Deposit Return Scheme: RVM Systems

screens to display clear and easy-touse instructions for people returning beverage containers. The digital screen also instructs staff through a step-bystep cleaning process. Full staff training is provided during installation. Retailers can also use the digital screen to display in-house or third-party commercials, creating an additional marketing and revenue stream.

4. Digitisation: integration purposes.

All RVM Sytems’ machines are equipped with large 21.5” interactive digital screens to display clear and easy-to-use instructions for people returning beverage containers.

As well as an online portal dashboard, RVM Systems provide a unique mobile phone App which can alert staff members by sending push notifications for ‘full bin’ alerts, and to update managers regarding current return volumes and earnings.

RVM Systems: a global market leader RVM Systems are a global market leader in reverse vending machines. The reasons why they have risen to the top of the market include:

1. Recognition process: how the machine recognises bottles and cans Barcode detection/container detection is achieved by a laser array scanning at 9,900 scans per second, within a 360-degree sensing field. Their machines also detect using shape, weight, and material recognition (PET/metal detection).

2. Compaction: Each machine uses a unique processing and compactor system that is optimised for mixing cans and PET bottles in one bin, so the unit takes up less space and costs less.

3. Digital Interactive Screen: All RVM Sytems’ machines are equipped with large 21.5” interactive digital

RVM Systems’ machines require an internet connection (preferably using LAN but can also operate via a modem) to facilitate setting up for interfacing with phone apps, loyalty cards and cloud-based software. “All our systems also use secure telemetry software which communicates the exact throughput volumes and bottle types to the servers of the retailer and the Deposit Return Scheme Operator, so that usage is continually and seamlessly tracked,” explains David Kelly.

5. Future Proofing: RVM Systems supply standalone (small footprint) or larger modular solutions (built into a wall) for all store sizes. “Our Modular Proline range is expandable, allowing extra cabinets/bins to be added at a later stage so retailers can start small and add capacity as return volumes increase,” David Kelly notes.

6. Service level and responsiveness: “We pride ourselves not only on our technology but also on our aftercare and service levels,” stresses David Kelly. For a DRS to work successfully in a new market, rectifying the downtime of RVMs is essential. “In general, most technical issues can be solved by our technicians dialling into the machine remotely,” Kelly explains. “However, for issues that rarely arise where a site visit is required, a local engineer can respond and fix on-site issues quickly.”

More and more Irish retailers are realising the benefits of having an efficient and reliable RVM in place.

For more information on RVM Systems Ireland and information on RVM machines, visit www.rvmsystems.ie, phone (01) 4853646 or email IEsales@rvmsystems.com.

Guinness 0.0 production to increase by 300% in Dublin

GUINNESS have announced that production of Guinness 0.0 will increase by almost 300%, following an investment of €25 million in a new facility at St James’ Gate to meet growing domestic and global demand for the non-alcoholic stout. The new production facility includes six new processing vessels with a total capacity of 500,000 hectolitres (almost 90 million pints), and a two-storey building, where the alcohol is gently removed through a cold filtration system. “Guinness 0.0 is now the number one selling non-alcoholic beer in four-pack format in both Ireland and Great Britain. This expansion in production capacity at St James’ Gate is a testament to the quality of Guinness 0.0 and the growth of the non-alcoholic category, as consumers look for more choice on different occasions. We expect the growth of Guinness 0.0 to be another export success story for Ireland,” noted Barry O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Diageo Ireland, pictured with Aisling Ryan, Guinness 0.0 Innovation Brewer, at the new Guinness 0.0 production facility at St. James’s Gate.

Coca-Cola HBC acquire Finlandia Vodka

COCA-Cola HBC have reached an agreement to acquire Brown-Forman Finland Oy, owner of the Finlandia vodka brand, from Brown-Forman Corporation’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Brown-Forman Netherlands BV. The agreed purchase price amounts to US$220 million and is subject to customary closing price adjustments. Finlandia was established in 1970 and is a leading vodka brand in Central and Eastern Europe, with annual volumes of 2.7 million 9L cases globally, of which more than 60% is being generated within Coca-Cola HBC’s geographic footprint. “Having been associated with the distribution of Finlandia for 17 years in several markets, we are excited by this unique and regionally relevant opportunity that will support the acceleration of our on-premise business across more of our markets,” noted Zoran Bogdanovic, CEO of Coca-Cola HBC.

Boann Distillery unveil 'Summer Solstice' Whiskey

BOANN Distillery celebrated the summer solstice on June 21 by launching their newest creation, the ‘Summer Solstice’ release, marking the second single cask bottling from Boann in just six months. Last December, Boann celebrated the winter solstice with their first Irish Single Pot Still Whiskey, ‘Solstice’, reviving whiskey distilling for the first time in 160 years in the distillery’s home town of Drogheda, Co. Meath. The much-anticipated ‘Summer Solstice’ is the second Irish Single Pot Still whiskey from Boann, after undergoing three years of maturation in a 225-litre Rivesaltes Rouge Barriqu single cask from the Languedoc-Roussillon region in Southern France. “Summer Solstice will have a limited release of only 401 bottles, so it is sure to captivate connoisseurs and collectors alike,” revealed Pat Cooney, Boann founder and entrepreneur.

Powerscourt reveal final chapter of Estate Series

THE Powerscourt Distillery are concluding their Estate Series with ‘The Gates’, the final instalment of the trilogy. This edition, a Fercullen Single Malt, is an amalgamation of Bourbon and Amarone matured whiskeys, marking some of the first whiskey distilled in Wicklow in over a century. Fercullen Estate Series 3, The Gates, is a limited edition numbered bottle release with a 46% ABV and an RRP of €75. “The Gates is a fitting finale to our Estate series with the introduction of our own Powerscourt distilled Single Malt whiskey,” said John Cashman, Head of Brand and New Product Development for The Powerscourt Distillery. “We have continued our Amarone influence with a marriage of fully matured Amarone cask whiskey with ex-Bourbon matured whiskey.”

Edward Dillon adds Minuty Wines to portfolio

EDWARD Dillon have announced the addition of Minuty wines to the Moët Hennessy Ireland portfolio of premium wines and spirits, as they become the distributor of Minuty in the Republic of Ireland. For four generations, the Matton-Farnet family has cultivated excellence, promoting a uniquely Provençal art de vivre with its collection of exquisitely fresh, exceptionally aromatic Minuty wines. Château Minuty is one of the last estates in the Côtes de Provence where grapes are harvested entirely by hand. “The addition of Minuty wines to the Moët Hennessy portfolio is a wonderful opportunity for Edward Dillon,” noted Andy O’Hara, Edward Dillon CEO. “Rosé wines, and especially Provençal rosés, have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years. As distributors in Ireland, we will bring increased accessibility to the category for our customers and consumers.” The 2022 vintages include Minuty Prestige Rosé (RSP €28) and Minuty M (RSP €24).

Barry & Fitzwilliam to distribute Rod Stewart’s new whisky

MUSIC industry icon Sir Rod Stewart has announced his next release, Wolfie’s Whisky. Designed to reflect Rod’s rock ‘n’ roll heritage with subtle nods to Americana, Wolfie’s was inspired by the legendary musician’s early hell-raising days with The Faces. “Wolfie’s is a rascal of a thing and with just a sip, the whisky takes you back to the good old days,” said Rod. With its unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll roots, American and Scottish heritage, Wolfie’s is bringing something new to the Scotch whisky market. Distilled on the banks of Loch Lomond by an expert team with decades of whisky-making know-how and an all-Scottish team behind the brand, Wolfie’s truly has Scotland at its heart. Michael Barry, Managing Director of Barry & Fitzwilliam, has been a lifelong fan of Rod Stewart’s music and was ecstatic to have concluded a deal with Rod and his team to become the Irish distributor of Wolfie’s. The deal was agreed recently while Rod was in Cork for two sold-out concerts at the Marquee.

Zero-emissions distillery opens in Galway

Ahascragh Distillery, Ireland’s first energised zero-emissions distillery, has officially opened the doors of its state-of-the-art distillery. Built within a restored nineteenth century mill, guests will tour this state-of-the-art distillery, exploring whiskey and gin production from grain to glass and the history of an old mill. The eco-distillery is powered by renewable energy –wind, solar and coming soon, hydro, using very high temperature heat pump technology and an energy efficient storage system. As no fossil fuels or gas will be used to drive the production process, there will be no carbon emissions from the energy supply side of the distillery. As a result, the spirit to flow from Ahascragh Distillery can be classified as zero emissions, minimising the impact to the local environment.

Top athletes compete in Budweiser’s ‘Combine’

BUDWEISER, Official Beer Partner of the Aer Lingus College Football Classic, has gathered some of Ireland’s top athletes from Gaelic games, rugby, soccer and AFL to take part in Budweiser Combine, a test of speed, accuracy, kicking and physical prowess. Coached by former College American Football Player and kicking coach Tadhg Leader, sports stars Andrew Conway (Ireland and Munster Rugby), Sarah Rowe (Mayo LGFA, Bohemians FC, and Collingwood AFLW) and Dean Rock (Dublin GAA) recently put their speed and kicking skills to the test against NCAA standards. Top college football teams, Notre Dame and Navy, will compete in the Aviva Stadium on August 26 in front of a sellout crowd and Budweiser is giving fans the chance to witness the spectacle of toplevel college football and win a pair of tickets to the game by buying a pint of Budweiser, visiting winwithbud.ie, and sharing a picture.

Guinness Microdraught 2.0 wins product design award

GUINNESS have been awarded the highly coveted Red Dot Product Design Award for the latest evolution of their ground-breaking, plug-and-play beer dispense technology, Guinness Microdraught 2.0. Unveiled in front of some of the world’s most celebrated product design leaders at the Red Dot Awards ceremony in Essen, Germany, Guinness Microdraught 2.0 earned special praise for “defining the next generation of dispense systems” by an independent jury compromising of international design experts. Guinness Microdraught 2.0 will debut in-pour ultrasonic dispense technology to trade venues and is the result of continuing evolution toward low-energy, low complexity dispense perfection. The Guinness team are pictured accepting the Red Dot Product Design Award.

Heineken partner with LVA and VFI in new recruitment campaign

HEINEKEN are joining forces with the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI) and the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) to roll-out a new cross-industry campaign for the pub sector to attract new talent into Ireland’s on-trade and to showcase the dynamic career options on offer. Staffing remains a challenge for publicans post-Covid and this campaign intends to highlight the many invaluable, transferrable and internationally recognised skills that can be attained from working in the on-trade. The digitally led campaign is called ‘There’s no Experience like Bar Experience’ and will feature video content that will run across all major social media platforms; You Tube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat and LinkedIn and on out-of-home media. Pictured