Retail News April 2013

#iloveirishchicken

Moy Park, official sponsor of the 2013 Irish Open, is giving your customers the chance to win a luxury Dubai break.

Also you could be in with a chance of winning an overnight stay for two at Carton House.

April 2013

STOCK UP NOW AND WATCH YOUR SALES SOAR!

Source: AC Nielsen Sales Value Jan 2013.

Massivecampaign

including TV, outdoor, press

and online!

Sampling to over

300,000consumers at launch!

Guaranteed growth:

strong margin and a winning

product!

GET A TASTE FOR BIGGER PROFITSWITH THE BIGGEST CHOCOLATE

LAUNCH OF THE DECADE!

#6 countline and

#1 sharing bag in Ireland!

#3brand in theChocolate category!

154461_MaltesersRetailnewsDPS.indd 1 02/04/2013 17:36

STOCK UP NOW AND WATCH YOUR SALES SOAR!

Source: AC Nielsen Sales Value Jan 2013.

Massivecampaign

including TV, outdoor, press

and online!

Sampling to over

300,000consumers at launch!

Guaranteed growth:

strong margin and a winning

product!

GET A TASTE FOR BIGGER PROFITSWITH THE BIGGEST CHOCOLATE

LAUNCH OF THE DECADE!

#6 countline and

#1 sharing bag in Ireland!

#3brand in theChocolate category!

154461_MaltesersRetailnewsDPS.indd 1 02/04/2013 17:36

News6 Limited Implications

for Rent Ruling. 7 RGDATA Slams New

AIB Charges; Lending to SMEs Rises.

8 Superquinn Outperforms Market for First Time Since 2007; Maxol Helping to Make Wishes Come Through.

9 Robust Performance from Londis; New Country Business Manager at Nestlé Ireland.

10 Enterprise Ireland SuperValu Supplier Development Programme 2013; Kraft Foods Changes Name to Mondeléz.

11 Musgrave Wholesale Partners Signs €6m Debenhams Contract; FDII Calls for Grocery Code of Practice; Irish Seafood Summit.

Cover Story: Moy Park16 Moy Park’s Director

of Sales, Paul Burch talks us through the brand’s Irish Open Sponsorship and its latest developments.

SuperValu Store ofthe Year 201318 Three SuperValu

stores have received top marks at the SuperValu Store of the Year Awards 2013.

Exhibition Preview27 Food & Hospitality

Ireland incorporating the SHOP trade show, takes place on September 18 and 19 at the Industries Hall in the RDS, Dublin.

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards28 The first ever Irish

Quality Food and Drink Awards have launched, with a call for entries from food and drink producers throughout the island of Ireland.

Tobacco30 The implications from

the proposed revisions to the Tobacco Products Directive would be vast, wide-ranging and devastating for retailers.

Impulse Soft Drinks37 Lucozade is rolling

out a range of Price-Marked Packs across its core impulse lines.

Seafood42 BIM have a number

of programmes and workshops in place to help seafood retailers to maximise their returns.

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update45 Retail Ireland

Conference to Help Retailers Inspire the Consumer; Retail Ireland Addresses Oireachtas Committee; Black Market Continues to Grow!

Centra Quality Awards53 Centra stores

throughout Ireland were rewarded for their hygiene and quality standards at the recent Centra Quality Awards.

On The Vine54 Jean Smullen looks

at the trends in the market for white wines, predicting the big winners for summer 2013.

Published by: Tara Publishing Ltd,

14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 6785165 Fax: (01) 6477127

Web: www.retailnews.ie Email: [email protected]

Subscription to Retail News: e95 plus VAT Email: [email protected]

Origination by: Rooney Media Graphics Printed by: W&G Baird

Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

Contents

12 Industry News

20 Ice Cream

32 Bread

38 Snack Foods

46 Personal Care

56 Drinks News

57 Market News

58 Shelf Life

REgUlARS & REPORTS

THE debate around the issue of Upward Only Rent Reviews intensified with the recent High Court decision to reduce the rent of Bewley’s, Grafton Street, to fall in line with current market conditions. While the news was initially welcomed as a landmark ruling that would signal the death knell for Upward Only Rent Reviews, further investigation reveals that the decision will only really impact on those with a similarly ambiguous wording in their rental contracts. Our Chief News Reporter, Pavel Barter, investigates (Page 6).

Following on from last month’s open letter to Government, this month’s Tobacco feature (Page 30) examines the other likely implications from the proposed revisions to the Tobacco Products Directive (2001/37/EU), which include the very real possibility of a general weakening of the protection of property rights across the EU.

Elsewhere, in this issue, we report on Londis’ robust performance in 2012 (Page 9); we reveal the winners of the SuperValu Store of the Year awards (Page 18); and we describe the launch of the first ever Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, with a call for entries from food and drink producers throughout the island of Ireland (Page 28); and you have a chance to win a luxury break for two at Carton House Spa and Golf Hotel courtesy of Moy Park (Page 17).

Finally, hearty congratulations to our Wine Correspondent, Jean Smullen, on being named runner-up in the hugely prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition’s ‘Communicator of the Year’ award, which recognises an exceptional contribution to increasing awareness of wine and spirits.

Kathleen BeltonEditorial Director.

Onwards and Upwards to Madness

Managing Director: Patrick Aylward

Editorial Director: Kathleen Belton

Editor: John Walshe [email protected]

Sales: Kathleen Belton [email protected]

Brian Clark [email protected]

Marion Earner [email protected]

Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen

4|Retail News|April 2013|www.retailnews.ie

953

46

A COURT ruling to reduce the rent of Bewley’s, Grafton Street, to fall in line with current market conditions, is unlikely to have significant repercussions for upward-only rent reviews, Retail News can report. The High Court case saw the famous Dublin establishment succeed in preventing its landlord, Ickendel Limited, a company controlled by developer Johnny Ronan, from hiking its rent. Ambiguous wording in the rental contract led to the favourable ruling.

“The legal determination will positively impact retailers with similar rent review clauses,” said David Fitzsimons, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland. “It’s a positive ruling for a number of tenants, but a minority. It will in no way influence government policy.”

John Corcoran, head of the Irish Commercial Tenants Association, and owner of Korky’s shoe stores, noted: “There is a minor amount of leases like Bewley’s. Most of the rental contracts in Ireland happened in the last 10 to 15 years, during the boom. This lease pre-dates that period. All the modern shopping centres have the cages secured on their leases. When you engage in a lease, you always hope you’re going to be paying the market rent.”

Corcoran was recently forced to close his Grafton Street store due to escalating rent. “When you find out, 20 years later, you’re paying three times the market rent and you’ve got another 15 years to go, it isn’t pleasant,” he said.

As part of the case, Bewley’s wanted to prevent any increase on the €1.46m a year rent that was imposed in 2007. When the lease was first signed in 1987,

the rent stood at €213,000. Justice Peter Charleton ruled that the current rent should instead reflect market values.

“Bewley’s rent review was ambiguous. It was upward-only from the original rent,” explained Kathy Cruise, Associate Director at DTZ Sherry FitzGerald. “It talked about the preceding rent, as opposed to the ‘immediately’ preceding rent. The vast majority of leases are watertight and use upward-only from the passing rent.”

Fitzsimons added: “The judge determined the definition of the ‘preceding rent’ was not necessarily the last five years. He determined it was the first five years of the lease.”

Although the case involved an ambiguous rental agreement, retailers with contracts that use the same legal terminology will benefit from the ruling.

“For example, let’s say I signed a lease 15 years ago for €200,000,” explained Fitzsimons. “That went up in my first rent review to €500,000, and the second rent review to €1,000,000, yet the present market rent is €500,000. If my lease did not include the

word ‘immediate’, my rent would now be the market rent or the commencement rent of €200,000.”

Upward-only rent reviews, in which rents continue to rise despite recession or a decline in property prices, are still contentious amongst Irish retailers. The Irish Government initially pledged to ban these reviews, but changed its mind over fears that such a move would undermine NAMA. As a result, many commercial rents remain out of kilter with market values.

“As more and more retailers have gone into liquidation and receivership over the past 24 months, landlords are probably getting more concerned,” warned Cruise. “Just because you’re a strong multiple brand doesn’t mean you’re going to survive forever.”

“There’s no question, it’s a very anti-tenant regime,” said Corcoran. “How can you plan for 35 years and assume that you can always pay ever-increasing rents? They are some of the highest rents in the world. It is very unreasonable. If you were a Martian, and you were driving around Europe and you arrived here, you wouldn’t believe it.”

News


David Fitzsimons, CEO of Retail Excellence Ireland.

Limited impLications for rent ruLing

In his ruling, Judge Charleton said it did not make “business sense” that a rent agreed five years ago “should govern a hospitality market changed for the worse”.

Fitzsimons contended that “the judiciary has been very favourably disposed towards the current economic difficulties. Even the Master of the High Court has spoken out against upward only rents and the damaging impact they have had. Our judiciary, as a pillar of the state, has been very progressive on the matter. Our Government, on the other hand, has not.”

While some landlords are amenable to discussing rent with tenants who are experiencing difficulties, the larger private landlords are unwilling. “The bigger ones out there, the institutions, under pressure to perform, have to take into consideration their shareholders,” said Cruise. “Individual landlords might realise that if they don’t play ball, the tenant might go under and they’ll be left with an empty building, which is no good to anybody. Individual landlords tend to be more reasonable. If they can afford to be, they will be.”

News

www.retailnews.ie|April 2013|Retail News|7

AIB is increasing transaction fee charges for retailers with business current accounts by up to 165%. Customers of the bank have received letters informing them of AIB’s intention to scrap 17c and 25c rates for lodging cash, in favour of a standard fee of 45c per €100 lodged.

Until now, the three rates were tiered according to how a retailer bundled and delivered the notes. However, AIB has expressed its intention to charge everyone a 45c flat rate, unless they have a written agreement negotiated with the bank before August 2013.

As well as calling for AIB to reverse its decision, RGDATA has appealed to Minister of Finance, Michael Noonan TD to step in.

“We do not believe the rate should go for some people from 17c to 45c,” Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General, told Retail News. “This has a huge impact on our members, even relatively modest businesses. If you’re in the convenience or fuel trade, you have to accept the payment methods your customers want to use. Irish customers still want to use cash. We feel it’s unfair on the convenience sector to suddenly impose higher charges. The letter from AIB referred to making your business more efficient and internet-savvy. For a business that has to accept cash from customers, that won’t make a whole lot of difference.”

A 45c rate for lodging cash is reasonably similar in other Irish banks. However, banks in many other European countries do not charge any fees for lodging cash.

rgdata sLams new aiB charges

NEW lending drawn down by SMEs during the fourth quarter of 2012 amounted to €677m, which is the highest level since Q4 2010, according to the latest figures from the Central Bank. While the Central Bank figures also show that total lending to SMEs in Q4 fell by 1.6% over the previous quarter, this reflects the fact that businesses are repaying existing debt more than they are taking out new credit.

SME demand for new credit remains relatively subdued, but banks have the capacity to match demand as it increases. They are already approving an estimated 2,000 applications for credit each week, the central bank reveals.

“The level of draw down of new credit facilities is the real barometer of how the SME sector is faring in the current challenging economic environment. It is notable that this is at its highest level in two years. This is significant, particularly when taken in conjunction with a number of recent surveys from the business sector indicating that business confidence is on the increase”, stated Felix O’Regan, IBF’s Director of Public Affairs.

Lending to smes rises

RGDATA Director General, Tara Buckley.

Limited impLications for rent ruLing

superquinn outperforms market for first time since 2007


THE latest supermarket share figures from Kantar Worldpanel in Ireland, for the 12 weeks ending March 17, show Superquinn growing ahead of the market for the first time in five years – increasing its sales by 1.9%.

“Things have started to look up for both Superquinn and the grocery market as a whole,” explains David Berry, Commercial Director at Kantar Worldpanel. “The 1.9% sales growth posted by

the retailer is good news, particularly as it is the first time it has beaten the market, which is currently growing at 1.5%, since 2007. This growth has been driven by people buying more items each time they shop at Superquinn, with fresh and chilled foods proving particularly popular.

“Discount supermarkets Aldi and Lidl are continuing to perform well, growing at 30.7% and 5.8% respectively, matching their highest ever combined

market share of 12.6%.”Meanwhile, growth

at Dunnes and Tesco has continued to stall. Falling back from a peak of 4.6% in January, Dunnes has posted growth of 1.4%. Despite this, the retailer has managed to maintain growth by increasing the amount its shoppers are buying each time they visit. Tesco has performed behind the market for the third consecutive month and now sees its sales declining by 1.3%.

The grocery market continues to move on an upwards curve, from growth of 0.3% in December, 0.6% in February, to 1.5% in March. Shoppers are buying fewer items compared with last year but are spending on average €18.20 more, a trend driven mainly by the high rate of inflation. Grocery inflation stands at 5.7% for the 12-week period ending March 17, 2013, down slightly from the 5.8% seen last period.

News

*= Percentage Share of Total Grocers**= Includes stores such as M&S, Boots, Spar, Centra, Greengrocers, Butchers and Cross Border Shops

Includes expenditure across Food, Beverages, Alcohol, Household and Health & Beauty categories

MARKET SHARE - TOTAL GROCERY

Total Take Home Grocery - Ireland Consumer Spend12 Weeks to 18 March 2012

% *12 Weeks to 17 March 2013

% *change

%

Total Grocers 100.0% 100.0% 1.5%Total Multiples 87.4% 88.4% 2.7%Tesco 28.2% 27.5% -1.3%Dunnes 22.6% 22.6% 1.4

SuperValu 19.9% 20% 2.1%Superquinn 5.7% 5.7% 1.9Total Discounters 11.0% 12.6% 16.7Aldi 4.8% 6.2% 30.7Lidl 6.2% 6.4% 5.8Other Outlets** 12.6% 11.6% -6.6

THE Maxol Group have announced that they will partner with the Make-A-Wish Foundation as their new charity of the year. The aim of the partnership is to support the charitable work of Make-A-Wish Ireland in granting wishes to children between the ages of 3 and 17 years who are living with life-threatening medical conditions.

Maxol commenced its support of the charity by taking part in Make-A-Wish Day on April 12. This nationwide event celebrated Make-A-Wish Ireland’s 21st anniversary and helped to raise much needed funds to continue to grant wishes to children in every

corner of Ireland and increase awareness of the charity. As part of the campaign, Make-A-Wish wristbands were sold in all participating Maxol service stations throughout the country.

“Maxol is very proud to be associated with Make-A-Wish, a charity that genuinely adds magic to the lives of children suffering from life threatening medical conditions,” noted Brian Donaldson, Chief Operating Officer of The Maxol Group. “You can’t fail to be touched by the extremely challenging illnesses that so many children face with great bravery and without complaint. Recognising this, Maxol retailers throughout the country have committed their full

support to raising much needed funds for the charity at a local level. This complements our objective of being ‘at the heart of it’ in each of the communities in which we are represented.

“We believe our customers will respond generously to the range of fundraising activities we plan to coordinate during the year, as these events will be collecting funds for local families with children who are unwell. We have been working closely with the team at Make-A-Wish to design dual branded marketing materials to raise awareness of the partnership and we look forward to the success of this new and worthwhile affiliation.”

maxol helping to make wishes come true

Brian Donaldson, Chief Operating Officer, Maxol Group, is pictured with fairy godmother Miriam O’Callaghan, casting her magic over cowboy Jake Shanley and doctor Rachel Stevenson both aged 4 at the launch of The Maxol Group’s new charity partnership with Make-A-Wish Ireland.

www.retailnews.ie| April 2013|Retail News|9

News

ADM Londis plc has announced a robust performance in 2012. Londis reported profit before tax of €1.23m in 2012 after a once-off operating cost of €200,000 relating to the successful introduction of its new centralised chill distribution solution. Shareholders’ funds in the period increased to €19.1m.

The successful roll-out of its centralised chill distribution solution saw Londis deliver price reductions of over 6% to Group retailers. Notwithstanding these reductions and an intensely competitive market, like-for-like wholesale turnover

remained within 2% of 2011 figures.

This solid performance was achieved whilst delivering one of the most strategically significant projects in the Group’s history, a fully integrated, centralised distribution solution for chilled product. The innovative IT-based solution replaces up to 50 deliveries with one efficient delivery and underpins Londis’ position as one of the most technologically progressive retail groups in Ireland.

“The mix and composition of Group turnover continued to improve in 2012 with underlying turnover performing

within 2% of 2011 and centralised ambient sales increasing by 2.4%, supported by continuing investment and value-focused offers,” explained Stephen O’Riordan, CEO, ADM Londis. “A reduction of 7% in total wholesale turnover in the period, to €204m, reflected a conscious decision to reduce exposure to low margin cigarette and call credit categories, as well as to discontinued stores.”

He described the response of Londis retailers to the centralised chill solution as “a key highlight” in 2012. “We believe that our state-of-the-art proprietary distribution

solution, developed in-house, may have broader application across the broader retail sector and we have already had significant interest from parties wishing to license the software,” O’Riordan said.

At its upcoming AGM of members, Londis will be recommending a limited share buy-back to facilitate a timely exit for retired A ordinary shareholders wishing to realise some value for their shareholding. The discounted share buy-back would be optional for retired members. The share buy-back should be value-enhancing for ‘active’ A shareholders by increasing pro rata the share value of remaining trading A shareholders. This initiative should also enhance the longer term liquidity of A shares for the benefit of the company and all of its shareholders.

Looking to the future, the CEO described Londis as “cautiously optimistic that the Irish economy has stabilised and that a return to retail growth, however modest, is in prospect for the first time in five years.

“2013 has started well, with like-for-like sales up 2.5% year on 2012. In this context and given Londis’ strong profitability during five years of recession, its strong cash position and low gearing, as well as its investment in an industry leading infrastructure, the group is exceptionally well positioned to deliver for consumers and for members.”

robust performance from Londis

NESTLÉ has appointed Deirdre O’Donoghue as the new Country Business Manager for Ireland. Deirdre assumes responsibility for Nestlé Ireland’s operations and its wide portfolio of products across the confectionery, beverage, food and pet care categories. She will lead the company in Ireland as it continues to expand its presence and deliver growth across its categories.

With over 20 years of international experience in the FMCG sector, Deirdre has held a variety of marketing and commercial leadership roles in Nestlé over the past 12 years in both the UK and Europe. Her most recent role was as General Manager, Confectionery, for the Ukraine and Moldova. Prior to joining Nestlé, she worked with Masterfoods and Sara Lee in a range of marketing and commercial positions.

new country Business manager at nestlé ireland

Stephen O’Riordan, CEO, ADM Londis.

News


enterprise ireLand superVaLu suppLier deVeLopment programme 2013NO fewer than 11 innovative food companies have recently completed the Enterprise Ireland SuperValu Supplier Development Programme at SuperValu’s Head Office in Cork. Through a series of highly interactive workshops, the programme has given the companies a deep understanding of how SuperValu operates and what it takes to engage effectively with the brand and its independent retail partners.

Now in its sixth year, the programme aims to support food companies to achieve retail listings with supermarkets in Ireland and internationally and has been responsible for the creation of €20m in new business for indigenous Irish companies.

One such company is Simplee who, as part of the

programme, has secured a listing for its entire product range of flavoured sea salts in 65 SuperValu stores nationwide. “As a two-year old company it was a fantastic opportunity to grow our brand nationwide and we are very grateful to SuperValu for giving us the opportunity to grow with them,” said Edel Cooney, MD of Simplee, at the programme close.

Said Eamon Howell, Trading Director, SuperValu: “Supporting entrepreneurship and SMEs is at the very core of SuperValu’s DNA. Aside from the 195 stores which form the SuperValu network and employ 15,000 people directly, we also support more than 600 Irish supplier companies and a further 14,000 jobs indirectly. The Enterprise Ireland SuperValu Supplier

Development programme is yet another example of our commitment to creating further employment by assisting small innovative local suppliers get their product to market, to help

grow and drive their businesses forward.”

Five other companies from the Programme are currently in negotiations with SuperValu on achieving a retail listing.

FROM April 29, 2013, the company name of Kraft Foods will change to Mondeléz International Inc. From that date, Kraft Foods Ireland will be known as Mondeléz Ireland Limited.

On October 1, 2012, Kraft Foods Inc. separated its North American grocery business from its global snacking business and created two entities that are independent of each other and have separate listings on

the NASDAQ stock exchange. While the separated North American grocery business kept ‘Kraft Foods’ in its name, the remaining business changed its name to Mondeléz International, Inc. The move is a significant and exciting change to the company’s corporate structure but does not affect the products they offer customers in Europe, or the goods, services and raw materials they receive from vendors.

KRAFT FOODS CHANGES NAME TO MONDELÉz

Pictured is Edel Cooney, MD of Simplee, who recently completed the Enterprise Ireland SuperValu Supplier Development Programme.

Retail News Wine Correspondent, Jean Smullen was named runner-up in the International Wine and Spirit Competition’s (IWSC) ‘Communicator of the Year’ competition, which recognises an exceptional contribution to increasing awareness of wine and spirits. Previous winners include Jancis Robinson, Olly Smith, Susy Atkins, Oz Clarke and Tim Atkin.

This year’s finalists included Eric Asimov, the influential wine critic on The New York Times, the Finnish writer, presenter and director, Arto Koskelo, the Swedish lecturer and broadcaster, Jan Petersen, and Whyte & Mackay partner, Richard Paterson.

Glaswegian-born spirits expert Dave Broom won the title after one judge called him “one of the most universally accessible communicators” and praised “his ability to reach live audiences around the world in both consumer and trade”.

retail news columnist honoured by iwsc

Jean Smullen is pictured (left) with Janina Mathiasz, Verona Fire, award sponsor, at Vinitaly.

FOOD and Drink Industry Ireland (FDII), the IBEC group that represents the food sector, has called for legislation on a statutory code of practice for the grocery sector to be introduced as a matter of urgency. The group said getting the grocery code up and running was necessary to bring balance and fairness to the relationship between suppliers and retailers by banning unfair trading practices.

Launching its ‘Policy recommendations of the food and drink sector 2013’, FDII Director Paul Kelly said: “It is an urgent priority for the food sector that Government legislate for a grocery code of conduct. Across Europe, governments are taking steps to better regulate the relationship between retailers and their suppliers to stop unfair demands being placed on suppliers.

“In the short-term, these unfair demands impact on individual suppliers, but ultimately are also bad for consumers. Consumers are best served by a grocery market that is both fair and competitive, one that offers choice and convenience, and provides an outlet for new products and suppliers.”

FDII also called for Government policies on issues such as sustainability measures, public health, environmental controls, domestic demand and national objectives of increased output and export growth to be aligned with industry needs, including: • A CAP that is focused

on supporting the productive sector;

• A climate change policy that is aligned with growth in the sector;

• A cost competitive processing environment;

• Support measures to ensure financing is available for export capacity expansion and productivity enhancement;

• An acknowledgement of and support for the role that the food and drink industry can play in multi-stakeholder obesity initiatives.

News

irish seafood summitBIM hosted a Seafood Summit entitled ‘Irish Seafood – Becoming a Global Seafood Player’ recently, aimed at key seafood industry players and the investment community. The business event focused on how Ireland’s seafood sector offers opportunities for investors.

The Irish seafood sector is performing exceptionally well, showing phenomenal growth on

the export market with sales up 18% to a value of €493m in 2012. With declining demand and prices in traditional markets such as the UK, Germany, Spain, and France due to the economic downturn, opportunity is knocking in emerging markets such as China, where a growing middle class is driving increased seafood consumption.

MUSGRAVE Wholesale Partners have signed a contract worth €6m over three years to supply chilled, frozen and ambient foods to Debenhams Ireland. The deal will see Musgrave Wholesale Partners supply approximately 600 product lines directly to 11 Debenhams stores on the island of Ireland, including four in Northern Ireland.

The deal sees Musgrave

Wholesale Partners supply Debenhams Ireland with a full range of chilled, frozen and dry goods. Produce from local suppliers features strongly in the range, including baked scones exclusive to Debenhams supplied from O’Keeffe’s bakery in Cork and freshly prepared salads developed specifically for Debenhams by Wonderfoods Limited in North County Dublin.

“Musgrave Wholesale Partners has supplied Debenhams with chilled, frozen and ambient foods for nine years and we are delighted to extend our excellent working relationship for another three years,” noted Noel Keeley, Managing Director of Musgrave Wholesale Partners. “At Musgrave Wholesale Partners, we are committed to offering our customers best in class value, service and product range. This on-going commitment, combined with the expertise of our staff, has allowed us to develop and extend our relationship with Debenhams, a household name in both the north and south of Ireland.”


fdii caLLs for grocery code of practice

Pictured at the BIM Seafood Summit are key speakers: Christophe Pelletier, Food Futurist; Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney TD; Matt Dempsey, Agricultural Trust; Gary Hooper, CEO, Aquaculture New Zealand; and Gorjan Nikolik, Food and Agribusiness Researcher, Rabobank International.

FDII Director, Paul Kelly.

‘Shaping the Agri Food Future’ is the title of FDII’s policy recommendations for the food and drink sector in 2013.

Pictured are (l-r): Noel Keeley, MD, Musgrave Wholesale Partners, with John Baker of Debenhams.

musgraVe whoLesaLe partners signs €6m deBenhams contract

THE Woman’s Way and Lidl Mum of the Year Awards 2013 launched with the help of 2012 Celeb Mum of the Year Sybil Mulcahy and 2012 Mum of the Year Jillian Moyles. Celebrating their 10th year, the Woman’s Way & Lidl Mum of the Year Awards give children, spouses or family members the opportunity to recognise and reward the fantastic work mums do for their families. Open to mums from all over Ireland, 15 special mums will be chosen to attend the finals at a gala lunch in Dublin on June 10. Three mums will be selected from each province with an additional three selected from Dublin. Each of the finalists will receive a luxury goodie bag worth €250. The 2013 Woman’s Way & Lidl Mum of the Year will win a fantastic €5,000 worth of Lidl vouchers plus over €2,000 worth of pampering and luxury products.

MOLLOY’S Craft Butchers, a Waterford family of fourth generation craft butchers, is the latest producer to be recognised for its quality produce by SuperValu and invited to join the SuperValu Own Brand range. Recently, Molloy’s developed their range with the introduction of Jack Molloy’s cooked bacon ribs, cooked back bacon carvery slice and cooked BBQ smokey bacon ribs, and the new range received such positive feedback and consumer demand that SuperValu invited Molloy’s to produce a selection for its Own Brand range. “It was a great honour to be asked to supply SuperValu’s Own Brand range, a range that is well recognised for its quality and real value,” noted Keith Molloy, who is pictured (left) with Pat Sinnott, Manager of Caulfield’s SuperValu.

Woman’s Way & Lidl Mum of the Year Awards

Molloy’s Join the SuperValu Family

Industry News


SHIEL’S Londis in Malahide beat off stiff competition to win the much sought after Food Retailer Off Licence of the Year accolade at this year’s National Off-Licence Association awards. This is the second year in which the store has won this prestigious accolade, having previously won in 2011. Shiel’s is a long standing family business, owned and managed by John and Rufina Shiel, and which was founded in 1973 by their parents, Frank and Maeve Shiel. “The store operates a superb off-licence with

a fantastic range of wines, beers and spirits, which marries a depth of offering in terms of niche and premium brands, together with highly competitive pricing, bringing the best of range and value for money to their local community,” noted Stephen O’Riordan, Londis Chief Executive. Pictured are (l-r): retailers Frank, Rufina and John Shiel of Shiel’s Londis Plus, Malahide.

THE Subway brand has opened its first store in partnership with leading independent forecourt retailer, Applegreen. The store opened in one of Applegreen’s leading service station locations, Gorey, County Wexford, with another site due to open in the UK next month. “The opening of the Subway store in our Gorey service station location is the beginning of Applegreen’s partnership with the Subway brand and we are very excited to see our planning come to fruition,” said Adrian Grimes, Applegreen’s Head of Food. “Applegreen is well known for providing good value, high quality food and coffee on the go. The Applegreen Food Team is constantly looking for innovative solutions to help our busy customers through their day. Therefore, with its convenient, fresh approach, a Subway store is a natural complement to our existing forecourt offer.”

Subway Applegreen Partnership Bears Fruit

Londis Store Wins Top Award New Cadbury Crispello CADBURY has unveiled a deliciously stylish new chocolate bar called Crispello and to launch, they have teamed up with TV3 to sponsor Xposé for the next 12 months, and enlisted five of Ireland’s brightest new fashion designers to develop designs that best represent Crispello! Xposé reaches over half a million viewers every week and from this month, these viewers will get to watch each designer develop stunning Crispello inspired pieces in their unique studio space. Viewers can also comment on their progress and vote for their favourite pieces via the Cadbury Ireland Facebook and Twitter pages. Cadbury Crispello boasts stylish pink and purple packaging, containing three creamy milk chocolate coated wafers with a milk chocolate flavour filling. Karl Tyndall, Brand Manager for Cadbury, is pictured at the launch with TV3’s Glenda Gilson (left) and Paula McCarthy, Head of Branded Content for the TV3 Group.

TESCO has launched a healthy eating promotion aimed at families across Ireland. The loyalty programme is designed by TCC, global leaders in retail marketing, and offers customers collectable plush toys to encourage children to eat more fresh fruit and vegetables. Over eight weeks, customers across 102 Tesco stores in Ireland are being given the chance to collect eight colourful fruit and vegetable plush toy characters from ‘The Goodness Gang’ range at a substantial discount. Customers can purchase the toys for €3 when they spend €10 at Tesco on fresh fruit or vegetables. “We are excited to be rolling out this healthy eating promotion with TCC. It is a positive family-based initiative which not only rewards our customers, but also makes buying fruit and vegetables more enjoyable,” noted Tesco’s Helena Kelly.

Tesco Children’s Toy Promotion

Industry News

FOLLOWING the recent announcement by Maxol of its €50m investment in a new brand identity and expansion of its all-Ireland service stations network, Maxol awarded Gaelite Signs and Irish Prestige Signs

Ltd (IPS) contracts worth over €1.1m to manufacture and install the new forecourt image. Roll-out of the new Maxol signage programme commenced in September 2012, following the successful prototype installation at Maxol’s Adamstown Service Station, Lucan, Co. Dublin. The new forecourt signage showcases Maxol’s new look, its colourful new logo, known as the ‘Brio’, and a new positioning line, “at the heart of it” to reinforce Maxol’s traditional support of the local communities in which it operates. Alan Pollock, Maxol’s Group Premises Development Manager, is pictured with Maxol’s new signage in place at Maxol, Sandyford, Dublin. Alan is responsible for overseeing the installation of the new forecourt identity across the company’s 225 service stations in Ireland.

BWG Group recently celebrated the official opening of its major new National Distribution Centre located in Kilcarbery Business Park, Dublin 22. 30 new jobs have been created in the process, bringing the total workforce at the facility to approximately 110 people. BWG’s entire ambient distribution, including the company’s bonded warehouse, have now been brought together in this 240,000 square feet, state-of-the-art facility, making it one of the biggest in the country. The volume of goods moving in and out of the premises currently equates to 26m cases per annum. “This new facility represents a major enhancement of BWG’s existing supply chain and will deliver significant benefits to our 900 SPAR, EUROSPAR, SPAR Express, MACE and XL retail partners and their customers,” noted Leo Crawford, Group CEO, BWG Group. Staff and management from the BWG Foods National Distribution Centre are pictured with Irish runner Fionnuala Britton and Dublin footballer, Alan Brogan.

BWG Foods oPens naTional disTriBuTion CenTre

RTÉ Radio 1 has announced the National Dairy Council (NDC) as the new sponsor of the station’s agricultural affairs programme, Countrywide. The nine month sponsorship commenced on March 30 and comes in the wake of a significant gain of 21,000 listeners for Countrywide to 222,000 in the latest published JNLR figures. “With the country’s most-listened-to agricultural radio programme joining forces with Ireland’s national body for dairy farmers and the dairy industry, the announcement of this sponsorship clearly illustrates the importance of supporting Irish agri-businesses and giving the sector a strong voice within the Irish media,” said Jim Jennings, Head of RTÉ Radio 1. Damien O’Reilly, Presenter of Countrywide, is pictured Zoe Kavanagh, CEO of the National Dairy Council, and the NDC’s mascot, Millie the Cow, at the announcement.

Maxol signs up with irish Companies

Topaz Play or Park WinnerRICHARD Smith from Grangerath, Drogheda, has won the holiday of a lifetime after he became the first winner of Topaz’s new Play or Park loyalty game. As a result, Richard and his wife Linda will be jetting off to The Maldives in a few months time. Richard (centre) was presented with his prize by Topaz’s new Brand Ambassador, former Irish rugby international Alan Quinlan (left), and the Company’s Marketing and Corporate Services Director, Paul Candon (right).

ndC sponsors Countrywide

www.retailnews.ie|April 2013|Retail News |13

THE biggest lager launch in over a decade saw Canada’s most iconic lager, Molson Canadian, launching in Ireland. Crafted by leading global brewer Molson Coors, Molson Canadian landed on Irish shores after a journey that has taken over 50 years. Known as ‘Canadian,’ the Irish launch marks the first time the beer has been officially launched outside North America. It represents the biggest lager launch in Ireland in over 10 years, and offers a refreshing new alternative to the more commonplace lagers that have held court at bars across the country for decades. Niall Phelan, Director of Emerging Markets and Craft Beer at Molson Coors, UK & Ireland, noted how the company “will be investing millions to help make it the success it deserves to be, giving Ireland’s lager lovers more choice and something new to get excited about.” Pictured are Andrew Molson, seventh generation Molson family member and Director and Chairman of the Board, Molson Coors Brewing Company; and Niall Phelan, Director of Emerging Markets and Craft Beer at Molson Coors, UK & Ireland.

Time To Pack Shelves With Knorr

Canadian LandS in ireLand

Industry News


A NEW independent study commissioned by LowLow on the attitudes of Irish women reveals that 77% believe that advertising campaigns selling diet and weight loss foods portray women having an unhealthy relationship with food. In reality, the Irish female is more pragmatic in her approach. Food is not just a necessity – an overwhelming 81% believe that food is something to be savoured and enjoyed. 78% of survey respondents view the models featured in stereotypical ads as having unrealistic, unattainable body shapes. In addition, 51% felt the portrayal of women in these ads is clichéd. However it is clear this only serves to alienate Irish women because 74% say it would make them less likely to purchase the product being advertised. Pictured at the launch of the research are Lucy Kennedy, Deirdre Cowman, Síle Seoige and Elsa Jones.

PICTURED at the launch of Ireland’s first artisan cheese congress were Dick Willems, Coolea Cheese; Eimear O’Donnell, Bord Bia; and Marion Roeleveld, Killeen Farmhouse Cheese and CÁIS Chairperson. The Association of Irish Farmhouse Cheesemakers (CÁIS) will host the 5th European Farmhouse and Artisan Cheesemakers Congress at University College Cork on April 26, where industry stakeholders from Ireland and other EU member states will come together to share knowledge and initiate collaborations across the farmhouse dairy sector. Topics such as sustainability in farmhouse dairy and environmental impact, farmhouse production best practice, and the market opportunity for farmhouse dairy, will be included on the programme. See www.irishcheese.ie for more information.

KNORR Packet Soup is another kitchen cupboard meal solution from Knorr. With one packet capable of creating a range of dishes, they are ideal for any season and also make it easy for consumers to use up left-overs. Knorr Chef John Doyle (pictured) demonstrates both online and in the current TV commercial how packet soups can be transformed into mouth watering dinners, suitable for every season. Knorr has a strong supportive 360 campaign planned to include: digital, press, in-store activities, PR, radio and a television campaign involving John Doyle, who has been a chef with Knorr for 16 years. The television campaign will highlight the versatility of Knorr Packet Soups, with John creating a delicious pasta and chicken dish using the Knorr Thick Chicken Soup Packet.

irish Women refuse to Buy adland Clichés

Topaz rewarded as Great Workplace TOPAZ has been recognised as one of the Best Workplaces in Ireland for the sixth year in a row. The fully Irish owned and managed company was the only retailer to make the Top Ten and is once again the only fuels and convenience retailer on the list of Best Workplaces. Paul Candon, Marketing and Corporate Services Director at Topaz (centre) is pictured at the event with Liam Kavanagh (left), MD of The Irish Times and President of Dublin Chamber of Commerce, and John Ryan, CEO, of Great Places to Work (right).

Cheesemakers Congress comes to ireland

At total Nielsen Scantrack level, tobacco sales are approx. 7.5 times bigger than it’s nearest convenience channel category rivals

Impulse

Chewing Gum

27.9 M+3.0%

Tobacco

1,212.1 M-1.2%Impulse

Counterlines

(Chocolates & Sweets)

161.0 M-5.6%

Impulse

Crisps & Snacks

63.8 M+0.2%

Impulse

Carbonated

Drinks

102.6 M-3.1%

Value of key impulse categories vs tobacco in €millionsSource: Nielsen Cross Category Analyser.

The key to a successful business is to maximise sales & gross profit. Basic elements to drive these are fundamental components of category management.

upply Chain: Efficient and agile supply chain, inventory replenishment, back store holding, rate of sale. Impact of out of stocks (OOS) & on shelf availability (OSA).

vailibity: Ensure that the top ten selling skus are always in stock. Checking your merchandising unit to make sure that there are no replenishment issues is key to maximising the tobacco category potential.

isibility: (Applies to B2B Only): Optimise visual space and layouts, plan according to the shopper decision tree & cater for the preferences of the shopper base – understanding regional biasing.

xcellent: Shopper Experience: Shoppers evaluate their shopper experience, whether it’s being able to shop when they want to shop - or the length of time queuing at tills. Availability of their favourite brands is key and will have a deciding factor on their decision to return to your store (Footfall).

ange: The range should be tailored to meet the needs of the specific shopper profiles and consumer segments. Plan the product assortment – understand a verage category margin – reflect regionality.

S

V

E

R

A

S.A.V.E.R

2012 Category Review

The 2012 Category Review is designed to provide retailers with insight into the importance of the tobacco category in their business. Furthermore, we review the challenges faced by legitimate tobacco retailers in the current economic climate. We introduce a category management approach, where we share a practical guide which will assist retailers to maximize the potential of the category resulting in sustainable long term category profitability. We also introduce consumer segmentations which will allow us to understand consumers’ needs thus bringing the correct innovation to the market.

For a copy of the 2012 Category Review please contact Susan Darcy on 01 4040 200

Tobacco FocusFrom Ireland’s Leading Tobacco Company


MOY Park, the largest food processor under the Bord Bia Quality Assurance Scheme, is set to complete its two year sponsorship deal with the European Tour by supporting the 2013 Irish Open at Carton House, Kildare.

The company supplies leading retailers and foodservice providers throughout Ireland, the UK and Europe with a range of high-quality, fresh, breaded and added value poultry products.

We caught up with Paul Burch, Director of Sales at Moy Park, to

explain more about the Irish Open sponsorship and the success of Moy Park, which is now Ireland’s number one poultry brand.

Why did Moy Park decide to support the Irish Open in 2012 & 2013? Moy Park signed up for a two year sponsorship deal, which saw us support last year’s iconic event at Royal Portrush Golf Club in Northern Ireland and this year’s event at Carton House in Kildare. The Moy Park brand is Ireland’s number one poultry brand so we felt it was important to lend our support to such a prestigious event. The Irish Open is expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Ireland and will provide an excellent opportunity to showcase not only our world-class hospitality but also Ireland’s fantastic local produce.

How is the Moy Park brand performing in Ireland?Moy Park branded products continue to feed a growing consumer demand for locally sourced Irish chicken, with 50% of Irish households buying the Moy Park brand (Source: Kantar WorldPanel Ireland, Moy Park Penetration and Value Market Share, 52 weeks to February 17th, 2013).

The five top selling products include three of our Irish Chicken Kiev

products - Garlic, Creamy Garlic and Bacon & Cheese - Breaded Chicken Nuggets and our Breaded Chicken Goujons. Best-sellers in the primary poultry category are Moy Park fresh whole chickens and 450g chicken fillet packs.

What can the public expect from Moy Park in the future?We are always looking at ways to adapt and grow in line with consumer trends and across Ireland, there is a strong preference for locally sourced food. We recognise the public are demanding healthy food that is quick to cook. This is why we continue to invest in new product development and have developed both fresh and convenience products under the Moy Park brand: for example, the new ‘Ready-to-cook’ range, made with 100% Irish chicken - full of flavour and perfect for today’s busy lifestyles.

As part of Moy Park’s sponsorship of the Irish Open 2013, we are currently running a competition across all Moy Park branded products in Ireland to give away a luxury Dubai break for two people – see www.iloveirishchicken.com for more information. Both the on-pack competition and sponsorship of the Irish Open is being supported by a fully integrated marketing campaign. Going forward, we have exciting plans in place for Moy Park products throughout the rest of 2013 and beyond.

Moy Park On the Ball

To celebrate its sponsorship of the Irish Open 2013, Moy Park is offering consumers in Ireland the chance to escape the weather and win seven nights of ‘sun, sea and golf’ on a luxury break to Dubai. Paul Burch, Moy Park’s Director of Sales is pictured at the announcement.

Moy Park’s Director of Sales, Paul Burch talks us through the brand’s Irish Open Sponsorship and its latest developments.

Moy Park

Paul Burch, Director of Sales, Moy Park.

#iloveirishchicken

Win aluxury break

for two at Carton House Spa

and Golf Hotel!

As well as giving your customers the chance to win a luxury Dubai break, to celebrate its sponsorship of this year’s Irish Open, Moy Park, Ireland’s number one poultry brand,

is giving you the chance to win an overnight stay including breakfast and dinner for two people at the luxury 4 star Carton House Spa and Golf Hotel.

Moy Park is the biggest processor of Irish chicken under the Bord Bia quality assured scheme and the company is also recognised as one of the largest producers of free range

and corn fed poultry in Europe.

To be in with a chance of winning a weekend away for two, please answer the following question and send, together with your name, address and telephone number, on a postcard

to MOY PARK COMPETITION, Retail News, 14 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2 or email your details and correct answer to: [email protected]

Please include ‘Retail News Competition’ in the subject line.Which poultry brand is the offi cial sponsor of the Irish Open 2013?

Closing date for entries is 28th June, 2013. Terms and conditions apply. Judge’s decision is fi nal. No cash alternative will be off ered. Restrictions may apply to travel dates.

For information on products and distribution call Aidan Fisher at Moy Park 028 3835 2233. For news and updates visit www.moypark.com.


SuperValu Store of the Year 2013

SUPERVALU stores in Cork, Donegal and Leitrim are celebrating, having scooped the top awards at the recent ‘SuperValu Store of the Year 2013’ ceremony. These much coveted awards were presented by Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, SuperValu, Michael Morgan, Sales Director, SuperValu, and Myles Gardiner, O2, competition sponsors, at the recent SuperValu National Conference, held in the Malton Hotel, Killarney.

Hurley’s SuperValu, Midleton, Co. Cork, was announced as ‘Best Large SuperValu Store’; Canny and Doherty’s SuperValu, Carndonagh, Co. Donegal, was awarded the ‘Best Medium SuperValu Store’; with Rooney’s SuperValu, Manorhamilton, Co. Leitrim, scooping the ‘Best Small SuperValu Store’ award. Canny and Doherty’s SuperValu, Carndonagh, went on to win the overall national title and was crowned the prestigious ‘SuperValu Store of the Year 2013’.

Winning this award is a real endorsement of the true brand credentials these three triumphant stores deliver, as they were competing against 195 SuperValu stores across Ireland and fought off stiff competition from seven other worthy finalists from around the country.

Extensive Store AuditsAll SuperValu stores throughout the Republic of Ireland were assessed and adjudicated by independent competition judge, Joe Comerford, in determining the deserving winners. The audits undertaken focused on customer care, store presentation, fresh food quality, product range, operational standards, store hygiene and local community involvement.

“SuperValu stores work hard to succeed in a very competitive market and it is the passion of the independent entrepreneurial retailers and their enthusiastic teams that is fundamental to their success,” noted

Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, congratulating the winning stores. “These award-winning stores go above and beyond, ensuring a strong commitment to local community and local suppliers, a wide range of quality

Top Marks for ThreeThree SuperValu stores have received top marks at the SuperValu Store of the Year Awards 2013.

Canny and Doherty’s SuperValu in Carndonagh is the overall winner of the ‘SuperValu Store of the Year 2013’, as well as ‘Best Medium SuperValu Store’. The award was presented to store owners Gerry Doherty and Catherine Doherty by Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director, Myles Gardiner, O2, awards sponsors, and Michael Morgan, SuperValu Sales Director.

AS well as the three big winners, special mention must be made of the other finalists in the SuperValu Store of the Year 2013, who are outstanding examples of the success of SuperValu’s ethos of ‘Real Food Real People’:

• Collin’s Supervalu, Carrigaline, Co. Cork

• Kavanagh’s SuperValu, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal

• Kelly’s SuperValu, Boyle, Co. Roscommon

• McInerney’s SuperValu, Loughrea, Co. Galway

• O’Reillys SuperValu, Bunclody, Co. Wexford

• Ryan’s SuperValu, Glanmire, Cork• Tarpey’s SuperValu, Drumalee, Co. Cavan

StorE of thE YEAr finAliStS

fresh food across all departments, real value for money and exceptional customer service.”

real food, real PeopleOn receipt of the overall national title, store owner of Canny and Doherty’s, Gerry Doherty paid tribute to his team and acknowledged that their enthusiasm and constant dedication is pivotal to the success of the store.

“We are delighted that we have been recognised for our efforts, not only by our customers but by our colleagues throughout the SuperValu network,” he said. “Our committed work force all strive towards one goal, which is providing the absolute best value, service and range for our customers. ‘Real Food Real People’ is more than just a phrase to us; it is something we strive to deliver every day.”

At the awards ceremony, Myles Gardiner, O2, said, “O2 is proud to continue our sponsorship of these prestigious awards, which showcase excellence in the retail industry. SuperValu is an Irish success story and O2 is delighted to be associated with such a strong, innovative Irish brand. The dedication and commitment these three winning SuperValu stores have demonstrated is astounding.”

SuperValu is Ireland’s leading independent supermarket network, with 195 stores throughout Ireland. SuperValu remains committed to local employment and sourcing from Irish suppliers. During 2012, SuperValu invested €290m in delivering value to today’s budget conscious shopper, while maintaining its policy of sourcing from Irish suppliers whenever possible. In 2012, SuperValu spent €75m on products sourced from local community suppliers, helping to protect 30,000 Irish jobs in the farm, food and retail sector. SuperValu stores are at the heart of the community in which they operate and in 2012 alone, they contributed €2.8m to local community organisations.

Three SuperValu stores have received top marks at the SuperValu Store of the Year Awards 2013.

Winners of the ‘Best Large SuperValu Store’ at the SuperValu 2013 ‘Store of the Year’ award ceremony were Hurley’s SuperValu, Midleton. John Hurley, Tommy Grimes, John Cremin, Denis O’Brien, John O’Keefe and Didier Segui from the Midleton store were presented with the much coveted award from Myles Gardiner, O2, awards sponsor, Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director and Michael Morgan, SuperValu Sales Director.

SuperValu Store of the Year 2013


Rooney’s SuperValu, Manorhamilton are celebrating after winning the title of ‘Best Small Store of the Year’ at the SuperValu 2013 ‘Store of the Year’ awards. Gerry Rooney, store owner, and Steffan Rooney, store manager, were presented with the prestigious award by Martin Kelleher, SuperValu Managing Director, Myles Gardiner, O2, awards sponsors and Michael Morgan, SuperValu Sales Director.

Stores

ALTHOUGH ice cream is now a year-round seller, Irish retailers still look forward to the uplift in sales that spring and summer bring to the market. Ireland ranks third in Europe as the biggest consumer of ice cream, and despite the recession, we continue to spend on our frozen indulgences. Ice cream is regarded as an ‘affordable indulgence’ and fits with the increasing levels of home entertainment taking place.

Although sales of impulse ice cream excel during the summer months, we are also seeing all year round ice cream consumption as it’s about occasions too. Many consumers have an indulgent ‘nine

o’clock moment’ on the couch or consume it as part of a ‘Big Night In’ with friends or family. With this in mind, retailers should stock a range of packs and tubs in a secondary freezer nearer the back of the store or keep it at the bottom of a typical ‘maxivision’ freezer. The range should not compete with impulse lines and should also include price-marked-packs, as they offer consumers visible value for money and reassurance that they are getting a good deal.

Brands also remain very important to the category as consumers look for products that they know, trust and have an emotional connection to. Brands provide this reassurance.

The impulse singles ice cream market is valued at 45% of the total ice cream market, and worth in the region of €48m per year (Source: ACNielsen, MAT, September/October 2012), while the take home market is estimated to be worth €59m (Source: ACNielsen, MAT, November 2012).

UnileverHB continues to be Ireland’s favourite ice cream with 74.7% total market share (Source: ACNielsen, MAT, Sept/Oct 2012). With over 80 years experience of creating smiles and happy moments for consumers, HB are extremely proud of the fantastic range of ice creams they bring to the


Ice ‘N’ Easy

Ice Cream

Irish people are amongst the highest consumers in Europe of ice cream, which is regarded as an affordable luxury, even in the current economic climate.

Ice Cream

market, from classic favourites such as Brunch and Ice Berger to global brands like Magnum and Cornetto. Maintaining excitement in the ice cream category is also all about

continuous innovation and launching new products to their extensive range, with ice creams appealing to audiences of all ages, from their exciting new kids products, Dracula and Dino Candy, to Cornetto Enigma Popcorn and their new creamy Big Bite! 2013 will also see the introduction of two new Core flavours and a new Classic to the Ben & Jerrys range – Core-azy.

Cornetto, Ireland’s number one branded ice cream cone, now has crunchier chocolate, richer Strawberry, more nuts and white chocolate curls, as well as a crispier and crunchier cone. The brand uses sustainably sourced cocoa and paper sleeves, and the new wrapper is designed with ease of use at its heart, with no paper left on the ice cream and no mess.

Cornetto Enigma, the fastest

growing filled cone brand, has introduced new Cornetto Enigma Popcorn to its range for 2013: delicious popcorn flavour ice cream and soft salted caramel core, topped with

a chocolate flavour coating and white chocolate flavour rice crispy balls!

Magnum Infinity is milk chocolate ice ceam with a caramel swirl, covered in chocolate made with rare Tanzanian cocoa and

scattered with cocoa nibs. HB describe it as “the ultimate Magnum experience, giving pleasure that stays with you for longer!”

Meanwhile, Magnum Minis are the perfect snack and are another little indulgence consumers can try again and again!

New Big Bite is a ‘Big Bite’ of fluffy vanilla flavour ice cream, one of life’s delicious simple pleasures, and the brand is also available in mixed Multipack, including Chocolate, Toffee & Vanilla flavours!

New and improved Solero Exotic delivers a more intense fruity flavour from the first bite with 30% extra exotic swirl and a soft vanilla core to enhance the contrasts with the outer shell.

Dinocandy are orange and lemon ice lollies with gummy Haribo candies inside, while Dracula is a cola and strawberry flavoured water ice with vanilla flavoured ice cream.

According to HB, ice cream desserts are the perfect way to capitalise on the new ‘eating in’ occasion! This sector is represented by


New Dracula is a cola and strawberry flavoured water ice with vanilla flavoured ice cream.

Big Bite is a ‘Big Bite’ of fluffy vanilla flavour ice cream, one of life’s delicious simple pleasures, and the brand is also available in mixed Multipack, including Chocolate, Toffee & Vanilla flavours!

Magnum Infinity is milk chocolate ice ceam with a caramel swirl, covered in chocolate made with rare Tanzanian cocoa and scattered with cocoa nibs.

To drive sales in your business you can’t do better than Kerrymaid Angelito Ice Cream Mix. With the highest servings per litre, you make the maximum profit margin and satisfy your customers with the delicious taste families love.

With a delicious creamy taste and dairy heritage Kerrymaid Angelito is widely recognised and loved by consumers for over 40 years.

To create the complete dessert solution for your customers, call Martin Food Equipment today!

N.I. Tel: 0800 783 9859 R.O.I. Callsave: 1850 30 3636 www.martinfoodequip.com

Share Good Times With Ireland’s Favourite Ice-Cream Mix

s you can’t do better than Kerrymaid To drive sales in your businessh the hhighest servings per litre, Angelito Ice Cream Mix. Witht marggin and satisfy your you make the maximum profittaste ffamilies love. customers with the delicious t

ouritte Ice-Cream MixWith Ireland’s Favo

Ice Cream

market, from classic favourites such as Brunch and Ice Berger to global brands like Magnum and Cornetto. Maintaining excitement in the ice cream category is also all about

continuous innovation and launching new products to their extensive range, with ice creams appealing to audiences of all ages, from their exciting new kids products, Dracula and Dino Candy, to Cornetto Enigma Popcorn and their new creamy Big Bite! 2013 will also see the introduction of two new Core flavours and a new Classic to the Ben & Jerrys range – Core-azy.

Cornetto, Ireland’s number one branded ice cream cone, now has crunchier chocolate, richer Strawberry, more nuts and white chocolate curls, as well as a crispier and crunchier cone. The brand uses sustainably sourced cocoa and paper sleeves, and the new wrapper is designed with ease of use at its heart, with no paper left on the ice cream and no mess.

Cornetto Enigma, the fastest

growing filled cone brand, has introduced new Cornetto Enigma Popcorn to its range for 2013: delicious popcorn flavour ice cream and soft salted caramel core, topped with

a chocolate flavour coating and white chocolate flavour rice crispy balls!

Magnum Infinity is milk chocolate ice ceam with a caramel swirl, covered in chocolate made with rare Tanzanian cocoa and

scattered with cocoa nibs. HB describe it as “the ultimate Magnum experience, giving pleasure that stays with you for longer!”

Meanwhile, Magnum Minis are the perfect snack and are another little indulgence consumers can try again and again!

New Big Bite is a ‘Big Bite’ of fluffy vanilla flavour ice cream, one of life’s delicious simple pleasures, and the brand is also available in mixed Multipack, including Chocolate, Toffee & Vanilla flavours!

New and improved Solero Exotic delivers a more intense fruity flavour from the first bite with 30% extra exotic swirl and a soft vanilla core to enhance the contrasts with the outer shell.

Dinocandy are orange and lemon ice lollies with gummy Haribo candies inside, while Dracula is a cola and strawberry flavoured water ice with vanilla flavoured ice cream.

According to HB, ice cream desserts are the perfect way to capitalise on the new ‘eating in’ occasion! This sector is represented by


New Dracula is a cola and strawberry flavoured water ice with vanilla flavoured ice cream.

Big Bite is a ‘Big Bite’ of fluffy vanilla flavour ice cream, one of life’s delicious simple pleasures, and the brand is also available in mixed Multipack, including Chocolate, Toffee & Vanilla flavours!

Magnum Infinity is milk chocolate ice ceam with a caramel swirl, covered in chocolate made with rare Tanzanian cocoa and scattered with cocoa nibs.

This autumn sees the arrival of a new trade show, Food & Hospitality Ireland incorporating SHOP, brought to the market by international specialists in food and drink trade shows, Fresh Montgomery, the company behind IFE, Hotelympia and The Hospitality Show. Food & Hospitality Ireland has been created following the company’s acquisition of the SHOP trade event.

The Food & Hospitality Ireland trade show has just launched and is focused on serving up innovative products, exciting exhibitors and new-found knowledge to the Food and Hospitality Sectors. Managed by Fresh Montgomery’s Irish office, Irish Services Montgomery, the new show will retain the best elements of SHOP, whilst bringing on-board exciting new features and partners.

Many long-standing SHOP exhibitors have already pledged their support to Food & Hospitality Ireland, including Milano Coffee, Airlux Lighting, Cummins Alison, Digi Systems, and a number of the County Enterprise Boards, alongside new companies, such as DWS Systems.

Wider Visitor BaseFood and Hospitality Ireland will attract a wider visitor base by

expanding the food and retail aspect of SHOP to incorporate hospitality. The Restaurants Association of Ireland is a new show supporter and is working with Irish Services Montgomery to create a dynamic feature that will appeal to those in the hospitality sector, details of which will be released in the coming months.

The RAI will sit alongside show partner, the Associated Craft Butchers of Ireland, who will once again be staging the organisation’s annual National Sausage & Puddings Final and the Speciality Foods Competition at the show, and for the second consecutive year, Retail Ireland will be a show supporter.

Irish Quality Food and Drink AwardsAlso new for 2013 are the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards, which will be showcased at Food & Hospitality Ireland. A sibling of the highly-respected UK awards, the Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards will take place on September 18 and have been established to recognise excellence in product development for food and drink producers, retailers and catering companies in Ireland (See report on page 28).

Entries are now open. See www.IrishQualityFoodAwards.com for more information.

Tim Graham, General Manager, Irish Services Montgomery, explains: “When we acquired SHOP, we analysed both exhibitors’ and visitors’ feedback, and based on this, we decided to launch a new show, that would retain the best elements of SHOP. Since our launch, the feedback from existing exhibitors has been very positive and we’ve had a huge amount of interest from potential exhibitors in the hospitality sector.

“At Fresh Montgomery and Irish Services Montgomery, we’re here for the long-haul and it’s our intent to grow Food & Hospitality Ireland, incorporating SHOP, into a leading food and hospitality event in Ireland.”

New exhibitors, features and news will be announced in the coming months, so please log onto www.foodhospitalty.ie for further information.

Food & Hospitality Ireland’s

Fresh ApproachFood & Hospitality Ireland incorporating the SHOP trade show, takes place on September 18 and 19 at the Industries Hall in the RDS, Dublin.

Exhibition Preview

IF you would like to be a part of Food and Hospitality Ireland, please contact Caroline McGuinness on [email protected] or Tel: 048 90431000; or Victor Dunne on [email protected] or Tel: 01 2888821.



The Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards represent a unique collaboration between Food and hospitality Ireland (formerly ShOP) and The UK Quality Food and Drink Awards, which have been rewarding excellence in food and drink flavours, textures and aromas for more than 35 years and are highly respected within the UK grocery supermarket sector and food producers for the rigour and transparency of the judging process.

These new accolades set out to recognise excellence in product development for food and drink producers, retailers and catering companies in Ireland only, with winners being announced alongside Food and hospitality Ireland, which takes place in The Industries hall at The RDS in Dublin on September 18 and 19.

Why You Should Enter “Ireland’s Food and Drink sector is renowned for delivering high quality, innovative products, with the finest of ingredients, flavours, textures and aromas, and The Irish Quality Food Awards set out to recognise and reward those products which really are leading the way,” explains helen Lyons from award organisers, Metropolis Business Media. “The Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards are open to all Irish retailers, food producers, wholesalers, and food service operators in Ireland and Northern Ireland who produce food and drink for the retail and catering sectors.”

The awards have been launched to recognise the increasing demand for quality own label and branded ranges at affordable prices within the retail and catering channels, and they will be judged over a two week period in July at DIT’s School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology in Dublin.

The awards draw on the heritage, trust and expertise built up over the last three decades by the UK Quality Food and Drink Awards, which have become a consumer-recognised brand in their own right, with many winners

using the logos on-pack and in national press, television and outdoor advertising to highlight their success.

Winning an award is a powerful marketing tool, and a fantastic way to make your products stand out from the crowd, while the judges’ feedback is invaluable in helping entrants further enhance their products and develop even more successful ones in the future.

Three Distinct ElementsThe Quality Food and Drink Awards will break into distinct elements:• The Category Q winner: for

products aimed at the multiple and independent grocery retail market.

• The Catering Q: for products

targeting the catering market.• Quality Drink Awards: for

Alcoholic drinks products for retail and food service.

each category has been specifically tailored to represent the key drivers in today’s ever-changing marketplace. The ‘Value’ category, in particular, reflects the current economic environment, in which price-consciousness has become an engrained part of consumers’ shopping and eating out habits.

See www.irishqualityfoodawards.com for more information, entry forms etc.

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards Launched

The first ever Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards have launched, with a call for entries from food and drink producers throughout the island of Ireland.

Irish Quality Food and Drink Awards

Winning an IFQA award is a powerful marketing tool, and a fantastic way to make your products stand out from the crowd.

DURING the 35 years of the Quality Food Awards, the organisers have developed a rigorous and thorough methodology to ensure that every product tasted is evaluated carefully and impartially by the judges, who are all experts in one or more aspects of food production or retailing. Expert judging panels are comprised of chefs, chef-lecturers, home economists, food writers, and consultants, restaurateurs, food technologists and representatives from regional food groups, all of whom bring their extensive knowledge to bear in the process.

Entries are judged against a broad and detailed set of criteria which include flavour, appearance and value for money, clean ingredients list, packaging and degree of innovation. Every judge inputs comments on each product, and these comments are collated and provided to each entrant as a report on their product. Indeed, many entrants feel that this informed and impartial feedback is one of the main benefits of entering the Awards.

Once every judge has had a chance to sample a product, the Chair leads a discussion where judges discuss the product according to the judging criteria and then, the judges vote ‘blind’ for the products they feel are the best in the category on the day. From this short-list, the judging panel decides on the category winner and on those products they deem worthy of being Commended or Highly Commended. On the very last day of judging, all the category winners are judged a second time to establish the supreme winner, the Golden Q.

“I am very excited that we are launching our awards in Ireland this year,” noted Jayne Milton, head of judges. “Having sourced product from Ireland for retailers and having visited Ireland many times, I have always been aware of some fabulous quality food and great producers.”

ThE JuDging ProcESS

LAST month’s Retail News featured an open letter to Government regarding the proposed revisions to the Tobacco Products Directive (2001/37/EU), which include banning entire product categories, including mentholated tobacco products and ‘slim’ cigarettes, while limiting sales of other products, namely RYO products, to a minimum size 40g pack.

These proposed amendments to the TPD, if implemented, will have wide-ranging and extremely negative implications for Ireland’s retailers, as it is likely to push more consumers into the illicit trade, as we pointed out last month.

However, the proposals also have wider implications for Europe’s economy. The European Commission states that the overall objective of the revision of the Directive is to improve the functioning of the internal market. However, the proposed revisions do

not harmonise the Internal Market, and ban whole product categories. The Commission’s approach, that banning or reducing economic activity is good for the Internal Market, is fundamentally at odds with the stated legal basis of the Proposal, Article 114 of the Treaty for the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), and the objectives of the Treaty.

Intellectual Property RightsThere are also serious implications for free and fair competition, as pack design restrictions, ingredient bans and outsized health warnings reduce the ability of manufacturers to distinguish their products and compete for existing adult smokers. The market is being increasingly homogenised, by regulation, to prohibit products (or packaging) other than the traditional or mainstream. There are serious implications in terms of trade mark,

patent and intellectual property rights infringements in restricting pack sizes etc.

Employers group IBEC believes that such proposals, if adopted, would set “a dangerous precedent for all businesses in terms of loss of intellectual property and would also lead to a general weakening of the protection of property rights in the EU and in third countries”.

So worrying is the potential scenario, that the US Chamber of Commerce has noted how “proposed new curbs on tobacco legislation could lead to a reduction of confidence from other brand owners across industries and a subsequent loss of investment and jobs in the EU… the impact on Europe’s economy could also be significant if Europe loses its valued reputation for strong intellectual property rights protection through the undermining of registered marks.”

Tobacco


The implications from the proposed revisions to the Tobacco Products Directive would be vast, wide-ranging and devastating for retailers.

Revised Tobacco Products Directive to Burn Retail Sector

The vast majority of smokers (88%) do not believe banning menthol cigarettes will reduce tobacco consumption.

The vast majority of smokers (86%) feel if a minimum RYO 40s pack was introduced, smokers would buy less expensive RYO products from alternative sources.

Over 3 in 4 smokers believe if a ban on all ‘slim’ cigarettes was introduced in Irish outlets, smokers would purchase these brands from alternative sources.

Source: B&A. Base: All Smokers - 803

Tobacco

Survey ResultsResearch into the likely impact of the proposed revisions, as they stand, yielded some interesting results (Behaviour & Attitudes, Tobacco Directive Research, January 2013):• 99%oftheadultpopulationaged

18+ are aware of the health risk warnings on cigarette packs;

• Thevastmajorityofsmokers(88%)donotbelievebanningmenthol cigarettes will reduce tobacco consumption;

• Thevastmajorityofsmokers(84%)feelsmokerswouldcontinueto purchase menthol cigarettes from alternative sources, if a ban was introduced in Irish retail outlets;

• Overtwointhreesmokersdonot believe the introduction of a minimum ‘RYO’ pack size at 40g at an approximate cost of €15 will reduce tobacco consumption - this disbelief increases with age;

• Thevastmajorityofsmokers(86%)feelifaminimumRYO40spack was introduced, smokers would buy less expensive RYO products from alternative sources;

• Thevastmajorityofsmokers(86%)donotbelieveabanonallflip top lid products (e.g. Push or Slide Packs) will reduce tobacco consumption;

• Over3in4smokers(79%)feelthat if a ban on all non-flip top lids was introduced, smokers would buy from alternative sources;

• Thevastmajorityofsmokers(87%)donotbelieveabanonall‘slim’ cigarettes such as Silk Cut Slims or Vogue will reduce tobacco consumption;

• Over3in4smokersbelieveifa ban on all ‘slim’ cigarettes was introduced in Irish outlets, smokers would purchase these brands from alternative sources.

To Legislate or Not?Another recent study by Eurobarometer into the attitudes of Europeans towards tobacco found that the most significant reason given forstartingsmokingamongst89%ofIrish respondents was because their friendssmoked,withjust3%citingpackagingasafactor,1%citing

mentholcigarettesand1%statingthatthey liked cigarettes with a specific sweet,fruityorspicyflavour.23%ofIrish respondents cited their parents smokingasafactor,while21%“likedthe taste or smell of tobacco”.

Surely, this is further evidence that increased legislation is not the best approach to curbing smoking rates, while the current proposals will serve merely to push more and more Irish consumers into the illicit trade, reducing Government revenue and costing jobs in the retail sector.

THIRTEEN may be unlucky for some but not for the Swan brand and Ampersand. 2013 marks the 130th anniversary of the iconic Swan brand and 2013 has already got off to a great start for Swan and the partnership between Republic Technologies (UK) Ltd and Ampersand. Ampersand have been distributing the brand for Republic Technologies since January, along with the Zig-Zag and OCB range of papers and accessories.

Ampersand re-launched the range with a newly repackaged Swan brand, complete with a full range of Swan papers, filter tips and accessories. The new packaging design is strong and distinctive and has proven extremely popular with both retailers and consumers.

Swan Papers are also one of the official partners for 2013 for one of the most popular darts tournaments in the UK, Premier League Darts, which is televised live on Sky Sports. The four-month Premier League Darts competition is played at arenas throughout the UK and Ireland, featuring eight of the world’s best darts players competing for a place in the Play-Offs at The 02 in London in May.

Ampersand are excited about the rest of the year ahead and the promotional programme they have planned for retailers. For more information, please contact your Ampersand representative. Tel: 01 4130100. Email: [email protected]

BIC, celebrating its 40th Anniversary this year, is the number one lighter brand worldwide, selling 5m lighters each day. In Ireland, BIC is not only the number one lighter brand by familiarity but also has the highest loyalty rate amongst shoppers (Source: Lighter Shopper Study, Ireland 2011).

With the consumer at heart, BIC ensures great-stand out from the crowd by offering lighters of high quality and safety, with 100% ISO 9994 and Child Resistance regulations compliance, great performance, value for money and renewed design across an extensive range of pocket and utility lighters to suit everyone.

Lighters are not included in the tobacco display ban, and sales can be boosted considerably by offering products that target various consumers’ preferences. Flint lighters are a popular choice amongst users, especially men; Maxi lighters are particularly popular in Ireland; Mini lighters, predominantly in electronic format, are the preferred choice of women, along with décor lighters, which are also increasing in popularity generally.

With 70% of lighter purchases made on impulse, an impactful display from BIC can increase lighter sales by up to 120% (Source: Action Plus, Ireland Lighter Shipper Study Report, July 2011 – 800 shoppers).

SwaN PaPeRS

BIC


ONE of the staples of the Irish shopping basket, bread might be a mature category, but the flip-side is that the sector has proved somewhat recession proof. Certainly, the breads category hasn’t experienced anything like the same volume and value losses as other FMCG categories in recent times. As a nation, bread has always played a significant role in our diet: for many of us, it’s one of the first solid foods we eat, it’s in our lunchbox on our first day of school and on the dinner table we share with our families.

While the category is mature, the country’s leading bakeries believe that there is still scope for adding value to the market, primarily from innovative new products which offer added benefits to consumers, particularly in terms of healthy or ‘better for you’ baked goods. Consumer tastes are continuing to develop and the demand for variety of choice and nutritionally positive options is likely to continue.

Brennans Joseph Brennan began baking his now legendary Brennans Family Pan nearly half a century ago. Operating out of a small bakery in Dublin’s Fumbally

Lane, their success was built on three key pillars: the product, the brand and strong distribution. Today, Brennans Bread is located in a state-of-the-art facility in Walkinstown, Dublin. At

Bread & Baked Goods


Our Daily Bread

Wrapped in a yellow wax paper for optimum freshness, Brennans Family Pan is the most popular bread in Ireland and the third biggest grocery brand in the country.

Innovation is the key to driving growth in the valuable bread and baked goods category.

NO ARTIFICIAL PRESERVATIVES

BRENNANSBREAD.IE

Bread & Baked Goods

heart, however, they remain a family bakery, working hard to stay true to their famous slogan: “Today’s Bread Today”.

Wrapped in a yellow wax paper for optimum freshness, Brennans is the most popular bread in Ireland and the third biggest grocery brand in the country. This can be attributed, in no small measure, to ongoing investment in product quality and their commitment to offering choice for customers.

Last year, Brennans launched a new campaign for Family Pan, including TV, radio, outdoor and video

on demand. It highlights less well-known benefits and addresses some of the myths about white bread. For example, Brennans Family Pan is free from artificial preservatives,

naturally low-fat and contains no added sugar. The campaign also reminds consumers about Brennans Family Pan’s freshness, quality and appetite appeal.

Brennans are constantly innovating to meet the changing needs of Irish consumers, both by developing new products and improving old favourites. One example of this is Brennans Chia Wholegrain. Launched in 2012, it contains the great taste and goodness of wholegrain, along with Chia seeds to give the body, heart and mind a daily boost. Chia seeds are the highest

known plant-based source of Omega-3 and are high in fibre.

Another example is Brennans

Natural Recipes Wholewheat brown bread, which has been enjoyed by families all over Ireland for over 25 years. As part of their desire to meet consumers’ needs, Brennans introduced re-sealable packaging for their Natural Recipes range in 2011, cutting down on waste and allowing their bread to stay fresher for longer.

Through their devotion to freshness and quality, Brennans have thrived as a family bakery from the very beginning. With ongoing investment in the three pillars of their business, they plan to do so for a long time to come.

Johnston Mooney & O’BrienAs Ireland’s oldest bakery, Johnston Mooney & O’Brien has a really rich heritage with Irish consumers. Baking since 1835, Johnston Mooney & O’Brien bread, buns and, in past decades, cakes, have been enjoyed in Ireland for more than a century.

Many will recognise the new Johnston Mooney & O’Brien TV advertising, which first aired in March 2012. With both iconic and everyday

images throughout decades of Irish history and a beautifully written and performed musical track, the ad received an extremely positive response from consumers, many of whom contacted Johnston Mooney & O’Brien directly asking where they could download the song, ‘When the World Was Yours and Mine’ (sung by Mark Kilbride and composed by Kevin Breathnach and Billy Larkin).

Johnston Mooney & O’Brien, therefore, decided to make the song available to download on iTunes with all proceeds going to Temple Street Children’s University Hospital – who sincerely need funding support and who, founded in 1872, also share a rich heritage in Ireland.

Temple Street hope to use the proceeds of this single to help fund the


Brennans Chia Wholegrain, launched in 2012, contains the great taste and goodness of wholegrain, along with Chia seeds to give the body, heart and mind a daily boost.

From April 15, consumers can download the soundtrack to the Johnston Mooney & O’Brien TV ad, ‘When the World Was Yours and Mine’, from www.jmob.ie and iTunes, with all proceeds going to Temple Street Children’s University Hospital.

Brennans Natural Recipes Wholewheat brown bread has been enjoyed by families all over Ireland for over 25 years, and has been available in re-sealable packaging since 2011.

refurbishment of St Joseph’s Ward or ‘Top Flat’ as it’s fondly known, which is home to some of Ireland’s sickest children, a high percentage of whom are Cystic Fibrosis patients.

Johnston Mooney & O’Brien will encourage consumers to download the track through a multitude of channels including the sponsorship of ‘Temple Street’, a 12-part documentary on TV3, on-pack flash on over 100,000 packs a week, TV advertising and social media.

‘When the World Was Yours and Mine’ is available to download from April 15 on jmob.ie or iTunes.

Irish Pride BakeriesIrish Pride Bakeries is the second largest bakery company in Ireland and the 14th biggest grocery brand. Irish Pride operates two bakeries, located in Wexford and Mayo, both of which operate 24/7, ensuring fresh bread is delivered to over 3,500 outlets throughout the country.

Irish Pride is deeply committed to investing in product formulation and

product quality and they have helped to set the standards for the bakery industry in the efforts to reduce the salt levels of bread in Ireland, as well as being the first bakery to introduce GDA labelling on all their packs.

Both their bakeries have been accredited ‘A’ level by the Global BRC Food Safety Standard consistently for over eight years.

One of the key strengths of Irish Pride is their wide product range, including key bread brands, Sandwich,

Big Toast, Healthy Grain and Ireland’s best selling range of Burger Buns and rolls, Bunsters.

Irish Pride have continually been innovators in the bread sector and the coming months will see a number of new product launches under the Irish Pride umbrella brand, coming to market in key growth areas of the bread category .The new products are based on in-depth consumer research and designed to create real choice and variety for families.

Bread & Baked Goods


IN February, Cuisine de France launched a country-wide marketing campaign that will run until May 2013. The campaign has been designed to promote the Cuisine de France brand and to support Cuisine de France retailers through national and local radio promotions, on street sampling, social media and creative marketing that everyone can engage with.

Cuisine de France and Irish retailers have worked successfully together for over 20 years. Jointly, Cuisine de France and Irish retailers have transformed the Irish bakery and food-to-go offering. Now, every Irish person enjoys at least two out of Cuisine de France’s extensive range of over 1,500 breads, Viennoiserie and Food to Go each week.

Cuisine de France reaches over 400,000 customers per week through 10,000 deliveries to retailers across Ireland. The ‘Say Bonjour’ campaign is focused on reaffirming Cuisine de France’s strong reputation for quality, promoting the brand’s great tasting food and highlighting the company’s broad network of committed retailers who stock Cuisine de France. Cuisine de France is asking the Irish public to ‘Say Bonjour’ and add a ‘je ne sais quoi’ to their day by choosing to eat from their delicious range of baked goods.

‘Say Bonjour’ to CuISIne de FranCe

Irish Pride operates two bakeries, located in Wexford and Mayo, both of which operate 24/7, ensuring fresh bread is delivered to over 3,500 outlets throughout the country.

LUCOZADE is rolling out a range of Price-Marked Packs (PMP’s) across its core-selling impulse lines in a move that GlaxoSmithKline say will drive further value to both the retailer and the consumer.

“We know that consumers nowadays want value,” explains Claire Kearns, Head of Marketing. “There are more savvy shoppers who are willing to shop around to get the best product at the best price. As a result, the historically premium-priced impulse drinks category within convenience channels has struggled to retain loyalty with shoppers. This has been reflected in the decline in value of this market in recent years.

“We knew from research that over one third of consumers perceive the convenience channel to be substantially more expensive than major grocers. That was OK when times were good because of the convenience they offered cash-rich and time-poor shoppers. Times have changed now and our friend the savvy shopper is looking for better value. This has been reflected in a decline in footfall in the convenience sector over the past number of years.”

Sounding the ChangesFigures from Nielsen indicate that the price difference between impulse drinks in convenience stores and multiple channels was as high as 47% in 2012, Kearns notes. “So in the face of this data and the decline in value, we believe a step-change is required to bring consumers back to the impulse drinks category in convenience channels,” she notes. “Our Price-

Marked Packs will do just that. They will deliver value to the consumer, drive footfall back to the impulse chiller and deliver cash margin to the retailer through an increased rate of sale.” GSK research shows that 44% of convenience shoppers are more likely to buy a product on impulse when it is price-marked.

Kearns explains how in 2011, GSK “dipped our toe in to the PMP water by launching a number of PMPs across some non-core packs. Our Lucozade Sport 750ml pack was in double digit decline when we launched the €2 PMP in 2011. Today, this pack is now worth twice what the non-flashed pack was in 2011 and is now the sports drink category’s second highest selling SKU.”

Earlier this year, GSK conducted in-market trials with the Lucozade PMPs, and Kearns stresses how “the results exceeded our high expectations and astonished retailers too. The rate of sale increased by as much as 172% and the value of the category increased in every single trial store.”

One retailer who took part in the trial, Aaron Massey of Costcutter, Taylors Lane, noted how ”the Price-Marked Packs drove significant rate of sale increases over the period of the trial. Shoppers saw the packs as great value, and as a result, there was a positive knock-on effect to my overall category.”

Pressure on MarginsGSK acknowledge that every retailer in the country is under pressure for margin, notes Kearns: “Our ultimate goal is not to just stem the decline but to deliver increased value to the

retailer through an improved rate of sale. The fact that the soft drinks category is the number two category in convenience retail behind tobacco highlights its importance in this channel. Any significant changes in this category were going to gain a lot of attention amongst retailers.

“We worked with our retailer partners over the past six months to ensure that we achieved the right balance between consumer needs and retailer expectations. With packs flashed at €1.50, we believe we have struck the right balance between providing an attractive price point for consumers and also maintaining category value.”

Kearns believes that this move “will be a turning point for the impulse soft drinks category. By providing shoppers with premium brands at attractive price points, we will encourage them back into the impulse fixture and deliver increased rate of sale for the retailer.”

Lucozade Fuels Impulse GrowthLucozade is rolling out a range of Price-Marked Packs across its core impulse lines.

Impulse Soft Drinks

The PMPs are available from this month, across Lucozade Energy Original and Orange 500ml, as well as Lucozade Sport Orange, Raspberry and Sparkling Orange 500ml. POS material is available for both wholesalers and retailers to highlight the new price point.


NEW flavour innovations, health considerations and larger pack sizes are fast becoming the most significant drivers in the snack food sector. According to the latest report into the sector by Euromonitor, consumer demand is driving growth of more natural and healthy products, containing less artificial additives, lower levels of sodium and lower amounts of trans fats. Indeed, many new crisp and snack brands now boast that they are baked, pan fried or hand cooked in order to attract more consumers concerned by the health implications of certain snack foods.

With continued pressure on household budgets, offering value to customers is critical, whether this be on-going promotional offers, multipacks or extra fill options, according to the market-leading Largo Foods. Increasingly, consumers are staying in versus going out and therefore, there is growing demand for a wider range of products, as well as more premium offerings e.g. kettle crisps and new flavours.

Snacking on-the-go is on the increase as people are time poor, under pressure and are looking for convenience. Consumers are becoming more and more health conscious and whilst treats, indulgence, full flavour and taste are still core needs, there is growing interest in healthier options and low calorie snacks.

The overall value of the crisps and snacks category is significant at €210m (Source: ACNielsen, Market Track, MAT, February 28, 2013). We are a nation of crisp and snack lovers, with one of the highest per capita consumptions in Europe. 71% of Irish consumers eat crisps and snacks at least once per week and 20% do so daily.

Largo FoodsLargo Foods have the perfect portfolio of leading brands to take advantage of consumer trends and to drive growth. The Tayto, Hunky Dorys and King brands also have the huge advantage of being 100% Irish and delivering quality products is one of Largo Foods’ core beliefs. The company’s deep rooted commitment to Ireland is evidenced by its employment of over 600 people at its manufacturing facilities in Meath and Donegal. In addition to its employment commitment, the company

is also a major supporter of the Irish farming community through its local sourcing of 30,000 tonnes of potatoes annually, which equates to nearly 10% of the nation’s crop. Selling Irish products is one of the best ways to drive the economy and drive customers into your stores.

As Ireland’s number one crisp and snack brand, Tayto has successfully maintained its position as the fifth biggest FMCG brand in Ireland. Tayto’s ongoing commitment to exciting consumers through quality, new product development and employing innovative marketing and promotions, has helped the brand retain its number one position with 30% market share (Source: ACNielsen, Market Track, MAT, February 28, 2013). Whilst consumers are increasingly interested in trying new flavours, Cheese and Onion is still the nation’s favourite. Tayto Cheese and Onion is a real classic and outsells its

Snack Food


Innovation, healthy options and bigger pack sizes are driving growth in the snack food sector.

Snack Attack

Tayto’s ongoing commitment to quality, new product development and innovative marketing and promotions has helped the brand retain its number one position in Ireland.

Snack Food

nearest competitor by more than three to one (Source: ACNielsen, Market Track, MAT, February 28, 2013).

Most recently, Tayto celebrated Seachtain na Gaeilge and the brand’s proud Irish heritage with the release of their limited edition ‘Tayto Cáis agus Oinniún 6 mhála’. The national response to the ‘as Gaeilge’ six-pack was overwhelming and was a resounding success with consumers.

Tayto Bistro and Tayto Occasions continue to be popular with consumers, with the Tayto Bistro range demonstrating share growth of 7% (Source: ACNielsen, Market Track, MAT, February 28, 2013). In the sharing snacks arena, Tayto Bacon Fries and Tayto Party Mix products have scored a major hit with consumers, with year on year growth of 7%, and have achieved an impressive market share in the sharing snacks category of 13% (Source: ACNielsen, Market Track, MAT, February 28, 2013).

Tayto also have a great range of lighter snacks (all under 100 calories a pack), that are lighter in calories but not in taste. For example, Tayto Velvet Crunch, available in two delicious flavours (Thai Sweet Chilli and Cheddar Cheese and Onion), Tayto Treble Crunch and the exciting new Tayto Popcorners product, which is available in Original and Sour Cream and Jalapeno flavours.

Hunky Dorys is edgier than your typical crisp brand. A playful and exciting brand, Hunky Dorys has a great sense of humour, as evidenced by previous marketing campaigns. The brand continues to grow from strength to strength and it now represents 15% share of the crisp market (Source:

ACNielsen, Market Track, MAT, February 28, 2013).

Hunky Dorys consumers continue to really enjoy munching through large Share Bags, with the sharing crisps sector growing by 14.4% in the last year, and Hunky

Dorys is the best selling share bag crisp in the market (Source: ACNielsen, Market Track, MAT, February 28, 2013). Recognising the high level of consumer interest for the brand in this sharing/party format, Hunky Dorys launched a range of Tortilla and Nuts products last year. Following on from the success of these products, the brand has launched a new product, Hunky Dorys Buffalo Flavoured Coated Nuts, which is sure to have consumers stampeding to the shelves.

Commanding 10.4% share of the Irish crisps market, King Crisps, continues to win fans outside of its core Dublin base and now over 54% of all King sales come from outside Dublin (Source: ACNielsen, Market Track, MAT, February 28, 2013). To build on

its increasing popularity, King entered the hand cooked crisp category with the launch of King ‘Gold Standard’ Crisps. Since launch, King Gold Standard Wexford Vintage Cheddar Cheese & Spring Onion and King Gold Standard Burdock’s Traditional Salt & Malt Vinegar is proving very popular with consumers and showing strong market growth.

HJ HeinzThrough its Baked Beanz, Pasta and Soup brands, HJ Heinz has always delivered tasty, healthy and convenient snack foods. Ongoing investment by Heinz in this sector sees it set to remain a keen player into the future by satisfying consumer demand for convenience, choice and nutrition without compromising on taste or quality.

Heinz Snap Pots are ideal for consumers who seek an even quicker way to enjoy iconic Heinz Beanz and Heinz Spaghetti Hoops, a portion of both of which now provide one of consumers’ five daily portions of fruit and vegetables.

The truly innovative Snap Pot format offers four individual 200g portions of Heinz Beanz or Spaghetti Hoops that are ready from the microwave in just one minute, making them ideal for busy families and lunch and snack occasions, both at home and at work. In addition, because Heinz Snap Pots can be popped directly into the microwave, there is no need to hover by the hob or add to the washing-up!

Heinz Squeeze & Stir is a revolutionary soup in a cup format. Made from concentrated purée rather than powder, each recipe contains one of consumers’ five a day and has no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives or MSG and is low in fat. The purée format delivers outstandingly in terms of taste, consistency and goodness credentials.

Available in six varieties, including Cream of Tomato, Chicken & Vegetable, Minestrone, Cream of Tomato & Basil, Mediterranean


Hunky Dorys is the best selling share bag crisp in the market and new Hunky Dorys Buffalo Flavoured Coated Nuts is sure to have consumers stampeding to the shelves.

King Crisps continues to win fans through its legendary Cheese & Onion and new hand-cooked King Gold Standard Wexford Vintage Cheddar Cheese & Spring Onion and King Gold Standard Burdock’s Traditional Salt & Malt Vinegar flavours.

Heinz Snap Pots are ideal for consumers who seek an even quicker way to enjoy iconic Heinz Beanz and Heinz Spaghetti Hoops.

Vegetable and Mushroom & Parsley, the Heinz Squeeze & Stir range is available in handy, lightweight squeezable sachets. The range provides a perfect solution to a mid-morning or afternoon snack, as well as an accompaniment to a sandwich, all in the time that it takes to boil a kettle. All consumers need to do is simply squeeze the soup into a cup, add boiling water, stir and enjoy.

Kellogg’s Kellogg’s Special K knows how hard it is for consumers to stay on track when trying to manage their

shape, especially when they are busy and on the go. It’s all about planning and making sure one has something to snack on so they don’t get too hungry and fall off track. Special K has further diversified its snack range with the addition of Special K Cracker Crisps and Special K Biscuit Moments. At less than 99 calories per serving, Special K snacks are the snacks that will love you back. The Special K snack range now consists of tasty bars, biscuits and crisps in a variety of flavours.

BR FoodsWilliam and Michael Rochford of BR Foods are the people behind Bill & Micks Real Irish Hand Cooked Crisps, which have recently been launched into the Irish market. Called after the brothers’ Christian names, William (Bill) and Michael (Mick), the crisps are available in three flavours: Irish Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese & Onion, Thai Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper and Irish Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt.

Bill & Micks crisps use top quality ingredients to create a premium and indulgent crisp. Using only 100% Irish Lady Claire and Irish Lady Rosetta potatoes, the crisps contain no MSG, artificial colours, flavours or any GM ingredients and are cooked using sunflower oil. The crisps are available from leading supermarkets and symbol

group stores and have

an RRP from €2.39.

United Biscuits Ireland

As title sponsor of Premier League darts, McCoy’s,

the original ‘Man Crisp’, have launched a Mega

Darts on-pack promotion to help you enjoy some mega sales!

Giving customers a chance to win every 180 minutes, this on-pack promotion will run until July 31, 2013, across all McCoy’s 50g bags. T&Cs apply, see back of packs for full details.

Snack Food

Heinz Squeeze & Stir is a revolutionary

soup in a cup format which delivers

outstandingly in terms of taste,

consistency and goodness

credentials.

Bill & Micks Real Irish Hand Cooked Crisps are available in three flavours: Irish Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese & Onion, Thai Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper and Irish Cider Vinegar & Sea Salt.


GOODFELLA’S Pizza have just launched their brand new Deeply Delicious range with two mouthwatering variants, Cheese and Pepperoni. This latest range of pizzas have a deep, five inch base and are ready to cook straight from the freezer or in just three minutes in the microwave and contain no artificial colours, flavours or hydrogenated fat.

Independent research (Glacier Consulting 2012) identified “ease of preparation” and “speed” as key shopper needs and this new range is the perfect snack for people on the go.

Goodfella’s Pizza Company has been rolling out dough in Ireland for over 20 years, bringing a slice of authentic Italian life to homes across the country, with seven delicious ranges catering for all tastes, and the brand has two new exciting Goodfella’s products coming out in May. For more on Ireland’s No.1 pizza range check out GoodfellasPizzas.com or Facebook/GoodfellasIreland.

GoodFella’s deeply delIcIoUs pIzza

Special K has further diversified its snack range with the addition of Special K Cracker Crisps and Special K Biscuit Moments.

McCoy’s, the original ‘Man Crisp’, have launched a Mega Darts on-pack promotion to help you enjoy some mega sales!

BIM’s Serious about Seafood programme aims to assist seafood retailers to make the most of their business. The programme operates on three levels, commencing with a “healthcheck” focusing on quality and technical issues.

At this stage, an in-depth assessment of operating procedures to include counter management, product quality, food safety management systems and staff skills and knowledge is carried out.

A mystery shopper visit will also be conducted. This unannounced assessment will provide insight to how the customer perceives the overall experience of shopping in the establishment.

Following the on-site assessment, the client will be furnished with recommendations and suggestions for improvement, which when implemented, should lead to improved product quality, staff knowledge and ultimately an increase in sales.

Actions may include:•On-site mentoring of staff;

•Staff training and up-skilling on technical and quality issues;

•Implementation of food safety management systems.The client will undertake to act

on the recommendations within an agreed timeframe. At that stage, a follow-on assessment will be conducted and if all the outstanding issues have been resolved, the client will be invited to participate in Level 2 of the programme. Where a business excels on the initial assessment, they will automatically move to Level 2 if they so wish.

The ‘Level 2 – Facetime’ programme is designed to assist sharpen business focus, set and achieve specific targets, understand customer needs with an objective of growth in the seafood department. At this stage, the client meets with their assigned mentor to develop and explore their vision and strategy for the business and to set targets to be achieved in an agreed timeframe.

Actions at this stage of the programme may include:

•Business planning;•Customer profiling;•Customer research;•Customer service;•Developing promotional plan/

calendar.A review will be conducted after the

agreed timeframe has lapsed to assess whether or not targets were met.

The third and final stage in the programme is ‘Bringing Seafood to the Next Level’. Based on established foundations of excellent quality, staff knowledge and sound business planning, it’s now time to take seafood to the next level in terms of offering innovative formats and products.

At this level, clients will be invited to explore options to further extend their seafood offering:

•Preparation and promotion of a range of product formats developed to meet customer needs. This activity will be based on findings gleaned from consumer profiles and research conducted during level 2;

•Preparation and use of lesser value cuts and formats to maintain margin;


BIM is Serious About Seafood

BIM have a number of programmes and workshops in place to help seafood retailers to maximise their return from this growing category.

Seafood

Seafood

•Preparation of added value/ready to cook products;

•Labelling and packaging advice;•Where appropriate, new product

development with the assistance of BIM’s Seafood Development Centre. For more information on Serious

about Seafood or to request an application form, please email [email protected].

Workshop ProgrammesBIM also delivers a number of workshops and seminars throughout the year, including the very popular Fish Handling and Filleting for retail staff. This two day, hands-on workshop is ideal for those who wish to improve their knowledge of fish handling and quality assessment, and to develop their fish filleting techniques.

Topics covered include species identification, causes and control of spoilage, quality assessment, hygiene and safety, workstation preparation, safe knife handling and filleting techniques, to include high value trimming, v-boning, j-cutting and pin-boning. The course is delivered in BIM’s state of the art facility in the SDC, Clonakilty, Co. Cork.

BIM also offers a FETAC minor award in Risk-Based HACCP for Seafood (level 5) for seafood business operators, managers, supervisors and team leaders and those responsible for developing and/or implementing HACCP in their seafood business. For dates and details of all workshops, please visit www.bim.ie.

Cold Chain ManagementCold chain management is crucial in the seafood industry. Maintaining fish at the correct temperature from catching until it reaches the consumer will ensure optimum freshness and quality. While spoilage cannot be stopped in fresh fish, it can, however, be controlled to a great extent, according to BIM’s most recent Guidance Note for Retailers on the subject.

The two most important words to remember when dealing with fresh fish are time and temperature. It is a legal requirement for food business operators to ensure that all chilled and frozen foods are maintained at the correct temperature during transport, storage, delivery and display.

In addition, there must be sufficient refrigerated space to allow cooked and ready-to-eat food to be segregated from raw food. Poor temperature control leads to increased waste and

consequently decreased profit for your business.

Fish starts to spoil from the time it is caught and this spoilage continues throughout its shelf-life. The main reason for fish spoilage is enzyme activity and bacterial growth. In addition, oil-rich fish such as mackerel and herring will spoil due to oxidation. All of these activities occur more rapidly at higher temperatures.

Controlling Spoilage Through TemperatureThe control of spoilage by reducing the temperature is the most common and practical way of keeping fish fresh. The lower the temperature, the longer it will take for the fish to spoil. Remember, fish may already be several days old by the time it reaches you.

“Use-by” dates placed on products by suppliers are only relevant if strict temperature control is adhered to at all stages from delivery, during storage and on display. While some fish may have a shelf-life of up to 15 days from date of catch if maintained in optimum conditions, the intrinsic quality of the fish at the time of catching may also affect the shelf-life.

High temperatures increase the rate of bacterial growth, enzyme activity and oxidation, leading to rapid spoilage, decreased shelf-life and possible food safety risks. Consequently, poor temperature control leads to increased waste and decreased profit for your business.

It is generally recommended that chilled food products are maintained at

a temperature between 0°C and 5°C. Because fish is highly perishable, the shelf-life is greatly increased if it is maintained at a temperature between 0°C and 2°C. The most effective way of maintaining product temperature between 0°C and 2°C is the liberal use of ice. This is an excellent way of chilling fish without freezing it. Correctly used, ice can rapidly reduce the temperature of fish. Ice should be made from potable water. It takes approximately 10-15 minutes to chill a 0.5kg fillet of cod from 5°C to 2°C using ice. It will take up to two hours to chill the same fillet using refrigerated air.

The retailer must take care to ensure that fish is maintained at the correct temperature and that the cold chain is not broken.

Delivery:•Fish should be transported and

packed for delivery as per the specification agreed with the supplier.

•Fresh fish should be delivered, packed in ice, in clean, unbroken boxes or cartons.

Storage:•Maintaining the temperature

between 0°C and 2°C in storage is readily achieved through a combination of ice and refrigeration.

•Fish should be re-iced as necessary and not allowed to remain in melt-water.

•Whole, ungutted fish should be stored belly up and layered with


ice, while whole gutted fish should be stored belly down and layered with ice.

•Fish fillets should be stored flesh to flesh and layered with ice. Salmon cutlets, darnes, fillets, tuna and trout fillets should be protected with polythene film before adding ice.

Display:•On display, maintaining the

temperature of fish between 0°C and 2°C can be more challenging. Therefore, temperatures up to 4°C are generally acceptable, provided the fish is not maintained at this higher temperature for long periods.

•Fish fillets should be displayed in thin layers, flesh to flesh and no more than two deep in order to maintain the correct temperature.

•Fish on display should be top-iced lightly at regular intervals.

•Avoid displaying large quantities of fish which have to be returned to chilled storage at the end of the day. If fish is returned to the chill at the end of the day, it should be clearly labelled to ensure correct stock rotation.

•Live molluscs should not be placed directly on ice as the low temperature will result in some mortalities.

•Ice should not come into direct contact with smoked fish, tuna, or with the flesh of salmon or trout as it tends to leach out the colour.

•Display fixtures should be placed in a suitable location to ensure that the fish temperature cannot

be increased by heat from overhead lights, wall heaters or direct sunlight.Some retailers choose not to

use ice and instead use specialised refrigerated display units. These units can be very effective at maintaining low and consistent temperatures. Care must be taken to ensure that fish does not become dried out. Suitable trays must be used and any melt-water removed regularly.

Reducing the amount of oxygen via vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging may increase the shelf-life by reducing the growth of aerobic spoilage bacteria. However, there may be an increased risk of Clostridium botulinum toxin formation in these products if strict temperature control is not adhered to. This process step should be considered as part of the food safety management system and

appropriate controls introduced. It is recommended that these products are maintained at less than 3°C throughout the shelf-life.

Previously Frozen ProductA fishery product that has previously been frozen and then defrosted prior to sale cannot be labelled as a fresh fishery product. The product name should be accompanied by the word “defrosted” and appropriate instructions for safe use should be provided.

If frozen fish or shellfish is purchased and defrosted by the retailer prior to sale, thawing must be carried out in a controlled atmosphere to ensure that no part of the product reaches a temperature higher than 4°C. It is, therefore, recommended that such products are thawed in a chill, and not placed on the display in a frozen state. Only the quantity of fish required on a daily basis should be thawed.

The refreezing of previously frozen foods is generally regarded as an unsafe practice which is to be avoided. However, if the thawing process can be carefully controlled and validated to ensure that the microbial safety of the product remains unchanged from the frozen to the thawed state, then the general recommendation does not apply. The freeze/thaw process may, however, impact on the texture of fish, resulting in a deterioration in quality.

If a freeze/thaw process is carried out on the retailer’s premises, the responsibility and onus is on the retailer to ensure that there is full temperature control over this process. Records of freeze/thaw activity should be maintained.

See www.bim.ie for more information.

Seafood


• Chillandfreezertemperatureshouldbecheckedatleasttwicedaily.• Thermometersshouldhaveanaccuracyofatleast+/-0.5°C.• Alltemperaturemonitoringdevicesshouldbecalibratedannually.• Probesthatcomeintodirectcontactwithfoodmustbesanitisedbeforeandafter

useusingfoodgradesanitisingwipes.Storage chills and freezers:• Checktemperatureatdifferentlocationswithinthechillandfreezer.Wet fish display:• Checktemperatureofseveralproductsandatdifferentlocations.Pre-packaged products:• Checktemperatureatsurfaceand/orbetweenpacks.Transport:• Checkproducttemperatureonarrival.• Recordsoftemperaturemonitoringshouldberetained.

TeMPeraTure MoniToring oF SeaFooD

Retail Ireland: Monthly Update

IN March, Retail Ireland addressed the Oireachtas Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine, on the subject of the retail sector’s commitment to sourcing Irish products and about plans to regulate for fair practices in the food supply chain.

We said that Irish retailers purchase around €5 billion worth of Irish food and drink every year. This compares to total exports of Irish food and drink of €9 billion.

We also said that the Irish retail sector is intensely competitive and explained that the relationship between retailers and suppliers is robust, with retailers driving hard bargains in order to provide value for money for the consumer. However, we said there is a difference between legitimate commercial behaviour and “sharp practice”.

We made members of the committee aware of developments at EU level in the area of retailer-supplier relations where we have signed up to a set of fair business principles. Retail Ireland supports these principles as they provide a framework for doing business that respects contractual freedom and ensures competitiveness, trust and continuity. We urged the members of the committee not to over-regulate at national level while ignoring the benefits of this EU approach.

Retail iReland addResses OiReachtas cOmmittee

TICKETS have gone on sale for Retail Ireland’s first annual conference, which will be held in the Aviva Stadium on the morning of May 23.

The half-day event brings together retailers, industry experts, stakeholders and everyone with an interest in our sector, with an impressive range of speakers.

EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, Tonio Borg will speak of efforts in Brussels on the consumer agenda. The Commission’s recent communication ‘A European Consumer Agenda – Boosting Confidence and Growth’ refers to the need for stimulation of consumer expenditure.

Dr Maureen Gaffney, psychologist, who works with companies on developing programmes relating to leadership and emotional intelligence, positive organisational culture, will talk about “the deep, instinctive urge we each have to be the best we can be”.

Mark Nolan, Managing Director, Amárach Research, is equally involved in both qualitative and quantitative projects. Mark has gained extensive experience across many sectors, including FMCG, the motor industry, financial services, and telecommunications. He will present the findings of Amárach’s recent research on The Digital Consumer.

Further speakers and details of our special Retailer Round Table that will happen at the event will be announced in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you there!

RETAIL Ireland welcomed the seizure at Dublin Port of 713,000 cigarettes, with an estimated retail value of €314,575 and a potential loss to the Exchequer of €253,257.

We also welcomed a major operation targeting illegal fuel operations, involving raids by the Criminal Assets Bureau, Gardaí and Revenue personnel in 10 counties. Retail Ireland estimates that the illegal fuel trade costs the Exchequer at least €150m in lost taxes every year.

Commenting on the issue, Retail Ireland Chairman, Frank Gleeson, said: “The cigarettes seizure is just the tip of the iceberg. Sources estimate that between 12% and 30% of the Irish cigarette market is made up of illicit product, with over 1.8 billion of cigarettes smoked in Ireland sourced from the black market.

“In relation to fuel smuggling, as well as depriving the State of much needed revenue, the process of laundering fuel is an environmental hazard, polluting local water with harmful consequences for livestock. Illegal diesel is also seriously damaging to cars. The scale of the lost revenue means it makes economic sense to invest more in tackling the problem.”

Retail Ireland will be launching a new report on the black market later this month.

Retail iReland cOnfeRence tO help RetaileRs inspiRe the cOnsumeR

Black market continues to Grow!

Tel: 01-6051558 www.retailireland.ie

EU Commissioner for Health and Consumer Policy, Tonio Borg.

Frank Gleeson, Chairman, Retail Ireland.


The beauty and personal care category is a valuable one, and includes a vast array of products, from everyday personal grooming products, like shampoos or deodorants, to premium items such as fragrances and colour cosmetics. In some areas, the recession has had a positive impact on sales, particularly top end items, as the number of consumers turning to home treatments over expensive salon and even dentist visits continues to increase.

According to the latest report into the sector by euromonitor, unstable market conditions continue to impact the beauty and personal care industry, with manufacturers seeking to streamline their product lines, discontinuing less profitable or popular products, while reformulating, repackaging and relaunching some more popular products with multimedia advertising campaigns. This strategy

allows manufacturers to maintain consumer interest in their existing product lines, without incurring the costs and potential failure of new product launches in a difficult trading environment. Furthermore, minimal product launches allow companies to focus their advertising spend on products which they are assured will return a profit, based on the experience of previous performance.


Looking After Number One!

The personal care and beauty category is a valuable one, with consumers using home

treatments instead of expensive salon visits.

Personal Care

*Pricing is at the sole discretion of the retailer

**Based on AC Nielsen Value and Volume Share Feb 2012-Feb 2013

The New Mach3 Sensitive Razor from Gillette, Ireland’s Number 1 Male Shaving Brand** delivers an exceptionally close shave with less irritation, even on the most sensitive areas of the face - including the neck and jaw line.

New Herbal Essences range is supported with Irish print, TV,

digital and PR activity to drive trial and

awareness. Herbal Essences new brand

ambassador, celebrity X Factor Judge

Nicole Scherzinger will headline this

media campaign. The range is available now in 200ml and 400ml with RRPs

of €3.15* and €5.25* respectively.

The new range from Ireland’s Number 1 feminine care supplier

Procter & Gamble** will be supported with national print and a digital plan to

drive awareness and trial.

RRP*

€9.99

RRP*

400ml€5.25

RRP*

€3.85

SILK SENSATIONS

NEWNEW

Procter and GambleFrom Procter and Gamble, the new Herbal Essences Bee Strong collection contains 100% natural honey extracts and indulgent apricot scents, that will give consumers stronger hair after just one wash. Procter and Gamble’s new hair care range is supported with Irish print, TV, digital and PR activity to drive trial and awareness. Herbal Essences new brand ambassador, celebrity X Factor Judge Nicole Scherzinger will headline this media

campaign. The range is available now in 200ml and 400ml, with RRPs of €3.15 and €5.25 respectively.

The New Always Silk collection is designed with silky soft top sheet, discreet black wrapper and Always best protection to offer consumers the

silky softness when they least expect it. The new range from Ireland’s number one feminine care supplier Procter and Gamble (Source: ACNielsen, Value and Volume Share, Feb 2012-Feb 2013) will be supported with national print and a digital plan to drive awareness and trial. There are three variants available

- Always Silk, Always Fresh and Always Freshelle, all of which have

new stand-out packaging that consumers will love. The range is available now, starting at an RRP of €3.85.

The New Mach 3 Sensitive

Razor from Gillette, Ireland’s number one male shaving brand (Source: ACNielsen, Value and Volume Share, Feb 2012-Feb 2013) delivers

an exceptionally close shave with less irritation, even on the most sensitive areas of

the face - including the neck and jaw line. The blade technology delivers less pressure on the skin, so men can experience an exceptionally close shave without having to sacrifice shaving comfort. The new razor is available now, with an RRP of €9.99. Media support across April, May and June will extend across TV, print, PR, digital and will include sponsorship of Sky Sports Soccer Saturday to drive awareness and appeal to the 66% of men who claim to have sensitive skin.

Seven SeasSeven Seas has been supporting family health since 1935, carefully selecting specific vitamins and nutrients for each product with the consumer in mind.

Their carefully crafted Seven Seas Pure Cod Liver Oil range has been loved by families and passed down through the generations. All of the Seven Seas Pure Cod Liver Oil range contains a rich natural source of Omega-3 that includes the nutrients EPA and DHA. Studies have shown that these nutrients are essential to good health.

Seven Seas has a long and prestigious heritage in creating high quality supplements to help maintain supple and flexible joints and the Seven Seas Active 55 range is formulated to help care for joints, whatever your age. The range is based around substances which are vital for joint health and that are found naturally in joints: Glucosamine and Omega-3 fatty acids, plus additional supporting vitamins and minerals.

The formulas are designed to provide seven key benefits to help consumers get the most out of life everyday and are combined with their


The new Herbal Essences Bee Strong collection contains 100% natural

honey extracts and indulgent apricot scents, that will give consumers stronger hair after just

one wash.

Personal Care

The New Always Silk collection is designed with silky soft top sheet, discreet black wrapper and Always best protection to offer consumers the silky softness when they least expect it.

The New Mach 3 Sensitive Razor from Gillette delivers an exceptionally close shave with less irritation, even on the most sensitive areas of the face.

New Seven Seas Complete Multivitamins Range, in eye-catching packaging, provides an A-Z blend of essential vitamins with minerals at levels tailored for health maintenance.

��

• Haliborange

• Seven Seas Active 55

• Multibionta

• Seven Seas Cod Liver Oil • Complete Multivitamins

NEW

• Pregnancy

NEW

• Immunity

NEW

SEE YOUR SALES SOAR WITH SEVEN SEAS

Supporting Family Health since 1935

www.seven-seas.com

For Sales & Distribution contact: Johnson Brothers Limited

Tel: +353 1 4081400 www.johnsonbrothers.ie

Energy Release Complex with Ginseng, Guarana and B Complex Vitamins to support energy levels and your get-up-and-go!

Seven Seas has used its expertise to develop a Pregnancy range with specific vitamins and minerals to offer consumers choice, from trying for a baby through to pregnancy. All of Seven Seas Pregnancy Range contains 400 µg of folic acid, alongside specific vitamins and minerals, expertly blended for conception through to pregnancy.

Seven Seas understand that a healthy immune system is essential to keep up with the demands of modern life. Seven Seas Immunity Range provides all round natural immune support, and support for the immune system to defend against further infection next time.

Seven Seas Multibionta contains essential vitamins and minerals to help the body cope with the demands of modern living. Unlike other multivitamins, the Multibionta probiotic supplements contain TriBion harmonis, a unique blend of natural probiotic cultures, which help support the digestive and immune systems of the body.

Haliborange is a leading children’s healthcare brand and produces a range of supplements aimed specifically at children, uniquely tailored to support a healthy diet and lifestyle according to a child’s individual nutritional needs. Haliborange Kids Multivitamins provide delicious tasting vitamins and minerals to help promote healthy growth and development. The Haliborange Kids Omega-3 range provides a rich source of DHA fatty acids, which help support healthy brain function. For additional information and advice, please visit www.seven-seas.com.

L’OréalL’Oréal Paris’ latest innovation will land in-store from April 2013. Inspired by 20 years of L’Oréal research in skin cell biology, the new Age Perfect Cell Renew range with SPF 15 and UVA Protection contains natecium DHC and hyaluronic acid and features advanced radiance regenerating care that helps stimulate surface skin cell renewal, delivering skin that is plumped with moisture. Millions of new cells are revealed every day for fresher, full of life skin that looks as if reborn.

The launch of L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renew will be supported with heavyweight media investment including TV, Press and PR activity, featuring actress, Julianne Moore. Market share for L’Oréal Paris Dermo

Expertise is at a record high of 14.7% value share, up 12.3% year-on-year (Source: ACNielsen, YTD 27/01/2013).

Many women can view colouring their hair as a monthly chore and worry about the results, not to mention will it actually be the right colour or what will their hair feel like afterwards? New Garnier OLIA is the answer.

A ground-breaking oil-powered home hair colour, using technology previously only available in salons, Garnier OLIA not only delivers a vivid, permanent colour –without ammonia – it also improves visible hair quality, leaving it feeling softer and looking shinier (hair feels 35% softer, 17% shinier). A pleasure to use, this breakthrough home hair colour range, which contains 60% oils, turns home hair colouring into in a unique sensorial experience.

With perfect grey coverage, a rich creamy texture and non-drip formula, consumers can choose from 21 beautiful shades with new on trend shade collections launching in 2013. OLIA continues to be supported with strong media investment including TV, press, digital and PR.

Garnier has also introduced its first body oil, Ultimate Beauty Oil. Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil allows consumers to pamper post-winter skin and cocoon themselves in luxurious, indulgent body oil, locking moisture in and the dryness out. Ultimate Beauty Oil absorbs easily and leaves skin satiny soft and with a healthy-looking glow. The beautifying oil is ultra lightweight, giving it a silky feel and its heady fragrance will instantly warm consumers and transport their minds to sunshine and holidays.


Personal Care

Seven Seas Active 55 range is formulated to help care for joints, whatever your age.

Inspired by 20 years of L’Oréal research in skin cell biology, the new Age Perfect Cell Renew range with SPF 15 and UVA Protection features advanced radiance regenerating care that helps stimulate surface skin cell renewal.

Garnier Ultimate Beauty Oil contains a blend of four precious oils, Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose, to illuminate, nourish and perfect the skin.

Containing a blend of four precious oils, Argan, Macadamia, Almond and Rose, the oil works to illuminate, nourish and perfect the skin. Like an indulgent treatment everyday, the oil can be used morning and night and will not transfer onto clothes. The oil-drop shaped bottle fits perfectly into the hand, while the spray-on application ensures the oil is easy to apply all over the body.

UnileverSuremen is stepping up a gear with the launch of its new Suremen Lotus F1 range. The exciting new limited edition range, which is designed to provide men with 48-hour protection in high adrenaline situations, has been launched in line with the brand’s three year global sponsorship deal with the Lotus F1 Team. The launch will include an on-pack promotion and will be supported with a massive €5m ATL campaign including outdoor, digital, experiential and TV, set to air in May.

The range comprises Suremen Lotus F1 APA in 250ml and 150ml, Suremen Lotus F1 Roll-on and Suremen Lotus F1 stick. Each is designed to provide men with long-lasting 48-hour antiperspirant protection, allowing them to endure high adrenaline situations without the worry of sweat and giving them the confidence to take on any challenge.

Encouraging consumers to purchase at fixture, the Suremen Lotus F1 on-pack promotion gives men the chance to win a trip to the South of France, to drive the Lotus F1 Team car with three friends, alongside winning cash prizes. To enter the competition, you simply input a unique code from the promotional pack at www.suremen.co.uk.

“The partnership with the Lotus F1 Team and the on-pack sales promotion will provide the brand’s consumers with the chance to see and live the winning impact that a high-efficacy, high-precision and high-performance brand like Suremen can offer them,” said Paul O’ Connor, Brand Manager for Suremen at Unilever UK & Ireland.

“The range will bring new news to the male deodorant category, via an

untapped but key motorsport passion point for the Suremen target audience. In addition, the on-pack promotion challenges men to experience the thrill of F1 first-hand, encouraging consumer engagement, whilst keeping the brand at the heart of their experience.”

The packaging for the Suremen Lotus F1 range is red, black and gold, and has been designed to provide optimum standout and visibility in-store. The promotional packs will feature the official Lotus F1 Team logo and the unique competition codes. Promotional packs rolled out in mid-March and the competition will run to the end of June 2013.

Meanwhile, Unilever Ireland is continuing its commitment to finding new ways to reduce the environmental impact of its business (as set out in its Unilever Sustainable Living Plan)

with the launch of a ground breaking new Compressed packaging format across its portfolio of female aerosol deodorants. The Compressed smaller pack is half the size of traditional aerosol deodorants and was introduced simultaneously across Sure Women, Dove and Vaseline, supported by a massive €400,000 marketing spend throughout 2013 in Ireland.

In a game changing move for the category, the new Compressed packs have the same protection and care but last just as long as bigger cans, whilst

Personal Care


The launch of L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Cell Renew will be supported with heavyweight media investment including TV, Press and PR activity, featuring actress, Julianne Moore.

Garnier OLIA is a ground-breaking oil-powered home hair colour, using technology previously only available in salons, to deliver a vivid, permanent colour –without ammonia – and improve visible hair quality.

The new Suremen Lotus F1 range, which is designed to provide men with 48-hour protection in high adrenaline situations, has been launched in line with the brand’s three year global sponsorship deal with the Lotus F1 Team.

Personal Care


containing half the gas volume – down from 150ml to 75ml and using up to 28% less packaging. They will also offer greater delivery as they use less propellant; therefore the spray feels a little softer, less cold and drier when applied. A major benefit to retailers, the new packs will take up less space on-shelf, take up less storage space at back of store and offer greater selling density and increased rate of sale as retailers can place more packs directly on to the fixture.

James Griffin, Marketing Manager, Sure Women and Dove deodorant, Unilever Ireland, says: “The aerosol format makes up 80% of the total deodorant category (SIG data 52 w/e 24th Nov, includes bodysprays in market) and we are the biggest manufacturer in this market. It is, therefore, our responsibility to take action to improve the environmental impact of this hugely popular format. The Compressed range will make a real difference, driving positive change for both the environment and the retail sector.”

The new Compressed format 75ml cans will have the same RRP as the comparable 150ml cans, to demonstrate like-for-like value to the consumer, a core message that is reiterated in on-shelf point of sale. Early customer satisfaction research has shown that over 70% of consumers prefer the look and feel of the new

product (420 consumers in a Nielsen BASES test, Jan 2011: over 70% found new Compressed to be a much better product than their current deodorant before and after use), which comes in a new curvy shaped can that adds a feminine touch to the brand’s aesthetic.

“Aisle theatre is crucial to helping shoppers make the switch and understand the benefits of the new Compressed format. Unilever is working closely with retailers to ensure that consumers truly appreciate the benefits of this new format and ultimately change their shopping behaviour,” said James Griffin.

The launch will be supported with a cross category €400,000 marketing campaign that includes TV, online and OOH advertising, as well as PR and digital activity to develop consumer understanding of the new format and drive footfall to stores.

Allegro2013 sees the launch of several new additions to the popular NIVEA Facecare brand, including NIVEA’s first ever 2 in 1 Primer: an exciting innovation that brings moisture and priming benefits together. The Daily Essentials Express Hydration Primer has a double action formula, which can be used to provide a smooth base for make-up application, or can simply be used as a hard working moisturiser for long-lasting hydration.

The products contain effective hydrating ingredients, including Glycerin and Butylene Glycol, which are known for their powerful moisturising properties to support the skin’s hydration levels. The light texture also means it absorbs instantly so that make-up can be applied immediately and stays in place for longer. Because no skin is the same, the primer comes in two skin type variations (RRP €6.09).

A tired looking complexion is one of the top skin concerns amongst women, so NIVEA have introduced a brand new NIVEA Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Energising Day Cream SPF15. This

latest addition to the range is packed full of natural Goji Berry extract and promises to visibly reduce signs of fatigue. The cream is quickly absorbed into the skin and helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (RRP €11.80).

NIVEA also added new Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Age Spot Day Cream

SPF30 to their anti-age range. This product offers consumers extra SPF protection and age spot benefits and is particularly suitable for older or sun damaged skin (RRP €12.99).

Other key introductions include NIVEA Daily Essentials BB Creams, providing consumers with a convenient time-saving product, combining NIVEA’s light, fast absorbing formula with a hint of make-up. This fantastic product pledges to even skin tone, fight signs of fatigue and boost the skin’s natural glow and radiance with SPF10 (RRP €8.49).

All new products are available from Allegro and will be supported with advertising and promotional activity in 2013. Please contact your Allegro representative for further details.

Unilever Ireland’s ground-breaking new Compressed aerosol deodorant packs have the same protection and care and last just as long as bigger cans, whilst containing half the gas volume, down from 150ml to 75ml, and using up to 28% less packaging.

New NIVEA Q10 Plus Anti-Wrinkle Energising Day Cream SPF15 is packed full of natural Goji Berry extract and promises to visibly reduce signs of fatigue.

NIVEA Daily Essentials BB Cream provides consumers with a convenient time-saving product, combining NIVEA’s light, fast absorbing formula with a hint of make-up.

NO FEWER than 85 Centra stores are celebrating after receiving the Excellence Ireland Supreme Hygiene Award from Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Centra, and Irene Collins, Managing Director, Excellence Ireland, at the 2013 Centra Quality Awards in Killarney recently.

The Supreme Hygiene Award identifies and rewards retailers that have performed to a consistently high level over a three year period. Year-on-year, these entrepreneurial food retailers are highly committed to hygiene and food safety standards and continue to push out the boundaries of excellence.

National Hygiene and Food Safety CertificateIn addition to this, a further 258 Stores were presented with the Excellence Ireland National Hygiene and Food Safety Certificate, which is an independent verification of the highest standards of operational hygiene and food safety in the food sector business.

A total of 343 Centra stores in the Republic of Ireland have achieved the much coveted National Hygiene and Food Safety Certificate, demonstrating the huge importance placed on rigorous quality and food safety measures implemented by Centra stores. 90%

of Centra stores in Limerick and Cork were awarded the National Hygiene and Food Safety certificate this year, with 75% of Centra stores in Dublin and Galway receiving the award.

Dedication & Commitment“We are thrilled that Centra Stores have been recognised for their ongoing commitment to excellent standards in food safety,” noted Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Centra, at the awards ceremony. “It is a true testament to the individual retailers, their management teams and staff for their dedication and commitment in maintaining these standards. These awards verify the extent to which these Centra stores have gone above and beyond in their strive to sustain quality measures.”

According to Irene Collins, Managing Director, Excellence Ireland Quality Association, “This

Hygiene Mark indicates that a business complies with the highest standards of hygiene and food safety. These Centra stores demonstrate the significant importance attached to implementing and maintaining meticulous quality and food safety standards. Centra has a well-deserved reputation and should be proud of its consistently good results over the years.”

Centra Quality Awards

Centra stores throughout Ireland were rewarded for their hygiene and quality standards at the recent Centra Quality Awards.

Fenton Cashman, Centra Kanturk, Co. Cork, receives the Supreme Excellence Ireland National Hygiene Award at the 2013 Centra Quality Awards. The award was presented by Martin Kelleher, Managing Director, Centra, and Irene Collins, Managing Director, Excellence Ireland Quality Association.

Ian Allen, Centra Sales Director, and Martin Roper, Technical Director, Excellence Ireland Quality Association, presented the Supreme Excellence Ireland National Hygiene Award to Claire Bermingham, Catherine Bolger and Fiona Leavy, Scally’s Centra, Tullamore, Co. Offaly, at the 2013 Centra Quality Awards presentations held in Killarney.

Centra Retailers Shine in Hygiene Awards


On the Vine


SPRING TIME usually means that the consumer starts looking at lighter wine styles, purchasing more white and rosé wines. We now look at some of the emerging white wine trends for the Irish market for spring 2013.

Wine preferences in Ireland have changed in recent years, with a swing back from red to white. Increased purchases of white wines today are a result of the development of consumer tastes towards leaner, lighter styles of white wine. In 2011, red accounted for 46% of all wine consumption (down from 50% in 2008), white increased to 50% of the market (up from 46% in 2008), while sales of Rosé wine remained static at 4% (Source: IWA July 2012).

The increase in white wine sales is being driven by Italian Pinot Grigio and now, to a lesser degree, by New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. In the UK market, the enormous demand for Pinot Grigio appears to be waning. Since what happens there usually trends here about 12-15 months later, it will be interesting to see if this actually comes to pass here, because certainly at the moment, the PG boom shows little signs of abating.

The mass market appeal for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc has declined a little because there just isn’t enough of it available at the cheaper prices. The supermarkets were, for a time, driving down price points as low as €8. However, the duty increase and the

shortage of New Zealand Savvy due to a much smaller harvest in 2012 has meant that there is much less bulk wine available and therefore, price points have increased.

However, it would appear that the harvest for 2013 in New Zealand is expected to be considerably larger than the 269,000-tonne harvest in 2012, said New Zealand Winegrowers Chief Executive Officer, Philip Gregan: “The warm dry summer of 2013 has been absolutely perfect for growing and ripening grapes. As we move into autumn, still with warm days and now slightly cooler nights prevailing, the prospect is for an outstanding vintage in all our grape growing regions.”

Will this mean a return to a wine glut and cheaper prices? Unlikely, according to Chris Stroud, Marketing Manager for Europe at New Zealand Winegrowers: “There’s virtually no bulk wine from New Zealand available to buy at the moment. The 2013 vintage being abundant will not be a problem. Estates are currently managing a real shortage of wines and inventories are very low after the 2012 vintage was so much smaller than needed. There is very little back stock and time is needed to rebuild our supplies.”

Where to Next?Prices for Italian Pinot Grigio are also on the increase, as producers capitalise on the global demand for the wine

style. So where will the consumer go next?

The huge interest/demand for Moscato/Muscat in the US has yet to hit the European markets. This is the new big trending grape in the US. Can it only be a matter of time before it arrives here? To date, only a few have appeared on the Irish market. [yellow tail] launched its Moscato varietal here in 2011 and Barefoot, Gallo’s uber cool brand, rolled out their Moscato varietal in 2012.

At mid price level, France appears to be making a good comeback, with their classic white appellations such as Sancerre, Pouilly Fume, as well as quality white wines from Burgundy, Alsace and other small appellations growing in strength. Spain is worth a look for white wines, especially from regions such as Rueda and Rias Biaxas. Austria is making good inroads on this market, with their quality wines made from the Gruner Veltliner and Riesling grapes. Good quality Sauvignon from Chile is also much sought after.

Premium white wines from Australia are also making a big impact, at Wine Australia’s recent Landmark Tasting, Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Semillon was voted by the Irish wine press pack as the clear winner, with the Tahbilk Marsanne coming in second, and Jacob’s Creek Reserve Chardonnay voted as the third most popular white wine in quality terms by those who attended the tasting.

Jean Smullen looks at the trends in the market for white wines, predicting the big winners for summer 2013.

The White Stuff

On the Vine


Some of the trending wines worth making sure you have in stock are:

2012 Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay €11.99 (Irish Distillers/Pernod Ricard)The Jacob’s Creek wine making philosophy is to produce a contemporary Australian wine style that is fresh, elegant and shows true varietal character. This is reflected in this Chardonnay. The summer months veered from warm to hot across all regions of South Eastern Australia, where these conditions produced one of the very best vintages in recent years, allowing the Chardonnay fruit to ripen to its optimum. The final result is a pale straw wine with green hues, with attractive aromas of citrus and ripe melon fruits, and hints of toasty oak.

2011 Sutter Home Pinot Grigio €11.99 (Findlater Wine & Spirit Co.)This is Pinot Grigio, produced by one of the biggest names in California; the Trenchero family. New World Pinot Grigio is much more fruit forward than its Italian counterpart. It has pear/stone fruit flavours and aromas. A good well made, very drinkable wine made from one of the most popular grape varieties on the shelves at the present time, this Pinot Grigio was a finalist at NOffLA’s Gold Star Awards for 2013.

2011 Canti Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay IGT €11 (Gleeson Incorporating Gilbeys)This is a very modern style Italian Pinot Grigio, from Canti, one of Italy’s biggest producers. Owned by

the family Gianni Martini, they have been in operation since 1947. They have an innovative approach to their classic range, which is to blend an Italian grape with an international grape, in this case Chardonnay. This wine has a good layer of fruit and is a modern Italian twist on the Pinot Grigio style.

2011 Torres Vina Esmeralda €11.99 (Findlater Wine & Spirit Co.)This Spanish wine is right on trend. Made by Torres, it is made from 85% Moscatel and 15% Gewurztraminer. This is an intensely fruity wine with that appealing hint of Gewurztraminer spice. With Asian food so popular nowadays, you can recommend this wine to your customers to go with any Asian or spicy dish.

2012 Santa Rita Medalla Real Sauvignon Blanc Reserva €17.99 (Gleeson Incorporating Gilbeys) I was lucky enough to attend an educational event in London run by Santa Rita in January about coastal climate wines and innovations in Chile. In a nutshell, it was all about the science of winemaking, with a focus on the temperature of the regions both during the day and night. The results were interesting and showed that the Chilean regions can match the French climate and soil structures, while also offering a green and sustainable approach to growing the grapes. Santa Rita source their fruit for the Medalla Real Sauvignon from Leyda Valley. This wine shows the potential for this region for Sauvignon, with zesty lime flavours, hints of tropical fruit, and minerality showing through. This is a stunning, world class wine!

2011 Tiki Estate Sauvignon Blanc (Wairau Valley) €15.99 (Cassidy Wines)This is benchmark New Zealand Sauvignon, with lots of lovely ripe tropical lemon/lime fruit and a

beautiful balancing acidity. This wine just bursts with flavour in the mouth. This is the wine style the consumer loves and you can see why it scored so highly at the NOffLA Gold Star Awards.

2012 Cloudy Bay Chardonnay (Marlborough) €31.34 (Edward Dillon & Co. Ltd)

One of New Zealand’s most iconic wines: innovation, meticulous attention to detail, and regional expression, are the guiding principles of Cloudy Bay. Modern winemaking technology and traditional vinification techniques combine to produce their wines. Price is never an issue when it comes to this wine: the name alone is guaranteed to ensure sales. While Sauvignon Blanc is their most sought after wine, the Cloudy Bay Chardonnay is outstanding. It is elegant and restrained, with subtle tropical fruits. New Zealand Chardonnay is very much under-rated and a lot more elegant than people imagine. Give this a try: your customers won’t be disappointed.

2006 Tyrrell’s Selection Vat 1 Semillon €53.50 (Tindal Wine Merchants)Tyrrell’s Vat 1 Hunter Semillon was first produced in 1963 from grapes grown on the Short Flat Vineyard, next to Mary Ann’s Creek, that run in front of the winery. The grapes are now sourced from the Short Flat and Johnno’s vineyards, with the oldest material being planted in 1908. Vat 1 is Tyrrell’s flagship Semillon and is consistently the most intense expression of Hunter Valley terroir. The nose shows rich citrus aromas with a hint of toasty/waxy development just starting to appear. The palate is all class, with a seamless structure that is only seen in classic vintages. This is, quite simply, one of Australia’s finest white wines.

ICoN WINE

Jacob’s Creek Chardonnay: contemporary

Australian wine that is fresh, elegant and shows

true varietal character.

Cloudy Bay: one of New Zealand’s most iconic wines.

Drinks News

WORLD famous Irish Whiskey, Bushmills has launched the latest addition to its collection of premium blends and single malts, Bushmills Irish Honey. The new taste recognises the global reputation the brand holds for a smooth taste and reinforces the quality, authenticity and heritage that have been hallmarks of Bushmills Irish Whiskey for over 400 years. Blended using Bushmills Irish Whiskey and just a touch of pure Irish honey, the newest member to the Bushmills family, “offers consumers a new choice that mixes well, is approachable and unique in its own right”, said Master Distiller Colum Egan. To celebrate the launch, Bushmills commissioned some good friends who are artisans to make the launch memorable by handcrafting a 14 square foot Honey Hive, which played host to a surprise live gig in Temple Bar Square, Dublin, from acclaimed Northern Irish artist Rams’ Pocket Radio, AKA Peter McCauley and Fiona O’Kane from Runaway Go.

New Bushmills Honey Launched

IRISH Distillers Pernod Ricard, maker of the world’s number one Irish whiskey, Jameson, is continuing its celebrations, having been named Whisky Distiller of the Year at the Icons of Whisky Awards - Global 2013, for the second year running. Further success followed, as Redbreast 12 Cask Strength scooped the Best Irish Pot Still award. The awards underline an impressive year for Irish Distillers, with sales of its flagship whiskey, Jameson, reaching four million global cases. Other recent highlights include the successful launch of Yellow Spot into the Single Pot Still range, as well as the launch of the coveted Midleton Single Cask Releases in February this year. Pictured are Master Blender Billy Leighton and Master Distiller Barry Crockett of Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard.

Irish Distillers Winsat Whisky Awards

KILBEGGAN 18YO Irish Whiskey has been named Best Irish Blended Whiskey in the world for the second year running at the 2013 World Whisky Awards (WWA). The Kilbeggan Distilling Company, which is part of Beam Inc., collected four awards at the prestigious industry awards event. Kilbeggan 18YO was selected as the Best Irish Blended Whiskey and Best Irish Blended Whiskey 13 to 20 Years by a panel of international judges comprised of drinks media, master blenders, distillers and industry representatives. Connemara Turf Mor was named Best No Age Statement Irish Single Malt and Tyrconnell Single Malt Sherry Finish was named Best Irish Single Malt 12 Years and Under.

KILBeggAN 18YO WINs TOp AWArD

RICHMOND Marketing and Viña Concha y Toro have announced the launch of the Casillero del Diablo ‘Wine Legend’ TV campaign. The famous legend of Casillero del Diablo, the best known wine brand of Concha y Toro and Chile, has been taken to the big screen, and is the first wine brand all over the world with a TV spot in the style of a film trailer with adverts 30, 45 and 100 seconds long. During 2013, the campaign has been released globally across on television, cinemas, digital and printed media. With a solid presence in more than 135 countries and outstanding recognition around the world, Casillero del Diablo wanted to continue spreading its famous and historic legend, but this time in a different way, through a stylish script, in a modern format, with high impact and a great production.

Casillero del Diablo on TV

GUINNESS officially marked the 25th anniversary of a true icon of design and innovation - the Guinness ‘widget’. This ingenious invention replicated the draught technology used in pubs and revolutionised the beer industry, enabling Guinness fans across the globe to enjoy a perfect pint in the comfort of their own home. The widget we are now familiar with is the second generation ‘floating widget’, a small plastic device which sits at the bottom of the can until it is opened. Once opened, the floating widget jets Nitrogen through the beer, creating a longer–lasting creamy head on canned Guinness. Guinness Master Brewer, Fergal Murray, is pictured with the Guinness widget, “one of the major innovations in the evolution of the beer industry.”

guINNess MArKs 25 YeArs Of THe ‘WIDgeT’


Market News

New Look for fiNches 2013 shapes up to be an exciting year for Finches, with a complete new rebrand launched across each of the product categories. The continued success of Finches 500ml highlights consumer desire for quality, Irish products. With new low calorie Pink Lemonade and fiery Ginger Beer recently added to the existing flavours of Orange, Rock Shandy, Light Orange and Lemon, the Finches 500ml range is a great choice, offering variety to consumers on the go. This Summer Finches is also launching a new 1.5 litre self merchandising box. The box will be available in Orange and Pink flavours to suit all shoppers’ preferences.

rupert everett stars for keNco MiLLicaNo KENCO Millicano is back on Irish TV screens, with an exciting new advert featuring the actor Rupert Everett. The 30-second advert opens with a scene showing an unidentified character enjoying a cup of Kenco Millicano, whilst reading a dreadful theatre review of an actor’s performance. The character is then revealed as Rupert Everett, and the review is of his own performance. However, Rupert chuckles and shrugs off the stinging criticism, saying, “When your coffee’s this good, nothing else has to be.” This ad is part of a significant Irish marketing investment for Kenco

Millicano in Ireland in 2013, which will include extensive press and outdoor advertising, PR, sampling, digital, social media and high-impact in-store activity at a local level throughout the year.

cheestriNgs LauNch New fLavours CHEESTRINGS, the number one kids’ cheese brand in Ireland, worth €5.6m (Source: ACNielsen MAT, February 24, 2013, Value MAT) is extending its range with two exciting new flavours; Cheese & Onion and Cheese & Tomato, available from April. With 84% of mums demonstrating intent to purchase (Cheestrings flavour research, Playpus, March 5, 2012), the new flavours are predicted to be 70% incremental to the snacking category and will lift the lid on lunchbox sales for retailers. The new flavours will be available in packs of four, individually wrapped, 17g portions, and go on sale at a Recommended Retail Price of €1.99-2.09. The Cheestrings brand will continue to be supported by a heavyweight, humorous and engaging marketing campaign throughout 2013.

Miwadi BriNgs storytiMe to Life MiWADI is launching ‘MiBook’, an on pack promotion giving children throughout Ireland the chance to star in their very own story. Special MiWadi MiBook promotional packs are currently in stores nationwide. Consumers are invited to collect three unique codes from the reverse of labels and log onto www.miwadi.ie to redeem a free personalised children’s story book. Dee Cunniam, Senior Brands & Activation Manager for MiWadi, said; “MiWadi is the brand at the heart of a child’s imagination and our MiBook activation will fuel imaginations nationwide through our three fantastic story titles, My Trip to the Zoo, My Big Adventure and My Birthday Party”.

cadBury dairy MiLk MarveLLous creatioNs CADBURY Dairy Milk is bringing a touch of the marvellous to retailers this April, with the launch of Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations – two wacky yet wonderful flavour combinations covered in delicious Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate. Jelly Popping Candy Shells combine popping candy, scrumptious jelly and sugar coated chocolate candy pieces, while Cookie Nut Crunch delivers a flavoursome sweet and salty taste sensation with a balance of biscuit pieces, crunchy nut caramel and chopped roasted nuts. The launch of Cadbury Dairy Milk Marvellous Creations is being supported by an extensive

nationwide marketing campaign and in keeping with the wackiness

and creativity of Marvellous Creations, engaging POS will also be available in-store.

Marlboro Gold beyondNEW Marlboro Gold Beyond features the ICEBALL capsule, allowing the adult smoker to crush the capsule in the filter and experience a fresh burst of flavour. The premium cigarette segment still accounts for more than 70% of total cigarette sales in Ireland and Marlboro Gold Beyond brings new value and innovation to the range, leveraging on the strength of Marlboro Gold Original. To support the launch, Marlboro Gold Mix will replace all Marlboro Gold Original stocks for approximately two weeks. Marlboro Gold Mix will feature 19 regular Marlboro Gold Original sticks plus 1 Marlboro

Gold Beyond stick. To celebrate the launch of New Marlboro Gold Beyond, a special trade promotion is being introduced – all trade customers will receive €10 off every carton of Marlboro Gold Beyond purchased up until May 31, 2013. Trade communication activities to support the launch will include a direct mailing, trade press advertising and informative point of sale in Cash & Carry outlets.


Shelf Life

DAIRYGOLD launched a new advertising campaign recently, built on the hugely successful ‘Butter It with Dairygold’ platform which is designed to reinforce the much loved taste of the brand and to inspire consumers to scoop, dollop or melt Dairygold on their food to make it taste even better.The campaign is centred around key family occasions throughout the year including Easter, summer bank holiday weekends and Halloween. The 2013 campaign evolves to focus specifically on those key family occasions when everyone gets the opportunity to spend quality time together and how a buttery scoop or dollop of Dairygold will make the food we enjoy as a family even better.

PICTURED in Sligo for the launch of the Connacht Gold Junior Chef Challenge 2013 are secondary school students (l-r): Rachel Mahon, Chloe Devaney and Kathleen McNamee. The Connacht Gold Junior Chef Challenge is running once again as part of the Só Sligo Food and Culture Festival, which is now in its fourth

year. Open to secondary schools students throughout Connacht, budding chefs are invited to show-off their culinary knowledge by submitting a three-course menu. Entries will be shortlisted and a number of finalists invited to present their menu at Connacht Gold Junior Chef finale in St Angela’s College on Friday, May 3. The winner will receive an iPad mini and the opportunity to gain a day’s work experience with TV3 Ireland AM resident chef, Joe Shannon at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Sligo.

JULIE Guckian has been appointed Marketing Manager for Heineken Ireland. A marketing professional with 10 years experience, Julie joins Heineken Ireland from a highly successful four year stint in London, where she held senior global and UK positions at Diageo and Marks & Spencer. Julie returns to Dublin and joins the Heineken Ireland team in an exciting phase for the brand, with Heineken’s flagship Heineken Cup sponsorship culminating in a Dublin Final at the Aviva Stadium this May. In her new role as Head of Brand for Heineken Ireland, Julie will lead the brand strategy and operations plan for 2013 and will oversee the Heineken Cup plan implementation and sponsorship programmes.

BOLLINGER is the exclusive Champagne partner for the five-day Punchestown Festival, which takes place from April 23-27. The Punchestown Irish National Hunt Festival is a highlight of the Irish sporting and social calendar, with the special combination of thrilling sporting action, brilliant live entertainment, delicious food and drink, family fun, and dazzling glamour attracting thousands of punters each year. The 2013 Punchestown Festival will also see the second year of the Coast Best Dressed Lady, with the best dressed on each day being presented with a bottle of the fashionable and elegant Champagne Bollinger.

REPAK has welcomed the latest EPA results, which they claim confirm Repak as one of the most successful Producer Responsibility Initiative (PRI) schemes in Ireland. “The role of Repak and its members in helping Ireland meet its 2001, 2005 and 2011 EU packaging recovery and recycling targets should not be underestimated,” said Darrell Crowe, Repak’s Head of Sales and Marketing. “In 2012, Repak funded packaging recovery again showed positive growth, being up 2.5% to 668,000 tonnes. Since Repak was established in 1998, with the unstinting support of its members, it has helped divert nearly 7m tonnes of used packaging from going to landfill, resulting in 6.7m tonnes of carbon equivalent savings.”

Mondeléz International, Inc., owner of the Cadbury brand, recently unveiled Cocoa Life, the company’s largest, most comprehensive cocoa sustainability effort to date. As the world’s largest chocolate company, it will invest $400m million over the next 10 years to improve the livelihoods and living conditions of more than 200,000 cocoa farmers and approximately one million people in cocoa farming communities including Ghana, Ivory Coast and India. TV personality Lucy Kennedy has recently returned from Ghana to mark this investment in the Cocoa Life programme. The visit, organised by international development charity VSO and Mondeléz International, was the subject of a recent TV documentary, entitled The Story of Chocolate, which chronicles the journey of the humble cocoa bean to chocolate bar.


THE SuperValu TidyTowns competition for 2013 was officially launched by Phil Hogan TD, Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, recently, together with Martin Kelleher, Managing Director of SuperValu, main sponsors of the competition. “2013 marks the 22nd year of our involvement with TidyTowns and the second year of SuperValu’s title sponsorship,” said Martin Kelleher. “TidyTowns is a perfect partnership for SuperValu as we are both embedded in communities across Ireland and TidyTowns committees, similar to our independent retailers, work hard to develop and energise the towns and villages in which they live.”

SMIRNOFF has announced the return of the pioneering ‘Yours for the Making’ movement in Northern Ireland and Ireland. The media campaign, designed to empower consumers with ideas on how to shape their own new and creative nightlife experiences, is returning to bring to life the brand’s distinctive philosophy: if you try something new, you will have a better time. The brand will host a series of trade activities across the island of Ireland to empower consumers with ideas on how to create and shape their own innovative nights. In the off trade, Smirnoff is teaming up with retailers, including Tesco, Dunnes Stores and SuperValu, to run a nationwide prize promotion for a lucky winner and a friend to enjoy an unforgettable night in London. See www.facebook.com/smirnoffireland for more information.

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Retail News April 2013