthen brand is positioned

Aptamil Profutura Inspired by the science of early life, Aptamil’s scientists have developed Aptamil Profutura Follow On and Growing Up milks, their most advanced formulas yet. They contain specific nutrients tailored to complement a baby’s diet in order to support them as they undergo significant growth and cognitive development.

Aptamil Profutura Follow On and Growing Up milk contain a unique blend of ingredients, Bepanthen is the gentle and effective ointment to be used every day to protect including their highest ever levels of DHA against nappy rash.

(Omega 3 LCP), which support normal visual development, and they also contain sources of around the new generation of protection and in 2016 they are calcium and vitamin D, which support normal growth and investing heavily behind the brand. Bepanthen campaigns development of bone. Aptamil Profutura Follow On milk will run across a wide range of digital platforms, parenting contains 33% more DHA (Omega 3 LCP) than in all Aptamil press, EU Mum and Mummy Pages and will also include Follow On milks. Aptamil Profutura Growing Up milk health care professionals.

Their 2016 campaign focuses on communicating that Bepanthen is the gentle and effective ointment to be used every day to protect against nappy rash. Their key messages will be communicated through video testimonials from Irish mums who are advocates of the brand and through an experienced clinical midwife manager.

According to Marion Rogan, Manager of the category at Bayer, “The Bepanthen brand is going from strength to strength as new mums realise that Bepanthen meets the seven gold standards of an ideal barrier cream.”

Attendance at the Dublin & Cork Pregnancy & Baby Fair in April is another important part of the Bepanthen activity and is a great opportunity for the team to meet pregnant women who are starting on their journey.

Aptamil Profutura Follow On and Growing Up milks contain specific nutrients tailored to complement a baby’s diet in order to support them as they undergo significant growth and cognitive development.

Huggies Unlike most wipes, Huggies are made with natural fibres, 99% water and no chemicals. Combined, these unique benefits offer a gentler clean that nurtures even the most sensitive of baby’s skin. With a fully integrated campaign leveraging ATL support, Huggies Wipes will be continuing to add value and drive category growth in 2016 with their unique proposition.

contains 35% more DHA (Omega 3 LCP) than in all Aptamil Growing Up milks.

Aptamil Profutura Follow On and Growing Up milk is now available in the brand’s most innovative pack ever, the Smart Pack. This new 800g Smart Pack features a tamper-proof lid for added security, a built in leveller on both the left and right hand side, making scooping easier, an underlid scoop storage, as well as a scoop rest for storing the scoop between use for improved hygiene.

Breastfeeding is best for babies.

Aptamil Profutura Follow On milk is only for babies aged six months and over as part of a varied weaning diet and should not be used as a Huggies wipes are made with natural fibres, 99% water and no chemicals. breastmilk substitute before six months.

Saxon House

Be wise when you advertise…

Be wise when you Important information for advertisers advertise…

211 High Street Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1AD +44 (1442) 870 800

Saxon House www.abc.org.uk 211 High Street Berkhamsted Hertfordshire HP4 1AD +44 (1442) 870 800 www.abc.org.uk

If you are responsible for your company’s advertising budget then you will want to be sure that you invest wisely; that the media selection decisions for your advertising campaigns are based on accurate, unbiased and credible information.

Important information for advertisers

I am delighted to announce that Retail News has published its latest ABC circulation certificate; providing you with independent assurance that over the period January to December 2015 it had an If you are responsible for your company’s advertising budget then you will want to be sure that you invest average circulation of 6,366 copies per issue. wisely; that the media selection decisions for your advertising campaigns are based on accurate, unbiased and credible information.

At ABC, our vision is to inspire market confidence by delivering a valued stamp of trust in the UK and beyond, the world. areNews governed by the industry, thecirculation industry.certificate; We work with, and I am across delighted to media announce thatWe Retail has published its latestfor ABC on behalf of advertisers like you, to provide impartial, third party audited data for both traditional providing you with independent assurance that over the period January to December 2015 it had anand digital media.circulation The industry agreed standards average of 6,366 copies per issue.against which we audit are developed by and on behalf of the media industry, through the consensus of our reporting standards groups to provide confidence and At ABC, ourinvision is to inspire market confidence by delivering a valued stamp of trust in the UK and accountability reporting to advertisers, media buyers and media owners alike. beyond, across the media world. We are governed by the industry, for the industry. We work with, and behalf to of advertisers like you, to providehelps impartial, party audited data for both traditional and Dataon verified industry-agreed standards with third the planning of media campaigns, negotiation of digital media.

The industry agreed standards against which we audit are developed by and on behalf of advertising rates and the justification of purchasing decisions. With ABC certified data you can make the media industry, through the consensus of our reporting standards groups to provide confidence and decisions with confidence. accountability in reporting to advertisers, media buyers and media owners alike.

As part its offering to advertisers, Retail News has the submitted rigorous industry standard Dataofverified to industry-agreed standards helps with planningtoofour media campaigns, negotiation of audit which indicates that it: advertising rates and the justification of purchasing decisions. With ABC certified data you can make decisions with confidence.

• Invests in its circulations

As part of its offering to advertisers, Retailindustry-agreed News has submitted to our rigorous industry standard audit • Operates to accepted standards which indicates •that it: Provides accurate circulation claims Invests in ABC its circulations All •the latest data is available to you, free of charge, via our website at • Operates to accepted industry-agreed standards www.abc.org.uk.

Alternatively, you can ask the media owner for a copy of their ABC • Provides accurate circulation claims certificate.

All the latest ABC data is available to you, free of charge, via our website at www.abc.org.uk. Alternatively, you can ask the media owner for a copy of their ABC certificate.

Before you book your next advertisement, ask to see an ABC certificate. It is your assurance; delivering data you can trust.

Before you book your next advertisement, ask to see an ABC certificate. It is your assurance; delivering data you can trust.

Jan Pitt Group Executive Director of Client Services, ABC Jan Pitt Group Executive Director of Client Services, ABC

Setting the standard Setting the standard Audit Bureau of Circulations Ltd (by guarantee) Registered in England Number 259647 Registered Office, Saxon House, 211 High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1AD VAT No. 804 8760 20 Audit Bureau of Circulations Ltd (by guarantee) Registered in England Number 259647 Registered Office, Saxon House, 211 High Street, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1AD VAT No. 804 8760 20

46|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Advertising Standards

New Advertising Code Governs Advertising to Children A new Code from the Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland is in force since March 1, and covers revised rules for advertising and promoting food to children, as well as new guidelines governing the advertising of e-cigarettes.

MARCH 1 saw the new ASAI Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland coming into effect from The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland (ASAI), the independent self-regulatory body committed to promoting the highest standards of marketing communications.

The Code covers commercial marketing communications and sales promotions in all media in Ireland, including digital (online banners, websites and social platforms), print, outdoor, radio, TV, leaflets/brochures, and direct marketing.

The objective of the Code is to ensure that all commercial marketing communications are â&#x20AC;&#x153;legal, decent, honest and truthfulâ&#x20AC;? and members of the ASAI are required to abide by the Code and not to publish an advertisement or conduct a promotion which contravenes Code rules.

The Advertising Standards Authority for Ireland is financed by the advertising industry and committed, in the public interest, to promoting the highest standards of

marketing communications that is advertising, promotional marketing and direct marketing.

The new Code is the result of a comprehensive review undertaken by the ASAI, which involved a significant public consultation process with a wide range of Government departments and agencies, consultations with consumer groups and other NGOs, and consultation with the advertising industry, including advertisers, agencies and the media.

Here is a summary of some of the key changes and additions to the 7th edition of the ASAI Code of Standards for Advertising and Marketing Communications in Ireland.

Food Advertising The Code includes a completely updated Food section, bringing the ASAI Code into line with the EU Regulation concerning nutritional and health claims. The EU Regulation on nutrition and health claims is mandatory and seeks

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Advertising Standards

to protect consumers from misleading or false claims. It came into force in July, 2007, but was subject to a series of complex transitional periods (seewww.fsai.ie). Specific conditions of use associated with authorised health and nutrition claims are determined at a European level. The EU Register of nutrition and health claims (the EU Register) lists all authorised nutrition and health claims, as well as non-authorised health claims that have been rejected.

Marketing communications that contain nutrition or health claims should be supported by documentary evidence substantiating that they meet the conditions of use associated with the relevant claim, as specified in the EU Register. Claims should be presented clearly and without exaggeration. References to general benefits of a nutrient or food for overall good health or health-related well-being are acceptable only if accompanied by a specific authorised

health claim.

Marketing communications for food should not make reference to consumer taste or preference tests in any way that might imply statistical validity if there is no such validity, and should not use scientific terms to ascribe validity to an advertising claim which is not valid. They should not encourage or condone excess consumption, an unhealthy lifestyle or unhealthy/unbalanced eating or drinking habits and should not show people who choose a healthy active lifestyle in a negative manner or disparage good dietary practice. Marketing communications for food representing any material characteristics of the product, including size and content, should be accurate and should not mislead consumers concerning any of those characteristics, or the intended use of the product.

A comparison may only be made between foods of the same category, taking into consideration a range of foods of that category. The difference in the quantity of a nutrient and/or the energy value shall be stated and the comparison shall relate to the same quantity of food.

The following are not acceptable in marketing communications for food products: (a) Claims that state or imply health could be affected by not consuming a food. (b) Claims that state or imply a food prevents, treats or cures human disease. Reduction of disease risk claims are acceptable if authorised by the European Commission. (c) Health claims that refer to the recommendation of an individual health professional. Health claims that refer to the recommendation of an association are acceptable only if that association is a health-related charity or a national representative body of medicine, nutrition or dietetics. (d) References to changes in bodily functions that could give rise to, or exploit, fear in the audience. (e) Claims of a nutrition or health benefit that give rise to doubt about the safety or nutritional adequacy of another product. (f) Health claims that refer to a rate or amount of weight loss.

Marketing communications addressed directly or indirectly to children should have regard to the special characteristics of children and the ways in which they perceive and react to campaigns.

There are also specific rules regarding promotional offers. Marketing communications for food products that are targeted directly at pre-school or primary school children should not include a promotional offer, subject to the exceptions listed below: (i) Marketing communications for fresh fruit and/or fresh vegetables; (ii) Marketing communications carried in media subject to the BAI Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commercial Communications Code for products characterised by that code as being permitted to be advertised to children; (iii) Point of sale displays, packages, wrappers, labels, tickets, timetables and menus.

The rules go on to cover the use of licensed characters and celebrities popular with children, which should always be used with a due sense of responsibility and expressly forbid the use of licensed characters and celebrities popular with children in marketing communications for food products that targeted directly at pre-school or primary school children, aside from: (i) Marketing Communications for fresh fruit and/or fresh vegetables; (ii) Marketing Communications carried in media subject to the BAI Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Commercial Communications Code for products characterised by that code as being permitted to be

Orla Twomey, CEO of the ASAI.

48|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Advertising Standards (b) Not use the terms ‘humanised’, ‘maternalised’, ‘adapted’ or similar terms.

Children’s Advertising The ASAI acknowledges that parents and guardians have primary responsibility for children, who lack adults’ knowledge, experience and maturity of judgement.

Marketing communications addressed directly or indirectly to children, or marketing communications likely to be seen or heard by a significant proportion of them, should have regard to the special characteristics of children and the ways in which they perceive and react to marketing communications.

As well as general rules for advertising to children, the Code has a specific section on promotions, whereby promotions addressed to or likely to attract children: (a) Should not offer promotional products that are unsuitable for distribution to children. (b) Should be carried out responsibly, taking into account the location in which the promotion is conducted. (c) Should make it clear that parental permission is required if expensive and/or inappropriate prizes and incentives might cause conflict between children and their parents. (d) Should allow a sufficient time-frame for participation in a manner that will reflect moderate consumption of a product. (e) Should clearly explain the number and type of any additional proofs of purchase needed to participate. (f) Should contain a prominent closing date. (g) Should not exaggerate the value of prizes or the chances of winning them. (h) Should not exploit children’s susceptibility to charitable appeals.

Marketing communications for e-cigarettes should be socially responsible and should contain nothing which promotes the use of a tobacco product or shows the use of a tobacco product in a positive light.

advertised to children; (iii) Point of sale displays, packages, wrappers, labels, tickets, timetables and menus; (iv) The prohibition does not apply to advertiser-created equity brand characters (puppets, persons or characters), which may be used by advertisers to sell the products they were designed to sell; (v) Licensed characters and celebrities popular with children may present factual and relevant generic statements about nutrition, safety, education or similar.

Marketing communications for infant formula are prohibited unless they appear in scientific publications, or are for the purposes of trade before the retail stage, or are a publication for which the intended readers are not the general public. Marketing communications should not confuse between infant formula and follow-on formula.

Marketing communications for follow on formula addressed to the general public should: (a) Be designed to provide the necessary information about the appropriate use of the products so as not to discourage breast-feeding.

Advertising of E-Cigarettes New Code rules state that “marketing communications for e-cigarettes should be socially responsible and should contain nothing which promotes the use of a tobacco product or shows the use of a tobacco product in a positive light.” Under the forthcoming Tobacco Products Directive, marketing communications should not contain anything which promotes any design, imagery or logo style that might reasonably be associated in the audience’s mind with a tobacco brand. Marketing communications should make clear that the product is an e-cigarette and not a tobacco product, and should not contain health or medicinal claims unless the product is authorised for those purposes by the HPRA. Advertisers should not use health professionals or celebrities to endorse electronic cigarettes, and marketing communications should not be likely to appeal particularly to people under 18, especially by reflecting or being associated with youth culture. They should not feature or portray real or fictitious characters who are likely to appeal particularly to people under 18. People shown using e-cigarettes or playing a significant role should not be shown behaving in an adolescent or juvenile manner.

Marketing communications should not be directed at people under 18 through the selection of media or the context in which they appear. No medium should be used to advertise e-cigarettes if more than 25% of its audience is under 18 years of age.

Health & Beauty The rules in this section are designed to ensure that marketing communications for medicines, medical devices, treatments, health-related products and beauty products receive the necessary high level of scrutiny. The rules apply to marketing communications and not the products, which are regulated by health regulators such as the

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Advertising Standards

Marketing communications for food products that are targeted directly at pre-school or primary school children should not include a promotional offer, subject to certain exceptions.

Health Products Regulatory Authority (www.hpra.ie), the European Medicines Agency (www.ema.europa.eu), and the Department of Health (www.health.gov.ie).

Claims about health and beauty products and treatments should be backed by substantiation. Where relevant, this should include the results of robust and reputable trials on human subjects, of sufficient rigour, design and execution as to warrant general acceptance of the results. Medicinal or medical claims and indications may be made for a medicinal product that is authorised by the HPRA or EMA, or for a CEmarked medical device. Secondary medicinal claims made for cosmetic products as defined in the appropriate European legislation should be backed by substantiation. These are limited to any preventative action of the product and may not include claims to treat disease.

Environmental Claims The rules in this section are designed to ensure that marketing communications do not exaggerate the environmental benefits to consumers of products or services.

Environmental claims should not be used without qualification unless advertisers can provide substantiation that their product will cause no environmental damage.

Absolute claims should be supported by a high level of substantiation.

Qualified claims and comparisons may be acceptable if advertisers can demonstrate that their product provides an improvement in environmental terms, either against their competitors or their own previous products. Qualified claims

should also be capable of substantiation.

Where there is a significant division of scientific opinion or where evidence is inconclusive, this should be reflected in any statements made in the marketing communication.

Advertisers should not suggest that their claims command universal acceptance if this is not the case.

The basis of any claim should be explained clearly and should be qualified where necessary.

Unqualified claims may mislead if they omit significant information.

The Code goes on to note that advertisers should base environmental claims on the full lifecycle of the advertised product, unless the marketing communication states otherwise, and should make clear the limits of the lifecycle.

Best Interests of Consumers Orla Twomey, CEO of the ASAI, says the Code is being published in the best interests of consumers, all involved in advertising and Irish society in general.

“We live in a world of ever-changing communication innovations, channels, platforms and demands. In producing this new seventh edition of the ASAI Code, we undertook the widest and most transparent consultative process in our history. It is compatible with current Irish and EU legislation, matches the very best international standards, and demonstrates how the combination of self-regulation and Statutory Legislation can be used in the best interests of all concerned. To ensure that the Code will remain, at all times, credible and relevant, there will be regular inspection and appraisal of the Code with an on-going process of additions, amendments and strengthening, as required.”

Guy Parker, President of the European Advertising Standards Alliance, added: “The ASAI is a vital member of the EASA, the single authoritative voice of advertising selfregulation in Europe and beyond. We believe that effective advertising self-regulation is a crucial tool in the European ‘Better Regulation’ toolbox. As one of Europe’s most effective advertising regulatory bodies, the ASAI have produced a Code following significant and broad public consultation which responds so well to the issues of today. I commend all those involved in its production.”

The ASAI accepts complaints from any person or body who considers that a marketing communication may be in breach of the Code.

To view the Code in full, please go to www.asai.ie.

50|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: Overview

Maxol To Create 80 Jobs at New Service Stations

MAXOL has announced the opening dates for its largest ever service station development, on the N3 at Mulhuddart, as well as the opening of the new Maxol Donabate in North East Dublin. Maxol M3 Mulhuddart Services is scheduled to open on Thursday, March 31, with Maxol Donabate following a week later on April 7.

Both businesses combined will lead to the creation of 80 new jobs, in a welcome boost to the respective local areas.

The new permanent positions include retail supervisors, shop sales assistants and deli sales positions.

The opening of Maxol M3 Mulhuddart Services follows a massive €6m investment on a huge 2.5 acre site. It will offer the latest in forecourt design, a fully equipped truck stop, parking for 80+ vehicles, full convenience offering and a Moreish Café, which includes the addition of a number of new premium Irish food franchises, extending the choice of food offerings for customers.

A week later will see the unveiling of the new-look Maxol Donabate, following an extensive refurbishment and investment of €2m. The development will offer Maxol’s latest two-storey building design and a particular focus on quality food service, with the latest Maxol/MACE convenience store and a brand new ‘Moreish’ fresh food café.

“We are extremely proud to announce the opening dates of our new state-of-the-art facilities at Mulhuddart and Donabate, both of which represent a significant investment

and achievement for Maxol,” noted Brian Donaldson, Maxol’s Group General Manager and CEO in-waiting. “The creation of 80 new permanent jobs will be of huge benefit to the areas and overall economy. We are delighted to be working with our new independent retail partners, Donal and Liam Fitzpatrick at Mulhuddart and Gerard and Fergal Ralph at Donabate.

“Maxol is, and always has been, about the people – about our customers that come through the doors. Today, customers’ needs are constantly evolving to the point where a service station is no longer only about the provision of quality fuel or a convenience store; it is about the full forecourt service and choice of quality fresh food for all times of the day. The consumer has always been our focus and will remain so with our planned future openings and redevelopments.”

Donaldson went on to note how “Maxol M3 Mulhuddart Services will be a full destination site and our new franchises will greatly enhance our existing award winning offer.

Donabate will have exceptional first class facilities and will be a comfortable and convenient destination for the local community, or for commuters looking to break up those longer journeys.”

The new service stations have both been developed by Weslin Construction, providing employment for an additional 100 people.

Drone footage captures the evolution of the site development at Maxol Donabate (left) Maxol Mulhuddart (right).

Always FRESH MILK

and the SAME BEANS as our coffee shops

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Forecourt Focus: Overview

Top Awards for Topaz TOPAZ has been recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland for the 11th time. This year, Topaz claimed 11th place in the list of Paul Candon, Topaz Group Corporate Services Best Large Director, is pictured receiving the Great Place to Workplaces Work Ambassador Award 2016 from Cathal Divilly, 2016.

Managing Director of Great Places to Work Ireland.

Topaz was the only retailer to make the list and is once again the only fuels and convenience retailer on the list. In addition,

Topaz Group Corporate Services Director Paul Candon was presented with the Great Place to Work Ambassador Award 2016.

Candon said the company’s employees were Topaz’s greatest resource and were central to its ongoing success: “The key to our business is enhancing the customer experience and that is driven by our culture of innovation, by investing in the business, but most importantly by the professionalism and the enthusiasm of our employees.

The last six months or so has been a very exciting time for the company, firstly with our acquisition of Esso and then becoming part of the Couche-Tard family. However, our commitment to our customers remains constant.”

Before the dust had time to settle on this award, Candon was once again picking up silverware, this time being presented with a Human Resources Leader Award 2016 at the HR Leadership and Management Awards, which recognise the very best leaders, organisations and teams within the industry.

Maxol TLC Winner Top Depot of the Year Award MAXOL has announced its Louth winner in the company's Customer Feedback programme. Maxol Regional Manager, Mark Walsh presented John Byrne with €100 in fuel vouchers. John participated in the Maxol Customer feedback programme at Maxol, Ballymakenny Road, Co. Louth. The customer feedback programme is just one part of Maxol's TLC awards, which awards retailers for their high standards and excellent customer service.

Staff from Top Oil Castlebar celebrate winning the Depot of the Year Award.

TOP Oil in Castlebar has been won the Top Oil Depot of the Year Award. “This is an award that is richly deserved, as the team in Top Oil Castlebar has been through a very challenging number of years, like so many indigenous Irish businesses, but throughout it all they have stayed sharply focused on providing their customers, with exceptional high standards of customer care, an extremely efficient delivery service while at the same time always committing to offering the most competitive prices on fuel,” said Top Oil Regional Sales Manager Clíona Ní Mhurchú.

To find out what Costa Express can offer you contact: ROI tel: 021 500 3526 NI tel: 02892 688349

52|Retail News|March 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Drinks News MOLSON CANADIAN SPONSORS INDIEPENDENCE MOLSON Canadian is delighted to welcome the return of the Indiependence Music & Arts Festival to Mitchelstown, Cork, this summer, following its biggest year to date in 2015. Now in its eleventh year, INDIE16, which takes place on the August Bank Holiday, welcomes both new and familiar faces to Deer Farm, with its most exciting line-up to-date. “Following the success of the past three years of our partnership with Indiependence, we are delighted to enter a fourth year as the festival’s primary sponsor. INDIE has grown tremendously since its launch in 2006 and with another stellar line-up confirmed for 2016, we are confident that the festival’s appeal and audience will continue to grow for many years to come,” said Louise Kerrigan, Brand Manager, Molson Coors, pictured with Shane Dunne, founder, Indiependence.

Beer Industry Welcomes New Report THE Irish Brewers Association has welcomed a new report by Europe Economics, ‘The Contribution made by Beer to the European Economy’, commissioned by the Brewers of Europe.

It found that the number of brewing companies increased significantly in Ireland between 2013 and 2014, up from 30 to 50. The beer related contribution to employment in Ireland was also up, rising to 44,741 jobs.

“The Irish beer industry is experiencing an exciting period of development, with 20 new brewing companies opening across Ireland between 2013 and 2014,” said Jonathan McDade, Head of the Irish Brewers Association.

“As the report states, investment in product development is also up. These trends reflect an increasingly diverse beer sector, with more high-quality Irish beer products for consumers at home and abroad. This is having a knock-on effect on employment, up by around 370 between 2013 and 2014 to almost 44,800 jobs.”

Meanwhile, Seamus O’Hara (pictured), Managing Director of the Carlow Brewing Company, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the Irish Brewers Association (IBA), the representative group for brewers and distributers of beer in Ireland. O’Hara set up the Carlow Brewing Company in 1996 and is one of the craft brewing industry’s most recognisable pioneers.

DADA Growing Fast DADA wine has become one of the biggest growing wine brands in Ireland in the short space of just nine months since its introduction to the Irish market by Comans.

Reports from big chain stores right through to independents have revealed demand is outweighing supply as the popular wine, retailed at just €10, has become a favourite among customers. Gary O’Donovan, of O’Donovan’s off-licence and Chairman of NOffLA, confirmed DADA is becoming a must-stocked brand: “The demand for DADA wine has grown exponentially, which is incredible for such a short space of time.

We see it fly off the shelves each time we re-stock. From speaking to customers, a lot of the positive feedback stems from the excellent quality and great value.”

TEELING CELEBRATES IRISH CULTURE

THE Teeling Whiskey Distillery is celebrating its first St Patrick’s Day with a whole month of celebrations at its award-winning Visitor Centre, which was illuminated in green from March 10-17. As part of these festivities, there will be two events highlighting the uniqueness of Irish culture and the excellence of Ireland’s artisan food and drink community: The Moth StorySLAM, a spontaneous storytelling session presented by comedian Colm O’Regan on March 17; and a St Patrick’s Festival Craft Fair on March 19, where some of Ireland’s most exciting artisan producers will gather at The Teeling Whiskey Distillery to showcase their product ranges.

CRAFTY CAMPAIGN FOR MCGARGLES

WINNERS of the Love Irish Food Brand award, McGargles kicked off their advertising recently, as McGargles’ 10-second advertisement is being broadcast across Exterion Media’s Retail digital, with posters appearing across the PurchasePoint network. The Out-ofHome ads were created

by OwensDDB as part of the creative bursary of the Award. McGargles is part of the Rye River Brewing Company, based in Celbridge, Co. Kildare. “We are all absolutely delighted with our brand campaign. This Award has enabled us to get McGargles in front of shoppers in key locations across the country,” said Niall Phelan, cofounder, McGargles Irish Family Brewers, part of Rye River Brewing. Pictured are Kieran Rumley, Love Irish Food; Liam Tully, Rye River Brewing; and Antoinette O’Callaghan, Exterion Media.

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What's New CARROLLS GOLD: TUBE FILTER CIGARETTES CARROLLS Gold is Ireland’s first tube filter cigarette, from PJ Carroll & Company. Launched on February 29, 2016, Carrolls Gold is the latest addition to the Carrolls family. Its new blend and innovative smooth flow filter combine to deliver an enhanced smoking experience to the adult tobacco consumer. Retailing at a competitive price of €9 RRP, Carrolls Gold introduces a quality, new blend (6 mg, US blend) to the non-full flavour market. With more than 55 years of Irish heritage, Carrolls Gold brings a smooth taste with the true Irish spirit. For more information, speak to your PJ Carroll representative or contact Telemarketing on (01) 2052345.

CAR BOTTLE GUM CAMPAIGN IRELAND’s biggest ever gum activation is now underway. Car Bottle Campaign is led by Extra, the No. 10 grocery brand in Ireland, and Bottle, the biggest growth driver in the Gum category – up to +75% (Source: ACNielsen, Total Scantrack Inc Discounters, December 27, 2015). The massive, nationwide campaign aims to get a gum bottle into every car in Ireland. It will be supported with heavyweight TV, outdoor and radio, a free Gum Bottle holder for your car, when you buy one bottle of Wrigley’s gum, high impact in-store activation, and an amazing €2 price promotion.

Emma Stapleton, Wrigley Marketing Manager, comments: “The trend towards sugar-free gum is growing and we expect this to continue as chewers seek out a healthy addition to their day-to-day oral care routine.”

MCVITIE’S DIGESTIVES NIBBLES

UNITED Biscuits (UB) is launching biggest sweet NPD for 2016, new McVitie’s Digestives Nibbles. Offering the well-loved taste of the number one McVitie’s Digestive biscuit range in a chocolatey bitesize format. Available in a re-sealable pouch in four variants, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, Double Chocolate and Caramel, McVitie’s Digestives Nibbles are a modern way to enjoy the great taste and texture of McVitie’s Digestives, with an added chocolatey treat. Perfect for sharing at home in the evening with friends and family, the range will be available in a 120g pouch (€2.85 RSP) and will be supported by more than €500k in media investment, including TV advertising, digital and social media. Significant investment has also been made across shopper channels through impactful POS displays, eye-catching shippers, clip strips, branded gondola ends, as well as floor graphics and in-store sampling.

HEINZ SERIOUSLY GOOD MAYONNAISE RANGE HEINZ is set to shake up the sauces category with the launch of its new Seriously Good Mayonnaise range. From March 2016, consumers will be encouraged to ‘upgrade their mayonnaise’ as the product hits shelves, showcasing a premium look, easy to use format and a great tasting recipe. Seriously Good Mayonnaise will replace existing Heinz Mayonnaise and will be supported with a multimillion euro marketing investment across Europe, including amplification across TV, digital, sampling and in store activity. The TV advertising campaign launches in April 2016, showcasing the quality and great taste of Heinz mayonnaise.

MOY PARK ‘PUTTS’ IRISH OPEN CENTRE STAGE TO celebrate Moy Park’s sponsorship of the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open, Ireland’s number one poultry brand is giving consumers the opportunity to take to the fairways via an on-pack promotion.

The on-pack promotion, which runs from March 21 across all packs of Moy Park’s breaded range, will give shoppers across ROI, NI and GB the chance to win the ‘Ultimate Dubai Duty Free Irish Open’ experience at the K Club. The prize includes a pair of tickets to the Dubai Duty Free Irish Open at the K Club, overnight accommodation at the Osprey Hotel and Spa and access to Corporate Hospitality. Consumers can enter by picking up a pack of Moy Park breaded product in store and using the on-pack code by the closing date of April 29.

QUINOLA MOTHERGRAIN RANGE QUINOLA Mothergrain has launched three brand new products; French Pearl Quinoa, Organic Quinoa Flakes and Organic Quinoa Flour.

The French Pearl Quinoa comes in a 300g resealable stand-up pouch with an RRP of €6.99, grown in the Anjou region of France. Organic Quinoa Flakes come in a 200g resealable stand-up pouch, with an RRP of €4.30, and are perfect for anyone looking for a gluten-free alternative to traditional oats. Quinoa flour is excellent for glutenfree baking and their Organic Quinoa Flour comes in a 250g resealable stand-up pouch (RRP €4.99). See www.quinola.com for more information.

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Shelf Life IDENTICAL triplet models Alison, Laura and Nicola Crimmins are pictured at the launch of The National Lottery’s new Money Multiplier Scratch Cards, now available in National Lottery agent stores nationwide, ranging from €2-10. Money Multiplier Scratch Cards give players the opportunity to scratch, match and multiply that instant winning feeling x5, x10, x20 or x40. The new range of Scratch Cards are more exciting than ever before, with the life-changing opportunity to win up to €250,000 instantly. Players simply scratch to reveal ‘your numbers’ and ‘winning numbers’. If a player is lucky enough to match any of the two sets of numbers, they instantly win the prize shown below these numbers. If they also find a x5, x10, x20 or x40 symbol they will win 5, 10, 20 or 40 times the prize shown.

Meanwhile, the new National Lottery app for iPhone and Android is now available, making it easier than ever to play and check results on the move.

IRISH energy supplier Vayu Energy has signed a renewable electricity deal with Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers, one of Ireland’s most successful producers of handmade cheeses and a leading supplier to the grocer retail sector. Valued at €130,000, the agreement will see Vayu Energy supply the family-owned business with 100% green electricity to meet its year-round energy requirements as it continues to expand both at home in Ireland and overseas, thereby helping to significantly reduce the company’s carbon footprint and minimise its impact on the environment. Pictured are Ross Curran of Vayu Energy and Louis Clifton Brown of Cashel Farmhouse Cheesemakers A BRAND new soft drink based on a 100-year old Italian family recipe launched this month. Since March 12, Holland & Barrett stores nationally are stocking the refreshing pick-me-up, Overhang, which has been developed over generations and taken to market by a father and son team from the UK. With refreshing flavours of orange, ginger and lime, along with a host of vitamins and botanicals, including milkthistle for the liver, raspberry leaf and ginger for the stomach, as well as burdock for the blood, it is a healthy and refreshing feel-good drink which can be enjoyed at any time of the day or night.

FOOD writer and broadcaster Lilly Higgins was the icing on the cake at a very special picnic recently in the National Botanic Gardens. She teamed up with some of Temple Street’s tiniest bakers to encourage the Irish public to take part in this year’s Great Irish Bake for Temple Street, proudly supported by Tesco Ireland. As Temple Street Ambassador for the Great Irish Bake, Lilly is urging people from all over Ireland to do something extra sweet for sick children by holding their own delicious fundraising bake sales at home, in school or at work on Friday, April 15. Lilly Higgins is pictured with Temple Street's tiniest bakers, Sophia Mulvany (5) and Luca Keogh (5). For more information, see www.templestreet.ie/greatirishbake.

ATTENDED by some 7,000 students in search of their dream job in the agricultural industry, the recent Agri Careers Fair held at the RDS, Dublin, was seen by banana importer Fyffes as the ideal showcase for its popular graduate management programme. Fyffes Sales & Marketing Manager, Emma HuntDuffy, and Managing Director, Gerry Cunningham, prepare to welcome some 7,000 students to the Fyffes stand at the Agri Careers Fair held at the RDS, Dublin.

ALLIED Bakeries, makers of some of NI’s best known bread brands, Kingsmill and Sunblest, announced their support of one of Northern Ireland’s most popular charities: SOS NI. The local charity provides the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland with night time support services, a food programme and a schools education and empowerment programme. Additionally, this month Allied Bakeries donated 3,000 extra pancakes to support the ‘Pancakes for Medics’ fundraising initiative, where large companies were challenged to hold Pancake Day events to raise funds for SOS NI medical services.

Elva O’Connor, Senior Brand Manager, Allied Bakeries, is pictured with SOS NI Chief Executive, Joe Hyland MBE, and SOS NI medic Noel McGimpsey in front of the yellow bus, synonymous with the charity.

RETAIL Technical Support Services (RTSS), has just opened new offices in Galway's Ballybrit Upper Industrial Estate.

Currently employing six staff at their Galway office, RTSS hope to create up to 10 new jobs in 2016 for sales and service staff.

The company, which was formed in 2010, supplies and services retail security electronic tagging systems nationally and are resellers and service providers of Tyco/Sensormatic EAS systems in Ireland. They also provide a full range of security solutions in CCTV, IP CCTV, alarm systems and access control. Pictured at the opening of the new RTSS Galway office in Ballybrit are Liam O’Coinne, Director, RTSS, and James McAvoy, Tyco Retail Solutions, UK. BURTON’S Biscuit Co. has appointed SHS Sales and Marketing Ireland to assume responsibility for the sale and distribution of its sweet and savoury biscuit portfolio in Ireland since March 1. Paul Brown, Burton’s Biscuit Co.’s Sales Director, said the appointment would provide a platform for accelerated growth of some of Ireland’s best-loved biscuit brands: “We’ll be working closely with SHS Sales and Marketing to maximise current opportunities and to identify areas for growth, boosting Ireland’s biscuits category as we seek to realise the full potential of Burton’s sweet and savoury biscuits portfolio.” Des McCullough, Sales Director of SHS Sales and Marketing Ireland, said that SHS were delighted to represent one of the biscuit category’s major players: “We’ll be focusing on driving distribution of some of Ireland’s most popular biscuit brands, which in turn will generate category growth.”

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