Retail News October 2010

October 2010

A New Look to an

Irish Favourite

Ireland’s Favourite Frozen Vegetable Brand

October Cover.indd 1 08/10/2010 12:25

If they ask for cigarettes you have to ask for ID

because if you sellcigarettes to under 18s you

could face a fine of up to€3,000 and be banned from

selling tobacco products

www.otc.ieLoCall 1890 333100

OTC_RN_210x297_23SEP10_Layout 1 23/09/2010 16:45 Page 1

WITH December’s Budget expected to be one of the harshest in living mem-ory, Ireland’s grocery industry is keen to make its voice heard and get its points across to the powers that be in the Department of Finance. In this month’s News section (Page 4), our Chief News Reporter Pavel Barter talks to a host of the great and the good from the grocery sector to ascertain what they would like to see addressed in this year’s Budget.

Unsurprisingly, encouraging consumers to spend again is high on the agenda, while other hot topics include improv-ing and stimulating access to credit, plus the thorny issues of rates, local government charges and energy costs. On the latter topic, the Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland provide advice on simple but effective ways to reduce your monthly energy costs in-store (Page 35).

In a time of belt-tightening, it’s sometimes hard to focus on handing out money, and yet charities like the Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund have never needed your money more. Donald Williamson, the IGBF’s current President of Appeals, explains how the Fund has “a growing population of people who need our help” (Page 30) and asks individual retailers to get more involved in the charity, from a funding and organisational point of view.

One way you can contribute to the IGBF and have a great time in the process is to attend the Annual IGBF Christmas Lunch, which takes place in Dublin’s Burlington Hotel on November 26. See www.igbf.ie or telephone 01 2152216 for more information on this fantastic event, which always signals the start of the holiday season for those involved in the Irish grocery trade.

.

Kathleen Belton,Editorial & Marketing Director

n inside view

Managing Director: Fergus Farrell

Editorial & Marketing Director: Kathleen Belton

Editor: John Walshe [email protected]

Advertising: Kathleen Belton [email protected]

Pat Murray [email protected]

Chief News Reporter: Pavel Barter Wine Correspondent: Jean Smullen

Published by: Tara Publishing Co. Ltd., Poolbeg House, 1/2 Poolbeg Street, Dublin 2.

Tel: (01) 2413095 Fax: (01) 2413010 Web: www.retailnews.ie Email: [email protected]

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

Reproduction without written permission is strictly prohibited.

T A R A

“Over 53 years

serving the Irish

grocery trade.”

October10Contents

1

Belt Tightening & The Nature of Altruism

THE Carling Nations Cup has moved one step clos-er to its February 2011 kick-off in Dublin with the announcement of the fixtures and dates for the matches, along with the unveiling of the com-petition’s new logo.

The logo incor-porates the colours of the four partici-pating nations and highlights Carling’s long association with football throughout the UK and Ireland.

Managers of the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland attended the launch event, where it was announced that The Carling Nations Cup will kick off on Tuesday February 8, 2011, with a match between Giovanni Trapattoni’s Republic of Ireland and Wales.

The full list of fixtures are:

The Carling Nations Cup will be the first senior interna-tional tournament hosted in Ireland and will be played in a league format, with six matches between the four neighbouring teams. Tickets will go on sale in November.

“The announcement of the fixtures is sure to fuel excitement amongst football fans throughout the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, as the National teams prepare to go head to head in the inaugural Carling Nations Cup,” noted Niall Phelan, Molson Coors Country Manager for Ireland. “We are delighted to launch the new logo for the tournament as it gives the Carling Nations Cup a strong identity and a place alongside our other football spon-sorships such as the Carling Cup.”

Carling Nations Cup Fixtures Announced

Tuesday February 8 Republic of Ireland v WalesWednesday February 9 Northern Ireland v ScotlandMonday May 23 Republic of Ireland v Northern IrelandTuesday May 24 Wales v ScotlandThursday May 26 Wales v Northern IrelandFriday May 27 Republic of Ireland v Scotland

Pictured at the announcement of the Carling Nations Cup fixture list are (l-r): Northern Ireland manager Nigel Worthington, Molson Coors Ireland Country Manager Niall Phelan and Ireland manager Giovanni Trapattoni.

Flogas is delighted to offer two Retail News readers the chance to win a Flogas Superser heater to stay cosy this Autumn and Winter. Retailers looking to stock up before the cold weather hits can source them exclusively from Flogas on 041-9831041 or www.flogas.ie

For instant, controllable heat that’s both stylish and cost-effective, Flogas supplies the Superser Radiant and Superser Catalytic heaters. The Superser Catalytic burns without a flame and has lower touch temperatures. Both models are fitted with easy glide castors for trouble-free moving from room to room.

Send your answer together with your name, address and telephone number on postcard to Flogas Superser Competition, Retail News, Poolbeg House, 1-2 Poolbeg St. Dublin 2. Alternatively, email your details and correct answer to [email protected]

Two Superser Heaters To Be Won From

TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF TWO SUPERSER HEATERS -

Simply answer the following question:

Which Flogas Superser model burns without a flame?

The exclusive distributor of Superser heaters in Ireland!

CLOSING DATE : 19th November 2010. Terms and conditions apply. Judges decision is final and no cash alternatives given.

News4Grocery Sector Calls for Budget to Stimulate Spending.

5Fine Gael Slams Test Purchasing Alcohol Scheme; ISME Sceptical of Proposed Loan Guarantee Scheme.

6Tobacco Smugglers Use Legitimate Cover; MEPs Call for New Law to Protect Farmers.

7Applegreen Wins Top Award; Wine Recovery Welcomed.

829% of Pre-Packed Sandwiches Stored at Wrong Temperature; Rewarding Excellence at SHOP 2010.

Shop Profile14Graham Mahony has just taken over Costcutter, Birr, Co. Offaly, but already has plans in place to revamp the store and build its strong local trade.

Karen Meenan’s News Rack16Karen Meenan looks at the importance of newspa-pers to your News Rack’s profitability, while also highlighting the opportu-nity to use newspapers to create more sales in-store through cross-purchases.

ADM Londis Retailer Conference26‘Join Our Journey’ was the theme of this year’s annual Londis Conference, where the group’s Retailing Excellence Awards were presented.

The Retail News Interview30Donald Williamson, the Irish Grocers’ Benevolvent Fund’s President of Appeals, on why the Fund remains as important as it ever was in these straitened economic times and how individual retail-ers can do more to get involved.

Energy Efficiency35The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland advises on significantly cutting your energy costs in-store; Energy Savings Brewing at Café Sol; Daikin Conveni-pack: Helping to Save You Money.

Costcutter Annual Conference40Costcutter focused on ‘survival and growth’ at its recent Annual Conference. Jim Barry, MD, Barry Group, talks us through the Group’s ambitious plans.

On The Vine44Jean Smullen looks at the continued rise of Spanish wines on the Irish market.

Forecourt Focus46We travel to Athboy in County Meath to see the latest addition to the McCormack Retail Group.

Shelf Life48All the latest news and gossip from the trade.

Regulars

10Industry News

45Drinks News

Sectoral Reports

22Soup

32OTC Medicines & Vitamins

38Frozen Food/Ready Meals

42Jams, Spreads & Condiments

3

ContentsOctober 2010

October10Contents

14

42

26

DECEMBER is expected to bring one of Ireland’s toughest budgets to date and the grocery industry is keen to make its voice heard before decisions are taken. Retail News has spoken to a number of different people across the sector about topics such as the minimum wage, local government charges, rates, energy costs and access to credit. Amongst the highest concerns was the need to restore growth and repair the country’s spiralling deficit.

“The main challenge for Government in this Budget as I see it is to achieve the cuts expected of them by the international market, while fostering the stimuli that will impact positively on

consumer sentiment in order to help the grocery sector,” summed up Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director, BWG Foods.

From the perspective of Danny McCoy, Director General of employ-er’s group IBEC, it is essential the Government does not overtax the country in the midst of economic recov-ery. Tara Buckley, RGDATA Director General, said Ireland should introduce measures that will stimulate employ-ment and not curb spending.

“We are saying to the Minister of Finance, the most important thing is to stimulate the economy,” said Buckley, “to try and get people back to work and get them spending.”

Willie O’Byrne wants “a stimulus to encourage consumer spending designed to release into the economy some of the personal savings evident in Central Bank data. These funds are crucial to refloat-ing our domestic economy, and confidence is the key to reversing the hoarding pat-tern established during the recession. Spending excessive savings are a painless way to boost the retail sector and restore growth to the economy.”

State-influenced business costs need reform, said Mark Fielding, CEO of Irish

Small and Medium Enterprises (ISME). “Local charges, energy, transport, should be addressed because our cost competi-tiveness has gone out the window. The deteriorating labour market also needs to be addressed. The Government should introduce initiatives on employment retention and creation: something better than the piecemeal stuff they have done over the last two years, starting and stopping like the West Clare railway. They allocated €250m to an employment subsidy scheme last year, then stopped after they spent €133m.”

Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association, told Retail News there should be no more bank charge increas-es, hitting hard-pressed businesses for additional costs. Meanwhile, Stephen O’Riordan, CEO of Londis, called for action to streamline the level of com-pliance and red tape imposed on retail-ers, and for measures to free up access to credit for small businesses. Money was also on the mind of Tom Shipsey, Chief Executive of Irish wholesale group Stonehouse.

“2010 has proved an extremely dif-ficult year for all in our sector,” he told Retail News. “The biggest factor affect-ing our members is cash flow. Retailers, hoteliers, publicans are finding it diffi-cult to pay us and the pressure in turn on us is immense. Banks have reduced or even cancelled overdraft facilities for my members and unless we find some loos-ening of credit facilities, we will have to change our arrangements with our cus-tomers. This will without doubt lead to businesses closing and more people end-ing up on the live register.”

Willie O’Byrne also encouraged Government to examine ways to get credit flowing again. “Small businesses - like those operated by SPAR, MACE

and XL retailers - are the lifeblood of local economies, providing much need-ed employment in the local villages, towns and cities in which they oper-ate,” he argued. “Credit facilities which allow these businesses to continue to innovate and ride out the economic storm will be crucial in positioning our retailers and their businesses for the upturn.”

Most of the people we spoke to called for a rethink of the wage structure. Stephen O’Riordan said reform of the JLC and minimum wage rates is essen-tial “to reflect the current economic environment”. RGDATA are lobbying the Minister for the scrapping of JLC’s and the CSNA wants the national mini-mum wage to be available to all new-comers into the grocery trade. “If retail is to have a part of the recovery, then we need to be competitive. It is quite clear the JLC rates are a hindrance to compe-tition,” said Jennings.

It is a long shopping list and whether the Minister for Finance delivers, come December, remains to be seen. “In a sense, this is a letter to Santa,” said Mark Fielding, CEO of ISME. “But even Santa couldn’t fix the mess we’re in.”

October10News

4

Willie O’Byrne, Managing Director,

BWG Foods.

Low Budget Christmas Ahead?53% of Irish people are planning a low budget Christmas this year, accord-ing to an online poll carried out by the National Consumer Agency. More than a fifth of those who responded to the question ‘Are you saving for Christmas?’ said that they had been saving a little all year, while 18% hadn’t started saving yet, but would start soon. Only 6% said that they plan to use a credit card.

Grocery Sector Calls for Budget to Stimulate Spending

October10News

FINE Gael have described plans to use teenagers to carry out test purchases of alcohol in off-licenses as “bizarre and ill-conceived”. Under the Test Purchasing Alcohol Scheme, introduced by the Minister for Justice and Law Reform, Dermot Ahern TD, on October 1, Gardaí can send teenagers aged 15, 16, or 17 into a licensed premises to attempt to buy alcohol. If a sale takes place, the premises will be prosecuted.

However, Fine Gael said the scheme amounts to entrapment and may exploit the teenagers concerned, especially if their ruse is uncovered by the local off-license owner. “They sub-stantially ignore the stress and dan-gers that could be caused to a young person used as a test purchaser of alco-hol,” said Alan Shatter TD, Fine Gael’s spokesman on justice.

Retailers, on the other hand, are largely supportive of the scheme. Vincent Jennings, CEO of the Convenience Stores & Newsagents Association, noted the legalities of the measure, as well as its transparency. “It is a model of trans-parency in comparison to the way the Health Service Executive and the Office of Tobacco Control carried out their

protocols for test pur-chasing,” he told Retail News. “If you look at the website [www.jus-tice.ie], you’ll see the whole risk assessment that was undertaken. I congratulate the depart-ment for putting that on the website and show-ing the protocols. From a legal perspective, this matter of test purchas-ing has already been determined in the high court. Justice Roderick Murphy quite clearly stated that.”

RGDATA Director General Tara Buckley said retailers should ensure their staff are informed as to the conse-quences of selling alcohol or cigarettes to underage people, but expressed discom-fort with the scheme. “It’s not so much that it amounts to entrapment, but in terms of the young people themselves, we don’t think this is the way to go about doing this,” she said.

The Vintners Federation of Ireland also welcomed the scheme but con-tended it should be combined with the upcoming Sale of Alcohol Bill to intro-

duce a mandatory Garda ID age card for all those over the age of 18. Jennings echoed this sentiment.

“Though the Garda Card is incredibly robust, they lost an opportunity in get-ting it amended,” he said. “Currently, the law as it stands says you can’t apply for it until you are 18. It should be available for people to apply for during their 17th year, and have it posted and sent to the Garda station to collect on their 18th birthday.”

All retailers should introduce stringent policies in their shops, said Tara Buckley. Although neither teenage testers nor Garda Cards will rule out the problem of people, aged 18+, buying the alcohol then passing it on to younger people.

Fine Gael Slams Test Purchasing Alcohol Scheme

5

A REPRESENTATIVE of over 8,500 small and medium Irish business-es has expressed his scepticism, to Retail News, about plans to introduce a Government-backed loan guaran-

tee scheme for small business. Batt O’Keeffe TD, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Innovation, recently announced plans to introduce the scheme at the annual conference of the Small Firms Association (SFA). However, Mark Fielding, CEO of Irish Small and Medium Enterprises (ISME), told Retail News he was not optimistic about the scheme coming to fruition.

“If you read the announcement, all it says is that the officials are looking into it,” said Fielding. “That’s like a hole in the ground in County Monaghan and the guards are looking into it. He [Minister O’Keeffe] tends to be the Minister for Announcements. We are looking for con-crete proposals. He has announced, for instance, the SME management grants at least three times, but we still haven’t seen anything concrete.”

Government guarantee schemes are in place across 24 of the 27 EU countries and may assist struggling businesses in Ireland, finding it difficult to access finance in the current economic climate. “A Government guarantee for small businesses would certainly help bring marginal proposals across the winning line,” continued Fielding.

However, having approached the Department of Finance on numerous occasions, in regard to implementing such a scheme, he doubts they would consider such a proposal. “Any time we brought it up at meetings, the Department of Finance seem to pooh-pooh it. They weren’t interested because they felt it was another guarantee for the banks, rather than a guarantee for SMEs. A guarantee for small businesses was taking away risk from the banks again.”

ISME Sceptical of Proposed Loan Guarantee Scheme

Mark Fielding, ISME Chief Executive.

6

THE European Parliament has called for a new law to protect farmers from dominant supermarket groups, cre-ating a better functioning food sup-ply chain. Independent MEP Marian Harkin is amongst those who want a fairer share of revenue for farmers.

“Since 1996, the only actor in the chain who is not getting an increas-ing share is the primary producer,” she told Retail News. “Over the years, there has been huge growth in the food chain: when products like wheat spiked

in price, consumer prices reflected that, but when the price of these raw mate-rials decreased, the consumer price did not decrease at the same rate.”

Harkin, who spoke in sup-port of the report at the European Parliament, told Retail News there are numerous ways in which farmers might be better protected, such as a reform of contracts between the vari-ous players and the establishment of an effective ombudsman. The report also called for a ban on below-cost sell-ing: an about turn for Ireland after the repeal of the Groceries Order. Harkin believes it was a mistake to remove the ban on below cost goods.

“I remember at the time, listening to Michael Martin and Eddie Hobbs,” she said. “They ensured us that when the Groceries Order was repealed, prices would fall. It didn’t happen. I opposed the repeal of the Groceries Order. In some countries, they ban below cost selling: in some countries it is for particular products;in other countries it is a blanket ban.”

However, Harkin said reforms to the food chain needed to remain com-petitive. “You need to be very careful where you intervene, because there is always the law of unintended conse-quences,” she warned.

MEPs Call for New Law to Protect Farmers

October10News

Cereal Pricesto RiseFOOD product prices could be hit by a sudden growth in the cost of cereals. After a three-year downward trend, cereal prices have shot up by 50% in recent months. The change in circumstance will be of benefit to grain growers, especially after troublesome droughts in Russia, but could affect grain-dependent food products.

Independent MEP Marian Harkin.

CIGARETTE smuggling is becoming increasingly difficult to detect, since crime gangs are using legitimate com-panies as cover, a new report reveals. The Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) report says smugglers are using tax registration details to throw customs officials off-track and suggests revenue should “explore other method-ologies for estimating evasion”.

Some measures are proving fruit-ful. For example, a new cigarette smug-gling hotline received 113 calls since it was established in July. The confi-dential hotline, set up by the Revenue Commissioners, encourages people to submit information about illicit ciga-

rette trade in markets, workplaces, local shops, and estates.

The number of cigarettes confiscated increased from 74.5m in 2007 to 218.5m in 2009. However, the number of sei-zures fell by about 30% during the same time, which suggests illegal cigarettes are coming into the country in greater numbers, but their consignments are more difficult to spot. The C&AG reports suggest X-ray scanners in Irish ports are having limited success in detecting contraband tobacco. Last year, crime gangs are estimated to have sold 40m packets of cigarettes, at a value of around €160m.

Tobacco Smugglers Use Legitimate Cover

7

WINE sales are experiencing a recov-ery in 2010, after two years of decline. According to new figures, sales have increased by 3.8% since the start of the year, a phenomenon that can be attrib-uted to Brian Lenihan’s cut in excise duty in the last budget, and a decrease in people shopping in Northern Ireland, according to Philip Robinson, Irish Wine Association Chairman.

Wine experienced massive growth in Ireland during the boom years. In 1990, around 1.5m cases of wine were sold in Ireland; by 2007, this had increased five-fold. But the onset of the economic crisis in 2008 led to a sudden fall-off in sales. Despite this year’s recovery, Irish con-sumption of wine is still one of the low-est in Europe. Is there room for more growth? “It is important to remem-

ber that France, Germany, Italy and Spain are all wine producing countries, therefore the culture of wine in those countries is different,” Robinson, also Director of Marketing for Findlater Wine and Spirits, told Retail News. “Wine is a major indigenous industry in those places. You’d need to benchmark us against the UK. But I believe wine has good long term growth prospects.”

APPLEGREEN has won the Insight NACS 2010 International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award for format innovation and CSR initiatives at its flagship Mount Merrion site in Dublin.

The International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award, now in its second year, was sponsored by Imperial Tobacco and Baro Lighting, and this year’s competition attracted a record number of entries from retailers around the globe, spanning five continents.

Accepting the Award during the Insight NACS Future of International Convenience Retailing event, Applegreen Director, Joe Barrett, said: “We see the

Award as very much a team effort. We are very passionate about what we do and we love our business. Applegreen is 100% Irish-owned and operated and we develop most of the innovations and concepts that you see in-store within the company itself. They are a demonstra-tion of what creative, hardworking Irish people can create. Our new Motorway Service Areas are already being described as the best in Europe and we will continue to strive to innovate in the sector. This award from Insight NACS gives us global recognition for the work we do and I’m delighted to accept it on behalf of the Applegreen team.”

October10News

BillPay Sales Continue to Climb

Statistics reveal that BillPay sales are climbing annually, growing by over 50% year-on-year since its introduction to the market: not only that, but further PostPoint re-search identified that BillPay sales increase by up to 60% between the months of October and December.

Don’t miss out on this excellent revenue opportunity: make sure you are advertising BillPay in store during these peak months. If you would like to order BillPay POS, please contact PostPoint on 1890 20 42 20 or go online to www.postpoint.ie.

If you would like to speak to a sales representative about set-ting up BillPay in your store please contact 1890 20 42 20 or check out www.postpoint.ie.

Over 120 bills and growing are now payable in your store through PostPoint, once again proving PostPoint is the electronic service provider retailers can trust.

BILL PAY

www.postpoint.ie

Wine Recovery Welcomed

Applegreen Wins Top Award

Pictured at the presentation of the Insight NACS 2010 International Convenience Retailer of the Year Award are Terry Byrne, Managing Director,

Baro Retail Lighting (Award Sponsor); Joe Barrett, Director, Applegreen Ireland (Award Winner); and Ramon Kuijpers, International Key Accounts

Manager, Imperial Tobacco (Award Sponsor).

8

REWARDING excellence in the Irish food sector, the highly anticipated Product of the Show awards, sponsored by Marla.ie, took place at SHOP 2010 and saw the Simply Honest Food Company walk away with the Overall Product of the Show award. Its Chicken and Chili Vol Au Vent also claimed the award for Best New Taste 2010.

“To win the Best New Taste award is a fantastic honour, but to win the Overall Product of the Show Award, with our new Chicken and Chili Vol Au Vent, is an amazing endorsement from our industry,” commented Rosita Moyles of Simply Honest Food Company. “The competition was very high this year,

and I am delighted that out product, in the eyes of the judges, was the best for quality, innovation and high food standards.”

The SHOP Product of the Show Awards, spon-sored by Marla.ie is now firmly established as the major event in the Irish food and drink retail industry. “It is our sec-ond year of sponsorship and we are delighted at the quality of entrants,” noted Sheila Gallogy from sponsors Marla.ie. “The Simply Honest Food

Company’s product was an all-round winner and has huge potential. As the overall prize, we’ll be working with our team to provide marketing/design and web strategy expertise and advice worth €2,000 to further the brand.”

Last year’s winner of the Overall Product of the Show, The Blue Haven Company, is a great testament to the success that winning the award can bring. Loretto Kirwan, General Manager of Blue Haven Food Company, explains: “What we found most useful was the team’s ability to challenge our thinking, and assist us in shaping our company vision.”

There were six categories in total. The winners are: Best for Innovative Product– Activeion (Eurpoe) Gmbh; Best of Irish Product – Mash Direct;Best New Taste – Simply Honest Food Company;Best Value for Money Award– Floortech;Best Branded Product – Galbert Salads;The People’s Product of the Show Award 2010 – Irish Atlantic Salt Ltd.

See next month’s Retail News for a full report into SHOP 2010.

A STUDY published by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) to assess the microbiological safety of pre-packaged sandwiches shows that 99% were satisfac-tory when tested for the foodborne bacte-ria Listeria monocytogenes and coagulase positive staphylococci. However, of con-cern was the fact that 29% of sandwiches tested were stored or displayed at tem-peratures higher than 5˚C.

The study, which saw the HSE test-ing 948 pre-packaged sandwiches from retailers and caterers across the country, found that four of the five sandwiches which were classified as unsatisfactory or unacceptable/potentially hazardous were stored above 8˚C, with one sand-

wich displayed unrefrigerated at 17.9˚C. For three of these sandwiches, there was at least one day remaining until the use-by date expired, which could have allowed even more bacteria to grow. While the incidence of Listeria monocy-togenes infection is rare in Ireland, there is a high mortality rate (up to 40%) and only small numbers need to be consumed to cause serious infection.

Professor Alan Reilly, Chief Executive, FSAI, said that the survey highlighted an unacceptable disregard for temperature control: “Storing pre-packaged sandwiches at the incorrect temperature can lead to food poison-ing. The onus is on retailers and cater-

ers to ensure pre-packaged sandwiches are refrigerated at the recommended temperature of 5˚C or cooler,” he noted, going on to stress how “manufacturers must ensure that accurate and realistic use-by dates are applied to the sand-wiches they make”.

A full copy of the report is available on www.fsai.ie

Rewarding Excellence at SHOP 2010

29% of Pre-Packed Sandwiches Stored at Wrong Temperature

October10News

Rosita Moyles, Simply Honest Food Company, accepts the award for Overall Product of the Show, SHOP 2010, from judge John Hickey and Sheila Gallogy, Marla.ie,

award sponsors.

Aldi Expansion on Hold ALDI is holding off on plans to build a €100m distribution centre. Aldi have attributed this postponement to difficulties in the planning process: as a result the regional distribution centre will not open until 2013, when it is expected to create 140 jobs. “The lack of planning permissions for new stores is the only factor contributing to the delay in opening the new regional distribution centre,” an Aldi spokesperson recently told the Irish Examiner.

‘Since I joined Daybreak my store has gone from strength to strength. The support I receive from the Musgrave team is second to none.’

Stephen Clayton, Daybreak Kilcullen

Are you looking to improve the profi tability of your store? If so, then Daybreak is the smart choice. Here are fi ve good reasons to choose Daybreak:

Real Value for MoneyAs part of the Musgrave Group, we will enhance your sales and your margins with our competitive pricing and deep cut promotions.

A fresh look at ‘Food to go’Our new food solutions will drive your profi tability.

Our vibrant new imageWe’ve invested substantially to create a fresh new look.

Saving you moneyOur development costs are much more competitive than other symbols.

Our teamAn experienced and responsive team are always at your disposal.

‘Open up to better profi ts’

For more information call us on

086 771 4666

EUROSPAR Watch House Cross has officially opened its doors for business, with the Mayor of Limerick, Cllr Maria Bryne, cutting the ribbon on the supermarket, which was originally des-tined for closure – the Mayor is pictured with General Manager Derek Coyle. The

launch celebration coincides with the recent announce-ment that 54 jobs have been secured and up to 50 more positions are likely to be cre-ated over the next two years. An investment of €600,000 has gone into the refurbish-ment of the store, which now features a ‘Chill’ off-licence,

fresh food and deli counter, ‘Baker’s Tray’ and general grocery area, with an aisle dedicated to discount deals. “This is a very happy day for our staff and our customers, who were facing the prospect of their only neighbourhood supermarket closing,” noted owner, Maurice Smith.

TOP launched six Motorway Fuel Card Truck Stops in September as part of the National Roads Authority, Motorway Service Area (MSA) facilities. These fuel card truck stops represent a major development in our roads network, providing the haulage industry with best in class facilities comparable to those seen in continental Europe. There are two TOP Fuel Card Truck Stops at three different locations, providing facili-ties on both sides of the Motorways, totalling six Truck Stop sites. The locations include Lusk on the M1, Dundalk on the M1 and Enfield on the M4. The Fuel Card Truck Stops will accept all Major Fuel Cards. Pictured are Eamon Martin, National Fuel Card Manager, and Martin Daly from TOP.

10

EUROSPAR Moyross to Create 50 New Jobs

TOP Opens Motorway Fuel Card Truck Stops

KILKENNY hurler Henry Shefflin and legendary broadcaster Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh are pic-tured at the Lucozade Sport sponsored 10th Coaching Ireland Conference held at The Convention Centre, Dublin. A host of well known stars from all corners of the sporting world were on

hand to share their knowledge and experience. Among the top sports names leading the ‘From Playground to Podium’ forum and presenting keynote addresses on a wide range of sporting topics were Henry Shefflin, GAA All-Star and seven-time All Ireland hurling medal winner, interna-tional soccer manager Brian Kerr, GAA President Christy Cooney, and Billy Walsh, high performance boxing coach.

Lily O’Brien’s Sign Deal with EnergiaIRISH chocolate makers Lily O’Brien’s are going green in a new renewable energy deal with leading independent energy provider Energia. The new deal will see Energia supplying Lily O’Brien’s production facility in Newbridge, Co Kildare, with 1GwHs (gigawatt hours) of green electricity each year. The deal is valued at roughly €115,000 annually. Pictured announcing the deal are John King, Key Account Manager, Energia, and Suzanne Walsh, Marketing Manager, Lily O’Brien’s, who noted how “driving the business forward in a more ecologically friendly and cost effective manner has been a strategic priority for Lily O’Brien’s over the past number of years and the move to Energia simply marks another milestone in Lily O’Brien’s ‘green’ journey.”

ROS Na Rún actresses Linda Breathnach and Lisa Ni Laoire are pictured out-side the new Centra shop on the set of the popular show. The new Centra out-let, which is situated on the main street of the busy fic-tional village, was unveiled when Ros na Rún returned recently for its 15th season. Similar to local Centra stores throughout Ireland, the local ‘Siopa’ plays a cen-tral role in the Ros na Rún community as it is where

much of the drama unfolds in the village. This year, Ros na Rún viewers will see the character Bríd, a dynamic busi-nesswoman, take over the running of the ‘Siopa’, signing a deal with Centra to open a contemporary flagship store in the village.

October10Industry News

Centra Store on Ros na Rún Lucozade Sport Sponsors Coaching Conference

IT’S an offence for a person to sell tobacco products to those under-18 years of age. While the majority of retailers comply with the law, research by the Office of Tobacco Control (OTC) shows that one third of retailers appear to be less rigorous in their commitment to upholding the law. Given the key role played by retailers in our communities, this is regrettable.

In October, the OTC will be running an advertising campaign, ‘Don’t kID yourself’, to support retailers and their staff in asking young people for ID. The campaign creates an expectation that young people will be asked for ID if they ask for cigarettes or tobacco products. It also highlights the penalties for retailers who don’t comply with the law, including fines of up to €3,000 and a ban on selling tobacco products.

Selling tobacco to under-18s is in breach of the law and it is facilitating access to a product that is highly addictive and kills one in two users. Most smokers die prematurely and lose between 10 and 15 quality life years. Everyone has a responsibility to protect our young people’s health. There’s nothing minor about the consequences of selling tobacco products to children.

PICTURED at the announcement that News International newspa-per titles The Irish Sun and The Irish News of the World are the new sponsors of the Premier League coverage on RTÉ are (seated): Darragh Moloney, presenter of Premier League coverage on RTÉ Television; Trevor Steven, panellist on Premier League coverage on RTÉ and former England and Everton footballer; Aengus O Hanlon, Assistant Editor, The Irish Sun; Kenny Cunningham, panellist on Premier League coverage on RTÉ and former Irish international; and (standing) Kevin Lynch, Sports Editor, The Irish News of the World; and Geoff Thompson, Sports Editor, The Irish Sun. The deal covers the entire Premier League season and includes sponsorship of coverage on RTÉ Television, RTÉ Radio and RTÉ Online.

OTC Campaign to Crack Down on Tobacco Sales to Minors

News International On the Ball

PICTURED are (l-r): Terence Mangan, District Governor of Lions Clubs International, and Brian Donaldson, General Manager, Marketing & Retail Ireland, Maxol, at the announcement of the Travelling Lions Awards with Maxol, which have been introduced to recognise and encourage travel amongst the 3,000 members of the 120 Lions Clubs operating on the island of Ireland. As par-ticipants in the Travelling Lions Awards scheme, Maxol will sponsor fuel vouchers which will be presented at the Lions Annual Convention and Awards Event, to be held in Dublin in February 2011. The vouchers will be used to reward those individual members who actively travel in support of the Lions charity and fund raising events out-side of their normal district.

Superquinn’s Golden Ticket

SUPERQUINN has launched one of its biggest ever in-store promotions, the ‘Superquinn Golden Ticket’. Launched as part of the retailer’s 50th birthday celebrations, with

a €50,000 prize fund, consumers also have the chance to win hundreds of thousands of free Golden Ticket prod-ucts. Supported by brands such as Fairy, Lyons, Tayto, Country Crest, Andrex, Coca Cola, Traditional Cheese Co., Denny, Danone, AIBP and Donnelly’s, the promotion runs for a period of 50 days, up November 10. Pictured at the launch of Superquinn’s Golden Ticket are (l-r): Liz Kennedy, Brand Manager, Fairy; Ray Connolly, AIBP; Ciaran Donnelly, Donnellys; Philip Lynch, National Account Manager, Danone Ireland; Ciaran Stone, National Account Manager, Kerry Foods; Suzanne McHugh, Brand Marketing Manager, Superquinn; Tony Doyle, Commercial Manager, Country Crest; Michael Graham, National Account Manager, Largo Foods; Jennifer Fielden, Customer Account Manager, Kimberly Clark; and Grainne Whalley, Managing Director, Traditional Cheese Co.

Driving Better Ideas Further


11

BULMERS Ltd has announced the sponsorship of Ireland’s largest free summer festival in 2011, the Tall Ships Races 2011, which will take place in Waterford next summer from June 30 to July 3. The event is expected to attract over 500,000 visitors over four days and is anticipated to represent a boost of €35m to the city of Waterford. “The Tall Ships Races in Waterford is going to be one of the highlights of 2011 and is a natural fit for Bulmers, both in terms of location and the Bulmers Live music offering,” said Marcus Goodwin of Bulmers Ltd. “One of our key associations will be on the evening entertainment programme and the music that will help bring the event to life over the four days. We look forward to working with our trade partners in Waterford and being part of something very special in our home region.” Pictured at the launch are Des Whelan, Chairman of the Tall Ships Races 2011, with Marcus Goodwin and Barry Moran of Bulmers.

12

Bulmers Sponsors Tall Ships Races 2011

JAMESON Irish Whiskey has been awarded the prestigious Market Watch Spirit Brand of the Year in the United States. In its acknowledgment of the award to Jameson, Market Watch said: “This year’s Spirit Brand of the Year is a brand that, simply put, built a cat-egory.” The annual award is voted upon by a group of more than 200 active retail leaders from across 52 states. “We are honoured to receive this great award from Market Watch and congratulate all who have been a part of Jameson’s remark-able success in the United States,” said Alexandre Ricard, Chairman and Chief Executive, Irish Distillers Pernod Ricard. “We have great ambitions for the Jameson brand over the coming decade and we fully expect to deliver on these and to ensure that Jameson will be firmly established amongst the world’s elite spirits brands by 2020.”

Tallanstown is Ireland’s Tidiest Town PICTURED at the TidyTowns award ceremony at The Helix, Dublin, recently were the winners of the overall award from Tallanstown, Co. Louth with Minister for Environment, Health and Local Government, John Gormley TD, and Ray Kelly, Marketing Director, SuperValu, the competition’s national sponsor. The Minister thanked SuperValu for its continued support of Tidy Towns: “In these economic times, where money is scarcer, we value the continued support of SuperValu all the more and I thank them for their commitment both at a national level and in the work that all of the SuperValu stores do with local TidyTowns groups.” SuperValu have sponsored the National TidyTowns competition since 1992.

PICTURED at the launch of the Down Syndrome Ireland Boyne Valley Honey Days campaign are (l-r): Pat Clarke, Chief Executive, Down Syndrome Ireland; Des Jones (11) and Nicola Jones (7) from Ballivor, Co. Meath; and Gillian Hennessy, Brand Manager, Boyne Valley. Running throughout the month of October, the campaign sees the return of the mini Boyne Valley Honey pots on sale for €2 from volunteers nationwide. You can also support the campaign online by purchasing a virtual Boyne Valley Honey pot at www.downsyndrome.ie. “This is our 15th year supporting Down Syndrome Ireland and we are delighted that monies raised this October will go directly to supporting the front-line services that are invaluable to families across the country,” said Jennifer Richards, Marketing Director, Boyne Valley Honey.


Boyne Valley Honey Days Jameson Named Spirits Brand of the Year in the US

Graham Mahony had only taken charge of the Costcutter store in Birr, Co. Offaly three weeks before the visit of Retail News, but he has big plans to build the business and an exceptionally good working relationship with Costcutter and the Barry Group.

In 2008, Graham joined the Barry Group as an account manager. One of the shops in his region was Flynn’s Costcutter in Birr. When the chance came to take over the Birr store and move from account manager to retailer, Graham couldn’t resist the opportunity, even during a recession.

“I knew this shop well,” Graham explains. “Aidan Flynn had built up a loyal local custom and established a reputa-tion for good value for money. I also knew the Barry Group very well. Barry’s, although a large and professional organi-sation, is still at its core a family-owned business. There is fantastic accessibility to everyone in the organisation up to and including Jim Barry.”

Having worked as an Account Manager with Costcutter, Graham was aware of just how strong the support provided to Costcutter retailers is: “so despite the fact that I have never owned my own shop before, I am confident that this venture will be a success. The relationship with Costcutter and the retailer is 100% a partnership. Costcutter shops are where the brand meets the consumer. It is here that we provide the fresh, modern, friendly shopping environment and it is here that the consumer experiences the value for money offering that partnership with Costcutter allows retailers to provide.”

Expert SupportGraham cites the level of support from the Barry Group as critical to the partnership: “Costcutter provides retailers with expert support in category management, in business planning, in local marketing, in every single area that the

retailer needs. I would not and could not have taken over this shop without that support and expertise being made available to me.”

The large supermarket format of Mahony’s Costcutter gives Graham plenty of scope to rede-sign the interior layout and update the format of the shop. The current plan is to retain and pro-mote the pre-existing strengths of the business, to keep the loyal local customer base happy and to introduce a high convenience element, focused on the entrance and off-licence, to allow the shop to maximise its exploitation of passing trade and impulse purchases.

In the main body of the shop, aisles will be widened and aisle shelf heights lowered to cre-ate a more pleasant shopping experience for the trolley shopper. The shop already has a great

Graham Mahony has just taken over Costcutter, Birr, Co. Offaly, but already has plans in place to revamp the store and build its strong local trade.

Big Plans for Costcutter Birr

October10Shop Profile

14

Pictured outside Costcutter Birr are David Smith, Fruit and Veg. Advisor; Graham Mahony, store owner; Gerard Heffernan, Store Developer; and Alan

Hogan, Account Manager, Costcutter.

15

reputation for fresh food, with an extensive offering of top quality fresh meat and fish, as well as an outstanding selec-tion of freshly baked, locally sourced breads. These will be promoted even more heavily in the redesigned layout.

The Price PointCritical to the success of the venture is getting the price point right. The Barry Group and Costcutter has the buying power to offer its retailers branded good offers that not only wow the consumer but still allow, in some cases, a double digit margin for the retailer. Along with Graham’s plans to update and strengthen Point of Sale promotion for value offers, this is a plan that should keep retailer and consumer alike smiling, even in troubling trading times.

By taking over a pre-existing Costcutter, Graham has enjoyed the advantage of being able to retain all the exist-ing staff. “As much as the right image and right pricing strategy, the right staff are critical to achieving a return on my investment in this shop,” the store owner admits. “I am very lucky to have inherited excellent staff and this is an area where again Costcutter provides me with compre-hensive support and advice. Morale is high and everyone is looking forward to the redesign process. I have looked to

involve staff in the planning process, actively seeking their input, along with that of Costcutter.”

Graham recently attended the Costcutter Annual Conference, where “the mood was one of cautious optimism. There’s no denying times are tough but the Barry Group and Costcutter have grown through this recession. There are more shops in the Group now and the buying power is stronger than ever. I think any retailer has to be at least slightly optimistic to stay in business: with that optimism, allied to a lot of hard work and the support of the Group, Costcutter retailers have managed to keep trading success-fully through this recession.”

Key StrengthsGraham knows exactly where Costcutter Birr’s strengths lie and is keen to build on them. “This shop is going to stay at the heart of this community,” he stresses. “We will continue to provide locals with great value for money on a quality product and a shopping experience that is even better than they are used to. I want this to become a destination shop for repeat customers and, through our improved high con-venience offering, for regular passing trade.”

His views are echoed by Alan Hogan, Account Manager with Costcutter: “Working with retailers like Graham is a privilege. His determination to build the success of this business matches our determination to build the reputation of the Costcutter brand. Our job is to provide him with all the support and advice he needs, along with a wholesale strategy that provides him with a strong margin, because the success and quality of his business is the success and quality of the Costcutter Group.”

Graham’s investment in Mahony’s Costcutter displays a confidence that is rooted in the knowledge that Costcutter and the Barry Group are completely committed to their part-nership with retailers like him and to the success of his busi-ness. Confidence built on that strong founda-tion will help Graham retain the optimism that is so impor-tant to the spirit of entrepreneurship.

Fact File

Owner: Location:

Size: Number of

Staff:Opening

Hours:

Graham MahonyTownsend Street, Birr, Co Offaly7,500 square feet

31 full & part time

08:00-21:00, Monday-Thursday & Sunday; 08:00-22:00, Friday & Saturday.

October10Shop Profile

The recent Joint National Readership Survey (JNRS) is very significant for Irish newsagents. This survey reveals that 86% of our popu-lation regularly reads a newspaper and most read more than one title a week. This compares with 33% of British people and 30% of Americans who said that they had read a news-paper the previous day.

Yet, if you had listed to the radio when the results were published, you could have sworn that newspapers were in decline and the future was bleak. This is far from the case, with nine out of 10 Irish people claiming that they read a newspaper the previous day.

Yes, sales are in decline: overall readership has dropped in the last 12 months but the drop is less than half of one percent. There are still three and a half million readers (3,522,000 readers!) of newspapers each day in Ireland. One of the reasons given for this slight decline (0.28%) has been cited as less people in work so less people buying newspapers each day.

As retailers, we could actually argue the opposite and report that our observations are that people who are newly unemployed are still buying daily newspapers to keep abreast of the current situation, and more importantly, the purchase of a newspaper is a very inexpensive way to occupy a couple of hours, with crosswords and sudoku and a free TV listing each day.

Capitalising on Newspaper SalesWe have a unique opportunity to really capitalise on these newspaper sales and allow the daily planned purchase of a newspaper to create more sales in-store. Where do you display newspapers in your shop? Are they on a tower beside the door or at the till point? Or do you display newspapers on a plinth underneath your magazine stand at the front of your store? If you display newspapers on a tower, you are losing the oppor-tunity to make a cross purchase of a magazine.

If you compare the daily planned purchases of cigarettes and newspapers, you can examine ways to increase the overall sale at the till. Tobacco is the driver – the customer has made a decision to stop at your stop to buy cigarettes, but often the smoker will leave with an impulse purchase of chewing gum, mints or a lighter. Similarly, if you locate newspapers on the plinth below a well planned display of magazines, then you can combine the planned purchase with an impulse purchase of a magazine.

If The Irish Times is located just beneath serious magazine titles like Newsweek, Time, The Economist or more specific interest titles like Focus, New Scientist or National Geographic, then you have a really good opportunity to take a planned purchase of less than €2 and turn it into a fiver at the till point. You will not get the same opportunity if The Irish Times is on a tower, nor if you have this located beneath comics.

The Irish Times sells approximately 359,000 copies each day, according to the latest

Joint National Readership Survey.

The hugely popular Newsweek provides comprehensive coverage of global affairs, business, society, science and technology, along with

arts and entertainment.

16

October10Karen Meenan’s News Rack

Have I Got News for YouKaren Meenan looks at the importance of newspapers to your News Rack’s profitability, while also highlighting the opportunity to use newspapers to create more sales in-store through cross-purchases.

Are you ready?Ireland vAustralia

Get ReAdy And WIn tIckets to one of these GAmessimply call 01-637 5917 and we will send you a promotional pack to help support the

Irish daily mail International Rules series.

Gaelic Grounds, Limerick.23rd october

croke Park, dublin.30th october

Taking a Fresh Look at NewsagencyA newspaper is still a daily planned purchase – it is still the freshest item for sale in your store. It arrives fresh each morning and you can return all un-solds for full credit when the retail day is over, ready for another delivery of fresh news in the morning. This area of your business is predict-able, has no waste, does not rely on seasons or weather and does not need to be chilled, frozen, heated, probed or weighed.

All of this sounds very obvious – but take a new look at the newsagency as a department which despite the recession is still giving a steady 25% full sale-or-return margin. You don’t need any special equipment, and energy costs do not need to be factored into the net margin, as there is no need for walk in freezers, cold rooms, ovens or hot serve-overs.

The best thing about newsagency is that all sales are 25% full sale-or-return so there is no risk to you. All you have to do is re-work your planogram, concentrate on placing magazine titles in the best selling location in the stand to avail of this cross purchase opportunity. And of course – take care with the paperwork – attention to detail of the daily recall notes, delivery notes and credits processed notes are vital is you are to attain this 25% margin.

Newspapers just need to be counted each morning (including Saturday and Sunday) to ensure that you get the quantity stated on the delivery docket and then they need to be made available for sale. At the end of the day, the newspapers that didn’t sell need to be parcelled up and returned to the correct supplier with an old delivery note to show the supplier your account number and bar code and left in a security bin, so you get full credit on the next invoice. Simple! But if it really is that simple, why do so many retailers talk about ‘losing their shirt’ on the newsagency and refer to this department as a ‘nightmare’? We’ll talk more about this later.

Serious News for Serious TimesSome retailers say that in a recession or an economic downturn, people turn

to more serious newspapers to try to make sense of what is happening to the local and global economy – for example, The Economist is having a bumper year, ‘serious news for serious times’.

Other titles performing well in the ‘serious news’ category include Newsweek, Time, Focus, New Scientist and National Geographic, along with other titles closer to home like Business Plus, Business & Finance and a more satirical look from the eyes of Private Eye and Phoenix.

Newsweek provides comprehensive coverage of global affairs, business, society, science and technology, along with arts and entertainment. It was founded in 1933 and has award winning journalists located around the world – this title appears in more than 190 countries. Newsweek.com provides 24-hour breaking news coverage and viewers can read the entire print magazine online.

Private Eye is the UK’s best-selling news and current affairs magazine, with a mix of ground-breaking news stories, cartoons, spoofs and jokes. Edited by Ian Hislop, known to many for his appearances on ‘Have I Got News For You’, the magazine features some of the best journalists, writers and cartoonists in Britain.

Phoenix is the Irish equivalent of Private Eye and takes a very satirical view of our politicians and regularly lampoons the Irish Government.

Other UK titles which are not so well known but have a cult following

are Spectator, Investors Chronicle and Business Week. ‘Serious titles for serious times’ – this is certainly true in the case of Investors Chronicle, which grew sales by 12% last year. This year, the magazine celebrates its 150th anniversary and is read by private investors, covering the whole of the investment spectrum from stocks and share to derivatives, bonds and funds.

Bloomberg Businessweek is a trusted source of essential, comprehensive insight that business leaders depend on to get ahead. Combining the innovation and scale of Bloomberg with the insight and depth of Businessweek, the new Bloomberg Businessweek offers a global perspective to help senior executives profit from smarter, faster, and more informed decisions. Drawing on 1,700 journalists in 146 bureaus across 72 countries, Bloomberg Businessweek is capable of covering the business world like no one else can. Founded in 1929, the magazine is a market leader, with more than 4.7m readers each week in 140 countries

Irish titles Business Plus and Business & Finance give a unique view on all that is relevant to Irish business leaders: many of these titles focus on case studies of businesses that have hit hard times and solutions offered by many different strategists.

Why are these titles so popular now? There are a number of common world-wide themes: the recession is a global one and now more than ever our interests are spread wider

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Investors Chronicle grew its sales by 12% last year and this year celebrates

its 150th anniversary.

Spectator might not be a household name, but enjoys a

cult following in Ireland.

IN the latest Joint National Readership Survey (JNRS 0910), Associated Newspapers were the only newspaper group to show total growth against the last reporting period, increasing market share in circulation and readership in both the daily and Sunday markets. The latest six-monthly ABC results also show growth for both the Irish Daily Mail, with sales of 51,338, and The Irish Mail on Sunday, with sales of 121,641 against the last reporting period.

“In a tough economic climate we have maintained our level of invest-ment in the marketing and quality of our products,” noted David Vaz, Circulation Manager, Associated Newspapers Ireland. “As a result of our continued investment we have increased our share in circulation and readership in both the Daily and Sunday markets.

“We also proud that the GAA announced the Irish Daily Mail to be the title sponsor of this year’s

International Rules Series,” he con-tinued. “This is our largest sponsor-ship investment to date. We are pas-sionate about sport and understand that retailers and our readers share this passion - especially for the GAA.”

The first match of the Irish Daily Mail International Rules Series will take place at the Gaelic Grounds, Limerick on October 23 when Ireland face Australia and seven days later the second test takes place at Croke Park.

The company are offering retail-ers the chance to play their part in the Irish Daily Mail International Rules Series and at the same time a chance to win tickets for either match. “Simply confirm that you have displayed our point of sale and you will be entered into our draw,” explained David Vaz, who con-cluded by promising that Associated Newspapers will “continue to invest in our products, ensuring that we understand and hold the reader at the heart of all of our activities.”

Associated Newspapers Post Strong Readership Results

Pictured are (l-r): Anthony Tohill, Ronan Redmond, Niamh NicLiam, Marketing Manager, and Paul Henderson, Managing Director, Associated Newspapers, with

Bruce Davis, Ken O’Brien and Sean Og de Paor.

than Ireland or indeed Europe. We are watching each country with interest to see ‘green shoots’ of market recovery and comparing with Ireland to see where we rank worldwide. Interestingly, Newsweek Magazine featured Brian Cowen as one of the Top 10 most influential world leaders in an August issue: I wonder will that help increase newsagency sales…

Another common theme is the impact of global warming – if you look at the front covers of many of these titles, this is front cover news for at least one issue every quarter. Climate change and natural disasters sell newspapers – they also sell niche sub-categories such as New Scientist, Focus and National Geographic mentioned above. Have you noticed recently more sell-outs than normal for newspapers? Was this linked to the floods in Pakistan? Or earlier in the year, did you notice more sales of newspapers when the earthquake hit Haiti with such disastrous consequences?

Bad news sells newspapers and this recession does not seem to be having the same effect on the newsagency as on other categories. Sales, while down, are only down by less than half of one percent: compare this sector with many others and the benefits of getting good at newsagency are enormous.

To Have and To HoldThe sales of newspapers could be threatened with on-line versions but books and magazines still have a hugely loyal following. People like

to have and to hold and part of the appeal of buying magazines is the feel of flicking pages of a glossy title. Magazines have often been described as ‘bubble gum for the eyes’.

People buy magazines in good times and in bad. In the boom years, we bought magazines with abandon, but now we are still buying magazines: this time, however, we are replacing old shopping habits with new ones.

Treats are affordable little luxuries. So if the family foreign holiday is knocked on the head and replaced with a couple of days ‘staycation’ and the meals out are replaced with take away pizza instead - one thing that remains constant is ‘a little bit of what you fancy does you good’.

And if what you fancy is golf, fashion, music or cinema, there is a magazine on the shelf of your local newsagency to suit you. Car magazines have been selling well – with or without the scrappage scheme, and brides will still buy a monthly title to keep up with the latest fashion trends, albeit with a smaller budget than in years gone by. So magazine purchases now are viewed not just as an extra purchase popped idly in the trolley or basket as part of a weekly or top-up shop, but as a carefully thought out and well deserved treat.

Newspapers can be viewed online – this is a world wide problem, it is difficult to sell something that is readily available free of charge. Sales of Sunday titles in particular have fallen: The Sunday Business Post had a 14% drop in sales compared with 2009 and The Sunday Tribune, which has just been re-launched as a tabloid, saw a drop of 17% in the same period.

The Irish Times had re-positioned itself last year as a Saturday/Sunday newspaper, offering more supplements, and has encouraged retailers to keep the newspaper on display for two full days for return on Monday. Most retailers are still taking the newspaper off sale on Saturday evening, however, losing the 5% of sales which are estimated to be generated the next day. Space is an issue in all stores, but it is worth chasing every sale these days, so alternatives such as an extra wide plinth are solutions to the space problem.

Understanding the CategoryThe main problem seems to be that many retailers don’t fully understand the newsagency process and more importantly, don’t understand that returns have to be completed every day and returned to the correct supplier on time in order to receive full credit – and therein lies the problem. If the retailer doesn’t fully understand the process, then the person managing the newsagency is at a loss when things go wrong and credits are rejected and codes appear on the credit advice note – all indicating lost margin.

Newspread have just removed the weekly credit advice viewer from their website and have replaced with daily credits processed viewers. What this means is that credits must be checked every single day and shortages reported on the day or money will be lost. For example, if you returned six copies of the Tuesday issue of the Irish Independent Broadsheet and were only credited for five, you must report that shortage on the day it appears on your daily processed viewer or you will lose the credit for this newspaper. Many retailers are very confused by this new system, so just check that you are fully aware of what the daily checking entails, to avoid loss in your margin. If you are not achieving 25% or more in this category, there is something wrong with your system that needs fixing.

The Daily Profit works very closely with retailers, wholesalers and publishers, troubleshooting and acting as a buffer between retailer and supplier. The Daily Profit becomes a third party that manages the standing order for the retailer, ensuring that the right supply and the right range of titles for that particular store is kept so that the retailer can build sales, reduce losses and reduce wage costs. The retailer has to take a leap from being a shop that sells magazines to a destination newsagent to achieve all those extra sales.

For further details please contact Karen Meenan, The Daily Profit, 3 Warren house Road, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 on 086 6027711 or email [email protected]

20


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Ireland’s soup market is a valuable one, accounting for almost €50m of sales annually. We are currently entering the peak selling period for soups, as the temperature drops, the nights draw in and consumers reach for comfort food. Indeed, soup ticks a lot of boxes when it comes to Irish consumers, being convenient, nutritious, healthy and tasty.

According to industry sources, over 80% of soup sales are in the four most popular varieties: Mixed Veg, Chicken Tomato and Beef. Oxtail is a unique Irish flavour within beef. Indeed, Knorr Oxtail 825ml is the top selling SKU in total soup and represents 3% of total soup sales and 27% of beef soup sales. However, the category’s main manufac-turers are constantly introducing new flavours and varieties to capture con-sumers’ attention. The number of con-sumers who purchase soup, particularly fresh soup, is rising, so there is plenty of scope for further growth in the market in the months and years ahead.

Knorr SoupThe soup market is worth €49.9m annually in Ireland and claiming an overall share of 37.4%, Knorr is proud to be the number one brand in this market. Knorr benefits from a wide reach in the soup market, where it operates within the packet, instant and wet ambient soup markets and is market leader in both

packet and instant soup with a market share leadership of 81.7% in the packet sector and 59.1% in the instant sector (Source: ACNielsen, Extended Scantrack, MAT to August 8, 2010).

Knorr’s offering in pouch soup, Special Recipe Soup, now claims 47.8% of the pouch soup market, due in part to the launch of an Organic pouch soup range which helped

deliver further growth this year. Knorr Organic Pouch soups are available in three delicious

flavours: Creamy Tomato, Creamy Mushroom and Vegetable.

Knorr is extremely proud of its continued growth trend in share, despite the economic cli mate. This autumn, Knorr will look to continue to build on this success with new recipe renovation in pouch soups and an exciting activation on the way with above-the-line support, ensuring that Knorr will be very much front of mind

22

October10Soup

Stocking up on soups makes sound business sense as we enter the peak selling period for this €49.9m market.

Bowled Over!!!

Knorr benefits from a wide reach in the soup market, where it operates within the packet, instant and wet ambient soup markets.

Knorr Quick Soup: a firm favourite with Irish consumers.

Knorr have enjoyed tremendous success with their Special Recipe Soups pouch range.

Knorr claims leadership of the Irish packet soup market, with an 81.7% share (Source: ACNielsen, Extended Scantrack,

MAT to August 8, 2010).

24

for consumers this winter! In addition, there will also be a wide range of recipe inspiration and family meal-time tips avail-able to consumers through the www.knorrsoups.ie website.

AvonmoreAvonmore Fresh Soup is again proving why it is the fresh soup category leader by bringing brand innovation in the form of new pack sizes and designs to market. The new pack sizes are designed to fit individuals’ and families’ needs for tasty products at great value for money prices. Available in stores countrywide since September 20, the new packs are 400g, for that convenient lunch for one, 660g, perfect for the kids’ snack after school, and 1kg, which has Saturday lunch time for the whole family covered. This development is a direct response to changing consumer demand and provides Irish consumers with a tasty and convenient meal solution that fits with their lifestyle.

As market leader, commanding 58.2% (volume) share of the total fresh soup category (MAT Aug 2010), Avonmore Fresh Soup is driving the category and is a basket staple for 40% of Irish shoppers – a figure that is set to continue to grow over the

coming months. Avonmore Fresh Soup continues to devel-op the fresh soup category by investing heavily in advertis-ing and promotions, thereby attracting new consumers to the category, as well as up-weighting loyal fresh soup consumers.

The new pack sizes are available in 12 family-pleasing recipes and are packed fresh to seal in the wholesome fla-vour and freshness. Avonmore Fresh Soup is the leading manufacturer of soup in the country, with production taking place in the heart of the country in Co. Kilkenny

for almost 20 years. The brand is also proud to be a part of the independent food organisation, Love Irish Food, which con-tinues to promote Irish manufactured food and drink brands to con-sumers in an effort to safeguard the future of Ireland’s largest indig-enous industry.

Cully & SullyCully & Sully have been getting bolder with their soups and new hotpots,

recently releasing a Thai Chicken Soup, a Chili Con Carne Hotpot and a Chicken Tikka Hotpot. The

Avonmore Fresh Soup has just introduced new pack sizes and designs to market, including a 400g, 660g and 1kg pack.

October10Soup

New Thai Chicken Soup from Cully & Sully: gluten free and healthy, containing two of

consumers’ recommended five daily vegetable portions.

Cully & Sully have been getting bolder with their soups and new hotpots, which are super convenient and super healthy.

Top Soup Flavours

Mixed Veg 30.2%Chicken 26.3%Tomato 12.7%Beef 11.7%Mushroom 6.2%Single Veg 4.2%Minestrone 1.3%Other 7.4%

(Source: ACNielsen)

25

multi-award-winning soups are all smooth, gluten free and super healthy, containing two of consumers’ recommended five daily vegetable portions. The new Hotpots are super convenient, designed to be eaten out of the pack and some are surprisingly low in fat: The Irish Stew is only 1.8g /100g!

The full range of Hotpots includes new Chili Con Carne and Chicken Tikka, alongside Cheeky Chicken Curry, Chicken Casserole, Irish Stew and Beef Stew. The full range of soups includes new Thai Chicken Soup, along with Chicken and Vegetable Soup, Vegetable Soup, White Winter Vegetable Soup, Honey Carrot & Coriander Soup, Creamy Tomato & Basil Soup, Mushroom Soup, Pea & Mint Soup.

“What we are finding is a lot of people trading up to soups or as the

hotpots are more filling and more convenient than a soup, as they are designed to be eaten out of the container, people are buying them when soup just isn’t substantial enough,” notes Cully. “Guys love them because they are more sub-stantial and girls love them because

some of them are so low in fat: the Irish Stew is only 1.8 g/100g and the Beef Stew is 2.8g/100g. Our new Chili Con Carne and Chicken Tikka also have been solid favourites at the Ploughing Championships and Electric Picnic, where we were hand-ing out free samples.”

October10Soup

Chilled Soups Grow in VolumeACCORDING to recent figures from Kantar Worldpanel, the chilled soup market in Ireland was worth €16.4m for the year ending June 30, 2010. Volumes grew by 8.9% but the value of the category fell by 6.2% or €1.08m over the period.

The category is dominated by brands, which account for 84.2%, a growth of 1.2% over the previous 12 months. The number of buy-ers in the category grew by 3.8%, which suggests that new buyers have been recruited to the category, while the frequency of purchase fell by 2.5%, implying that basket sizes were bigger.

The average price per kilo fell by around 14% to €3.72 per kilo. This reflects the growth in products sold under promotion in the fresh soups category, which increased from 20.1% to 28.6% over the 12-month period, as manufacturers offered a number of promotions to maintain and grow volumes.

For Irish soup manufacturers, there continues to be opportunities to grow the market by bringing in new shoppers through promotions and launching new flavours either as seasonal or year round offers. (Source: Bord Bia)

The annual Londis Conference and Retailing Excellence Awards took place in the Radisson Hotel in Galway at the end of September. Londis retailers from all over Ireland were treated to a day of insightful and energising speeches, followed by a wonderful evening banquet and an awards ceremony recognising retail-ing excellence within the group.

The 2010 theme, ‘Join our Journey’, encapsulates the journey of Londis retailers and the Group Support Office through this difficult economic period and considers how to move on into 2011 an even stronger force.

Well known broadcaster and journalist Matt Cooper took time out from his role hosting the Last Word on Today FM and joined Londis as the MC for the morning conference, introducing each of the speakers, as well as offering his own insights on the topics in question. Matt also stressed the historic importance of the decisions that were to be made by Government in the subsequent fortnight and pointed towards a possible renegotiation of the terms of Irish debt as a potential road to recovery.

Recovery in Consumer SpendingChairman of Amárach Research, Gerard O’Neill was first to speak, detailing extensive research which pointed towards a recovery in consumer spending through 2011. Gerard offered data based advice to retailers on how to prepare for any upcoming recovery in the economy and offered an insight into how consumers may behave towards various goods and serv-ices in the future.

Retailing Consultant James Burke delivered an excellent presentation, crammed full of simple yet often overlooked tips which can help turn any retail business into a success, from encouraging retailers to become renowned in their communities for delicious home baking or locally produced artisan foods, to identifying marketing initiatives that can have a huge impact on the bottom line.

Peter Foley, Londis Commercial Director, identified the significant margins that Londis has been able to offer its retailers, highlighting

26

‘Join Our Journey’ was the theme of this year’s annual Londis Conference, where the group’s Retailing Excellence Awards were presented.

October10ADM Londis Retailer Conference

Londis’ Epic Journey Continues

Londis CEO Stephen O’Riordan, Londis Regional Development Manager Leo Jones and host Marty Whelan present Majella and John Roche

with the 2010 Londis Store of the Year Award at the 2010 Londis Retail Excellence Awards.

Stephen O’Riordan, Londis CEO, Peter Foley Londis Commercial Director and guest

speaker Sir Ranulph Fiennes are pictured at the 2010 ADM Londis Retailer Conference.

developments such as the expansion of the Heritage Range for 2010. Since its introduction in 2009, the Heritage Range has proven extremely popular with Londis customers and has continued to deliver significant margin growth for Londis retailers, especially when compared with competitors. Peter also took time to highlight a number of extremely competitive offerings available to Londis retailers, including their excellent wine range

and reinforced his position that the door is always open to suppliers who want to work with Londis in order to provide greater margins for its retailers.

Independent retailer, David Sands gave a fantastic presentation on the importance of trading at the heart of the community. Voted UK Convenience Retailer of the Year at the Convenience Tracking Programme Awards and with 29 stores across

Scotland, David has established an extremely successful model based at the heart of local communities. David’s stores are proud to boast that they source over 22% of their products locally and each store focuses on a recruitment strategy which aims to develop the best local people to work with them. David outlined how being a small player didn’t mean you couldn’t compete on value; moreover, it meant that you had to work harder

27


Londis’ Epic Journey Continues

Photo 1:

Event MC, Matt Cooper, Today FM.

Photo 2:

Retailing Consultant James Burke addresses delegates at the 2010 ADM Londis Retailer Conference.

Photo 3:

Independent Retailer, David Sands provided a fantastic presentation on the importance of trading at the heart of the community

Photo 4:

Gerard O’Neill, Chairman of Amárach Research, addresses the Conference.

Photo 5:

Londis Commercial Director Peter Foley presents Ray and Maura Keating from Keating’s Londis Plus, Cobh with the Category Award for Best Customer Service at the 2010 Londis Retail Excellence Awards.

Photo 6:

Londis Commercial Director Peter Foley presents Seamus and Ger Griffin from Griffin’s Londis, Stephens Green with the Category Award for Best Deli and Hot Food Offering at the 2010 Londis Retail Excellence Awards.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Photo 6

to develop the right partnerships with suppliers to give your customers the best offering possible. Identifying local marketing initiatives and sponsorship opportunities, David highlighted the importance of listening to the community and responding in a personal way to their needs. With these beliefs at the core of his business, David Sands has achieved excellent growth and established a brand which people throughout Scotland can trust.

Achieving Outstanding GoalsAfter an engaging questions and answers session hosted by Matt Cooper, the last speaker of the day was introduced. Described by the Guinness Book of Records as “the world’s greatest living explorer”, Sir Ranulph Fiennes has led over 20 gru-elling expeditions to remote parts of the world, with each expedition rais-

ing vast sums for charity. An innate planner, Sir Ranulph illustrated what it takes to achieve outstanding goals. His 50-minute presentation took the audience from the sands of Africa to the harsh winters of both the South and North Poles, reveal-ing the exceptional inner strength and meticulous planning that was at the core of achieving goals which had previously stood unattainable to other explorers.

Sir Ranulph’s extremely engaging and at times hilarious anecdotes were without doubt the highlight of the morning conference. To listen first hand to tales of unparalleled challenges and to share in the historic achievements will live long in the memory. Over the course of his life Sir Ranulph has overcome significant setbacks, including a serious heart operation and subsequent complications, which threatened to put an end to his dream of scaling

Everest until May 2009, when he completed the feat at the age of 65. His presentation ended with a lively questions and answers session with Matt Cooper, who was particularly interested in what motivated a man to continue attempting these dangerous expeditions even after all he had achieved and in spite of his advancing years.

Following the morning conference, the Londis Trade Show gave retailers ample opportunity to engage with a wide variety of suppliers offering excellent promotional opportunities, introductions to new products and systems and countless engaging solutions on how best to deliver added value for both the store and the customer.

Retailing Excellence AwardsDescribed as the Oscars of the Londis Retailer Conference, the Retailing Excellence Awards once again recog-nised outstanding standards across all categories of store management and presentation. The main award of the evening went to John and Majella Roche of Londis Doneraile, whose exceptional attention to detail, hard work, and outstanding customer serv-ice made them deserved winners of the 2010 Londis Store of the Year Award.

A clearly delighted John Roche spoke afterwards to thank his loyal staff and customers, as well as the Londis support team led by Regional Development Manager Leo Jones. John spoke passionately about the prospects for a group owned by retailers to achieve growth and prosperity for all through co-operation and consistency. His own store has undergone significant changes in the last number of years and John thanked Londis for the creative initiatives, support and learnings which had delivered added value to his proposition and ultimately to his customers.

Overall, 31 Londis stores received a Gold Retailing Excellence Award, with a further nine stores receiving category awards, ranging from Best in Off Licence to Food Safety. 15 Londis stores received a Silver, and 10 received the Bronze Retailing Excellence Award.

28


Londis Commercial Director Peter Foley presents Laura Grace of

Grace’s Londis Plus, Loughrea with the Category Award for Best Off

Licence at the 2010 Londis Retail Excellence Awards.

Londis Commercial Director Peter Foley presents Tommy Devlin, Londis

Retail Manager with the Joint Category Award for Best Fruit & Vegetables on behalf of Kennedy’s

Londis Plus, Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan.

Londis Commercial Director Peter Foley presents Shiela Gillan of

Gillan’s Londis Plus Summerhill, with the Joint Category Award for Best Fruit & Vegetables at the 2010 Londis Retail Excellence Awards.

Martin Mulligan from the NRFN presents Michael McDemott from Mc Dermottís Londis, Irishtown

Clonmel with the Category Award for Best Newspaper and Magazine Offering at the 2010 Londis Retail

Excellence Awards.

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It’s a tough time to be in business in Ireland, but it’s even harder for those who aren’t working, whose luck has deserted them or whose circumstances have changed due to illness or some other unforeseen event. Such is the mes-sage from Donald Williamson, the Irish Grocers’ Benevolent Fund’s President of Appeals.

“Not one of the people we are supporting started out with a view that they would be looking for help from a char-ity,” Williamson notes. “They all had aspirations of what they wanted to do; they all had hopes and dreams but some-thing went wrong – maybe a wife or husband got sick and the family had to change what they do and the way they work, maybe the breadwinner died in a family, which has two kids going to university and suddenly their future is at risk – the fund can pop in and help with the college fees for a year or two. There is a very thin line today between somebody needing help and somebody being OK. We have more people slipping onto the ‘needing help’ list because of the economy, because of jobs, because of businesses closing down in Ireland.”

While the current economic climate isn’t the ideal time to go cap-in-hand looking for donations, Williamson – whose day job sees him as Britvic Ireland’s Commercial Director – has no regrets of taking on the role.

“It’s just like in business: if you analyse it, it’s never a good time to do anything,” he smiles. “It’s about how you get it done and how you use the resources of the IGBF, which is made up of hardworking volunteers who devote a huge amount of time and effort into running things. It’s been a fantastic year, a great challenge and the result is going to be better than I ever would have expected.”

One of the big challenges faced by the IGBF in terms of getting their message across is the fact that their work is kept extremely private. “It isn’t in the public domain who we help, because it is a very private and difficult thing,

when someone has to go looking for help,” Williamson explains. “And lots of times, it’s not the people themselves who approach us: it may be somebody who used to work with them, who realises that something has happened to the family, and Jim O’Connor [Executive Secretary] will go and talk to them and see their circumstances and what help we can provide.”

The fact that the Fund was designed solely for the gro-cery industry means that all money raised is going directly back to people involved in the sector. However, this brings its own problems, as Williamson explains.

“Because we are a charity which is industry only, we can’t go out and collect on the streets, so we are dependent on retailers, wholesalers and suppliers to either run events or attend events. We can’t get grants and we can’t collect from the public, but unfortunately, we have a growing popu-lation of people who need our help.”

Forthcoming EventsThe main way the IGBF raises funds is through its busy event calendar, with golf outings around the country becom-ing a staple of the industry’s social calendar, while the IGBF’s Dublin Ball has long been an annual highlight.

Along with the Christmas lunch, the Ball is one of the Fund’s main fundraising events, and Williamson is keen to encourage retailers, wholesalers and suppliers to attend, support the Fund and have a great time in the process.

“We are very conscious that it is difficult; we’re saying to companies that, historically they may have taken a table at the Ball, which might be tough this year, but we’re asking them to take two or three seats. The economy will change and we will get back to where we were, but in the mean-time, it’s about keeping the charity alive and the events going, so for the Ball and the Christmas Lunch, it’s about putting bums on seats.”

Donald Williamson, the Irish Grocers’ Benevolvent Fund’s President of Appeals, on why the Fund remains as important as it ever was in these straitened economic times and how individual retailers can do more to get involved.

30

October10Retail News Interview

Charity Begins at Work…

Williamson is quick to point out that while these two events bring in a sizeable proportion of funding, there are other regular events held through-out the country which contribute greatly: “I am in awe of the regional committees who, against a lot of odds – the local supply base has closed down and a lot of suppliers to our industry have pulled back their horns – have spread their wings and raised a lot of money for the Fund. Some of these are very big events.”

A Growing ConcernWith the country’s and the grocery industry’s current woes, running a charity like this is something of a double-edged sword, whereby there are more people who need the Fund’s help, and yet most people and compa-nies have less to give. When you have so many charities looking for dona-tions, why should retailers, wholesal-ers and suppliers give to the IGBF?

“All charities are struggling this year and there is no real reason why

you can say that one charity is better than another,” he admits. “So we are in the pot to fight against some chari-ties who deserve as much help as we do. The single biggest difference is that most of those charities have the ability to raise their funds outside their industry: we don’t. We can’t get a collection box and stand outside a church. But we only help people with-in our industry. We are helping up to 30 families in almost every county in Ireland. What we’re asking local retailers, local suppliers and local manufacturers, is to realise that these are people in their local community: we can’t put a face or a name to them because it’s not a public thing. But they know that the money is helping people in their community, and all money raised is going straight back in: there is no administration fee.”

In the coming years, he would like the IGBF to feature more promi-nently on companies’ collective radar when it comes to Corporate Social Responsibility, one of the buzz terms in business today. “For a lot of com-panies, part of their CSR could be a €20k or €25k donation to the IGBF. By doing that, they are giving back to the industry and helping people who have shaped this industry.”

He is also keen to target some business sectors who rely on the grocery business, such as the motor industry, the banks, as well as elec-tricity and service providers: “All of those types of suppliers, who rely on our industry but give nothing back to the industry, how can we get them involved in supporting what is the lifeblood of their business?”

What Can Retailers Do?While the President of Appeals is delighted with the support the Fund receives from Ireland’s supply base and from the symbol group head offices, he feels that the IGBF would benefit greatly from “more retailers, on an individual basis, being more supportive”.

“On a basic level, I’m asking them to write a cheque for €100 and send it in. There are thousands of shops out there, and if they all gave just €100 or €50, it would make a huge difference to the Fund,” he stresses. “But I’d also ask them to become involved with the Fund. On our website, www.igbf.ie, we have a list of all our local com-mittees, which are spread throughout the country, and I’d ask them to pick up the phone and call them and ask, ‘How can I help?’”

Williamson remains committed to the IGBF’s ethos, and its impor-tance to the trade. “This is a fantastic organisation run by people who put in tremendous effort,” he concludes. “Nobody who is involved in the IGBF is there to be thanked; they’re there because they realise that this could happen to anybody and it’s often the small things that make the difference. The Fund doesn’t keep people forever. It allows people a little breathing space and helps them to get back on their feet.

“For somebody to write to us, ‘When your cheque comes in, I can pay my electricity bill and I can sleep at night’, you realise just how important the IGBF is. Even when you think things are tough, think of the people who’d love to be in your position.”

31

October10Retail News Interview

“Because we are a charity which is industry only, we can’t go out and collect on the streets, so we are dependent on retailers, wholesalers and suppliers to either run events or attend events, but we have a growing population of people who need our help.”

Teeing Off for the IGBFOVER 200 golfers played The Faldo Course at Lough Erne Resort recently in aid of The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund. Retail companies across Ireland supported the Fund by making up some of the 50 teams involved, including Kellogg’s Ireland, Britvic, SuperValu, Bulmers, EuROSPAR, Cadbury, C&C and Allied Foods. Pictured are (l-r): Donald Williamson, IGBF President of Appeals and Commercial Director, BritVic Ireland; Brendan Cathal; Noel Smyth; Packie Bonner; Frank Hannon; Peter O’Connor, Project Manager, Lough Erne Resort and organiser of The Irish Grocers Benevolent Fund Golf Event.

Sales of consumer healthcare products continued to post a positive growth in 2009, despite the economic climate, according to the latest report into the sector from Euromonitor. Convenience was one of the key factors, as many consumers did not want to or simply did not have the time to have an appointment with a doctor in order to get a prescription.

Many OTC products, including analgesics, digestive remedies, medicated skin care, and cough, cold and allergy medicines, are viewed as necessary purchases and have become relatively immune to changes in the wider economy, while the cost of seeing a doctor is considered by many consumers to be prohibitive, further benefiting the sec-tor. The swine flu pandemic, which reached its peak in summer 2009, boosted sales of analgesics and some cough, cold and allergy remedies, as consumers bought products for flu-like symptoms.

Meanwhile, many consumers want to prevent rather than relieve illness, and so the vitamins and dietary sup-plements sector continues to be at the forefront of the market. Moreover, the pursuit of health means a dif-ferent thing from one consumer to another, with some wanting to always have energy, others wanting to look younger for longer, and older consum-ers wanting to maintain a healthy cholesterol level, leading to increasing opportunities to grow this sector even further.

LemsipThe Lemsip range, from Reckitt Benckiser, is the number one selling Cold & Flu range in grocery, commanding 80% market share YTD (Source: ACNielsen, MAT, Jan-July 2010).

This season, Lemsip is repackag-ing the range and making it easier for consumers to understand which Lemsip product is for them. Lemsip is avail-able in several different variants, which treat different symptoms of Cold & Flu, and sev-eral different flavours, including Hot Lemon, Lemon and Menthol and Blackcurrant.

Lemsip is also launch-ing Lemsip Cold & Flu 500mg tablets. Lemsip Cold & Flu 500mg tab-lets can be swallowed as a tablet or dissolved in water to make a hot

drink. This Lemsip product offers consumers the opportunity to choose how to use it. The launch will be heavily supported through-out the Cold & Flu season with TV, outdoor and press. It will also be supported heavily in-store with eye-catching Point of Sale to high-light its presence in store.

Nine out of 10 people will see a Lemsip TV ad this winter (Source: Zenith Optimedia, September-Dec 2010) with three new Lemsip TV ads on air throughout the season.

StrepsilsAlso from Reckitt Benckiser, Strepsils claim a 40% share of the grocery market and have made the largest share gains in the category over the past 12 months at +3% (Source: ACNielsen, MAT, June 2009-July 2010). Strepsils provide fast, soothing relief from the discomfort of sore throats.

September 2010 sees the launch of New Strepsils Warm Lozenges, pro-viding all the warmth and comfort of a hot drink and the anti bacterial action of Strepsils. Strepsils Warm deliv-

32

October10OTC Medicines & Vitamins

The Over-the-Counter medicines and vitamins market shows no signs of slowing down, as Irish consumers embrace the ethos of self-medication.

Over-the-Counter Culture

New Lemsip Cold & Flu 500mg tablets can be swallowed as a tablet or dissolved in water to

make a hot drink, offering consumers the choice of how to use them.

New Strepsils Warm Lozenges, providing all the warmth and comfort of a hot drink and the anti

bacterial action of Strepsils.

33

ered the best ever consumer tests for Strepsils when tested with consumers. As well as the traditional Strepsils blister pack, Strepsils Warm is also available in a convenient tube for effective relief of sore throats anytime, anywhere.

Strepsils will be supported very heavily this season with TV, outdoor and eye-catching Point of Sale. Nine out of 10 people will see a Strepsils TV ad this Cold & Flu season.

DisprinDisprin, from Reckitt Benckiser, is the top-selling aspirin analgesic in grocery, based on Nielsen Value Sales (MAT April 2010). The Disprin range includes Disprin Extra Strength 500mg Effervescent Tablets, Disprin Direct 300mg Chewable Tablets (which should be allowed to dissolve on the tongue), Disprin Original 300mg Dispersible Tablets and Paracetamol Tablets from the makers of Disprin. Disprin acts as a key brand beacon for the analgesic category and is supported in store with strong Point of Sale material.

GavisconReckitt Benckiser’s Gaviscon range is the number one choice for Irish Consumers for heartburn and indigestion (Source: ACNielsen, MAT,

June 2009-July 2010 & IMS MAT June 2009-July 2010). It is also the fastest growing brand in the category in grocery (Source: ACNielsen,

MAT, June 2009-July 2010).The Gaviscon range includes liquid

and tablets that provide long lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn. Gaviscon helps stop acid rising from the stomach by forming a protective layer on top of the stomach contents.

Gaviscon’s strong TV campaign will ensure that nine out of 10 of your consumers will have seen a Gaviscon ad this year, with Gaviscon ranking as the number one category investor.

AnadinThe Anadin range, from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, is one of the longest established and most well known brands in the Irish OTC market and as such is a ‘must stock’ range, particularly in the convenience sector, where consumers want to find the product they are looking for quickly.

There are four Anadin formula-tions available in grocery channels: Anadin Tablets, Anadin Maximum Strength Capsules, ParaPlus and

Paracetamol Tablets from the makers of Anadin.

Research indi-cates that consum-ers use different products from the Anadin range, depending on the particular com-plaint from which they are suffering, e.g. headache, backache, period pain or symp-toms of colds and flu etc. Thus, for retailers, it is

important that they offer consumers a full choice by stocking the complete Anadin range. Ask your representa-tive for eye-catching shelf edgers which will assist consumers in choos-ing their product choice.

Tramil Tramil is another popular analgesic from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, which Irish grocers can offer their

Paracetamol based, Tramil is indicated for the treatment of headache, migraine, period pain and to treat the symptoms of colds and ‘flu.

The Gaviscon range includes liquid and tablets that provide long lasting relief from the pain and discomfort of heartburn.

Disprin acts as a key brand beacon for the analgesic category and is

supported in store with strong Point of Sale material.

The Anadin range, from Pfizer Consumer Healthcare, is one of the longest established

and most well known brands in the Irish OTC market.


customers. Paracetamol based, Tramil is indicated for the treatment of headache, migraine, period pain and to treat the symptoms of colds and flu. Available in attractive silver packs, Tramil offers ‘Fast Pain Relief which is Easy to Swallow’.

RennieRennie, from Bayer Healthcare, claims to be the clear number one market leader (in value & volume) in the antacid category with a total market share value of 49.1% (Source: AC Nielsen, YTD Sept10, Total scantrack, Antacid /Market Share Value).

Rennie is a chewable antacid tablet that comes in several flavours and formats. It provides relief from symptoms of heartburn and acid indi-gestion.

Rennie treats at the source of the problem by gently neutralising the excess stomach acid into water and other natural substances.

Rennie has a heavyweight media campaign throughout the year and

has increased it SOV (Share of Voice) to 42% (Source: Carat/ACNielsen, DDS).

Rennie will continue to show support to the sales channels, with in-store POS material and TV for Q4 2010. See www.rennie.ie for more information.

34


Rennie is a chewable antacid tablet that relief from symptoms of

heartburn and acid indigestion.

Antacid Market Share 1. Rennie: 49.1% (tablets)

2. Gaviscon: 24.9% (tablets & liquids)

3. Alka-Seltzer: 11.3% (tablets)

4. Andrews: 6.2% (Liver salts)

5. Milk of Magnesia: 4.9% (liquid)

6. Remegel: 1.8% (soft chew)

7. Bisodol:1.5 % (tablets)

8. Others:0.2 %

Source: ACNielsen / Total Scantrack/ Symbols/ YTDSept10 /Value market share %

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One of the biggest problems facing Irish retailers is the cost of doing business here, as evidenced by the findings of last year’s Competition Authority report into the Irish grocery sector. Undoubtedly, energy costs are high on the agenda, with big increases in recent times impacting on SMEs in particular. But how can they be reduced?

Significant energy savings can be made in shops and stores by making small changes to routine operation and maintenance actions. A 20% cut in energy costs represents the same bottom line benefit as a 5% increase in sales.• Go through your energy bills with

your supplier so you understand any penalty charges and how they can be reduced or avoided and con-sider any guidance or suggestions for reducing your bills;

• Check that lights are switched off when not required, and appropriate lighting levels for different tasks e.g. reduce lighting levels up to 5 minutes before store opening;

• Ensure all light switches are labelled with a note on when they should be switched on and off;

• Ensure display lighting is focused on displays and not used for gen-eral store illumination;

• Make sure that air curtains, heat-ing and ventilation equipment are clear of obstructions and are switched off out of trading hours;

• If possible, load refrigerated cabi-nets in the evening/night for the following day to take advantage of night rate electricity to chill prod-ucts;

• For non-perishable goods stored in refrigerated cabinets or vending machines, e.g. soft drinks, ensure that units are switched off outside of opening hours;

• For replacement equipment, choose items listed on SEAI’s Accelerated Capital Allowance list.

Lighting & HeatingNew developments in low energy lighting will immediately lead to major gains, with the payback for introducing

these systems almost immediate. Technological improvements mean that these systems are no longer cost-prohibitive to buy and install.

Heating costs can also be a major drain on energy resources. The maximum recom-mended heating level is 20-23 degrees. For each extra degree, costs rise by 8%.• Set your thermostat as low as is

comfortable in the winter;• Check that timer controls are cor-

rectly set and reflect occupancy hours;

• Bleed radiators at the start of the heating season;

• Check that heat emitters are unob-structed e.g. ensure radiators are not blocked by furniture;

• Ensure heating and cooling ceil-ing mounted cassette units are not working against each other in the same space (heat up to 19°C and cool at 24°C);

• Ensure boilers are serviced annu-ally and controls are recalibrated

Refrigeration Systems• Refrigerators and freezers should

be located away from heat sources.• Keep condensers and evaporators

clean and free of dust and dirt. • Check air flow around refrigeration

units and remote compressors to ensure that they are not obstructed and that grilles are not blocked.

• Check and maintain strip curtains on walk-in refrigerated spaces.

• Ensure seals and gaskets are in good condition.

• In larger refrigeration systems, check for bubbles in the refriger-ant cooling liquid sight-glass as they indicate a leak that should be repaired.

• Service refrigeration system and components, and calibrate controls yearly.

See www.seai.ie for more information.

35

October10Energy Efficiency

How to Reduce Your Energy Costs

Energy Savings Brewing at Café SolCAFÉ Sol have signed a major new electricity deal with leading independent energy suppliers Energia. Energia will supply Café Sol with 780 Kilowatt hours of electricity each year. This will go to power the group’s 13 cafes and 2 offices in Dublin. In total, the deal is estimated to be worth €130,000 annually.

“Café Sol are the latest Irish business to recognise that switch-ing to Energia for electricity, or gas, means real cost savings,” noted Alan Mulcahy, Energia. “Well over 50,000 other Irish businesses have made a similar switch to Energia.”

Energia sources conventional pow-er from the Group’s power stations in north Dublin, where the company has invested €500m in the capabil-ity to supply up to 17% of electricity requirements on an all-island basis.

Pictured announcing the electricity deal between Energia and Café Sol are Alan Mulcahy, Business Markets Manager, Energia, and

David Pfeiffer, Director, Café Sol.

Retailers are faced with a growing need for fresh goods, prepared meals and chilled drinks. At the same time, environmental and zoning requirements are stricter than ever, and energy costs must be kept under control.

Daikin Europe NV’s Conveni-pack is a compact, low noise system which integrates high and low temperature refrigeration and air conditioning (including heating) into one system, helping retailers save energy and the environment.

Conveni-pack is unique in combin-ing refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in one total solution using the latest controls and inverter tech-nology in order to maximise energy efficiency. The system can be connect-ed to basically all refrigeration appli-cations and is supplied with a wide range of air conditioning indoor units to respond to all shop requirements. An optional booster unit is available for low temperature refrigeration.

Indeed, Daikin has expanded its ultra-efficient Conveni-pack range for convenience shops. The existing AC 15 has been augmented with the new AC 17 that boasts higher heating and refrigeration capacity, introduces the use of R-410A refrigerant for more efficient refrigeration and even lower environmental impact, greater compatibility with indoor units, and longer piping lengths.

Advantages of Conveni-pack• Inverter driven outdoor units

match system output to actual demand in order to reach optimum efficiency under all conditions.

• Conveni-pack supports a wide variety of refrigeration and cooling units.

• By recovering the heat extracted from the connected refrigeration appliances and by using sophisti-cated controls, energy savings of up

to 50% or more can be reached.• Small footprint,

reduced piping, quiet operation: ideal for densely populated urban areas.

• The heat extracted from the refrigeration showcases or evapora-

tors can be re-used for comfort heating of the shop at no extra cost!

Case StudyTotal operates a premium network of 490 petrol stations along major roadways and in the large metropolitan areas in Belgium. These facilities include

convenience shops where customers can purchase a variety of frozen and chilled foods and drinks. A typical shop includes a mix of refrigerated showcases, refrigerators, a freezer room, a display counter and comfort heating/cooling units. In 2008, the Total station in Wavre was fitted with Convenipack. Its performance was compared to a similar station in Cambre, which had a traditional refrigeration, cooling and heating set-up.

Between June 2008 and February 2010, the Conveni-pack equipped station in Wavre used almost 60% less energy than the traditionally equipped shop in Cambre. CO2 emis-sions were also reduced by more than half during the same period.

The Full RangeAs well as Conveni-pack, Daikin offers a wide range of refrigeration units for commercial, professional and industrial applications. Daikin refrigeration units combine efficiency and reliability with easy installation and maintenance.

Their range includes:• Commercial Condensing units:

“plug & play” condensing units, which offer a perfect solution for companies in need of an extremely compact, simple and affordable sys-tem.

• Large Variable Capacity Condensing units, which are real workhorses, designed for maximum performance in minimum space.

• Zeas Condensing units: inverter controlled scroll compressorsopen the door to VRV ® technology for commercial refrigeration.

For more information, see www daikin.ie

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October10Energy Efficiency

Conveni-pack, from Daikin Europe NV, minimises total energy demand due to its unique, integrated approach to refrigeration and air conditioning.

Daikin Conveni-pack: Helping to Save You Money

Conveni-pack integrates high and low temperature refrigeration and air

conditioning (including heating) into one system, helping retailers save energy and

the environment.

Successful Daikin Conveni-pack range expandedDaikin Europe NV announces the expansion of its ultra-efficient Convenipack range for convenience shops. The existing AC 15 has been augmented with the new AC 17 that boasts higher heating and refrigeration capacity, introduces the use of R-410A refrigerant for more efficient refrigeration and even lower environmental impact, greater compatibility with indoor units, and longer piping lengths.

50% energy savings for shopsConvenipack’s comprehensive approach to cooling, heating and

refrigeration results in drastically reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions, low noise levels, as well as a very compact footprint. A sophisticated control system, inverter technology and the ability to use heat recovered from refrigerated showcases and coldrooms to heat the building when necessary

result in proven energy savings of up to 50% compared to traditional systems.

Convenipack consists of one or more inverter driven outdoor units and a system controller. Indoor units can be added as needed: Daikin air conditioning

units for comfort heating and cooling, third-party showcases or evaporators for medium temperature applications. Low temperature showcases/evaporators for

frozen products can be connected via an optional Daikin booster unit. Convenipack’s modular and scalable design and very low noise levels makes it suitable for a large range

of applications. Larger installations can be supported via multiple outdoor units in a variety of configurations (blocks, rows, or distributed throughout the building).

Now even wider applicationThe Conveni-pack concept, successfully rolled out in Japan, the UK and Europe, has now been expanded to make it suitable to a wider range of applications. The new AC 17 units use R-410A refrigerant, extending the range of possible AC indoor units. For comfort cooling and heating, indoor unit possibilities include 2-way, and round flow cassettes, ceiling suspended units and high

ESP and low ESP ducted units as well as the Biddle air curtain. A wide range of third party cooling and refrigeration units are also supported. Piping lengths have been increased in the AC 17 to 130 metres, with support for level differences up to 35 metres. Indoor installation of the outdoor unit is also possible. Refrigeration capacity has been upped to 21.8 kW (T0= -10°C and Tamb = +32°C), heat recovery to 31 kW. The new range also includes more options for noise reduction. In short, with the AC 17 line, the Convenipack success story has been extended to cover even more applications, while retaining the all the benefits of an integrated total solution for the retail food industry.

Integrated refrigeration, heating and air conditioning system

Conveni-PaCk

To learn more about Conveni-pack, visit www.daikin.ieLiam Kirwan [email protected]

» Energy consumption

reduction up to 50%!

» Lower associated CO2

emissions

» Applicable for small to

medium size applications

» Space saving and

installation flexibility

» Improved in-store

comfort

» Low noise level

The recession has actually been good for some sectors of Ireland’s grocery industry, with frozen food a particular beneficiary. Convenience remains king when it comes to Irish customers, and this is where frozen foods really come into their own, particularly when it comes to ready meals.

According to Euromonitor’s most recent report into the sector, a number of players in the frozen foods product category improved and extended their product ranges. According to Euromonitor, frozen proc-essed food enjoyed a 7% value growth in 2009, with frozen poultry products enjoying a 13% value increase.

Frozen food is extremely conven-ient, and yet doesn’t compromise on quality. Indeed, the frozen food sector has managed to effectively convey the message to consumers that it is healthy and nutritious, via a number of high profile, big budget campaigns, orchestrated by the biggest players in the sector. Manufacturers have also responded to consumer concerns by reducing fat, sugar and salt levels across the entire frozen food spectrum.

Green IsleLong seen as a family favourite in Ireland, the Green Isle brand is leading the way in growing the frozen food category. Viewed by Irish consumers as delivering trusted

“good food” values, and developing consistently good quality products, the Green Isle brand has got the range and variety to cover all side-of-plate needs.

Now claiming leadership of the frozen vegetable sector, Green Isle claims a 37% share and is also grow-ing its share of the chips sector (Source: ACNielsen, July 2010). The brand boasts a must-stock range for every freezer. Within the veg category, con-sumers seek variety as well as value and the ongoing ‘Buy any 2 for €2.50’ that Green Isle offers delivers on this need. Green Isle Peas have grown by 24% in sales value since last year and Green Isle is the number one brand in all other vegetable categories (Source: ACNielsen, July 2010).

Always on the look-out for new opportunities, Green Isle have devel-oped a range of Frozen Herbs that will bring new consumers and sales to your freezer. The range of freshly frozen Garlic, Parsley, Basil and Coriander offers all the flavour of fresh but with-out the waste that customers find frus-trating when fresh herbs go out-of-date. Presented in premium foil packs, they

are easily merchandised in a conven-ient display case.

There are two other great reasons to increase space for the Green Isle brand this winter. With a fresh new green livery, the veg range has even greater impact in the freezer and for the key Christmas period, Green Isle will be offering 50% extra free on key veg and potato lines.

Chicago TownChicago Town has launched the first ever official The X Factor Pizza in a deal with Fremantle Media Enterprises (FME), licensor for The X Factor brand. The X Factor Pizza features an on-pack promotion, offering consumers the chance to win pairs of tickets to watch the show live every month from October, along with The X Factor merchandise, including karaoke machines and

Chicago Town Pizza Packs, consisting of oven gloves, pizza cutters, wet wipes and money off vouchers.

Keith Farrell, Marketing Manager, Dr. Oetker Ireland, explains the strategy behind the launch: “The X Factor is one of the biggest and most antici-pated TV programmes of the year, attracting

October10Frozen Food/Ready Meals

Frozen Assets

Within the veg category, consumers seek variety as well as value and the ongoing ‘Buy any 2 for €2.50’ that Green Isle offers delivers on this need.

Green Isle have developed a range of Frozen Herbs that will bring new consumers and sales to your freezer.

The frozen foods category continues to grow, due to its convenience and value for money properties.

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over 800,000 Irish viewers for last year’s final (2009). The strategy with our Takeaway brand has always been about driving new consumers into the category and building on the ‘weekend/ big night in’ eating occasion.”

Additionally, the launch is part of a €1m investment in above and below the line activity, including a 4-week TV advertising schedule, as well as on and offline PR and a social media campaign.

Chicago Town’s digital plan includes the launch of a Facebook Party Planner app, which will ena-ble fans to invite their friends to a Chicago Town Takeaway party at their homes. One of those fans will then be selected to win the ‘Ultimate Saturday Night In Party’, with a personal appearance from one of last year’s finalists right in their living room.

Mark Rosenegk, VP Brand Partnerships UK for FME, says: “Both The X Factor and Chicago Town Takeaway share similar brand values, both lend themselves to a social occa-sion, appeal to families, have a sense of fun and entertainment and are enjoyed at home. This new part-nership demonstrates the value of the brand outside of the TV show, and we are always pleased to extend the brand into new areas.”

Weight Watchers From HeinzWeight Watchers from Heinz is the undisputed leading brand in the frozen ready meal sector

with 34.8% value share of the frozen ready meal market which is valued at €17.8m (Source: TNS). Manufactured in Dundalk, County Louth, the Weight Watchers from Heinz range of frozen ready meals continues to drive the frozen ready meal category with convenient meal solutions in both traditional and ethnic varieties. The range has everything to offer consumers who are seeking to lead a healthy lifestyle but who expect not to compromise on taste.

The Weight Watchers from Heinz frozen ready meal range offers an extensive range of market leading recipes such as Chicken Tikka Masala,

Creamy Chicken & Mushroom Pasta and Ocean Pie.

Proving that consumers can still have the naughty treats that they love, Weight Watchers from Heinz also offers a delicious range of frozen desserts, including delectable recipes such as Belgian Eclairs and Double Chocolate Brownies.

Other successful offerings from Weight Watchers from Heinz include pizza in popular varieties

such as Chicken Italiano and Ham & Pineapple, as well as Weight Watchers from Heinz Oven Chips and Roast Potatoes, all of which further meet consumers’ demand for healthier versions of the foods they love that they can enjoy every day.

All products within the Weight Watchers from Heinz range exclusive-ly feature the Weight Watchers Points Value per serving on pack.

McCain FoodsMcCain claims domination of the frozen potato sector - with a tasty 71% value share of the frozen oven chip market, and a 33% value share

of the prepared potato market. McCain Home Fries is a real

family favourite and a must-stock product for any retailer. However, McCain also cater for consum-ers who want healthier options, including McCain Oven Chips, with only 5% fat, and McCain Rustic Oven Chips, with their skins left on for goodness. Other kids’ favourites include McCain Crispy French Fries, Curly Fries and Micro Chips.

With the recent re-launch of their Prepared Potato range, McCain has been cooking up a storm. Eye-catching new pack

designs feature a ‘Real Potato Goodness’ stamp and recipe ideas

that transform the products into excit-ing meal solutions.

McCain Lightly Spiced Wedges are perfect with any meal and a super idea for parties or snacks, while McCain Home Roasts and Simply Gorgeous Roasts are the great tasting, con-venient option for any Sunday roast. The range also includes new McCain Footballs and the McCain Pizza Range – Pizza Maximo and Pizza Anytime – ideal for kids, snacking or parties.

Chicago Town has launched the first ever official The X Factor Pizza, featuring an

on-pack promotion, offering consumers the chance to win pairs of tickets to watch

the show live every month, along with The X Factor merchandise.

The Weight Watchers from Heinz frozen ready meal range offers an extensive range of market leading

recipes, including Chicken Tikka Masala.

October10Frozen Food/Ready Meals

The hugely popular frozen potato range from McCain Foods.

Costcutter retail-ers from all over Ireland came together recently for the awards ceremony at the Annual Costcutter Conference held at The Ritz Carlton Hotel, Powerscourt, Enniskerry, Co. Wicklow. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Costcutter fran-chise, which was set up in 2000 by the Barry Group.

Speaking to more than 250 retailers at the Conference, entitled ‘Adapt to Survive & Grow Stronger’, Jim Barry, Managing Director, The Barry Group, spoke optimistically about Costcutter’s approach to the challenges presented by the current economic climate and the renewed focus on growth for the coming year. He also outlined the Group’s active support and advisory system that retailers can avail of, particularly given the challenging financial backdrop.

“I am delighted to report that Costcutter significantly outperformed the symbol group market last year,” he told delegates. “This is a tribute to the outstanding work of Costcutter franchisees throughout the country, particularly in the midst of this very tough economic climate. As we all know, excellent customer care is the cornerstone of the Costcutter offering.

This will remain crucial to our growth plans and a key challenge for all of us will be to make sure we are well positioned to exploit future opportunities in the marketplace as they become available.”

Other keynote speakers at the Conference included John McAllen, Commercial Director; Ray O’Driscoll, Finance Director; Sarah O’Mahony, Marketing Manager; and Niall Hartnett, Human Resources and Logistics Director, The Barry Group.

Costcutter Store of the Year 2010 AwardsCelebrating the outstanding work carried out by Costcutter franchisees, the Costcutter Store of the Year 2010 awards were announced at the Grand Banquet Dinner and included:Costcutter Supermarket of the Year 2010: Costcutter Roslevan, Ennis. Co. ClareCostcutter Foodmarket Store of The Year 2010: Costcutter Grenagh, Co. CorkCostcutter Express Store of the Year 2010: Costcutter Bray, Co. WicklowCostcutter Foodmarket Wine Section of the Year 2010: Costcutter Kells, Co. MeathCostcutter Off Licence of the Year 2010: Costcutter, Wellington Bridge, Co. WexfordCostcutter Best In Fresh Produce 2010: Costcutter Roslevan, Ennis, Co. ClareCostcutter Best Food To Go 2010: Costcutter, Dundrum, DublinCostcutter Forecourt Store of the Year 2010: Costcutter, Kilmallock Road, Limerick

Costcutter Best New Store Image 2010: Costcutter, Castlebar. Co. Mayo

Pre-Emptive StrikesRetail News spoke to the Barry Group MD about their particularly strong results, asking how their profits are up by 12% in the midst of a massive recession.

“We were quick to react to the drop in the trading market - we took quick and pre-emptive strikes, namely by significantly reducing our cost base as well as upping our levels of frontline services to our customers, providing excellent value for money for retailers who, in turn, passed on value to their customers,” Jim Barry notes. “We can also attribute growth to our fantastic team of people at the Barry Group, who have worked exceptionally hard to deliver cost savings in line with improved performance and results, right across the board. Another reason for increasing our net profit on a reduced turnover was through careful management of credit risk in line with aggressively managing our cost base.”

Significant growth was achieved through Carry Out and BuyLo, the Group’s new branded discount chain that has outlets successfully running in Ashbourne, Mullingar and Tralee. “Our desire to grow and outperform the market is deep-rooted and we continued to invest heavily last year - first in acquiring Carry Out specialist off licence business at the tail-end of 2009 - the full benefit of that take

Barry Group MD, Jim Barry presents Mary and Tom Liddy of Costcutter Roslevan, Ennis with the Costcutter

Supermarket of the Year 2010 Award.

Jim Barry, MD, Barry Group presents Sue and Matt Kearney of Costcutter Grenagh

with the award for Costcutter Foodmarket of the Year 2010.

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October10Costcutter Annual Conference

Costcutter Bucks the TrendCostcutter focused on ‘survival and growth’ at its recent Annual Conference.

over is expected to add €42m to our annualised turnover reported next year. We also recently invested €1.5m in doubling the capacity in our central distribution facility,” he explains. “This new 145,000 square feet central distribution will help accelerate the Barry Group’s ambitious three year growth plans, which includes opening another eight new BuyLo stores before the end of 2010, bringing the total number of BuyLo stores to six, and doubling the number of Carry Out specialist off licence stores by 2012, bringing the number to over 100.”

A Very Different MarketIn the decade since the Barry Group acquired the Costcutter franchise in Ireland, our retail market has changed “almost beyond recogni-tion”, according to Jim Barry. “It has evolved to become much more com-petitive and with the arrivals of the discounters, the consumer has more choice than ever when shopping for quality goods and value.

“From a retailer perspective, reduced credit facilities offered by banks is having a huge impact and this will be the case for the next few years to come, I suspect,” he continues. “It will make it harder to set up a business and invest in growing a business. That said, we’re seeing a lot more demand from potential frachisees wanting to get BuyLo involved in Costcutter, BuyLo, Carry Out and/or Quik Pick as they see the margins we offer are very

competitive and people can forge a good career and retail offering through our brands.

“The Irish retail environment continues to be extremely competitive and operating margins continue to be driven downwards,” he notes. “Our profits last year were boosted by us re-inventing our retailer offering to ensure we were delivering value for our customers at every turn. We cut costs without losing a single job, a result which we are very proud of. We upped our game, kept faithful to our strategy and thankfully the results are paying off.”

One aspect of retailing that hasn’t changed, according to the MD, is “the principle that the customer is king”, which he feels should never change.

A Decade in RetailingLooking back over their decade in Ireland, Barry describes it as “a peri-od of sustained and exciting growth. Our frontline services - finance, pur-chasing, IT systems, shop display etc - have improved greatly over the decade: we now offer one of the best resourced frontline service teams in the industry. Our retailers say this is one of the big advantages of working with the Barry Group: the support they get is excellent, dependable and we continue to provide value to them at every opportunity.”

When asked to describe the highlights of the decade, he cites the following;- Rewarding best-in-class perform-

ances among their retailers each year at the Costcutter of the Year awards;

- Growing their team and most recently, investing in their €1.5m state of the art central distribu-tion centre in Mallow, “which will provide a timely catalyst to us doubling growth across our core business centres in the next 18-24 months”;

- Developing the Costcutter fran-chise over the last 10 years into a “current profitable retail solution”;

- Developing their Central Distribution Centre over the years “to be one of the best in the coun-try in our sector”;

- Being a winner of a Deloitte Best Managed Companies Award;

- Being a finalist in the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2010.Barry also cites the importance of

having a good team in place.

“ ‘Achieving Excellence Through People’ is the ethos that lies at the heart the Barry Group, both as a business and a team,” he boasts. “Being awarded the Gold Standard for Excellence Through People award is testament to the company’s continued dedication in achieving this vision.”

And so to the future, about which the MD is extremely optimistic. “At Barry Group, we’re financially well-geared to continue to invest in our core business and grow it further through strategic expansion and acquisitions. While we are being prudent in our cost savings and credit risk, we have a strong appetite to invest and grow the business, even in the face of a sustained downturn - we have the people, the resources and the excellent brands and business models to support this growth and make it realisable.”

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October10Costcutter Annual Conference

Jim Barry, MD, Barry Group, presents Mark and Tara Malone of Costcutter Bray with an award for

‘Costcutter Express of the Year 2010’.

Jim Barry MD, Barry Group, presents Ger Cruise of Costcutter Wellington Bridge, Co. Wexford, with an award for ‘Express

Wine Section of the Year 2010’.

Costcutter MD Jim Barry, pictured with his wife Niamh and their family.

Irish consumers love jams, marmalades, spreads and condiments: fact. While this is generally regarded as a mature sector, new product development, such as the creation of lower fat spreads and new flavours, allied to the premiumisation of the category, leaves room for sustained (albeit modest) growth. Indeed, this sector has an extremely loyal and brand-conscious customer base.

The spreads sector includes six sub-categories: jams & preserves (including marmalade), honey, nut-based spreads, chocolate spreads, savoury spreads and yellow fats. The jams and preserves market is still dominant, but generally shows the lowest growth rates due to its maturi-ty. The advent of organic options and super-premium products, however, are adding extra vitality to the sector, while nut-based spreads have been showing the most dynamic growth in value terms, albeit from a low base.

Bonne MamanBonne Maman, the premium French jam from Boyne Valley Group, has full distribution throughout Ireland and has seen a very impressive 25% growth year to date. For many years, Bonne Maman has been the uncontested leader in its market, with a continuing strategy to sustain growing consumer demand.

Bonne Maman, with its unique design and ‘home made’ image, really stands out in-store and appears very

attractive to the consumer. Irish consumers are trading into premium offerings in jam with an emphasis on quality and Bonne Maman jams boast a minimum of 50% whole fruit per 100g of jam product.

Bonne Maman is available in Strawberry, Apricot, Blackcurrant, Blackberry, Raspberry, Peach, Damson Plum, Berries and Cherries, Wild Blueberry, Orange Marmalade and Mandarin Marmalade flavours. Bonne Maman Jams are a 100% natural product and are free from pre-servatives, flavouring and colouring. Bonne Maman’s success will continue thoughout 2010 with a heavyweight national promotional campaign.

Boyne Valley Honey Boyne Valley Honey has been available to Irish consumers for almost 50 years and is the most popular brand of honey in Ireland. Boyne Valley Honey is 100% pure and natural. It is available in a range of formats, from the 250g Bizzy Bee kid’s squeezy right up to the 907g jar. The 250g squeezy has been specifically developed with young consumers in mind and features

the ‘Bizzy Bee’ character.

The latest exciting launch, Boyne Valley Manuka Active 15+ Honey, is available in 330g jars. Manuka Honey is one of the key drivers

of growth in the honey category, with consumers recognising its various health benefits. The Boyne Valley Manuka range also includes Boyne Valley Manuka Active 10+ and Boyne Valley Manuka Active 7+.

PandaPanda Chocolate Spread, from Boyne Valley Group, has always been a real favourite with Irish households, but now the range has been updated with a brand new look and a delicious new recipe. This range includes Superb Chocolate Spread, Hazelnutty Chocolate Spread and Tongue Twisting Two Tone Spread. The eye catching packaging is sure to appeal to children.

42

October10Jams, Spreads & Condiments

Irish consumers’ love affair with jams, spreads and condiments shows no signs of abating.

Spreading the Love

Boyne Valley Honey has been available to Irish consumers for almost 50 years.

Bonne Maman, the premium French jam, has seen a very impressive 25% growth year to date.

Panda have updated their Chocolate Spreads range with a brand new look and a delicious new recipe.

43

This exciting new look also features on the Panda Peanut Butter range. Panda Peanut Butter comes in two flavours, Smooth and Crunchy. Panda Peanut Butter has a special recipe to give an authentic American style taste.

Panda Dippers are a brand new addition to the Panda range. These little pots include mini crunchy breadsticks and hazelnut and vanilla dip. Available in a four-pack, Panda Dippers are sure to be a hit for school lunchboxes, picnics and handy treats.

FolláinFolláin have been working on new designs for their core and no added sugar ranges, with a fresh new image about to be launched to supermarket shelves, complete with bespoke lids. The new look highlights Folláin’s core strengths of premium products, Irish manufacture, family business and local employment.

Folláin have also been busy win-ning awards, lifting a 2 Star Gold Award at the Great Taste Awards 2010 for their No Added Sugar Blackcurrant Jam, while three Folláin products have also been short-listed for the Blas na hEireann awards,

where Folláin took gold in the jams category over the past two years.

“The Irish fruit crop has been bet-ter this year than in the recent past,” said Peadar O Lionaird, Folláin, “and we have bought a good tonnage of Irish strawberries, raspberries, black-currants and wild blackberries, in Wexford, Meath and Cork.” Indeed, he points out that Folláin are actively looking for more Irish fruit growers to supply their growing need for quality Irish fruit.

Folláin are active members of the Love Irish Food campaign and have taken part in Bloom, as well as in-store and other promotions run by the campaign, including a coupon promo-tion on the Love Irish Food website.

Capilano Manuka Honey Capilano Bee Vital Manuka Honey is a 100% natural product, sourced from wild manuka trees in the unspoilt native bushlands of Australia and New Zealand. It contains no fat or additives.

Capilano Manuka Honey is avail-able in 8+, 10+ and 15+, depending on the level of activity consumers wish. 8+ used on a daily basis acts as an aid to general well-being and boosts our immune systems; 10+ fights off colds, flus and sore throats and the high activity aids recovery too; 15+ helps maintain a healthy digestive system, protecting the stomach and the intestine from conditions such as acid reflux.

Capilano is distributed by BR Marketing, and is available in all retailers nationwide.

October10Jams, Spreads & Condiments

Lakeshore, from Boyne Valley Group, has recently launched its latest brand extension, its new range of ‘squeezable’ products that match the current consumer demand for ease of use and maximum convenience at affordable prices.

This extension to the Lakeshore brand, will be backed by media and in-store extra fill promotions, and is sure to be a winner with both consumers and retailers, aided by updated display units that will maximise the in-store visual impact of this enticing new range.

The new range includes Tomato Ketchup, made from deliciously juicy tomatoes; Fruity Brown Sauce, which has extra ingredients that set it apart from other brown sauces, making it mouth wateringly tasty and tangy; Superb Salad Cream, with a creamy and full flavour in a 410g size; and Fiery

Chilli Sauce, which really packs a punch, in a 450g size.

Lakeshore Mustards are now available in the squeezable range, answering the genuine consumer

need for con-venience and easy-to-use prod-ucts. Lakeshore Wholegrain Mustard with Honey is a crunchy mustard, bursting with flavour, with a twist of honey for a naturally sweet taste, and is available in a 210g pack. Lakeshore Extra Hot Irish Mustard has an intensely spicy taste, and is available in a 220g pack.

New squeezable Lakeshore Tomato

Ketchup, made from deliciously juicy

tomatoes.

Folláin have a fresh new image about to be launched to supermarket shelves.

Capilano Manuka Honey 8+ used on a daily basis acts as an aid to general well-being and boosts our

immune systems

Lakeshore Have Condiments Covered

SPAIN is a country which receives a huge number of holiday visitors from Ireland every year, which helps to further create greater recognition for Spanish wines with the Irish wine buying consumer. Spain is the third largest wine producing country in the world and offers a wide selection of both good value and iconic wines.

Indigenous grapes such as the white Godella or the red Mencia and Monastrel, as well as Spain’s most prolific red grape, which is the backbone of wine growing in most Mediterranean countries, Garnachia (known in France as Grenache). In short, Spain offers a wide selection and is definitely worth having a closer look at when it comes to stocking your wine shelves.

Increasing VolumesThe figures for 2009 appear to back this up. Spanish wine increased their volume sales by 0.4% last year. This achievement is even more remarkable given that the market for wine overall dropped by approximately 6.8% in 2009. Growth for Spanish wine was particularly strong at entry level, where its volume share grew by over 250%, but also in the mid-price section where sales of Spanish wine in the €10-10.99 price bracket increased by 35%.

Spain is the second biggest coun-try in Western Europe after France. However, it is quite lightly populated, which goes a long way towards explain-ing how it manages to have Europe’s largest acreage under vine, without being Europe’s largest wine producer. There are now 70 Denominations of

Origin (DO) in Spain. Wines with this classification have their geographical, varietal and production methods strict-ly regulated. DO is usually a guarantee of quality based around traditional wine making regions.

Vino de la Tierra (VDT) is another very strong category in terms of Spanish wine styles. This denotes wines from larger areas than the DO and involves wines made from grape varieties that are not indigenous to the region or country (e.g. French grape varieties). This classification allows for more innovative winemaking and tends to be used by the new style producers.

Spanish Wine FairAt the recent Spanish Wine Fair in Dublin, there was a very good show-ing of a range of Spanish wines. Organised by the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of Spain, in association with the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), 21 Irish importing companies, who spe-cialise in Spanish wines showed their current range. A further 10 wineries, seeking representation in Ireland, also took part.

One of the best known Spanish Importers on the Irish market, Raphael Alvarez from Approach Trade Ireland was there, with some of his top Spanish wines, includ-ing Martin Codax, Vinos Telmo Rodriguez, Bodegas Sierra de Guara, Luis Gurpegui Muga and Finca Loranque, to name a few (www.approachwines.com).

Sparkling giants Raimat and Codorniu were represented by Barry

& Fitzwilliam (www.bandf.ie). Cassidy wines have recently taken over the agency for Marques de Caceres (www.cassidywines.com). Febvre were there with the excellent Conde de Valdemar range (www.febvre.ie). The Findlater Wine & Spirit company were flying the flag for Torres (www.findlaters.ie).

Gilbeys Wines (now incorporated with Gleeson Group) had Marques de Murrieta and Faustino (www.gilbeys.ie). Greenlea Wines (Boyne Valley Group), another special-ist in Spanish wines, have their Don Carlos range of wines and Barbadillo, as well as Vega Real and Cavas Masachs (www.greenleawines.com). Mackenway Distributors handle the excellent El Coto de Rioja (www.mack-enway.com), while Spanish wine spe-cialist Searsons Wine Merchants have a range which includes Bodegas Luis Canas, Bodegas Alejandro Fernandez, Bodegas Val de Vid and Bodegas Martin Berdugo (www.searsons.com).

For more information about Wines from Spain, see www.winesfromspain.com, while enquiries about Spanish Wines can be made to Embassy of Spain Commercial Office Tel: (01) 661 6313; email: [email protected].

The Spanish ArmadaJean Smullen looks at the continued rise of Spanish wines.

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October10On the Vine

Premier Wine PREMIER Wine Training has just been established by Maureen O’Hara, who has 20 years of experience in the Irish wine trade, including 13 years lecturing experience. Recognising that there are more Irish people than ever drinking wine, Premier Wine Training offers a broad range of courses, from basic wine appreciation to internationally-recognised WSET qualifications, which start in October. Details/booking/brochures are available through www.premierwinetraining.com or by directly contacting 086 2401916.

Torres Wines, distributed by Findlater Wines & Spirit Group, continue to

be a massively successful Old World wine brand in Ireland.

Arthur’s Day a Massive Success THOUSANDS of people came together at 17.59 on September 23 to raise a toast to Arthur Guinness, the pioneering brewer and philanthropist who introduced Guinness to the world. Over 1,500 events took place across the island of Ireland, with over 150 confirmed artists and 200 hours of live music performances, including Snow Patrol, Brandon Flowers,

David Gray, Manic Street Preachers and Paolo Nutini.

Pictured is Tim O’Leary, the lucky win-ner of the Guinness ‘Win the Ultimate Arthur’s Day Experience at Home’ competition, with DJ Dave Glennon, who provided the entertain-ment, and top chef Gavin Pederson, who cooked up a feast on the day.

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BALLYGOWAN Pink is continuing to build on the success of its launch last February, where following huge consumer response it achieved 4% share of the water market within the first eight weeks of launch. Ballygowan Pink is now launching a new 60cl sportscap bottle to the range to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October. Targeted specifically at young female consumers, the new bottle will permanently replace the original blue version. The new 60cl bottle will be available in local convenience stores and supermarkets along with the range’s existing 500ml, 2 Litre bottles and 6x1.5L packs.

William Grant Opens Dublin OfficePREMIUM spirits business and independent Scottish family distillers, William Grant & Sons have announced the establishment of their new Global Marketing Office in Dublin. Employing 17 professionals, this office will manage the entire global marketing operations for William Grant & Sons’ non-Scotch brands, including Sailor Jerry, Hendrick’s Gin and the newly acquired Tullamore Dew Irish whiskey, and will work alongside the company’s existing global marketing office in Richmond, London. The Dublin office will also lead the Group’s global planning and innovation function.

Smirnoff Global Nightlife Exchange THE Smirnoff Nightlife Exchange Project is an ambitious global initiative to discover and celebrate the best of nightlife from around the world, and continues the brand’s ‘Be There’ campaign. A call-to-action inviting consumer-generated ideas from 14 markets that are captured online, packed up in a crate and transformed into exciting event experiences, the Nightlife Exchange Project culminates in a finale on November 27, when the world swaps nights and each of the 14 countries swap the best of their nightlife with a partner country. Siobhan O’Dowd (pictured) has been chosen to lead the search in Ireland. Siobhan is Director of Marketing at POD, a well known music venue, and has been one of the driving forces behind the bespoke Electric Picnic Music and Arts Festival.

October10Drinks News

Tipperary Races Ahead DERMOT Ahern is pictured with cycling legend Seán Kelly and Laura Byrne, Tipperary Water Brand Manager, at the 2010 Sean Kelly Tour of Waterford. “Little did I know when I took a call from the ‘iconic metal man’ in 2007 to become the ‘Official Mineral Water’ sponsor that the event would grow from 700 riders to 4500 riders in 2010,” said Marie Cooney, Director, Tipperary Natural Mineral Water. “Cyclists from seven to 70 from every county in Ireland, from the UK, Europe and even the US took part across the three events, the Kelly Comeragh Challenge, 50k Kelly Cruise, and the Kelly Coast Route.” All proceeds from the event were donated to the Irish Cancer Society.

New Ballygowan Pink Bottle

As with all forecourts owned by John McCormack and the McCormack Retail Group, the latest addition to the Group at Athboy is an Excol/MACE forecourt and filling station. The McCormack Retail Group took over the site in July 2010 and in just over a month, the size of the forecourt shop was doubled, the Excol Oil brand was introduced to the forecourt and the lat-est MACE image was launched in the forecourt shop.

The Athboy store brings the number of shops within the McCormack Retail Group to eight, all of which are forecourt stores. Indeed, Irene Donegan, CEO, McCormack Retail Group, reveals that research carried out by the Group suggests that symbol group shops on forecourts have been trading better through the reces-sion than stand-alone shops.

“The concept behind all our McCormack MACE shops is to have an Excol forecourt and a MACE shop, with all the shops retaining a similar internal layout,” she explains. “We

want customers to know that they are in a McCormack’s MACE, no matter which of our shops they visit. With a consistently high level of customer service, quality produce and com-petitive prices, we are building the strength of the partnership.”

Changing Market ConditionsLike all retailers in the grocery sector, the McCormack Retail Group have had to react to the changing mar-ket conditions of the last few years, according to John Flanagan, Retail Operations Manager with McCormack Retail Group: “The market research we have undertaken revealed that as customers moved from top-up shops back to traditional large week-

end shopping trips, with a view to saving money, they have ended up with an increased amount of waste as items hit their best before date before they are consumed. Our philosophy is to supply quality produce at com-

petitive prices. While we cannot com-pete head-on with the discounters on price, we can offer a quick and enjoy-able shopping experience for a com-petitively priced basket of goods and because they are purchasing products for consumption within a day or two, there is no waste.”

The brand building that McCormack’s has undertaken is paying dividends, “The partnership between McCormacks, MACE and Excol is very prominent in the west,” notes Barry Flynn, Retail Operations Advisor, MACE. “With the shops in

Retail News travels to Athboy in County Meath to see the latest addition to the McCormack Retail Group.

MACE to the Fore in Meath

October10Forecourt Focus

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Pictured outside the Athboy store are (l-r): Trevor Murray, MACE Athboy; John Flanagan, Retail Operations Manager, McCormack Retail Group; Irene Donegan, CEO, McCormack Retail Group; store owner John McCormack, MD, McCormack

Retail Group; and Barry Flynn, Retail Operations Advisor, BWG Foods.

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Virginia and now Athboy, that concept is being introduced to the east coast as well. The McCormack Retail Group operates all its shops to the very high-est standards. All the shops perform well in the MACE Excellence Awards and are a credit to the MACE group.

“MACE has invested heavily in developing and refining the package we offer retailers, from the image, to back office systems, support, training, advice and marketing, through to the value that BWG can offer in terms of wholesale prices for branded and own brand goods, along with ‘WOW’ offers.”

Fruitful PartnershipThe relationship between the McCormack Retail Group and MACE has proved a long and fruitful part-nership. John McCormack entered the forecourt business in 1984. In 1996, he

introduced his first MACE forecourt shop and thus began a partnership that is still going strong. This is not the first recession that John has trad-ed through and he is very confident that investment in the McCormack Retail Group will produce the returns he is looking for.

“We are in the process of upgrading every shop in the McCormack Group to the latest MACE image,” he states. “The investment is part of our plan to improve the McCormack MACE partnership. Across all our shops, we have adapted to customer demand, reducing prices across branded goods, heavily promoting WOW offers at point of sale and increasing the selection of MACE own brand goods. We also oper-ate a very aggressive pricing strategy on wines. Our deli offering includes a far higher proportion of healthy and premium options than five or 10 years ago.

“People are still looking for high standards and high quality from their shopping experience,” he continues. “It is just that they are now much more price conscious. The Maud’s Premium Ice Cream element is anoth-er aspect of the MACE package which fits in exactly with our aim to give customers an easy, pleasant shopping experience.”

Top Quality StandardsThe standards and the qual-ity of finish in the Athboy filling station are of the high-est level. The vibrant dash of orange that accents the interior of the shop is part of the intri-cately detailed MACE concept. The

wooden finish on the fresh fruit and veg and bread shelving maximises the impact of the top quality produce on display. The tea and coffee, ice cream and deli elements invite cus-tomers to treat themselves, while the friendly well-trained staff put the final gloss on a trip to the local shop. The increase in size in the shop has allowed McCormack’s MACE Athboy to offer an increased range of grocery, while value offers are promoted with strong Point-of-Sale materials.

So far, the formula is working. The Athboy store already enjoys a loyal following from both local and passing trade on the road to Trim and Dublin. It has surpassed original sales expectations, while retaining all existing staff and, in fact, increasing employment in the town. Positioned at the heart of the community it serves, McCormack’s MACE provides Athboy with the quality and service levels that the town deserves, and this new store is a credit both to the McCormack Retail Group and to MACE.

Fact File

Owner:

Location:Size:

Number of Staff:

Opening Hours:

John McCormack, McCormack Retail GroupLower Bridge Street, Athboy, Co. Meath1,400 square feet retail space

11 full time & part time

06:00-23:00, Monday-Friday; 07:00-23:00, Saturday: 08:00-23:00, Sunday.

October10Forecourt Focus

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THREE Irish butchers were awarded medals at the 2010 Brotherhood of the Knights of the Black Pudding Awards. Based in Normandy, France, the Brotherhood is one of the world’s greatest authorities on Black pudding and so impressed were the French by the quality of the puddings presented by the Irish entries that they decided to visit Ireland to bestow the awards in person and welcome McCarthy’s of Kanturk, Rosscarbery Recipes and Kelly’s of Newport to the Fraternity.

WILKINSON Sword have introduced a serious con-tender for the number one male handles slot with a revolutionary new razor and its biggest ever sup-port package. Hydro from Wilkinson Sword is set to invigorate the male grooming category with a world-first that puts skin-care at the heart of shav-ing. Following six years of research and development and record levels of testing, the Hydro system features ground-breaking technologi-cal advancements with the razor actively hydrating the skin with every stroke. Hydro is being supported by a massive marketing invest-ment, including TV, print and digital advertising. Since launching in the USA in April, Hydro has already become the number one male system handle, selling over one million handles in its first two months alone.

CONGRATULATIONS to Dungarvan Brewing Company, who were named Best New Producer at the third annual Blas na hEireann Irish Food Awards, presented recently in Dingle. The award, which is sponsored by Superquinn, gives the brewery an opportu-nity to be showcased nationally through Superquinn’s mentoring and development pro-gramme. Dungarvan Brewing Company brew and bottle a range of bottle-conditioned ales in Dungarvan, Co. Waterford with an emphasis on quality, craft and tradition. Their core

products are Black Rock Irish Stout, Copper Coast Red Ale and Helvick Gold Blonde Ale. Pictured at the announcement are (l-r): Artie Clifford, Chairman, Blas na hEireann; Tom Dalton Dungarvan Brewing Company; Angela Blaney, Superquinn; Cormac O’Dwyer, Dungarvan Brewing Company; and Peter Ward from Country Choice in Nenagh.

Shelf Life

October10Shelf Life

MICHAEL Fennelly has been appointed as Corporate Sales Representative at The Gift Voucher Shop (GVS), Ireland’s largest supplier of gift cards and vouchers to the corporate sec-tor. In his new role, he will be responsible for the acquisition of new business from both existing and new customers, while also focusing on rela-tionship management across some of Ireland’s largest employers. Michael joined the Retail

Relationship Team at GVS in 2008. He has extensive sales expe-rience, particularly in the FMCG sector and previously worked with MJ Gleeson.

LIDL has won 4 Blas na hÉireann National Irish Food Awards for its own brand products sup-plied by Irish producers. Lidl’s winning products included Deluxe Irish Premium Devon Toffee Favoured Yogurt (pictured), made by Irish Yogurt, which took Gold in the Dairy category. A relative newcomer to Lidl shelves, Bridge Bakery Luxury Lemon Cake, which has only been in Lidl stores for a number of weeks, made a massive impact on the judges and won Bronze in the Best Newcomer Category, which is a fantastic achievement for family run Seery’s Limited. In the drinks category, Lidl took Gold for its Irish Valley Irish Country Cream, which has been developed in close consul-tation with the producer, Terra Limited, exclusive-ly for Lidl. The same category saw Lidl win Bronze with its Carrick Glen Cranberry and Raspberry flavoured sparkling water, made by Glenpatrick and sold only through Lidl for 69c per litre.

REBECCA Lawless has been promoted to Account Manager at consumer PR agency, Burrell Marketing and Publicity. Rebecca joined Burrell Marketing and Publicity in 2007 and cur-rently manages key accounts, including Irish Distillers and Procter & Gamble, working on brands such as Jameson Whiskey, Havana Club, Daz and Fairy, along with con-sumer website Pigsback.com.

A NEW book of gags and satire aimed at capturing the zeitgeist of our trou-bled times has just been launched by Irish publisher Gregmar Books. Entitled ‘Ash, Sure What Of It’, the 120-page hardback’s author is Michael Cullen, editor of Marketing.ie and Campaign Brief columnist with the Evening Herald. ‘Ash, Sure What Of It’ is illustrated with original cartoons by Aidan Dowling, whose work fea-tures in such publications as Phoenix, Private Eye and Marketing.ie maga-zine. “The book is about experiences that prompt laughter or just a little smile,” Cullen said. “Great gags are a boost to the morale, even when what is lampooned is not to be taken lightly.” To order copies of ‘Ash, Sure What Of It’, con-tact Gregmar Books on 01-280 7735, or email [email protected]. Check out the book’s blog at http://ash-surewhatofit.com/.

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Retail News October 2010