Retail News December 2021/January 2022

Retail News DECEMBER 2021 / JANUARY 2022

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

Environmentally-friendly Tethered Caps We are the first bottled water company in Ireland to introduce the caps - three years ahead of EU Directive.

Wishing all our valued customers joy at Christmas and prosperity in the coming year. Thank you for being such an important part of what we do.

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Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie|1

Contents

and Sinead Egan of DAC Beachcroft reflect on some of the most significant developments that occurred in the past 12 months and look ahead to what’s in store in the new year.

News 2 Cost increases put pressure on Irish food and drink producers.

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Another strange year comes to an end…

WHO would have believed in March 2020 that 21 months later we would be looking back over our second calendar year trading through a worldwide pandemic? I think even Nostradamus might have had trouble predicting the events of the last couple of years.

Ireland’s grocery industry has continued to stand tall in the wake of unprecedented challenges, both from Covid-19 and the distribution and logistical effects of Brexit, ensuring that shelves remain stocked and consumers are able to buy essential food and drink products. The country’s biggest grocery retailers reveal their thoughts on 2021 and look forward to what will hopefully be a more normal 2022 in our annual Retail Groups Report (Page 41-67), reflecting on another extremely unusual year.

Also inside, Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector, Bank of Ireland, examines six areas that will shape the future of the retail sector (Page 16), we reveal the winners of the 2021 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards (Page 20), and the team at DAC Beachcroft review the important changes to Irish employment law during 2021 and preview some new legislation on the way next year (Page 26).

Finally, I would like to thank you for your continued support of Retail News throughout the year and to wish you all a happy Christmas and a peaceful and profitable New Year.

Kathleen Belton Editorial & Marketing Director

Tesco Ireland acquires Joyce’s Supermarkets; Londis shortlisted at the European Sponsorship Association Awards 2022.

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Irish shoppers planning online Christmas grocery shop; New app urges consumers to reverse Ireland’s food waste.

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New €75m food and drink fund launched; Retail Ireland welcomes publication of Deposit Return Scheme regulations.

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Irish shoppers embrace festivities as restrictions ease; Donnybrook Fair announces €8m investment and expansion strategy.

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Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector, Bank of Ireland, examines six elements shaping the future of Irish grocery and convenience retail.

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reflect on a second year of trading through a worldwide pandemic, providing vital services to the communities they serve, and predict what 2022 will bring for Ireland’s FMCG sector.

Forecourt Focus: News

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18 McCain Roasts has recently had

a relaunch, with a new recipe that minimises fat content, new packaging, but the same great taste and texture.

The winners of the 2021 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards were announced in a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, November 23.

Employment Law 26

2021 was a whirlwind of a year for employment law in Ireland and 2022 is set to continue the rapid pace of change. Barry Reynolds, Chris Ryan

Musgrave MarketPlace and Circle K sign five-year strategic partnership; Applegreen joins forces with Guaranteed Irish; Circle K opens in Newcastle West.

Social Media 70

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards 20

The 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards saw both emerging and established Irish whiskey producers and patrons honoured.

Retail Groups Report 41 Ireland’s biggest grocery groups

Frozen Food: McCain

Covid-19 propelled Irish business onto social media platforms, but some SMEs struggle to get the most out of their online presence. Dr Brendan Keegan, lecturer in Digital and Social Media Marketing at NUI Maynooth, reveals how your business can shine on social media.

On the Vine 74

Jean Smullen examines the wine market in 2021, and predicts increased wine prices for next year, as a variety of factors drive prices upwards.

Regulars & Reports @RetailNews1

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Printed by: W&G Baird

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Establishing a food safety culture in your organisation is not just the right thing to do; it’s good for business.

Failure to do so, however, could be catastrophic for your brand, according to a recent FSAI event.

Irish Whiskey Awards

Market Analysis

facebook.com/RetailNews1

Graphics: Catherine McDonagh

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RGDATA calls for new body to oversee town regeneration; SuperValu and Centra stores spearhead environmental change.

Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen Production: Ciara Conway

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Retail News Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter

Food Safety

Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

10 Industry News 36 Retail Ireland: Monthly Update 38 Drinks News 76 Shelf Life

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News

Cost increases put pressure on Irish food A “PERFECT STORM” of localised and global factors have led to inflationary pressures in the Irish food and drink sector, which threatens to raise the price of retail goods.

A new report from Food Drink Ireland (FDI) suggested that the majority of food and drink companies have experienced “substantial increases” across a range of areas over the last 12 months, a problem that is likely to worsen before it improves.

“It’s the perfect storm,” Paul Kelly, FDI Director told Retail News. “Over the last few months, the main factors our members attribute to cost increases have changed. Global supply constraints and shortages of raw materials have increased in relevance for all members, whereas Brexit and domestic supply constraints have lessened.”

Paul Kelly, Director, Food Drink Ireland.

New research from Love Irish Food, an organisation made up of Ireland’s top Irish food and drink SMEs, suggests that “input costs” for Irish SMEs are soaring. The most significant price hike, say Love Irish Food, has been in export transportation (up 29%), followed by raw materials (up 25%) and electricity, gas, cardboard, and plastic (all up 19%). A majority of FDI members have experienced a 20% increase in energy costs over recent months.

“Energy costs have risen significantly,” remarked Arnold Dillon, Retail Ireland Director. “At the same time, there has been a demand across the economy for consumer goods and other products.

Bottlenecks in the supply chain invariably push up costs. We’ve seen the cost of container shipments rise enormously over the last number of months.”

Unsurprisingly, the global pandemic has played a major part in this. Over 75% of Love Irish Food’s surveyed members attributed cost hikes to Covid. The pandemic has been a shock to the system, explained Kieran Rumley, Executive Director of Love Irish Food. At the start of

the pandemic, the industry was “mothballed” in terms of receiving product from abroad and utility costs declined dramatically.

Around six months ago, as the world opened up again, there was a sudden surge of consumer demand.

“Government loosened restrictions,” said Rumley.

“The consequences were a massive re-energising of industry. Anything sent around the world, in this short period of resurgence, was suddenly in massive demand. But it was also in short supply, so an escalation in prices and surcharges came into effect. Additional costs of Brexit fed into that as well. Costs escalated locally and internationally. Producers have borne those costs.”

Another cost of Covid has been the necessity for suppliers to implement precautions, such as social distancing, in food production plants, which has led to reduced workforces. A lack of staff has continued to blight suppliers and retailers in Ireland. Labour shortages are intertwined with inflationary costs.

“Labour is a major input cost for food processors and shortages can impact on factory efficiencies,” said Kelly. “Labour shortages in the supply chain can also result in increased costs.”

Dillon added: “Initially, there was a significant challenge, especially in retail that was subject to significant restrictions, in reactivating a labour force that had been inactive. That was a challenge because people had moved locations or taken on new courses.”

83% of Love Irish Food’s surveyed members anticipate challenges recruiting qualified and trained staff in 2022. A further 77% believe the retention of current staff will be difficult. Reigniting this workforce over the year ahead is likely to be a problem.

Arnold Dillon, Director, Retail Ireland.

“We’re left with residual issues in the labour market, particularly around the availability of EU workers who left during the pandemic but maybe have not returned,” said Dillon. “There are residual challenges around the cost of living in Ireland. Wages and salaries are high compared to other European countries.

The high cost of living when it comes to rent and childcare is a disincentive for some people to work here.”

“Recruitment is probably the biggest challenge over the year ahead,” said Kieran Rumley. “Trying to encourage the Kieran Rumley, return of people Executive Director, back into the Love Irish Food. country, who may have left, must be a priority.”

The inevitable outcome of these inflationary pressures is an increase in prices on supermarket shelves. Thus far, according to Kelly, food and drink companies have focused on absorbing increases within their businesses. “It is inevitable that costs will have to be passed on to some extent but food and drink companies will attempt to minimise this as much as possible.”

Rumley agreed that this is the likely outcome: “Rising input costs will be carried through as price increases at retail, albeit at a more modest cost level.”

Further input costs are anticipated.

FDI members expect further cost increases and supply constraints in packaging in 2022. “Cardboard and paper are in heavy demand,” explained Kelly.

“Plastics are impacted by increased demand for recycled materials (as opposed to virgin raw materials) and by

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News

and drink producers Tesco Ireland increased resin costs (driven by global energy cost increases).”

What measures are suppliers taking to mitigate cost increases? A recent report suggested that one of Ireland’s biggest symbol groups is undertaking “cost-control measures in Ireland to counteract distribution issues”. The end result could be a transformation in the range of some products on retail shelves.

“Food and drink companies will reconsider production runs,” said Rumley. “They may focus on faster selling products, reducing smaller production runs so they get more efficient use of their plants and people. They’ll look at possibly re-engineering their offerings. They may focus on longer production runs of stronger brands. Their one overarching objective is to keep retailer shelves stocked. That is the ultimate objective.”

In the shadow of a clogged global supply chain, and ongoing Brexit restrictions, Irish food and drink companies may think increasingly local in 2022.

“In domestic supply chains, significant work has been done by retailers and suppliers in trying to manage some of the challenges and potential disruptions as a result of Brexit,” said Dillon. “Increased costs and bureaucracy in terms of sourcing materials and products from the UK has resulted in grocery retail increasingly looking to more domestic suppliers, instead of potential suppliers from the UK.” Promising news for Love Irish Food’s members?

“For sure,” said Rumley. “One of the outcomes of Brexit has been a reduced degree of dependence on the UK. Now we look locally. From a sustainability point of view, that’s good news.”

Londis Shortlisted at the European Sponsorship Association Awards 2022 LONDIS has been shortlisted in the prestigious 2022 European Sponsorship Association Awards for its sponsorship of Season 8 of Ireland’s Fittest Family.

Londis’ sponsorship of Season 8 Shortlisted in of Ireland’s Fittest Family has been the Best Media shortlisted in the 2022 European Sponsorship Sponsorship Association Awards. category, Season 8 of Ireland’s Fittest Family aired in January and February 2021. It was watched by 2.5m people over the season and enjoyed average viewership figures of 504,000 per episode.

It achieved a season best of 604,000 viewers for the final episode.

Social media performed extremely well, with the Londis team creating bespoke Gifs, Instagram polls and customer-engagement competitions. Between organic and paid content, Londis achieved a reach of 14.2m and the engagement rate on Instagram posts was 79.89%.

Londis is also sponsoring Season 9 of the show, which is currently airing on RTÉ at 6.30pm on Sunday evenings.

acquires Joyce’s Supermarkets

TESCO Ireland has announced the acquisition of 10 Joyce’s Supermarkets retail stores based in Galway, subject to the approval of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC).

The supermarkets currently operate under the Joyce family’s independent brand and subject to CCPC approval, will be rebranded and Pat Joyce, Managing designed as Tesco stores Director of Joyce’s throughout 2022 on a Supermarkets. phased basis.

Joyce’s’ employees in these stores will be welcomed as colleagues of Tesco Ireland, where they will be supported to continue and grow their careers at Tesco. As part of its commitment to Irish agri-food, Tesco will be engaging with suppliers to the Joyce business to identify and develop opportunities.

“I am really pleased that we’ve reached agreement with Joyce’s Supermarkets and look forward to bringing Tesco to more communities in Galway in the year ahead – this agreement provides a great platform for us to bring our value, quality and range of products to more customers, and to bring our Grocery Home Shopping service to more locations in the west of Ireland,” noted Tesco Ireland CEO, Kari Daniels. “Pat Joyce, the management and wider team at Joyce’s Supermarkets have built a fantastic business over many years and there are great aspects of the Joyce business that can complement our Tesco offering. We look forward to welcoming Joyce’s’ colleagues and customers to Tesco and engaging with suppliers and the wider community in Galway, subject to CCPC review, as soon as possible.

“We’re especially pleased to have reached this exciting milestone as Tesco approaches 25 years’ operating in Ireland,” she continued. “During this time, we’ve focused on creating good, local jobs, supporting local suppliers, and giving back to our communities – we look forward to continuing in this vein as we expand through this acquisition in Galway.”

Pat Joyce, Managing Director of Joyce’s Supermarkets, said it was a historic moment for his business: “We have carefully considered the opportunity and are very pleased to pass our business on to an established brand in Tesco that promotes quality and excellence across its business, and which has an established presence in the Irish market.

I wish to express our gratitude for the loyal support of our staff, suppliers and customers and I would like to sincerely thank them for being part of our journey over many years.

Should this acquisition be approved, I believe the move will be of significant benefit to them, and I would look forward to continuing our work well into next year as part of a transition period.”

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News

RGDATA calls for new body to oversee town regeneration RGDATA has urged politicians not to put Local Authorities in charge of delivering the promised Town Centre First policy. “If we want a collaborative, community based approach then we need to engage all stakeholders, including local authorities,” noted Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General. “We need a new national body that will bring all the stakeholders together and provide the leadership and support that is so desperately needed if we are to tackle vacancy, dereliction and making our town centres better places to live, work, trade and engage with our community.”

Tara Buckley, Director In a letter to Green Party General, RGDATA.

leader and Environment Minister Eamon Ryan, Buckley urged the Government to adopt the highly successful collaborative model which was developed by the Scottish Government, which saw the creation of a Company Limited by Guarantee, representative of all stakeholders involved in the renewal of town centres and partfunded by the state.

“Like it or not but local authorities are often part of the problem for town centres,” Buckley claimed. “It is a reality that in many instances the interventions (or neglect) of local authorities have directly contributed to dereliction and decay, whether through facilitating out of town retail developments, restrictive parking control regimes, restrictive traffic management, lack of activity in dealing with dereliction, poorly considered or badly applied public realm interventions, and dysfunction in town centre management strategies, with different arms of Councils pursuing conflicting strategies (i.e. – Roads priorities conflicting with Planning objectives). In fact, the actions of some county councils have done more to drive people to out of town centres, than the actions of large multiples and developers.”

SuperValu and Centra stores spearhead environmental change FOR the 10th consecutive year, SuperValu and Centra stores have joined forces with the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland) to lead the way in terms of environmental change in the Irish retail sector and beyond.

Through their ‘Building Sustainable Communities’ initiative, SuperValu and Centra stores identify and upgrade areas of their own operations which can be made more energy efficient, in keeping with the priority to deliver high standards of energy efficiency and encourage renewable energy usage. The updates Pictured at Supervalu Grange at the launch of the Building Sustainable installed throughout the SuperValu and Communities initiative, a partnership between the Sustainable Energy Centra stores this year will save an Authority of Ireland (SEAI) and Supervalu and Centra stores are: Liam average of 150,000 KWH of energy per Ryan, Ryan’s SuperValu owner; Daniel Murphy, Musgrave SuperValu year, an average energy reduction of & Centra Sustainability Manager; Auveen Lynch, SEAI; and Jason 35% per store involved.

O’Callaghan, Ryan’s SuperValu Operations Director.

The retailers also nominate community buildings in their areas to donate funds to, and in turn these organisations utilise the money by upgrading Callan, Co. Kilkenny; Cobh and Grange in Cork, Celbridge their own buildings and facilities in a similar manner. in Kildare, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaguah, Castlerea, Co. This year’s clubs and organisations included: Ballyphehane Roscommon, and Kells, Co. Meath, as well as three Centra Community Association, Cork; Glanmire Community stores, in Moville, Co. Donegal, Clarina, Limerick, and Lough College, Cork; Cobh GAA Club, Cork; Dingle GAA Club, Atalia in Galway.

Kerry; Ballygunner GAA, Waterford; Waterpark Rugby Club, “SuperValu and Centra are ever committed to Waterford; Mervue United, Galway, and Beagh GAA Club, creating and maintaining a sense of togetherness within Galway. our local communities and we want to lead by example These community buildings saw numerous works carried when it comes to sustainability energy reduction,” out over the last year including the installation of solar noted Daniel Murphy, Sustainability Manager for PV panels, cavity insulation, fitting of new energy efficient SuperValu and Centra. “We firmly believe that by beginning in windows and doors, roof insulation, heat pumps and fitting our own stores, our customers will follow suit and make more of new light fixtures. The total annual saving for these eight sustainable and energy efficient choices in their own lives too. buildings is almost €25,000 and this equates to powering 39 We are proud to partner with the SEAI for this initiative and homes in Ireland every year. we hope that our combined contribution, and that of our The 13 stores involved in this year’s Building retailers, will help all local organisations involved to lower their Sustainable Communities initiative were SuperValu stores energy bills and thus allowing them to invest further in the in Kilbarry Centre, Waterford; Gort and Loughrea in Galway, wonderful work that they do.”

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Irish shoppers planning online Christmas grocery shop A NEW study from PayPal into Irish grocery trends reveals that 46% of people in Ireland plan to purchase at least part of their food and groceries for Christmas and holiday dinners online this year. The survey of 1,000 Irish consumers found that half (53%) do not feel comfortable shopping in a crowd of people and 36% do not feel comfortable using cash or touching a keypad to enter their PIN going forward.

According to the research, there has been a marked shift in online food and grocery shopping over the past year, with more than a third (35%) shopping for groceries online for home delivery more often. Furthermore, 23% shopped for groceries online with fast delivery or same day delivery options more often. New behaviours have also been emerging, with 22% of respondents using click-and-collect for the first time and a quarter (25%) ordering meal kits to prepare at home for the first time.

Over three quarters (76%) also plan to keep shopping for groceries online for home delivery, while same day delivery is a preferred approach going forward for 80% of respondents.

“Online grocery shopping has become a critical convenience for people, not only during a pandemic but as part of our regular, busy lives,” noted Joachim Goyvaerts, Director, Benelux & Ireland at PayPal. “E-commerce has always been about giving consumers a convenient way to buy what they want, when they want and being able to pay for that how they want. The grocery industry is ripe for disruption in this new digital economy. Part

of the disruption will take place in how supermarkets and grocers choose to give their customers a seamless and safe shopping experience across all channels – online, mobile and in-store.”

As for the driving forces behind these changing trends, some 62% of respondents think shopping for groceries online helps to save time. Costs are also a key factor, with 71% looking for the best deals offered by different providers when placing online food or Joachim Goyvaerts, Director, grocery orders.

Benelux & Ireland at PayPal. Supporting local businesses and good causes is also proving important to Irish consumers, with 63% preferring to shop through mobile apps or on websites that support stores in their neighbourhood and 62% tending to choose products that are sustainably sourced and environmentally friendly.

New app urges consumers to reverse Ireland’s food waste A NEW app is urging consumers to stem the rising tide of dumped food in Ireland - estimated at over 19,000 tonnes a week (Source: EPA Food Waste Report, March 2021).

Food sharing app Olio connects neighbours to give away unwanted food and other items that may otherwise end up in landfill, while Tesco Ireland recently became the first retailer to sign up for the app.

People can give away food and other unwanted household items by uploading a photo and description on the app, plus details about where and when to collect it. Others can then request these by searching or browsing through the listings, where they will see what’s available nearby.

“We’re focused on building our user base here in Ireland because we feel it provides the Pictured are perfect environment for Olio to thrive,” said Olio. co-founder and CEO, Tessa Clarke, who was inspired to build the app in the UK five years ago after struggling to find anyone to take the unwanted food from her fridge when she was moving house.

“People in Ireland have an innate sense of community and food is valued. They also like to give and care about each other and the planet. By enabling people to easily share more and waste less, we aim to help transform our throw-away society into a giveaway society.”

Tesco Ireland became the first Irish retailer to partner with the app in a pilot programme involving nine Dublin stores. “We

Tessa Clarke and Saasha Celestial-One, founders of

want to make sure that all surplus food is being managed, that it shouldn’t go to waste and where people who need it have access to it. I am confident that our partnership with the Olio movement will help us further achieve our goal of making sure that no good food goes to waste at Tesco,” noted Tesco Communications Director, Rosemary Garth.

Tessa Clarke believes that the partnership with Tesco means that “more people than ever before will be able to benefit from access to surplus food”.

THANK YOU AND ALL THE BEST For many reasons, 2021 will be a year that will live long in the memory.

From lockdowns to re-openings, the last 12 months have been hugely challenging for the country, its people and its businesses.

Through all of these ups and downs, however, Ireland’s retail sector has once again risen to the challenge. From clerks to deli staff, store owners to head offices, you have played a fundamental role in keeping the country going through even the darkest of times. On behalf of everyone at JTI Ireland, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your hard work and commitment in extremely difficult circumstances.

Recent events have served to highlight the vital importance of the retail trade to the country, but this has been clearly evident to me over the course of my career. As I retire at the end of 2021, I want to pay tribute to JTI’s customers for your support and collaboration through the years.

The strong working relationships we have established are central to our mutual success now and into the future.

As I hand over the reins to Garin Murphy as JTI Ireland Sales Director, I know that he will bring absolute dedication and commitment to the role, along with extensive experience and knowledge of the Irish tobacco category and wider retail environment, continuing to work closely with our customers to achieve long term mutual success.

Thank you and all the best.

Derek Mooney, Sales Director

WWW.JTI.COM This communication 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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New €75m food and drink fund launched A NEW €75m fund which will invest in the future of food & beverage by providing seed and early-stage capital to Irish food entrepreneurs has been launched by Redesdale Group. The Fund brings together some of Ireland’s most accomplished financiers, food sector leaders and commercial scientists and has recently completed a first close of €27m.

Enterprise Ireland’s €15m investment through its Seed & Venture Capital Programme is anchoring the Fund. The Fund’s backers include leading locally owned businesses Musgrave Group and Monaghan Mushrooms. Lord Abbett, a leading US asset management company, Coca-Cola and Tate & Lyle will also participate.

“This Fund, which will see €75m invested in Irish food start-ups, is a real boost for the next generation of Irish food entrepreneurs,” noted the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD. “I’m extremely proud of the fact that we produce enough food to feed nine times our population. We want that to continue, and we must do what we can to help those with a new business in the food and drink sector get their idea off the ground. This Fund is the first of its kind and I’m really looking forward to seeing the new ideas that it supports.”

Simon Cummins, Chairman of Redesdale Group, said, “The food startup sector in Ireland is fuelled by a strong entrepreneurial culture and underpinned by world class research but access to capital remains a challenge. Our mission is to provide start-up capital to help realise the ambitions of a new generation of food

sector leaders in this country. I am delighted that we are joined in that mission by such a powerful group of domestic and international investors”.

Speaking on behalf of Enterprise Ireland, CEO Leo Clancy, said “The Food HPSU Team in Enterprise Ireland works with exciting food start- Pictured at the launch of the €75m Redesdale Food ups which have & Beverage Fund at Government Buildings were the potential to the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and become scalable, Employment, Leo Varadkar TD; Agnese Filippi, Country sustainable, Manager of Coca-Cola Ireland; Nicola Nic Pháidín, exporting food Manager Food HPSU, Enterprise Ireland; and John Conroy, and beverage CEO of the Redesdale Group. companies.

The Redesdale Thrive programme: “Our involvement in Food Fund is an Redesdale is a natural evolution of this important development in the food funding relationship and puts us in a position arena, and we are delighted to support it. to support high potential early-stage The creation of a food specific fund and businesses in a new and impactful way.” availability of that essential early-stage capital will speed the growth of the next Noel Keeley, CEO of Musgrave generation of ambitious Irish food and Group, said, “Musgrave is delighted to beverage companies.” extend its support to emerging Irish Agnese Filippi, Country Manager of food and beverage businesses through Coca-Cola Ireland, said that Coca-Cola’s its investment in the Redesdale Fund, planned participation in the Redesdale providing much needed growth capital to Food & Beverage Fund will build on the local entrepreneurs that are pushing the support they provided to the indigenous boundaries of innovation in our sector.”

Irish food and drink industry over the For more information on the fund visit past five years through their successful https://www.redesdalefoodfund.ie/

Retail Ireland welcomes publication of Deposit Return Scheme regulations

RETAIL Ireland has welcomed the recent publication of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) regulations by the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, which will form an important element of the Government’s wider sustainability agenda.

The retail sector will play a key role in achieving the country’s environmental ambitions and has worked with Government, producers, and industry partners to put in place a framework for a successful scheme.

“The publication of the regulations is an important milestone, but there is still a lot of work to do,” noted Retail Ireland Director Arnold Dillon. “It is vital that we continue to learn from the experience of other EU countries on how best to design and roll-out the Irish scheme. Clarity is still required on issues relating to planning permission and VAT. Crucially, we need to ensure there is a realistic implementation timeline. Retailers will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure this transformative scheme operates effectively and succeeds in meeting Ireland’s EU targets and circular economy goals.”

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News Irish shoppers embrace festivities as restrictions ease THE latest figures from Kantar show MARKET SHARE - TOTAL GROCERY grocery sales fell by 4.8% year-onIncludes expenditure across Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Household and Health & Beauty categories year over the 12 weeks to October 31. However, growth is still strong Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend compared with pre-pandemic levels and sales were up 8.9% versus the % Change % Change 12 Weeks to 01/11/2020 12 Weeks to 31/10/2021 (year on year) (vs 2 years ago)* equivalent period in 2019.

“October brought the full easing % % % % of Covid-19 restrictions as well as Total Outlets 100.0% 100.0% -4.8% 8.9% a well-timed bank holiday weekend Total Multiples 90.1% 91.3% -3.6% 10.8% and shoppers have been making Dunnes 22.2% 22.6% -3.0% 7.6% the most of newfound freedoms,” explained Emer Healy, Retail Analyst Tesco 21.2% 21.3% -4.2% 10.0% at Kantar. “Dining out is firmly back SuperValu 21.9% 22.0% -4.3% 13.0% on the table, bringing a welcome Aldi 12.3% 12.7% -1.2% 10.4% boost to the hospitality sector as friends and families returned to bars Lidl 12.7% 12.7% -4.8% 15.3%. and restaurants. With fewer meals Other Outlets** 10.0% 8.9% -13.3% -8.0% eaten around the kitchen table, * This is provided to give further context to the year-on-year growth figures, which are now comparing we’ve seen supermarket sales drop against the accelerated take-home sales recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. by 8.4% in the latest four weeks. ** = Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers and Cross Border shops Irish shoppers spent €86.1m less on Source: Worldpanel FMCG groceries this month compared with turkey and stuffing also benefited and shoppers spent an extra the equivalent period last year when €280,000 and €192,000 on the Christmas dinner must-haves.” the nation was in lockdown.”

The ongoing growth of online grocery, which accelerated when Dunnes tops the table as the largest grocer this period with a 22.6% share of the market. Dunnes, which is historically popular shoppers were locked down at home, shows no sign of slowing during the festive season, attracted a significant number of down and sales grew by 2.2% this month. “The data suggests new shoppers through its doors in the latest 12 weeks, adding that e-commerce has become a lifeline for many people as they adjust to busier routines,” notes Emer. “Online has won long-term €24.2m to its overall growth. “A strong homeware offer drove this increase in footfall and empty nesters making early Christmas converts but also continues to attract new shoppers, with online preparations were particularly important to Dunnes this period,” shopping novices contributing an additional €1.3m to the sector’s Emer notes. overall performance.”

Aldi announced an extensive vegan range for Christmas 2021 Fuller schedules have also meant more mixing and socialising in a bid to win customers in the coming months. The grocer with other people, bringing the usual seasonal bugs, with soaring proved especially popular with young families, who spent an sales of flu treatments and cough lozenges of 56% and 36% extra €200,000 in-store. Aldi boosted its market share by 0.4 respectively in the past month. percentage points to 12.7% over the past 12 weeks.

The figures cover the Halloween period, when trick or treating SuperValu holds a 22% share of the market as its shoppers was back on the agenda, as sales of pumpkins soared by 59% and made an average of 20 trips to the grocer over the past 12 weeks, an extra €2m was spent on confectionery over the past 12 weeks. the highest figure among all the retailers. Tesco holds a 21.3% “It seems everyone is looking for an excuse to celebrate and share, helped by the recruitment of new shoppers, as well as Christmas has certainly arrived in the supermarket aisles,” Emer more frequent visits from existing customers. Lidl held its market added. “With Christmas ads appearing on our screens earlier share steady at 12.7%. than ever, and retailers giving seasonal staples a prominent Grocery market inflation stands at 0.9% for the 12-week position on shelves, Irish shoppers are getting into the festive period ending October 31, 2021. This is the highest level of spirit. Seasonal biscuits and chocolate proved too tempting to inflation since March 2021. resist, with sales growing by 6.2% and 17.4% year-on-year. Fresh

Donnybrook Fair announces €8m investment and expansion strategy DONNYBROOK Fair, the leading Irish gourmet food retailer, has announced the creation of 120 jobs as part of an €8m investment and expansion strategy. The announcement comes as Donnybrook Fair plans to launch its new flagship store at Dundrum Town Centre, which will employ approximately 70 people, following a €4.5m investment in the new location.

Meanwhile, an additional €3.5m investment in Donnybrook Fair’s gourmet food production facility, Donnybrook Fair Central Kitchen, will

lead to the creation of a further 50 jobs at the company. The production facility, which is located in Clondalkin, Co. Dublin, produces high quality artisan readymade food products for Donnybrook Fair’s retail estate and a selection of businesses.

“Since acquisition by Musgrave, the company has continued to grow and after much hard work by the team, we are delighted to be able to share these exciting and positive developments,” commented Donnybrook Fair Managing Director, Des O’Mahony.

10|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post sponsor Christmas FM CHRISTMAS FM, the popular radio station that is seen by many as the official soundtrack to the festive season, is delighted to announce that Cadbury, Coca-Cola and An Post have signed up for yet another year as Premier FM sponsors of the radio station. Christmas FM is celebrating its 14th year on air, and this year will aim to raise over €250,000 for charity partner Barnardos to provide targeted and intensive support for over 5,000 children most in need. Pictured at the launch of Christmas FM in 2021 are Garvan Rigby, co-founder of Christmas FM; Richard Miley, Marketing Communications Lead, An Post; Mary Gamble, Barnardos Director of Fundraising & Communications; and children Grace Dalton, Harry Kinahan and Maya Akano.

Aldi begins construction on €7m Mountbellew store

Dealz announces first distribution centre in Ireland

WORK has commenced on the construction of Aldi’s new store at Mountbellew, Co. Galway, which will bring up to 30 new permanent jobs to the town when it opens next year.

The development on College Road will see a substantial investment of €7m into the local area. The new environmentally friendly store will be powered by 100% renewable electricity and will be constructed in Aldi’s award-winning Project Fresh design. The 1,315 square metre store will feature 120 car parking spaces and 10 bike parking spaces, and Aldi will also be investing in the future of Mountbellew through the provision of four electric vehicle charging points. The store is part of a larger development constructed by Cahermorris Developments which features a filling station and residential development. Pictured at the turning of the sod are (l-r): Joe Joyce, Cahermorris Developments; John Sweeney, Property Director, Aldi Ireland; Eoghan Delaney, Cahermorris Developments; and Tom O’Toole, Archeco architects.

LEADING Irish discount retailer, Dealz is stepping up its investment in Ireland, confirming it plans to open its first distribution centre in Ireland at Clonee, Co. Meath, creating 60 new jobs and providing a direct route to market for suppliers in the Republic of Ireland. The new facility at The Hub Logistics Park means Irish suppliers will be able to send their products directly to the retailer for distribution into Dealz’ Republic of Ireland stores and represents a €4.4m per annum investment. For the first time, Dealz plans to open stand-alone clothing and home stores in 2022 to bring a full range of women’s, men’s and kids’ fashion and homewares to new customers.

Pictured is Poundland & Dealz Managing Director, Barry Williams.

NDC makes senior appointment THE National Dairy Council (NDC) has announced the appointment of Dr Clare O’Donovan RD as Senior Nutritionist. Clare is a CORU registered dietitian and member of the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute (INDI) and the Nutrition Society.

Clare completed her PhD in Personalised Nutrition at University College Dublin (UCD) in 2015. She subsequently worked as an Assistant Lecturer in Athlone Institute of Technology (AIT) and Postdoctoral Research Fellow on the Irish National Food Consumption Surveys in UCD. Clare is an alumni member of the European Nutrition Leadership Platform (ENLP), a network of leading nutrition professionals across Europe.

She is also a committee member of the Association of the Study of Obesity in Ireland (ASOI) and has worked as a Technical Executive in Public Health Nutrition within the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) for nearly five years.

Waterful baby wipes win award WATERFUL plastic-free baby wipes have won Best New Product at the Mums & Tots Awards after just a few months on supermarket shelves. After two weeks of voting, the public chose their winners for the ninth annual Mums & Tots Awards 2021. With over 90,000 mums voting in the awards, Waterful plastic free baby wipes scooped first place for the Best New Product.

“A huge congratulations to the team at Waterful,” noted Aidan Small, Buying Manager, Baby Category, Tesco Ireland. “It’s a great achievement to win a best new product award after only nine months on the market. Our customers are seeking out brands that reflect their own sustainability ethos and are responding well to this new product. We look forward to more customers giving this product a try across the country.”

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12|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News SuperValu’s Deermuid the Deer encourages the nation to Share the Magic SUPERVALU has released its 2021 Christmas Advertisement, ‘Share the Magic’, featuring Deermuid the Deer and 9-year-old Aoife. The ad is sure to warm hearts across the country this festive period and gives a subtle nod to the country’s resilience over the past 18 months. In the ad, Deermuid the Deer finds a loyal companion in Aoife who is played by budding star nine-year-old Penny Lynch. “We are excited to release our 2021 Christmas ad and hope that viewers across the country can connect with and find moments of belief and joy in Deermuid the Deer, little Aoife and the community of children that support them,” said SuperValu’s Retail Marketing Manager, Shane Lynch. “Deermuid and Aoife formed such a good bond which really comes through in the advert.”

Kellie Harrington becomes Fresh launches Select format FRESH the Good Food Market has Spar Brand Ambassador opened the doors to its latest store SPAR has announced a new partnership with Olympic Gold Medallist boxer Kellie Harrington.

The new three-year partnership will see Spar support Kellie every step of the way on her journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics Games. To further celebrate this exciting new partnership, Spar and Kellie launched the Spar Christmas Community Fund, which will see Spar acknowledge and reward 10 local community mentors by giving them the opportunity to win €1,000 each for their local club or community group. “Spar have a presence in every community around Ireland and the importance of community is something that I am very passionate about and really resonates with me,” noted Kellie. “The Spar Christmas Community Fund is a great initiative and I am pleased to be associated with it. I look forward to seeing the local hero nominations that will be entered and hearing each inspiring story.” Kellie is pictured with Spar Marketing Manager Helen Lalor and Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Director, at St Mary’s Boxing Club in Tallaght, Dublin. For more information, visit www.spar.ie.

in Dublin. The premium convenience retailer has taken over the former M&S Simply Food in Dublin’s Heuston station. Fresh was invited by the station operator CIE to create a store that suited the station’s commercial mix and its passenger and local customer profile. In doing so Fresh’s created a new store format, named ‘Select’, built around a curated ‘food for now’ and ‘food for later’ offer. The new shop features locally made handcrafted sandwiches, pre-packed salads, bakery, snacks and drinks, gifts, flowers, a boutique wine selection, and its own chef-prepared ‘food for later’ range of over 30 meals. The meals are produced

by Fresh’s team of chefs and are delivered daily from the chain’s city centre production kitchen. Pictured are Gerry Dalton, Assistant Station Master, and Noel Smith, founder and MD of Fresh.

Zeus founder named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 BRIAN O’Sullivan, Chairman and founder of Irish-owned global packaging company Zeus, has been named EY Entrepreneur of the Year 2021. Brian founded Zeus in 1998 and has built it into a global packaging force with a turnover of €300m and a staff of 670 people in 26 countries. “I am deeply honoured to be named EY Entrepreneur of the Year, and humbled to be chosen from a field of candidates who have impressed and inspired me so much throughout the competition,” he said.

Aldi to submit plans for Moyross store ALDI Ireland will shortly submit a planning application to Limerick County Council for a new €7m store located in Moyross, Co. Limerick. Aldi is aiming to open the store in mid-2024, creating up to 30 permanent jobs.

“We’re delighted to submit our plans for a store in Moyross and to commit to further investment in Co. Limerick,” noted Colin Breslin, Regional Managing Director, Aldi Ireland. “The new store will provide even further opportunities for local food and drink producers to work with Aldi. Last year alone we sourced €9.5m of locally produced food and drink from Co. Limerick based suppliers.”

Dear Retailer & Wholesaler Partners, This time last year not many of us would have believed that 2021 would continue to challenge us as the pandemic remained part of our personal and working lives.

Once again, our retail and wholesale business partners have stepped up to the plate and delivered a seamless service from Head Office to store and from store to shelf.

We appreciate the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to get products ready for consumers to purchase while at the same time managing your business in a covid compliant way. I want to personally thank you all for your continued support and tireless efforts. It has been another year that has demonstrated how resilient you all are and have helped to ensure the continuity of supply that consumers demand.

So, this year, like before, I wish each of you and your families a very safe Christmas and a very successful 2022.

Happy Christmas

with best wishes from all at John Player

Morgan Lee - Market Manager

14|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Industry News Tesco Ireland launches

annual Christmas Food Appeal Television presenter and mum of two, Laura Woods, recently teamed up with Tesco Ireland to launch this year’s Christmas Food Appeal, in partnership with FoodCloud. Tesco called on its customers to support local community groups by contributing to its annual Christmas Food Appeal in stores from December 2-5. Tesco’s Christmas Food Appeal collects non-perishable food or household items donated by customers in stores to support community groups that they work with through a partnership with FoodCloud. The campaign encourages shoppers to purchase an additional item during their trip to select Tesco stores and donate it to the Christmas Appeal Trolley, located in-store on their way out.

Maxol launches charity campaign for Aware MOST people in Ireland (89%) agree we need to be kinder to one another and two in every five (41%) say that people were kinder during than before the pandemic, according to new research commissioned by Maxol. The research findings were released to coincide with the launch of 12 Days of Kindness, part of Maxol’s annual Christmas campaign to raise much needed funds for mental health charity Aware.

During November and December, 10c from every cup of Rosa Coffee and hot beverage purchased in a Maxol service station is donated to Aware by Maxol. In a bid to blast this year’s €70,000 fundraising target and help spread some extra kindness, Maxol invited customers to buy a Rosa Coffee for a stranger in the 12 Days of Kindness from December 1-12. Pictured are: Stephen McBride, Aware; clinical psychologist Dr Eddie Murphy; Brian Donaldson, Maxol Group CEO; Susannah Jackson, Aware; and sisters Leah (10) & Aoife (8) McArdle.

Fresh partners with with Kwanghi Chan

Smurfit Kappa wins 13 FIA

Awards SMURFIT Kappa has picked up 13 awards for its creative and innovative packaging solutions at this year’s Flexographic Industry Association (FIA) UK awards. Since 2013, Smurfit Kappa has received 113 FIA awards, consolidating its leadership in the packaging industry. Smurfit Kappa’s sustainable packaging solutions received a plethora of awards including four Gold, five Silver, two Bronze and two Highly Commended awards, making it the most awarded packaging company. The winning entries included packaging with stand-out graphics for Coors Light, Papa John’s Pizza, Becks and WD40. “Winning 13 awards across a wide variety of categories is testament to the skills and knowledge of our printers and the quality processes they follow,” noted Eddie Fellows, CEO of Smurfit Kappa UK and Ireland. “They go to extraordinary efforts to produce some of the most creative and sustainable packaging solutions on the market.”

FRESH The Good Food Market has announced its collaboration with Michelin trained chef and recent winner of RTE’s Food Truck of the year, Kwanghi Chan. Fresh invited Kwanghi to take up ‘residency’ at its Capital Dock store in Dublin 2 to take his hugely popular street food truck offer ‘Bites by Kwanghi’ and bring it into its first retail environment. Kwanghi Chan is pictured with Austin McGinley, Brand and Development Consultant, Fresh.

Spar European Cross Country

Championships THE Spar European Cross Country Championships took place on December 12 at the Sport Ireland Campus, the second occasion that the event has taken place in Dublin, following on from a hugely successful hosting in 2009. To mark this special occasion, Spar Ireland sponsored the planting of oak tree saplings at the cross country venue, with a tree being planted in honour of each national federation competing, as well as for all of the athletes, volunteers, and officials who made the prestigious event possible. “We’re really excited and proud to be the sponsor of the Spar European Cross Country Championships,” noted Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Director. “Ireland has such a proud tradition when it comes to cross country running and we are delighted to mark this historic occasion in dedicating the planting of these trees to all those who are involved in the event.” Paul O’Donnell (Senior Men’s Team) is pictured planting one of the trees.

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16|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Market Analysis

Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector, Bank of Ireland, examines six elements shaping the future of Irish grocery and convenience retail.

OVER the past 18 months, Irish grocery and convenience retailers have absorbed significant change within their operations amid unprecedented market uncertainty. The changing trends in customer behaviour and expectation – shopping online, working remotely, contactless payments, increased health & safety and environmental awareness etc – have prompted many retailers to evaluate their long-term business models. Sustainability involves a game of brinkmanship; embracing long-term trends whilst addressing short-term difficulties that may stifle business growth.

The six areas that will shape the future of the retail sector are as follows: 1. Personnel investment: In a competitive labour market – sourcing and retaining the best people is vital to sustain a retail business. Retailers must, therefore, recognise that two key inter-connected investment strands in the months ahead will be in technology and their people. A structured employee development plan that incorporates role variety, up-skilling opportunities and competitive remuneration needs to be embedded within the culture of the business.

The smart use of digital/automation tools can deliver efficiencies within the business which will support this employee-focused model. Excellent customer service is a product of an engaged team; development of personnel is an imperative for progressive retailers in the coming years.

Looking to the future of Irish grocery

2. Store revamp & investment: As retailers seek to preserve and develop customer goodwill/ engagement, many progressive operators are now undertaking comprehensive store revamps.

This investment, based on market evidence, will support sales and margin growth, whilst mitigating the increased cost of doing business (minimum wage increase, statutory sick-pay, insurance, health & safety etc).

A holistic revamp plan drawing on feedback from customers, suppliers and employees will ensure that the maximum return on investment is generated in the longterm.

Owen Clifford, Head of Retail Sector, Bank Where of Ireland. a robust

Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie|17

Market Analysis revamp plan is implemented successfully, retailers can expect to increase sales by 5%10% and margin by 0.5%-1%. At present, I am supporting retailers with the development, financing and evaluation of their revamp strategies on a daily basis; the volume of transactions being completed suggests that those who fail to invest in the coming years will find it ever more difficult to maintain customer engagement.

3. Consolidation in the market: Store and group acquisition activity has gathered pace throughout 2021 and further consolidation is expected in the Irish retail sector in the months ahead. The UK retail sector has been targeted by private equity (Morrison’s and Asda being two notable examples) as their investor base seek returns in a low interest rate environment. Could these “barbarians at the gate” now turn their attention to the Irish market?

The Irish forecourt sector has seen The future of online grocery will be under the spotlight in the coming notable market activity as fuel brands seek to months. reposition their focus towards a convenience ‘food to go’ offering - further developments in centre dwellers as opposed to city centre employees – partner this respect are expected, linked to the targeted electrification with foodservice/restaurants and provide effective delivery of the Irish motor fleet. Covid-19 and the strain/additional options etc to engage a new recurring customer base. workload associated with same has been a catalyst for a number of retailers to examine the sale of their business.

5. Online grocery:

The number of store purchase proposals that I am The future of online grocery will be under the spotlight in the reviewing has increased significantly in H2 2021 and this coming months. The existing platforms were stretched when increased transaction volume is expected to continue into 2022 dealing with the unprecedented volumes over the past year, leading to some consumer disengagement with the channel.

However, the current low levels (under 5% of total grocery sales) conducted via online demonstrate that a real growth opportunity is available if a frictionless, efficient, reliable service can be delivered. It will be interesting to see if further partnership models develop via Ocado, Buymie, Deliveroo, JustEat or internal ‘dark stores’.

The cost of picking and delivery linked to the online channel remains a deterrent to retailers. I would expect a greater emphasis to be placed on user-friendly click-and-collect offerings from all the leading brands in the coming months.

The development of more intuitive/extensive brand apps, linking personalised offers, loyalty rewards, click-and-collect, community initiatives and nutritional advice etc, will be a priority for all brands to maintain customer engagement.

“

The UK retail sector has been targeted by private equity as their investor base seek returns in a low interest rate environment.

Could these ‘barbarians at the gate’ now turn their attention to the Irish market?

– with the larger groups increasing their store portfolio, and the next generation of retailers also getting an opportunity to take their first steps into store ownership.

4. City centre transformation: The retail recovery rate continues to be slowest in our city centres as the “doughnut effect” prevails, linked to remote working, depleted tourist numbers and lack of sporting/ entertainment events. Covid-19 restrictions heralded a renewed sense of localism; we re-discovered our neighbourhoods, leading to a renaissance of our suburbs and regional towns.

A refreshed blueprint integrating residential, hospitality, entertainment, commercial and retail elements is an imperative to revitalise our city centres. City centre stores will need to proactively assess all aspects of their business plan: target customer demographic, margin development, shrinkage, cost base, property costs etc. They will need to focus more on city

6. Sustainability: Covid-19 has been a wake-up call against conspicuous consumption and challenged consumers about what they value, their shopping attitudes and behaviours. In line with worldwide trends, Irish consumer expectations around the societal impact of retail operations have intensified and many shoppers are now willing to pay a premium for products that meet their values.

Irish retailers have an important role to play in supporting the Irish Government’s roadmap of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Strong engagement in the proposed ‘deposit return scheme’ and near-shoring their supply chain can be important steps in this regard.

A number of grocery/convenience retailers have already completed ‘green’ projects or have it as a constant within their capital expenditure or process improvement programmes – monitoring and measuring the benefits of same is now the next step in the transit on to a more environmentally friendly business model.

18|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Frozen Food: McCain

Making the most of roasts McCain Roasts has recently had a relaunch, with new packaging and a new recipe that minimises fat content, but the same great taste and texture.

Relaunch of McCain Roasts Following its success and popularity, McCain Roasts has recently undergone a relaunch to better communicate the added value benefits the product offers.

As part of this relaunch, McCain focused on updating its recipe to minimise fat content whilst retaining its signature taste and texture (the new recipe has reduced fat content from 12% to 7%).

McCain Roasts provides consumers with the This means that opportunity to cook a full Christmas dinner with less consumers can now hassle. enjoy their roasts more underestimated. It is time for Roasts to often than take centre stage during the Christmas ever before. In addition to this, season.

McCain also introduced brand new packaging over the winter The most authentic roasts period. Whilst still a mainstream “McCain continues to be passionate roast, the proposition is designed about creating the most authentic roasts to add value into the category. The possible, which are easy to prepare new pack is already performing and deliver on taste,” explains Naomi positively, with a recent survey Tinkler, McCain Category Controller. highlighting improved premium and “With Christmas 2021 set to be bigger taste credentials, shelf presence and than ever, there is a real opportunity for conversion rate (McCain Roasts Pack McCain to demonstrate the benefits of Test 2021, Emotional Logic). the frozen food market with products

McCain Roasts provides such as McCain Roasts. consumers with the opportunity to “With Christmas around the corner, cook a full Christmas dinner with we remain committed to being front of less hassle and without having to mind for the consumer, as seen by our compromise on flavour. This year, brand-new packaging and improved we are all hoping gatherings recipe. We are more determined than and family get-togethers will be ever to facilitate special mealtime McCain Roasts has recently undergone a possible, and McCain know that moments and help families stock relaunch to better communicate the added the value of roasts in bringing up for those unbeatable moments of value benefits the product offers. people together cannot be togetherness.”

AS a leading manufacturer of frozen potatoes, McCain has continued to produce the highest quality and innovative products that deliver the best taste and experience in the market.

While the past year has seen consumers adapt their shopping and purchasing style to a new retail landscape, the importance of the Christmas season remains as prevalent as ever. McCain understands the importance of potatoes for the Irish consumer and they remain the most consumed carb across all age groups as well as 4/5 people eating them at their last meal (Source: Bord Bia, What Ireland Ate Last Night, August 2019).

McCain prides itself on producing roasts that are unlike its competitors, choosing to baste its roasts rather than batter them. The result is an authentic taste of homemade roast potatoes that families are seeking to replicate for those important occasions, particularly at Christmas.

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20|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards presented The winners of the 2021 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards were announced in a virtual ceremony on Tuesday, November 23.

THE winners of the 2021 Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards have been revealed, following a virtual awards ceremony on November 23.

The event was attended by the food industry’s key players, including the finalist retailers, wholesalers, foodservice, own label and small producers, eager to find out if their products had been awarded a prestigious badge of excellence.

During an extremely rigorous judging process, the independent judging panel of respected food and drink experts covered innovation, taste, flavour, texture, aroma, ingredients, provenance, packaging, presentation, and price point, while putting each entry through its paces to produce the impressive list of results.

Exceptional performance This year’s winners include Lidl, who picked up the Retailer of the Year Award, sponsored by Dairymaid, for an exceptional performance across all the food and drink categories. Finnebrogue Artisan, from Co. Down, won Product of the Year for their Naked Smoked Streaky Bacon; Aldi’s Ardfallen Blended Irish Whiskey from Sazerac Ireland was crowned Drink Product of the Year, while Aldi also received the Own Label of the Year Award for their Specially Selected Range.

Meanwhile, the Foodservice Product of the Year went to Meath’s own Meade Farm Group’s Potato Starch, and the

The Product of the Year Award went to Co. Down’s Finnebrogue Artisan for their Naked Smoked Streaky Bacon.

Supplier of the Year Award was presented to Monaghan based premium duck producer, Silver Hill Duck. The Good Choice Product of the Year was awarded to Feighery’s Farm Irish Beetroot Juice from Offaly.

This year’s Small Producer Award, sponsored by Dunnes Stores Simply Better, gives small producers the opportunity to launch a product within the Simply Better Range, and was awarded to two exceptional products: Drummond House Garlic Scape Sauce from Louth, and Cork-based Sage Restaurant Buttermilk Ranch. Congratulations and we look forward to seeing your future products!

Lidl named Retailer of the Year Lidl Ireland’s Retailer of the Year Award followed on from their Christmas Retailer of the Year win just a few short weeks ago – the festive awards were announced early and covered in last month’s Retail

One of the winners of the Small Producer Award: Drummond House Irish Garlic Scape Sauce & Dip.

2021 Retailer of the Year at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards.

Top of the Food Chain.

Winning Retailer of the Year at the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards was kind of inevitable. We won so many gold, silver and bronze awards the judges were left with no choice.

Unlike you, who has a big gorgeous world of choice in our stores every day of the year.

More For You

22|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards News. Lidl Ireland secured 106 awards in total at the prestigious event, including 26 gold, 42 silver and 36 bronze medals.

The success at this year’s awards is a culmination of Lidl’s work in bringing great quality items at low prices to everyday products that customers demand. Highlights that secured Gold medals included Lidl’s Deluxe Organic Irish Salmon Fillets supplied

by Keohane’s Seafood from Bantry Bay, customer favourite Deluxe Irish Country Tomato Relish made by longtime Lidl supplier The Scullery and Dundalgan Reserve Blend Charred Cask Irish Whiskey, distilled by multiaward-winning West Cork Distillers in Skibbereen.

“We were thrilled to discover that not only were we named Christmas Retailer of the Year, but we were the overall Retailer of the Year at this year’s prestigious Irish Quality Food Awards,” revealed JP Scally, Chief Executive Officer at Lidl Ireland and Northern Ireland. “With 106 awards in total, it is a testament to the incredible work of

Lidl Ireland were named Retailer of the Year and took home an incredible 106 awards, including a Gold Award for their Deluxe Organic Irish Salmon Fillets supplied by Keohane’s Seafood from Bantry Bay.

Drink Awards were incredibly impressed with the quality of 2021 finalist products across all categories, especially considering the constant challenges presented by the pandemic.

“Although it has not been possible to run our live awards this year, we were delighted to be back with our live judging and product awards, celebrating just some of the incredible people and produce throughout the island of Ireland,” noted Beckie Dart, Director, Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards. “Whilst 2021 has continued to bring challenges, we have

been astounded by the level of innovation and continued excellence throughout the food and drink sector. Congratulations to all our finalists and winners this year.

I look forward to seeing more great products, as well as seeing you in person, in 2022.”

Beckie paid tribute to the sponsors and partners of the Irish Quality Food & Drink Awards. Sponsors include Dairymaid, Dunnes Stores Simply Better and Invest Northern Ireland, while partners include Alpha Omega Consultants, IGBF/ TWIG and Retail News.

Sage Restaurant Buttermilk Ranch was one of the winners of the Small Producer Award. our teams, who work across every facet of the buying process. Our teams have worked incredibly hard with fantastic Irish producers to bring Lidl customers the highest quality products at the best possible prices. Low prices don’t mean that you have to compromise on quality either; these awards demonstrate that perfectly! We would like to thank our incredible Irish suppliers for continuing to work with us to ensure Irish shoppers are getting the very best when they do their shopping in Lidl.”

High calibre of entries The judges of the Irish Quality Food and

Winner of the Foodservice Product of the Year was Meade Farm Potato Starch from Meade Farm Group.

Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie|23

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Irish Food & Drink Award Winners Product of the Year

Cheese

Finnebrogue Artisan Naked Smoked Streaky Bacon

Irish Soft Cheese Killowen Farm Cream Cheese Natural Rich & Creamy, Killowen Farm

Small Producer Award Winners Drummond House Irish Garlic Scape Sauce & Dip Sage Restaurant Buttermilk Ranch

Beverages Good Choice Product of the Year Feighery’s Farm Irish Beetroot Juice

Retailer of the Year Lidl Ireland

Juices and Smoothies Keeling’s Orange Juice

Own Label Range of the Year Aldi Ireland Specially Selected

Supplier of the Year Silver Hill Duck

Presse and Cordials Lidl Sparkling Italian Apple Pressé, Glenpatrick Spring Water Co

Preserves

Category Award Winners Bread and Bakery Breads – Speciality The Breadski Brothers Spelt Sourdough Cob, MMM Family Bakery

Blackwater Honey, Heather Honey Lidl Breakfast Marmalade, Abbey Farm Foods Wexford Home Preserves Handmade Seville Marmalade Wexford Home Preserves Wexford Blackcurrant Jam

Relishes and Chutneys Wheaten and Soda Sodalicious Rosemary & Olive Oil

Lidl Deluxe Irish Country Tomato Relish, The Scullery

Breakfast Products

Store Cupboard Items

Breakfast Baked Goods Dromod Boxty Pancakes

Biscuits and Snacks Snacks – Savoury Keoghs Butter and Sea Salt Popcorn

Fused Japanese Style White Miso Paste, Fused by Fiona Uyema

Condiments Drummond House Irish Garlic Scape Sauce & Dip Sage Restaurant Buttermilk Ranch

Cooking Sauces Snacks – Sweet Aldi Specially Selected Popcorn Extra Buttery Toffee, C PAC Foods

Fused Katsu Curry Stir Fry Sauce, Fused

by Fiona Uyema

Oils, Vinegars and Dressings Dairy and Eggs Creams and Custards Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Made Vanilla Bean Custard, Spice O Life

Butters and Spreads Lidl Sundried Tomato Pesto Butter, VOA Foods

Blackberry and Thyme Infused Balsamic Vinegar, Burren Baslamics Donegal Rapeseed Oil Classic

Ready Meals Aldi Carlos Mexican Bean Enchiladas, Deli Lites Homebird Cooked Irish Chicken Wings with a Rich, Hot & Smoky Sauce, O’Brien Fine Foods

Aldi‘s Ardfallen Blended Irish Whiskey, distilled by Sazerac Ireland, was named Drink Product of the Year.

Lidl Deluxe Beef Ragu, Daily Bake Lidl Deluxe Chicken & Mushroom Risotto, Daily Bake

Pizza and Pasta, Rice and Grains Pizzas Lidl Sourdough Pizza Half & Half - Goat’s Cheese, Onion & Spinach / ‘Nduja, Picante Salami and Red Peppers, Crust & Crumb

Meal Accompaniments Aldi Specially Selected Cranberry, Apricot & Orange Stuffing, TS Foods Aldi Specially Selected Smoked Bacon & Butter Leek Stuffing, TS Foods Dromod Boxty Dunnes Stores Simply Better Irish Garlic Roasting Potatoes, Wonderfoods Fresh Chunky Chips - Meade Farm Meade Fresh Skinny Chips Milgro’s Flame Grilled Steak Flavour Crispy Onions

Deli Goods Meat Antipasti and Sliced Meats Brady Family Irish Angus Cured Beef, O’Brien Fine Foods

24|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Brady Family, Master Butcher 7 Day Dry Aged Glazed Ham, O’Brien Fine Foods Lidl Deluxe Irish Angus Carved Topside Beef with a Garlic and Herb Seasoning, Glen Aine

Crisps

Keoghs Crinkle Cut Atlantic Sea Salt and Balsamic Vinegar O’Donnells Furrows Crinkle Cut Irish Cider vinegar & Sea Salt Crisps

Chocolate and Confectionery Food of the Gods - Chocolate

Desserts and Puddings - Fresh Aldi Specially Selected Belgian Chocolate Cheesecake, Prestige Lidl Deluxe Sticky Toffee Pudding, Hain Daniels

Fish and Shellfish Fresh Fish Lidl Deluxe Organic Irish Salmon Fillets, Keohane Seafoods Prepared Fish Lidl Deluxe Salmon Sensation, Dunn’s Seafare

Fresh Produce

Goodness Nobó Orange Choc Only Plant Based Ranch Sauce, Rich Sauces

Vegetarian/Vegan - Main Meals Big Pot Vegan Butternut Squash & Chipotle Bean

Bacon

Finnebrogue Artisan Naked Smoked Streaky Bacon, Finnebrogue Artisan

Pork Lidl Deluxe Irish Stuffed Pork Fillet with Apple and Rosemary Stuffing, Karro Food

Game Lidl Deluxe Irish Crispy Roast Half Duckling With Pancakes & Hoisin Sauce, Silver Hill Foods

Poultry Lidl 2 Part Boned Corn Fed Chicken Breast with Wheaten Bread, Caramelised Plum & Ginger Stuffing, Carton Brothers

Lamb

Lidl Deluxe Fresh Irish Stuffed Carvery Lamb Leg, Irish Country Meats

Burgers and Meatballs

Fruit Unprepared Aldi Specially Selected Irish Bramley Apple, Donnelly Fresh Foods Keeling’s Kol’or Pineapple

Aldi Specially Selected Dry Aged Tipperary Black Angus Rib Steak Burger with Beechwood Dry Cured Bacon Medallion and a Smokehouse Cheese Melt, ABP Foodgroup

Nobó Irish Salted Caramel Frozen

Beef Steaks – Striploin

Vegetarian/Vegan – Sweet and Savoury

Beef Steaks - Striploin and Sirloin

Irish Quality Drink Awards Gold Award Winners Beer Ales Lidl The Crafty Brewing Company Irish Craft Pale Ale, Rye River Brewing Co. Cider Aldi Armagh Craft Cider Sweet, Armagh Cider Company Lager Lidl The Crafty Brewing Company Irish Craft Lager, Rye River Brewing Co.

Spirits Liqueurs, Speciality Spirits and Fortified Wine Lidl Deluxe Irish Chocolate Cream Liqueur, Terra Lidl Deluxe Irish Cream Liqueur, Terra

Whiskey and Bourbon Aldi Ardfallen Blended Irish Whiskey, Sazerac Ireland Lidl Dundalgan Reserve Blend Charred Cask Irish Whiskey, West Cork Distillers

Wine Red Wine up to €12 Lidl Corte alle Mura Chianti DOCG Reserva, Niederrhein Gold Lidl Hachón Ribera del Duero DO Reserva, Solis Avantis Drink Product of the Year Aldi Ardfallen Blended Irish Whiskey, Sazerac Ireland

The winner of the Good Choice Product of the Year was Feighery’s Farm Irish Beetroot Juice.

Aldi Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Striploin Steak, ABP Foodgroup Aldi Specially Selected Tipperary Dry Aged Angus Striploin Steak, ABP Foodgroup

Beef Steaks – Ribeye

Aldi Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Rib Eye Steak, ABP Foodgroup

Beef Steaks – Fillet

Aldi Butchers Selection Fillet Steak, ABP Foodgroup Aldi Specially Selected Irish Black Angus Fillet Steak, ABP Foodgroup

Beef

Aldi Butcher’s Selection Irish Beef Striploin Joint, ABP Foodgroup

Foodservice Award Winners

Foodservice Back of House Dry Goods/ Ingredients Gold Award Winner Meade Farm Potato Starch, Meade Farm Group

Foodservice Product of the Year

Meade Farm Potato Starch, Meade Farm Group

For the full list of Gold, Silver and Bronze Award winners, visit: https://irish. qualityfoodawards.com/IQFA21/en/ page/2021winners.

26|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Employment Law

Changing laws: what you need to know

Barry Reynolds, Chris Ryan and Sinead Egan of DAC Beachcroft review the important changes to Irish employment law during 2021 and preview some new legislation on the way next year.

2021 was a whirlwind of a year for employment law in Ireland and 2022 is set to continue the rapid pace of change. In this month’s issue, we reflect on some of the most significant developments that occurred in the past 12 months and look ahead to what’s in store in the new year.

Big changes to the WRC In April 2021, we had the landmark Supreme Court decision of Zalewski v Adjudication Officer, Ireland and the Attorney General ([2021] IESC 24).

This case challenged the lawfulness of the procedures adopted

by the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC). It was considered by the Supreme Court in a case that is of fundamental importance to any employment related claim. The Court upheld the workings of the WRC overall as being constitutionality compliant. However, it did identify a number of aspects of the procedures which were unconstitutional and needed to be amended. In order to remedy these aspects of the WRC procedures, in July, new legislation (The Workplace Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021) was introduced, resulting in major changes which are highly relevant to anyone facing an employment dispute, including: • Hearings in public: before Zalewski, hearings before the

Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie|27

Employment Law

There are some important legislative changes to employment law coming in 2022.

•

•

WRC were conducted in private. The Supreme Court found that this was unconstitutional as it did not comply with the requirement for justice to be administered in public. Following this change, members of the public, including the media, are permitted to attend hearings, unless there are “special circumstances” requiring a private hearing. The exceptions will be very limited.

Publication of party names: contrary to the previous practice of the WRC, the full names of employers and employees are now reported in virtually all WRC decisions.

Oaths and affirmations: previously, the WRC had no power to take evidence on oath or affirmation, limiting remedies for false or inaccurate evidence before the WRC. Now an Adjudication Officer has the power to take evidence on oath or affirmation. This means that anyone found giving false evidence may be subject to certain penalties.

The impact of these changes has been significant. The immediate impact of the changes were that many WRC cases

were adjourned, pending the publication and coming into force of the changes.

For example, cases involving conflicts of evidence could not proceed as they had to be dealt with under oath and this required legislation. This meant adding further delays to an already congested system, resulting in longer waiting times between lodging a complaint and the complaint being heard.

The fact that cases are now held in public and party names are now published also warrants consideration by all employers facing a statutory claim. Employers will be particularly conscious of potential reputational damage, where the names of the parties can potentially be published in media reports. Whilst the overall effects of this change remain to be seen, it may have resulted in an increase in demand for the mediation services of the WRC to avoid the need for a public hearing.

The right to disconnect The continuing Covid-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on workers and businesses. The changes wrought on the world of work have varied from sector to sector. Office workers were among those

who could continue to work, provided of course that they had available to them the equipment to work remotely. This shift to home working triggered a renewed focus on working time and protecting staff from the stress of excessive working and an ‘always on’ culture. One of the changes which this catalysed was the code on disconnecting from the workplace. This was a longstanding concept, and has been long been law in other places, and it is of course not only related to remote working. However, remote working certainly expedited attention being given to this area.

In April, the WRC published the Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Right to Disconnect (the Code) with a view to providing practical guidance and best practice for employees and employers in relation to the right to disconnect. The Code now provides guidance for all in balancing the benefits and disadvantages of remote working, helping to ensure that employees benefit from uninterrupted rest time when this is possible.

What is the right to disconnect? It is the right that an employee has to disengage from work and refrain from engaging in work-related electronic communications,

28|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Employment Law such as emails, telephone calls or other messages, outside normal working hours.

There are three key elements of the right to disconnect: • The right of an employee to not routinely perform work outside normal working hours; • The right not to be penalised for refusing to attend to work matters outside of normal working hours; • The duty to respect another person’s right to disconnect (e.g. by not routinely emailing or calling outside of normal working hours).

The Code does recognise that there will be times when it will be necessary to work outside of an employee’s routine working hours, but that this is expected to be the exception.

Although failure to follow the Code is not in and of itself an offence, failure to adhere to the Code can be used in evidence in a relevant claim. The Code is intended to support existing rights and obligations under employment law, and will be of particular relevance to claims to include, in particular: •

•

Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005: employers have a duty to ensure work is carried out in a safe manner. Equally, employees also have a duty to look after their own welfare.

The Code is welcome in referring to the employee having some level of personal responsibility for managing their working time.

Organisation of Working Time Act 1997: employers must ensure that employees take their rest breaks and do not work beyond the maximum 48 hours per week

•

on average, regardless of whether the employee works on an employer’s premises or remotely from their own home.

Terms of Employment Information Act 1994-2004: employees must be provided with detailed information on their working time. This includes information on employee’s normal working hours.

The purpose of the Code is to help maintain a culture allowing employees to switch off after core working hours. This seeks to help protect them from managers excessively emailing them but also their colleagues, who may also send emails ostensibly requiring responses prior to the next working day.

Employers should consider putting in place a clear Right to Disconnect Policy.

The Code itself strongly encourages employers to engage with stakeholders for the purpose of preparing a tailored policy which accurately reflects the needs of the business and the organisation’s culture.

This is particularly the case where work might be conducted over several time zones, with colleagues working in different locations around the world.

Looking forward – changes expected in 2022

1. Gender Pay Gap Reporting During 2021, the Gender Pay Gap Information Act 2021 was enacted. For the first time in Ireland, this legislation makes provision for employers to be required to publish the gender pay information in an organisation. Although enacted in July, further

regulations are required to be brought in to give effect to these obligations. It is expected that such regulations will be published in 2022.

The purpose of the legislation is to require employers to publish information about the pay of employees referable to gender, with the overall aim of addressing gender pay inequality in Ireland. It seeks to do this by bringing about greater accountability and transparency in terms of pay. As a result, employers will be obliged to disclose the following information: • • •

• •

the mean and median gap in hourly pay between male and female employees; the mean and median gap in bonus pay between male and female employees; the mean and median gap in hourly pay of part-time male and female employees; the percentage of male and female employees who received bonus pay; the percentage of male and female employees who received benefits in kind.

Not only will employers be required to publish the figures, they will also be required to publish any reasons why there is disparity between men and women and the measures they intend on taking to address them.

It is important to note that reporting obligations will not apply to every organisation. For the first two years following the enactment of the regulations, the legislation will apply only to private and public sectors with at least 250 employees.

On the third anniversary, the scope will be expanded to cover employers with 150 employees with this figure dropping to 50 employees in the fourth year. Employers with less than 50 employees will not have any reporting obligations.

In the event that an employer fails to carry out its reporting obligations, an employee may make a complaint to the

The impending enactment of the Sick Pay Bill will introduce a statutory right to sick pay, which will be legally enforceable through applications to the WRC.

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30|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Employment Law WRC. Whilst compensation cannot be awarded or fines imposed, the WRC can direct an employer to comply with its obligations. If a complaint is upheld by the WRC, it could cause serious reputational damage to an organisation. The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission (IHREC) will also have powers to apply to the courts for an order requiring the employer to comply with its obligations.

While some of the details on reporting obligations remain unclear in the absence of the regulations, it does appear that reporting obligations are likely in 2022.

Accordingly, employers should commence preparations now, and many are, to collate and review current pay data to ascertain whether any gaps exist and they should start considering how those gaps might be addressed before mandatory reporting begins.

Failure to pay sick leave could result in a claim to the WRC, in which case an employee could be awarded compensation of up to 20 weeks’ remuneration.

3. Protected Disclosures Ireland has been ahead of the curve when it comes to whistleblowing protections and we already have in place protections for those who make protected disclosures during their employment. These protections are set to become even stronger next year when the EU Whistleblowing Directive is transposed into Irish law - the directive is due to be brought in by December 17, 2021. However, only the draft general scheme has been published to date, such that it is unlikely that the legislation will be in place before next year.

About the authors BARRY Reynolds (breynolds@ dacbeachcroft.com), Chris Ryan (chryan@dacbeachcroft.com) and Sinead Egan (segan@dacbeachcroft. com) of DAC Beachcroft (https://www.dacbeachcroft.com/en/ gb/locations/dublin/) are specialists in employment law. This article is for general information purposes only and does not comprise legal or professional advice. You should not rely on any of the material in this article without seeking appropriate legal advice.

Twitter: @dacbeachcroft LinkedIn: DAC Beachcroft Dublin

Some notable changes include:

2. Statutory Sick Pay Ireland is one of only three EU member states that do not require statutory sick pay.

However, this is set to change in 2022 with the impending enactment of the Sick Pay Bill, which will introduce a statutory right to sick pay, which will be legally enforceable through applications to the WRC. Under the proposed legislation, the right to sick pay will be phased in over four years, starting with three days’ per year in 2022, increasing to five days’ paid sick leave in 2023, seven days’ in 2024 and eventually 10 days by 2025. Of course, employers will remain able to provide more favourable sick pay options if they so wish.

Whilst the exact terms have yet to be finalised, it is anticipated that sick pay will be paid at a rate of 70% of an employee’s wage, subject to a daily threshold of €110.

In order to qualify for sick pay, employees will be required to have at least 13 weeks’ service with their employer and provide a medical certificate for each period of absence, even if the employee is only out for one day.

The draft legislation has been met with mixed reviews. The fact that employees will be required to obtain a medical certificate for each period of absence, even for one day, may discourage employees from availing of the benefit, when weighed against the cost of attending their doctor.

The scheme has been met with concern by some employers also, with concerns being raised about how smaller employers will fund the payments. For employers who do not currently provide sick pay for employees, it is likely that a review of the relevant aspects of existing contracts and policies will be necessary over the course of 2022.

Widening of the scope of protection The directive widens the range of individuals who will be afforded protection, extending it to shareholders, volunteers, interns, nonexecutive directors and job applicants.

Reporting obligations The directive requires for the first time that private sector employers with at least 50 employees establish formal internal channels for making protected disclosures.

This requirement will be brought in on a phased basis as follows: •

•

•

Private entities with more than 250 employees – from December 17, 2021 (subject to legislation); Private entities with between 50 and 249 employees – from December 17, 2023; Private entities with less than 50 employees may be required to comply following a risk assessment of the organisation’s activities and the ensuing level of risk.

Public sector bodies are currently required to have formal whistleblowing policies under the Protected Disclosures Act.

Broadening of penalisation The definition of “penalisation” will be extensively expanded so as to include the withholding of training, negative performance appraisals, employment reference blacklisting, and psychiatric or medical referrals.

Other obligations Internal channels will require recipients of protected disclosures to follow up

within a reasonable timeframe, including to acknowledge receipt of the disclosure within seven days and have an independent person follow up on the disclosure. They will be required to inform the whistle-blower of actions taken or envisaged to be taken in respect of the disclosure within, roughly speaking, three months.

Given the scope of the changes, draft legislation outlining what this will mean for Irish employers is awaited.

If you have any queries or require any assistance in relation to any of the above, please contact Barry Reynolds, Sinead Egan or Chris Ryan.

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32|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Food Safety

Culture wars Establishing a food safety culture in your organisation is not just the right thing to do; it’s good for business. Failure to do so, however, could be catastrophic for your brand, according to a recent FSAI event.

THE Food Safety Authority of Ireland’s (FSAI) Food Safety Consultative Council hosted an open meeting in November to discuss recently introduced EU regulation, requiring food businesses to establish, maintain and demonstrate an appropriate food safety culture. ‘Food Safety Culture – How Food Businesses and Consumers Benefit’ provided an opportunity for leading specialists to provide unique insights into the role and value of food safety culture in food businesses.

“Ireland has access to 180 markets around the world,” noted Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI, opening the event. “We have a very

strong reputation internationally for food quality and food safety. Closer to home, we have foodservice providers serving millions of meals to hungry consumers.

Those companies are now required by legislation to have a good safety culture, but more than that, a food safety culture can help prevent damage to people, and to the company, by catching unexpected issues and setting them right. This means a food safety culture is critical to long term success; by doing the right thing and embedding a food safety culture into the ethos of the organisation, companies can protect consumers and themselves.”

She explained that the FSAI have a saying, ‘if it is not safe, it is not food’,

something she believes “everyone operating anywhere in the food sector needs to know”.

“Over 90% of consumers we have spoken to expect food companies and food service companies to have a food safety culture in operation, and as any brand knows, it is dangerous to let down consumers’ expectations,” Pamela noted.

“While we find that the vast majority of companies operating in the sector have very high standards, we continue to encounter companies that fall short of, or flout, regulations. We have found that in those cases, the pressure to break the rules almost always comes from the top of an organisation and this is entirely unacceptable. This is yet another reason why it is so important that a food safety culture is one that entire company embraces and not just those directly involved in food production.”

Effective food safety policy Over 700 people registered for the virtual event, with guest speakers including experts from the Irish food industry and international experts on food safety culture. Mike Taylor, former Deputy

Pictured are (l-r): Suzanne Campbell, author and journalist; Gail Carroll, Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Building, FSAI; and Brian Hyland, Food Safety, Quality & Animal Welfare Director, Dawn Meats Group.

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34|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Food Safety a company-wide food safety culture.

Whether it is a meat packing plant, a chain of grocery shops, or a single sandwich shop, food safety culture needs to be something that everyone is aware of and has responsibility for.”

Lone revealed that in companies with bad food safety, they find that management feels far removed from any risk associated with working with food: “The reality could not be farther from the truth. A mistake that occurs on the frontline that results in contamination, injury or worse for a customer will devastate trust in the brand, it will reduce demand and negatively affect share price.

There is no part of a food company that is unaffected when there is a breach and no-one in a food producing organisation should feel it is ‘not their responsibility’.

You need buy-in across the company; only then can you develop a food safety culture rather than just a policy.”

Dr Pamela Byrne, Chief Executive of the FSAI. Commissioner for Foods & Veterinary Medicine at the US Food & Drug Administration, and Lone Jespersen, Founder of Cultivate Food Safety, shared insights on how food safety culture can affect companies and consumers in general.

Mike explained that he does a lot of work with the non-profit organisation, Stop Food Illness, which was founded after the eColi outbreak in the 1990s by people who had lost loved ones to foodborne illness. “Its mission is to provide a voice to people affected by food-borne illness and to advocate for effective food safety policy,” Mike noted. “In the US, we see companies actively reaching out to us and to people affected by foodborne illness; they use us as a forum to pool their food safety developments and resources and to share information.

It is incredibly useful for like-minded organisations to have a forum to come together to improve each other and it is great to see FSCC provide an opportunity for Irish companies to come together as well.”

Risk visibility for leaders According to Lone Jesperson, “One hugely important thing that research has shown is that it is vital to increase risk visibility for leaders in companies when it comes to successfully introducing

The benefits of effective food safety culture Brian Hyland, Food Safety, Quality & Animal Welfare Director, Dawn Meats Group, shared the story of how his organisation developed food safety policy and the benefits it has had. “We have worked very hard to create a culture of food safety in our organisation,” Brian admitted. “It is not an easy journey to undertake and we worked very hard to ensure buy-in to the process from every single person in the company. To do this, we needed to both inform people as to what we were doing and why, as well as engage them in the process.

“We have used incentivisation, gamification, explanation and we continue to use such techniques on an ongoing basis,” he continued. “For us, our food safety culture is one that pervades every single thing we do and choice we make. But it is also something we have to work relentlessly to promote; once the culture exists, it has to be maintained or it will fade away. For us, embracing a food culture is not just something we should do for safety, or are required to do by legislation, it is an attitude in the organisation that gives us a genuine competitive advantage by giving us a toolkit to approach any and all situations.”

A top-down food safety culture The event ended with a panel discussion featuring Lone, Mike and Brian, along with Gail Carroll, the FSAI’s Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance Building, and Ray Bowe Head of Food Safety & Quality, Musgrave Group.

For companies operating in the

Mike Taylor, former Deputy Commissioner for Foods & Veterinary Medicine at the US Food & Drug Administration: “It is incredibly useful for like-minded organisations to have a forum to come together to improve each other and it is great to see FSCC provide an opportunity for Irish companies to come together as well.” foodservice sector, the regulations and recommendations are clear. It does not matter if you are in a deli making sandwiches or a boardroom making decisions, a true food safety culture needs to be shared by everyone in the organisation from top to bottom. With increasingly well informed consumers, any organisation that flouts legislation risks their brand being deeply tarnished and a loss of faith from their customers.

The reality is that is incumbent upon companies operating anywhere in the food sector to reduce and remove risk from their operations in order to protect their customers. Given how good consumers have become at informing themselves about how companies really work, developing a food safety culture is something that can bring a competitive advantage for your organisation, so as well as introducing such a culture to your staff, you should share the message loudly that you are doing everything in your power to ensure the safety of your product and your customers.

36|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

CHRISTMAS RETAIL SPENDING EXPECTED TO BE €5.4 BILLION RETAIL Ireland recently announced the Christmas predictions for 2021. Based on the last couple of years, where the share of annual retail spending happening in December over a ‘normal’ month was 3.56%, Retail Ireland expects to see a total of about €5.4 billion of retail spending in December 2021, €1.58 billion higher than in a normal month of the year. That figure would average at €832 spent per household on retail over the month of December, up about 5% on last spending last year.

The reopening of the wider experience economy can be seen as a factor, giving consumers more confidence for the future and allowing them to spend the savings accumulated over the past two years. In 2020, online shopping made up a much larger proportion of Christmas retail than ever before, a trend we would imagine seeing continued this year and into the future.

Online grocery shopping, which accelerated when shoppers were locked down at home, also continues to grow according to data released by market researcher Kantar. They found that supermarket sales dropped by 8.4% in October compared to the same month last year,

which can be attributed to people dining out more thanks to the reopening of the hospitality sector. Having said this, seasonal sales will attract higher spending in the grocery sector. Leading up to Halloween, an extra €2m was spent on confectionery and sales started early for seasonal products like biscuits, stuffing and turkey in the run-up to Christmas.

CONSUMER ATTITUDE CONTINUES TO SHIFT TO ONLINE AND DIGITAL PAYMENTS DATA released by the Banking Federation Ireland in November showed that digital banking and contactless payments continue to grow strongly as Covid restrictions ease and business activity increases.

Online/mobile banking grew by 8.6% year-on-year to €33.3m in the third quarter of 2021, the highest level recorded since the data series began in 2016. Contactless payments have continued to increase, reaching a record high as we approach the final months of the year. In contrast, the volume of people using cheques is at historically low levels. These findings show how consumer behaviour continues to move away from cash payments, a move that was already taking place but was of course accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

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Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie|37

Irish Whiskey Awards

Irish Whiskey Awards presented Both emerging and established Irish whiskey producers and patrons were honoured at the 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards.

THE 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards took place recently at the Powerscourt Distillery in Co. Wicklow, presented by keynote speaker Jack Teeling, founder and MD of Teeling Whiskey.

Judging of this year’s awards took place earlier this summer where organisers, Celtic Whiskey, posted out several hundred blind tasting packs to members of the Celtic Whiskey Club, Irish Whiskey Society — Dublin and Dingle, Cork Whiskey Society, Waterford Whiskey Society, Kilkenny Whiskey Guild, Ennis Whiskey Club, 1875 Whiskey Club and Belfast Whiskey Club. All results were audited and verified by Serghios Florides, owner and Editor-in-Chief of Irish Whiskey Magazine, and William Lavelle from the Irish Whiskey Association.

Celtic Cask 1999 - Tríocha a Cúig - 35 won the coveted Best Irish Whiskey of the Year prize, with extremely close competition from Dunvilles 18 Year Old Single Cask, which picked up a gold medal and the much-coveted second place.

2021 winners The winners of the 2021 Irish Whiskey Awards are as follows: Overall Winner - Irish Whiskey of the Year 2021 Best Irish Whiskey of the Year – Celtic Cask 1999 - Tríocha a Cúig - 35 Category Winners Single Pot Still 11 and Under Winner: Method & Madness Single Pot Still French Chestnut Gold: Busker Single Pot Still Gold: Teeling Single Pot Still Single Pot Still 12 Year and Over Winner: Powers Johns Lane Gold: Redbreast 12 Year Old Blended Limited Release Winner: Writers’ Tears Inniskillen Icewine Cask Finish Gold: Dubliner Old Fashioned Beer Cask Gold: Eiregold Special Reserve

Pictured are (l-r): keynote speaker and MD of Keeling Whiskey, Jack Teeling, with Ally Alpine, MD of Celtic Whiskey, and William Lavelle, head of the Irish Whiskey Association.

Blended No Age Statement Winner: Jameson Black Barrel Gold: Sailors Home The Journey Gold: The Irishman Founder’s Reserve Rum Finish Blended With Age Statement Winner: Jameson Bow Street 18 Year Old Gold: Pearse 7 Year Old Distillers Choice Gold: Tullamore Dew 12 Year Old Single Malt 11 and Under Winner: The Irishman Single Malt Marsala Cask Finish Gold: Writers’ Tears Red Head Gold: Jack Ryan Haddington Single Malt 12-15 Years Old Winner: Gelston’s 15 YO Sherry Cask Gold: Method & Madness Single Malt Gold: The Irishman 12-Year-Old Single Malt Single Malt 16 Years and Over Winner: The Irishman 17-Year-Old Single Malt Gold: Tullamore Dew 18 Year Old

Gold: Dublin Liberties Keepers Coin Batch 2 Single Grain Winner: Teeling Single Grain (Vintage 13YO) Gold: The Bridge Bethlehem Release Gold: Method & Madness Single Grain Single Cask Winner: Celtic Cask 1999 - Tríocha a Cúig - 35 Gold: Dunville’s 18 Year Old Cask 989 Gold: The Irishman Peated Red Ale Cask Cask Strength Winner: Dunvilles 12 Year Old PX Cask Strength Gold: Redbreast 27 Year Old Gold: Writers’ Tears Cask Strength 2021 New Irish Whiskey Winner: Shortcross Single Malt Gold: Connacht Whiskey Single Malt Gold:Teeling Black Pitts

38|Retail News|December 2021/ January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Drinks News MUP to begin in January THE Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP) of alcohol comes into force from January, setting a minimum price below which alcohol cannot legally be sold. The price is based on how many grams of alcohol are contained in a product, so the higher percentage of alcohol, the higher the price.

Retailers will no longer be allowed to sell alcohol below the MUP, which for example would be €1.70 for a 500ml can of lager with 4.3%ABV, €1.78 for a 500ml can of cider with 4.5%ABV, €1.66 for a 500ml can of stout with 4.2%ABV, €7.40 for a 750ml bottle of wine with a 12.5% ABV. “Retailers need to be careful that they have accurately calculated the MUP for each alcohol product sold,” according to Dublin-based Compton Solicitors. “Many supermarkets sell specialised beers and ciders which may have different mls to the standard 500ml can or 330ml bottles.”

The Government decided to press ahead with the plan despite fears among retailers that it would send bargain shoppers over the Border in the absence of Minimum Unit Pricing there, with Northern Ireland not expected to introduce MUP until mid-2022 at the earliest.

Irish Distillers announces redevelopment of Midleton distillery experience

IRISH Distillers has announced a €13m redevelopment of the distillery experience and visitor attraction at Midleton, Co. Cork.

The ambitious redevelopment plan will deliver new whiskey tours and experiences as well as new shopping, bar, café and restaurant facilities. Once completed, Midleton Distillery will be transformed into a world-class, multisensory whiskey experience destination with the potential to attract over 200,000 visitors annually. Construction on the new experience will begin immediately and is expected to be completed by 2025, the 200-year anniversary of Midleton Distillery. “Our ambition is to deliver an exceptional, world-class experiential offering which will bring whiskey lovers closer to the production process than ever before,” noted Conor McQuaid, Chairman and CEO.

Bushmills unveils new bottle for single malt range BUSHMILLS Irish Whiskey has rolled out a new bottle and pack for its iconic single malt range spanning 10, 12, 16, and 21 Year Old references. A stone’s throw from the Old Bushmills Distillery in County Antrim, the Giant’s Causeway has been a source of inspiration to Bushmills for centuries. The new bottle, designed by New York agency Stranger and Stranger, is broad-shouldered and angular, taking inspiration from the legendary columns and integrates subtle features such as its hexagonal punt mirroring the Causeway stones. Among the defining design features, vibrant colours across the range bring a contemporary elegance, while discrete embossing on the side panels honours Bushmills’ 1608 heritage and iconic pot still. Quality crafted parchment labels are complemented by varnished wooden cork closures for the 10, 12 and 16 Year Old while a bold matt black zamac cap sets off the gunmetal label and gold features of the iconic 21 Year Old.

White Claw makes waves

MARK Anthony Brands International has won the best multi-channel strategy for its White Claw UK summer campaign at the 2021 Drum Awards Out Of Home. The Summer of White Claw campaign was recognised for its use of a range of Out of Home formats – from murals and wraparounds to station takeovers, to simple roadside 6 sheets, creating an impactful and unmissable campaign that successfully built awareness.

Boann Distillery wins top award

BOANN Distillery, based in Drogheda, won the Best Brand Innovator 2022 title at the prestigious Whisky Magazine’s 2022 Icons of Whisky (Ireland) Awards recently. The familyowned distillery was recognised for its vintage mashbills (recipes) campaign, which were recreated from long lost distilleries of the late 19th and early 20th Century. These mashbills were revived as part of a collaboration with historian and author, Fionnan O’Connor, who discovered them while completing his Technological University of Dublin (TUD) thesis. “The recipes for our new single pot still ‘New Born’ spirit came out of the mashbills project and it went onto win the Best New Make and Young Spirit 2021 at the World Whiskies Awards last April,” revealed Peter Cooney, co-founder.

MINIMUM UNIT PRICING

WE ARE READY

22 0 2 R O F P EW LINEU

N

4 x 500ml/ 4 x 440ml

6 x 330ml

4 x 500ml

8 x 500ml

6 x 440ml

8 x 500ml

12 x 330ml

18 x 330ml

12 x 330ml

18 x 330ml

What we’re doing to be ready for MUP • Utilising our experience of minimum unit pricing in the Welsh and Scottish markets • Developing a pack architecture across our core range which ensures we meet the needs of our customers and consumers • Continuing to invest in premiumisation and the convenience mission - two trends we have seen accelerate in MUP markets

To stock up, call us on 01 6294104 or contact your Customer Development Executive

40|Retail News|December 2021/ January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Drinks News Jamie Dornan launches Guinness Nitrosurge HOLLYWOOD star Jamie Dornan has teamed up with Guinness to launch Guinness Nitrosurge.

Guinness Nitrosurge is a device with new technology that puts the craft of the two-part pour in consumers’ hands when choosing to enjoy a Guinness at home. Belfast native Dornan plays himself in the first of the series of co-created lighthearted, humorous content. “I’m a massive fan of Guinness so I was delighted to work with them on this amazing new technology and fun content series,” noted Jamie. “Guinness Nitrosurge is a game changer for beautiful pints at home - I’ll be using it to impress guests this festive season.” The Guinness Nitrosurge device has a sleekly designed “end-cap” that slots quickly and easily onto the Guinness Nitrosurge can. Pressing the power button activates the ultrasonic transducer in the end-cap to activate the nitrogen in the Guinness. The harp lights up on the device as it begins to craft a two-part pour and deliver beautiful Guinness with a smooth, domed head and rich ruby red colour.

Teeling wins sustainability award

TEELING Distillery was named ‘Sustainable Distillery of the Year’ at Whisky Magazine’s 2022 Icons of Irish Whiskey Awards, while Teeling Whiskey’s Global Brand Ambassador, Robert Caldwell (pictured) also picked up the award for Irish Whiskey Brand Ambassador of the Year. Following this outstanding achievement, the Teeling Whiskey Distillery will now battle it out against other regional winners for the overall global title which will be judged by the magazine’s expert editorial panel. The winners will be announced at the World Whiskies Awards in 2022.

Baileys creates ultimate festive coffee BAILEYS has collaborated with allta winter house to create the ultimate indulgent festive coffee, with a twist. In their quest to stir up a luscious Irish coffee, the team at allta have come up with a drinkable delight with the same fullbodied flavour of a typical Irish coffee but with a modern twist.

The team decided to completely reimagine the brewing process, substituting water for Baileys within a traditional moka pot.

As the Baileys is heated, it flows through the ground coffee and carries the flavour, creating an irresistible winter warmer with even more depth and body than a typical Irish coffee. The allta X Baileys Irish Coffee will be available exclusively at the newly launched allta winter house, located on the 5th floor of the Trinity Street Car Park, Dublin 2.

Bryan Fallon re-elected as Chair of Drinks Ireland – Spirits

BRYAN Fallon, Managing Director of Heaven Hill Ireland, which is the brand owner of Carolan’s Irish Cream liqueur and Irish Mist Honey liqueur, has been re-elected as Chair of Drinks Ireland - Spirits, the representative body responsible for promoting the interests of the Irish spirits industry. David Boyd-Armstrong, Head Distiller & Operations Director at the Rademon Estate Distillery, which creates Shortcross Gin, has also been re-elected as Vice-Chair. “Despite sales and exports declining last year due to Covid-19, and other challenges such as Brexit and transatlantic tariff disputes, Ireland’s spirits sector has shown remarkable resilience,” Bryan noted. “It’s one of the most exciting and dynamic industries, with innovation at its core. I’m looking forward to working with the industry in 2022 as Chair of Drinks Ireland - Spirits, as we look to recover and grow.”

Hinch launches one-of-a-kind Christmas tree HINCH Distillery, which is celebrating its one-year anniversary, has spent 48 painstaking hours creating the most unique Christmas setting ahead of the festive season. It has created a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree made from 150 repurposed Hinch Irish Whiskey barrels. The Whiskey Barrel Christmas Tree light switch-on marked the beginning of a packed menu of festive gift and celebration ideas from Hinch Distillery. Among the offering is a brand new 12-year-old Amarone Cask Finish Hinch Irish Whiskey. Pictured are (l-r): Patrick Cross, Director; Dr Terry Cross OBE, Chairman, and Cathal McNicholl, General Manager.

Retail News Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine

2021: Ireland’s groups report on the second year of retailing in a pandemic.

42|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Super year for SuperValu 2021 was another landmark year for SuperValu as the group built on its strong heritage of inclusivity in the community.

2021 marked another year like no other for SuperValu and its community retailers across the country as they continued to work together to tackle the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Retailers and employees went above and beyond during the pandemic to keep people safe and the supply chain moving. SuperValu focused on working in partnership with communities to make them more inclusive places, ensuring the highest standard of customer service for their customers, and supplying the finest local and Irish brands in communities all over Ireland.

SuperValu retained its number one position for most of the year by attracting larger weekly shops, with customers shopping more locally during lockdowns, while we also witnessed the success of SuperValu own brand products and the demand for home delivery services.

Pictured at the launch of SuperValu Food Academy are (l-r): Oisín Geoghegan of the Local Enterprise Offices; Ciara McClafferty, Trading Director, SuperValu; Tara McCarthy, CEO of Bord Bia; and Sam Pearson of the Vegan Sandwich Co. as a result of the pandemic, with 67% cooking from scratch more at home.

SuperValu launched a new range of 90 ‘pop-in-the-oven’ meals and side dishes, which gives time back to people to enjoy family activities with guaranteed high quality, tasty and freshly prepared food that they enjoy, without any hassle.

This range provides consumers with a convenient option without compromising on taste and quality and was developed

by SuperValu’s trading team following strong consumer insights, along with input from some top chefs and local suppliers.

For the love of bread In the last 12 months, sourdough has seen a 30% increase in sales, Freshly prepared meals which complements the trends, as SuperValu’s pulse of the nation survey #AvocadoToast is flooding Instagram. showed home cooking soared nationwide With 44% of people picking up their fresh loaf from the in-store bakery, and freshness (82%) and taste (72%) being the key things that influence consumers’ choices, SuperValu launched its new and improved bakery range.

To be greeted with that fresh baked bread smell the moment you walk through the door is unique to SuperValu stores and their customers. SuperValu’s Adam Harris, AsIAm CEO, is pictured with Galway’s expert bakers bake Irish dancing group, Cairde, to launch the ‘Tap to fresh every day to Donate’ fundraising campaign for AsIAm. ensure they provide

customers with the highest quality of baked goods, whenever they need them.

Working towards a sustainable future 2021 saw SuperValu continue its commitment to building sustainable communities, taking great pride as a community retailer in making a positive impact in every community in which it operates.

At the start of the year, SuperValu announced its intention to produce the light fittings to be used across its network of 223 stores from recycled CDs using 3D Printing technology.

The company has ambitious targets, such as making 100% of the packaging for its own brand range recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025 and reducing its carbon emissions to net zero carbon by 2050.

As part of this drive toward becoming more sustainable, SuperValu announced in February that all Growing Herbs packaging is now sustainable. The move sees all non-recyclable plastic packaging removed, diverting a massive 3.18 tonnes of plastic from landfill annually.

This followed on from the announcement that its own-brand bananas have moved to 100% recyclable packaging. The bananas, which were previously packaged in plastic bags, can now be found in simple paper bands made from white Kraft paper, which consists entirely of primary fibres.

The importance of local SuperValu continued to be the greatest supporter of local and Irish producers

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Retail Groups Report SuperValu and GAA – supporting more diverse and inclusive communities SuperValu believes in community and in making communities better places. For SuperValu, community includes everyone. SuperValu believes in local, and nothing represents local more than the GAA, with its strong heritage and Pictured at the launch of SuperValu’s Bring It On campaign in Croke Park are (l-r): Westmeath deep roots in every community across Ireland. 2021 marked footballer Boidu Sayeh, Cork ladies footballer SuperValu’s 12th year as sponsor Ciara O’Sullivan, SuperValu ambassadors Kevin Hanly and Conor Dufficy, referee David of the GAA All-Ireland Football Gough and Ballaghaderreen footballer Shairoze Championship in a partnership that Akram. continues to grow from strength to by continuing to source over 75% of strength. all champion and hero local produce

In June 2021, SuperValu used this during the year, encouraging shoppers sponsorship to launch the ‘#BringItOn’ to buy Irish and support local. Although campaign to encourage diversity and supporting local has always been inclusivity in communities and Gaelic important to SuperValu, this became even games. This launch aimed to start a more important during Covid-19. conversation and provide a platform for

Throughout the pandemic, SuperValu this discussion to take place around the worked harder than ever to support local importance of diversity and inclusion in producers and to generate awareness sports. The campaign aims to highlight of Irish brands through initiatives such how, both in the GAA and the broader as Food Academy, Monday Market and community, inclusive communities are Sustainability Sundays. better communities, promoting greater

“Food Academy is one of the key participation in GAA to encourage ways we work with new Irish producers inclusion, participation in sport and from the start-up to getting their stronger communities. products on our shelves 52 weeks of the year,” explained SuperValu’s Managing Making communities more inclusive Director, Ian Allen. “Food Academy is 2021 also saw SuperValu continue a unique food business development to work closely with AsIAm to raise programme between SuperValu, Bord awareness of autism. In February, Bia and the Local Enterprise Offices. Our SuperValu and AsIAm collaborated with Food Academy programme currently Mary Immaculate College to announce supports 290 Irish food and drink the return of the Bridge Back to School producers. In 2020, there was a 15% learning resource. As Covid-19 continued growth in SuperValu Food Academy sales, to pose challenges for every household with participants earning €28m and the in Ireland, the ongoing school closures programme supporting 1,500 jobs in local meant many people acutely felt the loss communities nationwide. Participants in of structure and routine. This resource, the programme receive training in food a booklet offering advice and guidance safety, market research and branding, across a number of areas important to marketing, finance, sustainability, and the autism community, helped thousands business development. We also work with of families prepare for the return to Guaranteed Irish to foster and help build education after an extended break. this crucial sector.”

In April, SuperValu & AsIAm teamed up once more to launch “Say Yes to Autism Acceptance”, a campaign encouraging people to say ‘Yes’ for a change: Yes to employment, Yes to education and Yes to community inclusion. The campaign called on the public to donate to AsIAm, raising an impressive €51,344.

SuperValu intends to produce the light fittings to be used across its network of 223 stores from recycled CDs Blas na hÉireann Awards using 3D Printing technology.

October saw SuperValu’s

suppliers picking up an impressive 83 awards at this year’s Blas na hÉireann awards. This brings the total number of awards won by SuperValu suppliers over the last four years up to an incredible 432 awards across SuperValu Own Brand, Signature Tastes and Food Academy.

SuperValu’s Food Academy producers picked up 51 awards this year: 15 Gold, 17 Silver and 19 Bronze.

Ian Allen said the awards were “another great win for our local suppliers and producers at a time when it’s more important than ever to support local and Irish businesses. We are immensely proud of our award- winning brands and it’s wonderful to see the suppliers and producers receive the recognition they richly deserve.”

SuperValu has ambitious targets, such as making 100% of the packaging for its own brand range recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2025 and reducing its carbon emissions to net zero carbon by 2050.

Great Taste Awards In 2021 SuperValu retained its position as Ireland’s most successful supermarket at the Great Taste Awards for the second year in a row. SuperValu took home a massive 100 award wins, making it, once again, the top performing Irish supermarket at the world’s largest and most trusted food and drink awards.

SuperValu’s wins include 49 products from the Signature Tastes Range, solidifying its position as the number one premium range for taste and quality in an Irish supermarket. SuperValu took home three 3 Star Awards this year and an additional 26 awards on its 2020 wins.

SuperValu serves over 2.6m customers every week and has 223 stores nationwide. Together with its retail partners, SuperValu employs approximately 14,500 colleagues, making it one of the State’s largest private-sector employers. SuperValu continues to source locally wherever possible, which helps to sustain 30,000 jobs in the Irish economy.

44|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Centra shines throughout 2021 Centra continues to revolutionise Irish convenience retailing, and 2021 proved another fantastic year for the group.

IT’S been another incredible year for Centra, Musgrave’s marketleading convenience brand, working in partnership with local independent retailers. In recent years, Centra has truly redefined the convenience retail market, offering quality and inspiring on-the-go food options, and 2021 was no different in that regard.

With a specific focus on quality in 2021, the Inspired by Centra range helps drive Centra’s quality credentials.

Launched in 2018, the Inspired by Centra range is an array of luxurious fresh and ambient ranges which uses the highest quality home grown ingredients from trusted suppliers.

2021 also saw a focus on wine, with consumers responding positively to Centra’s premium offering, such as its French, Spanish and summer wine sales. In tune with the mood of the nation, Centra was hugely successful in dialling up occasions throughout 2021, such as its quality and convenient summer offerings, as well as the sale of the Adam King ‘A Hug for You’ Valentine’s Day card.

Like all of Musgrave’s brands, Centra has been ahead of the convenience curve, leading the way, launching new product ranges and in-store solutions to suit changing consumer needs.

More than just groceries, Centra stores offer Frank and Honest coffee, Moo’d ice cream and Caramico pizza take-aways.

With over 480 stores, Centra employs almost 11,000 people and serves over three million customers per week.

Centra invests more than €240m in local communities per annum, which is the equivalent of €4.5m per week through a combination of payments to local suppliers, acquisition of local business services, wages, charitable donations, and local sponsorships.

Performance emphasises community role During the year, Centra revealed that it recorded total retail sales of €2.2 billion during 2020, a very strong outcome considering many city centre stores were negatively impacted by remote working and a downturn in footfall during in the Covid-19 pandemic.

This sales performance was up from €1.7 billion in 2019,

which in turn was a 4% year-on-year increase on 2018.

The performance was boosted by a €15m revamp investment in the Republic of Ireland and a further £2.3m in Northern Ireland, while a total of 16 new Centra stores opened their doors across the island of Ireland.

Overall, the performance emphasised Centra’s role in local communities, as the convenience retailer continues to play a key role in Ireland’s food supply chain and in the national effort in dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Number one award winning convenience retailer In September, Centra claimed 47 accolades at the prestigious 2021 Great Taste Awards, making it the number one award winning convenience retailer in Ireland. With quality and convenience top of mind, the ‘Inspired By Centra’ range took home 17 wins after being tried and tested by a panel of over 500 experts.

Awards included the Inspired by Centra Angus Striploin Steaks, which won 2 Stars, the Inspired by Centra Rotisserie Chicken, available hot from the deli, which won 1 Star and the Inspired by Centra Tomato and Mozzarella Sourdough Pizza, which won 1 Star.

Celebrating supplier successes Separately, a total of 15 Centra suppliers took home seven Gold, five silver and seven Bronze awards for their products available in Centra stores across Ireland at Blas na hÉireann, The Irish Food Awards, in October.

The expertly created Inspired by Centra range came out on top, with 11 products receiving awards, six of which were

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Retail Groups Report Gold. Working with trusted suppliers nationwide, the Inspired

by Centra Gold-winning products include: the Inspired by Centra Irish Rotisserie Chicken, supplied by Carton Bros, Co. Cavan; Inspired by Centra Irish Angus Sirloin Steaks with pink peppercorn butter, produced by Kepak, Co. Cork; Inspired

by Centra Potato Gratin produced

by Ballymaguire in Dublin; and Inspired

by Centra Overnight Oats, produced by Fresh Cut Foods, Co. Dublin.

Commenting on the success of Centra’s suppliers, Centra’s Managing Director, Ian Allen, said the accreditation was a “testament to Centra’s quality 2021 also saw a focus on wine, with products from trusted consumers responding positively to Centra’s premium wine offering.

Irish suppliers available across our network of 480 Centra stores nationwide.”

“As the leading Irish convenience retailer, we pride ourselves on offering quality Irish produce for our customers to enjoy. Our trusted suppliers scooping 19 accolades at this year’s awards demonstrates this,” Ian added.

Supporting local communities As proud sponsors of the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, Centra launched its Community Matters campaign, which celebrated the strong bonds people have developed with their communities during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The campaign, supported by a heavyweight TV and outdoor campaign, showcased and celebrated what matters most in communities across Ireland. Hailed as a highly impactful campaign, the TV ad was viewed by 75.7% of the population 13.4 times, with the Outdoor campaign seen by 51% of the population.

Meanwhile, in November, Centra announced it raised over €150,000 in support of the Irish Cancer Society’s Breast Cancer

Cork hurler Patrick Horgan has teamed up with Centra for the launch of its Community Matters campaign, which calls on people across Ireland to show what matters most to them about their local community.

Awareness programme.

Centra has proudly supported the Irish Cancer Society for 12 years and the funds raised were an accumulation of donations in aid of the ‘Care For Your Pair’ movement.

Fundraising initiatives from Centra stores included a tap-at-till mechanic in-store, which raised €114,000, as well as the sale of merchandise and a Just Giving page which raised €38,000 collectively.

Ian Allen said it was “brilliant to see such a fantastic result of the combined efforts from our Centra stores the length and Moo’d ice cream has proven a real winner for Centra breadth of the country. The nationwide. funds raised will positively impact so many people effected by breast cancer through the vital services that the Irish Cancer Society provide, and we are extremely proud to support this charity.”

The future of convenience Centra’s plans for next year and beyond are geared towards maintaining its performance momentum and amplifying growth opportunities as the brand continues to play a leadership role in the convenience market.

It will continue to roll-out its market-leading formats through revamps and new stores, ensuring that the brand remains competitive by leveraging its value proposition and maximising its offering.

Centra’s quality food and beverage solutions will continue to differentiate it from competitors, while it prioritises solutions that will enable the business to further establish its evening credentials.

Aligned with sectoral trends, Centra will continue to innovate for growth in areas like pizza, fast food, online shopping, and delivery through third party aggregators.

As the focus on health and sustainability continues, it will Centra continually evolves leverage the strength of The its offering to stay ahead of Happy Pear brand, including consumer trends, and has convenience-led product an extensive festive range innovation, and increase its available for Christmas 2021. emphasis on sustainability.

Centra’s community leadership has never been stronger, and the business is committed to developing this further through its partnerships such as with the GAA and the Irish Cancer Society.

Looking to the future, Centra will continue to be positioned as a modern and energetic brand which offers exciting and relevant ranges to its consumers’ everyday needs. Centra’s ambition is to revolutionise convenience retailing in Ireland by continuing to evolve to stay ahead of the consumer.

46|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Spar leading the way in convenience Evolving to meet the changing consumer landscape, signing a new partnership with an Olympic gold medal winner and helping to support its charity partner were just some of the highlights of a busy 2021 for Spar.

SPAR’S reputation as Ireland’s leading convenience retail brand is exemplified by the excellence of service its nationwide network of independent retailers provides to communities in which they are embedded and by ensuring their customers have convenient accessibility to a safe shopping environment, close to home or work.

For almost six decades, Spar retailers have provided consumers with the most innovative, award winning in-store offering and shopping experience they could wish for, a service that has been never more important than in the last two years.

Throughout the pandemic, Spar and its retailers have worked tirelessly to maintain some normalcy in people’s lives by keeping their shelves well stocked with all the daily essentials and providing exceptional customer service. This behaviour is a true reflection of their commitment to their communities, their acknowledgement of the critical role they play in society and, crucially, their acceptance of that responsibility as they continue to provide a safe shopping and working environment for their customers and staff.

Catering to the evolving shopper landscape Of course, Covid-19 has changed the shopping landscape and reminded consumers of the importance of their local community store and Spar retailers have been phenomenal in responding

catered for through an increased offering in fresh foods and healthy options, while an ever-expanding range adds breadth to customers’ choices, while remaining cognisant of price and value, which are key factors in the Spar offer. Spar places a strong focus on ensuring it provides its customers with exciting promotional offers.

The ‘Spar Red Value’ campaign signposts promotional value for shoppers through TV, radio, in-store and digital assets.

Colin Donnelly, Spar Sales Director. to the changing needs. The mix of sales within stores, for example, has changed.

An increase in basket size and growth of key grocery categories has been evident throughout the pandemic, with people dining at home more regularly, as their homes have also become their office and sanctuary.

With more time spent at home, the Spar shopper is more discerning with their shopping basket choices and is

A leader in retail foodservice From a customer perspective, Spar is a recognised leader in retail foodservice within the market, which undoubtedly is driven by a rich heritage in food and beverage innovation built up over many years. Through its dedicated Food Innovation team, Spar takes great pride in being innovators and trendsetters when it comes to retail foodservice. This is particularly evident in Spar’s fresh food offering. Spar Deli has consistently been a stand-out offering for customers who are used to purchasing only the finest quality fresh food, either food-to-go or food to buy and consume in-store. Spar proved itself a market leader and innovator this year through responding to changing consumer trends via the launch of a plant-based fillet roll. First to market, Spar is always addressing shopper needs through staying up to date with latest trends.

Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie|47

Retail Groups Report 102,000 children to take part in football themed classroom lessons.

Another innovation from Spar sees a Spar store continuing to feature on the set of the nation’s favourite soap, Fair City, as part of the ongoing sponsorship. Spar Carrigstown has become a character in its own right on the popular thrice weekly show and is the scene of many major plots and storylines.

Pictured is Olympic Gold Medallist and Spar ambassador Kellie Harrington at St Mary’s Boxing Club in Tallaght, Dublin. Spar recently announced a new three-year partnership with the Lightweight World Champion and will support Kellie every step of the way on her journey to the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

That commitment to serve their customers is also what drives Spar retailers when it comes to caring for the wider community, as evidenced in the decision to extend what was a two-year charity partnership with Make-A-Wish Ireland into a third year in response to the challenges the charity sector has encountered because of the pandemic. Also, cognisant that since the advent of Covid-19 many people do not carry cash anymore, which is particularly significant for Make-A-Wish Ireland, as the charity does not receive any government funding, Spar has introduced innovative digital fundraising ‘Smart Posters’ to its nationwide network of more than 400 local stores. This allows customers to donate directly to the charity via their mobile phones and is the first innovation of its kind in support of an official charity partner.

Partnership with Kellie Harrington It is through innovations of this kind that Spar remains to the forefront of the

marketplace, as do the relationships the brand fosters. Spar recently announced a very exciting new partnership with Olympic Gold Medallist boxer Kellie Harrington. The new partnership will see Spar support Kellie every step of the way on her journey over the next three years. In her inaugural campaign with Spar, Kellie fronted a wonderful community initiative to ‘Honour Your Mentor’ in which Spar awarded a prize fund of €10,000 to local communities through the Spar Christmas Community Fund.

Spar also supports international and grassroots football through its official partnership with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI), which has been in place since 2015 and includes title sponsorship of the largest primary schools’ competition in the country, the Spar FAI Primary School 5s Programme. As a brand with a sentiment of ‘always changing’ at its core, Spar adapted to the challenging climate in 2021 by launching an online campaign to support grassroots football through recruiting over

Spar Deli has consistently been a stand-out offering for customers who are used to purchasing only the finest quality fresh food, either food-to-go or food to buy and consume in-store.

Spar retailers have been phenomenal in responding to consumers’ changing needs during the pandemic, with an increased offering in fresh foods and healthy options.

This year, Spar also enjoyed another successful partnership with celebrity TV cook, Donal Skehan as sponsor of his new series, Donal’s Family Kitchen. The series saw record viewership for the show and was a very successful sponsorship for the Spar brand, linking the brand with convenient, healthy eating and easy-to-prepare meals at home. In a fruitful collaboration, Donal worked with Spar this year to design and create ‘Donal’s Deli Deal’, featuring innovative and delicious offers available in Spar stores throughout the country.

Name of Group: Spar Number of Stores nationwide: 400+ Typical Store Size: varies Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722 Wholesale partner: BWG Foods Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Spar stores nationwide.

Website: www.spar.ie Social Media: Facebook.com/ SparIreland; Instagram@spar_ ireland; Twitter: @SparIreland Tagline: ‘Under the Tree at Spar’

48|Retail News|December 2021 / January 2022|www.retailnews.ie

Retail Groups Report

Eurospar: committed to communities

Eurospar combines the access of BWG Foods and Spar International with the convenience and knowledge of local retailers across Ireland.

WHAT truly drives Eurospar Supermarkets is the desire to develop true partnerships between brand owner and retailer, working together to develop a network of local familyowned supermarkets with a unifying shopper proposition, encompassing: Fresh, Value, Service, Availability, Rewards and Experience.

Crucially, Eurospar retailers are integral parts of the local communities they operate in. They are part of the fabric of that community. Many of them are family run and they know their customers personally and are able to add that layer of personality that you will only find in your local neighbourhood Eurospar.

Eurospar retailers’ position has become more vital and enhanced during Covid-19 and shopper sentiment has increased across the entire estate as Eurospar retailers have gone over and above to ensure that the supermarket shopping needs of their community are fully served.

Their commitment to provide a safe shopping environment close to home is recognised by their customers Malachy Hanberry, Managing Director, Eurospar. and, critically, is truly

appreciated.

The responsibility that continues to be placed on Eurospar retailers’ shoulders is one they take very seriously. They recognise the importance of local stores to the locality and know it is an immeasurable comfort in a highly stressed and unprecedented time. This all goes to show how Eurospar is constantly adapting to meet the needs of customers and the team pride themselves on the ability to know what their shoppers want across fresh food, grocery, alcohol and rewards. Eurospar continually innovate through their commitments to their customers, which include their Famous for Fresh promise, their ‘Famous for Great Value Wines’ offering and their in-store manufacture, assembly and packaging of an ever-expanding and dynamic range of fresh foods.

Famous for Fresh What Eurospar’s ‘Famous for Fresh’ promise also provides is a commitment to a strong focus on continually introducing new range options across the aforementioned department.

Through BWG’s Food Innovation team, Eurospar is constantly developing new ranges exclusively for Eurospar retailers and their customers. For example, as a result of this innovative spirit, sales of easy meal solutions and freshly baked goods across Eurospar stores have rocketed, which has also led to even further expansion of the fresh and chill selling space in stores.

Ultimately, where Eurospar really differs is its championing of a differentiated position across its key departments of butchery, delicatessen, bakery and fruit and veg, in line with its ‘Famous for Fresh’ commitment.

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Retail Groups Report

Through BWG’s Food Innovation team, Eurospar is constantly developing new ranges exclusively for Eurospar retailers and their customers.

Key benefits for shoppers Similarly, Eurospar’s Price Match or Better programme ensures cheaper or matching prices on over 1,000 grocery products. They carry out price comparison every three weeks and update all participating Eurospar supermarkets with updated point of sale.

Also, the Eurospar SuperEasy Rewards programme provides for exclusive price and product offers for SuperEasy Rewards members and members can use their points whenever they want, to get discounts on their shopping at Eurospar supermarkets, so there is no waiting for money-off vouchers.

Eurospar is also very proud of its ‘Famous for Great Value Wines’ commitment, which ensures a vast range of exclusive BWG Foods-sourced

wines available to suit all pockets, while the unique price-point merchandising structure ensures simplicity in the wine shopping experience. It is also very important to note that Eurospar is at the forefront of retail innovation to support independent supermarket retailers in Ireland and has access, through its relationship with BWG Foods and Spar International, to the latest supermarket retailing trends across the globe.

Caring for the community Eurospar retailers care about their communities, as has been evident over the last year with retailers’ support

of the St Vincent de Paul (SVP) Empty Basket and Empty Plate Appeals, which were aimed at ensuring those most in need didn’t go without, with all in-store donations being distributed within local communities.

Eurospar retailers facilitated shoppers donating non-perishable items at their local Eurospar Supermarket for the benefit of their local St Vincent de Paul Conference. As well as on-going support of the FoodCloud mission, Eurospar retailers have shown their willingness and enthusiasm to support good causes, as evidenced by their participation in FoodCloud’s first-ever national food appeal, ‘Food For Ireland’, by encouraging customers to donate nonperishable foods in their supermarkets for worthy causes.

Also, this past year, Eurospar has introduced the Just a Minute (Jam) Card initiative. Jam Card allows people with a learning difficulty, autism, hidden disability or communication barrier to tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily. Those with a communication barrier are often reluctant or unable to tell others about their condition. Jam Card allows this to happen in a simple, effective non-verbal manner.

At its core, Eurospar is a network of local family-owned supermarkets with a unifying shopper proposition focused on: Freshness, Value, Service, Availability, Rewards and Experience, while also providing for and caring for the communities in which Eurospar Supermarkets are embedded.

FACTFILE:

Name of Group: Eurospar Supermarkets Number of Stores nationwide: 51 Typical Store Size: 800-1300 square metres Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722 Wholesale partner: BWG Foods Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Eurospar stores nationwide.

Website: www.Eurospar.ie Social Media: Facebook: @ eurosparireland, Instagram: @eurospar_ ireland Tagline: The Supereasy Supermarket

Eurospar is constantly adapting to meet the needs of customers, with special offers highlighted all year round in-store.

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Retail Groups Report

Londis celebrates the best of local Londis retailers truly care about the communities they serve because they are part of those communities.

LONDIS has been a proud part of Irish community retailing for more than 60 years. In that time, its retailers have set standards, pushed boundaries and challenged the conventional viewpoint of what community retailing is all about. Londis retailers truly care about the communities they serve because, invariably, they are themselves local to that community.

Londis’ tagline, ‘Local Like You’, is truly impactful when taken in this context, which is why Londis retailers – and indeed wider grocery colleagues – took the responsibility of being deemed an “essential service” by the Government from the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic so seriously. Londis retailers not only continued providing for their communities, they anticipated what those needs would be and met them.

It is their job, but truthfully, it feels like so much more, because it is so much more. Londis retailers are independent businesses, many family concerns, and invariably are local to the very communities they serve. They are your neighbours and friends and are passionate about championing that sense of community in everything they do.

For example, when the country was locked down, Londis retailers reimagined their stores and stocked everything from flowering and bedding plants to compost and other key gardening products. To cater for the baking craze that took the country by storm, Londis stores sold bags of pre-mixed ingredients for scones and brown bread to offer alternatives.

Londis retailers also trialled innovative ‘Order Online’ and ‘Scan, Pay & Go’ checkout technology in certain stores to provide more shopping options to local

well known at this stage that Londis retailers pick the brand’s official charity partner themselves, which is currently LauraLynn - Ireland’s Only Children’s Hospice and in doing so, again, showcase their commitment to worthy causes.

Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director. customers.

These innovations are what Londis retailers are renowned for and feed into the personality of the brand perfectly, which is why Londis is so discerning about its associations – be that brand sponsorships, such as the fabulous connection with Ireland’s Fittest Family on RTÉ, or Londis retailers’ choice of official charity partner. It’s

Supporting LauraLynn – Ireland’s Children’s Hospice Londis is proud to support the work of LauraLynn Ireland’s Children’s Hospice and through the fundraising efforts of their retailers and other brand activities, aim to make a significant difference to children and families who rely on their services. They do not take lightly the vow made to help the Children’s Hospice fulfil their mission to provide essential personalised care to children with palliative care needs.

LauraLynn is the only specialist hospice in Ireland to care for children with life-limiting conditions and their families. The children’s hospice provides palliative and end-of-life care to children with life-limiting conditions and gives respite and support to their families – at the

Londis has been a proud part of Irish community retailing over 60 years.

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Gillian Neary, Marketing Manager of LauraLynn Children’s Hospice, receives a cheque for 110,000 from Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director, when LauraLynn Children’s Hospice was announced as Londis’ charity partner. hospice, in the community and in their own homes. The hospice also provides psychological support and counselling, residential family camps, a bereavement programme, music therapies and holistic therapies to the families.

Londis has pledged to fundraise for the charity through collection boxes in Londis stores nationwide, a donation on selected Own Brand products – including 10c on every bottle of Londis water sold – as well as a number of retailer-led initiatives, for which Londis retailers are famous. Londis retailers have raised €100,000 over the last 11 months for the charity.

Ireland’s Fittest Family In keeping with the brand ethos, Londis is discerning about creating the right energy around partnerships. This is evident in its long-term sponsorship of Hell & Back, the hugely popular activity obstacle extravaganza that is usually hosted in Kilruddery Estate in Co. Wicklow twice yearly. Similarly, for the third successive year, Londis is sponsoring the current series of the runaway RTÉ success, Ireland’s Fittest Family, and has forged a relationship with that show’s most recognisable coach and show creator, hurling icon Davy Fitzgerald.

This partnership emphasises a clear association between Londis and the show’s content and messaging.

The best kept secret of Ireland’s Fittest Family is that contestants only progress if they work together in harmony, which is also one of the reasons behind the continuing success of Londis stores.

Londis retailers, their families, staff and teams work together, which is why this truly is an exciting and innovative partnership as it brings together two of Ireland’s favourite family brands and helps reinforce the reputation of Londis retailers as being perfectly in harmony

with the communities they serve.

Commenting on Londis’ sponsorship, Davy said: “Having a brand such as Londis sponsoring Ireland’s Fittest Family is such an endorsement for the show and every family that takes part, no matter what part of the country they are from, all have their local Londis! Like so many important parts of my own life, Londis recognises the importance of community.”

New €1m advertising campaign Alongside sponsorship of Ireland’s Fittest Family, a major launch for Londis this year is the new innovative television and digital advertising campaign with an investment of over €1m, starring Ireland’s favourite duo, Liam and Des, as they go above and beyond in the name of Londis customers. The adverts, a modern take on the Londis strapline, ‘Local like you’, focus on how ‘Londis Listens’ to its shoppers, learns from them and tailors in-store offerings to reflect the needs of Londis shoppers. Liam and Des are key

characters in the campaign, as they listen to customers’ interactions and stock the store shelves accordingly. These TV spots run in every break during the first and last episodes of the Ireland’s Fittest Family series, ensuring the Londis brand is prominent in the audience’s mind throughout the broadcasts.

“We’re really excited about this advertising campaign and through it we’re hoping to provide some enjoyable entertainment that will lift the moods of our customers,” noted Conor Hayes, Londis Sales Director. “The Londis brand is centred on how our retailers are ‘Local Like’ their customers and how their teams are driven to answer their customers’ needs, something we’ve tried to highlight and emphasise with this campaign.

“Liam and Des are proving hugely popular characters and their fun interactions really speaks to the ethos of the Londis brand.”

The ambition of the Londis brand is to continue to grow and evolve and is rooted in the ambition of its retailers for true excellence. Whatever the ask, Londis retailers are renowned for throwing themselves wholeheartedly into it. Whether that be providing the best of essential services to their communities or raising funds for their charity partners by doing crazy things like parachute jumping, Londis retailers are always ready for anything.

Londis stores serve local communities right across the country, supporting local jobs and local suppliers.

Londis is one of Ireland’s most established community retail brands and caters to a wide and diverse base of customers through its forecourt, neighbourhood and urban store formats.

FACTFILE:

Hurling legend Davy Fitzgerald, the creator of Ireland’s Fittest Family, which is sponsored by Londis.

Name of Group: Londis Number of Stores nationwide: 140 Typical Store Size: Varies Head office: BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722 Wholesale partner: BWG Foods Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre, (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Londis stores nationwide.

Website: www.londis.ie Social Media: @LondisIreland on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook Tagline: Local like you

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Mace continues to ‘Go the Extra Smile’ Mace had a busy 2021, spearheaded by its ongoing campaign with Irish rugby captain, Jonathan Sexton.

IT has been an exciting year for Mace, Ireland’s longest established convenience retail brand, with the launch of an exciting new multi-platform advertising and social media campaign that features Irish and Leinster rugby captain, Jonathan Sexton, recent architect of Ireland’s magnificent victory over the mighty All-Blacks.

The innovative €1m nationwide ad campaign was supported by a fantastic consumer competition, where Ardee Rugby Club won a “money can’t buy” training session with Mace Ambassador Jonathan Sexton.

This campaign, which is extremely popular amongst viewers and Mace shoppers, is a contemporary take on Mace’s community legacy of ‘Going the Extra Smile’ and focuses on the renowned friendliness of Mace retailers and staff. The advert features Jonathan Sexton in a number of different shopping scenarios as he avails of the friendliness and convenience of Mace.

Jonathan Sexton has been a Mace Brand Ambassador since 2018 and continues to be a fantastic role model for Mace and its customers. “It was really exciting to team up with Mace again for their new advertising campaign,” he said. “I am very proud to be working with a brand like Mace, whose retailers serve their communities so well. I was especially delighted to deliver a coaching session and meet all the young players, and their coaches, of the Ardee U14 team. I hope it was a memorable day for all involved. Mace have been supporting communities across Ireland for years now and I am proud to be working with them.”

Celebrating Ireland’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ Mace also teamed up with Sexton on a nationwide community initiative to search for Ireland’s ‘Unsung Heroes’, an

Jonathan Sexton has been a Mace Brand Ambassador since 2018 and continues to be a fantastic role model for Mace and its customers. initiative whereby Mace challenged the communities their independent retailers serve to nominate someone special within their community who goes that extra mile to make a difference but, in some cases, may not receive the recognition they deserve. Mace Unsung Heroes were acknowledged in five categories, with those nominating asked to educate the judging panel on what made their nominee so deserving. Mace were blown away by the thousands of entries received from across Ireland, with each very worthy winner receiving a prize of €1,000 and €5,000 going to the overall winner.

Limerick native, Leona O’Callaghan, nominated by family and supporters, was chosen as the overall national Mace Community Unsung Hero in recognition of her tireless work on behalf of survivors of domestic, sexual or physical violence.

The Mace Unsung Heroes initiative was designed to foster community spirit and recognise true local heroes in communities all around Ireland, which it

succeeded in doing magnificently.

The four category winners in the Mace Unsung Hero Community initiative were: • Charity Award: Tony Walsh, Feed Our Homeless.

Tony and his partner Natasha founded this charity in Dublin that focuses on the goal of making sure no-one has to sleep rough in our capital.

• Child & Youth Award: Aoibhe Lawlor and Amy Lewis.

Aoibhe (17) and her cousin Amy (16) are both students of St Mary’s College, Naas, and have raised more than €3,500 for their school’s nominated charity, ‘Mary’s Meals’, through a variety of initiatives over the last six months.

• Environment Award: Proinsias Ó Tuama Proinsias Ó Tuama is the driving force in numerous community-based actions in caring for our coastal habitats and beaches, including

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Retail Groups Report

Peter Dwan, Mace Sales Director.

•

cleaning in excess of 1.5% of total Irish coastline of marine litter.

Sports, Health & Well-being Award: Christy McDonagh Christy McDonagh has been a member of the voluntary underwater Search and Recovery unit in Grainne Uaile Sub Aqua club since 1980.

This unit specialises in underwater search and recovery of drowned and lost persons in all bodies of water, 365 days a year.

Management changes Mace also underwent some exciting management changes in 2021 with Peter Dwan’s appointment as the brand’s Sales Director. Peter succeeded Daniel O’Connell, who has been appointed BWG Foods’ Retail Director. Peter brings a wealth of experience to the position and has been working in retail for nearly 30 years, starting in the family business in Ranelagh in 1991. He has since worked in multiple channels across the industry.

Supporting Down Syndrome Ireland One of Peter’s first actions as the new

Mace Sales Director was to present Mace’s official charity partner, Down Syndrome Ireland, with a cheque for €30,000, which were the proceeds of Mace retailers’ Tour de Mace static cycling fundraising events. All through the summer, Mace retailers invited customers and staff to donate between 15 minutes and one hour of their time to cycle and raise much needed funds for Down Syndrome Ireland. Since adopting Down Syndrome Ireland as Mace’s official charity partner in 2017, Mace retailers have engaged in a number of initiatives designed to raise awareness and funds for the worthy charity and have raised nearly €200,000 in that time.

This year, for the first time ever, at the request of its independent retailers, Mace renewed the partnership with Down Syndrome Ireland for a further two years, with all funds raised going to support a new online education course for every adult aged 29+ with Down Syndrome in Ireland. ‘Ability Online’ provides support to adults aged 29+ with Down syndrome who are struggling with isolation and job losses as a result of Covid-19. The course runs for 10 weeks and is delivered remotely and combines online tasks and group discussions.

“We are very proud of all the Mace retailers who hosted these wonderful events in order to support our charity partner Down Syndrome Ireland,” noted Peter Dwan. “The Tour de Mace events are great for the charity, the stores and the local communities they serve. They are a fabulous initiative and a fun and healthy way to raise funds for a very worthy cause; all the more important now, with fundraising under increased pressure in the current environment.”

New store design In terms of retail development, 2021 has been a busy time for Mace. The response of customers to the new Mace store

Mace Sales Director Peter Dwan is pictured presenting Down Syndrome Ireland CEO, Barry Sheridan, with a cheque for €30,000.

FACTFILE:

Name of Group: Mace Sales Director: Peter Dwan Number of Stores nationwide: 150 Typical Store Size: 135 square metres Head office: BWG Foods, Greenhills

Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24, D24 Y722 Wholesale partner: BWG Foods Type of distribution network: BWG National Distribution Centre (NDC) servicing fresh, ambient and alcohol to all Mace stores nationwide.

Website: www.mace.ie Social Media:

https://www.facebook.com/ MaceIreland www.youtube.com/MaceIreland www.instagram.com/mace_ireland www.twitter.com/MaceIreland Tagline: ‘Going the Extra Smile’

design in locations across Ireland has been very positive and well received by the industry.

The new image is reflective of the shift convenience and forecourt stores have been experiencing in recent years.

Optimisation of fresh food displays and the mouth-watering foods on offer are designed to entice a peckish local or passer-by. The off-licence has seen a true transformation, with new feature ceiling design and lighting. In an innovative design feature, spirits are in open flow presentation and while retaining crucial functionality, the separated design of the off-licence space is proving very popular with shoppers.

Mace is very proud to always have its retailers and their staff at the heart of its mission. Testament to this is the ongoing investment in training and upskilling tools available from the Mace U-Learn Academy. This helps educate new and existing staff on all the relevant policies and procedures when working in a Mace store, ensuring best-in-class customer experience.

Looking forward to 2022, Mace has a very busy year ahead as it continues to roll-out the new strategy and assist retailers to grow and evolve their businesses, while continuing to promote the friendly and welcoming shopping environment for which Mace is renowned. Afterall, ‘Going the Extra Smile’ has become even more important in recent times.

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Retail Groups Report

XL: supporting local communities XL Retail Group offers the opportunity to pursue your entrepreneurial spirit, while benefitting from the power of a nationwide brand with access to major buying power.

XL Retail Group, in partnership with its independent retailers, has more than 230 stores supporting local communities all over Ireland and providing employment to almost 2,500 people locally. It is a brand synonymous with Irish culture and heritage, particularly through its support of the Irish language.

It is this grá, in particular for the Irish language, that has led to the permanent presence of Siopa XL in TG4’s Ros na Rún and, since 2018, all XL stores display their Point-of-Sale (POS) and in-store marketing signage as Gaeilge, the first and only Irish retail convenience symbol group to do so.

At its core, XL Retail Group passionately believes in supporting Irish.

This manifests itself in how the group does business and, indeed, who they do business with through engagement with suppliers. Sourcing products locally is hugely important as all XL retailers pride themselves on supporting Irish suppliers in every way they can. As part of BWG Foods, the XL Retail Group is able to leverage industry-leading expertise, knowledge and insight into what customers want. For example, the emergence of foodservice within

its retail estate and its offering enables retailers to provide a diverse and appetising deli menu in environmentally friendly compostable packaging. It is through initiatives such as this that XL Retail Group and its retailers continue to serve their customers’ needs.

Every year, through XL’s parent company, leading retail and wholesale group BWG Foods, XL Retail Group provides a unique platform to Ireland’s indigenous suppliers, and emerging Irish businesses, to showcase their goods and offerings to a wide array of retailers.

Supporting Irish Music Month This is just one of many ways XL retailers show their support of Irish culture, legacy and business and it is this commitment to the promotion of Irish culture and legacy that has led to XL’s support of Irish Music Month this year. This major initiative from Hot Press magazine was designed to promote Irish artists and bands over the month of October and was championed by 25 independent radio stations from all over Ireland, resulting in significantly increased radio play for Irish artists across the airwaves – and €100k being

Paul Bealin, Sales Director, XL Retail Group. paid directly to Irish artists.

Given XL’s strong pedigree in supporting Irish, sponsoring Irish Music Month was a good fit for the brand.

“When we heard about Irish Music

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Retail Groups Report Name of Group: XL Sales Director: Paul Bealin Number of Stores nationwide: 230 Typical Store Size: 110 square metres Head office: BWG Foods UC, BWG House, Greenhills Road, Tallaght, Dublin 24 Wholesale partner: Value Centre Type of distribution network: 22 Value Centre and Cash & Carry Branches nationwide and chill distribution Website: www.xlstores.ie Social Media: www.facebook.com/XLIreland/ Tagline: A great deal more at your local store

Pictured at the Irish Music Month launch at The Academy, Dublin, are John Purcell, Independent Broadcasters of Ireland; Elaine McCann, Rubyworks; musician Saibh Skelly; Paul Bealin, Sales Director, XL Retail Group; Niall Stokes, Editor, Hot Press; and Jess Murray, Hot Press.

Month, we immediately saw the fit,” explained Paul Bealin, Sales Director of XL Retail Group. “XL and our independent retailers are all about serving and supporting local communities, which is what is so attractive about Irish Music Month. It was brilliant to have 25 local radio stations showing their support

for Irish music and Irish musicians, who are so important to local communities all over Ireland. Building on our pledge to offer ‘a great deal more at your local store’, we are delighted that the support of XL helped Irish Music Month to achieve its goal of lifting the spirits of Irish musicians, and of audiences all over the country, as we all recover from the devastating impact of the pandemic.”

XL delivers for local communities Established in 1997, XL Retail Group’s commitment to the communities it serves has never been more pronounced than over the last 18+ months as the nation, indeed the world, has wrestled with the effects and challenges of the Covid-19

Siopa XL has a permanent presence in TG4’s soap, Ros na Rún.

pandemic. XL retailers have responded to those challenges by focusing on immediate customer and employee needs and fulfilling them in unique ways, through e-commerce, delivery services or special provisions. As the full economic fall-out of Covid-19 continues to be felt, value offerings will gain greater importance in the coming months.

Being part of the BWG Foods family means that XL is constantly innovating and availing of the supports that come with a larger wholesale partner. BWG Foods has a dedicated Food Innovation team and under the direction of Head of Innovation, Orla Jordan, the team are constantly seeking ways to grow and evolve the XL offering. For example, BWG’s bespoke ice cream concept, I-Scream, was recently added to the nationwide network of XL stores and it has been very well received by retailers and customers.

Similarly, customers are passionate about good quality coffee and, through BWG Foods, XL retailers work closely with three exclusive partners, Insomnia, Seattle’s Best and Bewley’s, to ensure the XL offering is the best around.

Crucially, XL retailers are local to the communities they serve and are passionate about ensuring they continue to provide great value to their customers. The strength of the XL symbol brand is that it offers the opportunity to own your own business, pursue your entrepreneurial spirit as an independent retailer and, at the same time, benefit from being part of a nationwide brand with access to major buying power and the many invaluable support mechanisms that membership of a symbol group brings. Its tagline, ‘A great deal more at your local store’, underpins the brand promise of serving local communities, delivering great value, choice, service and exciting consumer promotions.

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Retail Groups Report

Costcutter: 21 years a-growin’ Costcutter celebrated its 21st anniversary in the Irish market during 2021, and the group continues to evolve in line with changing consumer trends.

WHILST 2021 came with its own suite of obstacles, Costcutter celebrated being in the Irish market for 21 years and embedded significant change and innovation, ensuring that the brand is consistently evolving in line with consumer needs.

With nine new stores opening in Moate, Bandon, Oilgate, Rathcormac,

Bansha, Cobh, Limerick, Carrick On Suir and Dunmore East, including two over the next two months, Costcutter is steadily growing and solidifying its place as Ireland’s leading family run symbol

Costcutter was revealed as the Official Retail Partner to Triathlon Ireland in 2021.

group. The key to this success is down to Costcutter’s authentic approach to partnership.

“We are true advocates of family business and understand their needs,” explained Jim Barry, Managing Director, Barry Group. “This is primarily due to the fact that we are a third-generation family business and understand the trials and tribulations that our retail partners face. We understand that retailing is not a ‘one size fits all’ approach and work with retailers, delivering a tailored solution that meets their needs. We identify with the challenges that our retailers face and aim to offer competitive solutions with undisputed support from our accomplished team across all elements of our business.”

Significant marketing activity This past year was landmarked with a significant marketing investment as the group celebrated its 21st birthday. The year long activation period included a three-month radio and programmatic campaign for the summer months, with €20,000 in prizes being given away.

Additionally, influencer marketing partnerships, digital campaign and in-store activations also marked the celebrations.

Further investing in this brand, a national sponsorship deal was announced

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Costcutter is steadily growing, with nine new stores joining the group in 2021. with Triathlon Ireland, as Costcutter was revealed as the Official Retail Partner to the sporting body, along with being the sole sponsor of Triathlon Ireland’s kids and youth activity series, including the Tri Heroes programme, the Children’s and Youth Festival, the Post Primary School Championships and the newly launched Triathlon Ireland Youth Series.

Acknowledging the partnership, Alan Cronin Marketing Manager, said “There is a fantastic alignment between Costcutter and Triathlon Ireland due to their shared interests in cultivating community

in-store restrictions, a lot developed from consumers being more adventurous, as at home meal occasions soared, they tried new recipes and created new meal occasions during stints of lockdown.

Deriving from this insight, a project team was assembled to identify the required adjustments and upcoming trends that Costcutter stores are embracing.

“Our team of Fresh Food Advisors have been working at store level on the implementation of the findings of this project, educating our deli teams nationwide, and also have released a series of webinars to ensure that our delis are a beacon of innovation and exemplary standards in the convenience trade”, explained Edwina Lucey, Sales Director.

spirit, promoting healthy lifestyles and celebrating local.”

Costcutter also launched its national partnership with Movember Ireland as it became an Official Supporter of the charity, fundraising at store level across the country.

Renewed focus on fresh food In addition to this marketing activity, the Costcutter team had a key focus on change and innovation at store level, with a focus on fresh food. While some of this change was dictated by Covid-19 and

Store owner Aaron Massey and his staff are pictured at Massey’s Costcutter in Windy Arbour, Dundrum, Dublin 14.

The Costcutter/Triathlon Ireland partnership sees Costcutter becoming the sole sponsor of Triathlon Irelands kids and youth activity series.

A bright future beckons Moving into 2022, despite the challenges that the sector is facing, including the repercussions of Covid, Brexit, the activation of Minimum Unit Pricing on alcohol, and inflation, the Costcutter team remain optimistic about its future.

“While we have been through a challenging period that seems to have had serious repercussions for our economy and working business environment, I believe that we as a team are in a positive place to meet the challenges that lie ahead,” concluded Jim Barry. “Many lessons were learned, and we have proven how adaptable and agile we are. We have spent considerable time planning our strategic approach for the coming year and we are looking forward to embarking on a new stage of growth and prosperity with our retail partners, both old and new.”

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Retail Groups Report

A great year for Gala Gala Retail has had a strong year in 2021, with the group experiencing positive sales growth, announcing new partnerships, and delivering new footfall drivers and concept options for its retailers.

FOLLOWING a challenging year for the retail sector and other businesses in 2020, Gala Retail has enjoyed a strong 2021. A focus on innovation and responding to the changing trends of Irish consumers, while continuing to elevate the Gala brand through marketing activities, promotions and partnerships, has ensured that the Gala group continues to remain at the forefront of the sector.

The Gala group had a strong start to 2021, reporting a year-onyear sales growth of 10% in H1 of 2021, and 15% in the past 18 months.

The Gala group has added 20 new Gala Retail Inspirational Person of the Year 2021, Marion Mattimoe, is pictured with stores to the Gala estate, eight new (l-r): Gary Desmond, CEO of Gala Retail; John McGloin, McGloin’s Gala, Foxford; and Brian Tuffy from Tuffy Group.

Gala stores and 12 new Your Stop stores, with a further 13 existing Gala stores undergoing refurbishment.

‘Starcamp with Gala

With over 250 Gala group stores in locations throughout Retail’ camps and clubs, Ireland, the Gala group has a presence in communities across both virtual and physical, the country. ran throughout the year, kicking off with virtual New year, new partnership camps for St Patrick’s Day At the beginning of the year, Gala announced its sponsorship and Easter and continuing of Ireland’s number one network of children’s activity camps, throughout the summer, Starcamp. As commercial sponsor of Starcamp, the Gala group with 280 ‘Starcamp with has committed to a two-year partnership that sees Gala named Gala Retail’ summer clubs as the title sponsor. taking place at locations across the country, with almost 30,000 children attending. Throughout the year, Gala has provided over €10,000 worth of prizes for participating children and their schools and the partnership is set to continue in 2022.

Peamont United footballer Stephanie Roche, second from left, launched the Polar Plunge supported by Gala Retail, along with Special Olympics athletes, from left, Lorcan Tully, Eoin Tully and Edel Armstrong.

Fresh concepts With fresh food offerings emerging as a key driver for consumers in recent years, Gala Retail continues to make fresh food a central part of its offering. This year, the Gala group has invested heavily in the expansion of its fresh food team and in the development of its exclusive range of in-store concepts.

It has more fresh food executives per retailer than any other convenience symbol group, demonstrating the pivotal role of fresh food in convenience retailing and Gala’s dedication to ensuring Gala retailers have access to innovative, modern concepts that set their stores apart from competitors and deliver quality, convenient, food-to-go options that will draw consumers into their local Gala store.

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Retail Groups Report

This year Gala Retail launched its first Christmas ad, ‘The Recipe’.

Gala Getaways As 2021 was the year of the ‘staycation’, this summer Gala launched its ‘Gala Getaways’ store promotion which saw the group give away €40,000 of staycation gift vouchers to Gala shoppers to spend on a well-deserved getaway in Ireland.

Customers spending over €10 in participating Gala stores were entered into a draw instore to win a €250 ‘Go Anywhere’ gift card from IrelandHotels.com and the competition received hundreds of entries from Gala stores across the country, with one lucky winner being selected from each participating store.

Gala Retail gifted €26,000 of prizes to the winners, with 26 county winners being awarded with gift vouchers for IrelandHotels.com.

Marion Mattimoe from Ballina, Co. Mayo, was named Overall Inspirational Hero of the Year in the Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration Awards for her tireless work in her community.

Recipe for success: Gala’s first Christmas advertisement Gala has rounded off 2021 with the debut of its first ever Christmas advertisement, a heart-warming glimpse of a family’s determination to uphold a sentimental Christmas tradition.

The film piece is titled ‘The Recipe’ and the story centres around a young girl, who with the help of her father, tries over and over again to recreate her late mother’s famous Christmas cake recipe.

Each new baking attempt brings another disappointing result, and another trip to Gala, until she receives a very special surprise gift on Christmas Eve. The ad was written and created by agency Verve|Showrunner and is running across digital and social media platforms in the run-up to Christmas.

Special Olympics Ireland Gala continues to support charity partner, Special Olympics Ireland, during a time when all charities are facing enormous shortfalls in their fundraising efforts.

Looking ahead to 2022 This year, Gala has supported the In 2022, Gala will continue to deliver Special Olympics ‘Let’s Run’ campaign, value, choice and fresh offerings for its a 12-week programme which helped customers, while rewarding the ongoing athletes and volunteers stay connected loyalty of Gala customers through inand improve their running ability and fitness.

In November, Gala announced its support of this year’s Polar Plunge, assisting Inspiration Awards in the promotion In October, Gala Retail teamed up with of the event and Virgin Media once again in a search for funding branded Ireland’s most inspirational heroes. merchandise Inspirational people of all ages from for registered across Ireland were nominated for the participants to Gala Retail and Virgin Media Inspiration help make this Awards, with 26 inspirational county year’s event bigger Pictured at the launch of Gala Getaways are (l-r): Gary heroes being named from a recordDesmond, CEO of Gala Retail; model Sarah Morrissey; and and better than breaking number of entries that were Kevin Mulvany, IHF/ IrelandHotels.com. ever. The event received. will help to raise

Each of the 26 award-winning heroes much needed funds for Special Olympics store promotions and competitions. For were recognised for the difference they retailers, the Gala group will continue have made to the lives of others with their athletes to help them get back to the clubs and sport they love. to innovate with fresh branding, and selfless acts and inspirational deeds. growing its exclusive range of in-store concepts and offerings that will cater to the changing needs of customers in communities across Ireland.

The group will build on its existing partnerships with Starcamp Ireland and Special Olympics Ireland through a range of marketing activities that reinforce the brand’s commitment to supporting Irish organisations and communities across the country. While Irish businesses will continue to face challenges as we navigate the ongoing and changing landscape as a result of Covid-19, following a strong 2021, Gala will build on this success with a focus on continuing to offer its customers value, With over 250 Gala group stores in locations throughout Ireland, the Gala group quality, choice and unrivalled customer has a presence in communities across the country. service in the year to come.

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Daybreak ushers in a new dawn for retail Daybreak, which has 268 stores across Ireland, not only survived but thrived during the tough pandemic months of 2021. Thomas Morrison, Head of Retail at Musgrave MarketPlace, contends that even better days lie ahead for Daybreak.

How was 2021 for Daybreak?

“2021 was a mixed year for retail. Covid hasn’t gone away and retailers continued to operate in a challenged environment, with protecting staff and customers top of mind. Restrictions significantly impacted convenience, food-to-go and special event shopping. This year, we have also seen the impact of Brexit and Covid on the supply chain and there have been availability challenges across the industry.

“Notwithstanding that, sales have been strong. As the economy opened up we’ve seen increased footfall and growth in food-to-go, impulse and coffee. Staycations were a big feature of this year and the majority of our stores had a strong summer. Throughout the challenges of Covid-19, our solid supply chain capability, assets, and resources have ensured we have been able to keep shelves across the country stocked. So, despite the challenges, overall it has been a really strong year for the brand.”

Did you open new stores?

“Daybreak continues to go from strength to strength. In 2021, we will

open 23 new stores. We’ll have opened over 40 stores in two years. When you consider Covid and lockdown, this is a testament to our retailers and our team.

We’ve had fantastic growth since 2018, when we introduced our new identity.

This growth in new stores has been an equal split between standalone stores and forecourts and a mix between rural

and urban hubs, with new sites right across the country.”

Thomas Morrison, Head of Retail at Musgrave MarketPlace.

Did you introduce new concepts to your stores in 2021?

“In 2018, we launched a completely refreshed store offer for Daybreak - new identity, new store layouts and new subbrands focused on food-to-go. These sub-brands include our deli identity, Munch & Co. We have a new coffee brand, exclusive to Daybreak, called 9 Grams, and an exclusive ice cream offer, Lickety Split. In 2020, we launched a new rotisserie chicken concept, Dizzy Chicken Rotisserie. We know the sub-brands are

The Munch & Co deli identity has proved hugely popular.

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Retail Groups Report driving retailer profitability, so we focused on rolling them out at pace this year. Our 9 Grams coffee concept will be in 123 stores by the end of this year. Lickety Split will be in 56 stores, while Munch & Co will be in 106 by the end of 2021. By any standards, this is an exceptional pace of roll-out.”

What were the highlights of 2021?

“As well as opening new stores, we’ve refurbished 28 existing sites. This is a real sign of the confidence retailers have in our offer. I’m delighted to say that their confidence in Daybreak has been rewarded with strong results – all rebranded sites are performing ahead of plan. I’m also proud of how our retailers and their teams have continued to support their local communities in what remains a challenging time. One example is our work fundraising for the Irish Heart Foundation. For instance, we held a virtual fitness challenge in July and August where our retailers raised nearly €23,000 for the charity.”

Judith Gilsenan, Commercial Director with the Irish Heart Foundation, accepts a cheque for almost €23,000 from Vasco Vilas, Assistant Brand Manager with Daybreak.

What was the continuing impact of Covid on the group and the overall grocery sector?

“Labour shortages continue to be a common theme across the retail sector. It has been difficult to retain staff over the last two years, a challenge not just for Daybreak, but across multiple sectors. Daybreak stores are mainly family owned and operated businesses, so missing staff can put a real strain on a small team.”

Daybreak stores are mostly family owned and operated.

Daybreak is looking forward to continued success in 2022.

What are the challenges facing the sector and the Daybreak group in the months ahead?

“Covid is still with us, which is a particular challenge for city centre sites that rely on office workers for footfall. We’re facing into a time of rising costs: energy, goods, general inflation; this is going to be a key challenge for everyone over the next 12 to 18 months. We already do a lot of work with retailers around cost control and margin management. Musgrave Business Development Managers support Daybreak retailers by interrogating their business performance and sharing best practice. We also use Musgrave’s buying power and scale to support retailers, for instance through access to affinity schemes for electricity, insurance and so on. Profitability, staff retention and training; these will be key in 2022 and we will be upweighting our support to stores in all these areas.”

What are you looking forward to in 2022?

“I think there’s a lot to be optimistic about. Look at the strength of the brand and the fact we rebranded a large number of stores in such a short timeframe. We have ambitious plans for 2022.

We’re going to continue to roll-out our identity and sub-brands.

For example, we have three standalone convenience stores opening in Dublin in January 2022.”

What does Daybreak offer that differentiates it from other symbol groups?

“We pride ourselves in Musgrave MarketPlace as being first for value, first for choice and first for service. This is very much reflected in the Daybreak retailer proposition. For example, our cost per square foot for the Daybreak kit-out is highly competitive in comparison to other brands. We also have an unparalleled range of products and a world class supply chain.

Retailers get a minimum of three deliveries a week from our Central Distribution Centre.”

What support do you offer your retailers?

“We’re especially proud of the support we provide our retailers in the ongoing development of their business. The exceptional support we provide is exemplified by the Daybreak team of Business Development Managers (BDMs). All our BDMs come from a retail background and use their extensive retail and foodservice knowledge to offer practical business support.

They work closely with retailers to build annual business plans tailored to the needs of each store. These plans focus on benchmarking store sales, costs and profit against real budgets and KPIs, and we meet retailers every month to review progress on implementing these plans.

“This builds a strong relationship between Musgrave and Daybreak retailers. We’re looking forward to building on those relationships in 2022 and the continued success of the brand. “

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Tesco helping to make a difference Tesco Ireland continued to provide top quality service throughout 2021, with a range of initiatives to support Irish communities.

TESCO Ireland has continued throughout 2021 to provide the best-in-class service for customers, despite the ongoing challenges of Covid-19.

Tesco continued to protect and prioritise the health and safety of colleagues and customers throughout the prolonged Covid-19 restrictions.

Tesco has continued to invest in measures to ensure a safe shopping environment for customers and a safe work environment for colleagues throughout Ireland.

In addition, Tesco has continued to support the communities it serves with charitable donations, which saw a range of local organisations and voluntary groups around Ireland benefitting throughout the year.

As a leading food retailer, Tesco is responsible for over 45,000 jobs nationwide, including more than 13,000 colleagues working in stores, distribution and in its head office; Tesco is one of Ireland’s largest private-sector employers. “In partnering with over 490 Irish suppliers, our purchases of Irish agri-food supports almost 14,000 farming families and helps deliver more than €2.9 billion to Ireland’s economy,” noted Kari Daniels, Tesco Ireland CEO. “We believe every little help makes a big difference.”

The company also continues to pride itself on making sure everybody is welcome in Tesco stores. It was also officially certified a Great Place to Work 2021 for the fourth consecutive year.

Tesco Community Fund Support for Irish communities has been a central tenet of the Tesco business

Tesco Ireland was officially certified a Great Place to Work 2021 for the fourth consecutive year. Pictured are the team at Tesco Swords Airside, (l-r): Zalifa Youshi, Barbara Boroweic, Zemzem Ali, and Hassan Bajwa. since it entered the Irish retail market almost 25 years ago and remains so to this day.

Although 2021 presented many challenges, the Tesco Community Fund continued to provide much needed funding to communities throughout the country. Through the Fund, each store donates between €500-1000 every eight weeks to three local causes.

Over the past six years, the Tesco Community Fund has donated more than €5m to charities and community groups in cities, towns and villages nationwide and has supported over 20,000 community groups to date.

Tackling food waste At Tesco, food waste remains a big priority for its business and industry.

“We were immensely proud to be the first retailer in Ireland to partner with FoodCloud, a partnership that has since managed to redistribute 14m meals to more than 380 charitable organisations, including afterschool clubs, youth groups, senior citizen support services and more,” Kari notes.

“We are also the first retailer to publish independently verified food

waste data for our own operations and we remain committed to driving progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target to halve per capita global food waste by 2030.”

Tesco Ireland has partnered with seventeen of its large Irish fresh suppliers in a bid to tackle the issue of food waste at their manufacturing sites and are working collaboratively to adopt the UN’s SDG goal 12.3. The Irish suppliers involved include the likes of Keelings, Manor Farm, Country Crest, Total Produce, Aryzta and others.

Tesco also launched a Colleague Shop in all stores as a way to support its drive towards no good food going to waste. This has resulted in 434 tonnes of bakery, produce and ambient food being saved and redirected.

“Tackling food waste is an integral part of our business and we will continue to make every effort to tackle this challenge in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, and the bid to help halve food waste from farm to fork by 2030,” Kari reveals.

Charity partnerships Tesco Ireland began its partnership

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Retail Groups Report with the Children’s Health Foundation Temple Street in 2014 and thanks to the generosity of customers and the dedication of colleagues, over €6.5m has been raised to date. These funds have been used to purchase more than 330 pieces of vital medical equipment for the little heroes in CHI at Temple Street and are continuing to make an impact on children’s lives today.

Taking sustainability seriously Tesco Ireland is committed to reaching net-zero emissions in its own operations by 2035 and across its entire value chain globally by 2050, in line with the UN’s aspiration of keeping global warming below 1.5C.

They are one of few retail companies to have received the Business in the Community (BITC) Business Working Responsibly Mark for commitments to sustainability and CSR. “We proudly recommitted to BITC’s Low Carbon Pledge, and we are also a member of Repak and a signatory to the Repak Plastics Pledge,” Kari stresses.

“Some examples of our sustainable practices and actions include the fact that 100% of the electricity we use in Tesco is procured from renewable sources. No food waste from Tesco has gone to landfill since 2009 and now as a result of our recent partnership with

Supporting Irish suppliers 2021 saw Silver Pail Dairy joining Tesco’s 490 local Irish suppliers. The Cork-based company will supply ice-cream tubs and blocks to Tesco made from local milk supplies.

Latest figures show that Tesco purchases €1.6 billion of Irish food and drink annually, including over €900m in exports, which in turn supports almost 14,000 farming families nationwide. The overall economic impact of Tesco’s expenditure in Ireland is €2.92 billion, with the company supporting almost 45,000 jobs nationwide, directly and indirectly.

Pictured are (l-r): Joe Manning, Commercial Director at Tesco Ireland, and Thea Murphy, Managing Director at Silver Pail Dairy, in Tesco Naas Extra celebrating the new partnership between Tesco and local Irish supplier, Cork-based Sliver Pail Dairy, which was awarded a €1.4m contract to supply Tesco Ireland’s own-label ice cream.

Pictured at the iconic blue door of CHI at Temple Street are John Doyle, Head of Portering, and Deirdre Keating, Assistant Community Colleague, Tesco Ireland, celebrating the Great Irish Bake.

Green Generation, it’s going to anaerobic digestion and creating renewable gas to power six of our stores,” she continues. “Meanwhile committing to ambitious packaging targets has meant working closely with suppliers to remove ‘red list’ plastics from all our packaging.”

Tesco Ireland only ever use packaging where there is a clear requirement to do so, like maintaining food safety or if it is necessary for transport, and it is very proud to have developed the first soft plastics recycling solution in the retail sector. “Working with Irish company Paltech, we are developing new materials from those plastics that can be used again in-store for signage and more. By 2025, we aim to halve the packaging weight in our business, and all paper and board will be 100% sustainable,” Kari says.

The group has also worked with ESB to provide almost 50 electric vehicle charge points in Tesco stores nationwide.

“Sustainability is very important to us as a business, and we know it creates both opportunities and challenges for all of us in the supply chain and we know we have a role to play in influencing change where possible,” concludes Kari. “We continue to address key issues such as packaging and food waste reduction and make progress in these areas in an effort to minimise our overall environmental impact.”

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Lidl Ireland: leading the way Lidl Ireland continued to grow in 2021, while delivering innovative initiatives both in-store and in the communities it serves.

THROUGHOUT 2021, Lidl has continued to grow at pace versus the market, and serving more than 1.5m customers every week, the retailer kept shoppers’ attention with its market-leading value, award-winning quality and locally sourced products, alongside industry-first campaigns such as Lidl’s period poverty programme, deposit return scheme and workplace initiatives.

Sustainability is at the core of Lidl’s business operations, and the retailer continued to make big strides in this area in 2021. In January, Lidl became the first Irish retailer to remove ‘Bags for Life’, eliminating 6.3m plastic bags from circulation, replacing them with new, durable 100% recycled plastic bags. The retailer celebrated the monumental move with an educational colouring

competition for school children that saw their ‘re-use’-themed drawings printed on new bags which are now available in stores nationwide.

As the Irish Government progressed with planning on the introduction of industry-wide legislation for a deposit return scheme in line with the Waste Action Plan for a Circular Economy, Lidl was once again ahead of the curve, launching the roll-out of its reverse vending machines to facilitate the nation’s first Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) trial in its store in Glenageary, Co. Dublin. The machines enable customers to deposit used plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans in return for money-back vouchers redeemable in-store. A first in the Irish retail industry, Lidl’s reverse vending machines, when rolled out fully, will aim to redirect 1,500 tonnes of plastic annually that will then be manufactured into new products. The trial is the beginning of a larger roll-out across Lidl’s store network, with an ambition of having a nationwide scheme in place by 2023 in line with government objectives.

From being the first retailer to commit to paying the Living Wage in 2015 to launching a dedicated compassionate leave policy that adds an additional three days leave for all employees

September 2021 saw Lidl Ireland announcing the roll-out of its reverse vending machines to facilitate the nation’s first Deposit Return Scheme (DRS). The machines will enable customers to deposit used plastic beverage bottles and aluminium cans in return for money-back vouchers redeemable in-store. Celebrating the launch with the very first customer deposit at Lidl Glenageary were JJ Whelan and Sophie Ryan, both aged five.

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Retail Groups Report Looking forward Looking ahead to 2022, Lidl’s climate strategy forms a vital part of the company’s overall business strategy. From the roll-out of its Deposit Return Scheme machines to continuing to be at the cutting edge of sustainable construction, Lidl plans to integrate corporate social responsibility into all business areas.

At the retailer’s first Sustainability Conference held in August 2021, Lidl announced it would be committing to becoming carbon neutral by 2025.

As part of this commitment, the retailer also committed to a 46% reduction in its operational emissions by 2030 and launched a dedicated Supplier Engagement Programme designed to support suppliers responsible for 70% of their emissions in reducing their carbon footprint.

Much of its focus for 2022 will centre around these ambitious goals and bringing its customers along with them on the journey in order to support, educate and help to introduce a more sustainable way of working and living for us all.

Lidl also has ambitious plans for more stores across the island of Ireland in 2022 Pictured are Jennifer Kitson, Simon Community; Dublin’s Carla Rowe, and looks forward to continuing to provide top LGFA player; Aoife Clarke, Lidl Ireland; and Claire Hunt, Homeless Period quality products at market leading prices to Ireland, at the announcement that Lidl Ireland partnered with Homeless more and more customers. Lidl plans to build Period Ireland and the Simon Communities of Ireland, committing to on its successes of 2021, which includes being provide free sanitary products to people affected by period poverty named in the Top 10 Most Reputable Companies across 168 of its Irish stores. in Ireland in the 2020 Reptrak study. According affected by miscarriage or early pregnancy loss, building not only to the report, Irish consumers acknowledged Lidl’s positive an exceptional place to work but also an inclusive, rewarding and contribution to local communities, its work with Irish suppliers fulfilling culture at Lidl has been a top priority for the company. and commitment to its staff.

As a result, Lidl is one of just 14 Irish companies recognised by the Top Employers Institute as a Top Employer for 2021. The world esteemed and most sought-after certification, held by global brands such as PepsiCo, Puma and Heineken, showcases an organisation’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent HR policies and people practices.

The Top Employers Institute programme certifies organisations based on the participation and results of their HR Best Practices Survey. This survey covers six HR domains, consisting of 20 topics such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Well-being, and Diversity & Inclusion and more.

Positively impacting the community Throughout the pandemic, Lidl’s frontline workers have been commended for their relentless dedication to supporting the communities they operate in the length and breadth of the country.

From reaching their fundraising target of €1.25m for charity partner, Jigsaw - the National Centre for Youth Mental Health, to launching an innovative shopper fundraising initiative using their app Lidl Plus to support the Ladies Gaelic Football Association, Lidl’s efforts to positively impact the local community haven’t gone unnoticed. The retailer has also reached the milestone of donating more than three million meals distributed through food donation partner, FoodCloud.

In 2021, Lidl also took a stand to help support women and girls across the country affected by period poverty. The viral campaign, that hit headlines across the globe, was designed to raise awareness for those affected by the issue, help to reduce stigma surrounding the topic and support those affected through a dedicated monthly coupon for a free box of sanitary pads or tampons.

Lidl Shackleton customer, Rachel Chen (16), with her winning design featuring on Lidl’s special edition reusuable shopping bags made with 100% recycled plastics.

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Retail Groups Report

Aldi: support when it’s needed most Aldi Ireland continues to support Irish communities, local producers and all its customers throughout the pandemic.

2021 has been a year of continued economic and social challenges across the country. As has been the case across the entire economy, Ireland’s retail industry has continued to face disruption.

From the outset of the pandemic over 18 months ago, Aldi Ireland and their team have continued to support their customers across the country, ensuring stores have remained open and fully stocked, so customers continue to have access to the best quality products at unbeatable prices.

Safety and innovation Throughout the pandemic, ensuring the safety of its customers and staff has been Aldi’s number one priority. Aldi has maintained a series of measures to keep staff and customers safe while in stores, including protective screens at tills, self-service cleaning stations, hand sanitiser, and clear social distancing markers. For the second year in a row, Aldi has introduced extended Christmas opening hours to ensure customers are able to shop quickly and safely during the upcoming festive season.

Responding to shifting customer preferences, Aldi made innovation a top priority and in February rolled out a new Click and Collect service. The service is now available in 23 stores across nine counties, with plans to expand to further stores next year.

Supporting Irish suppliers Supporting its dedicated Irish food and drink producers remained paramount for Aldi this year. In 2021, Aldi extended its reduced payment terms for all suppliers that transact up to €1m worth of business annually, meaning supplier payments can be processed within five working days. This ensures that over 250 Irish food and drink producers continue to be paid as quickly as possible.

2021 saw the fourth year of Aldi’s Grow with Aldi producer development programme, which to date has seen Aldi invest more than €3m in supplier development. This year, 120 small and medium sized Irish producers won a place on the programme, with their products placed on sale in May, September and at Christmas across all stores. Six producers won long-term contracts with Aldi.

Aldi also committed to several significant deals with Irish suppliers across a broad variety of products. These included a €3m contract with Laois and Cork-based supplier Boulta Agri Ltd, a €9.5m contract with Donegal juice producer Mulrine’s and a €3.3m deal with Sligo-based co-op, Aurivo. In total, Aldi will have spent €1 billion with Irish suppliers in 2021.

Awards and recognition Throughout the year, the excellent quality of Aldi’s products was repeatedly recognised through a host of award wins.

Aldi and its Irish food producers won 35 accolades at this year’s Blas na hÉireann Awards. As well as this, Aldi scooped the most awards at the Great Taste Awards 2021, racking up 58 accolades in total, including two stars for its Specially Selected Cashel Blue Cheese, its Specially Selected New York Style Pastrami and its Butchers Selection Irish Fillet Steak. Aldi was

Staff Throughout 2021, Aldi’s staff displayed incredible dedication, working tirelessly to keep shelves stocked and stores running.

Aldi will be closing again on St Stephen’s Day this year, as it has done every year, as a thank you to store staff who have worked throughout the year.

2021 was an important year for recruitment for Aldi, with the supermarket announcing it would be hiring over 1,000 new staff members throughout the year. Aldi continues to offer the best pay and benefits in the retail industry, and is Ireland’s highest paying supermarket, with store assistants starting on €12.30 an hour and rising to €14.30 per hour. Aldi now employs over Aldi Bayside’s store team at the opening of the new store in Bayside, Co. Dublin, this year.

4,650 people in Ireland.

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An Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Leo Varadkar TD, along with Minister of State for Business, Employment and Retail, Damien English TD, helped Aldi’s Group Managing Director Niall O’Connor announce Aldi’s plans to hire more than 1,050 workers in 2021. also named Private Label Retailer of the Year at the Private Label & Contract Manufacturer Awards.

Irish shoppers voted Aldi as the supermarket with having the ‘best’ customer experience in Ireland according to the 2021 CXi Ireland Customer Experience Report. Aldi was recently awarded the title of Plastic Pledge Gold Winner at the 2021 Pakman Awards, in recognition of its work in reducing plastic and packaging waste in both products and stores.

Irish shoppers commended Aldi this year, voting it as the most reputable supermarket in Ireland according to the 2021 RepTrak Ireland Report, achieving an ‘Excellent’ reputation rating. In

addition, Aldi was voted the most sustainable supermarket in Ireland according to the Ireland Sustainability RepTrak Index 2021.

Sustainability Aldi constantly strives to reduce its impact on the environment. As part of its long-term plastic and packaging reduction programme, Aldi is working to ensure 100% of its own-label packaging is reusable, recyclable or compostable by the end of next year, and to reduce plastic packaging on all Aldi products by 50% by 2025.

Several significant steps were made this year, with 95% of Aldi’s ownbrand product packaging now being

In early 2021, Aldi Ireland pledged to plant one million native Irish woodland trees around Ireland over the next four years as part of its longterm commitment towards the environment. Pictured are Aldi’s Group Managing Director Niall O’Connor and Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue TD.

recyclable. The supermarket has been working closely with suppliers to replace non-recyclable packaging with recyclable and compostable alternatives, introducing 100% biodegradable teabags across its private label range, which will save 286m teabags from being thrown in the general waste bin, and developing compostable steak trays, which will save more than 67 tonnes of plastic each year.

As part of its long-term commitment towards the environment, Aldi committed to planting one million native Irish woodland trees by 2025, meaning 160,000 tonnes of carbon emissions will be removed over a 100-year period.

To date, over 172,000 trees have been planted.

Local communities Aldi is deeply rooted in the local community and the group works with a number of national charities, including Barnardos, FoodCloud, WEEE Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society. It also partners with local charities across Ireland in donating Community Grants each year to help fund local causes and will have donated over €450,000 through its Community Grants programme by the end of the year. To date, Aldi has donated 2.3m meals to FoodCloud, equating to a saving of more than €2.9m for the charity and saving an equivalent of 3.2m tonnes of CO2.

Aldi recently donated €1,000 worth of vouchers to University College Cork Students’ Union food bank in response to its national appeal, while also rolling out food donation points across Cork stores so that the local community could get involved with helping those facing food insecurity.

Looking ahead Despite the challenges of the past 18 months, Aldi continues to invest in Ireland and expand its national store network.

Aldi has opened four new stores in 2021, in Douglas, Co. Cork, Bayside, Co. Dublin, Dunshaughlin in Co. Meath and Newbridge in Co. Kildare. Aldi is actively working to extend its store network, and over the past year has been granted planning permission for a number of new stores across Ireland.

Aldi’s goal is to continue to introduce new shoppers in new stores to its fantastic products, bringing greater choice, value and unbeatable prices to more Irish families.

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Forecourt Focus: News

Applegreen joins forces with Guaranteed Irish APPLEGREEN has become a member of Guaranteed Irish, the national organisation that champions homegrown and international businesses which provide quality jobs, support local communities, and are committed to Irish provenance.

With a network of 193 outlets across the country, Applegreen employs 2,800 people in Ireland and serves approximately one million customers every week. Applegreen is a long-time supporter of Irish suppliers, particularly in its own-brand food and Bakewell deli offering, with over 75% of products supplied by Irish food producers.

Research has found that 94% of consumers believe that by purchasing from Guaranteed Irish businesses, they are helping to reduce their carbon footprint.

As part of its Drive Change programme, Applegreen recently became the first forecourt retailer in Ireland to formally commit to using Net Zero methodology to reduce the direct carbon footprint of its Irish operation by 90% by the year 2030.

“Supporting local communities is at the heart of the Applegreen brand,” said Fiona Matthews, Managing Director of Applegreen Ireland. “We invest in local communities around Ireland by supporting

local businesses and jobs for local people, as well as through our Charitable Fund, which has now distributed more than €4m to good causes across Ireland since it was founded.

“These initiatives are also part of our Drive Change sustainability programme, which includes carbon neutral driving, native Irish forestry creation, biodiversity awareness, water Pictured are (l-r): Brid O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed harvesting and recycling,” Irish, and Fiona Matthews, Managing Director of she continued. “Drive Applegreen Ireland.

Change is our way of embedding sustainability Irish now employs more than 100,000, into everything we do. We are very proud generating a turnover of €10 billion per of our Irish heritage and our partnership year. with Guaranteed Irish will bring two long “We’re delighted to welcome standing and trusted Irish brands together Applegreen to the team,” said Brid to reinforce the importance of supporting O’Connell, CEO of Guaranteed Irish. “As a our local communities.” true Irish success story, Applegreen shares With the addition of Applegreen’s 193 our commitment to enterprise, local outlets, the Guaranteed Irish network has employment and supporting homegrown now grown to almost 2,000 members, all Irish produce on its shelves. And, with promoting the ‘shop local’ message and shorter supply chains, Applegreen in turn all contributing to the Irish economy. The contributes to a more sustainable future combined membership of Guaranteed which is something we can all get behind.”

Circle K opens in Newcastle West CIRCLE K has announced the opening of the newest station in its nationwide companyowned network, Circle K Newcastle West, which is located in Cullinagh, Newcastle West, Co. Limerick. The official opening celebration took place on November 25, with a host of special offers available instore.

Situated on the N21 Limerick to Kerry Road, the new service station will cater Pictured are (l-r): Paul Dixon, for significant volumes of Senior Director Retail Operations; people travelling on this route Edel Hogan, Site Manager; and daily. It offers a wide range of Paula Raleigh, Area Manager, superb products and services Circle K. including Circle K’s high-quality fresh deli food range, signature gourmet hot dogs, its own specialty coffee, a wide selection of pastries, as well as soft serve ice-cream. Also available at the new location is Circle K’s miles advanced premium fuel.

“We are delighted to open our new service station in Co. Limerick and look forward to catering for the needs of the local community in Newcastle West, as well those travelling on the N21 Road between Limerick and Kerry, a busy and important route connecting the midwest to the south west,” noted Paul Dixon, Senior Director of Retail Sales and Operations, Circle K Ireland. “We have a brilliant team in place led by our Store Manager Edel Hogan, and we are really excited to get going and showcase the full range of Circle K products and services.”

Circle K staff donate National Lottery prize to charity CIRCLE K staff at the Waterford Road, Kilkenny, store have donated €7,500 to local mental health charity, Teac Tom. The store won the donation as prize money for selling a Lotto jackpot ticket earlier this year. “Finding out we sold a winning Lotto jackpot ticket back in April was a moment myself and my colleagues will never forget,” said Marie Richards, Site Manager at Circle K Waterford Road. “When we found out we had won our own prize, we unanimously agreed that we wanted to donate the money to a local cause that was important to us. Teac Tom provides a vital service to the local community and following the impact Covid-19 has had on fundraising efforts, needs our help more than ever.”

Pictured are Angela Hayes, founder of Teac Tom, Marie Richards, Site Manager of Circle K Waterford Road, and Circle K colleague, Christopher, announcing that Circle K Waterford Road has donated €7,500 to mental health charity, Teac Tom.

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Forecourt Focus: News

Musgrave MarketPlace and Circle K sign fiveyear strategic partnership MUSGRAVE MarketPlace and Circle K have announced a new five-year strategic partnership. Under the terms of the partnership, Musgrave MarketPlace will supply the Circle K network of company-owned and franchise service stations.

The partnership is worth over €300m to Musgrave MarketPlace and continues a 20-year relationship between Musgrave MarketPlace and Circle K (previously Shell, Esso, Topaz).

Circle K will supply fuel to 14 service stations owned and operated by Musgrave in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, with these forecourts rebranding to Circle K over time, bringing Circle K’s total store count on the island to 425. Additionally, Circle K will supply fuel to the Musgrave MarketPlace fleet of delivery vehicles across the island of Ireland.

As wholesale food and beverage suppliers, Musgrave MarketPlace will Pictured are Michael McCormack, Managing Director, Musgrave MarketPlace supply over 165 Circle K forecourts and Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director, Circle K, at the announcement of the two nationwide with a variety of product businesses’ strategic partnership. categories, including grocery, beverages, catering, chill and frozen food, and impulse, a total of 2,500 food and beverage products. of our values and approach to business.”

Musgrave MarketPlace will also supply fresh products such as Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director, Circle K, said: “Alongside salads, meats, pastries and sandwich fillings, alongside frozen Circle K’s own extensive and high-quality product range, our products. ongoing partnership with Musgrave MarketPlace and access to “We are delighted to continue our long-standing relationship its outstanding offering enables us to continue delivering a really with Circle K,” noted Michael McCormack, Managing Director, compelling offering to our customers. We are also excited to be Musgrave MarketPlace. “After many successful years working building on an already very strong partnership on the fuel side, by together, we understand their business needs and are confident we expanding our fuel partnership to 14 service stations on both sides can continue to provide a first-class range and service to Circle K of the border and moving to become Musgrave’s preferred fuel forecourts nationwide. supplier in Northern Ireland. These 14 new sites bring our total “Our unrivalled product range, unmatched delivery options, and store count to 425, and we are confident that this partnership will commitment to Irish produce and innovation provides the basis for a provide opportunities for further growth in the coming years. mutually successful partnership. As an Irish family-owned business “We have enjoyed a hugely successful long-term partnership with 145 years of experience, building long-term partnerships is with Musgrave MarketPlace over the past 20 years. They have important to us – indeed it’s one of our Musgrave values. Being a deep understanding of our business and our commitment to reappointed, after a competitive tender process, is an endorsement innovation for the benefit of our customers.”

Mace store celebrates €1m Lotto win STAFF at Fallon’s Mace service station in Collooney, Co. Sligo, are pictured celebrating after selling the winning ticket for the November 13 Lotto Plus 1 top prize of €1m. Store owner Dermot Fallon, who has operated the busy store in Sligo for over 21 years, was overjoyed to hear that one of his customers became a Lotto millionaire: “The next best thing to winning a million euro on the Lotto is selling that winning ticket. Getting that call from the National Lottery on Sunday absolutely made my week. Knowing that somebody popped into the shop to buy a Lotto Quick Pick and essentially left as a millionaire is a tremendous feeling. We are a busy store with over 50 employees and we are all just over the moon for whoever the winner is. We do have a lot of local customers and passing trade but I’m sure that whoever the winner may be, they are going to have a fantastic Christmas as a millionaire.”

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Social Media

Are you social media savvy?

Covid-19 propelled Irish business onto social media platforms, but some SMEs struggle to get the most out of their online presence. Dr Brendan Keegan, lecturer in Digital and Social Media Marketing at NUI Maynooth, tells Morgan Stokes how your business can shine on social media.

THE vast majority of Irish businesses have at least some sort of social media presence – according to a 2021 survey

by SproutSocial, the pandemic propelled firms online, with 82% on Facebook, 59% on Twitter, and 75% on Instagram.

But with such a crowded field, it can be difficult for smaller firms to beat competitors. We sat down with Dr Brendan Keegan, lecturer in Digital and Social Media Marketing at NUI Maynooth, for advice on what SMEs can do to stand out.

Going in with a game plan According to Keegan, the number one mistake that small businesses make with their social presence is neglecting strategy. “Too many firms enter into the [social media] arena without any distinctive plans for what they want to achieve from it,” he says Small businesses should think about what they want to achieve from social media, whether that’s courting customers

for online sales, flagging new developments to corporate buyers, or driving foot traffic to a bricks-andmortar premises.

It’s also essential to consider your current customer base, who you want to attract, and where they might hang out.

Facebook is out of favour with the under-40s, but still heavily used by older consumers, while the younger generations are more easily influenced

by Instagram or TikTok. “Small firms should try and do a quick ‘MOT’ for the social channel [Twitter, Facebook, Instagram etc.] and see if it fits them and their business, and more importantly, if their customers are on there. Then start to form an objective for what you would want to get out of it, by entering this space,” Keegan explains. If you’re completely at sea, a good place to start is

Beautifully created, engaging social media posts are useless if nobody gets to see them.

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Social Media by looking at your competitors’ pages and checking who follows them.

Lean towards local While some suppliers new to online sales might have starry-eyed dreams of developing a global following, Keegan is adamant that “local is the way to go”. Covid-19 has accelerated a trend of consumers favouring local brands, and a follower in your area may be far more likely to make a purchase than one further afield.

Keegan suggests linking in with other businesses in your area and getting them to share your stuff. While contacting your competitors may not be a good idea, businesses that sell products complementary to yours might be a good fit; a wine shop and a cheese producer pair well, for example. Waterford whiskey brand Muldoon’s has garnered attention by partnering with Walsh’s Bakehouse.

If you already supply your product to a local business, asking them to give you a shout out is an ideal place to start. St Mel’s Brewing have increased their following by sharing posts from restaurant stockist Fire Steakhouse, and vice-versa.

“Try to scan social accounts within the locality and see how best to approach them. My advice would be to ensure that you have something to share with them, instead of cold calling. Partnerships, co-promotions, deals and competitions are the bread and butter of social media marketing,” Keegan reveals.

Timing is everything Beautifully created, engaging social media posts are useless if nobody gets to see them. It’s important to get content out there at a time when there’s going to be eyes on it; for example, if you are B2B selling, posting at 6pm when everyone has left work is unlikely to yield results, and if you’re direct to consumer, an 11am post time will leave your content unseen.

If you can’t be online when your customers are, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter all have tools that allow you to schedule a post to go out automatically at a certain time. Social media management tool, Hootsuite, has an excellent list of the best posting times for different types of businesses, broken down by the social media platform in question.

Post frequency is also important.

Keegan advises setting up a ‘Conversational Calendar’ to organise times and regularity: “Start with a simple month view calendar and ensure that there is one significant post coming out at key times of the week (Monday is a good one to start with). These key times will depend on the customer base.”

Small businesses should think about what they want to achieve from social media.

Learn to listen We’ve written before about how consumers are increasingly seeking a personal relationship with brands, and social media is a great opportunity to put on a friendly face. But the relationship goes both ways; consumers want you to engage with their content as well as vice versa.

Keegan is a big proponent of practicing ‘social listening’, searching social media sites for mentions of your product or keywords associated with it and interacting with the consumers who post about it. “Social listening is a vital tool,” he stresses, “and should feed in nicely to your objective, or strategy development for social media marketing activity.”

Few brands have honed this practice better than BWG’s Spar, which laser focuses on posts that mentions popular deli items like chicken fillet rolls and jambons and shares them along with a joke. Social listening doesn’t just gain your brand attention; it’s a good way of capturing consumer feeling and feedback.

Keegan advises setting up a system or style guide for responding to comments or brand mentions: “Make a plan for how you will respond to all kinds of response.

Think of this as a triage system: positive comments should be savoured and shared with a wider audience (and kept for testimonials on the website!). Neutral comments should be responded if they can be moved to a more positive position.

Negative comments should be responded to in a neutral tone and to address any significant constructs being presented.”

Developing a personality Consumers like brands to be accessible, responsive, and fun. Paddy Power and Spar might woo customers with jokes and banter, but it does pay to be careful; if you’re a franchisee or part of a symbol group, you may want to contact your group’s marketing department to see if there are any style guides to follow.

A safer way to seem more human might be to give your customers a peek behind the scenes, posting photos of your daily process. While nobody wants to (literally) see how the sausage is made, watching the work being done can remind your followers that there are people behind the profile. It helps if you can sweeten the deal with something cute, even if that’s a family pet helping you work from home. Egg producer Magner’s Farm have seen great success with their regular chicken updates.

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Social Media ‘Social listening’ is vital: searching social media sites for mentions of your product or keywords associated with it and interacting with the consumers who post about it.

The technical side: statistics and the algorithm All major platforms come with statistical tools that can help you see which posts are doing well and at what time; if you’re just starting off, it can be fun to experiment. You can access Facebook and Instagram stats through Facebook Business Suite (you’ll see the option in the toolbar on the left hand side of your business’ Facebook page), and you can find information on how your Twitter page is doing by visiting analytics.twitter.com.

Much is made these days of mysterious algorithms, or the programmes that control the order of posts in your consumers’ feed. This

is updated all the time; generally speaking, Facebook favours short sentences and square images, and SproutSocial claim that posts that contain video fare 92% better than those that don’t. However, the criteria can change on a whim.

A better bet is to scroll through your competitors’ pages and look at the posts that do well. For those less social media savvy, this can also be a good way to get to know the ‘etiquette’ of certain platforms. For example, hashtags are essential on Instagram, but are seen as passé by many Twitter users.

Covid-19 has accelerated a trend of consumers favouring local brands.

Worth the manpower?

According to Keegan, one of the biggest mistakes businesses make starting off on social media is underestimating the amount of time it takes up. “An agency I know quite well have a 24-hour/sevenday rota for their community managers,” he says. Social media should not be left solely on the shoulders of an overworked intern.

Fortunately, there are tools that can help you manage more efficiently. Keegan recommends social media management programme, Hootsuite, to help you plan posts and run automatic searches for keywords. There’s also an option to outsource to a company that runs a dedicated social media service, such as Irish start-up SocioLocal.io.

Finally, Keegan says that businesses shouldn’t rule out paying to boost your post in your customers’ social media feed: “Don’t rule out paid social advertising. It’s so sophisticated today that it can be a very effective platform… and can provide access to groups of potential customers. However, the click through rates for this activity are low. But bear in mind, even having your advert appearing in someone’s feed, paid or otherwise, can support other marketing activities and [help your brand] stay fresh in the consumer’s mind.”

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On the Vine

Rising prices on the way Jean Smullen examines the wine market in 2021, and predicts increased wine prices for next year, as a variety of factors drive prices upwards.

IF the pandemic and lockdown were beneficial in terms of wine sales in Ireland in 2020, the same cannot be said for 2021. The perfect storm of Covid restrictions, poor weather and the global logistics crisis has meant a decrease in wines sales during 2021.

A quick review from the Drinks Ireland Wine 2021 Wine Report released in August 2021 revealed that the Covid pandemic lockdowns meant wine sales reached an all-time high of 10m cases during 2020. Normally, 82% of wine sold in Ireland is purchased in the off-trade, but due to lockdown, retail wine sales increased by +28%, total wine sales grew by +12% and there was a +10% increase in per capita consumption.

95% of all wine sales took place in the retail and online sector, meaning a + 5% increase in wine’s market share to 32%, at the expense of beer sales which fell from 44% to 38%.

With the gradual opening up of hospitality during 2021, it was to be expected that the off-trade’s share of the market would decrease. However, the wine trade has had far more to contend with.

Falling global wine production According to figures from the OIV (International Organisation of Vine and Wine) released in November 2021, it is estimated there will be a decline in global production of -4% compared to 2020. The OIV blames the lower global production levels on the climate crisis, and this will be the third consecutive year that global wine production has fallen.

The EU accounts for 58% of global production and due to severe spring frosts and cool, wet summer harvests, Italy, Spain and France, who together account for 45% of global production, lost 22mhl (2.2 billion litres), approximately -13% of potential wine production. The OIV pointed to only a handful of

European countries where the 2021 crop is likely to be bigger than in 2020; they include Germany, Portugal, Romania and Hungary.

New World wines did not escape the effect of climate issues; severe frost in New Zealand in their spring (September 2020) meant that although the quality of the 2021 vintage was exceptional, the overall harvest was much smaller than hoped for, down -19% on 2020.

However, Australia and Chile both increased their production levels, up +30% during 2021, with production in the USA increasing by +6%. While these countries have more wine to sell, supply chain issues, which have affected global wine shipments during 2021, have meant their ability to ship products to market are now an ever-increasing concern that is impacting significantly in terms of the supply of their wines to key markets, including Ireland.

Transport challenges Global transport expert Gerry Kiernan of Hardrodt explained the transport issues to me in a recently interview. He told Retail News that booking slots to ship wine from South America has become a real issue since last summer. A huge surge in demand during fruit harvesting season meant that transport rates have quadrupled. As a result, there is very little space available and the situation is deteriorating rapidly. In normal times, a shipment would arrive in Europe four weeks after its departure date. At time of writing, it is impossible for the freight companies to estimate any arrival times. The transport issues are likely to stabilise early next year, but for the moment, this is having a major impact on the availability of wine from these markets.

A glance at recent volume sales figures for the wine market in the Republic of Ireland to September 2021 reflects the impact of the transport crisis. Chilean wine sales are showing a decline of -20%, while volume sales of wine from the USA and Australia have decreased by 10-15%. Sales of New Zealand wine are down by -15%. The falling sales numbers are not only for New

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On the Vine World wines, however; European wine sales are being impacted as well. Sales of wine from Spain and Portugal have decreased by -20% each. However, in European terms, France and Italy seem to be bucking this trend and are currently showing a +5% growth figure for France and +1.7% for Italy. During the month of September 2021, France over-took Chile to reach number one country of origin for that month.

South Africa is the only New World country showing an increase in volume sales, up by +1.9%. I asked Gerry about transport from South Africa and he advised that there are opportunities in terms of shipment from Cape Town.

Transit times are not too bad, averaging 29-34 days and there is availability, which may explain why South Africa is currently the only New World wine country showing an increase in volume sales on this market.

Overall, though, the figures to September 2021 show that the wine market is down -11% compared to the same period in 2020.

The impact of Minimum Unit Pricing So, what can we expect for 2022?

Rising prices for wine, it would appear, are going to have a huge impact on the business next year. The world is short of wine, so the price of wine is only going in one direction and that is up! The first significant price hike will come on January 4, courtesy of the Irish Government when they implement Minimum Unit Pricing on alcohol under the Public Health Alcohol Act (2018).

The legislation sets a minimum price for a gram of alcohol, meaning it cannot be sold for less than that price.

It doesn’t matter where the alcohol is sold (off license, supermarket, bar or restaurant), the minimum price stays the same. That will be when we will start to see the first significant increase in the price of a bottle of wine. But it won’t stop there; due to the global shortage of wine, the transport issues and the rise in commodity prices, price increases from the wine producers will also impact significantly on the average price of a bottle of wine in Ireland, which currently stands at €8.22.

Because of the shortage of available wine this year, we have already seen a significant increase in the price of wine from New Zealand. Sauvignon Blanc is still the most sought-after grape variety, outselling every other variety by approximately 50% here, and prices from New Zealand have increased because of their small harvest in 2021. Pinot Grigio, another grape in huge demand, has also

Overall figures to September 2021 show that the wine market is down 11% compared to the same period in 2020. seen a significate increase in price. Pinot Grigio sourced from Italy is now up to +15% more expensive than it was in 2020.

Commodity price increases Where are these increases coming from?

The answer lies in the increased costs for all the other commodities needed to produce a bottle of wine. Italy has seen price increases for wooden products of +53%, metal products +44%, packaging and paper (labels) +60% and glass bottles +20%. If you also factor in an increase in the price of wines from this year’s reduced harvest and the increase in transport costs, then it more than explains the increases in the price of your bottle of wine.

Take bottle costs as an example; globally bottle prices are soaring, mostly because of rising energy prices, which account for approximately 40% of their production costs. This means a significant increase in the cost of glass bottles, but it is not only production costs

Increased commodity prices and falling production levels are contributing to higher prices for wine.

that are affecting supply.

Last September, in Argentina, a major fire broke out in one of the biggest glass factories in the province of Mendoza. The fire has already generated unforeseen consequences in the wine industry and in other sectors that require this basic commodity to complete their production. The destruction of this vital factory came as there was a significantly increase in demand for glass packaging globally, with producers from Argentina now having to compete on price from the global market to meet their requirements for a supply of bottles.

It all adds up to a challenging time for those working in the wine industry in Ireland in 2022. As life starts to return to some degree of normality and business continues to open up (we hope), rising wine prices, the global impact of climate change and logistical challenges are going to be concerning issues that the wine trade is going to have to deal with.

Wine events 2022 All is not completely bleak, however. At the time of writing, there are a number of trade wine fairs and events scheduled to take place in February and March 2022, which indicates a return to normality to some degree. All being well in terms of business remaining open, we can look forward to the following events.

The 2022 trade tasting season will begin on Monday, February 28, 2022, with The French Wines Discoveries Fair; a number of French producers, all of whom are seeking representation, are heading for Dublin looking to do business. The following week on Monday, March 7, at Radisson Blu Hotel, in Golden Lane, Dublin 8, the 25th Annual New Zealand Trade Tasting will take place. Portfolio tastings in February include Liberty Wines Portfolio Tasting returning to the Westbury Hotel on Monday February 21. Details of these and many other events are in the wine diary at https:// jeansmullen.com/.

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Shelf Life SPAR Brand Ambassador and Olympic Gold Medallist, Kellie Harrington, is pictured at the local launch of the Spar Christmas Community Fund, with Spar Five Lamps store manager, Mahbub Rahman, and Spar Brand Manager, Jessica Wall. Kellie’s local Spar store on Portland Row in Dublin 1 is locally referred to as Spar Five Lamps, and the recently revamped store is giving back to the local community this Christmas through a 12 Days of Christmas campaign that will see one shopper awarded a €100 voucher each day over the 12-day period. The local activation is part of a wider initiative that will see Spar acknowledge and reward 10 local community mentors by giving them the opportunity to win €1,000 each for their local club or community group.

PICTURED at the launch of Aldi’s Christmas charity initiatives in aid of Barnardos at Aldi’s Terenure store is Paul O’Connell, Aldi ambassador and Barnardos advocate, with Maria Rowley, aged seven. Aldi is implementing several initiatives in stores nationwide to help raise funds for its charity partner, Barnardos, further continuing its bid to raise €1m for the charity by 2022. Giving back to those who need it most couldn’t be easier with initiatives including the sale of charity plush toys, charity Christmas cards and a nationwide ‘Text to Donate’ campaign. For more information, visit www.aldi. ie/barnardos.

THE National Lottery has revealed that local stores in Bealadangan and Tallaght were the selling locations for two €1m top prize wins. Niall Malone (centre right), Manager at the Mace store in Tallaght Business Park, is pictured with staff Emma Kelly (left) Azar Yazdani (centre) and Kathleen Abbott, helped

by National Lottery’s John Williams (second left) celebrating after it was announced that their store sold the €1m winning ticket for the 2pm Daily Millions draw on Sunday, November 21. The previous night, a Lotto player in the Gaeltacht region of Galway scooped the top prize of €1m in the Lotto Plus 1 draw, having purchased their winning Quick Pick ticket that day at the Costcutter shop in the village of Bealadangan in Co. Galway.

O’Brien Fine Foods, one of Ireland’s leading producers of cooked meats, including the Brady Family, Homebird, and Green Farm brands, has acquired UK food producer Bearfields of London, an established ham producer in the UK with a rich heritage in producing traditional, quality products. “In Bearfields of London, we’ve found a strategic partner and a business of real substance that shares many of our strengths and values,” said John O’Brien, Managing Director of O’Brien Fine Foods. “This acquisition allows us to enter the UK market with an established and successful business, and we look forward to working to develop the brand and offering through investment in the business and the people.”

IT’S official. Irish and UK consumers’ favourite retro Quality Street sweet is the Coffee Crème. It may have been out of their tubs and tins for more than 20 years, but the coffee crème has not been forgotten. Not only does it have a Facebook group dedicated to its return, but Nestlé UK & Ireland receives more enquiries about the coffee crème than any other discontinued Quality Street variety. Now its status has been cemented after it topped a poll of mostloved throwback sweets. “Although the coffee crème hasn’t featured in the mix since the turn of the millennium, it’s clear that it still holds a special place in the heart of both Irish and UK consumers,” noted Maria McKenna, Confectionery Marketing Manager, Nestlé Ireland. Five lucky voters will receive a tin of delicious coffee crèmes, handmade by Nestlé’s expert chocolatiers in York.

AFTER a ‘Decade of Dealz’, the leading discount retailer has announced that it has raised an incredible €672,183 for its charity partner, Make-a-Wish Ireland. Dealz, which has 80 stores across Ireland, has also signalled its intention to continue its fundraising, with staff taking part in a series of 10K sponsored runs and the launch of the Big Dealz and Make-A-Wish 10 Year Anniversary Raffle. The raffle gives customers the chance to win a fantastic collection of prizes including a €1,000 Cassidy Travel voucher, Andrew Conway’s signed Ireland rugby jersey, monster merchandise, B&B at the Sandymount Hotel in Dublin, a €120 voucher for The Ivy, Dublin and a €150 Larry O’Keefe voucher.

TESCO has announced the launch of its first quadruple strength cordial and the first from a major retailer in Ireland, which will offer customers more drinks in fewer plastic bottles. Available now in all 151 Tesco Ireland stores and online, the Tesco Quadruple Strength Squash is available in 11 refreshing flavours, including Orange & Mango, Cherries & Berries, and Apple & Blackcurrant. Each flavour contains up to 40% real fruit or fruit juice, which is twice the amount featured in a bottle of Tesco Double Strength Squash. All flavours are available in 1.5L bottles for just €1.89, while five of the most popular flavours will also be available as 750ml bottles for just €0.99.

SUBWAY has launched ‘App-Vent’, a digital advent calendar packed with 12 Treats of December including cookies to share, free Subs, and Subway giveaways exclusively via the Subway App. Earlier this month, Subway unveiled its festive menu for 2021, which includes the return of the ‘Tiger Pig’ Sub, a giant pig in a blanket on crunchy Tiger Bread.

ALDI’S recent award success knows no bounds, having once again been awarded for its amazing range of top-quality products, most recently at this year’s Free From Food Awards. A virtual ceremony on December 3 saw Aldi pick up a total of 46 awards, including Retailer of the Year, 13 Gold Awards, 12 Silver Awards, 14 Bronze Awards and 6 Merit Awards, winning across 20 categories.

Thank you From everyone in Retail News

To all Retailers, Wholesalers and Suppliers for their hard work this year under extremely difficult circumstances.

Happy Christmas We really appreciate your fantastic effort in keeping the public safe and the shelves stocked, all delivered with courtesy and kindness, providing a sense of normality in a second year that was anything but normal.

Thank you for supporting Retail News Ireland’s Longest Established Grocery Magazine