Retail News September 2016 by Retail News

SEPTEMBER 2016

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

Contents Balancing the Books THE upcoming Budget on October 11 is a crucial one for Ireland Inc. and the retail sector in particular. The wrong move by Finance Minister, Michael Noonan could send our fragile recovery spiralling back into the doldrums, particularly amid the uncertainty surrounding the economy in the fall-out from the UK’s Brexit referendum. We speak to the biggest names in the Irish FMCG market to see what they want from Budget 2017 (Page 4). One company that has successfully traded through both good times and bad is Keelings, who celebrated 90 years in business recently. David Keeling, CEO of Keelings Retail, discusses the company’s development from a family farm into Ireland’s largest supplier and producer of fresh fruit (Page 16). Elsewhere in this issue, GS1 explain how using their new SmartSearch standard on a product’s web-page can lead to higher placing in online searches, increased web traffic and ultimately, an uplift in sales (Page 26). Caroline McEnery, MD, The HR Suite, examines the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016, which came into force on September 1, entitling new fathers to two weeks’ paternity leave (Page 36). We also report on the shortlist for the BIM Young Fishmonger 2017 Awards (Page 40), where eight fishmongers will now compete for the titles of Independent Seafood Specialist 2017 and Supermarket Seafood Counter 2017 at BIM’s inaugural Seafood Awards on November 17 in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin. Kathleen Belton, Editorial & Marketing Director.

News

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update 20

Craft Beer 30

Line-up announced for Retail Ireland Summit 2016; Retail sector at delicate point in recovery.

Team Building 31

Centra Live Well 22

What we want from the Budget: the FMCG market speaks.

Sugar tax: high costs, no health benefit.

ABC figures reveal falling newspaper sales; Planning ahead.

Enterprise Ireland launches €200k feasibility fund; Revenues up at Applegreen; RGDATA advice column.

Lidl reaches record grocery share; Retail Ireland slams proposed minimum wage rise.

Irish grocery spending rises for fifth consecutive quarter; BIM column. As Keelings celebrates nine decades in business, David Keeling, CEO of Keelings Retail, discusses the evolution of the company from a small family farm into the largest producer and supplier of fresh fruit in Ireland.

New research from Centra reveals that Irish consumers are increasingly health aware, with two thirds of the nation more health conscious than a year ago.

Team Building has proven benefits within any organisation. Invest in your team first and you’ll never look back, writes Michelle Thornton, MD, Hotel Solutions.

IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch 24

Some well-known faces were to the fore at the IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch recently.

Paternity Leave 36

The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 came into force on September 1, entitling new fathers to two weeks’ paternity leave.

BIM Young Fishmonger 2017 40

GS1 Ireland 26

Retail News Interview 16

Franciscan Well’s range of craft beer is now in 330ml can format for the first time.

Using GS1’s SmartSearch standard on your product web page can help to maximise sales through better online product visibility and information availability.

Invest NI News 48

FoodService Academy 28

Nine Irish food and drink companies have completed the first Musgrave MarketPlace FoodService Academy Programme.

Eight talented fishmongers are set to compete for the BIM Young Fishmonger 2017 Awards. All-Ireland event showcases butchery skills; Chook Chook retail poultry brand launches; NI products shortlisted for Quality Awards.

On The Vine 62

Jean Smullen reports on some must stock wines from Spain and Portugal.

REGULARS & REPORTS

facebook.com/RetailNews1 Managing Director: Patrick Aylward Editorial & Sales Director: Kathleen Belton kathleenbelton@retailnews.ie Editor: John Walshe johnwalshe@tarapublications.ie Advertising: Brian Clark brian@tarapublications.ie Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen Production: Ciara Conway Graphics: Catherine Doyle Printed by: W&G Baird

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10 Industry News 42 Confectionery 50 Fuels 55 What’s New 56 Cereals 61 Drinks News 64 Forecourt Focus: News 66 Shelf Life

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

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What We Want From th FOLLOWING the economic uncertainty around the UK's decision to leave Europe, any hopes for a loosening of the purse strings after years of austerity are unlikely to transpire. But when the budget rolls around on October 11, will the Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, deliver in retail's favour, or will he drive more businesses to the wall? For many shopkeepers in rural areas, the latter scenario is already a reality. The decimation of small town centres across the country is high on the list of budgetary priorities for retail representatives. “Retail is in every town and village across the country, but it's becoming difficult for them to become commercially viable,” said Thomas Burke, Director of Retail Ireland. “If people aren't coming into the town, then retail efforts won't matter because you won't have footfall or demand. This is a multi-faceted problem, requiring a range of interventions.” Musgrave Group, through its retail partners, know the challenges that rural retailers face. Edel Clancy, Director of Communications and Corporate Affairs, believes a new cabinet position, Minister for Regional Development, Rural Affairs, Arts and the Gaeltacht, is a good start. “Any additional initiatives Thomas Burke, Director of Retail by government in Budget 2017 to support town centre Ireland. renewal, help businesses to re-establish in regional town centres and help return them to thriving economic hubs would also be welcome,” she added. Willie O’Byrne, MD, BWG Foods, has called for the entire local government funding model to be changed: “The dependence of local government funding on commercial rates is too onerous and has led to cost increases for retailers in particular, not matched by improved sales and margins. That cost falls particularly hard on those retailers located on the high streets of small and large towns. The funding model needs overhaul and the base needs to be broadened. The revitalisation and regeneration of town centres should also be addressed in this review.”

RGDATA called for a national programme of town centre health checks that can measure the vibrancy and vitality of a town, collating data on footfall, building vacancies, and retail offering. “It should include interviews with consumers and business owners on what they like and don't like about the town,” said Tara Buckley, RGDATA's Director General. “Then you can come up with a town plan that addresses the issues Willie O’Byrne, MD, BWG Foods. raised. It's a strategic approach, measuring the health and coming up with projects based on facts and figures.” Short term priorities for rural areas include investment in rural policing. RGDATA would like to see the establishment of a special Garda team to tackle retail crime. Addressing the cost structure for employers is chief amongst priorities. The title of the Irish Small & Medium Enterprises Association's (ISME) pre-budget submission, Think Small First, says it all. According to ISME, the country's tax code has been written for multinationals. Vincent Jennings, Chief Executive Officer of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association (CSNA), wants to see the government address the high rate of employer's PRSI: “Over the last number of years, the costs of employing people has risen because of PRSI. Hiring staff is a very expensive proposition.” Edel Clancy, Director of Musgrave Group concur, Communications and calling for a restoration of the Corporate Affairs, Musgrave Group. reduced rate of PRSI. “It is important that small businesses are supported to maintain jobs and create new ones. A restoration of the lower rate of PRSI of 4.25%, as introduced in Budget 2014, would support small business owners in employing new staff and maintaining current job levels,” said Clancy. This is echoed by Willie O’Byrne, who argues that the reinstatement of the lower rate would be “a big help to the retail industry and a natural hedge against increased costs arising from the recommended increase to the minimum wage. This proposed increase will in Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director itself limit retailers’ capacity to General. employ more people, which is critical to sustaining the recovery.” In its pre-budget submission, the Irish Exporters’

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

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he Budget… Association, called for a freezing of the minimum wage for three years. This would require the government to roll back on its commitment in the programme for government to increase the minimum wage to €10.50, over the course of a five-year period. Jennings described the commitment as unnecessary and unworkable: “I don't believe that is an achievable target without a cost to Vincent Jennings, CSNA CEO. jobs. It was done without any thinking about the cost to employers. It should be stood down. The €10.50 commitment needs to be removed.” Last January, the minimum wage was increased by 6%. According to Retail Ireland’s Burke, this increase is already effecting the industry's ability to create jobs: “We have concerns that if there's a further increase, you're disincentivising new employment in the sector. We're calling on government not to increase the minimum wage and reject the recommendation of the Low Pay Commission.” While retailers believe the tax burden on consumers should be eased, there are mixed feelings about the government's plan to reduce the Universal Social Charge (USC). Musgrave welcomes the plan, which they said would “put more money in consumers’ pockets and boost the domestic economy”. Mark Fielding, ISME CEO, on the other hand, called for the charge to be redirected into state pensions, thus incentivising a generation of consumers. “The implications of Brexit are not fully known and the uncertainty has already impacted consumer confidence,” argued Willie O’Byrne. “Any further tax increases would be detrimental to the retail industry and the thousands of retailers who support local economies nationwide. The fact that Irish workers hit the top tax rate of 49.5% at less than the average wage is a significant factor in the affordability of accommodation and meeting basic needs on average wages.

The threshold should be raised significantly over several budget years.” The costs of running a retail business are always a concern in the run-up to a budget. “It is important that business costs, rates, energy, insurance and bank charges, among others, are kept in Mark Fielding, ISME CEO. check so that any modest improvements in retail are not reversed and more broadly, that we retain our competitiveness as a country,” said Clancy. However, if rumours of plans to introduce a sugar tax are true, this budget could be devastating. It won't even solve the obesity epidemic, suggested Jennings: “In the countries where it was developed, there isn't a single piece of evidence to show it worked. Why would you consider implementing something that doesn't have the ability to work?” Retailers believe the government should proceed with caution, particularly in the aftermath of Brexit and the decline of Sterling. While the country is yet to see signs of cross border shopping en masse, the wrong budgetary move could prove a tipping point. Nowhere is this more evident than in the drinks industry. Between 2012 and 2013, the government heaped huge excise duties on alcohol: 44% increase on beer, 62% increase on wine. ABFI (Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland) said that the combination of high excise and the uncertainty over Brexit has caused a “perfect storm” for the drinks industry. Both ABFI and Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) want the government to proceed with caution. DIGI, for example, has demanded a 15% reduction in excise. Whatever happens, though, the chances of us seeing a budget splurge this year are slim. “I hope to God they don't do anything stupid,” said ISME's Mark Fielding. “There isn't a whole pile of money to be shovelled around.”

Sugar Tax: High Costs, No Health Benefit THE Irish Beverage Council (IBC), has published a new analysis of the impact of a possible sugar tax, which sets out the economic damage to consumers, business and the Irish economy that would result. It also examines the international evidence, which points to no resulting health benefits. In ‘Sugar Tax: all cost, no benefit’, a detailed report for the Finance Minister in advance of Budget 2017, IBC points out that despite being introduced in a number of countries, sugar taxes have never achieved public health objectives of reducing the consumption of sugar or decreasing levels of obesity, overweight and related diseases. However, the consequences of such additional discriminatory charges have instead increased grocery bills for families, spurred cross-border trade and smuggling, increased costs on businesses and threatened jobs. “Industry has a crucial role to play in tackling the serious obesity problem in Ireland,” said IBC Director, Kevin McPartlan. “However, it is vital that the focus is on interventions that make a genuine and sustained positive

impact. A sugar tax may be populist, but it is simply not supported by evidence. International experience proves beyond any doubt that sugar tax is singularly ineffective.”

Notice to Members The Annual General Meeting of the I.G.B.F.

Will take place on Tuesday, 18th October, 2016 At The DoubleTree Hotel, Dublin 4 at 5.30pm

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

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ABC Figures Reveal Falling Newspaper Sales THE latest figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations (ABC) for the first half of 2016 show newspaper sales continuing to fall, with the circulation of daily print titles falling by 5.7% over the same period last year, while Sunday titles have declined by 6.3%. Independent News & Media titles continue to dominate the Irish newspaper market, topping the quality daily, quality Sunday and popular Sunday newspaper markets. “The first half figures prove our readers value the quality of our print titles, which continue to dominate across both the daily and Sunday markets,” boasted INM Editor-in-Chief, Stephen Rae. The Sunday Independent remains Ireland’s highest selling newspaper, with 64.7% of the quality Sunday market share (199,210 copies), more than twice that of its nearest competitor, the Sunday Times (77,455). In the popular Sunday market, the Sunday World also continues to be the highest selling newspaper, with sales of 162,938 per week, equalling 45.9% of all papers sold in the popular market each Sunday. The Irish Independent continues to lead the quality daily newspaper market, accounting for almost half of all sales (49.9%), selling 102,537 copies, compared to The Irish Times, at 72,011 copies and the Irish Examiner at 30,964 copies. Digital newspaper editions are growing, however, with The Irish Times Digital Edition (a digital replica of the daily newspaper) enjoying daily sales of 9,875 for January-June of 2016, more than double the figure for the first half of 2015. The 103% growth in digital edition sales meant the combined sales for the print and digital editions of The Irish Times grew 1% year on year to 81,886. Two print newspapers bucked the trend: The Irish Sun

saw its circulation climb by 4.6% to 60,371, while its sister paper, The Sun on Sunday also rose by 9% to 57,820. A halfprice promotional offer in June is viewed as a big contributor to these circulation gains. Some 465,566 newspapers are sold each day in the daily newspaper market, the ABC figures for the period show, while total circulation in the Sunday market stands at 669,557. Meanwhile, the ABC figures for magazines “demonstrate the continued strength of both business and consumer magazine brands and they reinforce the power of Irish magazines to engage and influence millions of readers,” according to Grace Aungier, CEO, Magazines Ireland. Commenting on their half year results, Aisling O’Toole, Editor, U Magazine, said “To say that we are delighted with U Magazine’s 28% increase in retail sales is an understatement. Despite claims to the contrary, these results show that millennials haven’t left us, proving once and for all that print is alive and kicking.”

Planning Ahead AN Bord Pleanála has refused permission for Lidl Ireland to demolish an existing store in Enniscorthy and replace it with a larger “new concept” store, a decision that has been welcomed by RGDATA, who argued that “the proposed development would constitute a significant intensification

of retail provision in the area to a degree that would be contrary to the neighbourhood centre zoning objective of the area”. RGDATA have also appealed the decision to grant Lidl permission to re-build a larger store at Blacklion, Greystones, Co. Wicklow.

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Enterprise Ireland Launches €200k Feasibility Fund

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Advice Column

Q. A.

Retail Solutions.indd 1

10/12/2014 16:09

Retail Solutions.indd 1

Revenues Up at Applegreen

10/12/2013 15:53

Monday 20 21 18 Monday 1821 Public Holiday saturday wednesday 23 Monday 19 Monday wednesday 21 23 sunday Tuesday Tuesday 22 21 22 19 19 sunday For more information call Thursday 24 REVENUES at Applegreen For more information call Tuesday Thursday22 20 Tuesday 24 The maximum average working week is 48 hours. Monday Kathleenbelton@tarapublications.ie wednesday Wednesday wednesday Monday 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 23 22 23 20 20 Friday 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 wednesday For more information call 25 Kathleenbelton@tarapublications.ie Wednesday Friday 23 21 25 increased by 7.4% in the first www.retailnews.ie Tuesday Averaging may be balanced out over a four, six or consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com For more information call For more information call Tuesday Thursday For more information call 23 24 21 Thursday 2124 www.retailnews.ie 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 saturday 26 saturday Thursday For more information call 26 22 Thursday 24 six months of 2016, including consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel. 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 12-month period,Friday depending on25the circumstances. 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 25 24 22 Friday sunday 27 01 4046438 or 086 3894276 Friday sunday2225 27 23 Friday consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.co “particularly strong” growth in consumeradhesives.ireland@ie.henkel.com See the members’ area on www.rgdata.ie for23further saturday Saturday saturday 26 25 26 23 Monday 28 Monday26 28 Saturday 24 saturday Ireland, according to CEO, Bob Sunday sunday 26 27 24 sunday 2427 information. Tuesday 29 29 SundayTuesday 25 sunday 27 Etchingham. Monday 27 28 25 Monday 2528 LONDISwednesday wednesday 30 30 lOnDis Monday 26 Monday 28 RETAILERS Applegreen opened two new retailers 28 29 26 Tuesday 2629 Thursday 31 31 Tuesday 27 If one of ourTuesday employees has two jobs, how do weThursday Tuesday MORE 29 MOre Wednesday wednesday service area sites and added 29 30 27 wednesday 2730 CHILLEDFriday Friday Wednesday 28 chilleD wednesday 30 www.rgdata.ie guard against theThursday maximum number of hours being www.rgdata.ie THAN EVER 31 30 31 28 Thursday than28 ever three filling stations here in saturday saturday Thursday 29 Thursday 31 exceeded? Friday Friday 31 29 Good Friday sunday the first six months of the sunday Friday HELPLINEHELPLINE 01 283 4188 30 01 283 4188 Friday Applegreen CEO, Bob saturday Saturday saturday 30 31 easTer suNday Monday Monday year, while it also expanded Saturday saturday Etchingham. In this case, your employee is obliged to fill out a sunday Sunday sunday 31 Tuesday Tuesday Sunday its network of dealer sites by Confederation House sunday Monday Monday 84/86 Lowerand Baggotstate Street,the Dublin 2 double employment form hours worked Mondayin Monday nine during the period. In the UK, site numbers increased Tel: 01-6051558 Tuesday Tuesday Tuesday both employments. For sample forms go to Tuesday by seven, comprising five filling stations and two service

September 2012

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September

OctOber 2012

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

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

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www.retailireland.ie

22/10/2012 14:23

September

www.rgdata.ie/memb areas. LONDIS lOnDis In the six months to June 30, revenue rose 7.4% to RETAILERSretailers IRELAND’S LONGEST ES €556m, as the group’s pretax profit more than doubled to MORE MOre LONDIS chilleD LONDIS CHILLED www.rgdata.ie €7.5m. Adjusted earnings (ebitda) increased by 15% from lOnDis To than ever www.rgdata.ie RETAILERS RETAILERS THANwww.rgdata.ie EVER retailers MORE MORE €11.3min the first half of 2015 to €13m in 2016. Cont MOre HELPLINE 01 283 4188 CHILLED CHILLED HELPLINE www.rgdata.ie chilleD www.rgdata.ie Revenue in the Republic increased by 12.7% and grosswww.rgdata.ie HELPLINE THAN EVER 01 283 4188 THAN EVER 01 283 4188 www.rgdata.ie than ever profit increased by 20.3%. Like-for-like food and store HELPLINE 01 283 4188 HELPLINE 01 283 4188 HELPLINE 01 283 4188 HELPLINE 01 283 4188 sales and gross margin both increased by 8.5%. Fuel gross profit increased by 20.5% year-on-year, including a likeFor further information on this, go the Members’ Only for-like increase of 6.9%. section at www.rgdata.ie. If you need your members’ The Applegreen CEO expects full-year earnings to username and/or password, email us at rgdata@rgdata.ie be in line with expectations: “Trading since the end of or call the June has been positive and has shown improvement, Helpline on 01-2834188. particularly in the UK. Apart from the impact of the weaker sterling on the translation of our earnings, If you are interested in joining RGDATA, please contact we expect our full-year performance to be in line with us on 01-2834188. expectations.” September 2012

OctOber 2012

9548 Marvellous Creations A4 sell story.pdf

Guides for masthead

09/06/2014

September 2012

OctOber 2012

SEPTEMBER 2014

September 2012

OctOber 2012

savings of 6% with new centralised chill facility! Because we are ‘owned by retailers for retailers’ our focus is on passing savings back to our retailers. The introduction

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility!

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

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

big brand availability, store efficiencies extra margin to savings of 6% with and new centralised chill facility! Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction

22/10/2012 14:23

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

big brand availability, store efficiencies and extra margin to Londis retailers. No wonder it’s scored unanimous satisfaction with the most chilled out retailers in the country!

CMY

Retail Cover Oct12.indd 1

Savings of 6% with new Centralised Chill facility! of our Centralised Chill facility brings with it big savings,

22/10/2012 14:23

s, 1 Bar.

2 Chunks, 2 Texture

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22/10/2012 14:23

MEET THE MARVELLOU CREATIONS FAMILY

Retail News June 2014.indd 1

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

News

Lidl Reaches Record Grocery Share THE latest supermarket share figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend Ireland, for the 12 weeks ending August 12 Weeks to 16 Aug 2015 12 Weeks to 14 Aug 2016 change** %* %* % 14, 2016, show stellar growth for Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 3.5 the grocery market, Total Multiples 89.3% 88.7% 2.9 with sales increasing SuperValu 22.7% 22.6% 3.2 by 3.5% compared Tesco 22.9% 21.8% -1.7 with last year, and Lidl’s share reaching Dunnes 20.7% 21.2% 5.8 11.9%, a new record Lidl 11.8% 11.9% 4.9 high for the retailer. Aldi 11.2% 11.3% 4.4 “Over recent Other Outlets** 10.7% 11.3% 9.0 months, the price of groceries has *= Percentage Share of Total Grocers increased slightly, **= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers And Cross Border shops with an average basket now costing shopped with the retailer in the past 12 weeks. Tesco 2.7% more than this time last year,” explained David Berry, remains in second place, although its market share has Director at Kantar Worldpanel. “Areas where we have seen dipped to 21.8%. the most significant increases include vegetables, fruit and Commenting on Lidls’s record share high, David Berry beer – all major categories for the retailers.” explains: “Lidl’s market share has reached 11.9%, a new Among the major retailers, Dunnes Stores has posted the record high for the retailer, beating its previous best of strongest growth this quarter, with sales 5.8% ahead of last 11.8% from August 2015. Lidl is reaping the rewards of year, now capturing 21.2% of the market, up from 20.7% this recruiting 34,000 new shoppers during the past 12 weeks.” time last year. While the outlook remains sunny for Dunnes, Aldi’s share of the market has increased by 0.1 growth has slipped back recently: in May, sales grew by percentage points to 11.3%, alongside a significant 8%, and the retailer will be seeking a return to this strong improvement in sales growth. “The retailer has recovered performance for the rest of 2016. well since March this year when it saw sales growth dip SuperValu continues to post positive results, with sales below 1%: a healthy 4.4% increase in the past 12 weeks growth of 3.2%, maintaining its position as the number one shows its performance is firmly back on track,” Berry grocery retailer for the 11th consecutive month. Further reveals. welcome news for Ireland’s biggest supermarket comes in See www.kantarworldpanel.com for more information. the form of boosted footfall: an additional 15,000 households

Retail Ireland Slams Proposed Minimum Wage Rise RETAIL Ireland has expressed disappointment at the recommendation by the Low Pay Commission to further increase the National Minimum Wage, following a 6% rise at the start of this year. Any further increase will only increase pressure on Irish retailers at a time of great uncertainty. Retail Ireland Director, Thomas Burke, said: “There is absolutely no economic basis for a further minimum wage increase, following the 6% increase earlier this year. Any additional rise will put further pressure on thousands of retail businesses that are already grappling with intense competitive pressures and a rising cost base.” On the back of Brexit, Burke warned that further cost increases “will reduce our ability to Thomas Burke, Retail Ireland compete with shops north of the border”. Director.

Blanchardstown Shopping Centre Most Expensive Irish Property THE sale of Blanchardstown Shopping Centre to US investment giant Blackstone for €945m was Ireland’s most expensive single property deal ever, according to research released by BNP Paribas Real Estate, one of Ireland’s leading commercial property agents. The Irish commercial sector enjoyed a stronger than expected Q2, with €2.1bn transacted, the highest quarter ever recorded.

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

News

Irish Grocery Spending Rises for Fifth Consecutive Quarter THE amount Irish consumers spend on everyday grocery items, such as food, drinks and toiletries, increased year-on-year for the fifth consecutive quarter, according to Nielsen retail performance data released recently. In the second quarter of 2016, the volume of fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs) purchased in Ireland rose 1.3% year-on-year, whilst the average prices paid for these goods also rose 1.3%. Consequently, grocery retailers saw Matt Clark, Managing Director for Nielsen a 2.6% rise in takings Ireland. at the tills – the fourth highest figure since Nielsen started measuring this nearly eight years ago. The Irish market had the fifth highest figures among the 21 European countries measured, hugely outperforming Europe as a whole (0.8% rise) and the UK (-1.6% decline), the latter’s worst performance in nearly two years. "The recent upturn in FMCG sales in Ireland continues, in terms of both volumes purchased and prices paid,” noted Matt Clark, Managing Director for Nielsen Ireland. “This is being driven by positive consumer confidence, which is good news for retailers in the Republic, who are witnessing some of the best growth numbers in Europe today."

BIM Advice Column Ask your Fishmonger! This month we‘ll be helping you to develop your value-added seafood offering. Whilst many customers want to cook and eat more seafood, they are unsure how to prepare or cook it. So by offering a range of quick, easy and appetising products, you can really drive your seafood sales. Here are a few quick and easy tips that will help:

•

Make it Seasonal Seafood lends itself perfectly to a range of seasonal dishes, from easy back to school family meals to simple salads or warming winter chowders and pies. Highlight these on a daily or weekly basis to match the weather, what types of seafood is available, and even occasions such as Halloween.

•

Simple Pricing Round pricing and unit pricing is a great way to help your customers. As well as the normal pricing per kilo, you can help your customer understand how much a portion costs if it is priced by unit i.e. €2.50 per fish cake: this will help them to choose what suits their budget.

•

Suppliers There are a wide range of great sauces, marinades and ingredient suppliers who have a large range of products to grow your added value range. From Cajun salmon to garlic crumb for haddock, the possibilities are endless. Bord Iascaigh Mhara also run a range of courses throughout the year to help your staff build their seafood skills and knowledge: see www.bim.ie for more information. Across the 21 European countries, Turkey had the highest

Across the 21 European countries, Turkey had the highest growth in takings at the growth in whilst takings at the (+8.9%), whilst Greece the western tills (+8.9%), Greece had tills the biggest decline (-7.2%). Of thehad big five European (+2.1%) hadbig the five highest growth. European biggest markets, decline Spain (-7.2%). Of the western

markets, Spain (+2.1%) had the highest growth.

Ian Mannix, Bord Iascaigh Mhara

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

Industry News BIM TO ESTABLISH DOMESTIC SEAFOOD COUNCIL BIM is to establish a Domestic Seafood Council in response to substantial increases in salmon prices. which has led to volatility and difficult trading conditions on the salmon market. The average fresh import price of salmon increased by 23% from 2015-2016, with the average retail price increasing by 3% over the same period. BIM’s Director of Business Development & Innovation, Donal Buckley outlined the agency’s plans to assist the industry: “This is the most sustained price increase our processing sector has faced to date. As demand for salmon continues to grow but global production reaches saturation, our processors are losing margin on what is our most popular and valuable product, worth €92m in domestic sales alone. As a result of discussions at this forum, we will establish a Domestic Seafood Council with seafood processors in order to find solutions and pool resources to mitigate the risk of trading in this sector. BIM will provide funding and supports to the Council in the areas of common research and business development.” BIM will work closely with the processing sector in the weeks ahead to establish and drive the Domestic Seafood Council and provide financial and advisory supports.

Glanbia Half Year Results

GLANBIA plc has announced its results for the six months ended July 2, 2016. Total group earnings before interest, tax and amortisation for the half year grew by over 11%. Adjusted earnings per share were 44.87 cent, up 10.8% on prior half year, constant currency (up 10.5% reported). “Sales of performance nutrition brands and value-added nutritional ingredients showed good growth in the first half of 2016, delivering on our vision to be a leading nutrition business. Global dairy markets remain weak and continue to be a challenge for parts of the business: however, the diversity of the Glanbia portfolio has enabled us to navigate this and we reiterate guidance for the full year of adjusted earnings per share growth of 8% to 10% on a constant currency basis,” said Siobhán Talbot, Group Managing Director, pictured with Mark Garvey, Group Finance Director.

Fyffes Reaches out to Football Fans AS Dundalk FC prepares to take on Europe’s finest in the Europa League, main sponsor Fyffes is backing the Club’s ‘#GreenArmyNeeded’ campaign – calling on fans across the country to get behind the team and support Irish football on the European stage with the belief that “beneath every jersey we’ve all got green in our veins”. To help Dundalk FC in their quest, supporters are asked to intensify their social media efforts using the hashtag #GreenArmyNeeded so that as many football fans as possible answer the call. Fyffes Ireland Marketing Manager Emma Hunt-Duffy is pictured calling on fans across the country to get behind Dundalk FC and support Irish football on the European stage.

Bewley’s Collects 29 Gold Stars at Great Taste Awards BEWLEY’S has once again dominated the Great Taste Awards 2016, picking up an impressive 29 Gold Stars at the Oscars of the food and drinks industry. Bewley’s Fairtrade Special Blend Tea was awarded two Gold Stars for its bright, brisk and fresh flavour, while Bewley’s Dublin Morning Tea, described as a neat black leaf with a good strength infusion, also received two Gold Stars. Other highly commended teas included Bewley’s Irish Breakfast Loose Tea, Gold Blend Tea, Original Blend Tea, Irish Breakfast Tea and Decaf Tea. Similarly, Bewley’s Gold Roast Fresh Coffee was also recognised by the Guild of Fine Foods in London, the organisers of the Great Taste Awards. Celebrating the success, Bewley’s Brand Director, Mark Saunders said, “This is the tenth year that Bewley’s teas and coffees have been recognised by the Guild of Fine Food at the Great Taste Awards. Our success in continuing to achieve the highest accolades is a testament to the exceptional quality of our products.”

Spar Kinlough Celebrates Selling Winning Lotto Ticket Noel and Martina McGowan of Spar Kinlough, Co. Leitrim, are pictured celebrating selling an €11m Lotto ticket. “We are absolutely delighted for the winner,” enthused Noel. “We would like to wish them the best of luck and we hope that they enjoy their good fortune. It has created a great buzz for the locality.” Kinlough has a population of just over 350 people and there is still plenty of speculation as to who might have won the €11,179,621 fortune. This is not the first time that Noel McGowan has sold winning Lotto tickets: “Last October we sold a Lotto Plus jackpot of €250,000 and 10 years ago there was a lotto jackpot of €3m with six winners,” Noel revealed. “We sold two of those winners. They each got €225,000.”

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

Industry News Spar Products Shortlisted for IQFDA Awards SPAR Select Handmade Crisps and Spar Select Gluten Free Porridge have been shortlisted for the finals of the prestigious Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards. “A lot of hard work and research has gone into producing the Spar Select range and it is testament to this that the Spar Select Handmade Crisps and Spar Select Gluten Free Porridge have been named as finalists in these prestigious awards,” said Willie O’Byrne,

Managing Director, BWG Foods. “The Spar Select Range combines quality, local Irish and international produce to create a delicious range of premium food.” Spar Select products are now in with a chance to win one of the prestigious awards in a glittering ceremony hosted by Irish celebrity chef and cookery author Rachel Allen, at the Round Room, Mansion House, in Dublin.

Gluten Free Living Show THE Gluten Free Living Show takes place on Saturday, October 1, in Dublin. The event is aimed at those interested in living gluten free, as well as diagnosed coeliacs, and the exciting line-up promises visitors a food focused, interactive and informative day on gluten free living. The line-up comprises a food fair with around 25 exhibitors, including many Irish gluten free food producers, such as BFree, Hodgins Sausages, Rosie & Jim, Cool Beans and Bia Ganbreise, as well as international gluten-free brands like Fria Gluten Free, Juvela, Bunalun Organic and free’ist, as well as Hüfi and Daura Damm gluten free beer. SafeFood will be giving a talk on food labels and how to read and understand them, while a number of cookery demonstrations also form part of the line-up, including a Karma Kitchen Demo by television chef and cookbook writer Kevin Dundon (pictured). The Gluten Free Living Show is sponsored by SuperValu. For more information, see www.coeliac-ireland.com.

New MD at Mondelez Ireland

Vizeum Reaches Out to Help SMEs

MONDELEZ Ireland has appointed Eoin Kellett to the position of Managing Director. The new MD joined Mondelez Ireland in 2010 and most recently held the position of Commercial Director. Kellett brings a wealth of knowledge from over 25 years’ experience working in the food industry in Ireland, having previously worked for Premier Foods and RHM. He is also a Trustee of the Cadbury Foundation and a member of the Executive Committee of the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund. Eoin takes over from Louise Stigant, who is moving to a new role as Commercial Director for Northern Europe.

VIZEUM, one of Ireland’s leading media agencies, has launched a free marketing consultancy service to help small to medium sized companies leverage communications to promote their products and services. Senior Vizeum staff (pictured) will be made available for in-depth one-on-one meetings to give guidance and advice to 10 companies. Areas including digital, traditional media, brand positioning and production can be discussed. “We will be pairing up our senior staff with businesses based on their areas of interest, giving them advice and support to help generate more from their marketing investment,” noted Joanna Gorczak, Head of Client Service. For more information, contact Joanna by email: joanna.gorczak@vizeum.com.

Former Mars Chief Dies FORMER President of Mars Inc., Forrest E. Mars Jr passed away recently at the age of 84. One of the world’s most respected businessman, Forrest, together with his brother John and sister Jacqueline, inherited a significant business and grew it into one of the world’s largest and most respected family firms, increasing its sales from from $1 billion to $35 billion, and providing 80 thousand jobs worldwide in 78 countries. A leading philanthropist, an avid explorer and a passionate believer in the benefits of a global economy for everyone, Forrest was a business visionary, who codified, together with his brother and sister, the strong set of business values about creating a mutuality of benefits for all stakeholders of Mars Inc., which they inherited from their father, into the five principles that guide the business worldwide. Our sympathies go to his wife, four children, eleven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, extended family members and business associates.

New National Lottery Counter Unit Order today by contacting your local Field Sales Representative

Ronan Frayne - Centra Westland Row, Dublin 2 ‘It is very hard to get companies to invest in my business, however, when I was offered a way to increase my sales by 15% at no extra cost I took it. I see the LCU as a piece of store furniture that is long lasting and impactful. The investment has paid off with Lotto and Scratch Cards selling better than I expected’.

Joe Sweeney - Centrepoint Donaghmeade Shopping Centre, Dublin 13 ‘I sell a substantial amount of Scratch Cards every day. By bringing the full range of Scratch Cards to the front of the counter, my customers have a full view of all the games and can easily select their favourites, which has resulted in a significant sales increase for little or no investment’.

Grow you sales by

15%

Eddie Glennon - Eurospar Northwood, Santry, Dublin 9

Seamus Griffin - Londis St. James Hospital, Dublin 8

‘The National Lottery sales rep sold in the new Lottery Counter Unit to me, Lottery products are one of the most impulsive purchases in my convenience store. The unit has grown my sales incrementally increasing basket spend and driving cash margin’.

‘I’m selling more high value Scratch Cards now than with the old displays, with more Lotto as well. It’s like customers didn’t realise I sell these Lottery products’.

*Initial results 8 weeks post installation.

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

Industry News Woodland Group Expands into the Food & Beverage Industry WOODLAND Group, the independent global freight forwarding and supply chain specialist, were joined by England football legend Kevin Keegan recently to announce their expansion into the food & beverage logistics industry. Established in 1988, Woodland Group is an independent global freight forwarding and supply chain specialist that provides a full catalogue of logistic options, including ocean freight, airfreight, European distribution, value added services, contract logistics, UK distribution, warehousing, fulfilment, 3PL, supply chain management, reverse logistics and customs consultancy. Kevin Keegan is pictured (centre), with Sean Kirby, Managing Director UK, Woodland Logistics (left) and Kevin Brady, Managing Director Ireland, Woodland Group (right).

Hennessy Inks Special Edition with Tattoo Artist

Lyons Tea Teams Up with Pieta House

HENNESSY celebrates the newest edition to its Very Special Limited Edition series with a bespoke design crafted by Scott Campbell, the acclaimed and multitalented American tattoo artist. This oneof-a-kind Very Special collaboration blends what Scott Campbell calls “tattoo magic”, a ritual that is as much about the experience in the moment as the final result, with the multisensorial appreciation of Hennessy. Inspired by the intricate penmanship of James Hennessy, Campbell’s design is based on a pair of wings, while decorative elements include an intricate silver and black motif incorporating Hennessy Very Special’s three stars, an iconic signature of the brand.

LYONS Tea is to partner with suicide and self-harm charity, Pieta House. The partnership will raise much-needed funds and raise awareness for Pieta House and the vital services it offers free of charge from its 18 centres around the country. Lyons Tea is undertaking a fund-raising campaign, #TimeToTalk. For customers of Unilever Food Solutions, Lyons Tea has launched a special promotional Lyons Original 600s box, each containing a special code. Customers can claim a Power of Talk fundraising pack by logging onto www.ufs.com/lyonstea where they can register to host a tea morning. Retail customers can purchase promotional boxes of Lyons Original Blend 80s and Lyons Gold Blend 80s, where Lyons Tea will donate 10 cent to Pieta House for every box sold. Brian Higgins, CEO of Pieta House, is pictured with Jim Reeves, Customer Director Ireland for Unilever Foods Solutions and Pauline Browne, Marketing Director, Lyons Tea, to launch details of the partnership.

Moy Park Re-launches Breaded Range MOY Park has re-launched its branded breaded product range. The new-look Moy Park breaded product range, which includes its signature Chicken Kievs, Goujons and Nuggets, seeks to reinvigorate the category with a new recipe and packaging. “We pride ourselves as being market leaders in innovation and staying ahead of consumer trends,” explains Briege Finnegan, Brand Marketing Manager for Moy Park. “Through the re-launch of our breaded range, we want to encourage purchase from existing shoppers, whilst attracting a new generation of consumers.” The range uses 100% breast meat as well as a tastier, crunchier crumb and sweet and savoury batter, while the packaging has received a make-over, with new black trays giving the product a high-end feel and finish. The re-launch will be supported by a fully integrated marketing campaign, including instore POS, retailer activity, outdoor and trade press advertising, as well as social media.

Glanbia Launches Nutramino Brand NUTRAMINO, Ireland’s newest range of sports and lifestyle nutrition products has been launched in Ireland with the news that it will be distributed across all Topaz stores nationwide. Originally hailing from Denmark, Nutramino from Glanbia Performance Nutrition, a division of the Glanbia group, is the newest addition to the Topaz health and fitness section in-store. The Nutramino range available in Ireland, which is one of Glanbia's leading performance nutrition brands, includes protein bars and recovery shakes, energy drinks, protein water, protein powders and energy shots. Nutramino is also available in gyms, SuperValu stores and selected convenience stores, including Applegreen Forecourts, Spar, Mace and Centra.

TOBACCO LEAVES PICKED TWO OR THREE AT A TIME

PERFECTLY CRAFTED DELICATELY

TASTE IS IN THE

RRP

€10.80

LOOK OUT for our packs with ‘marks of distinction’, coming soon from Ireland’s No1 cigarette brand.*

C O N F I D E N T LY REFINED *Nielsen, Extended Scan Track, 23.6% RMC SOM YTD to 7th August 2016. This advertisement is for Tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

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

Retail News Interview

90 Years A Growing As Keelings celebrates nine decades in business, David Keeling, CEO of Keelings Retail, discusses the evolution of the company from a small family farm into the largest producer and supplier of fresh fruit in Ireland.

KEELINGS is Ireland’s largest supplier and producer of fresh fruit, supplying over half of Ireland’s annual strawberry crop (over 150m strawberries) and 90% of the country’s peppers (six million peppers), with a turnover of around €300m. The Keelings family story stretches all the way back to 1896 when their family worked a farm in the Donabate area of County Dublin. The current farm was established in 1926 and from the early 1920s to the late 1960s, rhubarb was one of their main crops. In the 1930s, they began growing fruits and salads and supplying them to local Dublin markets. They first planted strawberries in 1937, with Bramleys following in 1949. Since then, they have expanded their range and 2013 saw the launch of the “Love To Grow” brand. Today, in addition to growing berries on their farms, Keelings also grow peppers, lettuce, pumpkins and even Irish lilies. We talk to David Keeling, CEO of Keelings Retail, about the evolution of the company from a small family farm into the global force it is today.

Pictured are (l-r): Caroline Keeling, CEO of Keelings; William Keeling,

Managing Director of FoodCentral; Joe Keeling, Chairman, Keelings; and You are celebrating 90 years in business, which is quite an achievement for any firm. Why do you think David Keeling, CEO of Keelings Retail. the Keelings business has lasted so long? We are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating 90 years this demand for fresh fruit straight from our farms. year and we’re looking forward to the next 90! It’s an Why it’s lasted so long is down to hard work, plain and incredible feeling for us to be where we are today, as an Irish simple. We are very passionate about what we do, we love family business. We officially celebrated our 90th birthday to grow – it’s part of our motto – and we love to share our with the launch of our very own Farm Shop on site, which growing experience, as well as the resulting products, with in itself goes to show how far we’ve come – there is such our loyal customers and consumers.

Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie|17

Retail News Interview Can you tell us a little about the early days of the business? My Grandfather first bought the farm in 1926, when he paid £1,300 for 78 acres. From the early 1920s to the late 1960s, rhubarb was one of the main crops. In the 1930s, they began growing fruits and salads and supplying them to local Dublin markets. They planted 60 acres of strawberries in 1937, as well as bringing in tomatoes and flowers from Holland. After the war, the English couldn’t import bulbs from Holland to England so they sold Irish bulbs to England. They also planted their first crop of apples in 1949. My father, Joe, and his brothers expanded the business in 1973 by marketing other growers’ produce, as well as their own, in the Dublin market. In the 1970s and 1980s, Keelings started sourcing, shipping, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the world to Ireland and, later in the 1980s and into the 1990s, to the UK. In 2000, the business refocused its attention on its growing roots and invested in growing strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, peppers, apples, pears, lettuces, pumpkins, cherries and flowers. Keelings supply more than half of Ireland’s annual strawberry crop, hand picking over 150m strawberries each year.

all of the hard work they invested in those early days has continued on and that Keelings as a company has evolved to where it is today, producing the huge variety of products it does. In fact, I’m sure they’d be surprised to hear our Keelings strawberries are now available right through to December!

Through investing in state-of-the-art greenhouses, Keelings have been able to extend the Irish growing season through to December.

The Keelings business today is unrecognisable from those first days. What have been the main changes over the years? Since planting our very first strawberries in 1937, we have gone on to grow a wide range of berries, fruit and vegetables, supplying produce to shops and supermarkets nationwide. Technology has played a crucial role in this over the years. Through investing in state-of-the-art greenhouses, we have completely revolutionised our growing process, with the new technology allowing us to extend the Irish growing season through to December. This has allowed us to grow the business in size and scope. The early arrival of Irish strawberries in March this year, for example, came at the same time as we announced expected sales of an incredible 10m strawberry punnets over the Irish season. We have spent years testing and trialling various growing systems and have between 15 and 30 new varieties in the research and development area at any one time. What do you think William and Christina would think if they saw the company today? I’d like to think they would be very proud of what they started. They would probably be a bit amazed to think that

How big an impact has new technology had on your business and how big a role does it and scientific development continue to play? Technology and developing expertise has probably been one of the factors in our growth. For example, we started to invest in greenhouses in the 1960s and ’70s, and this was probably one of the biggest factors that allowed us to grow in scale. Our team continue to work on various innovation projects on a regular basis, with new varieties and growing techniques which allow us to increase our yield, improve our quality and extend the season. We hope that each year we can continue through this to get better and better at what we do.

“Our relationships with retailers are stronger than ever now as we all realise that there is so much we can learn from each other, and that working closely can help to grow categories together.

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

Retail News Interview How important is sustainability to your business? Keelings are absolutely committed to sustainability and to ensuring a stable business for our customers and employees. We want to have a positive impact on both the environment and community. We have recently invested in a combined heat and power plant (CHP) installation, peat bog conservation and high tech glasshouses, all of which have a significant contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions. There are always new initiatives and technologies being explored to help ensure we deliver a sustainable business for the future. How important are your relationships with retailers to the success of Keelings? Crucial. Without really strong and positive customer relationships, there is no business! I believe a lot of our success has been driven by our want to listen to and understand our customer and what is important to their business. We strive to maintain great relationships with all of our customers and ultimately want to be category partners rather than just suppliers. We are fortunate that we have had such fantastic support from our customers, which we are hugely grateful for. How have relationships with retail groups changed over the years? I think over the years we have both witnessed such huge changes in consumer behaviour and their expectations

The Keelings Story

1920s to 1950s

From the 1920s through until the 1960s, rhubarb was a mainstay of Keelings' growing crops. In the mid-thirties, they turned their attention to strawberries and in 1949, they added apples to meet demand in a barren post-war period. Flowers and bulbs also became their focus around this time, when they exported golden daffodils and tulips to England.

1960s to 1990s

The next big step forward saw them investing heavily in the construction of glasshouses to improve the quality of their home-grown fruits, including tomatoes. Throughout the ’70s and ’80s, their business grew in size and scope. They started shipping, sourcing and distributing fresh produce from around the world into Ireland, the UK and European markets.

1990s-2000s

During the 1990s and 2000s, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries became the prime produce of their farms. In the past few years, further significant investment in state-of-the-art greenhouses enabled them to extend the Irish growing season from March to December – a first for any Irish company and a major innovation for Keelings.

2004-2015

Keelings added peppers, lettuces, cherries, pumpkins and Irish lilies to their growing portfolio. They have enriched their growing knowledge through global sourcing of produce, creating a worldwide network of important business partnerships based on mutual learning and respect for what they do. And in what counts as a major marketing initiative, they successfully launched their Keelings ‘Taste the Passion’ brand into the Irish market.

2016

Keelings are proud to celebrate 90 years of growing on the family farm, while the opening of their new Farm Shop marks a new chapter in the Keelings story. For more information on the history of Keelings, visit www.keelings.ie. Keelings officially celebrated their 90th birthday this summer.

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

Retail News Interview Aside from the fruit and veg side, you have the hugely successful Keelings Solutions business, which handles distribution for Tesco Ireland, as well as selling software to other distributors around the world. How important is that side of the business? It’s a very important section of our business and many people have worked hard to retain and develop the relationship. You have also set up Food Central, a “food sector hub”. What exactly is a “food sector hub” and what do you hope it will achieve? Food Central is an ideally located food park beside Dublin Airport, close to the Dublin Port Tunnel and the motorway network, providing a direct route to both internal markets and overseas. With access to a local workforce immersed and trained in the food industry culture and ways of working, it’s an ideal location choice. Food Central was developed to develop a sustainable food and drink Keelings 90th birthday celebrations coincided with the launch of their very own Farm business and logistics hub for domestic Shop on site. and export food producers, with the objective of improving competitiveness, sharing knowledge and driving efficiency. Currently, it is that we have had to work closely together to keep up to home to a number of major food players such as Keelings, speed! Our relationships are stronger than ever now as we Donnellys and Dixons. all realise that there is so much we can learn from each other, and that working closely can help to grow categories together. It’s a supportive environment, albeit challenging on Your marketing campaigns seem to have really changed in recent years, becoming front and central, through a day-to-day basis, but we all have the same end goal. advertising campaigns and innovative promotions, such as your tie-in with Heritage Ireland. Was this a deliberate You have supplied fruit to Irish consumers for generations strategy? but it is only recently that we have seen the emergence of Absolutely. We have a great product, but we have to tell the Keelings brand itself on shelf. Why did it take so long? consumers about it in new, innovative ways. We receive huge Well, for such a long time, we all believed that consumers support from Irish consumers, who feel really supportive were happy to shop a generic category. However, like towards our brand. These consumers have told us that everything, our business is continually evolving as we learn they want to hear more from the brand and more about the more and some years ago, we started to realise through brand. This is what has led us to launch our Heigh Ho TV talking with consumers that many of them wanted more ad campaign this summer, which is our first ever time to use than that. Brands are important to Irish consumers for this media platform. a number of reasons but mostly because brands can offer them reassurance, i.e. a consumer will come back time and What else have you up your sleeves over the coming time again to a brand that they know and trust. After much decade up to the company’s centenary? consumer research to support the initiative, we finally That would be giving away family secrets! All I can say is launched the brand in 2010 and since then it has gone from that we have, at any given time, a number of innovation strength to strength. projects under development to ensure we stay on top of the game and to ensure that we deliver on our commitment to How successful has it been? only supply the best quality, best tasting fruit. We have been really pleased with the brand’s growth. We continually assess our brand’s health, and we can see the support of the Irish consumer coming through. Our latest data shows our brand awareness to be 86%. Our net promotor score (which indicates a consumer’s satisfaction and their willingness to recommend the brand) has ranked the brand as third highest across 334 brands, which is phenomenal in such a relatively short space of time. The consumer desire for healthy eating would tend to tie in perfectly with Keelings’ product range. How optimistic are you for the company’s future growth? We’re certainly seeing this coming through in consumer behaviour. It’s fantastic to see the consumer actively seek healthier foods and the start of a really positive trend emerge. It certainly does make us feel optimistic.

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

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update Retail Ireland Summit 2016 WE are delighted to confirm details of the Retail Ireland Summit 2016, the most important event in the retail calendar. The Retail Ireland Summit takes place on Thursday, October 6, at the Guinness Storehouse. Our event will explore the rapidly changing retail environment and will inform attendees on the key trends in two of modern retail's most important facets: the contemporary and future consumer and how to execute the complete retail omnichannel strategy. Our keynote speaker for 2016 is renowned futurist and author, Patrick Dixon. One of the 20 most influential business thinkers alive today, Patrick will lead a session on prevailing global mega

trends and their impact the retail ecosystem. Patrick Dixon will be joined by industry experts from Behaviour and Attitudes and speakers from global brands including UK retailer John Lewis, Penneys, Musgrave Group and many more in what will be a highly engaging and informative event. Tickets cost €250 + VAT for members or €300 + VAT for non-members. Bookings and further details are now available on the event’s dedicated website at www.retailsummit.ie.

Keynote speaker at the Retail Ireland Summit is renowned business thinker and author, Patrick Dixon.

Retail Sector at Delicate Point in Recovery RETAIL Ireland recently published the latest edition of the Retail Ireland Monitor, which reviews the performance of the sector over the second quarter of 2016. Our latest edition sets out that the close links between the Irish and UK economies, as well as a wide preponderance of shared high street brands, creates a potential exposure for the Irish retail trade to the downside risk of Brexit, and that Irish consumers have a clear understanding that the UK’s referendum decision will likely threaten the Irish economy, and potentially their own personal circumstances. The CSO’s latest data highlights greater consumer unease following the UK vote to leave the EU and increased pressure on retailers due to Sterling's rapid decline. While sales volumes have improved, rising 4.5%, the growth in real value of sales remains modest, finishing just 2.8% ahead of the same period last year. This disparity between value and volume is further evidence that Irish shoppers remain extremely price conscious, forcing retailers to offer heavy discounts in order to drive footfall and sales.

•

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

•

Service stations: A mixed performance was recorded during Q2, with total values falling by -6.5% versus Q2 2015, while volumes rose 1.9% when compared with the same three months of 2015. Diesel continues to outperform unleaded fuel, as consumers continue to switch away from the traditional big seller.

•

Department stores: The second quarter of 2016 was a challenging one for Department Stores, with total Q2 values and volumes up 1.6% and 3.2% versus last year. Dublin city centre stores' performance was down on other areas as a result of lower footfall due to citywide roads works. Pharmacies: The pharmacy sector grew by 4.2% in value terms and 4.9% in volume in the second quarter of the year– reflecting both the price competitiveness of the sector and reductions in the reimbursement costs of medicines. Over the counter medicines performed well due to high hay fever incidence and gifting categories were up also, on the back of Father's Day in June. Fashion and footwear: Q2’s total value fashion and footwear stores sales were up 5.8% on 2015, with volumes climbing 7.4% over the same period. Books and magazines: The books, news and stationery market has softened considerably in the second quarter of 2016, with year to date value growth declining from 7.7% at the end of March to 4.2% by the end of June. Supermarkets and Convenience: Falls in sales values due to price falls, driven by intense levels of competition in the sector. There is evidence of a move up the product value chain, however, with increased sales in convenience formats.

Please visit www.retailireland.ie to consult a copy of the Retail Ireland Monitor and accompanying press statement. Need more?

Retail Ireland Submits Budget 2017 Proposals DURING August, Retail Ireland formally submitted its Budget 2017 proposals to the Minister for Finance. Our submission outlines how Budget 2017 must be used to support the domestic economy with income tax cuts and additional public investment and offset the potential negative impact a Brexit may have on the Irish economy. It warned against any moves that would add to business or labour costs, such as increasing the minimum wage. Visit www.retailireland.ie to consult a copy of our pre-budget submission.

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

22|Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Centra Live Well

Centra Reveals Shift Towards Healthy Options New research from Centra reveals that Irish consumers are increasingly health aware, with two thirds of the nation more health conscious than a year ago. IRELAND may be on track to becoming Europe’s fattest nation by 2030, according to the World Health Organisation, but Centra have revealed research, conducted by Red C, that shows a shift in shopper behaviour towards healthier options. Centra’s findings show that two thirds of Irish adults admit to making more of an effort to live healthy compared to 12 months ago. Four out of 5 people feel they are more conscious about their food intake compared to a year ago, with two thirds of the nation now admitting to consciously checking the ingredients in what they consume. Anticipating shoppers’ needs, Centra have decreased shelf space for sugary drinks over the past 12 months and promoted healthier alternatives instead, helping to reduce the calorie intake of their customers by 125m calories. This is the equivalent of 7.8m spoons of sugar taken out of shoppers baskets in the past year. This achievement forms part of Centra’s Live Well programme, which launched 12 months ago, and encourages customers to make healthy choices and promotes healthy living. Showing consumers' growing appetite to seek out healthy alternatives, Centra has seen sales of €17m in Live Well products since launching a year ago. Genuine Attitude Shift Centra’s research reveals a genuine attitude shift, with 85% of Irish adults saying they are more conscious about the products they consume, by monitoring more closely their fruit, veg, water and sugar intake compared to 12 months ago. This shift in mindset has been borne out by changes in shopping trends in Centra stores. Sales of nutritional bars, such as Bounce protein balls, Fulfil and Naked, have seen 50% growth in the last year. Since the launch of Live Well, sales of salads are growing 58% faster than hot deli food, such as breaded chicken, sausages and bacon. Salads are also growing two thirds faster than the traditional sandwich option at the cold deli. According to Centra’s research, Irish adults claim to drink a higher amount of water than this time a year ago, particularly when it comes to younger consumers. Centra customers are staying hydrated, with sales of water growing 20% ahead of sugary alternatives since the launch of Live Well. More than just healthier alternatives in-store, Live Well encourages people to get active. Over 11,500 children got active at Centra’s hurling events and Centra got over

Centra Ambassador Pippa O’Connor: “Initiatives like Live Well make it easy to make those healthy choices”.

200,000 people walking last year through their pink walks in aid of the Irish Cancer Society’s Action Breast Cancer programme. Finally, Live Well aims to educate and inspire shoppers. The Live Well hub on www.centra.ie includes dedicated Live Well videos that have achieved 1.6m views over the past 12 months, providing nutritional advice, recipe ideas and exercise tips. Making Healthy Eating Convenient Sarah Keogh, Consultant Dietician with Eatwell.ie and a member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, said, “When we started this Live Well journey with Centra a year ago, we found that many Centra shoppers were confused about healthy eating or thought that it is simply too difficult and expensive, with many doing the all-or-nothing approach. Centra is not a health food store but with over 460 stores in communities nationwide, it has actively taken steps to make healthy eating easier and more convenient for people. We will continue to build on the success of our Live Well initiative and work towards a more health-aware Ireland.” Speaking at the launch of the Centra/Red C research, Centra Ambassador Pippa O’Connor said, “This shift in shopper attitude towards healthy choices definitely applies to me. In the last year, I’ve become more conscious about what I put into the shopping basket and my family have really seen the benefits. Initiatives like Live Well make it easy to make those healthy choices, especially when I’m short on time so I like to grab-and-go but always want to eat well.” For more information, see www.centra.ie/livewell. Research Data RED C interviewed a random sample of 1,043 adults aged 18+ online from June 23-29, 2016. Interviews were conducted across the country and the results weighted to the know national profile of all adults aged 18+.

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

IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch

A Sporting Chance...

Some well-known faces were to the fore at the IGBF Sporting Legends Lunch recently. THE Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Sporting Legends Lunch took place in the Aviva Stadium on Friday, August 26, in association with the Woodland Group, Danone and The Sales Institute. RTE sports anchor Evanne Ni Chullinn acted as MC, with panellists including sports journalist Billy Keane and Dublin GAA Senior Footballer Jack McCaffrey. Special guest was none other than the soccer legend Kevin Keegan, who also assisted the Woodland Group announce their expansion into the food & beverage logistics industry earlier

Pictured are (l-r): Dublin football star Jack McCaffrey; soccer legend Kevin Keegan; RTE sports presenter Evanne Ni Chuilinn, and sports journalist Billy Keane

Alan Divney, MD, Farmbake, and Blรกthaid McCormack.

Neil Finlayson, Sales Director at Mars Ireland and IGBF President of Appeals.

that day. There were fabulous raffle prizes on the day provided by Largo Foods, Aryzta Food Solutions, Celtic Pure, ManorFarm, Gala Retails Services Ltd and Richmond Marketing. The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund (IGBF) provides financial relief for persons in need who have been involved in retail, wholesale and supplier trade sectors. The audience is comprised of business professionals from the retail, wholesale and supplier trade sectors in Ireland.

Pictured are (back row, l-r): Kevin Brady, MD, Woodland Group; Sean Kirby, UK MD, Woodland Logistics; Conor Morris, MSI Chairman, The Sales Institute; Cormac Byrne, Head of Sales, Danone Ireland; Neil Finlayson, Sales Director at Mars Ireland and IGBF President of Appeals; and Donal O'Shea, IGBF Chairman; (front row, l-r): GAA star Jack McCaffrey, event MC, Evanne Ni Chuilinn, Kevin Keegan, and sports journalist Billy Keane.

Soccer legend Kevin Keegan, deep in conversation.

Increase sales through more relevant online search results

GS1 SmartSearch Today 70% of all sales are inﬂuenced by information consumers ﬁnd on the web, whether they purchase online or in store. So, there’s never been a more important time to make the information about the products you sell visible and accurate. GS1 SmartSearch can help. By adding structured product information to your product webpages, you help search engines display more relevant results to your consumers.

To ﬁnd out more about the GS1 SmartSearch standard visit www.gs1ie.org/smartsearch or scan the QR code to watch the short explainer video.

GS1 Ireland 2nd Floor The Merrion Centre, Nutley Lane, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, Ireland. T: +353 1 2080660 E: info@gs1ie.org www.gs1ie.org

Connect with us

26|Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie

GS1 Ireland

GS1: Making Online Search Results Smarter Using GS1’s SmartSearch standard on your product web page can help to maximise sales through better online product visibility and information availability. RETAILERS and brand owners across the globe have begun implementing new web data practices to maximise online product visibility, boost web traffic and drive sales. Today, 70% of all sales are influenced by information consumers find on the web, whether they purchase online or at the store. In Ireland, it is estimated that the value of online expenditure is set to more than triple from just over €6 billion in 2015 to some €20 billion by 2020 (Source: UPC and Amárach research (2014), “The second UPC report on Ireland’s digital future – Accelerating Economic Recovery”; Indecon International Economic Consultants assessment of the macro-economic impact of internet/digital on the Irish economy, March 2016). There has never been a more important time for brand owners and retailers to ensure that the information about the products they sell is both visible and accurate, in order to secure their position in this dynamic, omni-channel retail environment. One of the cornerstones to success will be maximising product visibility, as well as ensuring the completeness and accuracy of the product information available. Web Page Coding This is where the addition of web page coding for product data comes into play. Specific, defined data attribute fields included in the web page coding can greatly enhance web traffic by up to 30%, helping consumers conducting online to find and buy your product. Today, most product web pages contain “unstructured” data that search engines, apps and social media platforms can find difficult to understand. However, by including

specific codes Unstructured Data to label key product attributes like product description, classification codes and nutritional information, the product data becomes much richer and easier for search engines to interpret. This means more accurate and meaningful search results for consumers Most product web pages contain “unstructured” data that search engines, apps and greater and social media platforms can find difficult to success for understand. sellers. One of the structured data fields included in a product web page is the GTIN, Global Trade Item Number, or what we commonly refer to as “the barcode number”. Search engines and e-tailer platforms can leverage the GTIN to bring together related results, such as product availability in local stores, accurate pictures, price

Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie|27

GS1 Ireland information, and

GS1 SmartSearch: Structured Data reviews. The

GTIN, together with product classification codes, can be used by search engines to pull together related data from both brand owner and retailer websites, as well as from social media platforms, using the GTIN as the common link.

Structured data: including specific codes to label key product attributes like product description, classification codes and nutritional information, ensures the product data becomes much richer and easier for search engines to interpret.

Uplift in Web Traffic The provision of this enriched data provides a large uplift in qualified web traffic, clickthroughs and ultimately sales. To consumers, however, a web page with GS1 SmartSearch labelled data looks no different from a page without: it simply presents richer, more detailed and accurate results. Pilots have shown that products with structured data appear high in relevant search results, and that higher search positions lead to a 30% increase in web traffic. Several of the key online marketplaces such as Google, Amazon and eBay, as well as major branded retailers with online channels, have begun to adopt the GTIN within their online sales channels. This is enhanced by the implementation of the new GS1 SmartSearch standard to establish structured product data as part of product web Products with structured data appear higher in online search results, with a pages. “GS1 standards corresponding increase in web traffic and ultimately, sales. have been

Pilots have shown that products with structured data appear high in relevant search results, and that higher search positions lead to a 30% increase in web traffic.

Brand owners and retailers need to ensure that the information about the products they sell is both visible and accurate, in order to secure their position in this dynamic, omni-channel retail environment.

invaluable in our efforts to improve the online shopping experience by harmonising product data and eliminating inaccuracies,” explained Eric Tholome, Google Shopping. The benefits of standardised data and unique identification go beyond simply achieving more sales. When products are uniquely identified, listed Irish online sales are by standard categories and projected to reach €20 billion described by complete, accurate by 2020. and trusted information, consumers have a more satisfying buying experience. This in turn contributes to a reduction in costly returns and increases brand loyalty.

Retailers and brand owners across the world have begun implementing new web data practices to maximise online product visibility, boost web traffic and drive sales.

Find Out More If you as a retailer or brand owner are interested in learning more about using the GS1 SmartSearch standard on your product web pages, visit www.gs1ie.org/smartsearch to download a brochure and register your interest in conducting a pilot. Watch Now For a quick introduction to GS1 SmartSearch watch the short explainer video on YouTube https://youtu.be/dxzhe1chu-o

28|Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie

FoodService Academy

Making Their Mark with Musgrave Nine Irish food and drink companies have completed the first Musgrave MarketPlace FoodService Academy Programme. NINE Irish food and drink companies have completed the first FoodService Academy programme with Musgrave MarketPlace. The Food Service Academy was set up by Bord Bia and Musgrave MarketPlace to help small Irish food and drink companies develop their business in the foodservice market. The successful companies will supply products to Musgrave MarketPlace’s 6,000 foodservice customers, which range from hotels and restaurants to pubs and nursing homes. The companies participated in a four month programme, which included workshops and mentoring sessions. The final workshop took place on June 27 in the Limerick Strand Hotel, where each company had the opportunity to meet the executive chef Tom Flavin and the Musgrave sales team. The sales and trading teams are currently working with each of the companies to develop their products in line with foodservice customer requirements. The successful companies include:

• • • • • • • • •

Blanco Nino, Europe’s first producer of authentic corn tortillas and un-fried tortilla chips made in Tipperary; Nobó, dairy free ice-cream which is made without any refined sugar, gums or stabilisers; Lily’s Tea Shop, Louth-based blenders of a range of premium, loose leaf teas, as well as matcha tea and premium tea pyramids; Coffee House Lane, a Waterford family run coffee roaster; Atlantis Seafood, a family seafood business based in Wexford; Maria Lucia Bakes, a Dublin producer of gourmet gluten, wheat and dairy free granola cereals; Kildare’s Outdoor Oinks, a range of Bord Bia approved pork and bacon products; Tipperary Kitchen, a family run artisan bakery producing a range of handcrafted meringues, dessert sauces and chocolate biscuit cake; Wildberry Bakery, an artisan gluten free bakery in Cork.

Supporting Irish Business “We have been incredibly impressed by the calibre of companies that participated in this year’s inaugural FoodService Academy and are really excited to bring these products to market,” noted Sheena Forde, Trading Director, Musgrave MarketPlace. “It has been a pleasure working with each and every one of the businesses to date and we have learned a huge amount from them, as well as imparting knowledge from the programme to them. Bord Bia have been a fantastic partner and we are thrilled to announce that plans are already underway for a 2017 FoodService Academy programme. It

Pictured at the final workshop of the FoodService Aacademy programme are (l-r): Sheena Forde, Trading Director, Musgrave MarketPlace; Dominick McGroddy, Lily’s Tea Shop; and Maureen Gahan, Bord Bia’s Foodservice Specialist.

really is a privilege to work with such passionate people in the industry and to support Irish food business.” Reflecting Customer Needs Maureen Gahan, Bord Bia’s Foodservice Specialist added that Bord Bia are delighted with the success thus far of the inaugural FoodService Academy: “Each of the participating companies have had invaluable access to key people from the Musgrave MarketPlace team, both at the workshops and through individual meetings over the course of the programme. “The feedback they have received from Musgrave MarketPlace sales representatives has allowed them to develop their products and supporting material to reflect the needs of the end customer,” Gahan continued. “We are already looking forward to FoodService Academy 2017 and offering this opportunity to additional Irish food and drink businesses.”

Pictured are (l-r): Philip Martin, Blanco Nino; Tom Flavin, Executive Chef, Strand Hotel, Limerick; and Jim Bourke, GM Musgrave MarketPlace Limerick.

30|Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Craft Beer

Franciscan Well Gets Canned! Franciscan Well’s range of craft beer is now in 330ml can format for the first time. FRANCISCAN Well is bringing its award winning craft beer into canned format from August. The Franciscan Well range includes Rebel Red, Ireland’s number one craft beer (AC Nielsen, ROI, on-trade MAT to end June 2016), Friar Weisse and Chieftain IPA, which will be offered in a 330ml can for the first time in the off trade across Ireland, with selected on-trade sites also stocking the product. It is the first time Franciscan Well has canned any of its beers and for the first time consumers will be able to buy Friar Weisse or Chieftain IPA in the off trade. The Franciscan Well range has also been rebranded. The entire range, in both the on and off trade, features a new logo, which no longer includes the image of the monk, and which better reflects the provenance and Irish roots of the brand. International Trend The decision to can Ireland’s favourite craft beer range is part of an international trend which has seen rising consumer demand for craft beer in a can instead of a bottle. In the US, 30% of all craft beer sold in the off trade is in can format. In Ireland, craft beer sold Rebel Red, one of the award winning beers in cans accounts for around 15% in the Franciscan Well portfolio. of sales in the off trade and that figure is expected to double over the next couple of years. “This is a very exciting development for the company,” said Shane Long, founder of Franciscan Well. “Taste and quality are at the core of our craft beers and we always prioritise ways to ensure that taste and quality are maximised. The decision to move to the canned format reflects the growing trend within craft beer internationally, whereby more and more products are sold in 330ml can format. This is something that has been prevalent in the US and has proven extremely popular. We are confident this

Rebel Red, Friar Weisse and Chieftain IPA will be offered in a 330ml can for the first time in the off trade.

will be the case in Ireland as we roll out craft in a can for consumers here.” Reinforcing Heritage All brewing and canning will take place at Franciscan Well’s new brewery in Cork city. The brewery opened last year, reinforcing Franciscan Well’s The Franciscan Well range will also feature Irish and Cork a new logo, which more clearly reflects the heritage. The provenance of the brand and its roots in North Mall site Cork. will be used as an innovation centre. “We are very excited about this latest innovation for Franciscan Well, coming as it does less than a year after the opening of our new brewery in Cork,” said Shane Long. “Since the introduction of craft beer in a can, it has proven extremely popular with consumers. It is a very handy, portable way of consuming the beer and one that preserves the taste better than any other. We are delighted to be able to offer consumers the chance to enjoy our award winning beers in a format that preserves the taste better than bottles.” As well as being offered in a can, the Franciscan Well range will also feature a new logo, which more clearly reflects the provenance of the brand and its roots in Cork. The new identity and logo retains the strength of the previous mark, while emphasising that this is very firmly an Irish beer which was established in Cork and which is still brewed there.

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Team Building

Building a Better Team Spirit Team Building has proven benefits within any organisation. Invest in your team first and you’ll never look back, writes Michelle Thornton, MD, Hotel Solutions.

WITH signs of an upturn in the economy and an increasing workload for employees, it is really important to invest in your team. Team building motivates, builds trust and encourages much greater communication amongst your team, which leads to increased workplace interaction. As a CEO, MD or department head, have you asked yourself, “how can I help to motivate and improve our overall team performance?” We at Hotel Solutions believe that an effective team building experience for your employees will stimulate, motivate and can lead to boosting the company’s bottom line. If you look at the list of “Great Places to Work”, most of the companies at the top of that list have invested in team building as they realise it’s an investment that pays dividends in the long run and helps with working relationships and encourages goal setting. Team building is becoming more and more popular as

our clients look to both reward and engage with their staff to move their businesses in a forward direction. A lot of companies now include team building as part of their strategic planning in conjunction with their annual conference, as this can change the dynamics of the conference and improve interaction in general during the event. Below are some examples below of the variety of team building events on offer throughout the country. Bear Grylls Survival Academy If you’re looking for something a little extreme, why not take on and learn essential survival skills with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy? Every team is different and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy team in Ireland will tailor each team building experience to suit your requirements: this one is definitely for the adrenaline junkies. We have received great feedback

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

Team Building from our clients who have taken part in this, which is definitely one of the more popular options out there.

Peak Performance Peak Performance, an interactive business game, is a tablet based game, where teams guide a group to the top of Mount Everest. Along the way, they must manage resources and monitor conditions, instructing guides up Mount Everest to the summit and returning to base camp over an 18-day expedition. The benefits to your business are endless and include customer service, exploring excellence, managing change, negotiation skills, networking, practical leadership, project planning, risk management, uniting teams and visualising the future.

Teams can learn essential survival skills with the Bear Grylls Survival Academy.

Their team of expert staff are full of ideas on how to get the most out of your time and listed below are some of the areas they cover:

• • • • • • •

Priorities of survival Self-rescue and natural navigation Fire lighting outdoors Wild cooking Rope skills, tyrolean and water crossing 4×4 Self Rescue River Run

Peak Performance is an interactive business game, where teams guide a group to the top of Mount Everest.

Animate Animate is an innovative way of bringing business objectives together, such as product launches and key messages, bringing them to life in a fun way. Business benefits include brand awareness, energising a conference, fun & motivation, managing change, stimulating creativity, and improving team dynamics.

The Bear Grylls Survival Academy team in Ireland will tailor each team building experience to suit your requirements.

This benefits your business and staff through personal development, problem solving, pushing limits, shared experiences and of course, survival skills.

Animate is an innovative way of bringing business objectives, such as product launches and key messages, to life in a fun way.

Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie|33

Team Building Hotel Options Hotel Solutions are working with more and more hotels and venues who understand the value of the “team building” business to their own turnover and as a result have put together a number of packages which focus on this sector.

The Cliff House Hotel is a 5 Star luxury hotel located in Ardmore, between Waterford and Cork, and is widely regarded as one of the best venues in Ireland for team building.

The Cliff House Hotel is a 5 Star luxury hotel located in Ardmore, between Waterford and Cork, and is widely regarded as one of the best venues in Ireland for team building. The hotel has a strong history of high profile but discreet gatherings, including holding team building events on a regular basis. If you are also looking for something for the incentive side of your business, we would definitely recommend this hotel as an option for that part of your staff or customer reward strategy. Activities and adventure are their speciality, with over 40 sea and land based activities on the doorstep of the hotel. If you are looking for a less energetic team building event, then a cookery option is always popular for a more relaxed day. We recently put together a cookery event for one of our key clients and the feedback we received was fantastic.

About the Author

AS one of Ireland’s leading event management companies, Hotel Solutions is your “one stop shop” that provides a creative and innovative approach to the smooth running of your team building events. We can plan, source and ensure your event goes without a hitch and stays within budget. Our broad range of suppliers provide all types of team building opportunities, no matter how big or small. Here at Hotel Solutions, we can source everything from the venue or hotel to the team building games, along with coach transfers or other transport options as required. For more information, contact: Hotel Solutions Unit B10 Baldonnell Business Park Dublin 22 Phone: 01 6309211 Email: info@hotel-solutions.ie Cookery School – The Cliff at Lyons The Cliff at Lyons, a luxury venue on the outskirts of Dublin (formerly known as the Village at Lyons) enables you to make the most of this rural location by encouraging guests to engage with the great outdoors and the various leisure activities nearby. From falconry to archery and air rifle shooting, barge trips for your group and historic walking and antique tours, there are lots of traditional Irish pursuits on offer. If you would prefer to run a tailor-made team building event on-site, we have options such as crystal maze, a round robin challenge culminating in an exciting final, or our Rocket Challenge, build your own rocket and launch it with your team to an agreed target. These are just samples of what we can create on-site. Hotel Solutions can offer many other team building choices which you may not have thought of, so it is always a good idea to talk to us to see what can make your particular team building event a success for all involved. There are a lot of great team building options out there which we can help you plan and enjoy. Invest in your staff and you and they will reap the rewards.

The Cliff at Lyons offers tailor-made team building, including archery, falconry and air rifle shooting.

It’s all about our chicken Moy Park, Ireland’s number one poultry brand, has relaunched its branded breaded product range. Moy Park seeks to reinvigorate the chilled, breaded poultry category with an exciting new recipe and premium packaging. Our new breaded range, which includes our signature chicken kievs, goujons and nuggets, anticipates consumer trends. It will delight our existing shoppers and attract a new generation who are seeking better value, convenience and new flavours. Moy Park breaded poultry products still represent convenience and value. They now boast a tastier, crunchier crumb for an even more delicious dining experience. We’ve also given our packaging a makeover, to project the intrinsic quality of our chicken. The black trays and new design have resonated well with consumer focus groups. Our breaded poultry relaunch is supported by a fully integrated marketing campaign. You can look forward to instore POS collateral, a buzz on social media, retailer activity, and outdoor and trade press advertising. Consumers will be invited to sample the new products throughout the year at trade and consumer shows.

This is just the beginning. Keep an eye out for new flavours and textures as we expand the range in 2017.

New packaging, even better taste Stock up with our new-look packs today

Pack up a new-look Contact our Commercial pack instore todayteam +44 (0) 28 3835 2233

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

Paternity Leave

New Dads Entitled to Two Weeks Leave The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 came into force on September 1, entitling new fathers to two weeks’ paternity leave. Caroline McEnery, MD, The HR Suite examines the legislation and what it means for you. FOLLOWING much discussion since its announcement in Budget 2016, The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 came into effect on September 1, 2016. The Act, which the Tánaiste decribed as “a clear indicator of this Government's commitment to investing in children's early years, and to improving the work-life balance of parents” will allow parents to take paternity leave from employment in respect of a child. This Act entitles certain employees, who are relevant parents in relation to a child, to employment leave for the purposes of enabling the employee to provide, or assist in the provision of care to the child, or to provide support to the mother of the child, the adopting mother, a sole male adopter or to entitle a surviving parent to employment leave on the death of a relevant parent. Under the Act, a relevant parent is defined as:

• • •

the father of the child; the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, as the case may be, of the mother of the child; a parent of the child under Section 5 of the Children and Family Relationships Act 2015, where the child is a donor-conceived child within the meaning of that

• •

Act; In the case of a child who is already, or is to be adopted jointly by a married couple of the same sex, the spouse chosen by that couple to be the relevant parent for the purposes of the Act; In the case of a child who is already, or who is going to be adopted in any other case, the spouse, civil partner or cohabitant, as the case may be, of the adopting mother or sole male adopter of the child.

Entitlement To Leave Only one person who is a relevant parent in relation to a child will be entitled to paternity leave in respect of that child. This Act allows two weeks’ paternity leave to be taken as one continuous period of two weeks. Similarly to maternity leave, in the event of multiple births, or, if a person adopts two or more children at the same time, a person who is a relevant parent in relation to the children concerned will only be entitled to one period of paternity leave in respect of the children concerned. A key requirement of the Act will be that paternity leave must be used for the care of the child to which the leave relates.

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Paternity Leave Notification and Confirmation of Paternity Leave Paternity leave must usually be applied for at least four weeks in advance. However, the Act does allow for relaxation of the normal notification period in cases where the date of confinement occurs four or more weeks before the expected date, subject to Paternity leave can be taken at any time commencing on the date of the a minimal notification birth (or placement in the case of an period of 14 days. adoption) and ending not later than At the time of 26 weeks thereafter. notification, or as soon as reasonably practicable afterwards, the employee must give his / her employer a copy of the medical certificate confirming the pregnancy of the expectant mother and confirming the expected week of confinement of the expected mother. In the case of adoption (other than inter-country adoption effected or to be effected outside the state), notification, in writing, of the expected day of placement is required as soon as reasonably practicable. A copy of the certificate of placement issued to the adoptive parent/s must be supplied as soon as possible but no later than four weeks after the date of placement. In the case of inter-country adoption (effected or to be effected outside the state), notification, in writing, of the expected day of placement is required as soon as reasonably practicable. A copy of the applicable declaration of eligibility and suitability issued to the adoptive parent/s must be supplied as soon as possible but no later than four weeks after the date of placement. Taking the Leave Paternity leave can be taken at any time commencing on the date of the birth (or placement in the case of an adoption) and ending not later than 26 weeks thereafter. This means that a couple can chose to avail of the leave at the time of the birth, or at the end of the period of paid maternity leave (thus if they chose, they can have 28 weeks continual paid maternity/paternity leave) or any time in between. The period of paternity leave will commence on the date the relevant parent selects in his / her notification but it cannot commence earlier than the date of confinement or the day of placement and cannot be later than 26 weeks after that date.

The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016 came into effect on September 1, 2016.

About the Authors

THE HR Suite are based in Dingle, Co. Kerry, and provide human resources consultancy, employment law advice, training and recruitment services to businesses throughout Ireland. MD Caroline McEnery has over 20 years’ experience in providing HR services to Irish companies. She is a member on the Low Pay Commission and is also an adjudicator in the new Work Place Relations Commission. If you have any queries, contact The HR Suite on 066 7102887 or 01 9014335 or at info@thehrsuiteonline.com. Website: http://thehrsuiteonline.com. The relevant parent who is entitled to but has not taken paternity leave may take that paternity leave at the end of a period of maternity leave that is transferred to the father on the death of a mother during her maternity leave (this transfer is provided for in section 16 of the Maternity Protection Bill 1994).

The Paternity Leave and Benefit Act allows two weeks’ paternity leave to be taken as one continuous period.

Paternity Benefit Payment Paternity Benefit of €230 per week will be paid by the Department of Social Protection to an employed or a selfemployed relevant parent who are covered by PRSI. This amount may vary if the applicant is already in receipt of certain Department of Social Protection payments, or in the case of a qualified adult or child. Applications for paternity benefit should be made directly to the Department of Social Protection. Employers will be required to complete a form PB2 Employer Certificate for their employees to confirm that the employee is entitled to paternity leave for the dates stated. While there is no statutory obligation for an employer to continue to pay an employee’s normal salary whilst on paternity leave, the option is there to “top-up” the employee’s payment to their standard salary. It is important to note that if such “top-up” payments are currently being made to women on maternity leave, the employer could be at risk of discrimination if this is not done for paternity leave. As with the indroduction of most new empoyment Acts, potential discrimination will only be made fully clear when tested once the legislation comes into effect. Paternity Leave Policy A paternity leave policy should be developed and added to any existing Handbook or Policies and Procedures document. This should be similar in structure to your existing maternity leave policy and cover areas such as entitlement, how to apply and timelines of applications, and should clarify if payment from the Department of Social Protection will be topped up or not by the employer. Employers who already provide paternity leave through contractual agreement should also review contracts and policies to ensure that they include this new statutory entitlement.

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WHAT IS HAPPENING? In 2014 the European Union adopted the revised Tobacco Products Directive – or ‘EUTPD II’. It’s a series of additional rules regarding the way tobacco products are manufactured, packaged and sold within the EU. This new legislation will affect everybody involved in the tobacco category, including you. John Player is committed to ensuring the trade remains both competitive and compliant under the new legislation. The result is Leading Through Change, a programme to advise and support retailers through EUTPD II.

WHEN IS IT HAPPENING? Since 20 May 2016, tobacco manufacturers can only legally manufacture the new packs incorporating EUTPD II rules. • EUTPD II compliant packs will gradually begin to appear in the market from this point, but retailers will still be able to sell current packs until 20 May 2017. • From 20 May 2017 retailers will legally only be able to sell EUTPD II compliant packs. • In 2020 menthol products will also be banned. Examples of Current Pack Designs.

Examples of EUTPD II compliant pack designs. For illustrative purposes only, and subject to change.

MAY 2017

20 Until 20 May 2017 retailers are allowed to sell both current packs and EUTPD II compliant packs.

From 20 May 2017 retailers are only allowed to sell EUTPD II compliant packs. • Roll-your-own tobacco pouches must be 30g or more.

WHAT WILL PACKS LOOK LIKE? Factory Made Cigarette (FMC) and Roll Your Own (RYO) FMC pack sizes unaffected. Retailers can continue selling 20s or more

Larger health warnings. New combined text and pictorial health warnings

All RYO packs must be 30g or more

No reference to taste, flavour or additives on pack For illustrative purposes only, and subject to change.

PLANNING AND PREPARING FOR CHANGE John Player’s experiences in addressing the various challenges posed by legislation suggest that retailers who plan and prepare for the new regulations will be putting themselves in a strong position to make a successful transition. This period is likely to be confusing for many adult tobacco shoppers, so consider improving your tobacco offering by focusing on the following: Stock a wide range: Continue to offer a wide choice including small RYO packs, e.g. 9g & 12.5g. Remember you can continue to sell current small weights until 20 May 2017. Aim for maximum availability: Ensure you always have your customers’ brands and packs of choice in stock to build and retain a loyal shopper base. Improve your tobacco category knowledge: Work closely with your John Player Sales Representative to understand and plan for the legislation, so you’re in the best position to advise your customers.

T R A T S

HOW ARE WE SUPPORTING YOU? Leading Though Change provides retailers with a suite of tools to support their business, including START packs.

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START packs are available from your John Player Sales Representative, or by calling our Customer Services team on 01-2434900. Registered customers can download a digital version from www.johnplayer.ie, as well as watching our Leading Through Change video.

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• This does not impact on the Irish Governmen packaging), but t’s intent to introduce it simply defers Standardised Packaging the date at which • The start of the it will commence. (plain EUTPD II sell-through period remains 20 • A revised date May 2016 through for Standardised to 20 May 2017. Packaging (plain We will keep you packaging) has updated on further not been confirmed. developments as We will be communica they occur. ting with you regularly you through these through updates changes and future to the START packs legislation. to help steer

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

BIM Young Fishmonger 2017

Shortlist Announced for BIM Young Fishmonger 2017 Awards! Eight talented fishmongers are set to compete for the BIM Young Fishmonger 2017 Awards.

Pictured are (l-r): Alona Dutchak, Dunnes Stores, Childers Road, Limerick; Philip Fitzsimons, Fitzsimons Family Fishmongers, Crumlin Cross, Dublin 12; Anne Stephens, The Fish Market, Maynooth, Co. Kildare; Peter Roberts, Roberts of Dalkey, Co. Dublin; Katarina Curmova, Dunnes Stores, Longford; Eimantas Zvirblis, Donnybrook Fair, Malahide, Co. Dublin; Anthony Murray, Dunnes Stores, Terryland, Galway; and Stephen Hurley, The Fish Shop, Union Hall, Co. Cork.

BORD Iascaigh Mhara (BIM), the Seafood Development Agency, is delighted to announce the greatly anticipated shortlist for the BIM Young Fishmonger 2017 awards. Eight fishmongers, four from independent seafood specialists and four from supermarket seafood counters, will now compete for the following coveted titles of Independent Seafood Specialist 2017 and Supermarket Seafood Counter 2017 to be presented at BIM’s inaugural Seafood Awards on November 17 in the Clayton Hotel, Dublin. The finalists are as follows: Independent Seafood Specialist Category: Stephen Hurley, The Fish Shop, Union Hall, Co. Cork; Peter Roberts, Roberts of Dalkey, Dalkey, Co. Dublin; Anne Stephens, The Fish Market, Maynooth, Co. Kildare; Philip Fitzsimons, Fitzsimons Family Fishmongers Crumlin, Dublin 12. Supermarket Seafood Counter Category: Eimantas Zvirblis, Donnybrook Fair, Malahide, Co. Dublin;

Alona Dutchak, Dunnes Stores, Childers Road, Limerick; Anthony Murray, Dunnes Stores, Headford Road, Galway; Katarina Curmova, Dunnes Stores, Longford. Celebrating Seafood Skills “As a country, we need to celebrate the skills of our seafood industry and the BIM Young Fishmonger competition highlights one of the stalwarts of the retail sector, your local fishmonger,” explains Tara McCarthy, BIM’s Chief Executive, outlining the motivation behind the annual competition. “It is designed to reward and recognise talent but also to encourage and train new entrants into a sector which has experienced a noticeable revitalisation in recent years. With more than 240 independent and supermarket seafood counters nationwide and domestic sales reaching €234m this year, seafood has fast become the most on trend protein in the market. We in BIM are committed to raising the bar across the whole retail sector, so we are delighted to have extended the competition to include a supermarket seafood

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BIM Young Fishmonger 2017 counter category this year. Good luck to all our talented finalists in the last phase of judging. We are looking forward to the announcement of the 2017 winners at the BIM Seafood Awards in November.” Rigorous Judging Process The final eight will now receive in-depth visits by the judges to assess their knowledge of seafood, their understanding of quality issues, their skills, techniques and customer service. The final stage in October will rigorously test the finalists’ skills, with each fishmonger required to fillet and prepare a range of fish and shellfish under time constraints, as well as discussing their future plans and ambitions for their career in the seafood sector. This will take place in BIM’s Seafood Development Centre in Clonakilty, Co. Cork. The current BIM Young Fishmonger 2016, George Stephens of The Fish Market, Blanchardstown, has been an exemplary winner and a shining light in the industry. Originally a chef in renowned seafood establishments including L’Ecrivain and Sheen Falls Hotel, George has turned his culinary talents to the art of fish mongering and now has three seafood retail outlets in Blanchardstown, Mullingar and Maynooth. Along with his wife Anne, who manages the Maynooth store and is one of the talented finalists announced for this year’s competition, George has developed a successful business that has retained a loyal customer base. Following his win, George has benefited from BIM study trips to Holland and exposure for his business that includes a seafood cookery slot on Ireland AM. In addition, George will soon undertake a seafood study trip to London, to view a range of innovative seafood retail and foodservice establishments, to gain inspiration on how to develop his business even further.

Meet The Finalists

Philip Fitzsimons, Fitzsimons Family Fish Mongers, Crumlin Cross, Dublin Philip has worked in the well-known family fish shop since he was 13 years old. Philip’s knowledge of seafood is second to none, his passion for the business is clear to see and he is very excited to open his own store in Dun Laoghaire in the next few months. Peter Roberts, Roberts of Dalkey, Co. Dublin In 2010, Peter spotted a gap in the market in his local area of Dalkey, where there was no fishmonger. Having no prior knowledge of the seafood industry, he contacted BIM, who introduced him to well-known Martin McLoughlin of Nicky’s Plaice in Howth. Peter opened his own seafood shop in Dalkey in November 2011, and has since opened concession stores in three other locations. Stephen Hurley, The Fish Shop, Union Hall, Co. Cork Stephen has worked at Glenmar Shellfish/The Fish Shop for the past 10 years, where he prides himself on stocking locally caught fish and shellfish in-store. On any given day, he has upwards of 25 different species of fish and shellfish. Anne Stephens, The Fish Market, Maynooth, Co. Kildare Anne is Manager of The Fish Market, Maynooth, which also has retail outlets in Mullingar and Blanchardstown. This is the third year running the company has achieved the finals of the Young Fishmonger competition, with their Manager in Mullingar making the finals in 2015 and the Managing Director and Anne’s husband from their shop in Blanchardstown , George Stephens, the current 2016 Young Fishmonger of the Year. Katarina Curmova, Dunnes Stores, Longford Originally from Slovakia and living in Ireland for the last seven years, Katarina joined Dunnes Stores Longford three years ago and thoroughly enjoys working in the fish department as she gets to express her artistic side through her counter displays. Alona Dutchak , Dunnes Stores, Childers Road, Limerick The daughter of a fisherman in her native Latvia, Alona has worked on the seafood counter in Dunnes Stores Limerick for the past nine years, explaining the benefits of fish oils to her customers and how to cook seafood to retain the maximum nutrition from the fish. Anthony Murray, Dunnes Stores, Terryland, Galway Anthony has extensive experience of the seafood sector, having worked on fishing boats and for fish processors in Mayo. For the past 10 years, he has worked on the seafood counter in Dunnes Stores Terryland.

Pictured are previous winners: Gerard Collier (left) of Fisherman’s Catch, Clogherhead, Co. Louth; James Kirwan of East Coast Seafood, Naas, Co. Kildare (right); and current winner George Stephens (centre) of The Fish Market, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Eimantas Zvirblis, Donnybrook Fair, Malahide, Co. Dublin Eimantas’ passion in life is fish. He developed this passion and realised he had a skill in this area, working for the Dublin Smoked Fish company in 2010. Eimantas also previously worked in Nicky’s Plaice in Howth, where he developed his customer service skills.

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

Confectionery

The Sweetest Feeling Confectionery sales in Ireland are worth a whopping €884m per year, as Irish consumers treat themselves with chocolate, sugar confectionery and gum. AS a nation, we have a collective sweet tooth that encompasses chocolate, sugar confectionery and chewing gum that shows no signs of abating. Indeed, 2015 saw the chocolate confectionery category return to growth after several difficult years, according to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor International, who value chocolate confectionery at €621m, up 4% on the previous year. Sugar confectionery experienced negligible current value growth in 2015, with sales standing at €196m, according to Euromonitor, who also reveal that gum increased by 2% in value terms last year, bringing sales to €67m. The future for chocolate confectionery is bright, according to the report, which predicts annual growth rates of 4% in the coming years, reaching €741m in 2020, with increases driven through marketing and new product development. The gum category is also expected to grow, with Euromonitor predicting 3% annual growth rates, reaching sales of €75m by 2020. They are less positive about sugar confectionery, however, predicting a drop in sales to €180m over the same time period, as substitute products and the onset of private label and discounting take their toll on the category. Nestlé Confectionery When it comes to generating incremental sales within the confectionery category, new product launches provide a huge opportunity for retailers. This autumn, Nestlé’s flagship confectionery brand,

KitKat is set to delight retailers and consumers alike with the launch of two new products; KitKat Bites sharing bag and KitKat Chunky Cookie Dough. KitKat is one of Ireland’s best loved chocolate brands, so new activity is certain to attract attention. The KitKat Bites sharing bag (RRP €2.99) is designed to capitalise on the The KitKat Bites sharing bag is designed long term shift in to capitalise on the long term shift consumer behaviour in consumer behaviour as sharing as sharing occasions occasions with friends and family continue to grow in popularity. with friends and family continue to grow in popularity and consumption moves towards evening sharing. This is reflected in the growth of sharing confectionery sales. Consumer research agrees that KitKat Bites, a sharing bag full of delicious mini KitKat fingers, is perfect for

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Confectionery

KitKat Chunky Cookie Dough sees KitKat Chunky combine with a layer of cookie dough, one of the fastest growing flavours in confectionery.

in-home sharing occasions, such as movie nights or TV favourites like the X-Factor or Strictly Come Dancing. The launch will benefit from heavyweight support including a bespoke 30 second TV ad, digital, social media, PR & POS. Another exciting initiative to drive the singles category is the launch of KitKat Chunky Cookie Dough (RRP €1.02). This new innovation sees KitKat Chunky combine Rowntrees Infusions is a grown-up twist on a well-loved classic, with a mix with a layer of cookie dough, an increasingly of sweets in three premium flavours: popular flavour Orange & Grapefruit, Raspberry & Pomegranate and Apple & Elderflower. which is now moving into mainstream confectionery. Other recent innovations include Rowntrees Infusions, a grown-up twist on a well-loved classic, available in a limited edition 45g singles bag (RRP €0.84) and a permanent 140g sharing bag (RRP €1.96), filled with a mix of sweets in three premium flavours: Orange & Grapefruit, Raspberry & Pomegranate and Apple & Elderflower. With adults accounting for an increasing proportion of fruit sugar confectionery consumption, this launch is set to fill a gap in the market for a more grown-up premium flavour proposition.

Quality Street will deliver some early festive cheer with the launch of its Honeycomb Crunch bar, combining creamy milk chocolate and crunchy honeycomb pieces.

Quality Street will also deliver some early festive cheer with the launch of its Honeycomb Crunch bar (RRP €1.07) Combining creamy milk chocolate and crunchy honeycomb pieces, it makes for an impulsively indulgent early season treat. Seasonal impulse presents an incremental sales opportunity in the lead-up to the footfall-driving Christmas period. Media support includes TV, video on demand and digital.

Mars Ireland August marks the launch of Ireland’s best loved chocolate bars in a tasty, new format. Mars, Snickers and Twix, which have a combined 5.4% share of the chocolate category (Source: Nielsen, MAT, Total Scantrack, Chocolate, W/E April 24, 2016), are now available in single mouthfuls in the biggest launch in the category for years. Mars are launching Bites, their much loved bars scaled down to small, one-bite pieces, which will be available in sharing bags, perfect for enjoying with friends: the Bites range is Snickers 136g, Twix 140g and Mars 136g. Chocolate sharing bags are growing faster than the market at +10.2%, and Mars is the number one manufacturer of sharing bags, driving market growth at +14.4% (Source: Nielsen, MAT, Total Scantrack, Chocolate, W/E April 24, 2016). The Favourite Bars in a Bite launch will be supported by a massive media and in-store campaign, including innovative POS, to capture consumers’ attention. “We are excited to announce that soon shoppers will be able to get their favourite chocolate bars in bite size,” explained Aisling Hogan, Marketing Manager, Mars. “Our brands have always offered a light-hearted way to keep hunger at bay and this will be the same for Bites: they may be small, but New Bites are some of Ireland’s best loved when it comes bars scaled down to small, one-bite pieces, to satisfaction, available in sharing bags: Snickers 136g, Twix 140g and Mars 136g. they’re mighty.

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

Confectionery “Our integrated programme will ensure retailers have everything they need to get behind the campaign to drive awareness and more importantly, sales. Our consumers already know that our bar brands satisfy, and in this new format they can satisfy more people, as Bites are made with sharing in mind.”

Galaxy Style Ambassador Announced Galaxy Chocolate recently unveiled TV presenter, designer and style influencer, Darren Kennedy, as Galaxy style ambassador and the Face of the Dublin Fashion Festival, in association with Galaxy, which took place from September 5-11, 2016. Darren Kennedy is the first man to take on the coveted role, reflecting the appeal of the festival with both men and women. The announcement builds on Galaxy Chocolate’s long association with style. Galaxy Chocolate’s brand identity is an accessible, everyday luxury and TV presenter, designer and Dublin Fashion Festival style influencer, Darren showcases the best of Dublin’s fashion for all – Kennedy, the new Galaxy from high-street to high- style ambassador and the Face of the Dublin Fashion end, transforming the Festival. city into its catwalk. “Galaxy Chocolate has enjoyed a long-association with style and we were proud to announce our sponsorship of the Dublin Fashion Festival earlier this year,” said Eavan Hayes, Galaxy Marketing Manager at Mars Ireland. “The festival is Ireland’s premier style event with a twist: it’s something we can all participate in; it’s accessible, not exclusive, and that was a huge part of its appeal and fit for Galaxy Chocolate.” Lindt As the number one premium boxed brand in the market, Lindt Lindor holds 9.8% market share and is growing +12.2% year on year, proving Lindor to be a must stock for all retailers in 2016 (Source: ACNielsen, 52 weeks to July

Lindt Lindor is growing in popularity all the time and is proving to be a must stock for all retailers in 2016.

Cadbury Dairy Milk Sponsors X Factor A SATURDAY night in front of the box remains close to the hearts of Irish adults, with 59% describing their ideal Saturday night as ‘settling down on the couch for a big night in’, a new Cadbury survey has revealed. It seems we are a nation that loves nothing more than snuggling up for the evening, so much so that 48% of us admit to making up an excuse to escape a night on the town, at least once a month. It’s good news then that The X Factor returned to Irish screens on TV3 on Saturday, August 27, with Cadbury Dairy Milk returning as the official Irish sponsor for a second year. As part of their sponsorship of The X Factor, the Cadbury survey also revealed that two-thirds (67%) of Irish adults will record their favourite show, when forced to miss it on a Saturday night.

Interruptions during our favourite programmes also ranked as a big no-no, with almost half of those surveyed naming ‘talking during the show’ as the most annoying thing about watching television with family and friends. ‘Constant channel surfing’ drives 24% of us up the walls and surprisingly, only 9% are irritated by friends ‘constantly checking their phone’. One in five adults have cried tears of joy watching a reality or talent show, while 19% admit they have cried tears of sadness. With Cadbury being a family favourite in Irish homes, it comes as no surprise that 43% of Irish adults name chocolate as their treat of choice for their big night in. As for whom we would like to share our chocolate and snuggle with, George Clooney tops the female vote with 25%, while Jennifer Lawrence tops the male vote with 16%. Cadbury’s (ROI) partnership with The X Factor on TV3 will be driven by the Cadbury Dairy Milk brand and its #FreeTheJoy message will be brought to life across a wide variety of platforms. Keep up to date with Cadbury Ireland on social media @CadburyIreland and Facebook.com/CadburyIreland.

10, MAT). From the classic milk recipe to the sensuous Lindor Dark, Lindor has a reputation for innovation and has now launched its newest smooth melting creation. The limited edition Lindor Hazelnut is set to hit the shelves this autumn. Lovingly crafted by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers, each Lindor Hazelnut truffle is surrounded by a shell of luxurious premium chocolate that once broken, releases an irresistibly smooth melting filling with hazelnut pieces. The classic smooth melting Lindor milk recipe also comes

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Confectionery in a 100g bar, 12 squares of smooth melting bliss, as well as an “on the go” slim stick format with the Lindor Treat Bar. The Lindor 200g Cornet retails at €6.99, the Lindor 100g Bar retails at €2.29 and the Lindor 38g Treat Bar retails at €1.29. The Lindt Lindor franchise will see the biggest ever national support plan The limited edition Lindor Hazelnut is set to hit behind the the shelves this autumn. brand in 2016, with Lindor TV advertising returning to screens from October, as well as increased activity both in and out of store. Lindt Excellence is the largest dark chocolate brand in Ireland. With year on year growth of +37.1% and holding a market share of 6.3%, Lindt Excellence is over twice the size of its nearest dark chocolate competitor (Source: ACNielsen, 52 weeks to July 10, MAT). Offering an array of flavours for consumers to choose from, from the potency of chilli to the bite of orange and the careful balance of cocoa and sea salt, there is something to excite every palate. Lindt Excellence offers an array of flavours for Crafted by the consumers to choose from, all crafted by the Lindt Master Chocolatiers. Lindt Master Chocolatiers, the rarest and most aromatic cocoa beans are blended with the finest ingredients, creating exquisite and refined chocolate of intense flavour and elegant texture. This September will see an extensive support plan behind the Lindt Excellence brand. A heavyweight TV campaign runs throughout August and September and retailers will see another major in-store push, with Lindt Excellence offering an array of attractive and premium point of sale solutions. The Lindt Excellence range is available in all leading retailers and priced at €2.80.

Ampersand Ampersand recently added the Love Sweets brand to their portfolio, having being appointed the exclusive distributor by JFC Distribution in July. JFC partnered with Ampersand to build on the previous success they have had with the Love Sweets brand on the Irish market and grow the brand on a national scale. Ampersand’s sales force provide direct sales and merchandising services to over 3,000 FMCG customers and were seen as a perfect fit to partner with, having enjoyed proven success in building FMCG brands over the years. The Love Sweets brand was also the perfect addition to Ampersand’s portfolio, given its quality offering and proven rate of sale as a fast moving product within the convenience and forecourt sector. Ampersand is long established as a key distributor in the convenience sector; they trade with all retail groups and have full central billing arrangements with all Irish operators.

Ampersand have launched Love Sweets with a range of €1 hanging bags and €2 mix-ups and have a full range of branded stands and dump bins to maximise sales opportunities and increase footfall into store for retailers.

The Ampersand sales team celebrate the addition of the Love Sweets brand to their portfolio.

Ampersand have launched with the range of €1 hanging bags and €2 mix-ups and have a full range of branded stands and dump bins to maximise sales opportunities and increase footfall into store for retailers. For more information, call the Ampersand sales service team on (01) 4130150 or contact through info@ ampersandsales.ie or www.ampersandsales.ie

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

Invest NI: Confectionery

Sweet Treats Invest NI highlight some of the Northern confectionery companies looking to grow their presence in the Republic of Ireland, as part of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink 2016. NORTHERN Ireland’s Year of Food & Drink 2016 aims to increase the presence and amount of NI food and drink brands in the retail and foodservice sectors in the Republic. This month, the focus is on the Northern confectionery brands looking to make waves here. Cobden + Brown AT Cobden + Brown, their ethos is simple: they make delicious handmade chocolate which is wheat and gluten free, without any compromise on taste or flavour. Their story: when their sons were diagnosed with Coeliac Disease and an egg intolerance, it proved to be the real inspiration behind the company and its ethos. “We really do believe that no one should have to compromise on taste or flavour, regardless of dietary requirements,” says Caroline McArdle. “We all agree chocolate should be fun, so we started the company from scratch, working with only the finest ingredients to make delicious artisan chocolate treats to sell at farmers markets throughout Ireland.” However, it wasn’t long before independent shops and delis started to enquire and Cobden + Brown hit the shelves. Their ability to create a luxuriously smooth rich chocolate suitable for everyone to enjoy has earned Gold stars at the Great Taste Awards in London. Their product range includes 100g bars in: milk chocolate, hazelnut and milk chocolate, white chocolate, dark 60% and dark 70% single origin beans from Ecuador and dark 85%, their own house blend. For more information, see www.cobdenandbrownchocolate.com. Forest Feast Kestrel Foods Ltd is a family run business at the forefront of the market for premium quality dried fruit and nuts, in the retail and foodservice sector. Based in Northern Ireland, continuous investment in state-of-the-art production facilities and an ambitious growth strategy, has cultivated a global customer base in over 30 countries. With a portfolio of

innovative snack products marketed under its Forest Feast brand, its offering ranges from healthy to indulgent, value to premium and traditional to contemporary. The company has continued to identify emerging sectors and growth opportunities and as such has considerably grown its customer base in retail, foodservice, ecommerce and travel retail, as well as supplying retailer private label. The multi-award winning brand portfolio is now made up of over 150 unique flavour combinations and is available in countries worldwide, including Russia, Hong Kong, Norway, Mongolia, Italy, Poland and Iceland. The brand is recognised in the snack food industry for outstanding packaging design, combined with premium quality and taste. The company’s emphasis on sourcing high quality ingredients and manufacturing diverse products allows it to deliver added value to consumers. Forest Feast Premium Fruit Doypacks are leading the way in the style stakes: this signature premium dried fruit range offers the ultimate in luxury snacking. Packed in resealable foil fresh packaging, this range will stand out from the crowd. Varieties include; Exotic Dried Mango, Berries & Cherries, Wonder Berries & Mango Sour. Mini Doypacks include pure dried fruit of exquisite quality, free from artificial additives and preservatives and packed in contemporary pocket sized packs, while Chocolate Quads are dried fruits hand-coated in Belgian milk, white or dark chocolate. Savoury Doypacks are sharing packs, offering everything from traditional roasted & salted peanuts to Thai Spice Cashews. The range also include WholeSnacks, a menu of choice from healthy to indulgent lines including natural nuts, seeds and dried fruit to the more decadent savoury and sweet ‘pick me up’ snacks; Singles Multipacks of dried fruit; and Forest Feast Real Value, contemporary mixes and traditional nuts, dried fruit and seeds at an everyday affordable price. Snack International is a range of delicious and unique mixes, inspired by a fusion of flavours from around the world, while Street Food is inspired by the sights, sounds

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Invest NI: Confectionery and spices of the world’s street food hot-spots, including Koh Samui Thai Spice; Sri Lanka Kandy Mix; Kerala Cashew & Coconut Spice; Louisiana Hickory Barbeque and Ir de Tapas, which can be purchased as both impulse and share packs. Crunchy Coated Peas are the next generation on the go snacking and can be purchased in three varieties, including Hot & Sour Sriracha; Smokin Bbq and Spicy Chilli Lime. For more information, see forestfeast.com.

Popcorn (12 × 120g); Salted Cinema Style Popcorn (12 × 95g); Salty & Sweet Popcorn (12 × 100g); Sweet Cinema Style Popcorn (15 × 40g); Salted Cinema Style Popcorn (15 × 30g); Salty & Sweet Popcorn (15 × 35g); Raw Corn; Mushroom Corn (25kg); Butterfly Corn (25kg); Cartons (solid) in 46oz (500), 85oz (300) and 130oz (140) ; as well as collapsible cartons in various sizes. For more information, see www.goldenpopcorn.com.

Free’ist Free’ist was introduced to the marketplace in September 2013 and their extensive range contains 21 sugar free and no added sugar products. The brand was launched after a growing demand for tasty treats and snacks within the Free From category, for consumers who wanted to eat better for a healthier lifestyle. Some of the products, as well as being sugar free/no added sugar, are gluten free so they are suitable for coeliacs. Free’ist currently has distribution in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, GB, Spain, and the UAE. “Free’ist indulges your craving for the little treats you love, without letting sugar get in your way. But unlike other sugar free brands, we actually put flavour first,” insists Steve McDonagh. The range includes four cookies (Chocolate Chip, Hazelnut, Choc Striped Peanut, and Coconut), two chocolate wafer products (Milk Chocolate Wafer Bars and Milk Chocolate Wafer Fingers), six chocolate bars (milk chocolate, dark chocolate, milk chocolate with hazelnuts, white chocolate with strawberries, dark chocolate with mint and dark chocolate with orange), three jams (strawberry and raspberry jam and orange marmalade), five popcorns (Caramel Crunch Popcorn, Lightly Sea Salted Popcorn, Sweet & Salty Popcorn, Toffee Apple Popcorn, Coconut & Vanilla Popcorn) and one marshmallow product. Free’ist Caramel Crunch Popcorn won Gold in the Savoury Snack category at the Blas na hÉireann Irish Food Awards For more information, see www.freeist.co.uk.

Just Live a Little Ltd Just Live a little Ltd was founded in 2012 by Jill and David Crawford and specialises in the manufacture, sales and marketing of granola cereals and granola cereal bars. The company started from a market stall in St George’s Market, before securing initial contracts with Hastings Hotels to supply their breakfast cereals and many local independent retailers. Just Live a Little launched its re-branded and extended product range in July 2014 and has already established several new contracts as a result. Today the company offers six varieties of granola breakfast cereals in both retail and foodservice formats, including organic gluten free granola (Artisan Triple Nut Gluten Free Granola), along with a range of two granola bars and two on-the-go portion pots. The full product range includes: Artisan Whole Almond Granola; Artisan Cranberry & Cashew Granola; Artisan Triple Nut Gluten Free Granola; Oatyberry Granola; Oaty, Apple & Cinnamon Granola; Strawberry Granola (No added sugar); Artisan Whole Almond Pour–in Pack; Artisan Cranberry & Cashew Pour–in Pack; Yogurtberry Bar 3 Pack (45g); Fruit Chew Bars 3 Pack (45g); Fruit Chew Bar and Yogurtberry Bar. For more information, see www.justlivealittle.co.

Golden Popcorn Golden Popcorn Ltd is a Northern Ireland based popcorn manufacturer, in operation since 1998 and based in Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim. The firm makes ready-to-eat sweet and salted popcorn for cinemas throughout Northern Ireland (including all Movie House Cinemas) and the Republic of Ireland. In addition to this, they produce pre-packaged popcorn which is available in Asda, Sainsbury, Tesco, Dunnes, SuperValu, as well as many other retail outlets. The company also sells all the ingredients required for making popcorn, for those who wish to make it themselves. Golden Popcorn has also enhanced its marketing through the application of interactive social media such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Their product range includes: Sleeve Sweet Popcorn (4kg); Sleeve Salted Popcorn (3.25kg); Sweet Cinema Style

Pop Notch Declan McBride, aka the Willy Wonka of the popcorn world, is passionate about popcorn. In April 2014, Declan teamed up with Michael Heaslip and Food Stories to launch Pop Notch. Pop Notch has moved from a kitchen table operation to a large production facility in less than a year. With sales on the rise and two Great Taste Awards under their belt, Pop Notch is entering an exciting new phase of innovation and development. “Our innovative product offering includes large Share Bags aimed at customers who want a healthy alternative snack ideal for a movie night and smaller Snack Packs perfect for a snack on the go,” explains Declan McBride. Pop Notch is Gluten Free and made with natural ingredients. “Pop Notch is different,” he insists. “We use a special kind of Argentinian mushroom corn to produce extra-large popcorn pieces which lock in the flavour. All our caramels are made from scratch, we use real pieces of marshmallow, not flavouring, and our Sweet & Salty is hand mixed.” Their product range includes Sweet & Salty Popcorn, Salted Caramel Popcorn and Marshmallow Popcorn, available in snack pack & share bag size. For more information, see popnotch.co.uk.

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Invest NI News

All-Ireland Event Showcases Butchery Skills THE first All-Ireland Butchery Expo is being held on September 28-29 and is supported by Dunbia, the leading Northern Ireland meat processor. Organised by Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone-based Butchery Excellence Scheme (BES), the expo is Northern Ireland and Ireland’s first-ever trade event to be specifically created for butchers. Over 500 butchers from across Ireland are expected to attend the event in Monaghan, which will be home to two days of competitions, features and over 35 industry-specific exhibitors. Taking place on September 28 and 29, the event has been created by BES to address concerns on the increasing amount of legislation that's required by butchers. Visitors to the show will also gain useful tips on how to maximise sales via an informative Profit Shop Chat Show at the event. “Through ongoing work in the food sector with butchers across the North and South of Ireland, it became clear that there were limited events in Ireland that were aimed specifically at those in the butchery trade,” says Rhonda Montgomery, BES Chief Executive. “We’ve created a trade expo that’s specifically tailored to butchers’ requirements. The event aims to be informative and enjoyable, with a range of features created to address sector-specific issues, skills learning and knowledge that will help butchers to enhance their businesses.”

The Live Butcher Stage will host a programme of events, with top industry experts taking to the stage over the two days to deliver workshops and talks on topics ranging from Master Curing and Charcuterie, to live demonstrations on how to butcher a pig or create the perfect sausage. Matthew Dobson, Dunbia Managing Director, continues: “As one of the market leaders for supplying farm-assured beef, lamb and pork, both in Ireland and internationally, there’s a great synergy with supporting Ireland’s first two-day expo specifically aimed at those with in the butchery sector.

Pictured at the launch of the Butchery Expo 2016 which took place at Corries Farm Butchers in Holywood are Stephen Robinson of Corries Butchers; Chief Executive of the Butchery Excellence Scheme, Rhonda Montgomery; MD of the Butchery Excellence Scheme, Sean Owens; and Commercial Manager at Dunbia, Patrick Laver.

“At Dunbia, we aim to create better food naturally, and high quality and excellence are top of the agenda for us. These are values that we share with the Butchery Excellence Scheme and its members across the North and South of Ireland.”

New Chook Chook Retail Poultry Brand Takes Wings CHOOK Chook, a funky new brand, has been launched by one of Northern Ireland’s longest established poultry businesses to grow sales in key markets, including the Republic of Ireland. The brand has been created by HK Dickeys of Cullybackey, near Ballymena, in Co. Antrim and is targeted at retailers in particular. A longtime specialist in fresh and cooked chickens, Dickeys has developed Chook Chook is a funky new poultry brand from HK Dickey, one of Chook Chook to help set the small business Northern Ireland’s longest established poultry businesses. apart in a fiercely competitive market. “The new Chook Chook brand gives us a personality and a way to talk to customers that we haven’t tried

before,” says Managing Director, Wesley Dickey, who runs the business started by his parents in the 1950s. “We want to expand the strong business we already have for fresh and cooked chickens by means of this new brand and additional products we are planning.” The company also specialises in chicken-based products, including Sweet and Sour Chicken, Coq au Vin, Chicken Florida, Chicken Curry and Chicken Bake. It offers a complete range of breaded products which have proved popular because of the quality of ingredients used. It manufactures boneless and skinless ‘low-fat’ products by hand. The company, in addition, has linked up with Andy Rea, a leading Northern Ireland chef and restaurant owner, in the development of new restaurant quality products. Chook Chook products are developed from the company’s own poultry. It manages birds from field to fork. “We are really excited about the future for Chook Chook,” Dickey continues. “We have carried out a tremendous amount of market research and now have so many ideas that we want to bring to market. This is just the start of something really important developing in our industry, going back to our roots. We are also passionate about supporting local farmers, raising chickens and appreciating the superb food we can produce here in Northern Ireland."

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Invest NI News Northern Irish Products Shortlisted for Quality Awards NO fewer than 40 products from almost 30 Northern Ireland companies have been shortlisted in the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards for 2016. Northern Irish producers were successful in most of the categories in what has become Ireland’s biggest competition for quality food and drink. They include products listed by most of the main retailers, including M&S, Dunne’s and SuperValu, as well as Aldi and Lidl. The awards are renowned throughout the industry for their rigorous and stringent judging process. Drawing on the knowledge and expertise built up through running the UK Quality Food Awards for almost 40 years, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards follow the same stringent procedure to arrive at their results. Judging took place this summer at the Dublin Institute of Technology's School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology. Each product was prepared in line with its on-pack instructions and then carefully judged by members of the panel, who discussed its merits based on the following criteria: taste, flavour, texture, aroma, ingredients list, innovation, packaging, presentation and price point. For the first time, the 2016 awards will see products have the opportunity of being awarded with either a Gold,

Silver or Bronze Q. A new overall Platinum award is being introduced to recognise the product the judges think is the best for each individual category (similar to Gold Q for food). All the Platinum products have been judged again separately and an ultimate Platinum Q awarded to the product that judges believe is the stand-out product across all the Quality Drink Awards categories.

Entrants are also provided with comprehensive feedback from the judging panel about their product. Shortlisted products from Northern Ireland include those from White’s Speedicook, Forest Feast, Dale Farm, Heavenly Tasty Organics, Genesis Crafty, Mash Direct, Johnsons Coffee, Choice Pizza, Moy Park, Crust & Crumb, Clearer Water, Avondale Foods, Daily Bake, McColgans, Erin Grove Preserves, Glens of Antrim Potatoes, Willowbrook Foods, Hughes Mushrooms, Morrow Foods, Camran Crafts, McCanns Cider, Mac Ivors Cider Co., Tempted Cider Company,and Farmageddon Brewing CoOp.

Blas na hEireann Awards MORE than 60 products from upwards of 40 Northern Ireland food and drink companies have been shortlisted in the 2016 Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards. The award winners will be announced at the start of October as part of the annual Dingle Food Festival in Kerry. The awards are the biggest blindtasted food competition on the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland companies also have an impressive track record in the awards, which are watched closely by retailers seeking new product ideas. The shortlisted Northern Ireland companies range from industry leaders such as Dale Farm in Belfast, Avondale Foods of Lurgan, Co. Armagh, and Linden Foods of Dungannon,

Co. Tyrone, to smaller enterprises, including Passion Preserved of Lisburn, Co. Antrim, Tempted Cider, also from Lisburn, Neary Nogs Chocolate of Newry, Co. Down, and Dart Mountain Cheese of Dungiven, Co. Derry. The Blas na hEireann Awards were founded so that quality benchmarks could be established for Irish produce on a level playing field. Northern Ireland category winners in 2015 included Linden Foods, Dungannon, Co. Tyrone; Hannan Meats, Moira, Co. Down; Willowbrook Foods, Killinchy, Co. Down, Heatherlea Bakery, Bangor, Co. Down, Broighter Gold Rapeseed, Limavady, Co. Derry, White’s Oats, Tandragee, Co. Armagh, and Dart Mountain Cheese Company, Dungiven, Co. Derry.

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Fuels

Fuelling Demand! Demand for spot heating in the home has fuelled a return to real fires, as well as increased demand for mobile heating appliances.

INCREASES in the cost of central heating have led to growing numbers of consumers ‘spot heating’ their home, as they can save money by heating specific areas, rather than running their central heating throughout the whole house. There has been a significant return to real fires right across the country, while the growth in sales of mobile heating appliances continues apace as more and more consumers seek to curb spending wherever they can. Bord na Móna Bord na Móna, the largest supplier of solid fuel in Ireland, has led the way in designing an innovative and convenient The Bord na Móna Irish Peat briquette: bringing value, comfort and range of quality solid fuel solutions for Irish consumers. magic into Irish homes for many years. Bord na Móna are continuing their investment in a sustainable future, with planning permission granted for season (Source: Millward Brown National Representative their new smokeless coal and bio-mass enhanced “ovoid” tracker). manufacturing facility at Foynes, Co. Limerick. “We look While research indicates that consumers are price forward to developing new and exciting products in the bio-mass area and to lead the market with high quality smokeless solid fuel solutions, offering more choice to our customers and consumers,” noted Patricia Mulligan, Customer Activation Manager, Bord na Móna. At the heart of the Bord na Móna range is the Irish Peat briquette, bringing value, comfort and magic into Irish homes for many years. Solid fuel continued to be used as the main source of heating for Bord na Móna’s smokeless coal range features easy to carry handles for convenience and all adults in Irish homes last includes a range of options for consumers to choose from.

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

Fuels conscious, availability where they shop and quality are also key purchase drivers. Consumers are buying smaller quantities more frequently and this is verified with a growth in the retail channel for solid fuel. “Bord na Móna, as the category and market leader in solid fuel, recently invested in the revamping of our smokeless coal range across our 20kg and 10kg formats including a new 20kg premium stove ovoid,” Mulligan notes. “Our 10kg Smokeless coal range features easy to carry handles for convenience and includes Lignite Nuggets, Premium Ovoid Nuggets and a new Lignite Blend, a high quality smokeless coal with a quick ignition time and a golden flame.”

The Bord na Móna Firelog: providing consumers with an instant and convenient real fire experience.

The new brightly coated woven polypropylene packaging provides a cleaner-to-handle package, displaying key product characteristics to help consumers make the right choice at point of purchase. The Bord na Móna Kiln Dried Hardwood log and kindling is available in convenient carry home pack, easy to display, easy to store, easy to stack. “Our firelogs, firepacks and firelighters, as well as our high quality ECO logs in 8 and 16 packs are showing substantial growth within the convenience and retail sector,” Mulligan reveals, “providing consumers with an instant and convenient real fire experience.” Bord na Móna are supporting their customers for winter 2016 with a strong integrated marketing campaign, including TV, radio, outdoor, digital and social media. Their comprehensive in-store POS materials are designed to support sales and create a great solid fuel shopping experience for your customers. “At Bord na Mona, sustainability is the hearbeat of our business and we continue to develop new high quality, low smoke fuel, which means more choice for customers in the future,” concludes Mulligan.

Homestead Firelighters, one of the star performers in the Homstead portfolio.

Homestead After the launch of the Homestead brand in 1986, the firelighter range quickly became a staple product within the brand's portfolio, generating considerable sales in this category. It is estimated that Homestead Firelighters account for 53% of the total firelighter sales within symbol groups and independent retailers, while rivalling the two leading brands in Ireland. Over 70% of households have open fires and the ignition sector is one of

Homestead has increased investment in the Homestead Firelog, which will mean deeper, more frequent promotional activity in line with the market.

the fastest growing sectors in the household category. The Homestead fuels range consists of two skus of firelighters, 30’s and 60’s, and a Firelog, which was introduced to the range in early 2005. With the increase in trading of Firelogs in the Irish market, a full review of the Homestead promotion plan has taken place, which has resulted in an increase of investment in the Homestead Firelog, which will It is estimated that Homestead mean deeper, more frequent promotional Firelighters account for 53% of the total firelighter sales within symbol groups and activity in line with independent retailers. the market. Homestead Brand Manager Janice Gibney is delighted to come to the table with this increased investment, which will still give retailers the healthy margin they know and love from Homestead, while continuing to bring value home to its consumers. Flogas Retail customers are always seeking costeffective solutions to control their home heating bills and Flogas Superser heaters are a recognisable and proven bestseller. “Flogas Superser heaters are the

Flogas Superser heaters are perfect for that cosy feel: picture shows the Flogas Superser Radiant model.

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Fuels perfect solution for cost-conscious customers,” said Eoin O’Flynn of Flogas Ireland, the exclusive distributor for Superser in Ireland and the UK. “They are extremely useful as an instant, economic and portable way to ‘spot-heat’ a room quickly, as many customers find it far cheaper than turning on the central heating for an hour or two.” Flogas supplies two very contemporary looking and stylish mobile heaters, the Superser Radiant and Superser Catalytic. In particular, the Superser Catalytic burns without a flame and has lower touch temperatures, making it safer, and it’s fitted with easy glide castors, which allows for trouble-free moving from room to room. Portable and stylish yet extremely functional, the Flogas Gaslight cylinders have been a great success and are getting an excellent response from customers due to the benefits they offer. Not only are the Flogas Gaslight cylinders about half the weight of the traditional steel cylinders, the semi-translucent exterior allows customers to see exactly how much gas they have left. The Flogas Gaslight cylinders are as safe as steel cylinders and won’t leave rust marks on patios or decks. They fit all leading brands of LPG appliances, making them ideal for caravans, campervans, motor homes, barbeques and patio heaters. The cylinders are available in 5kg and 10Kg sizes in selected outlets nationwide. For more information, contact Flogas on 041 Model Karena Graham shows off the lightness of the new Flogas Gaslight 9831041 or visit www.flogas.ie. cylinder, available in 5kg and 10kg sizes.

Superser Heater to be Won!

To be in with a chance to win the Superser heater, simply answer the question below and send, along with your name and address, to Retail News, 14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2 or Email: retailnews@ tarapublications.ie.

The exclusive distributor of Superser heaters in Ireland.

Closing date is October 14, 2016, and judge’s decision is final.

Flogas and Retail News are offering you the chance to win a Flogas Superser heater of your choice this autumn! Retailers looking to stock up on Superser mobile heaters can find them exclusively from Flogas on 041-9831041 or www.flogas.ie. For instant, controllable heat that’s both stylish and cost-effective, Flogas supplies the Superser Radiant and Superser Catalytic. In particular, the Superser Catalytic burns without a flame and has lower touch temperatures, making it safer. It’s also fitted with easy glide castors, which allows for trouble-free moving from room to room.

Question: Name one of the Superser mobile heaters supplied by Flogas.

Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie|55

What's New GIVE YOUR SALES A TOP-UP! VODAFONE have Give your sales a relaunched their Pay As top up with our new You Go top-up offers, Chat Extra offer! with the introduction of Unlimited any network calls and texts, plus 1GB data. All for only €20! Chat Extra: unlimited any Vodafone Power to you network calls, unlimited any network texts and 1GB of 4G data, all for €20 top-up. Chat Extra is being heavily promoted ATL on TV and supported by a digital strategy, reaching out to customers where talk is a key part of their mobile usage. To avail of this offer, simply advise customers to opt in by texting CHAT Extra to 50222 and topping up by €20. Now customers can enjoy even more great value than ever before and with over 90% 4G coverage in all counties, Vodafone Pay As You Go offers the full package!

SPARKLING ADDITION TO SOFT DRINK RANGE SPARKLING Ice, a flavoured sparkling water, was introduced into the UK and Ireland in April this year from US category leader, Talking Rain Beverage Company. At just 12 calories per bottle (500ml) and containing zero sugar, Sparkling Ice is bursting with refreshing fruit flavour, designed to create an enjoyable experience with just the right amount of fizz. With great success from the first three flavours launched in the region - Black Raspberry, Orange Mango and Peach Nectarine, Talking Rain has introduced yet another innovative flavour, Kiwi Strawberry, to its product range, which is distributed by Richmond Marketing.

KITTENSOFT ADORABLY SOFT RELAUNCH 2016 is an exciting year for KittenSoft with an ‘Adorably Soft’ re-launch. The Sofidel Group, producers of KittenSoft, have made a significant manufacturing investment into brand new ‘constellation’ technology, which ensures perfect consistency in product from the first sheet all the way to the last sheet. A brand new KittenSoft TV advert runs from September right through to December, the biggest ATL investment KittenSoft has seen in the recent years. This KittenSoft re-launch will not only be supported by a huge TV presence but with strong promotional activity, helping KittenSoft remain Ireland’s number one ATL brand (Source: Kantar, total market spend, week ending June 19, 2016). The KittenSoft ‘Adorably Soft’ range has also had a makeover, which sees the packs evolve from their traditional white to a more contemporary blue colour. The range now proudly carries the FSC logo, a reinforcement of the commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing of raw materials.

CENTRA LAUNCHES COFFEE CAPSULES CENTRA has introduced a brand new range of coffee pods that are sure to create a stir, priced at just €1.99 per packet of 10 capsules, which are compatible with Nespresso machines. Centra is bringing three delicious different varieties to coffee lovers: Smooth Lungo, medium roasted Arabica blend with caramel tones; Classic Espresso, round bodied with a light caramel nutty aroma; and Intense Ristretto, rich, strong, robust flavour with chocolate notes. For those that like to add a twist to their coffee, Centra have also developed a number of recipes including a Nutty Chocolate Coffee, Coffee Cream Cocktail and a Vietnamese Iced Coffee.

GLENISK LIFTS THE LID ON SUGAR GLENISK has introduced a new range of Organic Bio Live Yogurts, with a significantly reduced sugar content. The yogurts are made with organic fruit and milk and the sugars within are largely naturally occurring milk and fruit sugars. Like all Glenisk Organic Yogurts, they are made exclusively with Irish milk and contain absolutely no artificial ingredients or sweeteners. Available in Natural, Raspberry, Strawberry and Blueberry, the new range comes in a multipack 4x125g format, and is available in supermarkets, convenience stores and independent shops nationwide, priced at €2.75.

MIWADI MINI: JUST 5 CALORIES PER SQUEEZE MIWADI Mini is the newest member to join the MiWadi family, Ireland’s number one dilute brand and everyone’s childhood favourite. MiWadi Mini is a nifty little pack of super concentrated dilute drops that can be added to water, anytime, anywhere, to provide a drop of thirst quenching, tasty MiWadi refreshment. MiWadi Mini is an expansion of the hugely successful MiWadi 0% Sugar range that was launched last year to give consumers more flavour and choice in low and no sugar drinks. Contained in a nifty handbag sized squeezable pack, the MiWadi Mini range contains real fruit juice, 0% sugar and just 5 calories per serve. MiWadi Mini is available in three tempting flavours: Apple & Strawberry, Peach & Mango and Tropical Fruits. Each pack makes 20 tasty drinks and the RRP is €2.89.

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Cereals

Serious about

Cereals

Irish consumers munch their way through €222m worth of breakfast cereals each year.

IRISH consumers love breakfast cereals and the good news for retailers is that this remains a growing sector. 2015 saw the category generating value growth of 2%, with sales rising to €222m, according to the latest report into the sector from Euromonitor International. Volume sales continued to see slight growth, rising by 1% with growth coming from categories such as hot cereals and muesli, Euromonitor reveal. Indeed, they predict annual growth of 1%, bringing the category to a value of €231m by 2020. Health and wellness continues to be the key driver of demand in this category, as more consumers are seeking out healthier products to start their day. Products with low sugar content, particularly porridge and Made with wheat protein, new Weetabix Protein is a delicious and nutritious breakfast that helps keep the family going all morning. gluten free products, have been particularly helpful in terms of driving growth. and convenience are priorities that they don’t want to compromise on. With this in mind, Weetabix presents two Weetabix fresh ways of enjoying its cereal goodness at the breakfast Weetabix is proud to provide consumers with nutritious table and out of home: Weetabix Protein and Weetabix On and delicious breakfast options to fit every lifestyle. The The Go. brand understands that for shoppers today, health, taste,

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Cereals Weetabix Protein is the brand’s latest exciting product innovation, aimed at active consumers looking to increase their protein consumption. Made with wheat protein, new Weetabix Protein is a delicious and nutritious breakfast that helps keep the family going all morning. As the most trusted macronutrient (Source: Canadean, 2015), protein has become a mainstream health trend. With more and more consumers now very aware of the benefits of protein, there is a huge opportunity for a mainstream brand such as Weetabix to launch a high protein breakfast cereal for the whole family to enjoy. High in protein and with the nutrition you’d expect from a Weetabix cereal; high in fibre, low in sugar, salt, and fat and fortified with Iron and vitamins, a serving Weetabix On The Go of Weetabix Protein with milk (40g contains all the energy, portion with 135ml semi-skimmed protein, and fibre of a milk) contains 12g of protein. typical Weetabix cereal Weetabix Protein is targeted at with milk. consumers with a healthy and active lifestyle who understand the importance of starting their day with a balanced breakfast, providing them with the energy required for busy mornings. “The cereal category is ready for a big shift in health perceptions, driven by a big trend from a big brand,” noted Weetabix Brand Manager, Caroline La Niece. “We have developed Weetabix Protein to make it simpler for consumers to get a high protein, tasty, nutritious breakfast that helps keep them powered throughout the morning." Consumers today are ever more health-conscious, expecting nutrition from their food and drink without compromising on great taste. At the same time, they are increasingly time-poor, which explains why a growing number of 18-35 year olds are foregoing a daily sit-down breakfast. Instead, they grab a quick over-the-counter snack or skip the first meal of the day altogether.

A tasty combination of milk, fruit, protein and soluble wheat fibre blended into a deliciously smooth breakfast drink, Weetabix On The Go comes in 250ml bottles.

Weetabix presents the solution with its On The Go range: containing all the energy, protein and fibre of a typical Weetabix cereal with milk, it provides a “proper breakfast, bottled”. The drinks are a tasty combination of milk, fruit, protein, and soluble wheat fibre, blended into a deliciously smooth breakfast drink. Tapping into the trend for convenient and delicious morning meals, the new product offers retailers a real opportunity to maximise their breakfast sales. Available in resealable 250ml bottles, the range includes Vanilla, Strawberry, and Chocolate flavours. Weetabix On The Go is high in fibre, low in fat and saturated fat and has no artificial sweeteners, so consumers do not have to compromise on a healthy breakfast. Flahavan’s Flahavan’s is Ireland’s favourite porridge brand and continues to drive growth in the hot oats and healthy cold cereal market. Staying close to the consumer and understanding evolving consumers’ needs is key to the brand’s success. As the convenience hot oats market grows, Flahavan’s is continuously innovating to lead the market, a strategy which is clearly working as Flahavan’s yet again show their strength, with the company ranking as the number one chosen hot breakfast brand in Ireland in 2016 (Source: Kantar Worldpanel). Reflecting this, the Flahavan’s brand also continues to grow its convenience market share, increasing value share by 15% in the last year (Source: (Source: New Flahavan’s Super Kantar Worldpanel, March 27, Oats are sure to be a hit 2016) and Flahavan’s continues to drive growth in the overall hot oats with Irish children this winter. category. In July this year, three of Flahavan’s Porridge products won Gold Stars at the Great Taste Awards. Flahavan’s Irish Organic Porridge Oats, Irish Porridge Oats and Irish Organic Jumbo Oats all received 2 Gold Stars each, the highest award given in the category, with their porridge being described by the judges as “rich and superb porridge” and “a glorious bowl of goodness”. Flahavan’s are launching their new Super Oats, which is sure to be a hit with Irish children this winter. Following extensive research, they identified that Flahavan’s has announced the launch many parents who of a new Granola variety, Toasted Nut Granola, made with quality locally sourced already understood ingredients. the health benefits

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Cereals of porridge, also had a need to provide the same wholesome, natural, healthy breakfast for their children. The ability of porridge oats to sustain energy levels throughout the morning and help children be active is something parents really value. The Flahavan’s Super Oats packaging appeals to a younger age group with its colourful, fun and energetic cues. Flahavan’s Super Oats is super for active kids as its smoother texture appeals to younger children, and the oats contain a source of protein, which contributes to the maintenance of normal bones. The oats are high in fibre, 100% Irish wholegrain and provide a slow release of energy. Super Oats will be available in the popular drum format with a free scoop for easy measuring. Flahavan’s Super Oats is microwave ready in just two minutes.

Kellogg’s Cúl Camps CORK Camogie Captain, Ashling Thompson made a surprise visit to a Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp in Burgess GAA Club, Co. Tipperary, for an action packed day with youngsters. On a mission for nutrition, the Kellogg’s Cúl Camps ambassador put kids through their paces, teaching them all about the importance of Powering Play, a nutrition-based programme which helps children understand the importance of nutrition and its role in fuelling physical activity. “We all need food to fuel our bodies and children should be eating and drinking different foods that will help them to be active,” Laura Street, Kellogg’s nutritionist, said. “The advice hasn’t changed; breakfast is still the most important meal of the day and if you start the day off well by fuelling your body, it will help ensure you have enough energy for the morning ahead.”

Ashling Thompson, Cork Camogie captain, pictured with kids from the Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp in Burgess GAA Club, Co. Tipperary. Flahavan’s have recently relaunched their delicious flapjack range, which includes the tried and trusted Original and Choc Chip Flapjacks, as well as three brand new varieties, Multiseed, Fruit & Nut and Cranberry & Orange.

In cold cereals, Flahavan’s has announced the launch of a new Granola variety, Toasted Nut Granola. This new and deliciously indulgent treat of toasted wholegrain oat granola combines cashews, almonds, pecans, walnuts, and hazelnuts with the finest Flahavan’s Irish oats. Flahavan’s Toasted Nut Granola, made with quality locally sourced ingredients, will bring a dash of ‘delish’ to breakfast time when served as cereal or as a porridge topping. With an easy-open resealable pack for freshness, this delicious granola is free from additives and preservatives so consumers can enjoy each tasty spoonful free from guilt. Flahavan’s have also recently relaunched their delicious flapjack range, which includes the tried and trusted Original and Choc Chip Flapjacks, as well as three brand new varieties, Multiseed, Fruit & Nut and Cranberry & Orange. For refuelling on the go, these wholesome oaty snacks are sure to tickle taste buds. These flapjacks are baked to perfection following Mary Flahavan’s recipe in Flahavan’s bakery in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford. The finest quality Irish oats are sourced from local farmers, resulting in a delicious crunchy oaty snack that the whole family can enjoy.

Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps, which took place in July and August, are for children aged 6-13 and offer training in hurling, camogie, football and ladies’ football, together with rounders and in some camps, handball. It’s an action-packed week for the more than 100,000 children who benefit from learning new skills, improving their wellbeing, making new friends and ultimately, having fun. 2016 is Kellogg’s fifth year of sponsorship. Celebrating over 230 years in business, Flahavan’s has grown to a company selling a wide range of oat products in 14 countries worldwide, with varying flavours and formats, including Multiseed, Fruits and Organic, convenience Quick Oats pots and sachets, flapjacks, muesli, Granola and new Super Oats. Nestlé Nestlé Breakfast Cereals continue to work hard to make breakfast better every day through making whole grain their number one ingredient and adding exciting innovations to the range in 2016. Shredded Wheat launched their new campaign in August across TV, digital and OOH. Nestlé Cereals believe healthy choices help consumers make the most of life and Shredded Wheat provides a healthy choice to help them live life to the full every day. This is an attitude of getting out there and not

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Cereals Joining the Nestlé GoFree family are new Nestlé GoFree Rice Pops and GoFree Coco Rice. On shelves now, these delicious new cereals help those who exclude gluten from their diet have even more irresistible choice for breakfast in the morning.

The hugely popular Shredded Wheat brand is being supported by a new campaign across TV, digital and OOH.

just doing what you need to do, but Shredding it, #shredded. Two new variants will also launch, Shredded Wheat Barley & Spelt and Shredded Wheat Rye & Quinoa: natural whole grain wheat that gives Shredded Wheat its crisp bite and delicious taste, plus additional grains traditionally savoured for their distinctive flavours.

GoFree Rice Pops and GoFree Coco Rice are fortified with B-vitamins, folic acid and iron, ensuring that those who are gluten free can be confident they’re getting a nutritious start to the day.

GoFree Rice Pops and GoFree Coco Rice are fortified with B-vitamins, folic acid and iron, ensuring that those who are gluten free can be confident they’re getting a nutritious start to the day. The GoFree range is also free from the premium price tag for a ‘specialist’ cereal, making them great value. The Nestlé GoFree range also includes GoFree Corn Flakes and GoFree Honey Flakes. For the latest news from Nestlé gluten free cereals visit Facebook.com/nestlegofree.

New Shredded Wheat Barley & Spelt and Shredded Wheat Rye & Quinoa: sure to prove popular with Irish consumers.

New Shreddies Max are a delicious crunchy granola containing Shreddies pieces and protein from whole grain wheat and oats. Shreddies Max is also high in fibre, contains no artificial colours or flavours and is low in saturated fat.

belVita This September, belVita Breakfast introduces new Belvita Breakfast Soft Bakes Chocolate Chip in impulse format, promising those on-the-go a softer start to the day. Made with five wholegrains and rich in cereals, new Belvita Soft Bakes offer a great source of fibre, containing vitamin B6, magnesium and iron. The only biscuit with proven sustainable energy with slow release carbohydrates, belVita Soft Bakes are the perfect choice to get consumers through the day.

Made with five wholegrains and rich in cereals, new Belvita Soft Bakes offer a great source of fibre, containing vitamin B6, magnesium and iron.

New Shreddies Max are a delicious crunchy granola containing Shreddies pieces and protein from whole grain wheat and oats.

belVita Breakfast biscuits have a high content of slowly digestible starch, which is a slow-release carbohydrate. Eating foods that are high in slowly digestible starch raises blood glucose levels less after a meal, compared to foods low in slowly digestible starch. This means that your blood sugar is more steady over the morning. belVita Breakfast Soft Bakes are the only breakfast biscuits proven to slowly release carbohydrates over four hours, when eaten as part of a balanced breakfast.

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Drinks News Wolf Blass: 50 Years of Excellence CHRIS Hatcher, the long-serving Chief Winemaker for Wolf Blass wines, recently marked 50 years since the founding of the winery in 1966 with a rare and exclusive tasting in Dublin's Westbury Hotel. The wines tasted were historic vintages of their famous Black Label, chosen to highlight the wine's 40th vintage (pictured), another landmark celebration for the company this year. Black Label is Wolf Blass's historic and iconic blend that is the only wine to win the distinguished Jimmy Watson Trophy an unequalled four times. Chris also celebrated Wolf Blass wines' recent announcement as International Red Winemaker of the Year at the International Wine Challenge in London, their third such win of this prestigious award. The Wolf Blass Black Label 'vertical tasting' offered the select guests the rare chance to taste an incredible 37 years of one of Australia's most famous wines.

FEBVRE SELLS PAUL SAPIN BUSINESS WINE importers, Febvre & Company Limited have announced the sale of their 99.79% shareholding in French subsidiary Paul Sapin SA to Les Grands Chais de France with immediate effect. Paul Sapin SA specialises in sourcing, developing, bottling and marketing of wines from around the world for sale in all major markets. Febvre had acquired the majority shareholding in Paul Sapin SA in 1999 and have overseen its growth and development. The sale of its shareholding in Paul Sapin SA will allow Febvre to concentrate on its core activities on the island of Ireland.

SCHWEPPES LAUNCHES 200ML PACK INVENTED by Jacob Schweppes, the ‘Creator of Bubbles’ in 1783, the iconic Schweppes range from Coca-Cola HBC is evolving with a new look and feel, and the option of a 200ml pack to complement the existing 125ml range. The sleeker brand look and new bottle shape will feature across the existing 125ml range, and the new 200ml pack. Available since August 2016, the 200ml pack conveys the simple sophistication of the brand, and will be accompanied by a 125ml glass bottle from January 2017.

Comans Launch 6 O’Clock Gin and Tonic WITH the gin revival in full swing and the demand for new and interesting gin brands growing, Comans has introduced the aptly named 6 O’Clock Gin and 6 O’Clock Tonic in Ireland. The creation of family-run Bristol-based fruit liqueur specialists Bramley & Gage, the name '6 O'Clock' refers to a great grandfather who was an inventor, engineer and gin lover who would settle down with a gin and tonic at 6pm each day for some inspiration. The accompanying tonic water has been developed specifically to be paired with 6 O'Clock Gin, and is now also available in Ireland. Gin has no set core ingredients and can be produced from any range of botanicals, which is why there is such a fantastic variety of complex tastes to suit many palettes. 6 O’Clock Gin has hints of elderflower with bursts of orange and lemon citrus.

DIAGEO RELEASE PRELIMINARY RESULTS DIAGEO have unveiled their preliminary results for the year ended June 30, 2016. On the island of Ireland, Guinness net sales were up by 4%, driven by the continued successful innovations launched through The Brewers Project, according to Oliver Loomes, Country Director, Diageo Ireland (pictured). “Of these, Hop House 13 Lager is proving a stand-out success, now holding almost 3% share of lager in the Republic of Ireland,” Loomes said. Globally, Guinness net sales grew 4%, including double digit sales growth in Cameroon and Ghana, 3% growth in Nigeria and increased net sales in Great Britain. “Diageo Ireland continued the momentum it had built in the first half of the year to close with a strong result, made possible by the amazing campaigns and activations that were carried out by our brilliant teams,” Loomes noted.

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On The Vine

Iberian Dreams Jean Smullen reports on some must stock wines from Spain and Portugal. SPAIN has a number of things going for it: the climate is excellent for viticulture, and there are plenty of old vines and a lot of indigenous grape varieties. The key to quality in Spain is their old vines and low yields. The new style Vino del Terra is ‘New Style Spain’, similar to IGT in Italy and IPR in France. In recent years, winemakers have been quick to take in new technology to their bodegas and many of the most modern wineries in Europe are now to be found in Spain. On the Irish market, Spanish wine is definitely making its mark. Spanish wine sales are performing well, showing an 11.7% volume growth on an MAT basis in terms of overall sales, with value sales rising by a very healthy +9.9% (Source: Nielsen, March 2016). Most of this growth is driven by healthy volume sales by the key Spanish brands, including Torres, Campo Viejo and Faustino. All three are very active on this market and work hard to engage the consumer through promotion and marketing. Campo Viejo (Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard) have their very successful Tapas Trail initiative. Faustino (Richmond Marketing) regularly goes on offer at a competitive price and Torres works with a very a strong marketing team via their importer, Findlater Wine & Spirit Group, to keep the brand very much to the fore through promotion and PR. Another factor driving volumes sales of Spanish wine on this market is the focus by the multiples on what you could call buyers’ own brands, which is driving strong sales in both the on and off trade via wholesale and supermarket groups. Finally, the work of the Spanish Commercial Office, who run the Wines from Spain campaign here in Ireland, must also be acknowledged. Since 2005, they have been allocating a generic budget to highlight Spanish wine and the various regions, including Sherry. Their annual wine fair is very well attended and features master classes and wine and food initiatives. This back-up support is a valuable asset in terms of raising awareness for Spanish wine on this market and credit must go to Wines of Spain for driving this. The 2016 Wines from Spain Wine Fair will take place in the Shelbourne Hotel on Tuesday, October 4, 2016. For more information, contact Sara Crespo of the Spanish Commercial Office in Dublin: screspo@comercio.mineco.es. Portugal Unlike other European countries, Portugal does not fare well in terms of the identification of its wine styles. Despite a flourishing tourist industry, Portuguese wines still seem to fly below the radar in terms of consumer awareness.

Portugal joined the EU in 1986 and this has had significant impact on the development and improvements of its wine industry. Today, after 30 years of European investment, you find many modern wineries, using up-tothe-minute equipment, producing top quality wines at a very competitive price. Portugal’s two main strengths as a European wine producing country are the diversity of its wine styles and its wealth of native grape varieties. Portuguese wine is still quite niche; it is mostly sold via the independent off trade and it still tends to fly below the radar in terms of the supermarket groups. There are few big “brands” per se and most Portuguese wine sales are being championed by independent importers and retailers. That said, Portuguese wine sales have really taken off in 2016 and although still relatively low in relation to the market, volume sales have increased by a whopping +77.5%, with value sales up by +57.2% (Source: Nielsen, March 2016). Portuguese wines are not mainstream here, but there are two Portuguese specialist companies who have being flying the flag for a number of years to grow and develop sales of Portuguese wines on this market and the results are beginning to show. They are: Grace Campbell Wines (http://portuguesewine.ie) run by Kevin O’Hara, and Wine Mason (http://winemason.ie), which is run by husband and wife team, Ben and Barbara Mason. Kevin O’Hara of Grace Campbell Wines tells me he is currently running a major promotion of Portuguese Wines from Alentejo, Douro, Vinho Verde, Lisboa & Peninsula De Setubal with the Barry Group, via their Costcutter and Carry Out off licences, as well as with through their wholesale operation. There is also a wine holiday/promotion on Alentejo wines with Fresh. This autumn, Grace Campbell will also be running Portuguese wine promotions with a number of key independent off licences in the greater Dublin area. Let’s take a look at some of the wines from Spain and Portugal to look out for this autumn. Findlater Wine & Spirit Company There are two big Spanish wine news stories from Findlater, both with a common thread: Natureo is now moving from 0.5% to 0.0% alcohol, and Freixenet is releasing a new nonalcoholic sparkling wine called Legero. Torres Natureo has quickly become the foremost dealcoholised wine in Ireland, with critics lauding its great taste and the health-conscious press raving over half the calories it has versus regular wine. Torres Natureo has just

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On The Vine announced that it will now move from a 0.5% ABV de-alcoholised wine to a fully non-alcoholic wine with 0.0% ABV. The RSP and packaging will all remain the same, so the change will be slight but nevertheless significant. The development is sure to continue to grow and expand the category, especially in attracting customers who abstain from alcohol completely.

the reds. Alentejo is Portugal’s ‘new world’ and the wine styles, though made from indigenous grapes, are very modern. Look out for their competitive price points with the Pé Tinto and Branco retailing at €11.99 and the Monte Velho at €14.99

Freixenet, Ireland’s number-one Cava house, will be introducing their alcohol-free sparkling wine, Legero, this autumn. Made entirely from Muscat grown in the Penedès region, the heartland of Cava, Freixenet Legero is Torres Natureo has just the perfect announced that it will bubbly now move from a 0.5% ABV de-alcoholised alternative wine to a fully nonfor celebrations alcoholic wine with 0.0% ABV. where New Freixenet Legero, there are the alcohol free designated drivers, expectant sparkling wine from mothers or those simply watching Ireland’s number-one their alcohol intake. Cava house. Freixenet Legero is fully sparkling, and with an RSP of only €7, is positioned to be highly competitive not only in the sparkling wine category but also the growing non-alcoholic sector. Both these new releases further strengthen Findlater Wine & Spirit Group’s position as the leading distributor of low- and non-alcoholic wines in Ireland, a category that has boomed in recent years. The de-alcoholised wine category grew by +20% last year in Ireland and it has tripled in size since 2011.

Comans Beverages Coman’s have added the Poças range of Portuguese wines from the Douro Valley to their portfolio. Manoel Poças was 30 years old when he created a company to sell grape spirits to large port wine shippers. Soon afterwards, he opened the head offices in Vila Nova de Gaia, where they remain to this date. Today, with three quintas in the best winemaking areas of the Douro Demarcated Region, Poças ensures its total control over the quality of its wines. This family estate has a very good reputation and with Douro wines becoming more and more popular, this range is one to watch. Look out for Coroa d’Ouro, the entry level wine from the range, which will be on promotion this autumn at a special introductory price of €10-11. The mid-priced Vale de Cavalos will retail at €15-16.

Febvre & Co. The Pé range are new entry level wines from one of Alentejo’s best known wineries, Herdade Do Esporão in Portugal. The range includes the Pé Tinto and Branco, as well as the Monte Velho red and white. David Baverstock, their head winemaker is an Australian who has been heading up the operation for over 30 years. The wines are made from a selection of native Portuguese grapes, including Arinto and Anton Vaz for the whites and Castelao and Trincideira for

The Pé range from Febvre are new entry level wines from one of Alentejo’s best known wineries, Herdade Do Esporão in Portugal.

New from Comans, the mid-priced Vale de Cavalos from the Pocas range will retail at €1516 this autumn.

Coroa d’Ouro will be on promotion this autumn at a special introductory price of €10-11.

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Forecourt Focus: News Topaz Raise €100k for Jack & Jill

TOPAZ has raised €100,000 in aid of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, predominantly through its ‘Small Change, for Big Change’ fundraising campaign. The ‘Small Change for Big Change’ fundraising campaign is part of an ongoing, three-year charity partnership that will see €400,000 in vital funding raised for the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation. To date, the provision of 6,250 hours of vital home nursing care to families has been provided through the support of both Topaz staff and customers. Topaz and Re.Store customers can continue to pledge their support to the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation by donating their unwanted, loose Lego bricks in-store, with the ‘Lego Exchange’ fundraising drive. Customers can also support the fundraising efforts and be in with a chance to win their local GAA county shirt by donating €2 at their local Topaz or Re.Store, as part of local fundraising efforts. “We are delighted to reach this crucial fundraising milestone and lend our ongoing support to a fantastic organisation,” said MJ Tierney, Brand Manager, Topaz. “Through thousands of euros’ worth of small change, we in fact have made a big change to the families who need it.” Jonathan Irwin, CEO and Founder of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, said that the €100,000 raised across the Topaz network “already has made a big change in reminding families who have children with severe neurological issues that they’re not alone and that others care across the country.”

Pictured at the Topaz City Avenue service station are Jonathan Irwin, CEO and Founder of the Jack & Jill Children’s Foundation, and MJ Tierney, Brand Manager, Topaz.

Official Launch of Maxol Donabate MAXOL celebrated the official opening of its new forecourt site at Hearse Road in Donabate recently. There were plenty of activities in-store at the recently opened service station, with DJ Ray Shah, face painting and balloon modelling for the little ones. Well-known food blogger Melanie May from I Love Cooking sampled from the Moreish menu and a full barista coffee selection was on offer at Bewleys. Customers on the day had the chance to spin the Maxol prize wheel and enter other competitions, with some great prizes up for grabs. “The opening of Maxol Donabate has been a huge highlight for the group, and I am very proud to be part of it,” enthused Fergal Ralph, Maxol Donabate licensee. “It is great for both the community in terms of supporting employment but also in the provision of excellent products and services to both locals and visitors alike. Our vision was to create a superb convenience destination for everyone, whether they want to refuel, relax with a cup of coffee and a bite to eat, or simply pick up some groceries in the well-stocked Maxol Mace convenience store.” Maxol Donabate sees the introduction of popular Irish coffee franchise Bewleys, along with Maxol’s own fresh food brand, Moreish. Customers can relax in the bright and comfortable food court with complementary Wi-Fi and Maxol radio playing a selection of great music. Further on-site facilities include a top spec soft brush car wash, solid fuel depot and internal hi-spec washrooms

Pictured at the official launch of Maxol Donabate are (l-r): Dermot O’Toole, Head of Retail and Marketing; Gerard Ralph, Maxol Donabate licensee; former Dublin football legend, Ciaran Whelan; and Fergal Ralph, Maxol Donabate licensee.

with baby changing facilities. Fergal Harrington, Group Brand Development Manager, The Maxol Group commented: “We are delighted to see such a great turnout to celebrate the official launch of Maxol Donabate, which has already shown to be of huge benefit to the local area. This investment has been part of a significant overall investment in the Leinster area by the Maxol Group, the aim of which is to offer our customers first class service, a great forecourt experience and a delicious food offering.”

Always FRESH MILK

and the SAME BEANS as our coffee shops

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Forecourt Focus: News Maxol Rewards Company’s Top Performing Retailers

Brian Donaldson, CEO of Maxol is pictured (centre, front) with Maxol's top performing retailers from across the country.

MAXOL has recognised its top-performing retailers from across Ireland at a special awards ceremony, TLC Retail Awards, which took place in Belfast city centre recently, with the group of 39 Maxol retailers, partners and management treated to a luxury stay in the 4-star Malmaison Hotel. The event also featured a private ‘Dine around Deane’s’ restaurant tour of each of the Deane’s restaurants by Ireland’s longest-standing Michelin star holder, Michael Deane. The Winners Celebration evening recognised the excellence shown by Maxol’s retailers in delivering high levels of customer care and retail standards. “Congratulations to all of our winners who have worked tirelessly throughout the year to provide our customers with the very best standards of customer care and service,” said Maxol CEO, Brian Donaldson. “They are each a prime example of excellence in retail and it is wonderful to get to reward them in this way. As a company who understands the importance of putting employees at the heart of the business, we look forward to the TLC Awards and prize distribution every year and this year was no exception.”

Topaz Team Up with Mothercare for Free Car Seat Check

TOPAZ recently teamed up with Mothercare Ireland to give their customers the opportunity to avail of an expert child seat car fitting service free of charge during the month of August. The Check It Fits roadshow toured the country, encouraging the nation to Pictured are (l-r): Laura Ward, check their child’s car seat is Marketing Director of Mothercare the right fit before taking it Ireland; Aoideann Gee, 6, from on the road. Ballyroan, Co. Laois; and MJ Tierney, Topaz also revealed the Topaz Brand Manager. results of the first ever Topaz ‘Check It Fits’ survey, exposing what Irish parents really think when it comes to choosing the right car seat for their child. A key topic that split respondents was whether they can truly say they feel car seat confident. When asked if they were sure if they knew how to fit a car seat correctly, 29% of those surveyed admitted that while they feel they would be able to give it a go, they wouldn’t know for sure if they have fitted the seat correctly. Just over half of us, on the other hand, would feel they’re experts at fitting a car seat and 6% wouldn’t even know where to start! And that’s not all - just under 40% of us feel they would need to be guided by a store assistant in purchasing a car seat that’s the perfect fit. Three quarters of Irish parents making that crucial call together on what car seat to buy for their child. MJ Tierney, Topaz Brand Manager, said: “We’re delighted to partner with Mothercare Ireland as they continue to provide this invaluable car fitting service to families across the country free of charge. Whether you’re fitting a car seat for the very first time or you’re a rookie at the seat fitting game like myself, each seat fits differently and it’s crucially important for child safety to ensure that your car seat is fitted correctly.”

Applegreen Planning Appeal Refused AN Bord Pleanála has refused planning permission for Applegreen’s proposed €8m motorway service station near Dromoland Castle in County Clare. The initial proposal was refused in March, and the forecourt retailer subsequently lodged an appeal against the decision, which has recently been refused. The proposed site included a forecourt and a 1,400 square metre building, including a shop, cafés, restaurants and ancillary areas. The appeals board found that the site

was not identified for use as a Motorway Service Area in either the National Road Authority's Service Area Policy or the Clare County Development Plan and described the proposed development as “premature”, pending the implementation of the Transport Infrastructure Ireland planned approach to the provision of a motorway service area in the area.

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

66|Retail News|September 2016|www.retailnews.ie

Shelf Life THE growth in Out of Home (OOH) advertising has continued for the fourth consecutive year, according to Kinetic Ireland, the OOH media agency, with the market showing an 8% increase for H1 2016, compared to the same period last year. Overall expenditure for Out of Home was approximately €54m across large format billboards, 6 sheets, digital OOH formats, transport and targeted media. The top five categories on OOH spend for H1 2016 are drinks (€9.5m), retail (€9.2m), household services (€6.1m), food (€6m) and entertainment & media (€5.8m).“The Out of Home industry is in good health,” noted CEO of Kinetic, Simon Durham. “The media owners over the past number of years have invested heavily in their formats and are now reaping the awards as the economy improves.”

PROGRESSIVE Co. Down sauce company, Sauce Works, has just introduced a new range of ambient sauces for the retail sector, which boast innovative new packaging and come in 10 tasty flavours. The ‘My Goodness’ range by Sauce Works is the first sauce range in Ireland to use a top down bottle with non-drip lid, which will deliver standout on retailers’ shelves. The range includes new flavours like Ole’ Miss, a smooth sauce with a Southern tang; Honey Mustard, which brings sweet heat to sandwiches, salads and chicken dishes; smokey Southwest Chipotle and the popular sandwich classic, Tikka Mayo. TESCO Ireland has announced that Irish onions are back in season and back on shelves for consumers to enjoy. Country Crest, Tesco Ireland’s onion grower, will supply Tesco with 3,000 tons of Irish onions this year, over 28m onions. “Buying locally sourced Irish produce is very important to us at Tesco,” noted Tesco Ireland Fresh Food Buyer, Joe Casey. “We like to build long relationships with our suppliers; Country Crest is the perfect example of this. Country Crest has being supplying Tesco Ireland with Irish onions since 2005; we’re looking forward to getting this year’s harvest into store for customers to enjoy.” Meanwhile, the world’s hottest chilli pepper, the Carolina Reaper, has gone on sale in 50 Tesco stores throughout Ireland for just €1.49.

THE Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund’s President’s Ball takes place on Saturday, October 15, 2016, at the Ballsbridge Hotel, Dublin 4. The theme this year is ‘The Great Gatsby’ and the price is €2,500 for a table of 10 or €3,000 for a table of 12. For more information, telephone (01) 6309211 or email tara@hotel-solutions.ie.

POWERED by Dairy is a new engagementdriven campaign from the National Dairy Council. It uses predominantly outdoor and digital media to draw consumers in to entertaining behindthe-scenes film footage of NDC ambassadors Rob and Dave Kearney, trying their hand at a variety of new and different types of exercise and sport. Filmed as part of a new NDC partnership with the Irish Institute of Sport, footage shows the Kearney brothers testing their skills with an Olympic boxer, diver, pentathlon athlete, paralympic swimmer, rowers and paracyclists, while learning about their training and fitness regimes. There are plans to broaden the Kearneys’ athletic experiences into other types of sports in the months ahead. “We want to talk about expert-based facts and not fads and to highlight the potential role that milk can play in sports nutrition, re-hydration and recovery,” explained Zoë Kavanagh, Chief Executive of the National Dairy Council. The NDC campaign draws a new partnership with the Irish Institute of Sport (IIS) and features its Head of Performance Nutrition, Dr. Sharon Madigan, in a series of filmed clips of nutritional tips and insights for those interested in exercise, training or sport at any level. HUGGIES would like to issue a correction to a feature printed in the March edition of Retail News. The feature in question contained a statement from Kimberly-Clark inferring that Huggies Baby Wipes contain no chemicals, which was printed in error. The statement should have read “Unlike most wipes, Huggies are made with natural fibres, 99% water and no nasty chemicals such as Phenoxyethanol or Parabens”. As with most Baby Wipes, Huggies formulation does contain a small number of additives required to preserve the product and guarantee their safety for use on delicate baby’s skin. In Huggies, these account for less than 1% of the formulation, with more than 99% being pure water. This was due to a human error in the copy checking process of the content sent by Huggies to Retail News. We appreciate the wording that appeared may have misled readers and so offer this correction and sincere apologies for any confusion caused.

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*Nielsen, Extended Scan Track, 69.9% RYO SOM, YTD 7th August 2016. This advertisement is for tobacco retailers only and should not be made available to the public nor should it be displayed in any area where it is visible to the public.

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