Retail News March 2018 by Retail News

Retail News MARCH 2018

Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

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

Contents News

Adverse Weather Snow Problem for Loyal Retailers THE convergence of the Beast From The East and Storm Emma brought most of the country to a standstill at the start of March, but our retailers deserve great credit for keeping their doors open. As conditions worsened right across the country and consumers were advised to stay indoors, retailers, wholesalers and suppliers battled the elements to ensure that consumers had access to essential groceries during the worst weather to hit this country since 1982. It’s not often that we get to pat ourselves on the back, but the sector should be very proud of its commitment to customers, even during the harshest of weather conditions. Our industry is not called Fast Moving for nothing, however. No sooner have we consigned Emma to the history books than there are more potential storms coming down the tracks, and not all of them weather related. This month, we report on the criticism of increased newspaper carriage charges (Page 2), an unexpected consequence of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill (Page 3), and the advent of the General Data Protection Regulation on May 25 (Page 16), ensuring that the readers of Retail News are kept up to date on the issues that matter. We also report on the future of retail technology from EuroCIS 2018 (Page 22), the SuperValu National Conference (Page 34) and Lidl’s launch of its new Kick Start programme for Irish suppliers (Page 42). Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director.

to make small lifestyle changes to improve their overall wellbeing.

Retailers slam increase in newspaper carriage charges.

British magazines could leave Ireland if PHAB goes ahead; AIBMS and Retail Excellence sign partnership deal.

Mixed reaction to voluntary food & drink marketing code.

Lidl named Ireland’s top retailer for CSR; Nestlé cuts 60 billion calories; Alcohol consumption falling in Ireland.

Daybreak Store of the Year revealed; Consumer spending rises for 12th month running.

Dunnes Stores on top of growing grocery market; Alltech craft brewing fair a great success.

Data Protection 16

May 25 sees the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) come into effect. Are you ready?

The majority of Coca-Cola HBC’s portfolio now consists of low or no sugar drinks, which will be exempt from the Government’s new tax on sugar sweetened soft drinks.

EuroCIS 2018 in Dusseldorf showcased the future of retail technology, from mobile solutions to self scanning, artificial intelligence and virtual reality. Centra, with the help of rugby legend Donncha O’Callaghan, has launched a new Live Well plan to encourage people

Brand owners are facing a challenge to meet increased demands for product data to support sales across all channels. GS1 Ireland’s Barcode Manager and the soon to be released GS1 Cloud can make the process much easier.

WaterWipes 32

WaterWipes has launched a new high profile advertising campaign.

SuperValu National Conference 34

SuperValu plans to open three new stores and create 210 jobs in 2018, as part of a €40m investment programme.

Lidl Kick Start 42

Lidl’s Kick Start programme is back, offering Irish food and drink suppliers the chance to have their product featured across their Irish store network this September.

IGBF Mid West Ball 44

The IGBF Mid West Region Ball raised €20,000 to help those in the grocery trade who have fallen on hard times.

Having an effective procedure in place for helping workers to deal with stress has a range of benefits, not just improved employee wellbeing.

Regulars & Reports

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Editorial & Sales Director: Kathleen Belton

kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie

14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.

Editor: John Walshe

johnwalshe@tarapublications.ie

Tel: 00353 1 6785165 Fax: 00353 1 6477127

Sales: Brian Clark

brian@tarapublications.ie

Web: www.retailnews.ie Email: kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie

Printed by: W&G Baird

GS1 Ireland

Published by: Tara Publishing Ltd,

Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen

2018 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Lucozade brand.

Focus on HR

Managing Director: Patrick Aylward

Graphics: Catherine Doyle

Centra Live Well 24

Fulfil has created its very own ‘no added sugar’ Fulfil Easter Egg.

Energy Drinks

EuroCIS 2018

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

Production: Ciara Conway

Soft Drinks

Retail News Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter

Fulfil

Subscription to Retail News: e95 plus VAT Email: ciara@tarapublications.ie Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Industry News

Retail Ireland:

Monthly Update

Drinks News

On The Vine

What’s New

Forecourt Focus: News

Shelf Life

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

News

Retailers Slam Increase in Carriage Charges A RETAILER organisation has called for a review of the news wholesale distribution industry, following an annual hike in newspaper Carriage Service Charges (CSC). The National Federation Of Retail Newsagents (NFRN) has criticised eM News Distribution for introducing an average 1.9% increase on delivery charges in Ireland, which takes effect from April 1, 2018. “For most retailers, it probably only amounts to a couple of quid a week, but it's the principle behind it,” said Brian Murphy, NFRN’s Head of News. “Carriage charges were set up nearly 100 years ago to make sure retailers in outlying areas got a supply. Retailers paid it as a donation to keep everyone trading. It has turned into a service charge that increases every year. Publishers should ideally pay for it as part of the price [of the product].” According to the NFRN, charges have increased by 25.85% over seven years, while criticism of the distribution service has also increased. The federation logged 87,819 complaints to its helpline service during the same period. Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA), described eM's service in Ireland as “infinitely better” than it was seven years ago. However, he said the association does not accept the concept of carriage charges: “We believe [the charge] should be built in to the price and part of the publisher's pricing structure. We don't pay a delivery charge on any other product we receive.” Distributors argue that regular business models do not support either fixed cover prices on newspapers and magazines, or publisher-recommended margins. A separate delivery charge is more transparent, they claim. There are two distributors in Ireland - eM News Distribution, owned by Menzies in the UK, and Newspread. Each handles specific, individual publications. “It's an absolute monopoly,” said Murphy. “If you want The Irish Times, you can only get it from one place. If you want to sell Coca-Cola, you can go to half a dozen warehouses with different prices, offers and terms. Newspapers are only a sell or return marketplace. These charges arrive without any consultation with retailers. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to work out they are only going to go up without consultation.” NFRN questioned the degree to which Menzies dictates the terms and conditions of eM News in the Irish market. “The management teams in eM News answer to the central office in Edinburgh. The overall signing of contracts is led by personnel in Edinburgh, not just locally,” said Murphy. John Cairns, from EM News Distribution, told Retail News that the market conditions in Ireland are considered independently to the UK. CSC reflect a model agreed upon by

wholesaler and retailers, added Cairns: “There are different service models, depending on the retailer: a five, six, seven-day model, and Sunday only.” Each retailer's average sales, across a sampled 13-week period, are also considered in calculating the charge. “There will be fluctuations in a customer's individual charges, so carriage service charges decrease for some retailers,” said Cairns. “A couple of years ago [the overall charge] was nearly 6%. Now it's under 2%.” eM News Distribution reviews CSC on an annual basis, “taking into account changes in the economic climate within the distribution sector”. This year's increases arrive at a time when sales of newspapers are falling. In the UK, Theresa May has announced a review into the future of the newspaper industry. “Publishers talk about the importance of having newspapers available in every corner of Ireland because it helps the spread of democracy,” said Jennings. “These are weasel words unless they back it up. The overall level of monies earned by some stores is paltry. In some cases, it is non-existent.” According to eM News, Carriage Service Charges are in compliance with the Code of Practice for the Press Industry (COPPI). NFRN criticised the organisation for not convening to address the issue of CSC. “Part of their duty is to make the industry fit and healthy and ensure that it survives,” said Murphy. “What are the industry stakeholders doing? The NFRN are frustrated with the lack of progress, meeting or reports. We're asking COPPI to meet to discuss the long-term future of the industry and discuss how the collective component parts can work together. Retailers are frustrated with the publisher

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News

British Magazines Could Leave Ireland if PHAB Goes Ahead

An increase in newspaper Carriage Service Charges by eM News has been heavily criticised by the NFRN. and wholesale agreements.” Vincent Jennings, who sits on the COPPI board, said that Competition Authority rules restrict the organisation from discussing CSC. “The Competition Authority has made it clear, there are no circumstances in which commercial matters can be discussed in a closed forum, open forum, a convened meeting or otherwise,” Jennings explained. “Only government bodies can regulate things like that. Carriage charges are a problem. Unfortunately, given the nature of our competition law, we cannot discuss them.” At NFRN's annual conference in Devon 2016, members voted overwhelmingly to back Brexit. At the time, then Chief Executive Paul Baxter said it was in response to increasing costs. Is Murphy optimistic that leaving the EU will halt carriage charge increases? “I'm not even sure of our position [on Brexit] at the moment,” he said. “What Brexit should do is increase competition and reduce the red tape required for trade. While [Brexit] appears not to be going in that direction, it should be less bureaucratic. We expect greater competition to exist in all of the markets, rather than to think we're out on a limb.” Murphy worries that unless the issue of Carriage Service Charges is addressed, it may be too late for newsagents. “Once you take away the margin, add carriage charge costs and staff costs, retailers are selling newspapers for no profit at all. News can't become a loss leader. Supermarkets might be able to do it for milk, but retailers can't stock news as a loss leader. News is on a steady decline, yet no one is looking at the options to turn it around. We fear that one day the light will be switched off and everybody will be going 'I told you so'.”

ONE unintended consequence of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill (PHAB) in its current format could be the removal of certain UK magazine titles from sale in Ireland. Some UK publishers believe that the advertising restrictions in the PHAB will disproportionately affect imported publications and will create a barrier to trade and to entry on the Irish market, and may possibly even contravene EU law on the free movement of goods and services. The UK-based Professional Publishers Association (PPA) told The Times newspaper that Ireland could become a “no-go” zone if advertising restrictions in the PHAB go ahead as planned. PPA Director, Owen Meredith revealed that it was unlikely that UK magazines would create an Ireland-specific product to comply with the Bill’s proposals as the Irish market was too small for many brands to justify specific alcohol advertising that complied with the bill.

AIBMS and Retail Excellence Sign Deal

AIB Merchant Services (AIBMS), Ireland’s largest payments solutions provider, have announced a three-year partnership with retail industry representative body, Retail Excellence. The agreement will see AIBMS become the exclusive payments partner to Retail Excellence and its members, over 1,800 leading retail companies who operate in the Irish market. Pictured at the announcement of The partnership will include the three year partnership between significant investment in the AIB Merchant Services and Retail AIBMS Retail Excellence Awards Excellence are (l-r): David Fitzgerald, programme that runs throughout the Sales and Commercial Director, year, with a national roadshow with AIBMS; Kevin Moran, VP, Strategic EchoChamber, culminating in the Alliances, First Data Europe; awards event in November 2018. Lorraine Higgins, Deputy CEO, Retail “We are delighted to partner Excellence; and David Fitzsimons, with AIBMS to strengthen our Chief Executive, Retail Excellence. offering to our members in delivering the most innovative payments solutions,” said David Fitzsimons, Chief Executive, Retail Excellence. “By partnering with AIBMS, we are able to support more retailers to be the very best and celebrate their success at the national awards in November.” David Fitzgerald, Sales and Commercial Director, AIBMS, commented, “AIBMS are proud of our new partnership with Retail Excellence and we look forward to combining our joint expertise in supporting the retail industry. We are committed to providing superior technology and service to the entire network of Retail Excellence members with a diverse range of award winning solutions which will help support and grow their businesses.” The national ‘Survive and Thrive in Retail’ roadshow runs from March 26t-29 in Dublin, Cork, Limerick, and Galway. Free tickets are available on EventBrite.ie. For more information on the AIBMS Retail Excellence Awards, see www.retailexcellence.ie.

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News Mixed Reaction to Voluntary Food & Drink Marketing Code THERE has been a very mixed reaction to the recently launched voluntary Codes of Practice for the advertising and marketing of food and non-alcoholic drinks. The purpose of the Codes, which have been agreed with the food industry, is to ensure that foods high in fat, salt and sugar (HSFF) are marketed in a responsible way. The Codes seek to ensure that children are not exposed to inappropriate marketing, advertising or sponsorship associated with these kinds of food and drink products, and that healthier food choices are actively promoted. The full Code of Practice for all non-broadcast media is here: http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/non-broadcastmedia-advertising-and-marketing-of-food-and-non-alcoholicbeverages-including-sponsorship-and-retail-productplacement-voluntary-codes-of-practice/ As well as the General Rules, there are additional rules relating to magazine media, both digital and print.

Additional Rules for Non-Broadcast Digital Media: 1. Where appropriate age-filters exist on websites and social media apps, marketing communications for HFSS foods are not permitted to target children under the age of 15. 2. Marketing Communications for HFSS food by means of e-mail and Short Message Service (SMS) shall not target children under the age of 15. 3. Marketing Communications for HFSS food by means of social media shall not target children under the age of 15. 4. Where Marketing Communications for HFSS food is permissible, it shall not exceed a maximum of 25% of total advertising space. 5. The websites of food businesses should not carry content that is designed to engage children under the age of 15 with HFSS food brands e.g. children’s area, videos, ‘webisodes’, branded education and interactive features Additional Rules for Print Media: 1. Marketing Communications for HFSS foods will only be carried in consumer publications where the adult readership is 75% or greater. A consumer publication or issue is taken to mean the complete edition published that day to include any supplements or advertising inserts. 2. Where Marketing Communications for HFSS food is permissible, it shall not, in ordinary circumstances, exceed a maximum of 25% of total advertising space. 3. HFSS food sponsorship of sports pages or sports supplements is not allowed. There is also a specific Code of Practice for sponsorship linked to HFSS Food, in addition to any relevant general rules for all codes. These restrictions will apply to sponsorship involving all HFSS food as determined by the code. The restrictions will not extend to corporate identities, trading names, or master brands. 1. The Voluntary Code of Practice for Food Marketing, Promotion and Sponsorship applies to all forms of commercial sponsorship of activities or events of any kind. 2. No sponsorship involving HFSS food will be permitted for any other setting dedicated to use by children of primary school age. 3. No sponsorship involving HFSS food will be permitted of events of particular appeal to children of primary school age.

4. Existing sponsorship contracts and agreements which otherwise would be in breach of the code will be permitted to continue until they expire. 5. Companies are encouraged to make their public internal sponsorship codes available to the body responsible for the governance of the Code upon request. 6. It is noted that these are considered to be basic requirements and companies are encouraged to move to nonHFSS sponsorship arrangements wherever possible. Food Drink Ireland (FDI), the Ibec group that represents the food sector, welcomed the publication of the Codes of Practice, with Paul Kelly, FDI Director, explaining that “Food and beverage companies are committed to responsible marketing and supporting the implementation of related recommendations in A Healthy Weight for Ireland: Obesity Policy and Action Plan 2016-2025. The focus now has to be on effective implementation.” Kelly called on the Minister to quickly bring together the key participants to develop the promised technical guidance document that advertisers, rights owners, media outlets and advertising practitioners now need to bring the Voluntary Codes of Practice to life. The Irish Heart Foundation, meanwhile, believe that the code is doomed to fail. Janis Morrissey, Head of Health Promotion, Information and Training with the Irish Heart Foundation (IHF) said: “The simple fact is that voluntary codes don’t work. This has been demonstrated many times in many countries, including a number of failed attempts in the UK, culminating with the Responsibility Deal and the advertising industry’s digital code, which been ineffective in regulating online junk food marketing to children in Ireland. The Department of Health’s own regulatory impact analysis of the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill also ruled out voluntary regulation. “Companies that sign up to voluntary codes are not obliged to meet their commitments and experience shows that those which don’t want to modify their behaviour continue to act as irresponsibly as before. Meanwhile, compliant firms are put at a competitive disadvantage, which is grossly unfair and can only be remedied through the legal level playing field of regulation.”

Retail News|March 2018|www.retailnews.ie|5

News Lidl Named Ireland’s Top Retailer for CSR LIDL has been named Ireland’s top retailer for Corporate Social Responsibility, according to RepTrak, and the retailer has announced new commitments aimed at reducing plastic waste. The company has set ambitious targets around increasing the amount of recycled materials used within its own-brand packaging, with a target of 50% by 2025. In addition, Lidl has pledged to a 20% reduction in plastic packaging by 2022 and 100% of own-brand packaging will be widely recyclable, reusable, refillable or renewable by 2025. To ensure that topics such as food waste also remain a priority, the supermarket’s plastic reduction strategy is centred on a progressive circular programme, aiming to drive demand for recycled materials. This will be achieved through a combination of specification changes, material substitution and market development. In the coming weeks, consumers can expect some changes in-store, which are a direct response to growing consumer demand for loose fruit and vegetables. Lidl are trialling the introduction of 11 additional loose options, which will bring their overall loose lines to approximately 25% of the range. Lidl will continue to test and trial the removal and adaptation of packaging and will closely monitor any impact this will have on food waste. “We are immensely proud to be the leading supermarket in Ireland for CSR, as demonstrated by RepTrak,” noted JP Scally, Managing Director of Lidl Ireland & Northern Ireland. “We have looked at plastic packaging in the context of our wider sustainability commitments and strongly believe that

Nestlé Cuts 60 Billion Calories THE amount of sugar in Nestlé’s UK and Irish products has been reduced by more than 2.6 billion teaspoons since 2015 thanks to an ongoing, intensive programme of innovation and reformulation. A new report from Nestlé reveals that more than 60 billion calories have also been removed from Nestlé UK & Ireland’s portfolio in the same time period. In Ireland, that represents some 156m teaspoons of sugar and 3.6 billion calories. Last March, Nestlé announced that it had pledged to cut sugar across its confectionery portfolio by 10% by the end of 2018 and has already hit a reduction of 7.4%. Elsewhere, Nestlé breakfast cereals is also working hard to reduce average sugar by 10% across its portfolio by the end of the year while Nestlé Waters has announced that San Pellegrino sparkling fruit based beverages will see a 40% reduction in sugar in the coming months. “Our work towards these achievements is actually as much about taste as it is about reducing sugar and calories,” said Stefano Agostini, CEO of Nestlé UK & Ireland. “It is not as simple as just removing sugar from a product, the skill is in making that product taste just as good or, ideally, better. We have an unrivalled research and development network across the globe that makes this possible.”

The Lidl Ireland CSR team celebrate the RepTrak award. our circular approach will deliver a viable long-term solution without compromising on our ability to deliver exceptional value to customers. We have listened to the feedback from our customers, who are requesting more recyclable packaging and less plastic. As the recently named Green Retailer of the Year at the Green Awards 2018, we want to lead the way for plastic reductions, as we have in other areas of our sustainability programme. We’re proud of our clear, ambitious targets for the reduction of plastic waste.” These commitments build on Lidl’s strong track record in sustainability. This year already, Lidl has achieved its zero waste to landfill target. The majority of Lidl’s waste is cardboard recycled into paper and packaging. Lidls plastic is also recycled and organic waste is turned into renewable energy through a process called anaerobic digestion. Lidl is making strong positive steps by eradicating microbeads from all cosmetic and household ranges.

Alcohol Consumption Falling in Ireland THE latest figures from the Revenue Commissioners reveal that alcohol consumption in Ireland declined by 1.4% in 2017. This continues a long-running trend of alcohol consumption falling in Ireland. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), alcohol consumption in Ireland has fallen by 25% since 2005. The figures have been welcomed by Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI), the representative body for drinks manufacturers and suppliers in Ireland. Patricia Callan, ABFI Director, called on the Government to make “reasonable amendments” to the labelling and advertising restrictions proposed in the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill at committee stage. The ABFI Director called on the Government to remove the requirement for a cancer warning label from the Bill. “No other country in the world has introduced mandatory cancer warnings on alcohol products. Therefore, it could represent a barrier to free trade. Additionally, such a measure would have a hugely negative impact on small producers, resulting in significant additional costs and logistical difficulties,“ she warned. On advertising, Callan said: “The Alcohol Bill contains measures that would severely restrict the content and placement of alcohol advertising, including a ban on all forms of a storyline in alcohol ads. These strict new rules, which are not proven to work, are being introduced even though the alcohol industry in Ireland already abides by extremely strict codes regulating how alcohol is advertised. We know that these codes work, given the ongoing fall in alcohol consumption. We are seeking an amendment to the Alcohol Bill to allow alcohol advertisements to include storylines.”

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News Daybreak Store of the Year Revealed DAYBREAK Dungarvan has been named Store of the Year at the annual Daybreak Store of the Year Awards, which took place recently in the Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny. Daybreak Dungarvan, located on Youghal Rd, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, is owned by Kevin Forde and employs 30 people. As well as scooping the top accolade Overall Store of the Year on the night, the store was also accredited with the Charity Merit Award for its outstanding achievement in raising over €7,000 for the Irish Heart Foundation, Daybreak’s charity partner in 2017. 15 retailers were shortlisted for the overall Daybreak Store of the Year Award, which focuses on four key areas: products & services, environment, Pictured are (l-r): Noel Keeley, Managing Director of Musgrave communications, and people. During the competition, Wholesale Partners; Kevin Forde, owner, Daybreak Dungarvan; stores were assessed against rigorous criteria, Helen Taylor, Paul Casey and Antoinnette Joyce from Daybreak including a series of mystery shopper audits on store Dungarvan; Peter Horwood-Barrett, Business Manager, Britvic standards. Ireland; and Paul Kerrigan, Musgrave MarketPlace Director. As well as the coveted overall Store of the Year accolade, other awards on the night focused on key in-store available in Ireland and verifies Daybreak Dungarvan’s categories and store layouts. The winners were: efficiency, performance and commitment to food safety. Speaking at the Daybreak Store of the Year awards • Best Availability Award: Daybreak Eyre Square, Galway ceremony, Thomas Morrison, Daybreak Head of Retail City. Sales, said, “I would like to congratulate Kevin Forde and • Best Wine Award: Daybreak Raven Terrace, Galway City. his hardworking team at Daybreak Dungarvan on this • Best Off-Licence Award: Daybreak Clerihan, Co. tremendous achievement. We are passionate about the Tipperary. Store of the Year awards, as they celebrate excellence in • Mystery Shopper Award: Daybreak Tractamotors, Dublin convenience retailing and highlight the great consumer 15. experience provided across the Daybreak network. The level • Best Food to Go & Hot Beverage Award: Daybreak of competition this year was remarkable and this award Clonliffe Road, Dublin 3. win is testament to the Dungarvan team’s huge effort and • Best Impulse Award: Daybreak Bailieborough, Co. Cavan. commitment to providing local people with high quality • Convenience Store of the Year: Daybreak Raven Terrace, service and goods.” Galway City. Daybreak Dungarvan Store owner Kevin Forde described • Forecourt of the Year: Daybreak Drumgoold, Co. Wexford. the Store of the Year Award as “a fantastic achievement” for the store: “I would like to personally thank each and every Adding to Daybreak Dungarvan’s phenomenal business one of our team members for their contribution in making success, the Dungarvan-based store was also recently Daybreak Dungarvan ‘Store of the Year’. This award win will awarded the highly prestigious Q Mark Emerald Standard. no doubt assist in fuelling our passion to provide the very The National Q Mark awards are widely recognised in best possible offering to our current and future customer Ireland’s food service industry as the Oscars of Business base.” Excellence. The Q Mark is the highest standard of food safety

Consumer Spending Rises for 12th Month Running VISA’S Irish Consumer Spending Index, which measures expenditure across all payment types (cash, cheques and electronic payments), signalled a +4.4% year-on-year expansion in household expenditure in February. The rate of growth was solid, albeit slower than the +5.4% increase seen in January. Spending has now increased on an annual basis throughout the past year, with the latest rise (+4.4%) broadly in line with the average seen since the series began in September 2014. Growth was also recorded across both Face-to-Face and eCommerce channels. Face-to-Face expenditure was

up +5.1% year-on-year, marking six months of expansion in spending on the high street. The increase was stronger than the series average, despite easing from that seen in January. ECommerce spending rose at a faster pace in February. Expenditure was up +3.3% year-on-year, following a +2.2% increase at the start of the year in January. This has been the fourth successive month to see a rise in eCommerce spending. On a sectoral basis, the strongest increase in expenditure was again seen in Household Goods at +11.4% year-on-year, while Food & Drink’s +5.8% growth was the fastest seen since April 2017. “February’s data underscores the confidence amongst the Irish public, with twelve consecutive months of growth in consumer spending,” noted Philip Konopik, Country Manager, Ireland, Visa.

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News Dunnes Stores On Top of Growing Grocery Market THE latest grocery market share figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland, for the Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend 12 weeks ending February 25, 2018, show continued 12 Weeks to 26 Fev 2017 12 Weeks to 25 Feb 2018 change** positive momentum among %* %* % Irish supermarkets, with Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 3.9 growth hitting 3.9%. Total Multiples 88.6% 88.8% 4.2 “Shoppers have spent an SuperValu 22.6% 22.0% 1.2 additional €96m on groceries Tesco 21.7% 22.3% 6.9 over the latest 12 weeks, Dunnes 22.8% 23.1% 5.0 compared to last year, and Lidl 10.6% 10.8% 5.9 two factors have led to this Aldi 10.9% 10.6% 1.3 growth,” explained David Other Outlets** 11.4% 11.2% 1.9 Berry, Director at Kantar Worldpanel. “First, shoppers *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers are choosing to buy slightly **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops more expensive items and this is reflected in continued placing it just 0.3 percentage points behind Tesco. SuperValu sales growth for brands. continues to build performance outside of its traditional base: Second, customers have picked up more items during their two areas that stand out are young families, where market weekly shop, with the cost of the average trip 60c more than share has increased by almost 2%, and Dublin, where sales this time last year.” have increased by 3.5%. Among the retailers, Dunnes remains in pole position, Lidl is the second strongest growing retailer, with an uplift capturing 23.1% of shoppers’ grocery spending. Growth in sales of 5.9%. An increase in shopper loyalty is behind this, remains strong at 5% but this has dipped from a high of 5.7% with shoppers returning to the store more frequently, resulting last period. Tesco actually leads the way in terms of growth in an extra 780,000 trips for Lidl this period compared with rates, with sales increasing by almost 7% and market share last year. Having previously reported a decline in sales, Aldi’s hitting 22.3%. “This time last year the retailer was facing a performance is back on track. Sales have increased by 1.3% number of store closures due to strike activity and its most and market share stands at 10.6% – just 0.2 percentage points recent performance is reflective of this,” noted Berry. “The behind Lidl. strongest performance for Tesco has been among younger Grocery market inflation stands at +0.1% for the 12-week shoppers, with share among the young family demographic period ending February 25, 2018. increasing from 26.5% last year to 29.3% this year.” For more information, see www.kantarworldpanel.com. SuperValu sits in third position with market share of 22%

Alltech Craft Brews Fair a Great Success AS the doors closed on a hugely successful three days of craft beer, cider and spirits at the Convention Centre Dublin, exhibitors at the Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair encouraged attendees to #AskForCraft when purchasing drinks all year round. The event, featuring over 60 exhibitors showcasing the best of Ireland’s craft drinks industry, was attended by more than 5,000 people over the weekend. On the opening night of the event, Gearoid Cahill, Head Judge, Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair, toasted the memory of founder, Dr Pearse Lyons saying, “We received some very sad news on opening night that our founder and dear friend, Pearse Lyons, had passed away surrounded by his family. Pearse was an outstanding champion for craft brewing and distilling in Ireland and internationally. Alltech Brews was his brainchild six years ago and he attended every event up until this year, mingling with exhibitors and visitors alike. He was incredibly proud to see the fair continue to grow and loved

to see new and innovative craft brewers and distillers emerge each year. It is now up to all of us to carry on his legacy into the future.” The Alltech Craft Brews & Food Fair celebrates the innovation, creativity and determination of the craft brewing and distilling sector. It has become the ‘go-to’ occasion for anyone with an interest in tasting, experimenting and meeting with the finest brewers and distillers from Ireland and overseas. Attendees at the event were encouraged to continue to support the ambitious inventors of quality craft products year round and to always #AskForCraft when buying alcoholic beverages. The 2018 winners of the Dublin Craft Beer and Cider Cups were announced, with the overall beer award goingto M63 Bulldog from the Fűtőház Sörfőzde brewery from Hungary, while the overall cider winner was Longueville Mór Cider from Longueville House in Cork. The Best in Ireland winner was Boyne Brewhouse’s Imperial Stout. For more, see www.alltechbrews.ie.

WHEN A BABY IS BORN , A PARENT IS BORN . Because your baby's skin is much more delicate than your own, it needs extra special care. Made in Ireland, only WaterWipes are made using water and a drop of fruit extract. That's what makes them the world's purest baby wipe, perfect for taking care of your baby's skin.

#Parentisborn

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Industry News

Aldi Launch Community Games Festivals FORMER Ireland, British & Irish Lions and Munster captain Paul O’Connell and Olympic Bronze Medalist Rob Heffernan were joined by children from Limerick Community Games in University of Limerick recently to launch this year’s Aldi Community Games festivals and to celebrate the new three-year deal which sees The University of Limerick become the new home for the Aldi Community Games Festivals 2018 to 2020. This year marks the second of a three-year sponsorship by Aldi Ireland to invest in and support the event for future generations, with more than 160,000 children across 575 communities expected to take part in over 200 scheduled regional events supported by 20,000 volunteers. The National Festivals will take place in the University of Limerick in May and August, and will bring together the regional champions in friendly competition across a wide range of sporting and cultural activities, individual and team sports. Pictured are (l-r): Rob Heffernan, Olympic Medallist, Rita Kirwan, Marketing Director, Aldi Ireland, Des Fitzgerald, President of University of Limerick, John Byrne, Aldi Community Games CEO, and Paul O’Connell, Aldi Brand Ambassador. For more information, see www.aldicommunitygames.ie.

Keelings Exhibit in Berlin KEELINGS was amongst over 3,000 exhibitors to display at the global Fruit Logistica exhibit in Berlin, which took place from February 7-9. In excess of 75,000 trade visitors attended over three days to view fresh produce companies from across the globe. Fruit Logistica invites organisations from the entire sector to convene to provide a complete picture of the latest innovations, products, and services at an international level. “Keelings has been attending Fruit Logistica for many years. It is a valuable event to us and allows us to meet with our current growers. Crucially, it also affords us the chance to meet new growers, and strengthen our international business relationships,” noted Sinead Breen, Marketing Manager, Keelings. “We also use it as an opportunity to discover the new advances that are constantly being unveiled in horticulture and fresh produce.”

Gala Gifts for Primary Schools KNOWN for communityfocused convenience retailing, Gala Retail is marking its milestone 20th year by giving back to the communities in which its stores operate. Its new initiative, ‘Gala Gifts for Schools’ will see the retail group giving away €20,000 to primary schools. One winning primary school will be awarded a €10,000 cash gift, with two runners-up schools benefitting from cash gifts of €5,000 each. Primary schools from across Ireland are invited to enter the competition by submitting a 30 second video, via the Gala website, telling Gala how their school would benefit from the prize money. Gala Gifts for Schools was officially launched by actress and presenter, Aoibhin Garrihy, who will also be part of the judging panel, alongside Editor of the Primary Times magazine, Marie O’Reilly. Aoibhin Garrihy is pictured with school children, Jake English and Lauren Keane to mark the launch of the Gala Gifts for Schools initiative. See www.gala.ie for more information.

Rustlers Scores with FAI Sponsorship RUSTLERS has raised brand awareness in Ireland to an all-time-high through a series of sales driving activities as part of its four-year deal with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI). As an Official Sponsor of the Republic of Ireland team and the title sponsor of Third Level Football competitions, Rustlers is proud to be supporting grassroots football tournaments. The support package for the recent Rustlers Collingwood Cup, one of the oldest trophies still being played for in Irish football, generated over one million opportunities to see the Rustlers brand. “We have a big opportunity to grow the Rustlers brand in Ireland, and through our partnership with the FAI we’re making significant progress in driving awareness and trial with our core target audience of 16-24 year olds,” noted Cian O’Donnell, Assistant Brand Manager for Rustlers Ireland, pictured with Irish Universities Chairman, Terry McAuley, presenting the Rustlers Collingwood Cup to University College Dublin. See www.rustlers-we-talk-football.com for more information.

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Industry News BIM To Increase Visibility of Women in Seafood Industry

BORD Iascaigh Mhara has launched a promotional campaign to profile the important role women play in Ireland’s seafood sector. The Irish seafood sector contributed €1.15 billion to Ireland’s GDP in 2017. However, women’s participation in the industry remains low. Just over one in ten (11.7%) employees in the fishing, forestry and agriculture sectors in Ireland is female. This is significantly lower than the EU average of 36.9%. BIM CEO, Jim O’Toole, emphasised the agency’s role in supporting and encouraging greater female participation in the sector: “BIM is assisting the Irish seafood sector to capitalise on the talents of women in the wider sector. In addition to training and mentorship, we are also working with women across the catching, aquaculture, processing and retail industries to develop a network to share information and ideas that will further progress and elevate their role. BIM’s promotional campaign tells the stories of talented women in a variety of roles, increasing the visibility of women in the sector and celebrating their contribution to this valuable industry.” BIM launched a campaign #Irelandswomeninseafood which includes a series of podcasts that tell the stories of a selection of women who work in the fisheries sector in Ireland. The stories will be available on www.bim.ie or @BordIascMhara.

Celtic Pure Ensure Their Legacy IRELAND’S largest independent water brand, Celtic Pure Water plan to roll out a €1.3m marketing and communications program over the next three years and following a pitch process, the company has appointed Legacy Consultants as lead agency.The award winning water brand, who produce 120m bottles per annum, grew by 30% in 2017 and now plan to expand their product offering as part of the new campaign. Legacy Consultants has devised their new #PureMoments communications campaign which launched last month and will highlight the moments that are resonating with families across Ireland. “Legacy Consultants bring with them a broad range of depth and experience at a senior level, which will contribute to the future development of our brand in the Irish market. We know and trust the team from working with them over the past few years and we are looking forward to building exciting plans with them over the next three years,” noted Padraig McEneaney, CEO, Celtic Pure, pictured with Bernard Brogan Commercial Director, Legacy Consultants.

Distribution Company Is All About Food LEADING sales and distribution company GM Marketing Ltd have spiced up their portfolio with a new partnership with All About Food, the innovative company who specialise in making restaurant brands famous in retail. This exciting new partnership will see GM Marketing distributing the Nando’s range of Peri-Peri sauces, rubs, salts and houmous to retailers across Ireland. Other brands within the All About Foods range include Pizza Express/Milano’s, Wahaca, Cranks and Red’s barbeque sauces, which GM will also distribute. “We are delighted to add All About Food to our portfolio. They are a real foodie company, so there is a great synergy between the two companies and they will complement the other foodie brands in our portfolio,” noted GM Marketing Managing Director Gerard McAdorey, pictured (centre) with Clair Horan, Senior Brand Account Manager, All About Food, and Matthew Davison, Senior National Account Manager, All About Food.

Tesco Ireland a Great Place to Work

Dealz Opens 63rd Irish Store DEALZ recently celebrated the opening of their 63rd store, in Nutgrove, Co. Dublin. The newly opened full store, at 6,130 square feet, located at Nutgrove Retail Park, Rathfarnham, will create 25 new jobs and is the retailer’s second store to open in this catchment area, with the retailer already operating a store in Nutgrove Shopping Centre. Dealz Country Manager, Darren Jones said, “We are delighted to be launching our second store in Nutgrove. Our first Irish store opened in Blanchardstown in 2011, and since then we have opened 62 stores in Ireland, with 15 of these opening in Dublin. This new store will include our new and exciting fashion brand Pep&Co, offering stylish and affordable fashion for all the family.” Pep&Co is a ‘shop-inshop’ fashion outlet, operating in 30 of its stores, creating over 120 Irish jobs.

TESCO Ireland has been awarded the coveted Great Place to Work accreditation. Certifying Tesco Ireland as one Ireland’s Best Workplaces, Great Place to Work commended Tesco on its culture, achieving its organisational objectives with employees who give their personal best and who work together as a team, in an environment of trust. “We’re really proud to have successfully achieved the Great Place to Work standard,” noted Geraldine Casey, People Director, Tesco Ireland (pictured). “We always put our colleagues first and we are delighted to see this recognised. We’re thrilled to now have a foundation from which to continue on a meaningful journey for our 13,000 colleagues across our business. From our exceptional graduate programme to senior management training programmes, our best investment is in our people.”

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Industry News Tesco Ireland achieves Origin Green Accreditation TESCO Ireland has become a verified member of Origin Green, the national sustainability programme, an initiative of Bord Bia. As an Origin Green verified member, Tesco has set out a sustainability plan that targets key operational, sourcing, health and nutrition and social responsibility targets in key areas. As a leading food retailer, Tesco is one of the biggest supporters of the Irish agricultural and food business sectors in the country, sourcing from over 480 Irish food and drink suppliers and supporting 13,000 Irish farm families. “We’re really proud to have successfully achieved the Origin Green verification,” said Andrew Yaxley, CEO, Tesco Ireland. “Being a sustainable business is very important to us, and we’re equally proud to be a good neighbour and support the communities we serve.” Andrew Yaxley is pictured with Tara McCarthy, CEO, Bord Bia.

Kerry Foods to Revolutionise Deli Counters KERRY Foods is delving into all things deli with the launch of its new website, deliexperts.ie. Launched specifically for the island of Ireland, the platform showcases Kerry Foods’ expertise in deli counters and allows retailers to capitalise on the deli opportunity and grow sales with leading brands. The website aims to offer retailers support to become deli experts and in turn, enjoy more shoppers as a result. Deliexperts.ie has a ‘rate your counter’ feature which involves a twominute test that ultimately rates retailers’ ‘deli expert level’, as well as providing tips to grow and progress to the next level. Those who want to explore the deli opportunity further can also ‘consult an expert’ by leaving their details on an online form on the website for a representative to contact them. Detailed descriptions and images of Kerry Foods’ deli products are also listed to provide inspiration on the best deli products to stock. Marian O’Higgins, Category Executive at Kerry Foods, comments: “With the grocery retail market becoming increasingly competitive, retailers must find a way to stand out from the crowd and we think the deli counter can be the perfect way for retailers to differentiate themselves.” Deli Experts is offering a bespoke deli retailer competition to celebrate its launch, with the chance to win a deli counter makeover and €500 worth of Kerry Foods stock at www.deliexperts.ie.

Ballygowan & Energise Sport Hydrating the Dubs BALLYGOWAN and Energise Sport, part of Britvic Ireland, have renewed their partnership with Dublin GAA to remain as the official hydration partners of Dublin GAA in a new three-year deal. The partnership will continue to see Ballygowan and Energise Sport support Dublin hurling and football teams across all age groups, including U21 and senior. “Dublin County Board is delighted to renew our partnership with Britvic Ireland’s Ballygowan and Energise Sport,” noted Tomás Quinn, Commercial & Marketing Manager, Dublin GAA. “Keeping players refreshed and hydrated is an integral part of achieving peak performance and we are delighted to be working with home grown Irish brands that are experts in hydration and performance.” Pictured at the announcement were (back row, l-r): Dublin senior footballer James McCarthy; Elaine McCague and Sian Young, Britvic Ireland; and Dublin senior hurler, Danny Sutcliffe, (front row, l-r): Dublin camogie player Hannah Hegarty and Dublin ladies footballer Lauren Magee.

Cooking Up a Storm for Manor Farm

CAVAN chef Adrian Martin was announced as a brand partner of Manor Farm as he hosted a unique cooking experience recently at Cooks Academy on South William Street, Dublin. Adrian’s recipes went down a treat with all attendees, including model and fitness enthusiast Jess Redden, World Champion Bodybuilder Jenni Murphy, Broadcaster and MD of The Communications Clinic, Anton Savage, CEO of Weightwatchers Ireland, Martina Sinclair, and Siun Clinch of The Healthy Spoon. “I’m delighted to team up with Manor Farm. It’s important for me to work with Irish produce and I feel there’s already a connection with Manor Farm as their production plant is in Shercock, not too far where I’m from,” noted Adrian, pictured (centre) with Vincent Carton, Managing Director of Manor Farm, and Justin Carton, Co-Owner and Projects Director at Manor Farm.

Subway Launches Super Competition RUGBY legends Tommy Bowe and Sean O'Brien are pictured at the launch of the Subway and Club Zero Orange 'Tasty Trip Down Under' competition. The competition gives two lucky rugby fans and their friends the chance to win a trip of a lifetime to Australia this June to watch the boys in green play Down Under. The duo took part in some unexpected lunchtime banter in a local Subway, assuming the role of live sports commentators, offering their unique ‘live action’ analysis of customers as they ordered their chosen Subs. The competition gives two lucky rugby fans and their friends the chance to win a trip of a lifetime to travel to Australia this June to watch the boys in green play in Australia. Customers can enter the competition by scanning their Subcard at participating Subway stores in Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland and answering an element of skill question online at subcard.subway.co.uk.

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Data Protection

Are You Ready for the GDPR? May 25 sees the General Data Protection Regulation come into effect. What will the GDPR mean for your business and are you ready to comply with it?

ON May 25, 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into effect across all EU member states. The GDPR provides one framework data protection law for Europe, representing a significant harmonisation of data protection requirements and standards across the EU. Having just one horizontal framework law to deal with will benefit business, promote responsibility when dealing with personal data, and help ensure that the same data protection standards apply across the EU. However, although a direct-effect European Union Regulation, the GDPR provides limited scope for EU Member States to implement further legislation to set national standards in some areas such as the processing of health data and criminal convictions, the digital age of consent and the circumstances in which an individual’s data protection rights can be restricted. Accordingly, it is important for all businesses and organisations to be aware that they will be required to comply with the data protection standards and obligations set out in both the GDPR and the Irish Data Protection Act 2018 (due to be published by the Government in early 2018). If you process personal data as part of your business, the GDPR applies to you. It is important to remember that: • Customer AND employee data is personal data; • Simply storing personal data electronically or in hardcopy constitutes ‘processing’ personal data.

The GDPR provides one framework data protection law for Europe, representing a significant harmonisation of data protection requirements and standards across the EU. Personal Data refers to information relating to a living individual who is, or can be, identified by that information, including data that can be combined with other information to identify an individual. This can be a very wide definition, depending on the circumstances, and can include data which relates to the identity, characteristics or behaviour of an individual or influences the way in which that individual is treated or evaluated. Key Steps to Compliance The key steps you need to take to ensure compliance with the GDPR

•

Identify what personal data you hold: this can be achieved by setting out the information listed in Article 30 of the GDPR or for smaller companies, a tailored process, such as the accompanying template that identifies details of personal data held. Conduct a risk assessment of the personal data you hold and your data processing activities (Article 24, Recital 75 and section titled “Risk based approach to being GDPR compliant”). Implement appropriate technical

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Data Protection Five Key Steps for Organisations Preparing for the GDPR

Personal Data refers to information relating to a living individual who is, or can be, identified by that information, including data that can be combined with other information to identify an individual.

•

• •

•

and organisational measures to ensure data (on digital and paper files) is stored securely. The security measures your business should put in place will depend on the type of personal data you hold and the risk to your customers and employees should your security measures be compromised (Article 32). Know the legal basis you rely on (consent? contract? legitimate interest? legal obligation?) to justify your processing of personal data (Articles 6 to 8). Ensure that you are only collecting the minimum amount of personal data necessary to conduct your business, that the data is accurate and kept no longer than is needed for the purpose for which it was collected (Article 5). Be transparent with your customers about the reasons for collecting their personal data, the specific uses it will be put to, and how long you need to keep their data on file (e.g. notices on your website or signs at points of sale) (Articles 12, 13 and 14). Establish whether or not the personal data you process falls under the category of special categories (sensitive) of personal data and, if it does, know what additional precautions you need to take (Article 9). Decide whether you will need to retain the services of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) (Article 37). Be able to facilitate requests from service-uses wishing to exercise their rights under the GDPR, including rights of access, rectification, erasure, withdrawal of consent, data portability and the right to object to automated processing (Articles 12 to 22). Where appropriate, have up-to-date policy/procedure documents that detail how your organisation is meeting its data protection obligations.

A Risk Based Approach When your organisation collects, stores or uses (i.e. processes) personal data, the

1. Senior Management Support Senior management support is key. This is critical in terms of ensuring buy-in to implement what needs to be done and to ensure that the appropriate budget and resources are applied to the GDPR project. When setting up your project you should consider: • What resources and budget you will need; • How you are going to divide up your programme, e.g. by themes; • Who will own actions and how they will be tracked; and • How and when to update and leverage senior management. 2. Project Management Implementing the GDPR cannot simply be the work of the compliance or privacy officer but rather must be a full cross-business project plan and a cross-functional task force within the organisation to get all elements of the GDPR readiness in place – legal, compliance, business units, IT, risk management. They all need to be at the table. 3. Know Yourself Know what data you have and where it is. Key considerations and questions to ask of your organisation should include: • Who are your data subjects? • Do you process sensitive personal data? • Do you collect data about children? • What grounds do you currently rely on to process personal data? • Do you make automated decisions? • Do you profile individuals? • Do you send data outside the EEA? • Do you have a breach notification process already? • Do you have a DPO already? • Do you know who processes data on your behalf? 4. Risk Based Approach Understand what risks you are willing to accept and which data assets are critical to compliance and to be prioritised. Your GDPR taskforce should continuously examine issues and processes such as legal issues, cybersecurity, application development, third party contracts, electronic marketing processes and should be looking beyond mere compliance to ensure that your organisation is building a solid reputation in terms of the handling of personal data that will engage and maintain the trust and confidence of customers and service users. When looking at risk for your organisation, it is useful to look at the risks or tangible harms to individuals that your organisation needs to safeguard against. These are usefully detailed in Recital 75 of the GDPR and include processing that could give rise to: • discrimination, • identity theft or fraud, • financial loss, • damage to the reputation, • loss of confidentiality of personal data protected by professional secrecy, • unauthorised reversal of pseudonymisation; or • any other significant economic or social disadvantage. 5. Gap Analysis Organisations should also undertake a gap analysis in terms of any processes you need to modify before the GDPR: for example, how you collect consent and do you need to initiate a new consent moment that meets the GDPR standard? The gap analysis should also identify if an organisation has legacy datasets they didn’t know they had, which will then provide an opportunity to make decisions about deleting data where no purpose for retention can be identified. For more informtaion, see www.gdprandyou.ie.

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Data Protection Guidance for Retailers issuing e-receipts THE Data Protection Commissioner (DPC) has carried out a series of audits in order to assess how organisations gather and process personal data in the course of providing electronic receipts (e-receipts) to customers. In a number of cases, it was found that e-mail addresses, gathered for the purpose of issuing e-receipts, were being used to subsequently issue marketing material. Following on from these audits, the DPC has produced the following guidance around the use of e-receipts to assist retailers adhere to best practice in this regard. The DPC is advising retailers that where an e-mail address is collected for the purpose of sending an e-receipt, the customer should not subsequently receive marketing e-mails unless the retailer had flagged, and the customer consented to, this additional purpose at the outset. Customers should be provided, at the point of collection of their e-mail address, with the means to “opt-out” from receiving marketing material. Retailers should have a means to electronically record whether a customer has agreed to receive marketing or not. In circumstances where the DPC is investigating an alleged breach of the rules on electronic marketing, the onus is on retailers to demonstrate that they had a subscriber's consent to send a marketing message. Where contact details have been obtained in the context of the sale of a product or service, these details may only be used for direct marketing by electronic mail if the following conditions are met: 1. The product or service you are marketing is of a kind similar to that which you sold to the customer at the time you obtained their contact details. 2. At the time you collected the details, you gave the customer the opportunity to object in an easy manner and without charge, to their use for marketing purposes. 3. Each time you send a marketing message, you give the customer the right to object to receipt of further messages. 4. The sale of the product or service occurred not more than twelve months prior to the sending of the electronic marketing communication or, where applicable, the contact details were used for the sending of an electronic marketing communication in that twelve-month period. Summary proceedings for an offence under S.I. 336 of 2011, may be brought and prosecuted by the Commissioner. Each unsolicited marketing email can attract a fine of up to €5,000 on summary conviction. If convicted on indictment, the fines range from €50,000 for a natural person to €250,000 if the offender is a corporate body. Finally, where email addresses are gathered solely for the purpose of providing e-receipts, retailers should draw up a retention period for the retention and deletion of these e-mail addresses.

individuals whose data you are processing may be exposed to risks. It is important that organisations which process personal data take steps to ensure that the data is handled legally, securely, efficiently and effectively in order to deliver the best possible care. The risk-profile of the personal data your organisation processes should be determined according to the personal data processing operations carried out, the complexity and scale of data processing, the sensitivity of the data processed and the protection required for the data being processed. For example, where a data processing activity is particularly complex, or where a large volume or sensitive data is involved (i.e. an internet, health, financial or insurance company), this would attract a higher risk rating than routine personal data that relates solely to employee or customer account details. When looking at the risk profile of the personal data your organisation processes, it is useful to look at the tangible harms to individuals that your organisation needs to safeguard against. These are detailed in Recital 75 of the GDPR and include processing that could give rise to: discrimination, identity theft or fraud, financial loss, damage to the reputation, loss of confidentiality of personal data protected by professional secrecy, unauthorised reversal of pseudonymisation; or any other significant economic or social disadvantage. Conducting a risk-assessment will improve awareness in your organisation of the potential future data protection issues associated with a project. This will in turn help to improve the design of your project and enhance your communication about data privacy risks with relevant stakeholders. The GDPR provides for two crucial concepts for future project planning: Data Protection By Design and Data Protection By Default. While long recommended as

good practice, both of these principles are enshrined in law under the GDPR (Article 25). Data Protection by design means embedding data privacy features and data privacy enhancing technologies directly into the design of projects at an early stage. This will help to ensure better and more cost-effective protection for individual data privacy. Data Protection by default means that the user service settings (e.g. no automatic opt-ins on customer account pages) must be automatically data protection friendly, and that only data which is necessary for each specific purpose of the processing should be gathered at all. Data Protection Impact Assessment Under the GDPR, a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) will be a mandatory pre-processing requirement where the envisaged project/ initiative/service involves data processing which “is likely to effect in a high risk to the rights and freedoms of natural persons.” This is particularly relevant when a new data processing technology is being introduced in your organisation. In cases where it is not clear whether a DPIA is strictly mandatory, carrying out a DPIA is still best practice and a very useful tool to help data controllers demonstrate their compliance with data protection law. DPIAs are scalable and can take different forms, but the GDPR sets out the basic requirement of an effective DPIA. Guidance on conducting DPIAs can be found on www.GDPRandYOU.ie. Maintaining a data protection risk register can allow you to identify and mitigate against data protection risks, as well as demonstrate compliance in the event of a regulatory investigation or audit. GDPR readiness checklists are available online at GDPRandYOU.ie for you to download and edit according to your own organisation’s information.

Choose no sugar, Choose better value The Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tax on sugar-sweetened soft drinks will come into effect from 6th April in the Republic of Ireland. As a direct result of this tax, the price per litre of Coca-Cola Classic and some of our energy drinks will increase from that date. However, low/no sugar options are not affected by the sugar-sweetened drinks tax.

By April 2018, more than 60% of our sales volume will be of products containing less than 5g of sugar per 100g

TAX EXEMPT

TAX APPLICABLE

Contact your local Coca-Cola Market HBC Developer or Customer Services on 1-890-262-226 for further details.

KNOW THE FACTS ABOUT THE SOFT DRINKS TAX.

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Soft Drinks

Coca-Cola Leads the Way on Reformulation The majority of Coca-Cola HBC’s portfolio now consists of low or no sugar drinks, which will be exempt from the Government’s new tax on sugar sweetened soft drinks. Coca Cola’s reformulation programme continues, responding to the changing needs of consumers. THE Government’s new tax on sugarsweetened soft drinks will come into effect on April 6, 2018, and thanks to Coca-Cola’s extensive reformulation of its drinks over the past two years, the majority of Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland’s portfolio is exempt from the new tax. Across the island of Ireland, CocaCola HBC sells more low and no-sugar beverages than any other company. It also has the fastest growing non-sugar soft drinks portfolio in the market, driven by Coca-Cola Zero and Fanta Zero (Source: Nielsen IOI Total Value Sales Low Cal/Zero SSD ex mixers December 2017 MAT). This has been achieved through extensive reformulation of its portfolio to reduce sugar while retaining the same great taste. The company is also delivering against its commitment to increase availability and demand for its ‘zero’ sugar options. Since 2010, Coca-Cola has reduced sugar across its portfolio on the island of Ireland by approximately 13% and currently more than 60% of the sales volume of its products contain less than 5g sugar/ 100ml. This work is part of ongoing efforts across the globe to respond to consumer needs and will also help to reduce the impact of the new government tax on sugar-sweetened drinks on retailers and consumers alike. Managing the Sugar Intake “We know that our consumers want to manage their sugar intake and this has driven our approach to reformulation

No sugar options in the Coca-Cola range, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke are not affected by the sugar-sweetened drinks tax. and new product development,” explains Matthieu Seguin, General Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland. “We have consistently diversified our portfolio and reduced the sugar across our range, introducing great tasting zero sugar options. “The majority of the drinks we sell are now lower in sugar - except for the much-loved Coca-Cola Classic and some of our energy drinks and mixers, which remain unchanged,” he continues.

“In line with our ongoing ‘Hero Zero’ marketing strategy, we will also offer greater value and choice across our ‘zero sugar’ options, which are exempt from the Government’s new tax on sugar-sweetened soft drinks.” Across the Portfolio While the recipe for much-loved CocaCola Classic will remain unchanged and will be subject to the new tax, no sugar options in the Coca-Cola range; Coca-

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Soft Drinks As the core Schweppes range continues to deliver growth in the category, all key variants will be reformulated to reduce sugar to less than 5g sugar per 100ml. The new lower sugar recipes for Tonic, Bitter Lemon, Elderflower, and Ginger Ale will ensure that they will be tax exempt, and affordable, across 1 litre (PET) bottles, 150ml cans and the new 4 x 200ml glass packs.

Sprite, which is already a mid-calorie drink, will move to zero sugar in Q1 2018. Cola Zero Sugar and Diet Coke are not affected by the sugar-sweetened drinks tax. The no sugar colas currently make up more than 43% of all cola sales for the company. The company’s sparkling flavour range, including Fanta and Sprite, will also be tax exempt. Following initial reformulation of Fanta Orange in 2017, it will undergo further sugar reduction ahead of April 2018 to bring the sugar content below 5g per 100ml. Furthermore Sprite, which is already a mid-calorie drink, will move to zero sugar in Q1 2018.

Matthieu Seguin, General Manager, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland. Other changes include a move to fully zero sugar recipes for Coca-Cola Zero Cherry and Coca-Cola Zero Vanilla, and the Oasis range is now low in sugar and calories. In 2018, all flavour extensions for Coca-Cola, Fanta and Sprite will be zero sugar variants, continuing the drive to encourage more consumers to try zero sugar variants, while having a great tasting range of drinks to choose from.

“ Following initial reformulation of Fanta Orange in 2017, it will undergo further sugar reduction ahead of April 2018 to bring the sugar content below 5g per 100ml.

The majority of the drinks we sell are now lower in sugar - except for the much-loved Coca-Cola Classic and some of our energy drinks and mixers, which remain unchanged.

”

The Energy Range The business’ energy portfolio has also changed to ensure continued growth in the expanding zero segment. CocaCola HBC is the leader in lights for the energy category, with Monster Ultra driving the growth of the ‘zero sugar energy’ category overall (Source: Nielsen IOI Total Value Monster Ultra is Sales Low Cal/ driving the growth Zero Energy of the ‘zero sugar Category December 2017 energy’ category. MAT). This will continue into 2018 with an extension of the zero offerings across the Monster range. This focus on reformulation and growth of ‘zero’ offerings has contributed to an overall 5% sugar reduction across their portfolio in the last year alone across the island of Ireland. Drinks available in the grocery channel which will be subject to the new tax include Coca-Cola Classic, Monster Original, Monster Ripper, Monster Rossi (The Doctor Edition) and BPM. New Coca-Cola Pack Line-Up Ahead of the introduction of this new sugar tax, the company will introduce a new pack line-up for the CocaCola range to ensure that consumers continue to have clear and simple choices when it comes to choosing the drinks they want to buy. Coca-Cola Classic will be available in smaller, more convenient pack sizes, while greater value will be offered across the no sugar cola range, which is tax exempt. The new recommended sale prices (RSP) will reflect the spirit of the government’s sugar sweetened drinks tax, with the tax applied in line with the defined rates for drinks with greater than 5g sugar per 100ml, and drinks with more than 8g of sugar per 100ml. However, as always, the on-shelf price of Coca-Cola products is at the discretion of the company’s retail and wholesale partners.

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EuroCIS 2018

Star Tech!

EuroCIS 2018 in Dusseldorf showcased the future of retail technology, from mobile solutions to self scanning, artificial intelligence and virtual reality, as well as the presentation of the Retail Technology Awards Europe.

ONE of the biggest and most important trade fairs for retail technology, EuroCIS 2018 saw 470 companies from 29 different countries showcasing some of the technologies and innovations likely to shape the industry going forward, attracting 12,000 visitors to Dusseldorf from February 28 to March 1. “We are very pleased to note that EuroCIS managed to continue its success story,” said a highly satisfied Hans Werner Reinhard, Managing Director at Messe Düsseldorf, who went on to say: “Especially over the past 10 years or so, EuroCIS has developed into what is the leading trade fair for retail technology in Europe. The current dynamic developments in technology, both in physical and e-Commerce, and retailers’ resulting investment provide us with tailwinds for EuroCIS.” Reinhard highlighted the growing international attendance, which saw half of the trade visitors hailing from outside Germany, covering 89 different countries. Alongside “perennial topics” such

as check-out systems or POS soft and hardware, for example, new themes also dominated EuroCIS 2018. These included first and foremost, solutions in the area of the Internet of Things, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality, as well as robotics and Artificial Intelligence.

Technology Pervades All of Retail “EuroCIS 2018 has illustrated very clearly that information technology has undeniably become a decisive success factor for retail,” explained Michael Gerling, General Manager of EHI Retail Institute. “It enables innovative business

At the Omnichannel Forum, experts shared practical tips for getting your company into shape for all channels and seamless networking (photo: Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann).

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EuroCIS 2018 included: the ability to scan and pay for goods by App, leaving the store without any check-out operation; creating an individual body profile and calculating the ideal clothing size with practically any smartphone; an in-store analytics solution which measures in real time how shoppers move in the store and which products they interact with. As well as the main exhibition, the EuroCIS Forum and the Omnichannel Forum were very well attended on all three days. With case studies and user reports presented in German and English, the two forums proved of direct practical relevance. On top of this, the Guided Innovation Tours of EuroCIS were all fully booked.

Robotics featured strongly throughout EuroCIS (photo: Messe Düsseldorf/ ctillmann). models and opens up new opportunities for targeting shoppers.” Gerling highlights that every retail department is affected by dramatic changes in structure and processes, which is reflected by the visitors’ profile at this trade fair. “EuroCIS is increasingly becoming a trade fair that is visited not only by IT and security technology decision-makers. Employees responsible for marketing and distribution, for expansion and store design or for sourcing and logistics are also increasingly using EuroCIS to prepare investment decisions,” Gerling revealed. Meeting with great approval was the inaugural Start-Up Hub, which saw 12 newcomers providing evidence that they are breathing new life into the retail technology world. Presentations

Retail Technology Awards Europe EuroCIS also saw the presentation of the Retail Technology Awards Europe for the 11th year running, where three prize winners were honoured in the following categories: Best Customer Experience, Best Enterprise Solution, Best Instore Solution and Best Omnichannel Solution. Best Customer Experience Category This award goes to retailers who have introduced future-focused methods and technology to raise customer loyalty and satisfaction. The winners are: Halfords, for supporting its sales employees with a new POS solution that raises flexibility; grocery chain Isargärten, which is reducing queuing time at its checkouts with a new, mobile self-scanning system; MediaMarktSaturn, which is giving its customers a preview of how shopping will look in the future via the virtual avatar, Paula, who takes customers on an augmented reality tour of the store, showing them where products are and explaining how they work, and providing additional information and animations.

Best Enterprise Solution Category This category rewards retailers who have raised efficiency by developing and implementing innovative systems and technologies, either internally or in collaboration with other companies. The winners are: Turkish Aydınlı Group, which analysed its customers’ buying behaviour and from there developed a customerbased communications and campaign model containing 17 campaign algorithms for the different Exhibitors at EuroCIS 2018 included 470 companies customer segments; from 29 countries (photo: Messe Düsseldorf/ Austrian food retailer Billa, ctillmann).

12,000 visitors attended over the three days (photo: Messe Düsseldorf/ ctillmann). which provides corporate information to its sales staff all over the country through a user-friendly app developed in-house; German food retailer Edeka, which supplies its sales people with information on new products from startups via its Foodstarter platform. Best Instore Solution Category This award goes to retailers who through the use of technology at the point of sale have achieved demonstrable operational added value. The winners are: dm-drogerie markt, which provides all its store employees with their own smartphone, making it an integral part of the merchandise management system of each outlet; Edeka, for making shopping more transparent via a digital traceability solution at its fresh food counters; Marks & Spencer, which supplies its employees with laptops to give them convenient access to information about products, prices, sales promotions and inventory levels. Best Omnichannel Solution Category This award goes to retailers who have modernised their IT infrastructure and linked their online and offline environments. The winners are: Boggi Milano, which has put its entire e-commerce business on the cloud and now offers its customers click & collect, in-store reservation and ordering services, including delivery to another store or direct to the customer's home; duo schreib & spiel, which has broken down the barriers between bricksand-mortar business, e-commerce and mobile commerce with its new omnichannel concept, including a new lighting concept, electronic price labels, self-checkouts and drop shipping; Kind Hörgeräte from Großburgwedel, which has introduced an end-to-end omnichannel solution that covers the entire customer journey. The next EuroCIS will be held in Düsseldorf from February 19-21, 2019. For more information, see www.eurocis-tradefair.com.

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

Centra Live Well

Centra Helping Ireland to Live Well Centra, with the help of rugby legend Donncha O’Callaghan, has launched its Live Well plan to encourage people to make small lifestyle changes to improve their overall wellbeing. RUGBY legend Donncha O’Callaghan was announced recently as the new ambassador for Centra’s healthy living initiative, Live Well. The Live Well plan encourages people to make simple changes to their lifestyle, aiming to make healthy living as easy as possible. Centra are encouraging people to live well, while still making the most of every day. Live Well is a complete wellbeing plan for a happier healthier you; it’s not about calorie counting, weigh-ins or a restrictive regime. It’s a simple to follow plan that can fit into any lifestyle; it can be done anywhere with no equipment needed, all ages and abilities are catered for and best of all, it’s free. There are a variety of plans, depending on ability, all of which include weekly tips and goals, exercise plans, healthy recipes and daily step challenges. Each 12-week plan was devised by fitness expert Pat Divilly with the help of Donncha O’Callaghan, and is free to sign-up to on www. centra.ie/live-well. Speaking at the launch, Centra’s new Live Well ambassador Donncha O’ Callaghan said, “We all lead hectic lives! The beauty of the Live Well plan is that it’s tailored to help you make simple changes to your everyday routines to help you get the most out of life; it’s nothing too complex or preachy. The plans include everything you need for a healthy lifestyle so living well couldn’t be easier.” The Live Well plan is about making small changes that improve your overall wellbeing and leave you feeling happier and healthier. For more information, go to www.centra.ie/livewell.

Pictured are (l-r): Martin Kelleher, Centra Managing Director; Donncha O’Callaghan; Des O’Mahony, Interim Centra Marketing Director; and Ian Allen, Centra Sales Director. Why Live Well? Ireland is on track to become the most obese nation in Europe by 2025 (WHO). Conversely, awareness of the importance of living healthily has never been higher. Research conducted by Centra shows that 83% of interviewees don’t use a gym, with time the key barrier, it was clear that consumers were increasingly timestrapped. Centra was well-placed to offer simple and convenient health plans to consumers to help them live a healthier life.

Centra launched their Live Well programme in 2015. The essence of the programme is about helping people make a healthier choice when they are on-the-go, with a real focus on overall nutrition and balanced, healthy eating. Live Well focuses on three key areas: • Offering customers healthy and nutritious choices in Centra stores; • Educate, inspire and ultimately encourage shoppers to make that healthier choice; • Encouraging people to add activity to their daily routine.

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Centra Live Well continue to be rolled out in stores to ensure healthy options when on the go. Throughout 2016 and 2017, Centra shoppers saw the introduction of health and wellness product offerings in-store – items such as free from ranges, gluten free, and dairy alternatives.

Irish rugby legend, Donncha O’Callaghan, was recently announced as Centra’s new Live Well ambassador. Donncha O’Callaghan will be encouraging people to make simple changes to their lifestyle to make healthy living as easy as possible. In 2017, Centra committed to ensuring 25% of handbill offers were health focused. In 2018, this will increase to a third. Healthy ranges

A Healthier Product Offering Since repositioning the Centra brand in 2016, the company has adopted a healthier, more innovative product offering and Centra’s Live Well plans include weekly tips and goals, reshaped the inexercise plans, healthy recipes and daily step challenges. store experience to encourage shoppers The 12-week plans are simple to follow and can fit into any lifestyle: sign up for free on Centra.ie. to opt for healthier choices. In the past with a healthier, more innovative offer. year alone, sales of its Grab & Go Centra remains committed to promoting healthy sandwich range rose sharply a healthier lifestyle through food and by 24%; impulse water purchases were fitness. also up 10% on the previous year; and In 2017, Centra, with the help of sales of salad boxes rose to almost health and wellness expert Pat Divilly, €2m. developed 21 day challenges that ran Centra is about moderation: they throughout the year as part of Centra’s want to redefine everyday convenience Live Well programme. The challenges retailing in Ireland by providing shoppers encouraged people to live well each

month, with exercise and healthy living plans. Throughout 2017, over 23,000 people signed up to the Live Well programme on www.centra.ie/livewell.

Donncha O’Callaghan, Grace Mongey (Faces by Grace) and Wexford Hurler Lee Chin helped launch Centra’s healthy living initiative and will be taking on the Live Well plan throughout 2017. Track their progress online and sign up on Centra.ie.

Creating Ireland’s Largest Online Health Community In 2018, Centra are keen to drive the Live Well programme further with the ambition of creating Ireland’s largest online health community through their Live Well plan, led by Donncha O’Callaghan. Live Well isn’t preachy or pushy, it mirrors Centras tone of voice to encourage and support. Supporting Centra’s convenient position, the Live Well plan motivates time strapped customers to get active through quick and simple exercises that require no equipment and are accessible to all ages. Recipes are kept simple, using store cupboard ingredients. Centra is demonstrating its commitment to helping make a healthier Ireland through Live Well. It is a long term sustained initiative that will continue into 2018 and beyond.

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

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update RETAIL IRELAND URGES GOVERNMENT TO TACKLE RISING INSURANCE COSTS RETAIL Ireland recently launched a new policy paper entitled ‘Tackling Rising Insurance Costs’. The paper highlights the growing concern amongst retailers that Employer and Public Liability insurance costs are adding an unnecessary burden and limiting the sector’s ability to grow, create jobs and deliver value and choice to Irish consumers. Retail Ireland believes government action is needed to address the threat to the sector's competitiveness posed by our personal injuries regime, if we are to maintain retail’s key economic and social role in Irish society. Retail Ireland and its members are calling on Government to prioritise the: • Full implementation of the recommendations made by the

• •

Cost of Insurance Working Group’s Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance and Employer and Public Liability Insurance; Provide additional funding and resources to see the implementation of these recommendations; Ministerial sponsorship of required changes and all of government support for reform.

On average, retailers estimate that for every €1 allocated to an insurance claim, the business must make €100 in sales to recoup this outlay. To alleviate rising insurance costs, retailers are actively investing in risk mitigation strategies to improve health and safety standards, reduce incidents and limit the cost of claims. Despite tireless work and substantial investment, retailers’ efforts have been undermined by our inefficient personal injuries regime. Rising business costs and increasing insurance premiums have now become a survival and competitiveness issue for many traditional Irish retailers.

Q4 Results Highlight Rise in Online Shopping SALES values grew by 4.5% in the fourth quarter of 2017, and sales volumes were 7.7% higher compared to the same period in 2016. In the full year to the end of 2017, sales values were 3.9% higher compared to 2016’s growth of 2.4%. Upon review, 2017 was notable for a rapid increase in online shopping by Irish consumers. This is reflected in the growing disconnect between increasing consumer disposable income and the unspectacular performance of a range of retail categories over the Christmas trading period. Also noteworthy is the fact that sales in December fell by 0.7% when compared to those in November, highlighting the growing importance of promotional events such as Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which are now actively displacing consumer spending from later in the Christmas season.

Department Stores: The decrease in total sales value of 4.7% for the month of December, compared to the previous month, demonstrates how important Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become, and how they continue to distort the Christmas trading period. A full week’s shopping before Christmas Day meant sales within Department stores arrived later in the month, leading to a very strong final week before Christmas.

Key retail trends set out in the Retail Ireland Monitor include:

Furniture, Lighting and Homeware Stores: Furniture and home accessories has been one of the best performing retail categories throughout 2017 and this continued in the last quarter of the year. In Q4, this category grew by 8.8% in value terms and total sales volume increased by 13.6% compared to the same quarter in 2016.

Supermarkets and Convenience Stores: December showed solid growth over 2016, with the multiples collectively holding their own against discounters, but only through very aggressive price discounting, particularly in beverage lines.

Pharmacies: Beauty related categories performed well in November but slowed in December, as volume fell 1% compared to the previous month. This highlights the growing importance of Black Friday in the health & beauty market.

Plan for your Future with a Degree in Retail Management Practice COMMENCING this September in Dublin, the Degree in Retail Management Practice is a work-based learning degree suitable to retail employees at a supervisory or managerial level. Designed for retailers by retailers, the degree is delivered on average two days per month, and there are no classes in December or January. This is a debt free Degree. Skillnets, through funding from the National Training Fund, provides 50% of the funding for the candidates and learners only pay €1,500 per year. The programme will provide learners with the practical skills, knowledge and competence required to manage successfully in a rapidly changing retail environment. Modules included HR

Management, Business Organisation and Management, Financial Accounting in Retail, Buyer Behaviour and Retail Marketing. The degree centres on developing learners into professional retail managers, an integral part of this is action learning within the learner’s own workplace; enhancing the use of specialist knowledge in practice and recognising the reciprocal relationship between management theory and professional practice. If you would like to find out more about Retail Ireland Skillnet programmes, please call 074 917 6853 or email info@retailirelandskillnet.com.

Tel: 01-6051558 www.retailireland.ie Need more? For more information about what we do and how your retail business can benefit from our unique services and supports, please visit us at www.retailireland.ie.

Retail News|March 2018|www.retailnews.ie|27

Fulfil

Fulfil Revolutionises the Easter Egg Fulfil has created its very own ‘no added sugar’ Fulfil Easter Egg. FULFIL, Ireland’s fastest growing snack brand, has innovated once again with the creation of a new seasonal offering for its loyal customers this Easter. Following the runaway success of its Christmas selection boxes, Fulfil spotted a gap in the Easter market and has created its very own, no added sugar Fulfil Easter Egg. As always, this new innovation has been driven by customer feedback and developed by Fulfil’s in-house team. At the Fulfil Flavour Lab, The new Fulfil Easter Egg has only 8g of sugar per 100g, customers expressed and includes two Peanut & Caramel Fulfil bars and their desire for a comes with an RRP of €11.99. healthier alternative at Easter time. The all encased in delicious milk chocolate. new Fulfil Easter Egg Each bar has just 1.8g of sugar, with has only 8g of sugar per 100g, which 20g of protein and 100% RDA of nine is considerably lower than most other multivitamins. Easter eggs on the market. Included in This latest seasonal product in the the box with each egg are two Peanut & Fulfil range ensures that even the most Caramel Fulfil bars. The bars contain a health conscious of consumers won't rich peanut centre surrounded by a layer miss out this Easter. Fulfil’s delicious, of caramel mixed with crunchy crispies,

low sugar egg will satisfy even the sweetest tooth! The Fulfil Easter Egg pack is on sale in most leading retailers for RRP €11.99. Fulfil Multipack Another recent launch from Fulfil is the Fulfil multipack, which is available in three popular flavours: Peanut & Caramel, White Chocolate & Cookie Dough, and Chocolate Caramel & Cookie Dough. The launch of the multipack was another result of customer-led insight from the Fulfil Flavour Labs. Several new multipack flavours will be introduced in Q2 of 2018, again based on customer feedback. The Fulfil multipack retails at RRP €6.49. Fulfil’s exciting range of high protein and low sugar bars has been a nationwide hit with busy, healthconscious consumers: since the brand launched just over two years ago, it has gone on to become Ireland’s number one protein bar. It sold almost 15m protein bars in 2017, more than any other brand. Aimed squarely at the mass market, Fulfil seeks to replace the high sugar chocolate bar as a healthier option for snacking. While its protein bars remain at the core of Fulfil’s portfolio, the brand has continued to drive innovation in its product offering, with a focus on seasonality, multipacks and limited edition products.

The Fulfil multipack of three protein bars is available in three popular flavours: Chocolate Caramel & Cookie Dough, White Chocolate & Cookie Dough and Peanut & Caramel.

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

Energy Drinks

Give Your Sales a Lucozade Lift! 2018 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the Lucozade brand. THERE’S no doubt that energy and sports drinks brands will already be a core part of your chiller cabinet, but did you know that the Lucozade Energy has 38% share of the impulse energy category, is worth €29.2m and it is the number two impulse soft drink brand in Ireland? Lucozade Sport is also the number one sports drinks brand, worth €15.3m (figures sourced from Nielsen total Scantrack, February 25, 2018). It’s vital that the best-selling SKUs, Lucozade Original and Lucozade Orange and Lucozade Sport, are well stocked alongside Lucozade Zero, which is the perfect sugar free solution to tempt your sugar-conscious shoppers, now available in Orange, Pink Lemonade and Original flavours. Reformulation 2018 is shaping up to be a very exciting year for the Lucozade brand. Thanks to Lucozade Ribena Suntory’s on-going reformulation efforts to meet consumer demand for lower-calorie, great tasting drinks, all Lucozade Energy drinks will contain less than 5g of total sugar per 100ml by April 2018. This means all of the Lucozade Energy and Lucozade Sport brand will be entirely free from the

Sugar-Sweetened Drinks Tax, meaning no change from a retailer perspective with regard to the introduction of the tax in April. Tomb Raider 2018 will also see the launch of a new campaign for Lucozade Energy, with significant investment behind the campaign. Lucozade Energy starts 2018 with an exciting new partnership with Tomb Raider, nearly 20 years since the initial partnership featuring the iconic video game and Lucozade Energy, Lara Croft. Lara one of the most remains the iconic popular impulse heroine she was soft drinks brands back then. She in Ireland. overcomes the odds and challenges herself to extraordinary

Lucozade Energy starts 2018 with an exciting new partnership with the new Tomb Raider movie.

feats in the movie, all thanks to her remarkable energy. The campaign will be unmissable, with ads on TV, outdoor, VOD, social, sampling and in-store. Made To Move Lucozade Sport will continue to encourage a more active lifestyle, with the Made to Move Lucozade Sport campaign. The aim of this Lucozade Zero was campaign the biggest soft drink is to get launch of 2017. the nation moving more through working with current sponsors to promote and activate training and participation in events such as the Dublin Marathon Race Series, Tough Mudder Ireland events, Run Galway Bay events, IGBF Fun run, LGBT Run etc. Lucozade Sport has also announced a new partnership with the IRFU to develop a new initiative to get people moving. This initiative will attract and help people of all shapes, sizes, age and gender to move more in a very fun and inclusive way, with details to be revealed in the coming weeks. Lucozade Zero was the biggest soft drink launch of 2017 and in less than a year, it has achieved over 90% distribution and is the third best selling brand in terms of UROS within the Zero category. Lucozade Zero will continue to invest in great campaigns and partnerships and its current sponsorship of First Dates on RTE will only enhance the brand over 2018.

Thanks. We just wanted to say a few words about a group of our colleagues who do us proud. They make every day better – and not just in our stores. They make things better for our suppliers, for the charities we work with, for communities throughout Ireland, and in so many other ways too numerous to mention. We couldn’t be more grateful. So, to mark International Women’s Day 2018, we’d like to say to all the women of Tesco Ireland... Thank you.

09048RO International Womens Day RetailNews V1.indd 1

05/03/2018 17:38

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GS1 Ireland

Meeting the Data Challenge! Brand owners are facing a challenge to meet increased demands for product data to support sales across all channels. GS1 Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barcode Manager and the soon to be released GS1 Cloud can make the process much easier. TODAY, brand owners globally are faced with increased demands for ever more extensive product information, to fulfil the needs of retailers, online stores, app developers, regulators and consumers. Omni-channel retailing, which combines traditional in-store sales with online channels, is a data intensive animal to feed. Traditional retailers building or growing an ecommerce offering, as well as online marketplaces such as eBay, Amazon, Alibaba, Google Shopping and others, all require consistent, accurate and complete data such as a productâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, brand description, barcode and price, so that they can show those products that best match a shopperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s search query, increasing the likelihood of a sale. Consumers shopping online demand to see full product and pack information, along with product pictures, to make the digital shopping experience as complete, in terms of information, as if they were physically shopping in-store. In fact, the online shopping experience has the potential to be a far more rich, engaging and profitable experience, when combined with other media such as virtual guides, reviews, videos and links to further content online. Sharing Accurate Product Information However, in order to maximise this functionality and level of customer fulfilment, brand owners and suppliers need to efficiently share complete and accurate product information with their trade customers and end consumers. This is no easy feat, with information coming in a variety of formats, from many different sources and systems across the business, including marketing, production, sales, finance and logistics.

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The GS1 Cloud wil be used by retailers, marketplaces and app developers to check and validate barcode and product information for their own internal systems, but also to search for new products by specific country market and category. Businesses can begin to tackle this challenge by using a framework to gather and store high quality product data in a standardised way, making it easier to share with business partners. Tools from GS1 Ireland, such as Barcode Manager, can be used to help this process along, as it provides a secure, online facility specifically designed for companies to collate, upload and

review product data for completeness and accuracy. Existing information can be uploaded using excel or csv files or manually input and edited through the online portal. Data sets can be downloaded to share with other parts of the business or with customers. From later in 2018, Irish businesses will be able to make select details about their products visible to customers and

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GS1 Ireland retailers globally through the GS1 Cloud. The GS1 Cloud, when launched, will be the largest source of trusted product data in the world. Over 77m GTINs (barcode numbers) will be used by retailers, marketplaces and app developers to check and validate barcode & product information for their own internal systems, but also to search for new products by specific country market and category. The Benefits of Barcode Manager Barcode Manager is designed for use by artisan producers, SMEs and multinationals alike, with a range of features and functionality to meet their differing data needs. New products can be created quickly and easily with a unique barcode number allocated. Artisan businesses without a graphic designer can even download image files for printing barcode labels. Larger organisations can leverage the import/ export functionality to combine and aggregate data sets in one location for data cleansing initiatives, ideal if data needs to be shared with trading partners globally. Getting started with Barcode Manager is easy and just requires a call to the GS1 Helpdesk to activate your account. We’ll talk you through the steps of uploading your existing product information before you start to create new product profiles. In addition to the seven mandatory fields in Barcode

Manager, which include barcode number, brand, label description and product classification code, users can choose to store other information about the type of product they are listing. Regain Control of Your Product Data The widespread use of thirdparty crowdsourced data has left brand owners one step removed from the information The GS1 Cloud will be the largest source of trusted product about their data in the world. products. GS1 Cloud, when be a complex and time-consuming task. launched, will put that control back in Product data can be held across multiple the hands of brands, while providing systems within an organisation, on excel consumers with accurate product sheets or even listing forms. This creates information they can trust. Getting your the opportunity for error, including data ready for GS1 Cloud is a very simple incorrect or incomplete data. It can make process, and it starts with Barcode the process of providing accurate and Manager. trustworthy product data to consumers At present, data management is not into something far more complicated at the top of the list of priorities of a busy than it needs to be. brand manager. Data management can

GS1 Ireland’s Barcode Manager provides a centralised repository for product data, from label details, dimensions, SKUs, right through to graphic images of the product.

A Centralised Data Repository Product data management does not need to be a struggle. GS1 Ireland’s Barcode Manager provides a centralised repository for product data, from label details, dimensions, SKUs, right through to images of the product. Data input is achieved through a streamlined process. The ability to import data in bulk means that existing product information can be uploaded into the system with a minimum of fuss. It is easy to get started with Barcode Manager; whether you have 10 SKUs or 10,000. A good starting point can be to import the data for one specific brand, before widening your imports to include additional brands. GS1 Ireland offers a product data import service which can help with large imports of product information. Data management can be a laborious, time consuming task. GS1’s Barcode Manager does a lot of the heavy lifting, leaving brand managers free to concentrate on more value-added activities. Don’t be left behind: manage your data in Barcode Manager and publish your product data to the cloud.

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

WaterWipes

WaterWipes: The World's Purest Baby Wipes Edward McCloskey came up with the idea for WaterWipes when his infant daughter suffered with sensitive skin. Now stocked in over 35 countries, the brand has launched a new high profile advertising campaign. WATERWIPES are the brainchild of Boyne Valley native Edward McCloskey, CEO and founder of Irish Breeze Ltd, a manufacturer of high quality skin and baby care products based in Drogheda, Co. Louth, over 20 years ago. Edward first started work on WaterWipes in 2006 after the birth of his daughter. Upon discovering his new baby was suffering with severe nappy rash, Edward looked into the ingredients used in baby wipes. Many brands he considered trustworthy had wipes on the market which contained a long list of ingredients and chemicals. “When our first daughter was born she suffered with sensitive skin and developed extremely bad nappy rash,” recalls Edward. “I wanted to find out why, so I took a look at the ingredients in the baby wipes we were using. I was quite shocked to see just how

WaterWipes are perfect for older babies as they get into stickier situations and need lots of gentle cleansing and wiping of their little hands and faces, especially during weaning. many chemicals were in these wipes, study on 102 Midwives, October/ and questioned should we be putting November 2014). The purity and efficacy them on new-born, delicate skin? I of the wipes are not only ideal for thought there had to be a better way newborns, however, as they are perfect and set about creating a better, natural for older babies as they get into stickier alternative with fewer chemicals. Many situations and need lots of gentle years later, and after a lot of hard cleansing and wiping of their little hands work, testing and scientific research, and faces, especially during weaning. WaterWipes were born.” Created as a convenient alternative Exponential Growth to cotton wool and water, WaterWipes WaterWipes has grown exponentially are now one of the most well-known over the years. It has established itself and loved baby wipe brands in Ireland as the biggest branded baby wipe in and the UK. WaterWipes are the only the Irish market (Source: The Nielsen wipes that contain 99.9% water, specially Company, Scantrack, Value, Baby Wipes, purified and softened, and a drop of ROI Total Market, MAT ending February grapefruit seed extract – a natural skin 28, 2018), and the number one baby conditioner. The wipes don’t irritate the wipe in both Boots (Source: The Nielsen skin and are safe for use on sensitive Company, Scantrack, Value, Baby Wipes, skin. Boots, MAT ending December 31, 2017) Being suitable on newborn skin has and Amazon (Source: One Click Retail, made the brand increasingly popular Value, Baby Wipes, MAT ending March with midwives and in maternity hospitals 3, 2018) in the UK. WaterWipes are now across the country. WaterWipes are the sold in over 35 countries, including the only baby wipe to ever be approved by USA, where it is stocked in 14,000 stores Allergy UK and The National Eczema and has a large online presence. Association of America. In addition, 97% In light of this success, WaterWipes of midwives believe that WaterWipes moved into a new additional are suitable to be used on the skin of manufacturing facility in early 2016, newborn babies (Source: Spark research which has the capacity to underpin

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WaterWipes continued rapid international growth in the years ahead. While the hero product remains the single pack of 60 wipes, consumer demand has led to a number of new formats being launched. A 28-wipe pack is ideal for the convenience channel and a less bulky solution for a parent on WaterWipes’ 28-wipe the go, while pack is ideal for the consumer convenience channel loyalty has and a less bulky driven larger solution for a parent on value packs the go. of 4, 9 and 12 packs. Also in 2016, WaterWipes launched their first ever TV ad campaign, Pure Love, which promoted the act of skinto-skin contact between newborns and parents. As a brand that actively supports parents, as well as looking after their babies, WaterWipes created a short film that proved a baby is calmer after this close contact with a parent and worked to remind parents that 'All a Baby Needs is You'. The #parentisborn Campaign In, 2018, the brand continues to grow in its support and understanding of parents and babies. WaterWipes latest campaign launched globally for the first time

ever on March 1, 2018, across TV and digital channels. The campaign takes a deliberate stand against ‘perfect parenting’ creatives commonly adopted by parent-focused brands. Instead, the brand takes an honest, authentic and exhilarating look at parenthood. The result is that WaterWipes champions an honest portrayal of parents’ journeys in their campaign, ‘When a Baby is Born, a Parent is Born’. The #parentisborn campaign focuses on the joys and challenges of the parenthood journey, as told through the purest metaphor: water. The creative follows the journey of a woman experiencing defining and emotional parenting moments in beautiful and dramatic scenes. The milestones are mimicked by her engagement with the sea: leaping into the waves, being swept up in the chaos and strength, only to experience its calmness. It can be viewed at www.waterwipes.com. The TV campaign will initially run for four weeks in Ireland and will be supported by a digital video seeding plan and VOD, utilising a combination of demographic and interest-based targeting across platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, to reach new and expectant parents. The plan will also include location based targeting, as well as audience suitable content creation. “There’s a common misrepresentation by brands that parenting is smooth sailing; a focus on the highs but none of the lows. Honesty is at the very heart of WaterWipes, and we wanted to bring the journey into parenthood to life in a way that felt powerful and true,” said Lynda Magee, mum to three-year-old Jessica, and Commercial VP for WaterWipes UK & Ireland. “Crashing waves signify rough times and tranquil water brings us back to those intimate, beautiful moments. As a brand that was founded by a parent, it’s really important for us to accurately capture the parenthood experience and showcase the entirety of the journey. Because we know that when a baby is born, a parent is born too.”

Consumer loyalty has driven larger value packs, including the 9-pack, containing 540 wipes.

Supporting the NMH Foundation WaterWipes has used its own growth to support the NMH (National Maternity Hospital) Foundation in Holles Street, Dublin, over the last few years, supporting with over €40,000 in 2017 alone. Each November, during World Prematurity Awareness Month, WaterWipes create an on-pack donation for the NMH Foundation. The

WaterWipes are now one of the most well-known and loved baby wipe brands in Ireland and the UK. Foundation works with the families of premature babies and the funds raised support Parent Services, from helping secure the latest medical equipment for the Neo-natal Intensive Care Unit to helping parents financially with the dayto-day struggles of having a premature newborn in hospital for a long period of time. The innovative Irish brand has won a number of awards in Ireland and across Europe and in 2016, WaterWipes became the first ever Irish company to win Silver at the European Effies since the awards’ inception 20 years ago.

WaterWipes’ latest #parentisborn campaign focuses on the joys and challenges of the parenthood journey, as told through the purest metaphor: water.

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SuperValu National Conference

SuperValu to Shine in 2018

SuperValu plans to open three new stores and create 210 jobs in 2018, as part of a €40m investment programme revealed at the SuperValu National Conference. THE SuperValu National Conference took place in the Great Southern Hotel, Killarney, recently, where the group unveiled its plans to open three new stores and create 210 jobs in 2018. The grocery retailer further revealed that it recorded sales of €2.7 billion in 2017, a new sales milestone for the brand. In addition to the three new stores, SuperValu also announced that 50 revamps will take place across its store network as part of a €40m investment programme in new stores, revamps and online capability. This brings the total investment by SuperValu retailers in store openings and revamps to €110m since 2016. In addition to its store expansion plans, SuperValu also updated its retailers on its commercial strategy for 2018, with the grocery retailer focusing on delivering the best combination of value, customer service and quality fresh food in the market. SuperValu has made a strong start to the year by delivering over €9m in price cuts across hundreds of products in its Own Brand range, which won 31 Great Taste awards in 2017 – more than any other retailer. “Despite a highly competitive grocery market, SuperValu continues to grow and our focus for 2018 will be to build on this momentum by continuing to deliver the best combination of value, customer service and quality fresh food in the market,” revealed Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director. “By differentiating ourselves from the competition, particularly through our unrivalled commitment to Irish suppliers, SuperValu will continue to be a destination shop as we have products on shelf that cannot be bought elsewhere.” New Promotional Mechanics The food retailer has also rolled out new promotional mechanics like its SuperValu Seven Fruit & Veg offer, with big savings on seven types of fruit and vegetables every week. The new promotion, which has already proved to be highly popular with shoppers, is part

Pictured at the SuperValu National Conference are (l-r): Michael Morgan, Sales Director, SuperValu; Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu; and SuperValu Council Chair Yvonne O’Meara. of a wider SuperValu strategy to make wholesome healthy food more accessible and affordable. SuperValu has been able to leverage unique features like having a butcher and fish counter in each store, with sales of its organic meat and fruit and vegetable range growing by 15% in 2017. “SuperValu has been ideally placed to take advantage of a heightened interest in health and food provenance due to our leadership in fresh,” Martin

Kelleher noted. “We bring the best of fresh, quality Irish produce to consumers with a tailored, local offer in every store. We have butcher counters in store and our fresh meat is 100% Irish, so we lead the market in terms of quality food that consumers can trust.” The retailer’s online shopping offer saw sales increasing by 22% in 2017, while the brand also continued to expand its Real Rewards loyalty programme, adding new partners such as eir in 2017.

Pictured at the presentation of the SuperValu Store of the Year 2018 Award to Nally’s SuperValu Trim are (l-r): Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu; JF Michel, Acount Director of competition sponsors,Three; with Josie O’Rourke, Steven Nally, Shan Baugreet and Yvonne Nally from Nally’s SuperValu Trim; and Michael Morgan, Sales Director, SuperValu.

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SuperValu National Conference by an independent competition Dan McCartney paid tribute to the team adjudicator. at Talbot Street SuperValu for their The store audits focused support through the changeover and on a range of areas, including acknowledged that their enthusiasm and product range and innovation; dedication was instrumental in the store store presentation; fresh food winning the award. offering, customer care and Martin Kelleher described how the store quality and hygiene revamp of the Talbot Street store “has standards. Despite the high paid dividends and it is a truly superb standards across the board small store in the heart of Dublin. The among all finalists, Nally’s competition in this category was intense SuperValu scored higher than and it speaks volumes about Eddie, Dan all other stores nationwide in and their team’s dedication to excellent the overall and medium-sized fresh food and great customer service categories. that they emerged as winners.” Receiving both awards, Garvey’s SuperValu in Listowel, Pictured at the presentation of the Small store owner, Steven and Co. Kerry, took the title of Best Large SuperValu Store of the Year Award are (l-r): Yvonne Nally paid tribute SuperValu Store for 2018. “I’d like to Dan McCartney, Carol Kane and Eddie Kane, to the Nally’s SuperValu thank all of the hard-working, dedicated SuperValu Talbot Street; JF Michel, Three; Simon team and acknowledged staff in Listowel for this great victory,” Farrell, store manager, SuperValu Talbot Street; that their enthusiasm and said a delighted Kevin McCarthy, Garvey Robert Ward, Group Operations Manager; and dedication was pivotal to the Group. “We’re lucky to have great Michael Morgan, Sales Director, SuperValu. store winning the awards: “I employees working for us who strive to would like to thank all of the deliver the best customer experience, Since the successful relaunch of the hard-working, dedicated staff at Nally’s day in day out at the Listowel store. We loyalty scheme, an additional 160,000 SuperValu for this double victory. The are all focused on providing the best customers have joined the programme, store is lucky to have great employees service, product offering and value for bringing the total membership to 1.1m that strive to deliver people. the best customer experience, every day. Autism Friendly Stores We are all focused on One of the main milestones for 2018 providing the absolute will be to become the first retailer to best service, product roll-out autism friendly stores across offering and value for its network. The initiative will see a our customers. I am commitment to making Autism Friendly honoured to accept shopping times available in more stores, these awards on behalf with additional supports such as deof the team - they sensitisation of store sounds and autism recognise all of the friendly trolleys, which were developed hard work that they by a SuperValu employee. have put in to ensure The grocery retailer will also that SuperValu Trim is a continue to build upon the success of top-class store for our its Food Academy programme, which customers.” Pictured receiving the award for the Best Large now has 350 participating Irish food Martin Kelleher SuperValu 2018 are: Jim Garvey, Garvey Group; producers. The level of retail sales that congratulated Neilus Lyons, Assistant Manager, SuperValu Garvey’s Food Academy has achieved has helped SuperValu Trim, Listowel; Paul O Connor Store Manager, SuperValu these emerging companies to create noting how, “This Garvey’s Listowel; Kevin McCarthy, Garvey Group; Tom a combined 1,500 jobs. The initiative year, competition was Garvey, founder, Garvey Group; Michael Morgan, Sales has also helped to solidify SuperValu’s very close across all Director, SuperValu; and JF Michel, Three. Irish food credentials, with the grocery categories and the fact retailer supporting over 1,800 Irish our customers. I am honoured to accept that Nally’s SuperValu producers – more than any other grocery this award on behalf of the team - it won two awards, including the overall retailer. recognises all the hard work that they title, shows what a superb store it really put in to ensure that Garvey’s in Listowel is, thanks to its focus on fresh food, SuperValu Store of the Year is a top-class store for customers.” locally-sourced produce and creating a The SuperValu National Conference also Martin Kelleher noted how “Garveys superb experience for the shopper." saw Nally’s SuperValu in Trim named is one of the longest-established retail SuperValu Store of the Year for 2018. groups in the country and has built Major Revamp Pays Off The Meath store also won SuperValu’s up a much-deserved reputation for SuperValu in Talbot Street, Dublin, was Medium-Sized Store of the Year award. developing the highest retail standards named Small SuperValu Store of the Winning both titles is recognition of across its stores. This excellence is Year for 2018. The Talbot Street store the exceptional standards that Nally’s visible in Garvey’s Listowel, which received a major revamp last year, and SuperValu in Trim has reached. The combines friendly customer service now offers a salad station, fresh food store beat competing outlets throughout with locally sourced fresh food and an to go and a Frank and Honest coffee the Republic, which were all assessed impressive range of healthy foods.” counter. Store owners Eddie Kane and

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Drinks News Diageo Launch Rockshore Lager

Quintessential Brands Expands Irish Team

ROCKSHORE is a new Irish lager with an ABV of 4% and 106 calories per bottle, created by the brewers at St James’ Gate Brewery, inspired by the rugged refreshing experience of the West Coast of Ireland. “People are increasingly looking for choice, particularly among beers and lagers offering a refreshing and light taste,” noted Niki Maccorquodale, Head of Beer Innovation, Diageo Europe. “Brewed using only four quality ingredients, Rockshore is the best light tasting lager our brewers have ever created and we can’t wait for people to try it.” Over the summer months, Rockshore is planning a series of collaborations, experiences and partnerships so watch this space on instagram.com/rockshorelager. The launch will also be supported by a heavyweight TTL marketing campaign encompassing TV, outdoor, digital, PR and experiential, which will kick off from April 1.

QUINTESSENTIAL Brands, owner of leading Irish cream company, First Ireland Spirits, and majority owner of The Dublin Liberties Whiskey Company, has recruited some of Ireland’s top sales and marketing talent to help the company realise its ambitions in both the Irish market and in the global Irish Whiskey category. The company has appointed two homegrown, experienced senior marketers to support General Manager and Master Distiller, Darryl McNally, and Marketing Director, Sinéad O Frighil, to drive the growth of its Irish whiskey brands, which include The Dubliner, The Dublin Liberties and The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey, which the company has recently revealed will be making its global debut in New York this month. Avril Donagher has been appointed Brand Director, The Dublin Liberties Whiskey Company, and will take responsibility for The Dublin Liberties and The Dead Rabbit Irish Whiskey brands, driving their development and growth across the globe. She joins from Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard where she was Senior Brand Manager for Brand Advocacy for Jameson Irish Whiskey. Mark Hogan has been appointed Marketing Director, Quintessential Brands Ireland, where he will primarily take responsibility for the development of The Dublin Liberties Distillery’s tourism marketing and visitor experience, and will spearhead the launch of The Dublin Liberties Distillery, which is currently under construction and expected to open in the autumn.

New CEO for Irish Distillers

IRISH Distillers has announced that its current Chairman and CEO, Jean-Christophe Coutures, is to leave his role to take up a new position as Chairman and CEO of Chivas Brothers, the scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard. He will be replaced by Conor McQuaid (pictured), who currently serves as EVP Global Business Development at Pernod Ricard. McQuaid, who joined Irish Distillers as Regional Manager for Southern Europe in 1998, has worked across the Pernod Ricard group for almost 20 years and will take up the role as Chairman and CEO of Irish Distillers on July 1, 2018. The announcement came as Irish Distillers announced its half-year results for the six months ending December 31, 2017, which saw continued value (12%) and volume (11%) growth for Jameson, which broke the four million case milestone, and strong net sales for their premium spirits brands.

Teeling Whiskey Celebrates St Patrick’s Day TEELING Whiskey is marking St Patrick’s Day with a week of events at its award-winning distillery. As part of the St Patrick’s Festival programme, Teeling Whiskey ‘went green’ to honour Ireland’s patron saint, hosted a series of events that brought a barrel of laughs to Dublin’s Newmarket, as well as showcasing Ireland’s leading craft producers. Throughout St Patrick’s Week, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery was one of several selected Dublin buildings that was lit up especially for the festivities, while the events included the Barrel of Laughs Comedy Gig on March 15, a beer and cheese pairing event on March 16 and the Teeling Whiskey Spirit of Dublin St Patrick’s Day Craft Fair on March 18.

IRELAND IS MOVING TO PLAIN PACKS BRANDED

PLAIN PACKS

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

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

FROM 29TH SEPTEMBER 2018

PLAIN PACKS

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

JTI IS YOUR KEY PARTNER

For more information, speak to your JTI contact, call 01 404 0240, email customerservices.ireland@jti.com or visit jti.com/ireland This document is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

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On The Vine

European Wines Have a Spring in Their Step Jean Smullen looks at the European wine brands being heavily promoted this spring. LAST year was not a good year for European wine producers. A series of weather events spelled disaster for many producing countries during 2017. Severe frosts in April, followed by a very hot summer, gave Spain, France and Italy their smallest harvest in years. Vines struggled with drought and heat all over Europe during the summer of 2017, while forest fires in Portugal wreaked havoc in June, returning again to both Spain and Portugal in October. The New World didn’t escape unscathed, with the widely reported wild fires in California, as well as fires in Chile and South Africa which affected production. The impact of all these erratic weather events on European production has predictably meant that there is less wine available. This has understandably resulted in higher ex-cellar prices.

With the Irish market still extremely price sensitive and the consumer still reluctant to pay more than €10 for a bottle of wine, it will be interesting to see how the Irish retail market copes in 2018 with rising European wine prices and the threat of new labelling regulations from the Irish Government. We’ll look now at how the country of origin market for wine fared in the retail sector in the Republic of Ireland during 2017. Nielsen figures show that in the off trade, total wine market volume and value to December 2017 grew by +1.9% against the same period in 2016. The average bottle price remained somewhat stable at just over €8 per bottle. The value market grew for Chile and Italy at +6%, while there were substantial increases in value terms for

New Zealand +18%, Argentina + 19% and Portugal, who showed a significant increase in terms of retail value growth of +86% in 2017. Spanish wine volume and value sales were flat. Countries showing a loss in value sales included Australia, France, Germany, South Africa and the USA. The brands dominating the market in 2017 were all from the new world; Santa Rita, Cono Sur, Dona Paula, Villa Maria, Finca Las Moras (Dada) and [yellow tail] were all brand winners and showed substantial value sale increases during 2017 (Source: Nielsen Scantrack, December 2017). In terms of wine styles, European wine still dominates the market, with Prosecco and Italian Pinot Grigio remaining very much sought after by the Irish wine buying consumer.

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On The Vine

A bad harvest in 2017 means that prices for European, or old world, wine are higher this year.

A bad harvest in 2017 means that prices for European, or old world, wine are higher this year. Southern France, especially Rhone and the Languedoc and their IPR wines, also remain influential. Spain, though flat in terms of value sales during 2017, is still very much in the frame in terms of demand, with Albarino from Rias Biaxas fast becoming the “new” Sauvignon Blanc, especially among female wine consumers. With consumer confidence slowly returning to the market for 2018 and anecdotal evidence of consumers “trading up” in 2017, there is some confidence about wine retailing for 2018. However, the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill (PHAB), currently under debate at time of writing, could have a major impact, especially the proposed new labelling rules which will put Ireland at odds with the rest of the EU and which could prove to be particularly problematic to the wine trade. The PHAB proposes health labels on all alcohol products sold in the Republic of Ireland. A specific Irish label would impose additional costs on producers, as wine companies would have to make a separate label for the Irish market. This would have significant cost implications if wineries were forced to redesign an entire suite of labelling for a single product line, so much so that certain wine products could end up being withdrawn from the Irish market. “The evidence shows that the labelling proposals will make it

difficult to introduce new products to the Irish market and will put Ireland at a regulatory divergence from everywhere else in the EU,” argued Patricia Callan, Director of Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland. As Easter approaches, we will take a look at some of the offers on European wines currently available from the importing trade that are worth stocking as we approach the spring holiday period. Barry & Fitzwilliam Barry & Fitzwilliam have their Michel Lynch range on offer this March around the St Patrick’s Day holiday, which is timely as this is a French wine

Barry & Fitzwilliam’s hugely popular Michel Lynch range is on offer this March around the St Patrick’s Day festivities.

with an Irish connection. Michel Lynch was born in Bordeaux in 1752, while his grandfather was Mayor of Galway in 1654. The family emigrated to France and became prominent wine merchants in Bordeaux. The Michel Lynch brand was created over 30 years ago and now has a very firm following on the Irish market. The Michel Lynch Classic Red will be on promotional offer this March. Gilbeys Wines Gilbeys Wines have just added a brand new Spanish Rosé wine to their portfolio, Lalomba Rosado 2016. When Bodegas Ramón Bilbao purchased its “dream parcel” of vines high in

New to the Gilbeys Wines portfolio is Lalomba Rosado 2016, a dry, pale Spanish Rosé wine.

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On The Vine the Yerga mountain range in Rioja Baja last year, winemaker Rodolfo Bastida was itching to explore the plot in more detail, planning to experiment with small batch, single vineyard wines that are perfectly reflective of their terroir. What he perhaps didn’t expect was that the first of these would be a dry, pale, aromatic Provencal-style Rosé Lalomba (meaning ‘hillside’), named after the 90-hectare plot where Bastida found grapes he thought would be perfect for this ‘clarete’ style of Rosé: 40-year-old Garnacha vines planted at 600 metres altitude on stony, clay-limestone soils, with the surrounding Mediterranean forest sheltering the fruit from prevailing winds. As summer approaches and with Rosé wines very much in demand, this is worth a look! Febvre & Co. This Easter, Febvre & Co. will have a number of promotions for their key European wine ranges, including wines from Spain, France, Italy and Portugal. The following wines will also be available on special offer between March 1 and April 30, 2018. From Spain, Conde Valdemar Grand Reserva 2008 is now €20, down from €30; Conde Valdemar Rioja Blanco is now €14, down from €16, while Campo Alegro Toro 2012 is now €16, down from €22. From France, Champagne Taittinger Brut Prestige Rosé is available in a cool bag for €60, down from its usual €75; Louis Latour Grand Ardeche Chardonnay 2015 now €19, down from €23; Delas Cote du Rhone St Espirit Red (90% Syrah, 10% Grenache) and White are on offer at €15, down from €18; and Delas Crozes Hermitage Les Launes is retailing at €20, down from €24. Look out too for their great offers from Bordeaux, including Chateau Haut Canteloup Medoc Cru Bourgeois 2014 (60% Merlot, 35% Cab Sauv 5% Cab Franc) now €20 instead of €23; Chateau Tour Canon Lalande de Pomerol 2014 (70% M, 20% CF, 10€ CS) now €20, instead of €25; Bordeaux de Gloria Bordeaux Rouge 2015 (75% M, 15% CS, 10% CF) now €19, down from €23; Chateau Camarsan Bordeaux Rouge 2014 and Blanc 2016, both available at €13 instead of the usual €15. From Italy, Valdo Prosecco Marco Ore Valdobbiadene DOCG is on offer at €24, down from €26; Valdo Prosecco Marco Ore Brut Rose is now €24 instead of €28; Primitivo Appassimentino IGT Tank No 32 2016 from Puglio is now

€13.50, down from €15; Nero d’Avola Tank No 26 from Sicily 2016 is also €13.50, instead of €15, while you should make sure you stock the Banfi Vermentino La Pettegola 2016, now €16.50, a considerable saving on its usual €22. With sales of Portuguese wines so strong, Febvre & Co. have the marvellous Esporao range from the Alentejo region. Made by Australian David Baverstock who has worked for the company for over 30 years, look out for the Esporao Branco Reserva 2016 at €16, reduced from €19, or the Esporao Tinto Reserva 2014, now €21 instead of €25. The Monte Velho White 2015 and Red 2016 are now €14, down from €16. Irish Distillers/Pernod Ricard Irish Distillers will have the 2012 Campo Viejo Reserva on offer this Easter. One of Ireland’s top Rioja brands, this wine is made from 85% Tempranillo, 10% Graciano, 5% Mazuelo. It has been aged for 18 months in American and Frenchoak casks (50%). Look out for the Reserva on promotion reduced from €15.99 to €12.99. Last year, the Rioja region sold more wine than in any other year Campio Viejo Reserva since 2006, from Irish Distillers with 3,628m Pernod Ricard, one bottles. of Ireland’s favourite Spain is Rioja brands is on the fourth offer this Easter. largest volume supplier of wine to ROI and it looks as if it may overtake France in the next year

or so into third place. Sales of Spanish wine in 2016 increased by +15.6%, with the region of Rioja driving much of this growth. During 2017, Campo Viejo also increased their value sales on the Irish market. Irish Distillers will also have their Champagne Mumm on promotional offer in the run-up to Easter. Cassidy Wines Cassidy have a new range of Spanish wines from Priorat on offer. Nuria Altes, like many other young vintners in Spain, comes from a family who has grown grapes for generations. Tucked away in a remote corner of Catalunya, Nuria’s new project, Herencia Altes is situated outside the village of Batea, in Terra Alta, a little known DO southwest of Priorat. Cassidy’s will have the Herencia Altes (Garnacha Blanca & Negre) white Garnatxa and red Garnatxa, which normally retails at €14.99, on Promotion at €12.99 in the run-up to Easter. Cassidy wines have their flagship Austrian wine on offer this Easter. Austria’s wine exports increased globally during 2016 to a new record level of nearly €148m, despite a series of small harvests since 2011. Given the growing interest in Austrian wine, Cassidy’s Wachau star should not be missed. Domäne Wachau has close to 440 hectares of vineyards cultivated by the members of this quality-oriented cooperative. Much of the recent success at Domäne Wachau can be attributed to the dynamic young team at the winery, headed up by Roman Horvath MW and winemaker Heinz Frischengruber. Look out for the Domane Wachau Gruner Veltliner Federspiel and Riesling Federspiel which normally retails at €21.99, on promotion at €18.99. Coman’s Beverages From Germany, Coman’s have the hugely popular Dr Loosen Riesling, from the Mosel Valley on offer at €15. Last year Coman’s added the Poças range of Portuguese wines from the Douro Valley to their portfolio, and with sales of Portuguese wines going through the roof, look out for Pocas Coroa d’Ouro. This family estate has a very good reputation and with Douro wines becoming more and more popular, this range is one to watch on offer at €10 during March 2018. Look out too for the Raymond Huet Bordeaux Superieur, made by Michel Rolland: this fashionable Bordeaux is on offer at €11.

Crossell Celebrates

21 Great Years!

SINCE its establishment back in 1997, Crossell Field Marketing has developed into one of Ireland’s leading independent service providers. The business evolved from being mainly a tactical merchandising provider to being a leader in the provision of fully managed outsourced field sales operations, calling on all grocery, hardware, pharmacy and financial institution channels. Their mission has always been to work as one with clients and have proprietorial passion with the brands they represent in an open and transparent way. They are privileged to work with a number of first tier brands in their respective categories. Their aim is to drive value for customers and to gain greater market share with the brands they represent, which ultimately leads to greater return on investment for their clients. Crossell's current service offering includes: • Dedicated sales and merchandising teams • Tactical merchandising teams • Warehousing and distribution of Point of sale • Sales Recruitment Their contract dedicated teams vary from a small team of three to four staff with a shared field sales manager, up to a team of 30-plus with a number of dedicated field managers. They provide a turnkey solution which encompasses personnel, reporting technology, fleet and team administration.

“Fully managed, outsourced field sales operations” Tactical or ad hoc projects cover everything from the placement of 50+ displays in stores over a single day, right up to the placement of point of sale in 2500 stores nationwide, over a one week period. These projects are overseen by a dedicated team of regional managers.

“What gets measured gets done” From the very outset, Managing Director George Leahy, who already had a wealth of experience in the Irish field marketing industry, knew that reporting was going to be a key future element of client requirements: “what gets measured gets done”. This led to one of the key factors in the business’ growth, continual and on-going investment into its in-house IT function. This led to Crossell being the first Irish field marketing company to use handheld technology in the field and go on to develop its own reporting software solution.

“Benefit from market leading business intelligence reports”

The on-going development of technology has enabled Crossell and its clients to benefit from market leading business intelligence reports, produced from the analytics of the extensive data collected. Their strength is their people, both at management level and in the field. All of the Crossell management team have experience of working in the field across a breadth of retail channels and product categories. This is backed up with in-house trainers that provide mentoring and on-going training for all their field teams. Being a licenced recruitment agency allows Crossell to recruit to both in-house and client specific needs. The recruitment aspect of the business has grown to also meet the requirements of external companies seeking quality sales personnel. With lower than industry average for staff turnover, Crossell have become an employer of choice, with many staff having been recommended in by other employees over the years.

“2018 brings in the 21st year of operation” Celebrating 21 years in business this year, the business has maintained long lasting client relationships, some of which go back to the early days and have been vigorously tested in re-pitches over the years. George Leahy, owner and Managing As 2018 brings Director of Crossell. in the 21st year of operation and with it the forthcoming challenges of Brexit, an ever changing retail landscape and changes to employment legislation, George Leahy remains confident that he and his team will be capable of delivering on behalf of their clients in the years to come.

Contact: Crossell Limited, Unit G7 Centrepoint Business Park, Oak Road, Dublin 12 Tel: (01) 4603884 Web: www.crossell.ie

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Lidl Kick Start

A Lidl Kick Start for Irish Suppliers Lidl’s Kick Start programme is back, offering Irish food and drink suppliers the chance to have their product featured across the Irish store network this September, while three products will be sold in Lidl stores across Europe. FOR the second year running, Lidl is running its Kick Start Supplier Development Programme in conjunction with Bord Bia. The retailer is calling out to Irish suppliers nationwide to enter their products, giving them the chance to supply Lidl with a guaranteed volume of their product for a limited edition Best of Ireland food promotion in September 2018. Lidl will select up to 80 of Irelands top products which will be available in all 157 stores throughout the Republic of Ireland (the current 153 and the four projected new stores which will open between now and September). For the first time, three products will be given the opportunity to be sold in Lidl stores across Europe, which is also part of Lidl’s commitment to export €300m worth of Irish products to stores in Europe by 2020. Strengthening the Bonds with Suppliers 2017 was the first year of the Kick Start supplier development programme, which was designed to strengthen the bonds between Lidl and quality local producers around the country, offering smaller suppliers the chance to supply Lidl directly.

PowCow, high protein frozen yoghurt, sold so well during the 2017 Kick Start programme that it is now listed permanently in all 153 Lidl stores around the country. The programme is supported by Bord Bia and successful suppliers will attend a series of free, comprehensive seminars aimed at guiding them through the process and teaching them skills to help grow their business ahead of their products going on sale at Lidl. The seminars will be carried out by a panel of industry experts from Lidl Ireland and Bord Bia and will include topics such as quality control, packaging, marketing & PR and brand building. There have been tremendous efforts by SMEs operating in the food supply sector in Ireland to improve the quality of

Irish products on supermarket shelves. The sector is creative, competitive and we boast some of the highest quality food products that can be found. The response to Kick Start in 2017 led to over 450 different products being entered by suppliers across the country. Lidl selected more than 71 of those, from 54 Irish suppliers, to go on sale as part of the ‘Best of Ireland’ food promotion across all 153 Lidl stores in the country. The 2017 ‘Best of Ireland’ range generated a turnover of over €1m and the vast product range included everything from artisan Irish cheeses

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Lidl Kick Start the country. “Kick Start was a fantastic opportunity for us,” Niall told Retail News. “It allowed us to partner with one of Europe’s largest retailers and gave us a chance to showcase our products with Lidl. The workshops were ideally timed and were very informative. The Kick Start team did everything they could to ensure we were ready for the launch date. The programme was a great success and we are delighted to be moving to the next stage with Lidl.”

Lidl Ireland Managing Director, John Paul Scally, and Tara McCarthy, Chief Executive of Bord Bia, pictured at the announcement last year that Lidl had become a member of Origin Green.

Commitment to Communities Lidl’s commitment to communities around Ireland goes far beyond the Kick Start programme. The retailer is

#seriousstartshere is right: Lidl’s commitment to Ireland is stronger than it has ever been. The group intends to open another four stores before September of this year and it is confident that more will follow. An Incredible Opportunity The Kick Start 2018 programme offers an incredible opportunity for quality local Irish products to gain visibility during the September promotion. But it also offers the chance to strike up a working relationship with a group that is dynamic, determined and driven to succeed in the Irish marketplace, as well as bring Irish products successfully to its European network.

to gluten-free beef burgers, Greek style frozen yoghurt to gourmet marshmallows, premium granola and even the genre-busting gourmet chocolate chip & honeycomb sausages. All were top quality products that directly support local Irish enterprise. Building Lasting Relationships While the Kick Start programme and resulting product lines are annual events, that is not to say that a Kick Start cannot be the start of a beautiful friendship. One of the winners in 2017 was Niall Moloney, Founder and CEO of PowCow, high protein frozen yoghurt. His product sold so well it is now listed permanently in all 153 Lidl stores around

Successful suppliers to the Kick Start programme will attend a series of free, comprehensive seminars aimed at guiding them through the process and teaching them skills to help grow their business ahead of their products going on sale at Lidl.

Niall Moloney, Founder and CEO of PowCow, high protein frozen yoghurt.

a member of the Origin Green national food sustainability programme created by Bord Bia. To become a member, Lidl had to commit to a development plan that sets out targets in waste emissions, energy, water, responsible sourcing of products, health and nutrition and social sustainability. In total, 24 clear targets have been established by Lidl Ireland and they all represent tangible benefits to help offset the impact its operations have on the environment. The Lidl Community Works programme extends the commitment of Lidl even further. To date it has raised over €1.8m in support of Barretstown, while its Charity of the Week initiative has extended assistance to many other charities and its Food Redistribution programme, run in partnership with FoodCloud, has thus far distributed over 250,000 meals. As part of the LGFA Sponsorship by Lidl, over 145 postprimary schools received new kits, and 150 clubs received cash donations.

If you are an Irish supplier of a food or drink product and would like the opportunity to sell your product in all Lidl stores throughout the country, you can Following its success enter in last year’s Kick Start online now programme, Broghies at www. has been permanently lidl.ie/ listed in all Lidl stores. kickstart. All that’s needed is a picture of your product and a few answers to a short questionnaire. Entries are being accepted until April 1, 2018.

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IGBF Mid West Ball

IGBF Lights Up in Limerick The IGBF Mid West Region Ball raised €20,000 to help those in the grocery trade who have fallen on hard times. THE IGBF Mid West Region Ball took place in the Castletroy Park Hotel, Limerick, on February 10, The Valentine’s themed event proved a great success, with almost 200 guests raising approximately €20,000 for the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund. “As The Chairperson of the Mid West Committee of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund, I would like to thank all the many suppliers who supported the night,” explained James Johnson, Dunnes Stores, Tipperary, and IGBF Mid West Chairman. “We raised near on €20k on the night with the help of our main sponsors, JTI Ireland and Diageo along with Irish Distillers. Over 190 people attended the night from all aspects of the trade and helped support the IGBF Fund.” As usual with IGBF events, there were some incredible raffle prizes on the night, including the top prize of a holiday to Las Vegas, with the raffle alone taking in €4,000.

The IGBF Midwest Committee, pictured at the Ball.

Derek Mooney, Sales Director, JTI Ireland, with the team from JTI Ireland.

Pictured are Frances Higgins, Vice Chair, IGBF, and BWG Foods’ Head of Pictured are Idoia Nateo, Michelle Shaw, Caroline Kenny, Colin Kenny, Diageo, Promotions, with IGBF Chairman, Donal Rachel O’Brien, Kathlene Ronan, Audrey Johnson, Mary Earle and Sharon O O’Shea and Catherine Bleahene. Brown.

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IGBF Mid West Ball

Sinead Kiely, Mary Buckley And Tricia Ruane, all from Johnston Mooney and Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien.

Ciara and Brian Murray, Dunnes Stores.

Pat Reale, Regional Sales Manager, Largo Foods, and Mary Reale.

Chairman of the Mid West IGBF, James Johnson, from Dunnes Stores, Tipperary, and Audrey Johnson.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your Callâ&#x20AC;Ś You

At the IGBF we assist the families of over 300 of your colleagues every month. These families are more unfortunate than ourselves and without your support such assistance would not be possible... But we still need your help to continue making the difference.

To Donate: ww.igbf. For Assistance: ww.igbf.ie/help/our_help.html For Queries: info@igbf.ie

Registered Charity No: 6577 Registered Friendly Society No: 1775

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What’s New HEINEKEN RUGBY CLUB RETURNS THIS March, Heineken Rugby Club returns to celebrate the excitement and sociability of the rugby occasion in the homes of shoppers across the country. Heineken Rugby Club has a brand new look and feel to create and bring excitement to your outlet and create awareness of upcoming big rugby match days. Heineken will bring various activations to life in-outlet, whereby shoppers can win exclusive Heineken Rugby Club merchandise and prizes in store. The campaign will be supported by a brand new TV campaign featuring French rugby legend Serge Betsen, digital, social and outdoor activity. Heineken will also support participating outlets through a range of impactful POS and in store theatre over the course of the campaign. For more information, see www.heinekenrugbyclub.com.

NEW BAILEYS ALMANDE CONSUMERS following a dairy-free and vegan diet can now enjoy Baileys! Baileys Almande is an alcoholic treat that is dairy free and vegan-friendly, but very much not free from delicious indulgence. Blending the luscious, nutty flavours of sweet almond oil and almond essence from pure crushed almonds with delicious vanilla, Baileys Almande embodies the same quality and creamy deliciousness of Baileys. Baileys Almande is available exclusively from Dunnes Stores nationwide at an RRP of €25 per 700ml (13% alcohol by volume).

CUSHELLE ON TOP CUSHELLE is now the number one brand in the market over 12 weeks with 17.7% value share in the toilet tissue category (Source: Kantar WPO 12 weeks to Dec 31, 2017). Cushelle has the most valuable shoppers in the category, spending €8.70 on average per trip! Cushelle grew shopper numbers by 79,000 this period Vs last. Over 52 weeks the Cushelle brand holds 12.4% value share in the toilet tissue category and has value sales of over €15m (Source: Kantar Kantar WPO 52 week data to December 31,2017). Cushelle has exciting brand plans to continue this growth in 2018, with the launch of a new Quilted Cushelle pack, as well as above-the-line advertising through TV and VOD featuring the brand icon Cushelle Koala.

BEWLEY’S 100% COMPOSTABLE COFFEE CAPSULES BEWLEY’S has become the first Irish company to launch a range of 100% compostable coffee capsules, which consumers can drop into their organic recycling (brown) bin. Made from renewable raw materials, Bewley’s new capsules break down in just 12 weeks into CO2, water and compost. As well as reducing the amount of packaging from the previous Bewley’s capsule range, there is less energy used and fewer greenhouse gases emitted during production of the new capsules. The new range includes two new café blends and two new single origins and all the capsules are compatible with Nespresso machines, while the whole range is Fairtrade certified.

HEAVENLY DEVELOPMENTS FOR SNACK BRAND HEAVENLY Tasty Organics are celebrating the launch of two brand new products, as well as introducing new smaller pack sizes for Wafer Wisps, Veggie Waffles and Italian breadsticks, and unveiling a fresh new sub-brand for its range of snacks from 12 months+. Mini Biscuits from 12+ months are naturally sweetened wholegrain biscuits available in Apple or Strawberry flavour. These delicious alphabet themed treats are perfectly portioned in 30g packs. The biscuits will sit alongside the brand’s other new product the heart-shaped Corn Puffs. Also, suitable from 12+ months the corn based snack is blended with two wholesome flavours, Sweet Potato & Carrot and Apple & Strawberry, in 15g portioned packs. Both contain 100% natural and organic ingredients, with absolutely no added salt and sugar, and both will sit within the brands new ‘Heavenly Kids’ collection.

NEW DESSERTS FROM GLENILEN FARM WEST Cork brand Glenilen Farm has launched a new range of desserts. Lemon Cheesecake, Strawberries & Cream and Chocolate Mousse make up the three new desserts in the Glenilen Farm range. The desserts come in a neat twin-pack format, making the range an ideal choice to complete a special dinner or just as a little treat. The Lemon Cheesecake is Glenilen Farm’s most popular dessert, made with real lemon juice and the Kingston’s quark soft cheese. The Strawberries & Cream is a creamy panna cotta made with cream and yoghurt on a layer of strawberries. Chocolate is a must have option when creating desserts and so the Chocolate Mousse is mixed with real Belgian Chocolate pieces to complete this indulgent and decadent dessert.

48|Retail News|March 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Focus on HR

How Do You Handle

Employee Stress?

Having an effective procedure in place for helping workers to deal with stress has a range of benefits, not just improved employee wellbeing. STAFF dissatisfaction at work and stress at work have become significant factors for employers to contend with. This poses a concern in itself, separate to the significant cost of managing these for the employer. Ibec, as far back as 2011, stated that 11m days are lost through absenteeism every year at a cost of €1.5 billion, which highlights that improving employee wellbeing should be at the core of employer agendas and will in general be in the best interest of the all team members. What Is Stress? Many of us, as employees and employers, encounter varying degrees of stress throughout the course of our working days. Stress is unique to each individual and is not specific to any particular job. Stress is defined as “a negative reaction to pressure, accompanied by fear of not coping, loss of control and lack of support”. It is both a physical and emotional experience and can impact on many other aspects of health, such as blood pressure, hormone activity, digestive disturbance and sleep patterns, to name but a few negative effects of stress. It is important to note that stress is a “state” and the effects differ from person to person. Workplace stress occurs “when the demands of the job and the working environment on a person exceeds their capacity to meet them”. There are varying factors which cause work related stress, such as poor communications, bullying and harassment, work overload, long or unsocial hours, etc.

Employer’s Duty of Care Employers have a duty of care to employees. This is reinforced in the Safety Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005. It is wise for employers to have a procedure in place to tackle the issue should they identify an employee experiencing such stress. This not only empowers the employer to take action to help the employee, but it also shows the employee experiencing stress and other co-workers that the company cares and that they are willing to help alleviate such stresses.

Benefits of Improved Wellbeing Improved workplace wellbeing can lead to sustained improvements within the workplace, including increased creativity, improved employee loyalty, improved productivity and better overall customer satisfaction. In light of this information, many employers are now concentrating on workplace wellbeing initiatives and have achieved considerable improvements from doing so. Ensuring wellbeing is inherent in the workplace will give rise to benefits such as retention of healthy and happy employees, decreased rates of illness/ injury, reduced absenteeism, increased productivity, increased morale and satisfaction. Vicarious Liability If an employer fails to take action when made aware of an employee suffering from work related stress, they then can become liable for damages as they

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Focus on HR About the Author

failed to adhere to their duty of care. If an employer is aware that an employee is susceptible to stress and fails to take necessary precautions to protect them, the employer is liable for any damages arising from their failure to act. How to Manage Work Related Stress in Your Workplace • Awareness & Proactiveness: Employers should ensure that demands that are placed on employees are reasonable. It is best practice that if employers become aware of staff members suffering from stress, they take action immediately to ascertain the cause and identify ways of removing the stressor. Often, one of the first instances of when an employer becomes aware that an employee is suffering from stress is when they receive a sickness certificate from the employee. Once this occurs, the employer should write to the employee immediately, expressing concern regarding the nature of the illness. The employer must take steps to establish the cause of the stress and remove it, if practicable, for the employee’s health and safety. There are a number of actions which an employer can take in dealing with work-related stress. One such action is to refer an employee for an Occupational Health Assessment, which will provide them with objective medical advice on the employee’s condition. Another action is to identify the causes of stress, be they working hours or workload and take steps to alleviate them. The employer can also offer the employee sick leave, annual leave or unpaid leave to take time to recover from the stress related illness. Other alternatives include a move to a different position or department which does not have the same stressors as their current role. Each individual case is unique to the individual circumstances and each employer must bear this in mind in evaluating the best course of

action to tackle the issues. • Policies: Policies and procedures can be put in place to protect and support employees, including Dignity at Work, Grievance and Discipline Procedures.

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

• Information: According to the findings by the Nutrition and Health Foundation (NHF), many of Ireland's workers want to become healthier and would like to see their employers playing a role in this. Provide information on general wellness ideas i.e. group walks after work, charity events i.e. Darkness into Light, nutritional ideas, following Operation Transformation etc. • EAP: To help support employees, an Employee Assistance Programme could be offered free and confidential to the employee. This is a service that provides advice and counselling supports to employees in times of need. EAPS are generally available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year and are accessible by phone, email and online. The service is designed to help employees with a wide range of work, family and personal issues. Topics include, but are not limited to: relationships, health and wellbeing, debt, disability and illness, bereavement and loss, stress, elder care etc. The benefits to the employer of introducing the service are vast and overall will result in improved employee performance and motivation. Staff will feel valued. It results in enhanced employee retention, with lessened employee grievances. It can increase cost and time savings through reduced absenteeism and presentism. Employers will also reap the rewards of a happier, healthier and more productive workforce.

• Communication: Meet with employees on a regular basis one-to-one to discuss performance and goals. Have brainstorming sessions with your team for improving happiness and well-being at work. • Culture: Create an open environment for employees to learn about their own well-being and share ideas with their colleagues. • Training: Provide training on a number of topics to help reduce stress or to create awareness; time management, wellbeing and mental health awareness, dignity and respect etc. The HR Suite can advise you and your organisation how to be proactive in introducing wellbeing awareness to your organisation. If you require further information or advice on the above, please do not hesitate to contact our HR Consultants on (01) 9014335 or (066) 7102887 or email us at info@thehrsuiteonline.com.

50|Retail News|March 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Forecourt Focus: News Maxol and Dundalk IT Design the Forecourt of the Future MAXOL launched the Innovative Visionary in Marketing Award at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) recently, which will see students designing the forecourt service stations of the future. Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group, visited the college to announce the competition to students studying in the School of Business and Humanities. The three best teams from the college will have the opportunity to present their vision of the service station of the future at Maxol’s largest retailer event in April, which is attended by over 350 retailers from across the Maxol network of service stations. The event will also feature world leading authorities in customer trends and consumer behaviours, and presentations from experts in advancements in car and retail technologies. The winning student will receive an eight-week internship in the Marketing Department at The Maxol Group. Presentations will be based on providing an insight into the type of products and services Maxol will offer in 2025, and how customer behaviour may evolve in the forecourt convenience business over the next seven years. The judging panel is comprised of senior representatives from Maxol’s retail department, John Sisk and Mario MacBlain from the School of Business & Humanities at DKIT, and Colin Fee, local businessman and Dundalk Maxol retailer. “We’d like students to fire up their imagination and think about how technology can deliver a superior experience to customers,” said Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group. “Here at Maxol, innovation is at the heart of what we do – we are always imagining the forecourt of the future. Integral to

John Sisk, Director of Marketing Studies, DKIT; Mario MacBlain, Lecturer, DKIT; Patricia Moriarty, Head of School of Business & Humanities, DKIT; Colin Fee, Maxol Licensee, Dundalk, and Brian Donaldson, CEO, The Maxol Group, shake on it at the Maxol Marketing Award partnership with Dundalk Institute of Technology. Maxol is our commitment to community and we are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to students to help to fulfil their potential and to give them the opportunity to enhance their CV and gain invaluable work experience in our marketing department.”

Ashbourne Store Named Subway Store of the Year

Pictured is Milana Voitechovska, Manager of the Ashbourne Subway store and Daniel Ferris, site manager of Applegreen Ashbourne, alongside Elzbieta Jaskolska, Rasa Dabasinskaite and Evelina Stolarczyk, all members of the Ashbourne Subway store team.

THE Subway store on the Applegreen forecourt in Ashbourne, Co. Meath, has been named Subway Store of the Year. The store, which opened in May 2014, is one of the 53 Subway stores in Ireland located within an Applegreen site. Store of the Year is judged on a combination of in-store operational performance and year on year sales growth. Ashbourne excelled in both areas and its team stood out for their dedication, which helped them secure the recognition. “Every year The Store of the Year Award gives us a chance to recognise all the hard work and commitment that is put in throughout the year by teams around Ireland and to reward their commitment to creating a top-quality work environment,” said Neil Black, Development Agent for Subway Ireland. “It is a testament to the Ashbourne store’s dedication to their service and to their customers that they won this year’s Store of the Year Award.”

Always FRESH MILK

and the SAME BEANS as our coffee shops

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Forecourt Focus: News Maxol Wilton Hosts ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ MAXOL Wilton, Co. Cork, recently hosted ‘Let’s Do Lunch!’ to celebrate the recent €500,000 investment in the store to introduce Maxol’s new and exciting food offers from its own speciality sandwich menu, and Freshly Chopped, the healthy food company. From 12noon until 2pm, customers had their choice of a free sandwich from the Maxol speciality range, or a salad from Freshly Chopped. Maxol’s new food range uses only the best quality sourced ingredients and are made fresh each day onsite. Freshly Chopped offers fresh and nutritious food through a range of generously portioned salads, wraps, sandwiches, and soups, which are made to order for the customer, and served quickly. The Maxol team had plenty more besides lunch to keep customers entertained. The Red FM Roadshow was on site for a special broadcast of the More Music show, and the Red Patroller Street Team was on hand with plenty of prizes. “We were thrilled at the success of 'Let’s Do Lunch' at Maxol, Glasheen Road, Wilton,” said Ruaidhri O’Hare, Maxol licensee at Maxol Wilton. “It’s a great way to spread the word about our new fresh food offerings and to treat our valued customers. We place a huge premium on community at Maxol, so we were delighted to host a day filled with fun and fresh food for everyone at Wilton to enjoy.” John Hadnett, Regional Manager, Maxol, said, “Having

Pictured are (l-r): John Hadnett, Regional Manager, Maxol, and Ruaidhri O’Hare, Maxol Licensee at Maxol Wilton, at the 'Let’s Do Lunch' event. invested over €500,000 in the refurbishment of Maxol Wilton, we were delighted to see such a large turnout of support for this ‘Let’s Do Lunch’ event. The investment has created 10 new jobs in Wilton and provides a more extensive choice of meal solutions from our own specialty sandwich range, and the renowned salad bar, Freshly Chopped. Our aim in Maxol is always to offer customers first class service and a great forecourt convenience experience, and I’m confident we deliver that in Wilton, with our partners, the O’Hare family.”

Topaz Announces January Play or Park Winner

Pictured is Darragh Crossan, from Co. Cavan, the winner of the January 2018 Topaz Play or Park giveaway, his wife Mairead and children, James & Conor, with Topaz Loyalty and Insights Manager, Richard Pollock, and Seat Marketing Communications Manager, Leslie Walsh.

TOPAZ has revealed that Darragh Crossan from Cootehill, Co. Cavan, is the January 2018 winner of Topaz Play or Park, winning an all new Seat Arona Xcellence, worth €28,240. Darragh, his wife Mairead and his two children, James and Conor, can’t wait to take to the wheel of their brand new car. “When I first heard I had won the Seat Arona Xcellence, I definitely thought that someone was playing a trick on me!” said Darragh. “We have had some trouble with our car over the past year, so this is great timing! We’re looking forward to planning a weekend away and taking the car on its first road trip: the boys will be so excited. We’re very grateful to both Topaz and Seat for giving us the chance to own this fabulous car!” Richard Pollock, Loyalty and Insights Manager at Topaz, commented: “I am delighted to announce Darragh as this month’s Play or Park winner. It’s fantastic that Darragh and Mairead, along with James and Conor, will get so much enjoyment out of the new Seat Arona Xcellence, and we are delighted to give this prize to such a deserving family!”

To find out what Costa Express can offer you contact: ROI tel: 021 500 3526 NI tel: 02892 580207

52|Retail News|March 2018|www.retailnews.ie

Shelf Life CATHERINE Fulvio, Celebrity chef and Siúcra brand ambassador, is pictured hosting an ‘eggciting’ afternoon of fun Easter activities, with children enjoying face painting and cupcake decorating, whilst adults indulged in a host of delicious, sweet and savoury canapés at Siúcra’s Easter event at Airfield Farm. Catherine Fulvio offered guests her expert baking and decorating tips, and advising guests how to create the perfect Easter Bundt cake at home this Easter. Guests sampled some of Catherine's show-stopping sweet and savoury seasonal recipes, including Catherine Fulvio’s mini carrot cakes and Siúcra’s orange chocolate hot cross buns, as well as cream cheese French toast and mini breakfast blinis. For delicious recipes and tips for seasonal Easter dishes please visit: www.siucra.ie. DARINA Allen, the internationally renowned chef and co-founder of the Ballymaloe Cookery School, has been announced as the ‘Guaranteed Irish Food Hero’. A tireless ambassador for Irish food at home and abroad, Darina has received the accolade for her significant contribution to the food industry in Ireland. “I have always been convinced of the superb quality produce that we can produce here in Ireland and I would encourage anyone who comes within earshot of Guaranteed Irish to support their local farmers and food producers, and serve Irish food proudly, just as we have been happy to do here at Ballymaloe and the cookery school for generations,” noted Darina, pictured being presented with the accolade by Bríd O'Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish. March has been designated the inaugural Guaranteed Irish Month to celebrate the membership of the organisation and showcase Ireland’s exceptional international reputation as a great place to work and do business. A range of activities are planned for the month-long initiative, including a ‘Meet Guaranteed Irish’ event in Dublin on March 27, which will offer members the opportunity to exhibit their businesses and network with other members. RED Bull Flugtag will return to Irish shores this summer. Taking flight from Dún Laoghaire Harbour on May 20, the event will see over 50 teams attempt to push the limits of human flight, as they launch their handcrafted flying machines in front of over 40,000 spectators. Red Bull Flugtag challenges the brave and brainy to design, build and pilot homemade flying machines off a nine-metre high flight deck, in the hope of soaring into the wild blue yonder…or more often, to plunge into the waters below. Flugtag, which means “flying day” in German, pushes the envelope of human-powered flight but competitors need more than airtime to reach the podium. Teams are judged on three criteria: flight distance, creativity of the craft, and showmanship: www.RedBullFlugtag.ie. MADE in Chelsea star Rosie Fortescue is set to judge the hotly contested Bollinger Best Dressed Lady Competition at the Punchestown Festival, which takes place from April 24-28 at the famous Kildare venue.

THE Guinness Pro14 and the Dublin 7s are joining forces to create an Official Fanzone event like no other ahead of the Championship Final on May 26 at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium. Tis two-day ‘Festival of Rugby’ (May 25 & 26) will showcase the thrills of Sevens rugby with top men’s and women’s teams competing ahead of the Guinness Pro14 Final. There will be a dedicated family zone, appearances by Guinness Pro14 players, with bars and a premium area and live music after the big game itself. The Official Guinness Pro14 Dublin 7s Fanzone takes place at Old Belvedere Rugby Club, less than a 10-minute walk from Aviva Stadium, and will kick-off on Friday evening and continue on Saturday. Pictured are Katie Fitzhenry, Ireland Womens 7s star, and Adam Bryne, Ireland, Leinster and former Ireland Men's 7s player.

ROISIN Gillen and Eimhear Lee are the winners of this year’s Manor Farm 30-minute cookery challenge. The DIT Culinary Arts students from Donegal and Wicklow cooked up a storm with two delicious chicken dishes, one with chicken mince and one with Omega 3 chicken, and they each take home €1,000 in prize money. APRIL 6 sees a group of very special Irish music acts coming together for ‘A Night for Aware’, a unique concert in Dublin’s Olympia Theatre, all in aid of mental health charity, Aware. Taking to the stage on the night will be Christy Dignam, In Tua Nua, Mundy, The Pale, Cry Monster Cry, Barq, Jem Mitchell, Trouble Pilgrims and The Skatuesques. Supported by Cadbury, charity partner of Aware, tickets are on sale now for just €25 from www.ticketmaster.ie and Ticketmaster outlets nationwide. “We have worked with Aware since 2016 and we are very proud of our association with them and the work that they do. We are delighted to be able to support this initiative, particularly this year as Cadbury goes back to its roots, focusing on generosity and real moments,” said Eoin Kellett, Managing Director at Mondeléz Ireland. Pictured are (back, l-r): Jamie Martin, Cry Monster Cry; Eoin Kellet, MD, Cadbury; Mundy; Gerry O’Brien, Aware; Richard Martin, Cry Monster Cry; ( front, l-r): Leslie Dowdall and Jess Kav, Barq. TAYTO has launched an amazing onpack competition for music fans, with everything they need to head off to Europe this summer to see the hottest headline acts: it includes tickets for three music festivals in three different countries for the winner and three friends. The prize covers flights, tent and of course, crisps! The first stop Primavera in Spain, followed by Ultra in Croatia and Sziget in Hungary, which will really be a summer to remember for the lucky winner. To enter, consumers pick up a promotional pack in stores now for more details on how to win the Ultimate Festival Prize!

THIS IS RUGBY JOIN US AT HEINEKENRUGBYCLUB.COM FULL T.T.L. CAMPAIGN TO SUPPORT YOUR OFF-LICENCE • CONTACT YOUR LOCAL HEINEKEN SALES REPRESENTATIVE FOR FURTHER DETAILS •