Retail News March 2021

Retail News MARCH 2021

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

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Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents News

Sustainability a key concern IN years gone by, environmental concerns were something that most of us felt were important in a rather vague, ethereal way, possibly without too much actual action backing up our general support. The last number of years have seen a massive swing, however, as activists have ensured that climate change remains top of the global agenda, reinforcing the understanding that every one of us has a part to play in the sustainability challenge ahead.

While the last 12 months have seen all stakeholders preoccupied by the Covid-19 pandemic, the very real dangers of climate change have not gone away, and they will be once again top-of-mind with consumers in the months and years ahead.

Retail News examines some of the innovations and trends driving change in the way we package our food (Page 50), as the notion of a circular economy becomes mainstream. We also report on the phenomenal rise of veganism and vegetarianism, with plantbased products bringing huge profit opportunities for retailers right across the country, as even the omnivores amongst us embrace a more flexitarian diet, many of whom for environmental reasons (Page 25).

Elsewhere, IGBF President of Appeals Sharon Buckley of Musgrave explains why she stayed on in the role for another year and why 2021 may be a very challenging year for the grocers’ charity (Page 14); and we look at how the retailers and FMCG brands of the future will utilise data to add value across the supply chain (Page 34).

Kathleen Belton Editorial & Marketing Director

Transport & Logistics

2

Banking exodus poses challenges for Irish retailers.

3

Consumer craving normality, research finds.

4

Musgrave calls on Government to fast-track insurance reform; Electrical waste recycling grows.

5

Irish shoppers spend extra €2 billion on groceries in pandemic year; Aldi to open new Castlecomer store.

6

7

25

BWG Foods launches sustainability strategy; Brexit bites for meat industry with increased export costs.

March is Guaranteed Irish Month; Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition achieves Platinum Cert for Water Stewardship; Resilient performance for Glanbia in 2020 results.

32

34

How will the consumer packaged goods market of the future utilise data to add value between all the elements in the supply chain?

PJ Carroll 36

14

After an unprecedented 2020, Sharon Buckley has agreed to continue in the role of President of Appeals for the IGBF in 2021. She explains the impact of the pandemic on the Fund last year and why the coming year could be “even tougher” for the charity.

Produced in Carlow, Hale e-liquid vaping products have become one of the country’s top performing brands.

Dairygold has introduced 100% recyclable packaging, a new and improved recipe and a new brand campaign for 2021.

Simon Carroll, Country Manager, PJ Carroll, shares some big news about Vype, the company’s leading vaping brand.

36

Food Packaging Solutions 50

Sustainability is at the heart of every business decision made by Cavanbased Xtrupak.

Dairygold 22

The Irish regional winners of the Icons of Whisky Awards have been revealed.

Data and FMCG

Hale Vaping 20

Vegan options have become big business as Morgan Stokes reports, examining the trends and products to help you embrace the plant-based revolution.

Icons of Whisky Awards

Thermoformed Packaging 18

A Compressed Natural Gas vehicle grant scheme from Gas Networks Ireland is making €2.9m available for the transport and logistics sector.

Plant-Based Foods

Retail News Interview 14

24

We examine the impact of the sustainability agenda on FMCG packaging, and investigate some of the innovations that could shake-up the market. Maria Svejdar of GS1 Ireland reveals the small barcode that packs a “bunch”. We also profile leading packaging company, Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging.

Employment Law 59

Barry Reynolds and Jenny Wakely, specialists in employment law with DAC Beachcroft, examine the extent to which fair procedures are required during probation.

Regulars & Reports 10 Industry News 38 Vaping

Retail News

41 Cereals 48 On the Vine

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58 Retail Ireland:

Monthly Update 62 Forecourt Focus: News 63 What’s New 64 Shelf Life

2|Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie

News

Banking exodus poses challenges exactly have the cheapest banks as it is.”

The vibrancy of rural communities will also take a hit. “Having an active bank in the town was an important draw to a town centre,” said Tara Buckley, Director General of RGDATA. “If we push everyone online, we forget about the need for footfall drivers and town centre services.”

Bank of Ireland has blamed mobile banking for its closures. The pandemic has accelerated the move toward a cashless society. Murphy’s SuperValu in Rosslare noted a 25% increase in card usage over the last year and their ATM has less usage now.

A DECADE ago, Moville in County Donegal had three banks: AIB, Bank of Ireland, and Ulster Bank. In 2012, AIB closed the local branch. Four years later, Ulster Bank shut its doors. Now BoI has announced its intention to close its premises, leaving Moville without a bank.

Paddy Gillen, owner of Gillen’s Gala supermarket on Moville’s Main Street, has become accustomed to driving 19km to Carndonagh when he requires banking services from AIB. BoI’s departure will be felt by everyone in the town, he told Retail News: “It’s another empty building. It’s a big loss to the town.”

In Co. Wexford, on the other side of the country, Alan Murphy of Murphy’s SuperValu, Rosslare Harbour, feels much the same. BoI’s decision to close its Rosslare branch will leave the area, which has a busy post-Brexit shipping port, without a bank.

“Wexford Town will be our nearest bank, whether it’s AIB or Bank of Ireland,

Alan Murphy, Murphy’s SuperValu, Rosslare Harbour.

and it’s a 20-minute drive to get there,” said Murphy. “That’s very inconvenient. It’s a big blow for the area. Rosslare was on the up.”

Retailers all over Ireland are in a similar position, following Bank of Ireland’s decision to close 88 branches around the Republic. The announcement came on foot of Ulster Bank’s decision to withdraw entirely from the country, closing all its branches, possibly as early as this year. This comes as no great surprise, however.

“The BoI in Rosslare has been cashless for the last couple of years,” said Murphy. “They weren’t doing much. It was on the cards.”

According to Neil McDonnell, ISME CEO, the decline of the Irish banking sector has been foreseeable for a long time: “This predates even the previous crash, yet we have not strategically invested in another arm: whether it be the credit union or post office networks.”

Retailers are understandably worried.

Ulster Bank offered decent rates for cash lodgements and played a big role in the Irish market in terms of commercial lending. “Where those loan books are going to end up is a concern to a lot of our members,” said McDonnell.

Not only do retailers now have to travel further distances to deposit cash, but a decrease in competition will push up banking charges. Around 40% of ISME members banked with Bank of Ireland; another 40% are with AIB, and 14% with Ulster Bank. “If Ulster Bank’s share migrates to the other big two, their market domination would be in excess of 90%,” continued McDonnell. “It’s effectively a duopoly. There’s no real price competition in the Irish market for retail banking. We’re grossly over-dependent on our pillar banks.”

“Less competition is not going to help,” agreed Alan Murphy. “We’re don’t

Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General.

“Younger people aren’t using cash,” agreed Paddy Gillen. “They’re all using cards. It happens for everything now, even €1.50 purchases.”

But consumers are yet to entirely jettison cash and retailers predict a return to coins and notes post-pandemic.

“There’s a significant cohort who use cash that nobody will be able to shift,” said Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores and Newsagents Association (CSNA). “Older people, for example, depend on cash. They withdraw pensions in cash; they go to the post office and live off their €248 for the week. That’s how they structure their lives. It will take a generation to go cashless. So there is still a need for bank branch networks.”

While mobile banking might be popular among consumers, businesses require branches. “So much clearing and lending activity for businesses takes place through the pillar banks,” said McDonnell.

“E-banking doesn’t enter the equation at all where cash is concerned.”

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News

for Irish retailers Furthermore, card payments are not necessarily cheaper for retailers. “Intuitively, you would say that digital and e-commerce solutions must be less expensive than cash,” said Jennings. “But bills for contactless payments have increased over the last year. I have asked the Central Bank to reassess contactless and cash handling fees.”

Following the exodus of banks from Ireland, where Vincent Jennings, are the alternatives? Bank of CEO, CSNA. Ireland has struck an agreement with An Post for customer bank transactions, which could drive business into outlets such as Murphy’s SuperValu, which has a post office on the premises.

Some of the store’s cash “goes through our in-store ATM, which will become busier because Rosslare’s Bank of Ireland ATM will, I presume, close as well.”

While AIB avails of similar An Post services to those agreed by Bank of Ireland, the post office network was not built for business banking and the country needs something to fill the vacuum left by Ulster Bank. There’s also the question of what will happen to Ulster Bank’s €20 billion loan book. Permanent TSB, a Government-owned mortgage bank, believes it can strike a deal in the carve-up. Retail representatives have other ideas.

ISME suggested that Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland (SBCI) could be set up as a direct-to-business bank.

RGDATA called for “immediate and urgent action” and early adoption in the programme for government for the Town Centre First policy. “We need to move quickly to develop an all-of-government approach to town centre regeneration,” said Buckley.

CSNA called on the Department of Finance, Enterprise, and the Taoiseach to elevate credit unions and other financial institutions to banking status. Perhaps Ireland should look overseas as well?

“We have built barriers that make it difficult for outside companies to do business in Ireland, but there should be no reason why a person cannot engage with getting a loan from a Dutch or German company,” said Jennings.

As it stands, the lack of banking competition within the Irish market leaves retailers with few options. “AIB and BoI are now the only two mass suppliers in the market,” said McDonnell. “This is very worrying - and it has been happening in plain sight for more a decade.”

Neil McDonnell, ISME CEO.

Consumer craving normality, research finds

NEW research carried out by Kinetic, the specialists in innovative Out of Home (OOH) communications for brands, has highlighted the desire for a return to ‘normality’ amongst consumers. 55% of people are planning to out get out more when restrictions permit, including visiting parks and popular locations outside of their 5km limit, and visiting other counties in Ireland.

The research, carried out in partnership with Spark Market research, examined changes in consumer behaviour across three categories: grocery shopping, consumer sentiment, and spending power.

In March and April 2020, in the early stages of lockdown, consumers adapted their grocery shopping habits, with many opting to do one large shop per week.

The latest results show that the level of ‘main shops’ has remained consistent, as 53% of respondents reported doing a large shop on a weekly basis.

The rate of smaller ‘Top-up shops’ has increased by 24% when compared to March and April 2020, with 36% of consumers doing a top-up shop 2-3 times per week.

Interestingly, only 17% of those surveyed reported doing their main weekly shop online.

30% of people reported buying less alcohol in their main weekly shop, while 47% stated they are buying more Irish products this month.

“Contrary to reports that consumers have moved all their shopping online, our research found in-store shopping has remained popular during this lockdown period,” noted Caroline DeCourcy, Insight Director at Kinetic. “This presents ample opportunities for brands to engage with consumers through OOH advertising, not just at Point of Sale (POS) but also on their journey to the supermarket.”

8% of respondents cited they were spending more time out walking on a daily basis, which highlights the prominence of local audiences for the OOH industry. The research also found that 73% of people plan on visiting retail outlets once they can do so safely.

The results indicate that there is very strong spending power among audiences of all ages. Survey respondents reported planning large purchases this year, with 34% planning on doing significant home improvements, 19% plan on buying a new car and 17% will be moving into a new home.

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News

Musgrave calls on Government to fast-track insurance reform MUSGRAVE has called on the Government to fast track a suite of measures required to tackle high insurance costs in Ireland in the wake of the recent vote by Ireland’s Judicial Council to adopt new guidelines for personal injury claims that aim to reduce the size of awards for minor injuries and encourage early settlements.

“Saturday’s report from the Judicial Council will have to be examined in detail by the many retailers who have borne the brunt of rising insurance premiums in recent years,” noted a Musgrave spokesperson. “It may take some time before we see if the new guidelines bring Ireland in line with the level of general damages in other countries.

“However, what’s most important now is that the Government speeds up the implementation of this report, along with other initiatives such as enhancing the role of the PIAB, rebalancing the duty of care, and reducing fraudulent and exaggerated claims.”

Musgrave also called for action on increasing competition in the Irish market, where the company spokesperson maintained there are too few companies offering cover and too many barriers to new entrants.

“Despite many reports in recent years, reforms to date have not delivered cuts in liability insurance premiums,” the spokesperson concluded. “For thousands of companies involved in retail and food service, this is a crippling cost which can, and must, be reduced.”

Meanwhile, the Alliance for Insurance Reform reacted with dismay to the new Personal Injuries Guidelines published by the Judicial Council. “Getting insurance costs down means cutting the general damages paid out for minor, fully recovered injuries to reflect international norms and norms already established by the Court of Appeal,” said Peter Boland, Director of the Alliance. “It would have taken reductions of 80% to the damages handed out for such injuries in order to do so. In advance of the adoption of these guidelines, we called on the judiciary to have regard to the common good in their deliberations but they have ignored this plea and we are dismayed at what they are now proposing.”

The Alliance has written to An Tánaiste Leo Varadkar, in his role as Chair of the Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, asking Government to “intervene immediately, take control of the situation and cap general damages such that damages for minor injuries are reduced by an average of 80% compared to the previous Book of Quantum guidelines”.

Eoin McCambridge, Managing Director of McCambridge’s of Galway and Director of the Alliance for Insurance Reform, said, “The single biggest element of the cost of insurance, as determined by the Cost of Insurance Working Group, the Personal Injuries Commission and the Central Bank’s National Claims Information Database, is compensation; and general damages for minor injuries account for the vast majority of compensation payouts. What we award for minor, fully recovered injuries in Ireland is 4.4 times higher than in England & Wales and further multiples higher than other European jurisdictions. An 80% reduction on minor injuries would only bring us down to where England and Wales currently are and would still be nowhere near the equivalent damages in other European countries.”

Electrical waste recycling grows THE amount of electrical waste recycled at local authority centres rose by 10% last year – the equivalent of half a million small appliances, new data from WEEE Ireland shows.

But the 5km travel restriction is being partly blamed for a spike in electrical items dumped in general waste bins last month, fuelling a 7% decrease in electrical recycling compared with January 2020.

“Irish people’s behaviours and attitudes are improving towards the recycling of e-waste, and we welcome the 10% overall increase in recycling at civic amenity sites in 2020,” said CEO of WEEE Ireland, Leo Donovan. “Unfortunately, in January, we saw a reverse in that behaviour and we would ask people to seriously consider the danger and environmental impact of getting rid of e-waste in household bins. We need people to support a transition towards a more circular economy, which aims to keep Leo Donovan, CEO, WEEE Ireland. our resources in circulation for longer.”

WEEE Ireland, which is the country’s largest e-waste recycling scheme, warns that small items containing batteries can be dangerous to dispose of in general waste and that the valuable raw materials ending up in landfill sites can never be recovered for re-use. It cautioned that for Ireland to comply with EU targets, e-waste recycling should have increased by over 10% on last year’s tonnages to keep pace with the growing volume of electrical appliances entering the Irish market every year.

“We would encourage people during the current level 5 restrictions to use this time to gather up any end-of-life electrical items and waste batteries in their homes and once restrictions are lifted, to take them to their local authority recycling centre, electrical retail shop or hardware store,” said Donovan.

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News Irish shoppers spend extra €2 billion on groceries in pandemic year TAKE-HOME grocery sales in Ireland grew by 16.3% in the 12 weeks to February 21, 2021, according to the latest figures from Kantar. Growth was even stronger during the past month at 17.7%, the highest level since November 2020, as shoppers spent an additional €151.1m.

“As we approach a full year since the first national lockdown in Ireland, we can see how the months of restaurant and bar closures, working from home and home schooling have added up. All those extra meals and snacks at home have led to an extra €2 billion spent on takehome groceries, including Irish shoppers splashing out €7.6m on tea and €19.5m on instant coffee to get their fix at home,” noted Emer Healy, Retail Analyst at Kantar. “Totting it all up, the average household grocery bill has increased by €1,000 this year.

“We are saving some pennies on our grooming routines and healthcare, though,” Healy added. “With social distancing and limits on gatherings continuing, sales of shampoo were down 0.8% and conditioner 2.7% in the past 12 weeks and deodorant down 5.4%.

Staying at home more and an emphasis on handwashing has also meant a steep decline in sales of cold and flu remedies – with cold treatments dropping 55%, cough liquids 60% and lozenges 42%. Of course, liquid soap continues to be an exception in these aisles, and sales were up 99.5% in the most recent 12 weeks.”

February brought Valentines’ Day and Shrove Tuesday, and consumers continued to make the most of events they could safely celebrate at home in lockdown. They spent an additional €3.2m on boxed chocolates to treat their

MARKET SHARE - TOTAL GROCERY

Includes expenditure across Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Household and Health & Beauty categories Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend 12 Weeks to 23/02/20 Total Outlets

12 Weeks to 21/02/21

% Change in value sales

%*

%*

%

100.0%

100.0%

16.3%

Total Multiples

89.6%

89.6%

16.4%

Dunnes

23.5%

22.1%

9.7%

Tesco

21.5%

21.8%

18.0%

SuperValu

21.4%

22.3%

20.9%

Aldi

11.6%

11.4%

13.4%

Lidl

11.5%

12.0%

21.8%

Other Outlets**

10.4%

10.4%

15.5%

* = Percentage Share of Total Grocers ** = Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers and Cross Border shops Source: Worldpanel FMCG

loved ones in the past 12 weeks and sales of flour, eggs and syrup grew by 56%, 21% and 14% respectively, as Pancake Day provided entertainment for all ages.

Online grocery sales had another record-breaking month as shoppers ordered €63m worth of take-home groceries, accounting for 6.3% of all sales. “Online’s share of the grocery market has had an extraordinary uplift compared with the pre-pandemic level of 2.7%. Lockdown may well have converted some previously reluctant digital customers long term – 241,500 people made an order in February, compared with 114,800 last year. They are also using services more often, completing 21.7% more digital orders a month,” Healy explained.

As schools begin a phased reopening from the start of March, Irish shoppers are awaiting a timeline for the return of

Aldi to open new Castlecomer store ALDI Ireland has received planning permission to build a new store in Castlecomer, Co. Kilkenny, bringing 25 new permanent jobs to the town.

Expected to open in 2022, the new store will create 100 jobs during the construction phase.

The new 1,315 square metre store will be located in the centre of Castlecomer, on the site of the town’s former Creamery. The site, vacant for several years, is being developed by Greenstripe Ltd, and will feature Aldi’s store as the anchor tenant, along with additional retail, office and residential units as part of the 52,500 square feet development. The Creamery’s historic mill building, a protected structure, will also be preserved and fully refurbished.

There will be 105 parking spaces available for customers, in addition to 54 bike parking spaces as part of the overall development. Aldi will also be investing in the future of Castlecomer through the provision of two free-to-use electric vehicle charging points, while the store will be powered by 100% green electricity.

hospitality. Once confirmed, those changes will impact take-home grocery sales in the coming months. “The 12-month milestone is significant for retailers as it means we start to compare sales against the recordbreaking levels of the start of the pandemic in March 2020, and we will see year-onyear growth decline from next month as a result. Children heading back to school will be welcome news for exhausted parents and will also mean demand for take-home groceries starts to ease, something that will likely accelerate once offices and restaurants return,” Healy noted. “We’ll see more typical sales patterns re-emerge and we’ll need to keep an eye on other metrics of performance to gauge how retailers are moving out of lockdown, including market share figures.”

SuperValu sits at the top of the table this month as it grew sales by 20.9% to hold a 22.3% share of the market, an increase of 0.9 percentage points. It was the only retailer to attract new shoppers into its stores and its customers traded up when they were there, spending €70m more on branded goods than this time last year.

Dunnes increased its sales by 9.7% this period as its customers picked up extra items in store and continued to spend more per buyer than at any other retailer at €618.60. This totalled an additional €62.5m spent over the 12 weeks. Lidl was once again the fastest growing retailer at 21.8%, with basket sizes increasing by 14.9% yearon-year. Aldi customers spent an additional €57.1m this period, driving 13.4% growth.

Tesco shoppers added an additional 3.6 items to their baskets this period, more than customers at any other retailer, and helped the grocer’s overall sales to rise by 18%.

Grocery market inflation stands at 1.5% for the 12-week period ending February 21, 2021.

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BWG Foods launches sustainability strategy BWG Foods is to invest approximately €25m in an ambitious four-year sustainability strategy aimed at significantly reducing the environmental impact of its large-scale nationwide supply chain.

As part of the new strategy, BWG Foods is switching to cleaner energies and has committed to installing renewable energy solutions across its operations. The Group has just completed the installation of almost 800 solar panels at its National Distribution Centre in Dublin, making it one of the largest installations of solar panels in Ireland.

The installation, which takes up approximately 1,350 square metres of roof space, will have a generation capacity of 250KW, representing enough energy to power the equivalent of approximately 50 homes for a year. BWG Foods, working in partnership with its independent retailers, is also currently in the process of installing solar power units across a number of supermarket stores, including Eurospar in Kill, Co. Kildare, Eurospar Dungarvan, Co. Waterford, Eurospar Cobh, Co. Cork, and Eurospar Lucan, Co. Dublin. To date, nearly €1m has been invested in solar installations by the Group, with the average store installation costing approximately €60,000.

The new sustainability strategy was developed as part of BWG Foods’ bid to secure Bord Bia’s Origin Green status, which it has now been awarded. A core component of the new strategy is to reduce the Group’s energy output and to increase energy efficiency across its entire distribution operation, which includes a 240,000 square feet National Distribution Centre, a nationwide network of 22 Value

Centre and Cash and Carry branches, and one of the largest delivery fleets in the country that extends to approximately 120 vehicles, along with a number of companyowned retail stores BWG Foods has just completed the and the Group’s head installation of almost 800 solar office. Overall, the panels at its National Distribution Group plans to reduce Centre in Dublin. its energy usage by over 10% across its entire operations by 2024. having already invested €2.5m in energy “Our commitment to sustainability efficient lighting. is borne out of the desire to always do BWG Foods recently became the first the right thing by our customers and FMCG company in Ireland to launch a our communities,” explained Joanne fleet of new CNG (Compressed Natural Mellon, Logistics Director, BWG Foods.

Gas) and Biogas vehicles, in place of “We value the importance of reducing traditional diesel fuel. These vehicles our environmental footprint, contributing significantly reduce the carbon intensity to healthier diets, and supporting local of BWG’s expansive distribution operation, communities, and this sustainability generating CO2 savings of up to 22% per strategy will enable us to make a CNG truck, and 90% per biogas truck. significant and tangible positive impact.

Cleverly, BWG Foods contributes food Our installation of 800 solar panels at our waste from its distribution operations to National Distribution Centre demonstrates produce biogas fuel for its new biogas our ambition to pursue meaningful vehicles, making this a circular solution. initiatives that make a real difference.”

Through a variety of efficiency changes, BWG Foods is also investing in a new BWG Foods is also reducing the number Fronius battery charging system for its of kilometres travelled by approximately extensive mechanical handling equipment 12%, leading to an equivalent percentage (forklifts, pallet trucks, etc.) fleet that will reduction in carbon emissions. reduce electrical output, thus reducing As part of its new sustainability carbon emissions by 170 tonnes per strategy, BWG Foods also plans to annum. It will also invest €500,000 in a new significantly reduce its waste output, with fleet of mechanical handling equipment targets of a 15% reduction at its National that boasts market leading energy Distribution Centre and 10% at Group level. efficiency technology. Over €2m is also to The Group has also set out a number of be invested in the continued rollout of LED sustainable sourcing, health and nutrition, lighting across the Group’s retail estate, and community related targets.

Brexit bites for meat industry with increased export costs MEAT processors and exporters are experiencing increases in export costs of up to 40% due to the loss of frictionless trade caused by Brexit. In a submission to the Joint Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture and the Marine, Meat Industry Ireland (MII) said the increased costs are due to new Customs and sanitary/phytosanitary (SPS) processes, delays and disruption in logistics and direct transport cost increases.

Whilst the increase in direct sailings to Continental Europe has helped provide exporters with an alternative to the UK landbridge, MII says that it costs between €500 and €800 extra per truck to send exports to Continental Europe directly. In addition, where exporters are sending trucks to the UK, hauliers are facing difficulties filling their trucks for the return journey due to paperwork and logistical minefields, which means they are looking to increase the costs they charge per journey.

MII also expressed concern about the range of further Brexit measures coming in between April and July. For example, from April 1, all products of animal origin will need to be accompanied by a veterinary certificate. This will require over 350,000 Export Health Certificates to be issued per annum, with serious potential

to cause trade flow disruption and add more cost to exporting.

Meat Industry Ireland Director Cormac Healy said: “All agencies and those in the food supply chain have done excellent work to maintain the flow of trade since Brexit kicked in on January 1, but just because tariff and quota free trade has continued doesn’t mean the changes imposed by Brexit aren’t wide ranging and costly. And we have serious concerns about the potential for disruption when new export certification arrangements come into Cormac Healy, Director, effect in the UK from Meat Industry Ireland April 1.”

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News

March is Guaranteed Irish Month MARCH 2021 is Guaranteed Irish Irish Month, a month-long celebration of the 1,500 Guaranteed Irish member businesses and all locally based businesses across all sectors throughout the country.

The launch of Guaranteed Irish Month is supported by various marketing & PR activity across the month, to include the launch of the Guaranteed Irish Business Index, the launch of a new GuaranteedIrish.ie website, the launch of ‘Guaranteed Irish,’ the second series of the successful 6-part show on TG4, the launch of the Guaranteed Irish ‘Ones To Watch’ initiative in association with KPMG and Grant Thornton, the launch of a full events calendar of webinars & eLearning workshops across the year and much more.

In recent consumer sentiment survey carried out by RedC Research and Market Dynamics:

• 95% of consumers believe that by purchasing from firms with the Guaranteed Irish brand they are ‘helping the local economy’; • 81% of Irish consumers agree that the Guaranteed Irish brand portrays an image of trust; • 82% of Irish consumers agree that the Guaranteed Irish brand stands out from others in its genuine support of Irish jobs, communities, and the circular economy; • 93% of consumers believe that by purchasing from firms with the Guaranteed Irish brand they are supporting local employment.

Guaranteed Irish members expect to increase employment by 7.4% this year as we move towards recovery in 2021. 87 % felt that Guaranteed Irish was important in

Nestlé’s Wyeth Nutrition achieves Platinum Cert for Water Stewardship NESTLÉ’S Wyeth Nutrition facility in Askeaton, Co. Limerick, is the first factory in Ireland, and the company’s first food manufacturing factory in Europe, to achieve the prestigious Alliance for Water Stewardship (AWS) Standard Platinum Certification, in recognition of its water stewardship initiatives.

The Platinum standard is provided where it has been proven that responsible water policies and initiatives, which lead to water preservation and reduction, are in place throughout a factory at a highest standard possible, and there is demonstrable engagement with stakeholders in the local catchment area. The Platinum Certification was awarded to Wyeth Nutritional Ireland Ltd after a rigorous independent assessment, which showed water stewardship throughout the factory being undertaken by its management and staff.

The AWS Standard is the global standard for measuring responsible water stewardship across social, cultural, environmental and economic criteria, with the Platinum rating being the highest level of certification available.

“We are delighted to be the first AWS Platinum-certified site here in Ireland, it is reflective of our continued commitment to meet the highest standards of water stewardship,” noted Antonio Prochilo, Factory Manager, who Antonio Prochilo, Managing explained that the Director; Patrick O’Grady, Water team placed significant Treatment Plant Operator; and focus to improve water Ian Ryan, Utilities Manager; sustainability on site as part of Nestlé’s wider pictured at Nestlé’s Wyeth global prioritisation of Nutrition facility in Askeaton, water sustainability.

Co. Limerick.

Brid O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish. promoting their goods or services during the pandemic in 2020.

Resilient performance for Glanbia in 2020 results GLANBIA plc has announced its preliminary results for the 2020 financial year ended January 2, 2021. The group navigated Covid-19 well with the business portfolio delivering a resilient performance in 2020, with revenue Siobhán Talbot, Glanbia of €3,823.1m (2019: Group Managing Director. €3,875.7m), up 0.6% constant currency on prior year (down 1.4% reported). Like-for-like revenue grew 1.8% constant currency on the prior year. There was a robust performance from Glanbia Nutritionals, which drove likefor-like revenue growth of 10% constant currency on the prior year, while Glanbia Performance Nutrition was impacted by Covid-19 restrictions, in particular in Q2, and delivered like-for-like revenue decline of 13.3%, constant currency.

“I am exceptionally proud of how our people responded to the many challenges of Covid-19,” noted Siobhán Talbot, Group Managing Director. “Throughout the pandemic, we lived our purpose and our values, delivering essential, nutritious food during the most challenging of circumstances and proving the resilience of our business. We delivered on our priorities of protecting our people, continuing the supply of food and maintaining our strong financial position. We kept our operations running safely with the aid of enhanced health and safety measures. Our business portfolio delivered a robust operating performance supported by our swift and decisive actions, which resulted in improving trends across the Group in the second half of the year.”

Glanbia outlined the evolution of its sustainability strategy, ‘Pure Food + Pure Planet’. “As part of this strategy, we are signing up to Science Based Targets and aiming to reduce manufacturing emissions by 30% and supply chain emission intensity by 25% by 2030, while achieving net zero carbon emissions no later than 2050,” said Talbot.

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10|Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Finalists revealed for National Lottery Good Causes Awards IRELAND’S only children’s hospice, a rehabilitation service for adults living with acquired brain injuries, an archive celebrating local LGBT history, a GAA club helping their community through the Covid pandemic and a rural community support service providing vital youth counselling, are amongst the 36 community groups, sports clubs and organisations from all over Ireland who were announced as finalists in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The 36 winning groups now proceed to the grand final in six categories: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community and Youth, while a seventh category, Irish Language, will have a special award to be announced at the Awards final on May 29 at the Mansion House in Dublin (subject to public health measures at the time). Each national category winner will receive €10,000, while the overall Good Cause of the Year will get an additional €25,000. “The Good Causes Awards allow us to shine a light on the outstanding work being done in our communities by extraordinary groups,” noted Andrew Algeo, CEO of the National Lottery. Nuala Carey and Grainne Seoige are pictured at the launch of the Good Causes Awards last year. For more information, visit www.lottery.ie/good-causes-awards/finalists.

Bewley’s celebrates 25 years of Fairtrade BEWLEY’S recently celebrated 25 years of Fairtrade coffee as part of Fairtrade Fortnight, from February 22 to March 7. Bewley’s was the first company in Ireland to introduce Fairtrade produce to the country and to celebrate, it launched the Fairtrade Collection, with products sourced ethically and made with the environment in mind, including Bewley’s Special Blend Fairtrade Tea 80s, Bewley’s Americano Coffee Capsules, Bewley’s Gold Roast Ground Coffee and Bewley’s Indulgent Hot Chocolate. See www.bewleys.com for more information.

Musgrave MarketPlace raises €48,000 for Alzheimer Society of Ireland MUSGRAVE MarketPlace has announced it raised €48,000 for the Alzheimer Society of Ireland in 2020, with funds raised helping to provide support services for both families and people with dementia to ensure no one has to face dementia alone.

Musgrave MarketPlace will continue its partnership with The Alzheimer Society of Ireland in 2021, with an ambition to raise an additional €60,000 for the Charity. “I would like to thank the Musgrave MarketPlace team, who put a huge amount of time and effort into raising this money in unprecedented circumstances,” noted Michael McCormack, Managing Director at Musgrave MarketPlace. Pictured are Thomas Williams, General Manager, Musgrave MarketPlace Ballymun, and Jackie Hughes, HR & Customer Service Manager. Musgrave MarketPlace.

Aldi donates €30,000 to Homeless Care CLG ALDI Ireland Group Managing Director Niall O’Connor (left) and Homeless Care CLG Director John Cradock stand together at the Homeless Care CLG Facility in Naas, County Kildare, to mark Aldi’s €30,000 donation to support its opening.

The donation of €30,000 to the charity is part of Aldi’s long-term commitment to helping the local areas in which its stores and distribution centres are located. Homeless Care CLG aims to provide comprehensive residentialbased care, training and education programmes to young homeless adults, with the aim of helping service users transition from state care to independent living.

SuperValu & AsIAm’s autism-friendly learning resource back in-store SUPERVALU and AsIAm, in collaboration with Mary Immaculate College, have announced the return of the Bridge Back to School learning resource to help students, teachers, SNAs and parents to support children as they go back to school. The autism-friendly resource was available in every SuperValu from February 19 to support families in re-establishing routines that may have been disrupted with the closure of schools and prepare them for a return to school when the time comes. Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu, said, “We’re committed to making SuperValu inclusive and autismfriendly and the work we do in communities around Ireland raises much-needed awareness and support for the autism community.” James Moriarty from Moriarty’s SuperValu is pictured launching Bridge Back to School.

Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie|11

Industry News Aldi to open new Ballina store in 2022 ALDI Ireland has been granted planning permission to build a new store in Ballina.

Co. Mayo, bringing 30 new permanent jobs to the town. Expected to open in 2022, the new store will also create 50 jobs during the construction phase. The development of the new Aldi store will see a substantial investment into the local area. The store will be constructed in Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh design and feature 80 car parking spaces, EV-charging stations and a bicycle stand unit.

“We are very excited to be coming to Ballina. This is fantastic news for shoppers and employment in the town,” said Colin Breslin, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Ireland, who reaffirmed Aldi’s commitment to Mayo, with four stores in the county.

Dealz digs deep for Make-A-Wish Ireland

DEALZ has paid tribute to the generosity of its customers who, despite the global pandemic, helped the company beat last year’s fundraising total to raise over €77,000 for its charity partner, Make-A-Wish Ireland. The money was raised through a series of events across its 70-plus stores in Ireland, such as raffles, fancy dress days, pyjama days and sponsored runs. As a mark of appreciation, the Dealz stores that raised the most money chose a team member to take part in a parachute jump that is currently scheduled for April, restrictions permitting. Pictured at the Buncrana store are Ciara Gillen, Clothing Manager; Ronan Gildea, Store Manager; Antony Gorry, store colleague; Michael Faulkner, Duty Manager, and June Doyle, store colleague.

Délifrance partners with Derry Group LEADING bakery solution provider Délifrance has partnered with Derry Group, Ireland’s new bespoke logistics hub in Co. Armagh, to support the company’s continued growth across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. This follows the 2018 opening of a Délifrance office in Dublin. Previously, Délifrance products have been distributed to customers in Ireland from the UK. By fulfilling orders in Ireland, the new distribution centre offers these customers a faster and more efficient delivery with improved service.

Derry Group Ireland owns Derry Refrigerated Transport, a renowned distributor in Ireland for chilled, ambient and frozen goods. The new hub includes a 70,000 square feet cold-store, from which Délifrance product will be managed and distributed across Ireland.

Go nuts for Cadbury Nuttier CADBURY has unveiled its latest offering, which is the perfect combination of fruit, nuts and the nation’s favorite chocolate. There are two sides to every bar, with either nuts or a combination of nuts and fruits on one side, and a layer of delicious Cadbury milk chocolate on the other side. The Cadbury Nuttier bar launches with three different delicious flavours, including Cadbury Nuttier Peanut & Almond, Cadbury Nuttier Cranberry, Almond & Peanut, and Cadbury Nuttier Coconut & Almond. Cadbury Nuttier is available in a 40g single bar format with an RRP of €2. “We’re delighted to be able to give the people what they want and introduce a Cadbury product which is all about balance,” noted Cadbury Ireland Senior Brand Manager, Tricia Burke.

SuperValu renews partnership with everymum SUPERVALU has renewed its ongoing partnership with everymum for an additional three years, which will see gift bags provided to new mums. Provided by Ireland’s largest online parenting community, the everymum gift bag is packed full of free baby product samples such as baby toiletries, nappy bags and wipes, along with discounts and useful information. The bag also includes a SuperValu online shopping voucher to the value of €10 off €80 spend. There are approximately 50,000 bags distributed each year to new mums across Ireland. “We are delighted to continue our work with everymum for another three years,” said Shane Lynch, SuperValu Marketing Manager.

“Over the past 14 years, we have helped distribute almost 700,000 free baby gift bags to new mums across the country and we know how much they love coming in-store to collect their bags packed with useful products and information.” Pictured at SuperValu Grange, Cork, are store manager Pat Sisk and parent Lisa Connolly.

12|Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Stephen Kenny launches Spar FAI School Zone

PICTURED at the launch of the Spar FAI School Zone at FAI Headquarters in Abbottstown recently were Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Director, and Stephen Kenny, Republic of Ireland senior team manager. The Spar FAI School Zone is a new digital learning platform for teachers and parents of primary school children in 4th, 5th and 6th class that has been developed by the FAI and offers interactive and engaging lesson plans, designed with both the classroom and home schooling in mind. The new teaching resource is hosted on the FAI’s website, with innovative football themed lessons uploaded twice a week over the course of four weeks from March 15. The heavily-resourced and user-friendly lessons, covering core subjects such as Maths, History, Geography, English, Art, Irish and healthy eating, will be emailed to teachers and parents weekly, along with answer sheets.

“We’ve been supporting the FAI for over six years now through our sponsorship of the Spar Primary School 5s competition,” noted Colin Donnelly. “It’s been an exceptional year for teachers, parents and students and while the Spar 5s may not be going ahead, we are equally delighted to be sponsoring this initiative.”

Fyffes announces sustainability target to reduce food loss FYFFES has announced a new sustainability target, committing to reducing food loss in its own operations by 80% by 2030. Reducing food loss and educating people on food waste are key targets of Fyffes Healthy Food for Healthy Lives sustainability pillar, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12, Responsible Production and Consumption. Caoimhe Buckley, Fyffes’ Director of Corporate Affairs, says: “Our commitment to reducing food loss from our production processes is part of our Sustainability Strategy. We are planning to do this by repurposing our food loss through the development of new applications and uses for our core products, as well as further improving our logistics and planning capabilities.”

Bewley’s announces partnership with Alpro BEWLEY’S has announced a partnership with plant-based and dairy-free category leader Alpro, offering new plant-based menu solutions for Bewley’s operators nationwide. Ireland’s first bean-to-cup, plant-based coffee dock has been installed by Bewley’s in the N4 service station, Mace Ballinalack, and plans are in place to roll out plant-based stations across Bewley’s c-store operators over the next 12 months. Bewley’s Plant-Based Coffee provides a plant-based alternative for coffee drinkers, with all traditional milk-based coffees prepared using the Alpro Barista For Professionals range, including Oat Gluten Free, Coconut, Soya and Almond options.

“Our research identified a rise in popularity and demand for plant-based coffee and so we took these steps to ensure we’re delivering for both our customers and operators and providing them with the best, most innovative products,” noted Jason Doyle, Managing Director of Bewley’s Ireland & UK.

WaterWipes launches biodegradable baby wipes WATERWIPES has released new parenting research to mark the launch of its 100% biodegradable baby wipes.

The survey amongst Irish parents with children under five reveals that whilst parents are trying to be more conscious of the planet their children will inherit, this is causing increasing confusion, pressure and judgement. Nearly all parents surveyed (92%) said it is important to buy products that are ecofriendly, but 81% find environmentally friendly labelling on baby products confusing, and the most confusing ecoterm for parents is ‘biodegradable’. Mum of three, nutritionist and model Rosanna Davison is pictured with her son Hugo Davison-Quirke at the launch of the WaterWipes eco jargon dictionary, which provides guidance for parents to make informed choices when choosing baby products in easy-tounderstand language.

SuperValu’s Monday Market Place returns to support Irish businesses SUPERVALU is bringing back its ‘Monday Market Place’ to support local businesses and encourage shoppers to think before they click and buy Irish.

With followers of over 120,000, SuperValu’s Instagram channel is offering 10 businesses per week the chance to be showcased each Monday during March. “Supporting Irish and buying local is in our DNA and over the coming months we will continue to drive the message to shop local,” noted Tara Clifford, Strategy Marketing Manager, SuperValu. Pictured is Mari Donelan from Dan & Monstro, who creates delicious nutritious sauces especially made for kids.

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14|Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie

Retail News Interview

An appeal from the heart After an unprecedented 2020, Sharon Buckley has agreed to continue in the role of President of Appeals for the IGBF in 2021. She explains the impact of the pandemic on the Fund last year and why the coming year could be “even tougher” for the charity.

EARLY in 2020, Sharon Buckley, Commercial Director with Musgrave, was looking forward to her year as President of Appeals for the Irish Grocery Benevolent Fund, with a host of events lined up to help raise money for this most worthy of causes, which helps those in need within our industry.

These included the Grocers’ Fun Run, the TWIG Networking Luncheon, the IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch and the renowned IGBF Grocers’ Christmas Lunch in early December, which traditionally kicks off the festive season.

The advent of Covid-19 changed all that, however, as in-person and social events were cancelled to comply with public health regulations.

“2020 began with the Cork Ball and Limerick Ball at the start of the year, but then things changed rapidly after that,” Sharon sighs.

While the IGBF was able to host some golf events during the summer of 2020 as restrictions eased, most of the events pivoted into the virtual world, including the TWIG event in December, the Sports Lunch and the Fun Run. “The committees did some amazing work to run those events virtually and keep momentum behind them,” Sharon explains, while revealing that the Fund still enjoyed tremendous support: “Companies were so generous in supporting the President’s Appeal and making financial contributions for events that had been cancelled.”

Retail goes the extra mile The Commercial Director believes that as an industry, retail grocery should be proud of its performance throughout 2020 in the face of unprecedented challenges. “The industry has come together through the crises of Covid and Brexit and should be proud of its response,” she states. “People have worked closely together and supported each other, from a business perspective, and that sentiment is there on a human level as well.”

“Early on in the pandemic, we saw panic-buying in stores, but we gave consumers confidence that the supply chain was robust; as an industry, we did a huge amount of work in

supporting communities and continue to do so.

“Our own business in SuperValu and Centra has a strong community focus and that’s the case for other groups too.

Everybody made a significant effort to ensure communities were well-served, whether that be shopping safely in-store, offering click-and-collect or delivering goods to their homes.

Demand for online shopping grew hugely during the last year and the sector really stepped up.”

She believes that the grocery industry has always proved agile and adaptable in times of crisis “from Foot & Mouth to the Beast from the East. With Covid-19, our industry was quick to respond and adapt, and that gave consumers confidence that shops were safe and they could get what they needed.

Their trust in the food industry and grocery retail has been enhanced during the crisis. From in-store colleagues, to drivers and throughout our distribution centres, everyone has gone the extra mile. It has been a long year, but people have demonstrated exceptional resilience.

“I believe that when we look back on this time, we will take pride in how we responded to one of the biggest challenges our industry has ever faced.”

A challenging year for charities 2020 disrupted business on a scale previously unknown to many of us, with entire industries effectively closed down for months, including hospitality and foodservice. It was also a difficult time for charities.

“Within the charity sector, many events and fund-raising activities were cancelled,” Sharon notes. “For the IGBF, we

Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie|15

Retail News Interview

“

ensure that if we can run events inperson, we will do so.”

I believe that when we look back on this time, we will take pride in how we responded to one of the biggest challenges our industry has ever faced.

”

Sharon Buckley, IGBF President of Appeals, with IGBF Chairperson, Leonard Hegarty, at the IGBF Southern Region Ball in January 2020. were able to hold a number of events early in the year and during the summer when restrictions eased somewhat; additionally, our committees were hugely creative in delivering events virtually.

“Unfortunately, a number of our larger events, including the original TWIG event in May and the Grocers’ Lunch in December, didn’t take place; however, companies and businesses who ordinarily support these events, in many cases donated the equivalent amount to the Fund and we’re hugely appreciative of that support.”

She credits the IGBF Executive Committee for “managing the Fund with

prudence over the years, so we survived 2020, though the year ahead is possibly even tougher,” she warns. “2021 will be challenging. We support almost 200 families around the country, and we have to maintain that support. We’re also likely to see increased demand for the Fund as time goes by.

“We know we’re not going to be able to hold events in the short term,” Sharon admits. “We have the Virtual Fun Run on St Patrick’s Day, which is enjoying a lot of support. We hope that golf outings can be run at some stage, and potentially the Grocers’ Lunch in December, dependent on public health guidelines. The IGBF are being agile and fleet-of-foot to

Esteem and respect The question has arisen in the past over whether those attending IGBF events are fully aware of the important work their attendance is supporting, but the fact that so many companies and businesses from across the FMCG sector continued to support the IGBF throughout the pandemic reflects the esteem in which the Fund is held.

“The IGBF programme, in a normal year, is a nice balance of fund-raising for a very worthy cause and enjoying the social aspect of events,” Sharon explains.

“It is unique in that regard and is an important part of the networking calendar for people in the industry.

“These events are brilliantly organised and run really smoothly, thanks to the work of the people and committees behind the scenes. There are many businesses whose colleagues have invested a lot of time and energy into the IGBF over the years; they understand what the charity is about, and recognise the commitment and level of effort that our volunteers put in every year.”

As ever, there is a balance between communicating how important the Fund is, while respecting the privacy of those who receive support. “There is a subcommittee that manages the distribution of funds; they are very good at their job and extremely discreet,” Sharon says. “As President of Appeals, I don’t know the beneficiaries. We treat every case in the strictest confidence; the industry knows and trusts that the Fund is helping those most in need within our sector.”

Continuing as President of Appeals Normally, the President of Appeals takes the role for a calendar year before passing the baton on. With 2020 disrupting our way of life and business on a scale previously unknown to many of us, the committee asked Sharon to continue in the role for another 12 months, something she was happy to do.

“I took on the role and was committed to support as many activities as possible,” she reflects. “I attended a number of events and was looking forward to what lay ahead but as it transpired, there were limited opportunities. So I felt privileged to be asked to continue in the role, and am really excited about the potential for 2021.

“As President of Appeals, I’d like to thank each and every business for their support; I will once again be asking them to be as generous and responsive as they always are, before hopefully we get back to normal in 2022.”

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18|Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie

Thermoformed Packaging

An Xtra focus on recycling Sustainability is at the heart of every business decision made by Cavanbased Xtrupak, who have been supplying the FMCG market with packaging solutions since 2012.

SUSTAINABILITY and recycling are key concerns when it comes to packaging, and Cavan-based Xtrupak are very conscious of their obligations when it comes to the environment.

“All of our inputs are 100% recyclable and the materials that we use in production are fully traceable, from supplier to production to end product,” explains John Reilly, Commercial and Marketing Director. “We drive positive change throughout Xtrupak, from sustainable sourcing of raw materials to minimising our operational impact and lowering the environmental footprint of our customers. As an extrusion APET and rPET film manufacturer, our circular business model helps to embed sustainability in every aspect of what we do.”

Extruded Thermoplastic Xtrupak manufactures and distributes extruded thermoplastic for the print, packaging and display markets both in Ireland and internationally. A large part of its business has been supplying its XtruForm product to huge UK thermoforming companies, who subsequently supply supermarkets like Asda, Tesco, and Marks and Spencer. Here in Ireland, the company supplies medium-sized sheet roll stock into factories that have an inhouse machine that moulds their material into packaging, so it is formed, filled and then sealed, but Xtrupak is actively looking to grow its market domestically.

“We have invested in machinery to target the Irish FFS packaging market, so we can supply the XtruForm FFS brand directly into Irish retailers and food companies,” John explains.

Xtrupak’s rPET flakes are generated from recycled APET bottles, which they import from Europe, and then recycle to create the XtruForm sheet roll, using APET virgin material or rPET sheet roll stock. The company is also currently developing

a biodegradable range.

“Our rPET film is 100% recycled and 100% recyclable,” John stresses. “Typically, the customer will specify how much recycled content must go into the sheet. XtruForm is dimensionally stable, high impact, high rigidity and has excellent mechanical properties. The UV stable polyester film offers the best in thermoforming quality and maintains high transparency and light transmission properties before and after machining.”

XtruForm can be used in a host of packaging solutions, from fresh food to medium and long shelf-life products. It is widely used in the packaging of ready meals, salads, fresh sandwiches, fruit, meat, and freshly baked products, as well as in containers for some healthcare products, like toothbrushes.

XtruClear The company’s product range also includes XtruClear, a range of thermoplastic, amorphous, polyester sheets, which can be used to produce products with complex shapes and demands, due to its flexible fabrication properties. “XtruClear is costeffective, has excellent transparency, high impact resistance, chemical resistance and prints to an immaculate standard, making it a fantastic option in many situations,” John says.

XtruClear is ideal for shopping trolley bays, smoke shelters, POS display shelving, fridge and freezer lines and dividers, vending machine covers, box type and transparent packaging applications, convenience packaging and printed signage. 2020 also saw the material used extensively to produce protective screens, which have been installed at till points in supermarkets and convenience stores around the country in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Every business decision is made with sustainability in mind, as John concludes: “For Xtrupak, circularity simply makes great business sense. We can replace the natural resources we use with 100% recycled material in our product range and reuse materials at every opportunity in our production process facility. After use, Xtrupak products can be recycled back into clear rPET food and non-food packaging products as part of the circular economy.”

Xtrupak manufactures and distributes extruded thermoplastic for the print, packaging and display markets both in Ireland and internationally.

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20|Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie

Hale Vaping

Hale and hearty performance Produced in Carlow, Hale e-liquid vaping products have become one of the country’s top performing brands.

HALE is a fully Irish-owned and operated company, which over the past 7+ years has become one of Ireland’s leading vaping brands. Hale has excelled thanks to its network of 75+ dedicated stores, a Retail Excellence award-winning website, availability in 1500+ convenience locations, and an ISO:9001 (2015) accredited manufacturing facility in Carlow, producing all of its fully TPD-compliant Hale e-liquid. Hale’s expert team have helped tens of thousands of people make the change and continue to do so year-onyear.

Hale liquid is the only e-liquid to carry the Guaranteed Irish mark. All of Hale’s e-liquid is manufactured here in Ireland using only four core ingredients, all of which carry full CoA (certification of analysis) and QA certification. These core ingredients are sourced only from certified and approved ISO European suppliers. Hale only uses pharmaceutical grade Nicotine, as opposed to industrial grade, which ensures a smooth vaping experience for the customer.

“Despite the challenges that were presented throughout 2020, the Hale brand has seen growth in all channels,” reveals Charlie McKenna, Sales Director, Creative Distribution. “It is clear this year more than ever that, given the opportunity, consumers will choose to support local.”

Soaring demand Soaring demand for e-cigarettes and e-liquids is set to power the global vaping market to a value of €35.5 billion in the next few years. This represents growth of around 20.8% up to 2023. “The Hale brand is the brand of choice in the category by offering a friendly, accessible environment for those considering quitting,” Charlie maintains. “For the retailer, Hale offers a strong opportunity to drive footfall, with all of the associated benefits of incremental sales across other categories.

“Hale Vaping and Creative Distribution are proud to be Ireland’s leading distributor of vaping products, covering grocery, convenience and the vape specialist sectors,” Charlie notes, stressing that Hale has the following advantages: • Hale Vaping is the partner of choice for the biggest brands.

• No-one knows the Vape retail market better than Hale.

• Dedicated sales, account management, business development and commercial teams.

• Unrivalled range of specialist retail services that include; category management & marketing services.

• Hale adds real value for its customers.

Impressive margins for retailers Hale products offer the highest margin available in the

The Hale range of e-liquid vaping products is produced in an ISO 9001-accredited manufacturing facility in Carlow.

e-cigarette category, according to the Sales Director. The company’s nationwide team of representatives are available to provide support, information, point of sale material, and to organise stock replenishment. “We pride ourselves on taking the hassle and confusion out of e-cigarettes and allowing you to focus on the important things, like what to do with the extra (on average) €7,200 coming through your tills per annum thanks to Hale,” Charlie explains.

“Hale is by far the dominant brand in open system liquids and we support our excellence of product with excellence of execution both in store and back office. Our dedicated customer service team can help you resolve any query you may have, from deliveries and invoicing to your online experience,” he concludes. “At all times, we strive to be accessible, flexible and aware of the needs of our customers - and to constantly improve and enhance the services we provide.”

Ordering Hale products couldn’t be simpler; just call Charlie McKenna on (087) 3953104.

22|Retail News|March 2021|www.retailnews.ie

Dairygold along with the need for a more balanced diet, and it has responded positively. Notably, the new formulation has achieved outstanding results, testing above the original recipe in taste and functionality, for both loyal and new Dairygold consumers.

Dairygold’s innovations help to ‘Spread the Goodness’ Dairygold has introduced 100% recyclable packaging, a new and improved recipe and a new brand campaign for 2021.

DAIRYGOLD, Ireland’s number one dairy spread brand, continues to be the market leader in the Butter, Spreads & Margarine category (Source: Nielsen Data up to 27/12/2020).

2021 will see the brand continue to drive new innovations that hit the market towards the end of last year to maintain its position as the best quality and tasting spread on the market.

These innovations include a new and improved recipe with significant salt reduction, the introduction of 100% recyclable packaging and a new brand positioning and platform.

As part of Kerry Food’s commitment to improve the nutritional composition of its product range by reducing sugar, fat and salt content across its portfolio, Dairygold has reduced its sodium levels by 27%, in line with nutritional benchmarks for the industry. The brand understands the importance of catering to consumers’ ever-evolving tastes and health requirements,

100% recyclable packaging In further developments for the brand, with the knowledge that consumers nowadays have an unrelenting desire to find ways to live more sustainably, Dairygold has transitioned the range to 100% recyclable packaging. With the new packaging now onshelf nationwide, Dairygold is again leading the way in meeting consumers’ growing need to shop more sustainably.

In addition, the butter spreads category is not traditionally one that holds consumers’ attention in store for very long, so giving the brand notable shelf stand-out with refreshed packaging allows for it to break through the clutter and be noticed at the busy fixture. The new packaging uses strong colour to differentiate the range, while also bringing more personality and brand identity to Dairygold.

Spread the Goodness campaign With so many significant developments for Dairygold, the time was right to launch a new positioning and platform entitled ‘Spread the Goodness’. The campaign captures the sense that a brief moment of escapism can ‘spread the goodness’, even when simply spreading delicious Dairygold on a piece of warm toast. The campaign will stretch beyond TV this year, kicking off a radio partnership with Today FM, sponsoring ‘National Toast Day’, and supported by online media partnerships and a strong digital and social media presence.

Since the launch of’ Spread the Goodness’, the brand has gone from strength to strength, driving penetration and new shoppers into the brand.

Dairygold has been a staple in Irish hearts and fridges for over 30 years. The brand is worth over €30m RSV and holds 20% market share within the BSM category (Source: Nielsen Data up to 27/12/2020). The long-term success of Dairygold has been built on the brand’s ability to continuously connect with consumers through its high quality products and commitment to continuously evolving the brand’s communications platform.

Dairygold’s new packaging uses strong colour to differentiate the range, while also bringing more personality and brand identity to the Dairygold brand.

New & improved

recipe Made using natural ingredients 27% less salt

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Transport & Logistics

Vehicle grant scheme to support CNG vehicles A Compressed Natural Gas vehicle grant scheme from Gas Networks Ireland is making €2.9m available for the transport and logistics sector to choose a cleaner fuel option.

CNG is natural gas compressed to fit into a Natural Gas Vehicle’s (NVG) tank and is particularly suitable for use in commercial vehicles. It is a cleaner, affordable and proven alternative to diesel, and is beginning to play a major role in Ireland’s fuel mix. Ireland’s CNG vehicle numbers grew by more than 50% in 2020, while the number worldwide surpassed 28m.

However, CNG is just the first stop on our journey to decarbonising the transport sector.

GAS Networks Ireland has launched a €2.9m Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle grant scheme to support the purchase of up to 400 gas-powered trucks, buses and vans to help drive a more sustainable transport sector.

The grant will cover 20% of the difference between CNG and diesel-powered vehicles, capped at €5,000, with a maximum €60,000 available to any one applicant. Grants can be used towards the costs of vehicles registered from 2020.

“I would encourage Ireland’s fleet operators and hauliers to take advantage of these additional cost savings and choose this cleaner fuel option for their vehicles,” said Declan O’Sullivan, Gas Networks Ireland’s CNG Programme Delivery Manager. “Carbon neutral renewable gas made from food and agricultural waste, which was first introduced onto the gas network in 2019, is structurally identical to renewable gas and can be used in exactly the same way through the existing infrastructure, technology and appliances. This means that as the volume of renewable gas on the network increases, vehicles fuelled by CNG will increasingly reduce their carbon footprint without needing to change a thing. Gas, natural today and renewable tomorrow, is the best alternative for the environment and the economy.”

Reducing emissions and lowering fuel costs Gas Networks Ireland’s previous grant scheme supported the purchase of 40 vehicles across 23 companies, including Virginia International Logistics (VIL). “Receiving funding helped us to purchase six NGVs, reduce emissions and lower our fuel costs,” said Ray Cole, Transport Director, VIL. “As part of our ‘Green Logistics’ policy, introducing CNG fuelled vehicles is one of the ways we are reducing our carbon footprint. The customer demand for alternate fuel transport is also increasing, as companies focus even more on having a lower carbon supply chain. Embracing CNG also contributed to VIL being previously awarded International Haulier of the Year and Irish Haulier of the Year at the Fleet Magazine Awards.”

The benefits of CNG The journey to cleaner HGVs and buses, which make up only 4% of vehicles on Irish roads but generate 30% of Ireland’s road transport emissions, is challenging, because not only is the sector responsible for a disproportionate amount of transport emissions, but electricity is not a viable alternative to diesel in fuelling these long-haul vehicles. CNG can reduce HGV well-towheel emissions by up to 23% (Source: Cenex 2019) compared to diesel and deliver cost savings for operators of up to 35% (Source: Cadent 2016).

CNG refuelling network Gas Networks Ireland is developing a CNG refuelling network in partnership with Ireland’s forecourt operators and hauliers.

There are CNG refuelling stations located at Circle K’s forecourts in Dublin Port and Cashel, with two more set to open in 2021 in Dublin and Limerick, another under construction in Cavan and a further eight in planning and development. Three private CNG stations are also in operation. The Department of Transport is set to announce its own scheme, the Alternatively-Fuelled HDV Purchase Grant Scheme, to further support the decarbonisation of the Irish transport sector.

“It is very encouraging that the Government recognises the potential and opportunity for alternatively fuelled vehicles,” added Declan O’Sullivan.

The CNG Vehicle Fund is co-financed by the European Union’s TEN-T Programme under the Connecting Europe Facility as part of the Green Connect Project.

Applications are now being accepted at www.gasnetworks.ie/cngvehiclegrant.

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Plant-Based Foods

Plant-powered profit Vegan options have become big business as environmental and health concerns drive consumers away from meat and dairy, with convenience options at the top of the menu. Morgan Stokes examines the trends and products to help you embrace the vegan revolution.

VEGANUARY has been and gone, but plant-based diets seem to be here to stay; every year, more and more Irish consumers are making the decision to take meat and dairy off the menu. With our long tradition of beef and dairy farming, Ireland might seem an unlikely location for a high vegan population, but the statistics are surprising – a 2019 Chef’s Pencil surveys place us as the tenth highest vegan population in the world by capita.

Not only that, but growing numbers of Irish people are adopting a ‘flexitarian’ diet – a 2018 National Dairy Council survey found that 41% of women and 30% of men are limiting their dairy consumption, and a 2020 report from the European Investment Bank found that 59% of Irish respondents were cutting down on their meat intake.

Is meat-free the way of the future? Insider commenters like MCA and HIM’s Steve Gotham certainly seem to think so.

“Vegetarianism and veganism will potentially become sufficiently normal practices that a tipping point will be reached whereby the tables are turned and meat dishes will become the versions that consumers have to opt-in for”, he claimed, writing about the future of Irish grocery this decade for Retail News last year. Major international market watchers tend to agree - Barclay’s predicts that the global market for plant-based ‘meat’ alternatives will hit €125 billion by 2030.

There’s plenty of evidence to show that the food industry has not been slow to capitalise on the move to meat-free, from Irish supermarket chains stocking their own plant-based ranges to independent Dublin producer Vegan Sandwich Co. securing a high commendation from the Irish Quality Food Awards for their rapid growth in the middle of a pandemic. So what can Irish retailers stock to secure their place in the non-meat market?

Why consumers are making the change Animal-friendly fare has moved far beyond beans and nuts, and with such a large range of plant-based products hitting the market, it’s useful to examine the reasons for the uptick in plant-based diets when deciding how to stock the shelves. While traditionally vegans have abstained for animal welfare reasons, a growing number of vegans, vegetarians and flexitarians cite environmental concerns as their reason for making the switch.

This is particularly true for those committed to eating less animal products, but not cutting them out entirely.

It’s not exactly news that shoppers are citing sustainability as a driving factor behind their product choices; according to the EPA’s 2019 inventory data, 35% of Ireland’s greenhouse gas emissions come from agriculture, with 57% of this figure due to methane production from sheep and cattle herds. Since consumer concerns about climate change show no signs of abating, it’s unlikely that the plant-based trend is going anywhere any time soon.

Comfort and convenience Bord Bia’s 2020 Dietary Lifestyles report, however, pointed out some challenges facing the vegan sector. Accessing food which delivers the right nutrients (iron, B12, fats, carbs and proteins) was the main barrier amongst those who would not consider following a vegan diet, as 29% believe it is not a healthy balanced/diet. There are also growing perceptions that plantbased foods can be too processed – 30% of consumers surveyed said meat free alternatives are overly processed. Affordability also remains a challenge, with 18% of those who have stopped vegan/vegetarian diets saying they did so because it was too expensive.

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Plant-Based Foods That said, Irish online vegan bible PlantBased.ie claims that orders of vegan options from Deliveroo surged 187% during lockdown, as consumers sought out food that delivered on both comfort and convenience.

The spectacular success of Dublin’s Vegan Sandwich Co. points to what vegan consumers are looking for – the new food-service player bucked the Covid trend in hospitality and moved from market stalls to a brick-and-mortar premises on the back of great-tasting meat substitutes and alternatives to classic deli products like their famous Chick*n Fillet Roll. Comfort food and quick, chilled meat alternatives should have a great future.

Lockdowns don’t seem to be putting a dent in the growth of plant-based diets, either – the change seems to be pandemic-proof. While one might imagine that in these stressful times consumers could be reluctant to shake up their lives by changing their eating habits, a recent Lumina Intelligence survey in the UK shows that more consumers took part in the Veganuary month-long vegan challenge in 2021 than ever before.

Green grab-and-go According to Bord Bia’s ‘Lunch! Insights from the Contemporary Food to Go Show’ report, snack foods account for the lion’s share of vegan NPD over the last two years. Combined with the general Covid consumer trend towards quick and easy choices, this is great news for smaller retailers. It’s hardly surprising that Kantar data shows the highest concentration of animal product abstainers can be found among young urban consumers in Dublin, Cork and Galway, but even if you’re based outside of these hotspots, stocking products with long shelf-life like frozen food, snacks and impulse items could earn you the undying loyalty of every vegan in a fivemile radius.

Plant-based versus vegan?

Plant-based vs. Vegan; what’s the difference and does it matter? The two terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a distinction – veganism is an ethical philosophy centred around animal welfare and environmental wellbeing, and plant-based just refers to the ingredients in the product. There are also a few plant-based products that some don’t consider to be vegan – many vegans avoid palm oil due to its environmental impact, for example. While the majority of consumers aren’t going to get hung up on exact definitions, labelling shelves and sections as ‘plant-based’ might be best, as the term avoids any hint of

moral judgement. More health-focused consumers may also be drawn to the clean-living connotations of the ‘plantbased’ label.

Denny Consumer habits are constantly evolving and 2020 saw a continued shift in the grocery industry as more and more people look for meat free alternatives to add to their weekly meal plans. There is a clear trend among Irish consumers who are consuming less meat in their daily routine for a myriad of reasons. Whether that’s for ethical, health or environmental reasons, among others, the chilled meat free category has increased by +29% year on year (Source: Euromonitor, ROI,20192020).

As experts in meat for 200 years, Denny has always been at the forefront of recognising emerging trends in

Denny’s Meat Free Range includes sausages, developed with soya protein, coconut oil and the famous Henry Denny signature seasoning.

The success of Denny Meat Free Burgers has helped the brand to become the fastest growing meat free range in Ireland. the industry and re-imagining products to cater for the needs of its customers across the country. 2020 saw Denny embrace the opportunity to expand the range with one of the most significant innovation launches for the brand in recent

Denny Meat Free Mince is available in both chilled and frozen formats.

Full of Taste.

Free of Meat.

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Plant-Based Foods years, its unbelievable Meat Free Range. The range is made up of three products; sausages, burgers and mince, available in both chilled and frozen formats. The three products have been developed with soya protein, coconut oil and the famous Henry Denny signature seasoning, ensuring that the range delivers on the great and delicious taste of Denny. In less than a year, Denny has gone from being new to the category to the fastest growing meat free brand in Ireland (Source: Tesco MAT, 52 weeks up to 10/1/21). The Denny Meat Free range is available nationwide.

Prices range from €3.00 - €3.50 at RRP. Chicago Town Chicago Town went to town on vegan pizza. Approximately 13% of Ireland’s population identify as vegans, vegetarians or rebalancers / meat reducers (Source: Source: The Thinking House/ Bord Bia’s - Dietary Lifestyle Report, November 2018).

Driven by the insight that vegans / rebalancers still want to indulge and enjoy a proper takeaway pizza, Chicago Town launched their ‘Saucy Vegan’ sticky BBQ Jackfruit pizza last year

Chicago Town Garlic Dough balls are the perfect pizza side dish.

Chicago Town ‘Saucy Vegan’ Sticky BBQ Jackfruit Pizza has been a hit with consumers.

and it proved to be a huge success, with the product becoming the number one branded vegan pizza in the frozen pizza aisle (Source: Nielsen Scantrack, Value Sales, Latest 26 weeks to 31/01/21).

Chicago Town pizza added this unique product to its range, as they believe everyone should have the chance to enjoy one of their famous tomato stuffed crust takeaway pizzas. Chicago Town ‘Saucy Vegan’ Sticky BBQ Jackfruit Pizza (25cm) joined the popular Stuffed Crust Takeaway range last year and has been a hit for consumers. Chicago Town also has the perfect pizza side dish, with its Garlic Dough balls now part of an exciting vegan range of products.

The launch of the ‘Saucy Vegan’ focused on digital media and in-store activations. “We activated a successful partnership with Lovin Dublin at launch stage, co-creating engaging content for an audience already interested in vegan foods or interested in reducing their meat consumption,” explained Eoin Mullen, Senior Brand Manager. “Some key vegan influencers worked with us and created video content that was shared on Lovin Dublin platforms and our owned social channels. We created bespoke vegan assets for social media, which really helped drive awareness and engagement in the product. Added to this, the field-sales team implemented impactful POS, which helped engage shoppers at the key point of purchase in-store.

“We have continued to support this NPD on social media

TESCO TO STOCK SIMPLY FIT FOOD POWER BOWLS

SIMPLY Fit Food, a supplier of convenience meals made from wholesome natural ingredients, has secured an important listing with Tesco Ireland.

The company, founded in Drogheda by Evelyn Garland and Luke Judge and acquired by Newry-based Around Noon late last year, will supply its range of healthy Power Bowls to a select number of Tesco stores in the Republic of Ireland.

Simply Fit Food’s Power Bowls are designed for busy people who want a convenient, tasty and nutritious meal. They come in three vegan/veggie flavours: Thai Veg, Bean Chilli and Lentil Dahl. Each meal includes three of your ‘five a day’.

“Securing the listing with Tesco is a fantastic endorsement of our product and brand and represents a significant opportunity for us to expand our reach and customer base,” noted Evelyn Garland, co-founder of Simply Fit Food. “In addition to expanding the number of stores our Power Bowls are in, we will also be aiming to expand our range for customers.

“Our Power Bowls have proven really popular, including with ‘flexitarian’ customers who want to eat one or two fewer meals containing meat a week. These customers are seeking more variety in their diet and this range is providing that. We, therefore, expect the Power Bowls to do really well in Tesco stores.”

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Plant-Based Foods since launch and our vegan content regularly proves to be our most highly engaged content on social media,” Eoin continued.

The Chicago Town ‘Saucy Vegan’ Sticky BBQ Jackfruit Pizza is currently available in Tesco, Dunnes Stores, SuperValu and Iceland Foods Ireland. Chicago Town Vegan Dough balls are available in Dunnes Stores.

Clonakilty Food Co. Over the years, Clonakilty Food Co. has continued to evolve its product offering to build on the success of the original Clonakilty Blackpudding, which was first made almost 150 years ago in Clonakilty, West Cork. The range has recently expanded to include Clonakilty Veggie Pudding, launched in September of 2019, as the third member of the much-loved Clonakilty Pudding Collection. Clonakilty Veggie Pudding contains the characteristic texture and spicy aroma associated with the celebrated range but in a vegetableonly alternative. Created with the whole family in mind, Clonakilty now caters to a range of consumer tastes.

Veggie Pudding promises to match the quality and taste that Clonakilty’s most loyal customers know and love. Made with a delicious combination of oats, vegetables and a distinctive spice mix, Clonakilty’s Veggie Pudding is bursting with flavour and can be used in a range of different meals outside of the breakfast occasion, including salads, brunch, lunch and dinner. The unique flavours, delicious oaty bite and distinctive spicy aroma give this pudding the ability to be used in a variety of flavoursome dishes, including falafels, veggie burgers and even tacos.

The product is free from artificial additives and preservatives, gluten-free and suitable for vegans and vegetarians alike. It is also a source of protein and fibre.

Clonakilty Veggie Pudding contains the characteristic texture and spicy aroma associated with the celebrated range but in a vegetable-only alternative.

Plant-It The team at Plant-It are planting a new idea; they want to help consumers to choose good and do good. Inspiring better choices at mealtimes with delicious plant-based products, as well as working

towards a greener future by embracing their name and quite literally, planting it. With the ultimate ambition of helping to plant the planet, proceeds from the sales of every Plant-It product go towards reforestation efforts at home and across

New Irish start-up Plant-It offers a selection of meat-free, chicken-free and vegetable frozen products.

MASH DIRECT SECURE LISTINGS IN M&S

MASH Direct has secured a listing of eight of its farm-fresh, convenient vegetable products on the shelves of 18 M&S Irish Stores. The products available include Mash Direct Mashed Potato, Mashed Turnip, Carrot & Parsnip in regular and single servings as well as Green Cabbage and Potato Cakes.

“We are very proud to have achieved a listing in M&S stores across the island of Ireland,” said Lance Hamilton, Sales Director at Mash Direct. “We look forward to working with M&S Irish stores and having our Irish, 100% glutenfree, ‘field-to-fork’, vegetable accompaniments range that are locally grown on our six-generation family farm sit proudly on their shelves.”

the globe. Partnering with expert planters Trees on the Land, Plant-It already have 10,000 trees planted by the end of this February.

The ambitious Irish owned start-up offers a selection of meat-free, chickenfree and vegetable frozen products, which launched recently with a nationwide campaign to introduce Plant-it to the market. Currently available in selected Tesco, SuperValu, Fresh, StarSeafood.ie and BWG stores across Ireland, the brand plans to expand its portfolio offering and market availability, with the UK, MiddleEast and North America next on the list.

For more information and full range, visit plantit.com.

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Icons of Whisky Awards

Awards celebrate Irish Whiskey icons The Irish regional winners of the Icons of Whisky Awards, from Whisky Magazine, have been named, and the winners now go on to take on the other winners from around the world for the global title.

THE Irish winners of the Icons of Whisky Awards have been revealed. The internationally renowned Icons of Whisky awards are announced annually by Whisky Magazine, the world’s largest whisky publication, to recognise the people, places and products that complete the whole dynamic of the whisky industry.

Waterford Distillery won two of the biggest Icons of Whisky Ireland awards of the event, Distillery of the Year and Brand Innovator of the Year, which was a considerable achievement, especially considering the award wins came within just seven months of its whiskies being on sale.

“We are very proud to have won the top two coveted titles of Distiller and Brand Innovator of the Year at the Icons of Whisky, after just seven months of our first bottlings,” said a delighted CEO, Mark Reynier. “While our unique terroir approach has been extremely well received, it has been rather frantic meeting the rapid growth – a good problem to have in these troubled times.” Distributed in Ireland by Barry & Fitzwilliam, Waterford Distillery has just announced a new set of Single Farm Origin releases for spring 2021. The fully traceable Single Farm Origin whiskies each carry a unique digital number, the Téireoir code, on the back label, which introduces the Irish farm origin, the people that work it, the casks used to compose the whiskey, and an array of media.

Two Waterford Single Farm Origins are available

Ratheadon: Edition 1.2 from Waterford Distillery is the second release from the 2016 distillation of Irina barley grown by Stephen and Andrew McDonnell in the limestone lowlands of County Carlow.

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Icons of Whisky Awards the people who actually make them.

However, we are all looking forward to the day we can re-open the doors to both domestic and overseas visitors, hopefully in the not too distant future.”

Noel Sweeney, Master Distiller, Powerscourt Distillery.

worldwide from mid-March: Hook Head: Edition 1.1, which they describe as “a spice bomb with notes of cloves, salted caramel, liquorice, ginger biscuits, lemon zest, and chilli chocolate”; and Lakefield: Edition 1.1, described as “a mellow dram with hints of rhubarb and apple tart fresh from the oven”. There will also be an Irish exclusive release, Ratheadon: Edition 1.2, an evolution of its 1.1 predecessor, with strong notes of white pepper, ginger, pearl barley, honey oiliness, soft spices and orange barley sweets.

Visitor Attraction of the Year Teeling’s visitor centre at its distillery in Newmarket, in the Liberties area of Dublin, won the ‘Visitor Attraction of the Year’ award. “2020 was by far the most challenging year our visitor centre has endured since we opened in 2015,” noted Jack Teeling, founder of the Teeling Whiskey Company. “I am very proud of our team, who managed to ensure we opened when we could and even with all the extra safety and social distancing we put in place, we could still deliver a world class visitor experience.

“We continue to bring the distillery to life through our inventive virtual tastings and tours, allowing people to get a peek behind the curtains of the distillery, as well as to taste some of our unique Teeling Whiskey offerings with

Master Distiller and Blender Powerscourt Distillery’s Master Distiller Noel Sweeney was awarded the Irish Icons of Whisky Master Distiller and Blender for 2021. Noel has been at the forefront of innovation in Irish whiskey for over 30 years. 2020 was no different, from the relaunching of the flagship Fercullen 8-year-old to exclusive trade partner collaborations of single cask releases (Fercullen 13 year old Single Grain with James Fox, Fercullen 18 year old cask strength Muscatel finish single cask release with German distribution partner Irish Whiskey.de), to the sell-out success of the limited edition release of Fercullen Five Elements in November.

The Five Elements 18YO Single Malt release showcases the skills acquired and honed over many years to distil and blend exceptional Irish Whiskey.

Retail icons A number of retail awards were presented, with the Carry Out Group being named Multiple Outlet Retailer of the Year winner, while Dunnes Stores took the Supermarket Award and Aldi Ireland won the Own Brand Supermarket Award for the second year in a row.

Commenting on the award, John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director, said, “This second consecutive win is a testament to the superior quality and range of whiskeys now available from Aldi nationwide. It is particularly gratifying that these are independent industry experts who have yet again recognised Aldi for the part it plays in championing whiskey, and as a leading Irish retailer for quality food and drink.

We look forward to continuing to expand our spirits range across 2021, providing customers with the best whiskey at market leading prices.”

Over the past three years, Aldi has been adding to its roster of whiskey, ensuring that Aldi customers have an unbeatable range of whiskies to suit all tastes and budgets.

The Irish winners will now battle it out against other regional winners for the overall global titles, which will be judged by Whisky magazine’s expert editorial panel. The winners will be announced at the World Whiskies Awards later in 2021.

Icons of Whisky Ireland 2021 Winners Distiller Waterford Distillery Craft Producer Dingle Distillery Sustainable Distillery Glendalough Distillery Brand Innovator Waterford Distillery Campaign Innovator Kinahan’s Whiskey, The Kasc Project Visitor Attraction Teeling Whiskey Distillery Distillery Manager Lisa Ryan, Royal Oak Distillery Master Distiller / Master Blender Noel Sweeney, The Powerscourt Distillery American Whiskey Brand Ambassador Michael Cowman, Hi-Spirits (Buffalo Trace) Scotch Whisky Brand Ambassador Paul Tuohy, Moët Hennessy Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador Sabine Sheehan, Lambay Irish Whiskey Company Visitor Attraction Manager Woody Kane, Royal Oak Distillery Single Outlet Retailer Celtic Whiskey Shop Multiple Outlet Retailer Carry Out Off Licence Online Retailer Irishmalts.com Supermarket Dunnes Stores Own Brand Supermarket Aldi Ireland

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Data and FMCG

A data-driven decade ahead?

How will the consumer packaged goods market of the future utilise data to add value between all the elements in the supply chain?

inefficient and costly supply chain. Data moves too slowly and tends to be kept hidden in various silos that stop it from being shared in ways that would make it more valuable.”

John: “We are still seeing tension between CFOs and COOs and the cost of data versus the value of the data. We are spending a lot of time and money collecting and cleaning data, but the way the CPG sector is sharing and using data is keeping the value lower than it should be. Until we start processing data more quickly and sharing it more freely, we will continue to see that tension exist.”

IN the final of the series of three webinars hosted by business analysts RecommenderX on the use of data in the Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) market, the panel discussed how the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) sector will look in 10 years, with a focus on data and how its use will be improved by FMCG brands and products.

Contributors included Devan Hughes, CEO of online grocery shopping platform Buymie; Kevin McCarthy, CEO of RecommenderX; Hash Alsaidi, Head of Business Development with RecommenderX; and Dan Ryan, eCommerce and New Revenue Streams Manager with Unilever.

Dan: “We are still very much in the middle of this journey to realising the full value of data in CPG. I recall presenting data to clients 10 years ago in the run-up to Christmas and their response was ‘that’s great, but when are we going on half price?’; now we have come to a place where we’re almost obsessed with having data and knowing it is accurate. But we still haven’t really got to the good stuff, the valuable stuff, where we get and process data quickly enough that we can use it to profitably inform our future decisions and actions. Data is only valuable when you use it to produce value, let it help you make better decisions, and unfortunately in CPG, we are not quite there yet.”

How well is the supply chain of data working for the CPG sector? Will it change over the next decade?

Devan: “My background is not FMCG; I came from commodities. Data flows very differently in CPG and FMCG than it does in the commodities sector. Data flows fast and freely in commodities, with real time reporting and predictions presented frequently. The supply chain of data in CPG is broken by comparison; it moves too slowly and it is far too ‘siloed’ to be as useful as it should be. This produces an

Hash: “I would have to agree with Dan; I recall wrangling data a decade ago and to be honest, when working with CPG brands, I find I am still doing that wrangling far more than I should be. One of the problems with data is that it can answer so many questions; you can always ask other questions and get other answers. There is certainly value in using data to know or understand what happened, but when it is used to predict what will happen next and what you should do next, then the real value is unlocked. The systems for

The Future of Data in FMCG and Retail panel included: Devan Hughes, CEO of online grocery shopping platform Buymie; Kevin McCarthy, CEO of RecommenderX; Hash Alsaidi, Head of Business Development with RecommenderX; and Dan Ryan, eCommerce and New Revenue Streams Manager with Unilever.

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“

Data and FMCG

Amazon Fresh will target us and an organisation like that could buy Tesco Ireland out of petty cash just for distribution. Amazon is an organisation that treats data very seriously and uses it to maximum effect.

”

collecting and cleaning data in CPG are a lot more advanced and effective than the system for prediction and that it the area where we need to, and will, see the most development over the next 10 years.”

Kevin: “CPG has a great many facets; as the sector experiences more disruption over the next decade, there is a danger that we might see even more data sources.

Even now we have so many sources: EPoS, sales, supply chain, shopper data and more. The biggest problem that CPG has with data boils down to speed. The hospitality and commodities sectors are already using real-time data reporting to inform decisions and actions and increase profitability. That is where we need to get to in CPG.” So how do we stop drowning in data without insights in CPG? When and how will that change?

Dan: “The biggest problem we have at the moment is the fact that the various

elements involved all have their own data and their own priority bias. Manufacturers, distributors, retailers have their own systems and agendas. The diverse elements in the sales chain need to come together and aggregate data. If we share data faster and more freely, we will see value like the commodity and hospitality sectors have been able to find in their data.”

Devan: “I would echo that sentiment.

A major problem we have today is that there are too many humans involved in the process today, with too many differing opinions. With B2C and D2C models disrupting the sector already, there are a vast number of players in the sector.

What data should deliver to the CPG sector is accurate, real time reporting that has not been interpreted and accurate systems to quickly model what that data says we should do. Increasingly, that will lead to what we have done, which is use AI to model and shape predictions that will help us. The process could be accelerated massively in Ireland when you consider that Amazon Fresh will target us and an organisation like that could buy Tesco Ireland out of petty cash just for distribution. Amazon is an organisation that treats data very seriously and uses it to maximum effect.”

Hash: “If you look at the stock market, the majority of the process now is AI, with bots making trade decisions in seconds based on highly accurate information; there is no reason why that is not going to be the future for CPG here. There is no doubt that taking some of the people out of the process and increasing the use of AI will make data far more valuable and useful in the future. Over time, the costs associated will fall as early adopters lead the way.

The arrival of an entity like Amazon Fresh would definitely see a transformation that would further accelerate that process.

Not only that Amazon functions as a marketplace as well as a vendor, it will

If we share data faster and more freely, the FMCG sector will see value like the commodity and hospitality sectors have been able to find in their data.

draw an incredible amount of information from that market, but it will not drown in it; it will use it all to maximum advantage.”

Can you paint me a quick picture of 10 years from now in CPG with data used properly?

Devan: “Bricks and mortar will still be a core element. But rather than the main focus, it will be another place to draw data sets, integrated seamlessly into an overall data-driven digital strategy. Automatic systems and AI will play a far more important and effective role than they do today.”

Dan: “We may well experience even more complexity and growing pains over the next decade, but that will lead us to a point where we see far more aggregated data, shared freely to add value between all the elements in the supply chain for CPG. That is the way that data will be able to deliver on the associated costs and genuinely add value to the supply chain.”

Hash: “The shopper journey will be extremely good, extremely convenient and highly tailored. On the front end, they will have no idea about the incredibly complex systems ensuring there are no out-of-stock issues and the perfect price for the customer. Consumers will love the experience, while the integrated systems in the supply chain work more closely and quickly together to deliver real time value to the supply chain as well as the customer.”

Kevin: “That type of scenario is a real possibility. If we invest in AI power and analysis to reduce the menial tasks involved in keeping the CPG sector running and to maximise efficiency with predictable models based on accurate data, we will find the real value in the data.”

About RecommenderX

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PJ Carroll

Big news from PJ Carroll Simon Carroll, Country Manager, PJ Carroll, shares some big news about Vype, the company’s leading vaping brand, and talks us through the impact of Covid-19 on the Irish business, admitting that the pandemic brought some supply issues, which have now been resolved.

THE Covid-19 pandemic impacted every single facet of Irish society, from how we interact with each other to what products we buy. No part of our economy was immune to the pandemic, and the tobacco industry was affected like every other part of retailing, in that customerfacing staff had to change the way they worked in their interaction with retailers.

Some tobacco categories also witnessed increased demand, with adult tobacco consumers looking for more of the chosen brands from their local retailers – the lack of foreign travel undoubtedly contributed to this, as the duty free tobacco market is considerable.

Simon Carroll, Country Manager, PJ Caroll, part of British American Tobacco (BAT), speaks to Retail News about the effects of Covid-19 on the company’s business in Ireland and how they have been working around the clock to resolve any supply issues, while also revealing some big news for Vype, PJ Carroll’s leading vaping brand.

Covid-19 has changed the way FMCG businesses engage with retailers. What impact have the lockdowns had on PJ Carroll and how it supports retailers?

“The past year has been very tough on retail, with their way of working totally transforming. On behalf of PJ Carroll, I would like to thank retailers for all their hard work and efforts to keep our communities safe.

“We are also very proud of our own field force and what they’ve accomplished during such difficult circumstances, working with our retail partners and their consumers. Our trade representatives had to adapt to a new way of working, using technology, reporting insights and new ways to communicate with retailers so we could serve them remotely and, most importantly, ensuring the safety of our workers, our retailers and their customers when returning to the field.

“However, it is absolutely fair to say that it has not always been as smooth as we would have liked. There have been

issues with some of our SKUs being out of stock, due to higher demand related to the lack of travel and an internal system upgrade which unfortunately caused delays. While we always endeavour to resolve issues as soon as they arise, we acknowledge the impact this had on our retail customers and we thank them for their patience.

“As we kick off 2021, I want to assure retailers that our trade and supply chain teams are working around the clock to ensure a smooth service for our customers.”

How has the vaping side of the business performed in 2020 - particularly with the challenges of lockdown?

“Despite the difficulties presented by Covid, our vaping brands, Vype, Cirro and Ten Motives continue to thrive in traditional retail. We have doubled our market share in 2020 and Vype now holds second place in the share of closed vapour products (Source: QlikView Epsos Data)

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PJ Carroll and is growing month-on-month.

“2020 also saw the roll-out of our Vype gantry programme, a total market solution to create an organised space for the category.

It really is a great display solution and we are getting some really positive feedback, with retailers seeing increased vapour sales where our gantries are installed. It makes it easier for a consumer to shop the category in the store because they can see what is being stocked. I’d encourage any interested retailer to ask their PJ Carroll trade representative about these gantries.”

What is BAT’s strategy for improving trust in the vaping category for those smokers who are considering the switch?

“At BAT, consumer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do, from product design through to the innovative technologies we’re using to ensure the best vaping experience possible.

Understanding this innovation and expertise can go a long way in assuring our customers they’re getting a quality product. Quality and innovation are at the core of every phase of our production process and our team of more than 50 scientists at our global Research and Development facility in Southampton in the UK, including toxicologists and bio-scientists, aim to create the most reliable products possible.

“We have developed a specific campaign called ‘Vype Quality Matters’ to help reassure retailers and consumers that Vype devices and e-liquids are developed to the highest standards of quality and safety, and our youth access prevention training programme, Verify, is there to support retailers and their staff in ensuring only adults access these products. We rigorously assess everything that goes into making our products, as well as the emissions that come out of them, and we are one of only a handful of vaping companies operating in Ireland who take such a thorough, end-to-end approach to product stewardship.”

What are PJ Carroll’s plans for 2021?

“2021 is set to be a big year for us! We are about to go through a big change, as our brand Vype will become Vuse, a truly global brand that is already number one in markets around the world.

You may have already seen the name on the McLaren F1 car.

Not only will we be introducing an updated look and feel with a focus on sustainability in our packaging design, but Vuse will bring many more options for consumers to choose from.

Fundamentally, though, Vuse will offer the same trusted quality, flavours and taste satisfaction as Vype.

“To make the transition seamless, ePod & ePen 3 under

Vype and Vuse will be 100% compatible, meaning a Vype ePen cartridge will work in a Vuse ePen device and a Vuse ePen cartridge will work in a Vype ePen device. The same will also be true for ePod. Flavour names will remain the same as on Vype to limit the disruption and ensure a smooth migration.

“This is more than a name change for us – Vuse is a promise of more innovation and ideas to come, including an upgraded ePen device with faster charging and a metallic finish, plus more flavours for your customers to try, so watch this space. Your PJ Carroll representatives will guide you through the transition in the coming months and show you how you can help consumers to navigate the change.”

So how should retailers prepare for an expanding vaping market in 2021?

“We certainly expect 2021 to be a very busy year, as we continue to see the vaping category evolve. A recent Eurobarometer study found that Ireland’s vaping rate stands at around 7%, compared to an EU average of 2%, which shows more smokers in Ireland are switching to a potentially much safer way of consuming nicotine. This means we are expecting the category to continue to grow as consumers seek it out. There are a couple of things retailers can do to grow their vaping sales and profits and take advantage of this expanding category.

“Invest in the future and stock the products that consumers are seeking out. We continue to see closed system vaping devices becoming the vapour product of choice for adult nicotine consumers. This segment was the fastest growing of 2020 and that is why we have invested in our flagship brand Vype, soon to be Vuse.

We have always been at the forefront of innovation in the vaping category and we are delighted that this is reflected in Vype’s ranking as the number two closed system device in Ireland. With the change to Vuse, we are confident we will be number one.

“Retailers should also take a category approach. Bring your vaping product range together in a category display solution, as offered by the Vype gantry. If products and categories are scattered across the shop, your display becomes disjointed and creates confusion for retailers, staff and consumers alike. Consumers like to shop where they know they can buy their product.

“We are more than willing to help any retailer and their staff build up their knowledge of the vaping category and provide information on category trends. We are very excited about 2021 and we look forward to working with our retail partners to make the Vype to Vuse transition a great success.”

This year sees the Vype brand become Vuse, with the new brand name sitting proudly on the McLaren F1 car.

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Vaping

Cloud control The vaping market continues to grow at a tremendous pace, with Ireland leading the way in Europe for vaping rates.

THE vaping market has experienced phenomenal growth in recent years, particularly as adults move from smoking traditional tobacco products to the vaping sector as an aid to cessation.

According to the European Commission’s Eurobarometer on ‘attitudes of Europeans towards tobacco and electronic cigarettes’, 21% of Irish people used vaping products or similar devices to quit or attempt to quit smoking. Indeed, it is estimated that Ireland’s vaping rate stands at around 7%, compared to an EU average of 2%, with Vape Business Ireland (VBI), Ireland’s largest vaping trade association, estimating that over 200,000 Irish consumers to date have made the choice to switch to vaping in order to help reduce smoking.

Before the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, tank systems remained popular in e-vapour products, but closed pods were beginning to gain significant traction, according to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International. Closed pods gained in popularity as a result of their ease of use and affordability, as well as an expanding product offer from major players, Euromonitor reports, many of whom have shifted their focus from cigarettes to next generation vaping products.

Euromonitor predict significant growth over the coming years, although growth rates will slow slightly from the explosion in popularity in recent years, as the category matures.

The latest Eurobarometer from February 2021, which was conducted across all European Union states and the UK between August and September 2020, revealed that 21% of Irish smokers and ex-smokers used vaping products to stop or to try to stop smoking. This is almost twice the European average of 11%.

“This latest Eurobarometer shows that Ireland’s smoking rate at 18% is significantly below the EU average of 23% and that Ireland has the second highest percentage of people who

used to smoke but who have stopped, at 34%,” noted James Doran, spokesperson for VBI, who maintained that the drop in smoking rates is “is in no small part testament to the success story of vaping over the past 10 years in helping Irish people to move away from smoking”.

VBI argued that if the Irish Government is to achieve its objective of a Tobacco Free Ireland by 2025, “it must now follow the example set by Governments in other jurisdictions such as New Zealand and the UK, in recognising that vaping is a less harmful alternative to smoking and that it can be as effective as nicotine replacement therapy, as confirmed by the major Cochrane Review in December.”

The Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill is currently due before the Oireachtas Committee on Health for pre-legislative scrutiny, with Doran arguing that “it is time that Irish policy makers stop ignoring the creditable evidence supporting vaping as a less harmful alternative to smoking. It is vitally important that balanced and well-rounded reviews are used to inform Ireland’s health policy making.”

He warned that not recognising vaping as a “harm reduction tool” could run the risk of preventing thousands more Irish smokers from quitting. “Furthermore, should vaping products be subjected to inappropriate legislative restrictions, there is a strong possibility that many Irish vapers will revert back to cigarettes, reversing the positive ground made to date in reducing smoking numbers.”

VBI have long argued that the sale of vaping products to under 18’s should be made illegal, both to protect young people and to create an environment in which it is fully understood that vaping products are for adult smokers, and the group is lobbying for the Public Health (Tobacco and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill to do just that.

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Vaping Logic With the vaping category constantly growing and evolving, one aspect that remains is JTI’s commitment to providing high quality products that meet strict standards in a wide range of flavours to meet your customers’ needs.

JTI’s new Logic Compact Intense Starter Kit is designed especially for your customers, with four intense flavours to discover: American Tobacco, Peppermint, Berry Mind and new Banoffee.

JTI’s new Compact Intense Starter Kit is finally here. Designed especially for your customers it includes four intense flavours to discover: American Tobacco, Peppermint, Berry Mind and new Banoffee.

“Our e-liquids containing nicotine salts are designed to create a richer vapour which some adult consumers find more enjoyable and satisfying versus vaping e-liquids without nicotine salts,” noted a company spokesperson. “And because we know style is essential, we’ve added the new Logic Compact device in Infinite Black. Your customers should get ready to explore the full spectrum of Logic flavours and remember, there is always more to discover!”

JTI’s sales force and its customer services team are on hand to provide expert support and advice about the Logic range and help you maximise vaping category sales. You can order Logic products through the company’s web ordering portal JTI Engage, your local JTI trade marketer, by calling JTI customer services on (01) 4045400, or through cash and carry.

Vype / Vuse

they reach adult consumers,” noted a company spokesperson.

BAT Ireland have over 50 scientists who conduct a toxicological risk assessment of all e-liquid ingredients and device emissions to test their suitability for vaping. All BAT’s e-liquids use pharma grade nicotine and food grade flavourings. The company notifies the HSE six months in advance of new products being launched. It complies with all Irish and EU legislation for battery and electronics safety and its devices are CE certified.

“As Vype, we seek to inspire consumers with high quality products,”

The hugely popular Vype brand is evolving into Vuse, a global brand, but the two brands will be completely compatible with each other.

At PJ Carroll (BAT Ireland), consumer safety is at the heart of the company’s approach to vaping. “We don’t just outsource production – we oversee the full supply chain, from manufacturing to market, for our Vype, Ten M and Cirro vaping products, which undergo thousands of hours of testing before Vype is transitioning to Vuse in the coming months, with a revamped brand look and feel. the spokesperson noted. “This has led us to gain recognition and trust from both you and your customers. We are now evolving into Vuse, a global brand that will be connected and aligned with the ever-evolving needs of our consumers.

Through a revamped brand look and feel, product upgrades and more choices for your customers, we will continue to inspire and be at the forefront of innovation. Rest assured that Vype and Vuse will be fully compatible with each other.”

Your PJ Carroll representatives will guide you through the transition in the coming months and show you how you can help consumers navigate the exciting changes ahead!

The Vuse device kit will be compatible with Vype products.

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Cereals

Cereal Winners Lockdown was beneficial for the cereals market, which enjoyed a strong 2020, with new product development keeping interest in the category high in 2021.

BREAKFAST cereals showed healthy growth in 2020, having benefitted from stockpiling during periods of lockdown, according to the latest report into the category by Euromonitor International. The wide availability of breakfast cereals, along with the long shelf life, ease of storage and reasonable prices, all worked in the category’s favour, thus leading to the boost in sales.

Weetabix invested a significant amount in researching the breakfast opportunity during lockdown. Breakfasts at home clearly became the norm during this period, with 98% of breakfasts now in the home (Source: Dipsticks Consumption Tracker. Sample size 1,000 per wave / Includes Muesli & Granola) and cereal has been the real winner, firmly establishing itself as the breakfast product of choice, while other categories have remained flat.

“Cereal brands performed really well during this time, suggesting people were looking for familiar products during a period of uncertainty,” explains Simon Walker, Head of Sales – Discounters, Ireland and Customer Brand.

Breakfast has become more of a social occasion in the past year, with 53% eating more together as a family, while younger people have also returned to the breakfast table, with a 2.8% increase in cereal consumption compared to 2019 (Source: Dipsticks Consumption Tracker 2019 vs 12 weeks Lockdown end March to June 2020).

We will continue to see the ‘home as a headquarters’ in the year ahead, with more people eating at home than preCovid. Value for money will be important, so providing an array

of different products and price points will be necessary from retailers. Our work and life patterns have changed but we are still busy – people will be looking for products to keep them going throughout the morning, according to Simon.

Children’s breakfast cereals, however, continue to face challenges, according to Euromonitor, with the lowest value growth across all subcategories of breakfast cereals.

Coco Pops Cereal giant, Kellogg’s, has announced new Strawberry & White Choc Coco Pops, a limited-edition version of the classic Coco Pops that combines the delicious flavours of smooth white chocolate and juicy strawberries.

With 30% less sugar than other chocolate flavoured cereals (30% less sugar on average than other chocolate flavoured toasted rice cereals, IRI UK 2020), Strawberry & White Choc Coco Pops turns milk pink, guaranteed to add a splash of colour to breakfast time.

The new addition follows the successful release of White Choc Coco Pops in 2019, with more than three million boxes flying off shelves in the first six months alone.

The limited-edition cereal has an RRP of €4.29 (480g) and is available since February 12, for 12 months only. The all-new pink Coco Pops has been launched to add a much-needed joyful boost to breakfast and contains no artificial colours or flavours.

“We are thrilled to launch new Strawberry & White Choc Coco Pops,” reveals Neil Rogers, Brand & Activation Manager, Kellogg’s Ireland. “It took over 50 recipe trials before we

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Cereals Strawberry & White Choc Coco Pops are a limitededition version of their classic Coco Pops that combines the delicious flavours of smooth white chocolate and juicy strawberries and turns milk pink, guaranteed to add a splash of colour to breakfast time.

Oreo O’s contains delicious crunchy cocoa hoops combined with vanilla flavour discs and aims to appeal to adult shoppers looking for a unique treat.

achieved the tastiest mix of strawberry and white chocolate that turned milk the perfect pink. ‘’White Choc Coco Pops was the biggest new cereal launch of 2019 (Source: Total Scantrack FY 2019 € sales excludes Dunnes & Discounters), so we’re hoping Coco Pops fans will be just as excited to try the new flavour. We’re sure kids and grown-ups alike will enjoy bringing a bit of pink to their breakfast.”

In 2017, Kellogg’s reduced sugar in Original Coco Pops by 40% to help families make healthier choices in the morning.

Oreo O’s A brand-new cereal, Oreo O’s, has launched in Ireland and the UK, aimed at filling the gap in the cereal market for a more indulgent, adult proposition.

Utilising the iconic features of Oreo’s, the new cereal contains delicious crunchy cocoa hoops combined with vanilla flavour discs and aims to appeal to adult shoppers who are looking for a unique treat to enjoy at breakfast or any other time of day.

The tasty sector is the largest and fastest growing sector in the cereals category, up 23% (Source: Kantar, June 14, 2020). Taste-led cereals also bring more new shoppers to the aisles than any other type and Oreo O’s is confident it can be a key driver of incremental category value in the months ahead.

The new cereal taps into the power

of the billion-dollar Oreo brand and the product launch is being supported with instore and digital marketing assets, as well as supported via Oreo’s main social media channel.

“Oreo is a global phenomenon and we’re really excited to introduce them to the cereals market for the first time. With chocolate cereal shoppers the most valuable in the category (Source: Kantar May 17, 2020) and the Oreo brand already showing it can successfully translate to different formats, we believe this new cereal can introduce new customers to the aisle and become a beacon product for the tasty cereal segment,” said a company spokesperson. “We have big ambitions

for the brand and will be supporting the launch with an instore and online marketing drive.”

Oreo O’s are planned to launch across grocery, convenience and wholesale with an RRP of €4.99 (350g).

Weetabix Consumers have returned to cereal because of its versatility – it’s quick and convenient but can also be personalised with additional toppings and different milks, which taps into the trend for personalised breakfasts, according to Simon Walker, Head of Sales – Discounters, Ireland and Customer Brand, Weetabix.

The company gave its Any-WhichWay-A-Bix ad campaign a boost for

Weetabix continues to prove extremely popular with Irish consumers.

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Cereals

The Weetabix range includes a host of options for hungry consumers. the back to school period in 2020, encouraging consumers to share their unique Weetabix creations, as part of a multi-million euro marketing investment.

According to Simon, Weetabix Original performed well during lockdown and sales for Weetabix Minis Chocolate also rose 44% (Source: Kantar Worldpanel to June 14, 2020). “Following lockdown, there was, as expected, a decline in sales for our Weetabix On The Go drinks, but we have since seen a 40% increase,” Simon reveals. The Weetabix On The Go team has launched a 12-month field sales ‘Strikethrough’ programme aiming to get retailers to restock the On The Go range and build distribution this year.

Health will come back to the forefront in the months ahead, according to Simon.

There will be more consumers looking to lose weight following their lockdown diets, whilst improving general health and immunity will be a focus - 80% say they will make greater attempts to stay healthier as a result of Covid-19 (FMCG Gurus, May 2020).

“We know consumers are concerned about the healthiness of their cereals.

Weetabix Original is and will always be, a low sugar cereal, and we have all green traffic lights on pack to make it easy for shoppers to make a healthy choice,” Simon reveals, noting also how Weetabix Protein aims to be a signpost brand for the protein category.

“We’re dialling up our impact in the tasty breakfast occasion and have exciting NPD in the months ahead. Taste is the fastest growing need within the cereals category and is up 23% in value sales growth. 30% of tasty cereals are consumed outside of the traditional breakfast occasion, with people using them as a snack throughout the day,” Simon notes.

The Weetabix Head of Sales believes

Alpen is celebrating its 50th birthday, with new campaigns and added investment to help mark the milestone year.

Ready brek recently launched an appealing on-pack promotion, giving shoppers the chance to win free heating for 12 months. that retailers should ensure they’re stocking a variety of products, focused on a core range of best-sellers: “We always work closely with retailers to ensure that our product range works for them – this includes different pack sizes and price marked packs. PMPs are a major growth area for convenience stores, as consumers are increasingly looking for reassurance on value. The Weetabix PMP range covers a range of SKUs across our cereal and drinks portfolio, at a range of price points. We work hard to ensure that our price marked packs offer competitive shared margins.”

Ready brek continues to see strong brand sales, Simon notes. Nielsen total coverage figures show Ready brek continuing to perform ahead of the ‘Hots’ category, enjoying strong value growth.

“We brought Ready brek back to TV in October with its popular ‘Central heating for everyone’ creative, inspired by its iconic ‘glow’ advertising from the 1970s,” Simon reveals. Ready brek also launched an appealing on-pack promotion, giving shoppers the chance to win free heating for 12 months. To be in the running, the nation were tasked with creating their own Ready brek ‘glowing creations’ and then simply uploading a picture and description to Facebook or Instagram using #glowingcreations.

Simon also believes retailers should stock Alpen, as the muesli brand celebrates its 50th birthday, with new campaigns and added investment.

Weetabix has a a big year in the pipeline for the Weetabix Food Company, including exciting NPD,” according to Simon, “so watch this space.”

Flahavan’s The Hot Oats category grew 6% in 2020 due to increases in frequency and volume, according to Kantar (Source: Kantar Market Data, 52 Weeks to December 27, 2020). And Flahavan’s, Ireland’s favourite porridge brand, maintained its market leadership position, with almost 57% market share (Source: Kantar Market Data, 52 Weeks to December 27, 2020), a

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Cereals

Flahavan’s Progress Oatlets has enjoyed strong growth over the last year as a result of shifting consumer habits, with more time spent at the breakfast table as many consumers are now working from home. testament to its consistent quality, strong brand communications strategy and the loyalty of its consumer base.

Traditional porridge remains at the heart of the company’s business in Ireland, with Progress Oatlets and Organic Porridge experiencing the strongest growth in the past 52 weeks as a result of shifting consumer habits, including a rise in home baking, as well as more time spent at the breakfast table, with many consumers working from home.

Health remains at the forefront of consumers’ minds when making choices around breakfast, with four in 10 consumers indicating that concerns around weight management are top of mind when shopping the cereals aisle (Source: Behaviour & Attitudes, Breakfasts in 2020, Oct 2020). Flahavan’s range of locally-sourced oat-based breakfast products addresses these needs naturally, with Traditional, Convenience, Organic and Gluten Free porridge, as well as No Added Sugar Hi8 Muesli and Overnight Oats, along with its new range of Oat Drinks.

Flahavan’s, a proud member of Love Irish Food, is Ireland’s oldest privately-owned family food business – the company has been milling oats in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, for over 200 years. 70% of the company’s energy is self-generated through wind and water turbines, solar panels and its bio-mass boiler. Learn more on Flahavans.ie.

Nestlé Cereals Nestlé Cereals has launched something fun to put in a breakfast bowl, its new Nat Bears, an exciting new breakfast cereal individually wrapped in handy kids-sized portions, with a taste everyone will love.

The new Nat Bears is a breakfast cereal made with ingredients made from natural origins, containing no artificial colours or flavours. Designed to help parents make breakfast time fun, it is available in both Honey and Chocolate flavours and has a simple 32g portion control for young children, with one bear equalling one bowl of breakfast cereal when added to milk.

New from Nestlé Cereals, Nat Bears is an exciting new breakfast cereal individually wrapped in handy kids-sized portions, available in both Honey and Chocolate flavours.

Nat Bears is also high in fibre, with over 50% of whole grain in each serving and features the Nestlé Cereals green banner on-pack. This signifies it contains whole grain as its number one ingredient, and that it has at least 8g of whole grain per serving. With Ireland’s recommended fibre intake for children being their age plus 5g (Source: Food Safety Authority of Ireland, Scientific Recommendations for Healthy Eating Guidelines in Ireland, 2011), choosing breakfast cereals containing whole grain is an easy way to increase fibre intake.

“We know that parents are looking for a cereal that is both tasty and high in fibre for their kids at breakfast time, and we’re confident that our new Nat Bears fits the bill,” reveals Gharry Eccles, Vice President, Nestlé Cereals. “Nat Bears come as pre-proportioned, individually wrapped bears – you just add one bear to a bowl of milk, and it makes a bowl of tasty cereal. We are passionate about making breakfast better and are pleased to introduce this truly unique product to the market, which makes for a happy breakfast.”

Nat Bears come in a pack of 6 (6x 32g) with an RRP of €3.29.

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Cereals

Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters is a new breakfast topper range to help get more natural goodness into mealtimes.

Linwoods Family owned company, Linwoods, a leading producer of healthy super foods in Ireland, has launched its newest seed range, Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters. A first for the brand, the range is a step into the breakfast market, providing consumers with a quick and easy way to add more goodness into breakfast time.

Available in three delicious varieties, the Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters are vegetarian friendly, all natural and contain an impressive 1.8g of fibre per each 20g serving. The breakfast toppers are also high in plant-based protein, Omega-3 ALA (alpha linolenic acid) and magnesium, perfect for sprinkling on classic yogurts, cereals, porridge and overnight oats for an added morning health boost.

The full Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters range includes Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters with Flaxseed & Cranberries, a combination of toasted flaxseed and sliced cranberries, providing a delicious way to add natural goodness to breakfasts without the need for artificial sweeteners or refined sugars.

Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters with Flaxseed & Nuts is a delicious blend of milled almonds and walnuts and toasted flaxseed to provide breakfasts with a unique taste and crunchy texture. Linwoods Crunchy Seed Clusters with Pumpkin & Chia Seed is a blend of two highly nutritious seeds to give the body a morning health boost, as well as an extra natural sweet crunch in two spoonfuls.

“Here at Linwoods we believe breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day and that we all need to practice positive habits at mealtimes,” noted John Woods, owner of Linwoods Health Foods. “Adding 20g of our new Crunchy Seed Clusters to cereal, porridge or yogurt will boost the meal’s nutritional value, while also offering a sweet crunchy texture.

Many consumers are now looking for a healthy and tasty addition to their diet. The team at Linwoods have worked hard to craft a flavoursome yet nutritionally dense range and we look forward to our customers trying it.”

The Linwoods Seed Clusters range is available in 200g resealable packs in retail outlets nationwide.

Breakfast has become more of a social occasion in the past year, with 53% eating more together as a family (Source: Weetabix).

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On the Vine

Wines for Easter Jean Smullen looks at some must-stock wines for Easter 2021.

SPRING is here and this year Easter Sunday falls on April 4, so this is the perfect time to look at what is happening in terms of wine trends in the off trade and what to stock for the holiday period and in the coming months. With current restrictions likely to continue past Easter and possibly into mid-summer, we can expect the Irish wine consumer to push the boat out and tradeup for the Bank Holiday weekend.

SuperValu’s Spanish surge At a recent online tasting to launch the SuperValu Spanish Wine Sale, which took place in-store during February, SuperValu wine buyer Kevin O’Callaghan told Retail News that SuperValu has seen much more experimentation in wine purchases in the last year, as evidenced by the increase in sales of Sherry and Port.

Kevin spoke of the increased interaction between the middleaged wine buyer and their younger cohort, i.e., Baby Boomers and Generation X & Z. Lockdown has meant generations having to socialise together, which has resulted in the creation of more adventurous meals and a trade-up in terms of wine purchases as the consumer endeavours to bring the on-trade experience into their homes.

In the last year, SuperValu has seen a huge surge sales of Spanish wine, which are up by 20m bottles per annum, with Spanish red wine their biggest category. Chile continues to perform well, mostly due to its white wine sales. SuperValu has seen a +30% increase in sales of Spanish wine and a +26% increase in sales of Chilean wine. Kevin also revealed that one in five customers are now ordering wine online and postpandemic, he envisages online sales will continue to grow.

The Irish importers are also being very proactive in terms of their focus of making more premium wine available to the retail sector and certainly the Nielsen Scantrack figures to December 2020 bear this out. Value sales of wine in the retail sector on an MAT basis to December 2020 were up +21.2%, with volume sales increasing by +16.4% for the same period.

As we move into our second Easter in lockdown, the consumer has more practice in terms of what to expect and will plan their weekend around their celebration meals. With more of a family focus, lamb will be very much in demand, and so too will the classic red wine styles. Make sure you have plenty of good quality red Bordeaux and Rhône in stock, while from Spain the DOCa Rioja and DOC Ribero del Duero are a good recommendation. Italian reds are another very popular consumer choice, especially DOCG Chianti Classico or DOCG Valpolicella.

Don’t forget too, as the seasons change so too do wine

preferences. The consumer will now start to look for lighter wine styles as they change their eating habits coming into spring. The growth in sales of Rosé wine is expected to continue apace; Rosé now accounts for nearly 6% of the Irish wine market. As Easter is a time of celebration, sparkling wines will also be very much in demand, so expect Easter celebrations to involve something in a glass with bubbles. Make sure you stock Prosecco DOC Rosé, a brand-new wine style, the production of which was formally authorised by Italian authorities from August 1, 2020. It was officially released on November 1, 2020, and we are seeing a lot more of it on our shelves; the demand for Prosecco DOC Rosé this Easter is likely to be enormous.

Comans Beverages However, the biggest wine success story last year, was an Argentinian wine brand produced by Fincas las Moras that continues to take the Irish wine market by storm. Imported into Ireland by Comans Beverages, the brand that took off was Fincas las Moras’ Dada range. Last year was a very strong year in terms of sales for Dada, a brand that resonates strongly with Irish wine consumers. Showing volume growth of +114% for the 12 months to December 2020, Dada moved into the top five over the course of the year. Dada is bound to be in great demand this Easter, so don’t be left behind and make sure you stock the range. The range includes Dada 1, made from a blend of Malbec and Bonarda, a fruit forward red with sweet fruit on the finish

The Dada wine range from Fincas las Moras, distributed

by Comans Beverages, moved into the top five wines in Ireland during 2020.

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On the Vine that adds to its appeal for both male and female drinkers. Dada 2 is made from Merlot and Dada 3 is a Cabernet/Shiraz blend. With volume sales of Argentine wines increasing by +50.9% in 2020, this is another category to watch out for in 2021.

Febvre & Co. Without forgetting new world wines, a mention too for a force of nature, iconic winemaker Chester Osborne of d’Arenberg Wines, arguably one of South Australia’s most colourful winemakers.

Chester is known for his flamboyant shirts but more than that, he is a true wine icon of the region. d’Arenberg have put McLaren Vale on the international map. I recently attended an online tasting of a range of Chester’s wines, organised by Febvre & Co. in association with wineonline.

D’Arenberg were crowned winery of the year at the London International Wine Competition in 2020, and the Dead Arm Shiraz was named International Wine of the Year, scoring a phenomenal 97 points and beating every other wine in contention. The featured wines included: d’Arry’s Original Shiraz Grenache 2016; The Hermit Crab Viognier Marsanne 2018; The Coppermine Road Cabernet Sauvignon 2017; The Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2016; Lucky Lizard Chardonnay 2017 and The Dead Arm Shiraz 2017. All were outstanding and highly recommended, especially for customers who enjoy premium Australian wines, a growing number according to Nielsen; Australian wines showed a value increase in the off trade in terms of sales of +21.1% in 2020.

Barry & Fitzwilliam

Barry & Fitzwilliam are selling the new Graham Norton Prosecco DOC Rosé Frizzante (RRP €12) in Centra shops at the moment.

Graham Norton’s Prosecco is made to his own specification from grapes grown in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in Northern Italy. Following Graham Norton Prosecco DOC Rosé Frizzante is made to his own specification from grapes grown in the Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia regions in Northern Italy.

the success of his GN Prosecco, which launched in 2018, the new addition to the range is likely to be equally as successful. The wine is made from a blend of Glera (85%) and Pinot Noir (15%).

Barry & Fitzwilliam will also have good offers on some of their key brands this Easter including McGuigan (Australia), Michel Lynch (Bordeaux) and Villa Maria (New Zealand).

Villa Maria will be available on promotion this Easter.

McGuigan Black Label, one of the top performing brands from Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Bibendum Ireland Bibendum Ireland have a premium sparkling wine offering from Italy that will likely perform well this Easter, Bottega Rosé Gold (RRP €32). The Bottega company is run by Barbara, Sandro and Stefano Bottega and is both a winery and a distillery. Founded in 1977 by Aldo Bottega under the name Distilleria Bottega, the company is based 50km north of Venice, where they produce premium grappas, wines and liqueurs. Their wine range includes their well-known Bottega Gold, known for its distinctive Gold bottle. They have just added Bottega Rosé Gold Spumante Brut to their portfolio, a Brut sparkling rosé wine made from Pinot Nero grapes.

This is not a Rosé Prosecco but a premium sparkling wine from the region, which boasts a pink bottle. This is pure summer in a glass, with lots of summery red fruit aromas, strawberry and cherry and the mousse is quite noticeable. This is a spumante wine so it’s fully sparkling. This will really appeal to anyone who loves Rosé wine; it also has an ABV of 11.5%.

Bottega Rosé Gold Spumante Brut from Bimendum Ireland: the taste of summer in a glass.

Cassidy Wines Cassidy Wines have just launched a new wine from Ribera del Duero called Bodegas Finca La Capilla. There are two wines in range; 2016 Finca La Capilla Crianza (RRP €28.99) and 2016 Finca La Capilla Vendimia Seleccionada (RRP €39.99). Ribera del Duero is ideally placed to make some of Spain’s best wines; the altitude is high, the growing season is short and with limestone in the soil, they have to pick reasonably early, which means the grapes have a good balance of ripeness and acidity. According to the DO regulations, red wines must be made from at least 75% of the key grape red variety, Tinto del Pais, a clone of Tempranillo also known as Tinto Fino. 25% of the blend can be made up of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec. In Ribera del Duero, many of the producers prefer to use French oak to create the region’s signature style. Their aim is to create a more vibrant, fruit-forward style of wine with a leaner finish and one that is not as influenced by wood ageing, more typical in other Spanish DOs. Both these wines are fine examples of the region’s wine style, and 2016 was a relatively good vintage in the region, so make sure you have these in stock this Easter.

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Food Packaging Solutions

The changing face of packaging

We examine the impact of the sustainability agenda on FMCG packaging, profile some of the innovations that could shake-up the market and report on the progress some of our leading supermarkets are making on their sustainability journey.

SUSTAINABILITY is no longer just a buzz-word when it comes to business, particularly the business of packaging.

David Attenborough’s Blue Planet II series is credited with turning the tide of public opinion against single-use plastics when it aired in 2017, casting a damning spotlight on the amount of non-biodegradable waste clogging up our oceans. The series led pretty much directly to a raft of new legislation across the world to deal with the issue, including the EU’s far-reaching Circular Economy action plan, which sets out to make all packaging placed on the EU market reusable or recyclable in an economically viable way by 2030.

But the move towards creating reusable and recyclable packaging isn’t just being driven by legislators or activists. Greta Thunberg’s incredible journey highlighted the climate crisis and made sure the politicians and business leaders took note. The teenager has succeeded where many before failed, however, and made sustainability top of the consumer agenda, which in turn is making companies sit up and take note.

Saica Pack, one of the largest producers of corrugated packaging in Ireland, sources the majority of paper used to produce corrugated packaging from recycled materials, most of which is recovered from retail and public waste streams through Saica Natur.

“Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and this underpins our production process from start-to-finish,” noted Michael Shaw, Saica Ireland Regional Sales Director. “As Saica Pack Ireland, we are committed to closing the loop with an End to End process and increasingly opening up more opportunities for sustainable solutions.”

A collaborative approach is needed One of the biggest packaging companies

in the world, Tetra Pak has introduced a new collaborative innovation model with leading paperboard producers, a move aimed at tackling the food packaging industry’s sustainability challenges. The traditional operating model of a linear supply chain has changed, Tetra Pak claim, and a new partnership ecosystem model is emerging, where the entire industry works in close collaboration.

This brings together not only producers and suppliers, but also research

Tipa and PerfoTec’s combined technologies have been found to extend the shelf-life of fruit, vegetables and flowers by up to twice that of traditional packaging.

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Food Packaging Solutions institutions, universities and start-ups in an attempt to find solutions.

According to the latest research, the global food supply chain system is responsible for 26% of global greenhouse gas emissions; a third of all food is lost or wasted somewhere in the supply chain; fossil fuel-based materials need to be phased out; and significant improvements are needed to the way packaging is dealt with after use.

“We are joining forces with our strategic partners and paperboard producers to find solutions. It’s possible to make a completely sustainable package, but you have to make it safe. And if you can’t make it at scale, you can’t minimise food waste, and you can’t serve a growing global population. In order to bring those three things together, it takes very strong collaboration,” said Laurence Mott, Executive VP for Development and Engineering at Tetra Pak. Mott called for all actors within the value chain to join forces to develop truly sustainable packaging solutions.

Francisco Razzolini, Industrial Technology, Innovation, Sustainability and Projects Director at Klabin, Brazil’s

largest paper producer, acknowledged that we are seeing “new demands from society and from consumers to make products and processes that are more sustainable”. Meeting these demands requires a lot of collaboration, according to Razzolini, and “By sharing experiences, thoughts, ideas and developments, we can speed up the innovation process.”

Malin Ljung Eiborn, Head of Sustainability and Public Affairs at BillerudKorsnäs, a world leading provider of fibre-based packaging material, believes that the vision is “100% fibre-based and fully recyclable packaging, where plastic and aluminium are not needed anymore”.

The challenges the industry faces include removing the thin layers of plastic and aluminium replacing them with plant or wood fibre-based materials, developing a renewable alternative to the plastic straw, and improving the recyclability of packages.

When responsibly sourced, plant-based renewable materials can support towards protecting biodiversity and the natural ecosystem. This means the industry can minimise the need for fossil-based materials.

Supermarkets leading the way Here in Ireland, supermarkets have been helping to drive the green agenda, with all the big retailers reporting regular progress on their sustainability journey.

SuperValu’s latest announcement revealed that its Growing Herbs packaging is now sustainable, diverting 3.18 tonnes of plastic from landfill annually from the more than 300,000 units of Growing Herbs sold in SuperValu each year. This is merely the latest in a long line of sustainability moves by the retailer, which will reduce its carbon footprint in Ireland by 70% by 2025 and in addition to moving to sustainable packaging, SuperValu is committed to operating all facilities with 100% green electricity and to sending no recoverable waste to landfill.

“With the removal of the plastic sleeve on herbs and non-recyclable black plastic, we are moving ever closer to our goal of 100% sustainable packaging by 2025,” noted Ian Allen, Managing Director, SuperValu. “So far, our changes to packaging have diverted 29.3 tonnes of plastic from landfill annually, a positive move that impacts every community we operate Laurence Mott, Executive VP for Development and Engineering at Tetra Pak.

SuperValu recently revealed that its Growing Herbs packaging is now sustainable, diverting 3.18 tonnes of plastic from landfill annually.

in around Ireland.”

Not to be outdone, Aldi Ireland recently introduced new sustainable packaging across 10 of its own-label products, from wholefood nuts to multipack soft drinks, which will see almost 26 tonnes of non-recyclable plastic removed from the retailer’s 145 Irish stores each year. These initiatives are part of Aldi’s long-term plastic reduction programme, which is working to ensure 100% of Aldi’s own-label packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable next year, and to reduce plastic packaging on Aldi products by 50% by 2025.

“Switching to fully recyclable packaging across these 10 products is part of our overall strategy towards reducing the amount of plastic we’re using in stores,” noted John Curtin, Aldi Group Buying Director. “Customers are always looking for sustainable ways to shop, and we want to make sustainable choices as easy as possible for them.”

Since introducing its plasticreduction strategy, Aldi has removed more than 2,050 tonnes of virgin plastic from its 145 Irish stores, in addition to replacing almost 930 tonnes of nonrecyclable material with recyclable

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Food Packaging Solutions

Aldi’s own-label fresh bread now comes in recyclable packaging.

alternatives. Successes include becoming the first retailer in Ireland to introduce 100% recycled PET water bottles across its own-label water range and the first retailer in Ireland to fully remove all black plastic from core food ranges.

Lidl’s latest sustainability win saw the retailer launch an innovative PaperSeal tray solution on a new premium steak range for the Irish market, in partnership with Liffey Meats and Graphic Packaging. Graphic Packaging’s fully lined, cut and glued PaperSeal tray is a barrier-lined cartonboard alternative to Vacuum Skin Packaging (VSP). The launch is part of the retailer’s corporate social responsibility strategy, A Better Tomorrow, which involves reducing plastic packaging volumes by 20% by the year 2022, as well as delivering 100% of its fresh beef from locally sourced suppliers.

“Our PaperSeal tray features 80-90% less plastic than traditional trays, supporting our customers’ sustainability goals and providing consistent seal integrity to keep the product fresher for longer,” said Paul Tye, Business Development Director at Graphic Packaging International. “For ease of recycling, the consumer can easily separate the liner from the tray post-use, making the tray itself 100% recyclable.”

Big business Sustainability is big business.

Multinational company Nestlé is investing up to €1.8 billion to lead the shift from virgin plastics to food-grade recycled plastics and to accelerate the development of sustainable packaging solutions. It has created an Institute of Packaging Sciences to evaluate and

develop various sustainable packaging materials and to collaborate with industrial partners to develop new packaging materials and solutions.

The company continues to promote its sustainability credentials, such as the recent announcement that its Smarties brand will shortly be using recyclable paper packaging for its confectionery products worldwide, making Smarties the first global confectionery brand to move to paper

packaging, removing approximately 250m plastic packs sold worldwide every year.

The sustainability drive isn’t just about primary packaging. Soft drinks giant Coca-Cola European Partners (CCEP) recently signed a five-year contract renewal with Chep for the use of circular packaging services. The deal sees CCEP using pooled pallets across Western Europe. Every year, the use of Chep pallets by CCEP prevents the felling of more than 10,800 trees and avoids the generation of approximately 1,340 tonnes of waste, comparable to the waste generated by 2,700 European citizens in a year. “We want to grow our business in a responsible and sustainable way. We are working to make the packaging we use part of the circular economy,” said Lee McCann, CCEP Associate Director, Procurement, Category Lead Warehousing, Pallets and Repack.

Protecting food products One of the big issues around packaging and sustainability is that plastic packaging has traditionally proved robust enough to protect food products and helps to extend their shelf-life, with questions over whether replacement packaging would perform as well or would lead to even more food waste, one

Smarties’ innovative new designs include sharing bags, multipacks and giant hexatubes made from coated paper, paper labels or carton board, all produced from sustainably sourced and recyclable material.

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Food Packaging Solutions of the biggest contributors to global climate change through increased greenhouse gas emissions, food shortages and water stress.

There is a lot of work being done in this space, with some good news. Compostable packaging producer Tipa recently partnered with shelf-life extension specialist PerfoTec to create fully compostable packaging that extends the shelf-life of fresh produce. According to the two companies, the resulting laser microperforated compostable film provides retailers and suppliers with the ideal packaging qualities to reduce food waste, combat plastic pollution and cut carbon emissions. Their compostable packaging performs like a conventional plastic but decomposes in compost back into the soil with no toxic residue, microplastics or other pollutants. Its packaging solutions seamlessly fit with industry machinery and manufacturing practices. PerfoTec’s patented High Precision Laser Technology facilitates longer shelf-life by adapting the permeability of food packaging.

Growing market share for eco-friendly alternatives to conventional plastic, like compostable films, is projected to be a key contributor to the growth of the global flexible packaging market. The market is expected to increase from $160.8 billion to $200.5 billion by 2025.

“Partnering with Tipa to create compostable packaging that can outperform conventional plastic is a hugely exciting step forward for sustainable packaging,” enthused PerfoTec’s CEO, Bas Groeneweg. “We’re delighted to be playing our part in the stride against quality losses, food waste and plastic pollution.”

mandatory origin or provenance labelling to certain products.

• Date marking: a revision of the current EU rules on date marking (‘use-by’ and ‘best-before’) to support a reduction in food waste.

“Food labelling is an important tool that provides information for consumers,” noted Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive, FSAI. “The plans to review and potentially revise the EU food labelling legislation may have an impact on the food industry and its product packaging.”

Labelling legislation to change?

The move towards healthy products is also impacting on packaging, in that consumers and indeed legislators are insisting on more food information on packaging to allow consumers to make informed choices about the goods they buy. Here at home, the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) is running a public consultation on behalf of the Department of Health, calling for views and feedback on the proposed revision of a number of labelling issues. The ‘Food Information to Consumers - Front-of-Pack Nutrition Labelling, Nutrient Profiles, Origin Labelling and Date Marking’ consultation seeks to gather information and opinions which will inform the national position on EU food labelling reforms that will enable consumers make more informed choices when selecting food.

Anyone can provide opinion to the FSAI through its online consultation at https://www.fsai.ie/legislation/consultations. html.

The feedback from the consultation will help establish a national position, which will then feed into the European Commission’s proposal to harmonise mandatory food labelling, as part of its Farm to Fork Strategy under the European Green Deal. The key areas under review and where the public consultation is seeking comment include: • Front of pack labelling: a proposal for mandatory coordinated front-of-pack nutrition labelling.

• Nutrient profiles: establishing the setting of ‘nutrient profiles’ which would ultimately reduce and restrict the use of nutrition and health claims to promote food with high fat, sugar and/or salt.

• Origin labelling: consideration to the extension of

Coca-Cola European Partners recently signed a five-year contract renewal with Chep for the use of pooled pallets across Western Europe.

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Food Packaging Solutions

One small code to print, one giant leap for data sharing GS1 DataMatrix is the small barcode that packs a “bunch”, writes Maria Svejdar, Head of Marketing, Communications and CX, GS1 Ireland.

GS1’s DataMatrix may be small and quite discreet, but it holds a world of possibilities for enabling data sharing applications across the supply chain. In this article, we round up a selection of the roll-outs and implementations taking place in Ireland and across the globe.

What are the benefits?

Depending upon the product, industry sector, or business application, the benefits include the encoding of additional product information in a machine-readable format (traditional retail barcodes, for example, usually only

Increasing rates of adoption will see us all become much more familiar with the small square barcode called a DataMatrix. From pharmaceutical drugs to surgical instruments and medical devices, and from milk, fish and meat to even air conditioning units, gas canisters and spare parts for machines, the GS1 DataMatrix barcode is used to encode and share vital product and asset data across the globe and from end-to-end of the supply chain in many sectors.

contain the product code/GTIN), increased read/write accuracy at high speed and a greatly reduced print footprint. Use

What is a GS1 DataMatrix symbol?

GS1 DataMatrix is a matrix, or twodimensional (2D), barcode which may be printed as a square or rectangular symbol made up of individual dots. It consists of a grid of dark and light squares bordered by a finder pattern which indicates the orientation and structure of the symbol.

GS1 DataMatrix barcodes can be read by camera or imaging scanners; there are even apps for your mobile phone.

The data typically encoded in a GS1 DataMatrix includes the product code (GTIN/barcode number), batch number, serial number, best before/expiry date, together with special use-case specific data such as location identifiers, service relationships, weights, or coupon IDs, to name but a few examples.

of DataMatrix is not limited to printed labels but can be laser etched directly onto metal objects, such as medical instruments or beer kegs, and is able to withstand intensive cleaning and sterilisation processes.

Retail innovation cuts costs and waste and enhances customer satisfaction Innovative retailers such as Woolworths in Australia have started to roll out “data embedded barcodes” such as GS1 Databar and GS1 DataMatrix on products, starting with fresh produce.

The project has helped Woolworths deliver much greater accuracy on product identification, especially in terms of fresh produce varieties and has reduced time spent at the checkout, benefitting the customer and retailer alike. Additional benefits have accrued to the inventory management and procurement teams, reducing in-store waste, enabling more accurate supplier orders and facilitating

The compact size of GS1 DataMatrix, combined with its greater data capacity, supports both commercial teams and consumers with their demands for extended product information.

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Food Packaging Solutions

The compact size of the symbols, combined with their greater data capacity, supports both commercial teams and consumers with their demands for extended product information, such as food provenance, allergens, organic and other certification criteria, best before and expiry dates or product recall notices.

Data carriers helping to transform the healthcare supply chain The unique identification of healthcare products for track and trace purposes, from the point of manufacture to the point of administration, is a key objective of regulators and healthcare providers around the world. Increasingly, legislation requires the use of unique, standards-based identifiers encoded into machinereadable barcodes and often GS1 DataMatrix is selected as the preferred data carrier.

For example, GS1 DataMatrix is already widely used on pharmaceutical product packaging in all four corners of the globe. It is a required part of the European Commission’s regulation on medicines verification in Europe. In addition to patient safety measures, the use of identification codes and barcodes can help in the fight against counterfeit healthcare products. Today, as we watch world efforts to develop, distribute and track Covid-19 vaccines, the need for traceability and accurate, detailed patient records will be front and foremost for many health departments, distributors and healthcare providers.

GS1 DataMatrix is already widely used on pharmaceutical product packaging in all four corners of the globe.

Learn more GS1 DataMatrix offers all stakeholders across the supply chain, a unique opportunity to encode and share product and asset information quickly, accurately and efficiently.

For help on identifying the opportunities for your business and the steps to get started, contact one of our industry experts today. Email ask@gs1ie.org or visit our online resource centre at www.gs1ie.org/datamatrix.

better traceability processes.

European Fish Traceability protocols use GS1 DataMatrix symbols to help share information electronically about fish types and the date, time and location of catch. Airfield Estate in Dublin has adopted the GS1 DataMatrix barcode as part of its initiative to share the full story of its Jersey Cow Milk with its customers.

Construction and clothing are two further industry sectors adopting GS1 DataMatrix to realise benefits for their product and asset management programmes.

Tracking products and assets in all sectors • European Fish Traceability protocols use GS1 DataMatrix symbols to help share information electronically about fish types and the date, time, fishing vessel and location of catch.

• Russia’s new Track & Trace Regulations mandate the use of GS1 DataMatrix to capture and share traceability information for products ranging from cigarettes to perfume.

• Airfield Estate in Dublin has adopted the GS1 DataMatrix barcode as part of its initiative to share the full story of its Jersey Cow Milk with its customers.

• Construction and clothing are two further industry sectors adopting GS1 DataMatrix to realise benefits for their product and asset management programmes.

GS1 DataMatrix is a required part of the European Commission’s regulation on medicines verification in Europe.

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Food Packaging Solutions

MCP: where the customer comes first Established in 1978, Mid Cork Pallets & Packaging (MCP) is a leading manufacturer of pallets and provider of corrugated packaging solutions in Ireland.

KEY to MCP’s success is its overarching commitment to providing a quality product and service to its customers.

“With 43 years’ experience in the industry, MCP prides itself on knowing a thing or two about pallets and packaging, as well as the importance of providing a dependable, reliable and efficient service to our customers. We always strive to put our customers first,” explained its Managing Director Aidan Harty. In fact, MCP is the “largest automated pallet manufacturer in Ireland, producing over 2.5m pallets annually and respond to our customers’ requirements by offering a flexible stock-and-serve service for our growing list of customers’ corrugated packaging needs,” says Aidan.

The company operates from its 350,000 square feet manufacturing facility in Clondrohid, Co. Cork, manufacturing pallets which are used by some of Ireland’s leading companies, producing food, drink, dairy and pharmaceutical products for both the domestic and export market. MCP has also earned a distinguished reputation for supplying high quality corrugated packaging solutions to a host of companies nationwide. MCP has two strategically located sites in Clondrohid, Co. Cork, and Dunboyne, Co. Meath, which allows the company to offer a fast and efficient delivery service to its customers throughout Ireland, north and south.

Cork Green Energy Recently, MCP has also entered the world of Green Energy, following the successful commissioning of its Combined Heat and Power plant at its Clondrohid site. Cork Green Energy is fuelled by biomass and uses state-of-the-art technology to create electricity. Nothing is wasted, as a byproduct of this process is the generation of heat, which MCP utilises to power its 10 onsite kilns. These kilns are used for heat treating and kiln drying pallets.

In addition, MCP is in the process of installing a 598KWp solar generation facility on 3,359 square metres of unused rooftop space at its Clondrohid site, as

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Mid Cork Pallets are BRC accredited and supply all types of corrugated boxes. well as intelligent LED lighting systems, which will reduce CO2 emissions by 265 tonnes a year.

Product range When it comes to pallets, MCP’s product range includes all types of timber pallets, including Euro pallets, kiln dried and heat treated (both new and second hand), plastic and aluminium pallets, as well as custom crates. They also have a Specialised Pallet Design Service and can design and ultimately manufacture a pallet to meet their customers’ requirements.

MCP is BRC accredited and supplies all types of corrugated packaging solutions, including 0201, die cuts, 4 and 6 point glued tray, and an extensive range of shelf ready solutions. Its vast packaging range is also available in a wide range of print finishes, from standard to HD flexo and litho laminated boxes.

MCP doesn’t just stop there though; it also offers a number of ancillary products and specialist packaging solutions, such as plywood crates, shipping crates, machine pallet wrap, hand pallet wrap and corner pieces.

In-house design and sampling service MCP also offers a complete design and sampling service and has the in-house expertise to help its customers create exciting packing solutions. “To ensure our customers’ packaging meets their requirements and manufacturing criteria, we can produce samples and have them delivered immediately,” explained Aidan.

“This allows our customers to trial and test the solution and delivers a holistic approach to our customers.

“We find that our customers are looking for a supplier that will put their needs at the forefront of everything that we do,” he continued. “We manage the manufacturing process and provide a stock management service, so our customers always have a continuous supply of packaging. We pride ourselves on the personal service that we provide.

We achieve that by engaging with our customer and their evolving needs, which ensures we have a better understanding of the demands of their business. Not only that, we also provide a quality, reliable product, at a competitive price, when our customer needs it.”

For more information, visit www.midcorkpallets.com.

The Complete Package Ireland’s largest automatic pallet manufacturer and supplier of print and packaging solutions

Call Clondrohid 026 41311

Call Dunboyne 01 8252059

sales@midcorkpallets.com

www.midcorkpallets.com

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Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

BREXIT WILL CONTINUE TO BE A KEY ISSUE THROUGHOUT 2021

January 1 was a date that has loomed large in retailers’ minds for a significant period of time. It was the date that would either be a cliff edge or one where a comprehensive trade deal came into force. Thankfully, a Trade Deal was struck by the UK and the EU at the last hour in December 2020. It will take some time before the intricacies of the deal are understood in full and what levers can be utilised to ease the flow of trade and information.

The recent uncertainty around the Northern Ireland Protocol is concerning for retailers and we will be watching the ongoing narrative around this. The EU has been quite clear that the Protocol is not going to be reopened for negotiation; with clamouring from the DUP getting louder, it will be important that a balance is struck that will not impede north-south supply chains.

Effects on the supply chain Retailers knew and were well prepared for the Brexit deadline; preparations have long been in place across the sector, but what retailers didn’t envisage was a lack of preparedness by the UK. There now seems to be many difficulties arising with imports from the UK to Ireland, in the main due to lack of clarity and information on the correct processes on the new import structure into the EU. The Irish-UK supply chain is deeply integrated and disruption to this will have knock-on effects further down the chain. Many retailers are venting frustration at the complexity of the process

and at hold-ups that are being caused due to factors outside of their control, such as late sailing times. Correct sailing times need to be imputted into paperwork to ensure that loads are greenlighted at the border; a late sailing or delay at sea is a factor that retailers cannot control and should not be penalised for.

There have also been some teething problems on the Irish side, primarily around software necessary for imports. While these have been resolved with a temporary workaround, a permanent solution must be found soon, one which is intuitive and flexible. A system that is not flexible or able to change with the nature of this supply chain will continue to cause delays and blockages that no one wants to see.

Retailers recognise the need to protect the single market and are working constructively with the Irish and EU Authorities to find a way forward that ensures the supply chain remains agile and robust well into the future.

Engagement with key stakeholders Engagement is key in this space and we in Retail Ireland have been in constant contact with Government and key stakeholders, particularly in the grocery sector. The layers in this sector in particular are complex, with multiple Government departments, Revenue and veterinary inspectors checking loads and carrying out SPS checks.

One particular issue that has arisen is on Rules of Origin.

Many companies have product that is assembled in one EU country and is imported into the UK with some onward transmission, without much transformation of the product, into Ireland. This is causing some trouble in the food space, where a double tariff is being imposed on onward import to Ireland. The nature and proximity of the UK and Irish markets meant this this was a cost-effective option in the past, but this may no longer be the case. There have been calls, not least from Retail Ireland and Ibec but also by Eurocommerce and Food Drink Europe, for a derogation on this and for the technical committee on rules of origin to be convened as a matter of urgency.

Brexit was always going to cause some changes to supply chains and to processes, but we are hopeful that these are issues can be ironed out as the year progresses.

The Irish-UK supply chain is deeply integrated and disruption to this will have knock-on effects further down the chain.

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

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

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Employment Law

Probation and fair procedures Barry Reynolds and Jenny Wakely, specialists in employment law with DAC Beachcroft, examine the extent to which fair procedures are required during probation.

ONE of the primary purposes of the probationary period is to assess the performance and suitability of a new recruit.

Dismissal during an employee’s probationary period is often regarded as relatively safe because an employee will not have accrued a year’s service, which, subject to limited exceptions, is a prerequisite for bringing an Unfair Dismissal claim.

Dismissals, therefore, during probation, can for the most part be effected without running the risk of an Unfair Dismissal claim. However, employees can take other types of claims in respect of alleged mistreatment of their probationary periods.

It may be that the Unfair Dismissal risk can be excluded but there remain instances in which an employer could be required to defend their approach, including to demonstrate that they applied adequate procedural fairness. In this piece, we examine the extent to which employees are entitled to fair procedures in the context of probation and the risks of not treating staff fairly or in accordance with the employment contract and the relevant policies.

There are two fora in which these kinds of dismissals may be challenged. The less commonly availed of one is the High Court. The Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) and Labour Court are the more likely places where these issues are resolved. We firstly summarise the issues which have recently arisen in claims to the WRC and Labour Court.

persuasive. Many employers correctly exercise caution in view of the potential adverse publicity and impact on employee relations in addition to the potential costs of meeting any such recommendations.

One of the most striking examples of this kind of complaint was the October 2018 Labour Court decision in Beechside Company Limited T/A Park Hotel Kenmare v A Worker (LCR21798). It drew a lot of publicity, largely due to the substantial recommended award of €90,000. The complainant was a General Manager of the Hotel. He was dismissed during his probationary period and took a claim not for Unfair Dismissal, but rather under the Industrial Relations legislation.

The Labour Court found that the hotel had failed to follow fair procedures prior to dismissing the manager. For example, it failed to warn him that his employment was in jeopardy; he was not provided with reasons for his dismissal; and he was not afforded an opportunity to reply. The Labour Court noted that:

Claims under the Industrial Relations legislation Employees with less than one year’s service can bring a complaint to the WRC and ultimately the Labour Court under the Industrial Relations Acts. In this context, such complaints, broadly speaking, canvass whether or not the employee has been treated unfairly. They cannot result in legally binding awards and the outcome cannot be enforced in the same way as an Unfair Dismissal award would be. Rather, the outcome would be a recommendation. Such recommendations can be

It is not an isolated case. It has been reiterated in subsequent decisions, including in a recent decision of the Workplace Relations Commission (“WRC”) in January 2021 in Restaurant Manager v Accommodations and Food Service (ADJ00026838). In that case, the complainant was dismissed by his employer with immediate effect following an ultimatum from the complainant’s fellow employees. He had seven months’ service. He appealed his dismissal, but his employer failed to respond to his appeal. The Adjudication Officer found that the

“Where an employee is considered unsuitable for a permanent employment, the Court accepts that an employer has the right, during a probationary period, to decide not to retain that employee in employment. However, the Court takes the view that this can only be carried out where the employer adheres strictly to fair procedures.”

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Employment Law complainant had been unfairly dismissed and had been denied fair procedures and natural justice and, in so finding, it relied on the Labour Court decision in Beechside.

High court injunctions – a key legal development Another potential avenue of redress for an employee who believes that he/she has not been afforded fair procedures or treated in accordance with the contractual commitments of an employer is to request the High Court to intervene by way of challenge to the legality of the dismissal and, among other things, to preserve the status quo of employment on an interim basis. There is no minimum service requirement to bring such a challenge.

This avenue entails a much higher level of risk for the employee as there is a relatively complex legal analysis to overcome in order to obtain any remedy.

Furthermore, temporary remedies such as preserving the status quo and keeping the employee in employment are both discretionary and exceptional. An employee who loses such a challenge could be fixed with an unpalatable level of legal costs. These claims, insofar as they concern challenges to dismissals during or on completion of the probationary period, have only rarely been sought. For the most part, the risk of any such challenge tends to arise, although not exclusively, in respect of very senior staff.

A number of recent High Court decisions had suggested that where a probationer’s performance falls below the standard required, it must be treated in a manner similar to

addressing misconduct. Where misconduct is alleged, fair procedures must be followed. However, do the same legal rights arise where the issue is not one of conduct but rather of performance? In a welcome development for employers, the Court of Appeal has now confirmed in O’Donovan v Over-C Technology Ltd & Another that fair procedures do not necessarily apply to performance-related dismissals ([2021] IECA 37). This is especially relevant when considering the management of probationary periods. From a legal rights perspective, a dismissal arising from concerns about substandard performance does not require fair procedures in order to be lawful.

“If an employer has a contractual right – in this case a clear express right – to dismiss an employee on notice without giving any reason, the court cannot imply a term that the dismissal may only take place if fair procedures have been afforded to the employee, save where the employee is dismissed for misconduct.”

What is the overall position on performance management and fair procedures?

It would appear that there are conflicting approaches in the WRC and Labour Court on the one hand and in the Courts on the other regarding performance management. It should be remembered that the Industrial Relations complaints to the former are not legal claims. An employer will be expected to be able to show reasonableness and some level of fairness in

Employees with less than one year’s service can bring a complaint to the WRC and ultimately the Labour Court under the Industrial Relations Acts.

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Employment Law dealing with matters at all stages of the employment relationship.

It must also be remembered that there will be instances where the contracts and policies are drafted in a way requiring procedural fairness to be applied or other steps to be taken. Those documents could be key to any dispute.

Further, there will be cases in which the concerns are not purely performance concerns and may entail some level of conduct concerns. That could be a game changer in terms of the procedures which must be applied.

Takeaway for employers Employers should ensure that they have appropriately drafted probationary clauses in their contracts of employment and that managers have access to the necessary guidance when seeking to rely on such clauses and in effecting such dismissals. Employers may wish to reserve the right to abridge their procedures during probation and must always be cognisant of how a third party would view the process in the event of a challenge.

While the Court of Appeal decision in O’Donovan is a welcome clarification for employers, it remains the case that various risks may still arise in the context of managing probation, both in respect of misconduct and performance issues. Employers should continue to approach these matters reasonably and

with appropriate care.

Every performance management process must be assessed on its own particular circumstances, as well as the terms of the employment contract and the policies of the employer. The former employee in the O’Donovan case brought his challenge to the Courts at least in part because he had not yet accrued the protections under the Unfair Dismissals Acts. Many other employees will have accrued the requisite service to bring an Unfair Dismissal claim. They may benefit from the exceptions to the need to have accrued one year’s service. They may benefit from other statutory protections which do not require one year’s service, e.g. relating to unlawful discrimination and certain kinds of penalisation.

No doubt the outcome of the O’Donovan case will be argued in all relevant fora as supporting the position of employers not having to apply fair procedures in a performance management scenario. However, it is likely that most employers will apply what they see as good employee relations and management practice, including so as to avoid a recommendation that they offer redress or change their internal processes.

Anything resembling summary termination, without the necessary element of reasonableness, runs an increased risk of being challenged in some forum.

If you require any assistance in relation to any of the above matters, please contact Barry Reynolds or Jenny Wakely.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS:

FOR specific assistance and advice in respect of any of these or other employment law issues, please contact Barry Reynolds (breynolds@ dacbeachcroft.com) or Jenny Wakely (jwakely@dacbeachcroft.com) of DAC Beachcroft (https://www. dacbeachcroft.com/en/gb/locations/ dublin/) or one of their other specialist employment law solicitors.

This article is for general information purposes only and does not comprise legal or professional advice. You should not rely on any of the material in this article without seeking appropriate legal advice.

Twitter: @dacbeachcroft LinkedIn: DAC Beachcroft Dublin

There will be instances where the contracts and policies are drafted in a way requiring procedural fairness to be applied or other steps to be taken and those documents could be key to any dispute.

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Forecourt Focus: News

Circle K celebrates the return of ‘Scratch and Win’ game TO celebrate the return of its popular free online game Scratch and Win, Circle

K rewarded with every single player with a guaranteed prize during the first 24 hours of the game on March 3. The prizes available then and every day of the campaign include free cups of Simply Great Coffee, 4c off fuel vouchers, Froster iced drinks, car washes, as well as a selection of snacks and items from Circle K’s delicious in-store food range.

All people have to do is play Scratch and Win via the Circle K app or online at scratch.circlek. one/ie and scratch three matching products on a virtual card to win a prize. Once players win a prize, it can be redeemed instantly at any Circle K store across Ireland, excluding Circle K Express sites. Players can try their luck three times each day, with over 230,000 prizes available to win over the next two months.

Once a day after every player’s three virtual cards are ‘scratched’, a bonus ‘slice ninja’

game, sponsored by Red Bull, gives them the chance to win one of five Red Bull hampers, which includes a coveted PlayStation 5 console.

Throughout the duration of Scratch and Win, players have a chance of winning higher value prizes every Saturday. With prizes including iPads, Circle K hampers, gift vouchers and a year’s worth of free Simply Great Coffee available to win, these ‘Scratch Saturday’ prizes are sure to perk up players weekends and create a virtual scratching frenzy. If that wasn’t enough, the player of the Red Bull bonus game with the most points when the promotion finishes at the end of April will also win a €250 Circle K gift card.

“During these challenging times, we understand the importance of a daily ‘pick me up’ and the joy of claiming a little win. With that in mind, we are very excited to announce the return of Scratch and Win for spring,” said Joanne D’Arcy, Director of Market Development at Circle K Ireland.

Texaco ‘Support for Sport’ recipients announced THE 26 sports clubs chosen to receive funding have been announced under the Texaco Support for Sport initiative launched last September by Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, the company that markets fuel in Ireland under the Texaco brand.

Open to sports clubs across the country, irrespective of sporting discipline, size, membership, age, cultural appeal or gender, the initiative saw a fund of €130,000 being made available by Valero for distribution in equal amounts of €5,000 to successful applicants chosen on a county-by-county basis.

Close on 400 clubs submitted applications under the scheme. Of the clubs that will now receive funding, €55,000 will go to five Gaelic football, four hurling, one camogie and one handball club. Five soccer clubs will share €25,000, with the next highest amount of €10,000 divided between two basketball clubs. Additional disbursements amounting to €40,000 go to athletics, boxing, climbing, cricket, diving, hockey, rugby and swimming clubs, all receiving €5,000 each.

Overseeing the judging process was Texaco Support for Sport ambassador, acclaimed broadcaster and former Irish rugby international, Donncha O’Callaghan “As adjudicator, the most uplifting aspect of the process was the desire expressed by even the smallest niche clubs to build on their value to communities, to expand membership by attracting new players and by providing a safe setting for young people,” said Donncha.

Congratulating winners on their success, James Twohig,

Director of Ireland Operations, Valero Energy (Ireland) Limited, said, “A feature evident in almost all applications was the pressure felt by clubs in the current circumstances to expand their role within their local communities, with increased membership demands and the need for extra equipment and improved facilities. The purpose of our initiative is to help clubs to overcome these obstacles so that they can continue to remain active and at the very heart of their local communities.

This is why we believe our initiative has been so warmly welcomed by sports clubs nationwide in its launch year.”

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What’s New TAYTO LAUNCHES TWO LIMITED EDITION FLAVOURS

COCA-COLA PARTNERS WITH TYLER, THE CREATOR ON NEW CAMPAIGN

TAYTO has launched two new limited-edition flavours! Mr. Tayto is known to create wonderful taste combinations and has been spending lockdown in the kitchen developing more delicious flavoursome creations! This time the new flavours are inspired by New York Deli Sandwiches, for when the classic ham & cheese sambo just won’t hit the spot. Tayto Beef Brisket Flavour is the meatiest of all sandwiches; slow cooked beef with BBQ flavour, it doesn’t get any better than this!

Tayto Philly Cheese Steak is a big flavour hit! You’ve got the steak flavour and all the cream cheese too. What more could you want??

COCA-COLA Ireland has partnered with Tyler, The Creator, to launch its new campaign, Open That Coca-Cola, which celebrates the Coke experience, whether it’s enjoying a Coca-Cola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar or any of its flavour variants, by giving new drinkers a way to describe this beyond-words experience.

CADBURY TWIRL ORANGE RETURNS THE highly anticipated and adored Cadbury Twirl Orange bar has made its Irish comeback. Last year, the limited-edition bar was announced as the first-ever flavour innovation for Cadbury Twirl in Ireland, but the limited stock didn’t last long!

With swirl of delicious Cadbury milk chocolate combined with a zesty orange flavour, the new flavour was a hot topic amongst chocolate fans and has been in high demand ever since. “We are very excited to welcome back the Cadbury Twirl Orange, especially after seeing all the recent enthusiasm and anticipation for the product’s return,” noted Tricia Burke, Cadbury Ireland Senior Brand Manager.

‘Open That Coca-Cola’ brings to life the first sip of CocaCola and the expressions used to convey the refreshing great taste and experience of upliftment, and enjoyment when drinking it, like Ahhhh! Oooh! Yeah! To encapsulate that undefinable feeling, Coca-Cola has partnered with Tyler, The Creator, who has created an exclusive music track featured in the campaign, which truly brings to life the iconicity of a Coca-Cola through a unique interpretation highlighting this indescribable experience and taste. The campaign is also brought to life in the form of an exciting dance – the ‘Coca-Cola Kick-Shuffle’, which expresses the uplifting experience of drinking a Coke through fun movements that anyone can try out and enjoy.

WALKERS DOUBLE MAX CRUNCH LAUNCHES IRISH CAMPAIGN NEW KIND SALTED CARAMEL DARK CHOCOLATE FLAVOUR LAUNCHED KIND has announced the launch of its newest flavour and best tasting bar yet, the Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate flavour. A combination of Kind’s two best sellers: Dark Chocolate Nuts & Sea Salt meets Caramel Almond Sea Salt. Smooth caramel, rich dark chocolate, full of nuts and a sprinkle of Brazilian sea salt will have consumers savouring every bite.

It’s high in fibre, gluten free, contains 59% nuts and ingredients you can see and pronounce!

FROM home-schooling to remote working, home life is a little noisier nowadays. Walkers Double Max Crunch is partnering with Havas Dublin to promote a light-hearted escape from the noises that annoy with the ‘Crunch Louder’ campaign! With twice the crunch of a regular crisp, the almighty crunch of Walkers Double Max Crunch is the perfect way to drown out some of the more annoying sounds that define lockdown life. The 360 campaign uses OOH, shopper, digital and social channels to ensure the campaigns lands with a massive audience.

“With the Crunch Louder campaign, we wanted to tap into the mindset of the country at the moment, and offer a light-hearted – and delicious solution to something we’re all experiencing,” said Liz Finlay, Walkers Max Crunch Brand Manager.

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Shelf Life GM Marketing has announced the acquisition of Belfast based herbs & spice producer, Favourit Foods. Established in 1914, Favourit is Northern Ireland’s oldest manufacturer of herbs and spices, supplying the Irish retail and foodservice sectors for over 100 years with quality food ingredients. “We’re absolutely delighted to complete the acquisition of Favourit and welcome the team on-board,” said Gerard McAdorey, GM Marketing’s Managing Director. “The brand has so much heritage and history steeped in Belfast; it was an opportunity we couldn’t pass by.

As a business, we are already supplying herbs & spices to market-leading retailers in Ireland, so this is a natural next step in the development of our business strategy and future growth plans.” Pictured are (l-r): Gerard McAdorey, Managing Director GM Marketing, and Sean McCrory, Favourit Foods.

KIND has announced Pieta as its new charity partner for 2021. On February 17, Kind launched its Exercise Kindness campaign to celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day by donating €1 to Pieta for every person that follows Kind Snacks Ireland on Instagram. Kind is partnering with like-minded brands in March and April to create virtual events that raise money and awareness for Pieta and in May and September, the brand will be partnering with retailers nationwide to create an on-pack donation of 10c per bar going to Pieta. Through the course of the partnership, Kind hopes to raise €15,000 for Pieta, which will support 15 people through Pieta’s life-saving counselling services.

DONEGAL-based Muff Liquor Company has signed a significant deal with Primeline Sales and Marketing to expand the distribution of its award-winning premium Irish spirits range. The Muff Liquor Company uniquely produces potato-based spirits, with gin and vodka available under the brand, while a special limited-edition whiskey is also in development and will launch in time for the Christmas market. “This is a particularly welcome development during this current difficult period for many businesses,” said Laura Bonner, CEO. “We have put tremendous work into The Muff Liquor Company and into our product, and now it is important to adapt our business model and expand our markets and marketing approach in conjunction with Primeline.”

THE Creative Retail Awards live event will take place in London in October 2021, and organisers have extended the entry deadline to April 30, 2021, following an unprecedented number of companies requesting an extension to the submission deadline. If a project was previously entered into the postponed 2020 Awards, the entry has automatically been rolled over and entered into this year’s awards. This also means there is more time for companies to enter the prestigious Supplier of the Year Award. For more information, visit www.creativeretailawards.com.

IRISH Poitín’s Geographical Indication status is now recognised in the Japanese market, in a move that will offer Irish producers improved protection and potential to grow exports to the world’s third largest economy, with nominal GDP of $5.6 trillion.

“Exports of Ireland’s GI spirits have grown significantly in recent years,” noted Vincent McGovern, Head of Drinks Ireland - Spirits.

“Between 2018 and 2019, they grew by 5.95%, from 18.5m to 19.6m nine-litre cases.”

IRISH Distillers has announced the appointment of Deirdre O’Carroll as Blender at Midleton Distillery, Co. Cork. In her new role, Deirdre will work with Master Blender Billy Leighton in Midleton Distillery, and will be responsible for the development of new and existing blends, marrying together specific and intricate flavours and aromas, ultimately creating a palette of tastes that make up Irish Distillers’ portfolio of Irish whiskeys.

IRISH workers working from home have put in 300m overtime hours since the start of the pandemic, with growing concern over increasing workforce burnout, according to new research from laya healthcare. Laya healthcare’s Resilience Rising: Shaping the Future of Work and Wellbeing research, one of the largest research studies among Irish employees and employers during Covid-19, reveals 43% workers are experiencing frequent stress. 65% of those working from home feel pressure to stay connected after normal hours, with an average of 22 hours put in of overtime per month by employees over the last year, worth €7 billion. “We are seeing worrying signs of deteriorating morale among employees, due in part to less social interaction with colleagues, the struggle to self-motivate, and having to be ‘always-on’,” noted Sinéad Proos (pictured), Head of Health and Wellbeing at laya healthcare.

PERFORMANCE nutrition brand Grenade has enlisted Ashley Banjo and Diversity in an explosive long-term partnership. In Diversity’s biggest partnership to-date, Ashley Banjo will direct a series of heart-stopping moments for Grenade, everything from exclusive dances, TikTok challenges, mini movies, product launches and adrenaline-fuelled races. Announcing the dance group’s partnership with the British company – known for its tieups with the armed forces, Ashley choreographed an epic militaryinspired performance at an undisclosed Air Force base in England.

A NEW book aimed at educating children about the Covid-19 pandemic has been launched by children’s stage school owner, wellknown performer and entrepreneur Alison Vard Miller.

Entitled ‘The Naughty Little Germ’, Alison’s debut book explains the pandemic in a child-friendly way and is designed to act as a guide for parents and guardians to help explain the concept of Covid, germs and disease transmission to children. The Naughty Little Germ is available in most Dunnes Stores, Tesco and Circle K outlets nationwide and retails at €9.99.

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