Wild Lights returns to Dublin Zoo this week, and sponsor Java Republic is set to be a part of the experience for visitors. Wild Lights is an annual event that showcases magical scenes from well-known stories, myths and legends. Along the journey, visitors will experience new and magical scenes from classic stories such as The Wizard of Oz and Peter Pan, as well as much-loved tales from Irish mythology – brought to life by giant colourful silk lanterns.

Java Republic has been a brand partner of Dublin Zoo for nine years, serving hot beverages to zoo visitors all year round. Joining forces with the Wild Lights event was a natural progression, with tea, coffee and hot chocolate available to visitors at various points during their journey.

“Wild Lights has quickly established itself as one of the most highly anticipated events in Dublin during the Christmas period,” said Grace O’Shaughnessy, managing director of Java Republic. “We are proud to partner up with Dublin Zoo on this event and look forward to seeing what new and exciting experiences it brings year-on-year.”

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Microwave burger brand Rustlers is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the mighty hamburger with “The Seas Between Us”, a feature-length, German-language arthouse drama. Created by London-based ad agency Droga5, The Seas Between Us tells the story of the hamburger through the eyes of Otto Kuase, the German cook who is often cited as the inventor of the hamburger in 1891.

In a surreal twist, the burger is brought to life by actor Paul Faßnacht. The burger tells the story of its life to a documentary filmmaker, recounting the difficulties it faced during its life.

The hamburger is joined by his adult son who also wears the burger bun hat and collar, who shares his trauma of growing up with an absent father. After lamenting his childhood, the pair find some accord before his son declares he is the next generation burger – microwaveable and ready in only 90 seconds – aka Rustlers.

Discussing the campaign, Dan Morris at Droga5 London, said the process of creating from scratch a legitimate piece of arthouse cinema was daunting enough. “Then,” he says, “we realised that to be true to the idea of the hamburger being created in Germany, the film also had to be in German. Which none of us spoke. Some might say that it was an insane thing to undertake.”

To view the quite odd promo for The Seas Between Us, click here.

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For its new Cinema and Out-of-Home campaign, Frank and Honest is drawing on its commitments to sustainability: how it sources its coffee from Rainforest Alliance Certified Farms that benefit forests, communities and wildlife. However, sending a film crew to South America to create an ad campaign that highlighted these efforts was deemed to be bad for the environment! Instead, Frank and Honest took the decision to fake the footage, shooting in garden centres and paddling pools in Rialto instead of flying to Rio, highlighting its sustainability message with a sustainably shot ad campaign!

The innovative new campaign can be viewed here.

HalloweenFM.ie creeps onto web and mobile

HalloweenFM.ie, Ireland’s first ever Halloween radio station, sponsored by Fanta, broadcasts online from 1pm and will be online for the next 10 days. The digital station will be playing wickedly good music and will be the perfect soundtrack to all Halloween celebrations.

O’Donnells Hand Cooked Crisps collaborate with Roz Purcell

Hand-cooked crisp brand O’Donnells has announced two new limited-edition flavours, inspired by their cousin Roz Purcell: O’Donnells Spiced Chutney and O’Donnells Aromatic Sweet ‘n’ Sour Flavour. O’Donnells has called upon the talents and taste-buds of Roz Purcell to inspire these delicious new limited edition flavours. Roz is no stranger to the O’Donnell family, having  grown up next door to her cousins, while also having worked with them over the years. They have now taken the next step and teamed up to create these two new flavours.

Irish salmon experience opens its doors

A new visitor centre developed to tell the story of Irish salmon has opened to the public in the Burren, Co. Clare. Taste the Atlantic Irish Salmon Experience, financed under the European Maritime & Fisheries Fund, forms part of the wider Bord Iascaigh Mhara (BIM) seafood trail comprising salmon, mussel and oyster producers along the Atlantic seaboard from Donegal to Cork. The launch is one of hundreds of Fáilte Ireland Taste the Island events taking place in celebration of the rich food and drink heritage on the island of Ireland.

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More than 250 families of babies and young children with Down syndrome have been directly supported thanks to funds raised as part of this year’s HB Fundays campaign with HB Ice-cream, Down Syndrome Ireland has announced.

Some €251,648 was raised as part of this year’s campaign, allowing the charity to accelerate funding for the rollout of See and Learn, a vital language development programme for young children with Down Syndrome, and Parent-Link, a local support service for new parents of babies with Down syndrome. The Parent-Link service is provided by parent volunteers who will be trained and supported by Down Syndrome Ireland.

Down Syndrome Ireland member Tara Lundberg, whose daughter is Siún (5), said that learning to talk is a particular challenge for most children with Down syndrome. “The See and Learn programme is life-changing foir that reason,” Lundberg says, “as it helps children with Down syndrome like Siún develop their language and communication skills from a very young age.” 

Speaking about the 2019 Fundays campaign, Down Syndrome Ireland CEO Gary Owens said the charity is very grateful to all who held a HB Fundays party this year. “You are helping young children with Down syndrome develop vital speech and language skills,” he said, “and also helping new parents receive the support they need directly from other parents who are sharing the same journey. Thank you.”

Down Syndrome Ireland and HB Ice-cream have been in partnership for 18 years and the HB Fundays Campaign has now raised a whopping €3.75 million to date.

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A new deal between Aldi and North Dublin-based Flynn’s Tomatoes will see 10.5 million packs of Irish-grown, Bord Bia-approved tomatoes of eight different varieties, delivered to Aldi stores in 2020.

Flynn’s Tomatoes has been suppling Aldi stores since 2013, and as such has been heavily involved in Aldi’s programme to remove and limit unrecyclable packaging from its supply chain. It became Aldi’s first fruit and veg supplier to remove all non-detectable black plastic trays from its produce earlier this year, replacing them with eco-friendly cardboard trays, saving 250 tonnes of avoidable waste.

Flynn’s Tomatoes is a third-generation family enterprise and is currently run by father and son team, William and Martin Flynn. Welcoming the new deal, Martin Flynn commented: “This new long-term agreement with Aldi is a huge vote of confidence in our business.”

“The principles of quality, sustainability, experience and taste are all vitally important to our business,” he added, “helping Flynn’s Tomatoes grow a superior, fresher tomato compared to imported product.”

The long-term commitment by Aldi has provided Flynn’s Tomatoes with the security to invest in and expand its operations in recent years. State-of-the-art energy efficient glasshouses were installed in 2015, enabling a 40% increase in output.

“Supporting local innovative Irish producers has always been a key priority for Aldi,” said Aldi group buying director John Curtin. “After 20 years of operating in Ireland, we are proud to say that this commitment continues to grow, with Aldi now working with over 200 Irish food and drink producers. In terms of quality and taste, Flynn’s Tomatoes are second to none and we are delighted our customers will continue to enjoy the best of Irish produce.”

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Jacob Stockdale lines out for Maxol’s Christmas campaign for Aware

Maxol is aiming to raise over €60,000 this Christmas for its charity partner Aware. Maxol will donate 10cent to Aware for every cup of Rosa coffee, tea or other hot drink purchased between now and 31 December at participating service stations nationwide.

With Jacob’s support, Maxol hopes to surpass the whopping €62,000 figure that was raised last year. Aware provides support, education and information, for people impacted by depression, bipolar disorder and mood related conditions. 75% of Aware’s annual funding comes from donations and corporate and private fund-raising activities.

New limited edition in Boyle’s Gin Collection launched in Aldi for Christmas 2019

This Christmas, Boyle’s Gin, produced exclusively for Aldi by Waterford-based craft spirits business Blackwater Distillery is back with a new limited edition product – Boyle’s Old Tom Gin €29.99/70cl, which is on sale from today, 14 November in all 139 stores nationwide, while stocks last.

This new product is known as the “Captain Dudley Bradstreet” Edition, supplied in a beautifully foiled gift box containing 700ml of gin, and a scroll giving both a selection of cocktail recipes, and the story of Dudley Bradstreet, a Tipperary born adventurer and spy who was better known as a scoundrel, playwright and brewer.

Tom Doorley, Aldi’s drinks expert has given the new product his seal of approval, noting: “It has extra juniper character, a touch of sweetness from liquorice root and a very small amount of sugar. It’s a taste of history and, as it happens, part of the original recipe for one of the great cocktails, the Tom Collins.”

Milano’s Romana ‘At Home’ selection arrives in Irish market

Milano is introducing two new Romana style pizzas to its ‘At Home’ range, inviting its customers to try the new selection over the festive season with family and friends.

The ‘all-new’ Romana range takes its inspiration from the thinner, larger base, popular in Italy’s food capital of Rome and includes new recipes, inspired by Milano restaurants.

Both new pizzas are ideal for sharing with the Romana’s extra thin base allowing for improved flavor delivery of the ingredients. The Milano Romana ‘At Home’ range will showcase two hero specialties: The Margherita Speciale and The Pollo American; now stocked in Tesco stores nationwide.

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Christmas is a time for families and gifts, the season to be merry, but it’s also the season for stocking up on favourite Christmas treats! Irish people love nothing more than indulging at this time of year, illustrated this week by Musgrave MarketPlace’s new figures that predict sales of crisps, chocolate and biscuits will increase by 6% in the coming weeks.

The predictions are part of the wholesale provider’s Christmas Made campaign, highlighting its comprehensive Christmas offering that has the entire season covered under one roof.

Musgrave’s predictions on the soaring sales of treats amount to the following:

• 1 million Jacob’s Biscuits and 100,000 Jaffa Cakes will be purchased this Christmas
• Almost 840,000 bags of Tayto crisps will be sold in branch over the coming weeks
• 29,200 tubs and bags of Cadbury’s Roses will be purchased in Musgrave MarketPlace across the festive season 
• 29,728 boxes of Dairy Box, which equates to almost 1,200,000 sweets which will be bought at Musgrave MarketPlace
• 46,000 boxes of Milk Tray will be snapped up by Musgrave MarketPlace customers

Commenting on the seasonal stats, Ciara McClafferty, trading director at Musgrave MarketPlace, said that while Christmas is a time for tradition, friends and family, it is also a time for food. “In keeping with previous years,” McClafferty said, “we predict a seasonal spike in confectionery sales of 6%. We are fully stocked up on all Christmas treats for 2019 and look forward to welcoming our customers in our branches over the next few weeks.”

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Ireland’s love of black and white pudding celebrated in new recipe book

Chef Clodagh McKenna and food historian Dr. Máirtín Mac Con Iomaire have launched The Black and White Cookbook, a hardback collection of recipes celebrating the Clonakilty Food Co.’s iconic Clonakilty Blackpudding and Clonakilty Whitepudding. The cookbook features a carefully curated selection of recipes which have been created by some of Ireland’s leading chefs, food writers and home cooks including Clodagh McKenna, Adrian Martin, Joe Shannon and Lily Higgins. The Black and White Cookbook will be available to purchase from 2 December on the website shop.clonakiltyblackpudding.ie . RRP €15.

Bewley’s launches Christmas Beverage Kits for operators

Bewley’s has launched a brand-new seasonal beverage kit for its operators, helping them to add a little sparkle for customers this Christmas. The kit will serve as a one stop solution for everything needed to execute a successful seasonal beverage menu, including marketing materials, gingerbread syrups, gold sparkling chocolate powders and recipe cards. The Christmas Beverage Kit will showcase three speciality hot drinks: Gingerbread Sparkle Latte, Gingerbread Sparkle Hot Chocolate and Gingerbread Sparkle Flat White.

Killowen Farm introduces new flavours, new look and sustainable packaging

Killowen Farm has introduced a new range of yogurts which feature new flavours, 100% sustainable packaging and a fresh new look. The new range sees the introduction of four x 125g pack stirred glass jars (RRP €3.49) and the new family size six x 125g pack (RRP €2.99), in which Killowen’s berry stirred yogurt pots including Strawberry, Raspberry and Forest Fruits have been put together in one handy six-pack. Meanwhile, all of the new range is delivered in 100% sustainable and recyclable packaging.

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Lindt Chocolate Ireland has marked the launch of its new Lindt Excellence High % Cocoa Milk Chocolate with a special Christmas movie screening at Dublin’s Odeon Point Village. Guests were treated to an evening of prosecco, popcorn and, of course, delicious chocolate before settling in to watch the movie!

It’s widely acknowledged that dark chocolate is something of an acquired taste, so for their latest masterpiece, Lindt’s Master Chocolatiers combined the smooth creaminess of milk chocolate with the benefits of high cocoa content. The result is the Excellence High % Cocoa Milk Chocolate collection – just in time for Christmas too.

The new range includes three variants, made with 45%, 55% and 65% cocoa content, meaning there’s an offering to suit all palates. The balance of flavours in each creates a delicious creaminess not usually found in high cocoa content treats. Each one delivers on the indulgence and excellence that consumers associate with the Lindt brand, while also providing a low-sugar benefit – all without compromising on taste.

“Our overarching goal for the new range,” says Sinead Taylor, Excellence brand manager at Lindt Ireland, “is to help break the stigma of dark chocolate being ‘too bitter’ and milk chocolate being ‘too sweet’ by creating a delicious bridge between both,”

Additionally, Lindt Master Chocolatier Stefan Bruderer explains that, when it comes to cocoa percentage, the experience is entirely subjective. “Finding the perfect percentage for you is more important than finding the highest cocoa percentage available,” he says. “A higher percentage means more chocolate, and less of the remaining ingredients, primarily sugar.”

And as we well know, in the current era, reduced sugar content is a big concern among consumers.

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Visit Schweppes’ Ultimate Mixer Studio

Schweppes is fizzing into this festive season with the Schweppes Ultimate Mixer Studio, a pop-up creative space that opens its doors in the heart of Dublin city centre for three days this December. Located at 20 Dawson Street, the studio will host some of Ireland’s leading creatives, mixologists and music makers for a long weekend of entertainment, art and inspiration. The Schweppes Ultimate Mixer Studio is open from Thursday, 5 December until Saturday, 7 December and admission is free of charge. Tickets will be available to book online from Thursday, 28 November at https://schweppesstudio.eventbrite.ie.

Coca-Cola signature mixers now available to enjoy at home

This year, Coca-Cola, embraced the dark side with the launch of its new range of Coca-Cola Signature Mixers. A global first for the brand, Coca-Cola enlisted some of the world’s most influential and inventive bartenders to create four new mixers that elevate dark spirits and premium vodka. This Christmas, Coca Cola Signature Mixers are also available in Dunnes Stores, Tesco and SuperValu stores. They are ideal for any dark spirit or premium vodka.

“The world’s best pizza” now delivers

Premium retailer Fallon & Byrne has been to the home of pizza in Italy, to compete against 500 of the best pizza makers in the world. Head pizza chef Alessandro Capozzi was crowned Best Pizzaiolo in Ireland and placed second in the world at the Campionato Nazionale DOC. What’s more, Fallon & Byrne pizzas can be ordered directly from the Deliveroo app and enjoyed from the comfort of home or as an office treat. They are authentic Pizza Napoletana and created using the fresh ingredients of Fallon & Byrne’s famous Food Hall.

Winners of the An Post Irish Book Awards 2019 announced

Joseph O’Connor, Vicky Phelan and Andrea Corr were among the winning authors at this year’s An Post Irish Book Awards. Acclaimed Irish author and journalist Colm Tóibín received the Bob Hughes Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of the central position he has occupied in the cultural life of Ireland for over three decades, with works including Brooklyn, The Master and The Testament of Mary. This year’s ceremony was hosted by Miriam O’Callaghan and Evelyn O’Rourke.

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Irish consumers’ social media feeds are a key channel for 2019’s “Black Friday” and “Cyber Monday” events, with retailers and consumers alike embrace social media as a method for promoting and finding the best deals.

In analysing the trends in 2018, Sprout Social recorded 16,272 mentions of either #BlackFriday or #CyberMonday from Irish Twitter accounts. Black Friday was by far the most discussed by Irish social media users, accounting for more than 85% of the posts, indicating that this U.S. retailing phenomenon has gained more traction this side of the Atlantic than its newer cousin Cyber Monday.

Another key identifier of the trend’s growth is its extended nature, with many retailers kicking off Black Friday sales ahead of the day itself – traditionally the last Friday of November, one day after Thanksgiving in the USA. Harvey Norman, DID Electrical and Littlewoods have all introduced Black Friday deals more than 2 weeks in advance of the date.

The Marketing Institute of Ireland has predicted that €250 million euro will be spent during Black Friday in Ireland, equally spread between online and brick and mortar retailers. In addition, 45% of Irish consumers surveyed by the IE Domain Registry said they planned to buy items on either Black Friday or Cyber Monday.

Gerard Murnaghan, Sprout Social’s General Manager and VP for EMEA, said further growth in online engagement is expected along with the sales increases. “Marketers who have planned campaigns and promotions to tap into this trend stand to benefit in what is an extremely competitive retail landscape,” Murnaghan said.

“There are real opportunities for retailers to leverage social media to boost sales,” he continued. “At this time of year, it pays for consumers to be keeping an eye out for the best deals – but also for retailers to be connecting with customers to drive loyalty for offline and online sales.”

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Move over chocolate selection boxes, Aldi’s has launched a new contender for favourite Christmas treat and the perfect end to a meal with friends and family – the luxurious Aldi Irish Cheddar Selection Box. The Ardagh Irish Cheddar Selection Box is priced €4.49, on sale in all Aldi stores now.

Ardagh Irish Cheddar Selection Box contains an outstanding selection of Irish Cheddar produced in Ballineen, Co.Cork using 100% Irish milk. The selection includs Aldi’s award-winning Irish 12 Month Vintage White Cheddar, delicious Irish Cracked Black Pepper Cheddar, smooth Irish Smoked Cheddar and flavoursome Irish 12 Month Vintage Red Cheddar.

The perfect treat for cheese lovers, this classic combination of Irish cheddar that can be enjoyed by everyone.

Meanwhile, Maynard’s Late Bottled Vintage Port €13.99, also available in Aldi, is the perfect match for this gift.

For more information, see www.aldi.ie

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Asian-inspired noodle range Mr Lee’s Pure Foods has launched in selected SuperValu stores nationwide with three flavours.

An award-winning brand of gourmet instant noodles, Mr Lee’s Pure Foods uses quality ingredients, with flavours uniquely crafted from authentic recipes. Loaded with freeze-dried vegetables, air-dried Vietnamese rice noodles, herbs, spices and traditional chef-crafted broths, the brand aims to put the good into its foods, not just take the “bad” out.

The Mr Lee’s range is also low in saturated fats, calories, low in sugar and is gluten-free, palm oil-free and comes with a ‘No Nasties’ guarantee across the entire range.

“We’ve worked hard to make sure each and every cup contains a restaurant-calibre dish, authentic in taste and texture to the oriental cuisine you’d expect from any top noodle bar,” says Damien Lee, founder and CEO of Mr Lee’s Pure Foods Co.

“The response to our flavours has been incredible so far,” he adds. “What we didn’t expect, however, was just how much of a need there was for healthier instant noodles (especially a vegan option), of which the feedback and press has been simply incredible. We’re bringing the next level of instant noodle to the people of Ireland, and we can’t wait to see where it takes us!”

For more information, email info@mrleesnoodles.com or visit mrleesnoodles.com/uk.

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Holidays are Coming; Coca-Cola launches 2019 Christmas Campaign

Coca-Cola’s iconic Christmas campaign kicked off for 2019 at Dublin’s RDS this week, with the annual Coca-Cola Christmas Truck Tour setting off for seven locations across the Island of Ireland. Now in its ninth year, Coca-Cola’s Christmas Truck Tour has welcomed approximately 1.5 million visitors nationwide. 2019 also sees the return of the soft drinks giant’s Christmas merchandise cart, where all proceeds will be donated to the Coca-Cola charity partner, St. Vincent de Paul.

For more information on specific Truck Tour stops, visit www.coke.ie/trucktour.

Writers’ Tears Double Oak named in Top 10 Global List of Whiskeys 2019

Writers’ Tears Double Oak, first released by Walsh Whiskey in May 2019, has been confirmed as the only Irish whiskey to make the elite Whisky Advocate magazine’s the Top 10 World Whiskey Releases of 2019. The other nine included four Bourbon expressions, four Scotch and a Tennessee whiskey. Writers’ Tears Double Oak, is the third core expression in the Writers’ Tears range which includes the Copper Pot and Cask Strength versions. The wider Walsh Whiskey portfolio comprises of 16 expressions in the extended Writers’ Tears and The Irishman ranges.

Say ‘Cheese’ for the M&S Advent Calendar

M&S has launched its much-loved Cheese Advent Calendar, just in time for the festive foodie season. The Cheese Advent Calendar includes some of Marks & Spencer’s most popular cheeses including Medium Cove Cheddar, Mature Cove Cheddar and award winning Cornish Cruncher Cheddar which boasts naturally occurring crystals, giving it a distinctive, subtly crunchy, moreish texture. All are delicately wrapped into perfect bite size sticks, with a special cheese Santa for Christmas Day.

The Fair City – A Celebration of Dublin by Nestlé

A new video series presented by Nestlé aims to capture the culture, art, history and taste of Dublin and its inherent communities. This series is presented by Laura Brady, shopper marketing manager at Nestlé Ireland, who gives a tour of the city showing the viewer its unique characteristics before telling us some of the initiatives and partnerships that Nestlé Ireland works with in the community. Nestlé has had a presence in Dublin since 1893. Click the link to see all the films in the ‘Nestlé Communities’ series.

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Ice Water Group shortlisted for Green Awards 2020

Ice Water Group, which includes Eco Fil, has been shortlisted for the Green Awards 2020. The awards are an initiative of Business River, the biggest private network of B2B communities in Ireland. Ice Water Group is one of four companies shortlisted in the ‘The Sustainable Water Achievement Award’ category. Award winners will be announced on 25 February 2020 in Dublin.

Christmas parties help with staff bonding and morale, according to Musgrave MarketPlace

The Christmas party helps boost morale at work, according to a new survey by Musgrave MarketPlace. The survey examining Ireland’s Christmas party habits reveals that 94% of those polled say a Christmas party helps with staff bonding and boosts morale, while two thirds of companies will have a festive party this year.

Fyffes fitness wins European marketing award

The efforts being made by Fyffes to help combat childhood obesity through its fitness-based ‘Fit Squad’ initiative was recognised at this year’s IMC European Awards for Integrated Marketing Communications, held in Brussels recently. The Irish-based fruit importer was honoured with the Silver Award in the ‘Small budget campaign’ category by a panel of almost 40 leading industry professionals across Europe. The main purpose of ‘Fit Squad’ is to demonstrate to young people in schools throughout the country how they can increase their physical activity.

Veggie and vegan rise set to touch Christmas dinner

Aramark, the leading food service provider, is predicting that the traditional festive meal, with all its trimmings, may not be at the top of everyone’s Christmas list this year. 2019 has seen interest in vegetarianism, veganism and flexitarianism rising steadily, with incremental sales of vegan foods outpacing any other cuisine. And while turkey and ham remain firm festive favourites, demand for meat-free menu options has seen such growth in 2019 that Aramark believes Christmas parties around the country will be complementing their classic pork cocktail sausage with a tasty plant-forward alternative.

Chris O’Dowd supports Social Spin in partnership with Guinness

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M&M Walshe, trading as Ribworld, is set to supply Aldi South stores in Germany, spanning some 1,920 stores, with Aldi having already opened up new markets for the supplier in the UK.

Expected to be worth over €800k, the new contract will see the introduction of a range of slow cooked meat products produced in Ireland sold to new Aldi South customers across Germany. Speaking at the announcement of the contract was Aldi group buying director John Curtin, who celebrated the long history between the retailer and supplier.

“We have worked with Ribworld owners since Aldi first entered the Irish market, 20 years ago,” Curtin said. “We currently have 16 Ribworld Irish products in our core range including our Blás na hÉireann 2019 Bronze award-winning Salt & Chilli Pork Ribs. Over the last 20 years we have built up strong, fruitful relationships with over 200 Irish suppliers, and in many cases, such as this announcement today with Ribworld, we have been able to open new markets to Irish suppliers so that their exceptional quality can be found on dinner tables internationally.”

Paul Walshe, group commercial director at Ribworld, took the opportunity to thank Aldi Ireland for the new opportunities their partnership has opened up for them.

“Aldi Ireland has been a longstanding partner of ours and has forged a path for us into the UK and now into Germany,” he said. “We are grateful for their continuing support and look forward to our working with them into the future.”

2019 was a strong year for Aldi’s suppliers, with four of its own-brand products winning the most coveted ‘three gold stars’ award at the Great Taste Awards – more than any other supermarket in Ireland. Aldi also won 30 Blás na hÉireann Awards and 40 Irish Quality Food Awards in 2019.

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As 2019 draws to a close, it’s time to take stock of the year as it was in Ireland’s ever-changing FMCG and grocery sector.

Whether it’s an iconic family favourite, a niche innovation or something in between, there have been a host of outstanding product launches and re-launches throughout 2019, followed by enthusiastic responses from retailers and consumers alike. As well as quality products, these campaigns were marked by innovative and inventive use of new channels in social media and digital marketing.

Major consumer trends this year included the rise of vegan foods, the ongoing focus on health and wellness and the rise of low and no alcohol drinks. Suppliers have outdone themselves in managing to create solutions that meet these needs in new and exciting ways and in on-the-go, convenient formats that neatly slot into consumers’ busy lifestyles.

Delivering a superior cigar

Ampersand has successfully built its cigar business to become the number one independent supplier of cigars to the Irish market and key supplier to the premium cigar market with its range of hand-made tubed cigars from Havana and the Dominican Republic. Brands include Cohiba, Montecristo, Romeo y Julieta, Partagas, Upmann, Bolivar and Hoyo. Ampersand also distributes the Villiger, King Edward and Agio cigar brands.

Ampersand has imported the best-selling Agio range of cigars into Ireland for almost 60 years and attributes its success to the excellent level of service provided to customers. In fact, Ampersand’s loyal and committed nationwide sales team has local representatives based in each territory.

In today’s increasingly challenging cigar market, Ampersand’s specialised salesforce continue to sell Agio to every corner of Ireland and across all shop formats and sizes. Ampersand’s sales team have strong long-term relationships with owners and managers at store level and can deliver Agio “on the spot” with no minimum outer order quantity.

The best seller from the Agio range, Agio Filter Tip in a five-pack, has enjoyed popularity for many decades amongst cigar enthusiasts in Ireland and remains the leading brand in the Irish tip market and the world’s leading tip cigar. The elegant Agio Tip mouthpiece and sophisticated flavour make this cigarillo an extremely appetising prospect for cigar consumers. The tip prevents tobacco entering the mouth and allows for a firm grip. With roots all the way back to the 1920s cigarette holders, tips have enjoyed popularity for many decades among a large group of stylish cigar enthusiasts.

Ampersand’s advice to retailers is to ensure you have enough stock of cigars this Christmas as consumers look for a quality gift offering or a superior cigar to smoke while celebrating over the festive period.

For more information, contact your Ampersand representative or call 01 4130150.

Appealing to canny customers

Barefoot Wine’s award-winning Pinot Grigio and White Zinfandel are now on shelves in a stylish new format. Canned wine has become a serious drink trend this year. These two new and colourful cans, stamped with the brand’s iconic foot, are a real favourite for many.

Barefoot’s Pinot Grigio boasts flavours of tasty pear mixed with hints of fresh citrus, while the White Zinfandel offers notes of sun-ripened strawberries, succulent pears, luscious pineapple, and juicy peach.

Both options are available in a convenient, lightweight can format, perfect for enjoying on-the-go. Barefoot cans are also great for Christmas celebrations, as they are convenient, widely recyclable, easy to chill and open, and remove the need for a glass! Barefoot is confident these cans are set to be the trendiest tipple of the season, and what’s more, they come with an affordable price tag.

Garden of Eden

With no hidden nasties, just honest goodness, the Eden range manages to serve up juicy flavours and textures while remaining low in calories

2019 was the year of the vegan. January 2019 couldn’t have been a better time for the launch of Eden; one of the first vegan chilled products to go to market this year. As the months flew by, more and more vegan and vegetarian brands were popping up on retailers’ shelves across the country, but Eden was already securely on the shelves across the different retailers.

What’s great about Eden is its brand message and the fact it is produced in Ireland.

Eden has created a range of delicious vegan and vegetarian products to help fellow foodies enjoy natural, green choices that are good for you and the planet. The people behind Eden made this product for the ‘Meat Free Monday’ers’, the animal product reducers as well as those living a vegan lifestyle. Indeed, Eden believes in making the highest quality, tasty food, for everyone to enjoy.

Nothing forbidden goes into its products, only natural, wholesome ingredients. Eden’s produce is sustainably sourced and served as nature intended it; no hidden nasties, just honest goodness. The team at Eden steams the products instead of frying them, locking in all the tasty nourishment and giving a soft feel yet a firm bite. This is reflected in Eden’s ability to create juicy flavours and textures while keeping the products low in calories.

Eden products give individuals one of their five-a-day per burger. Eden’s extensive range of vegan and vegetarian products include burgers, sausages and bites. To find out more, visit Eden’s website, edenfood.ie or follow the brand on Instagram eden_foods.

To contact Eden, call +353 091771236 or email info@edenfood.ie.

As distinctive as the man himself!

With gin being one of Graham Norton’s favourite tipples, he wanted to give it a Norton-esque twist, showcasing the unique botanicals of West Cork

Graham Norton’s foray into the spirits business has seen two of his new-to-market gins win gold and silver at the prestigious Gin Masters 2019 competition in London.

Judged alongside industry peers, in a blind tasting competition, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin scooped a coveted gold medal, while his popular Graham Norton’s Own Pink Gin landed a silver award. In a hotly contested competition, over 300 of the world’s favourite gins were presented to the experts at the 2019 awards, while sales of these special gins reflect their popularity, not just with older gin connoisseurs, but with selective millennials and Generation Zers.

Created in collaboration with West Cork Distilleries, Skibbereen, Graham Norton’s Own Irish Gin is a combination of juniper and coriander, with hints of locally foraged rosehip, fuchsia petals and gooseberries rounding off the special blend of 12 botanicals. The gins boast a London Dry style and a flavour as likeable and distinctive as the man himself! His second winner, Graham Norton’s Own Pink Gin, has pushed the boundaries with its use of locally foraged botanicals also, both are produced from 100% Irish grain, drawing its flavours from rose petals, lemon peel, orange peel and elderflower to name but a few.

Gin is one of Graham’s favourite tipples, so he really wanted to put his own Norton-esque twist on one. Graham wanted something that spoke of the splendour and beauty of West Cork, its countryside and its unique botanicals. The bottle shape and design of both have great stand-out and the gin speaks for itself! Proudly distributed by Barry & Fitzwilliam.

Craft cocktails in a can

The Glassbox Spirits range consists of four cocktail classics: Gin and Tonic, Pink Gin and Tonic, Vodka, Cranberry and Soda, and Whiskey Ginger and Lime (5% ABV)

Co. Meath-based Glassbox Spirits unveiled Ireland’s first ever range of craft cocktails in a 330ml can earlier this year. All mixed and ready to enjoy, the small batch 330ml can range consists of four convenient cocktail classics:

• Gin and Tonic (5% ABV)
• Pink Gin and Tonic (5% ABV)
• Vodka, Cranberry and Soda (5% ABV)
• Whiskey Ginger and Lime (5% ABV)

Each product in the classic cocktail range consists of premium distilled spirit mixed with only natural ingredients. No artificial flavourings, colourings or sweeteners are added. The drinks are also packaged in 330ml cans, making them the perfect eco-friendly option for outdoor events and festivals over the summer season.

The classic cocktail recipes have been specially formulated by in-house mixologist and drinks wizard Don Crowley, who has filled a gap in the market for “great looking premium ready-to-drink cocktails that are convenient classics”.

The range is stocked nationwide in O’Brien’s Fine Wines, Molloy’s and all good independent off-licences, with an RRP of €3.49 each or four for €10 on offer.

For trade details, email hello@glassboxspirits.ie or join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @GlassboxSpirits.

Chicken champion

Birds Eye Chicken Shop offers a tasty range of takeaway-style chicken, including Buttermilk Strips, Hot & Fiery Chunks, Maple & BBQ Wings, and Southern Fried Wings

Birds Eye is the clear leader in frozen chicken with a 50.3% value share of total chicken, underpinned by undisputed leadership in family chicken and chicken pieces with shares of 66.3% and 38.1% respectively.

Building on Birds Eye expertise, the increasing popularity of chicken and the accelerated growth within the chicken pieces sector, Chicken Shop offers a tasty range of takeaway-style chicken perfect for the growing in-home, sharing occasion. Offering great variety, the range includes Buttermilk Strips, Hot & Fiery Chunks, Maple & BBQ Wings, and Southern Fried Wings.

Chicken Shop has been consistently supported with extensive media investment throughout 2019 to drive awareness and trial. Central to this support is a dedicated Chicken Shop TV execution highlighting taste appeal and the movie night occasion under the successful Birds Eye Chicken ‘Winner Winner’ communications platform. Targeted online video, digital, social and in-store support have successfully achieved both strong trial and repeat purchase.

Chicken Shop has also been a winner for the category in delivering accretive retail sales value (RSV) and €/KG growth, not least through incremental penetration through attracting new shoppers to the frozen chicken category.

2020 will build on this success to date and see further growth momentum on Birds Eye Chicken Shop, driven through incremental NPD and continued brand support.

*(Source: Nielsen data to 6 October 2019)

Green growth

Birds Eye’s Green Cuisine range includes Meat Free Burgers, Sausages and Swedish balls

In line with recent growth in penetration and category value within plant-based eating, in 2019 Birds Eye launched Green Cuisine, a range of meat substitutes appealing predominantly to the growing flexitarian audience.

With a reputation for innovation and quality along with expertise in peas spanning over 60 years, it is not surprising that Birds Eye has chosen a specially selected variety of pea as the protein source for its range of mouth-watering Green Cuisine Meat-Free Burgers, Sausages and Swedish balls.

Green Cuisine has been developed with contemporary, health-conscious consumers in mind and strikes a perfect balance between taste and health ensuring zero compromise on enjoyment for consumers.

The range meets many important health cues with all varieties being rich in plant protein, a source of fibre, low in saturated fat and vegan-certified.

Targeted above-the-line support including TV, along with a robust innovation pipeline for 2020 and beyond, will ensure that Birds Eye continues to fuel the growth of plant-based eating as this sector becomes increasingly mainstream among family and non-family groups.

Sparking excitement

The Fused range of premium Asian sauces contains no MSG and no nasties

Fused created a stir in the Asian category in 2019 with its premium range of award-winning sauces. The brand’s mission is to premiumise the Asian category by offering a range of products with clean labels without compromising on flavour. Fiona Uyema, TV chef and cookbook author, is the curator of the range.

“There has been a phenomenal interest in Asian food since the Rugby World Cup and customers are now looking for a premium and authentic Asian brand offering,” says Fiona Uyema. “The Rugby World Cup 2019 and Tokyo Olympics 2020 have given great exposure to Japan and Asian food.”

Fused provides a range of premium Asian sauces with no MSG and no nasties. Due to positive customer and trade reaction, Fused extended its range of sauces in 2019 and will launch more products in January 2020.

Fused Katsu Curry and Thai Green Curry stir fry sauces reported strong sales with key USPs including no refined sugar, no MSG and no nasties. The Fused offering is in line with customer trends and busy lifestyles.

Fused’s full range is stocked in select Dunnes Stores and SuperValu stores, with a limited range of products stocked in Iceland, Tesco and independent stores across Ireland. Find out more on www.fusedbyfionauyema.com.

The right attitude

Chicken with Attitude is gaining new customers every day since its launch in September in supermarkets and butchers. In fact, more than 70,000 bags have been sold. This premium range of fully cooked chicken tenders and bites is different by name, appearance, and quality. Feedback has been positive: “people can’t believe how tasty they are,” the brand states. The range crisps up in an air fryer or oven in less than 15 minutes.

Created from hand-cut chicken fillets and topped with bespoke coatings from Kerry Ingredients, the texture and flavours make for an ideal quick, convenient meal.

The quality of the Chicken with Attitude range was acknowledged at the recent Meat 2 Trade Exhibition in Belfast where it scooped the ‘Best new Chicken product’ award. It is packed in attractive 500g bags and retails for €4.99. For more information contact jim@vistafoods.ie or visit www.vistafoods.ie.

Beautiful fragrances and flavours

Mil Spritz Rosa brings together Mil Mediterranean Irish Potstill Gin with a hint of grapefruit and a burst of fresh raspberries

Opening a can of Mil Spritz delivers an instant hit of beautiful fresh grapefruit citrus, followed by a signature herbal and juniper nose

Pre-made beverages once suffered the stigma of being viewed as cheap or of low quality but recent launches in this category have turned things around. Aided by the upsurge in the craft movement, this category has managed to change decades-old views around ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages while the industry has seen cocktails in this category grow by double digits year-on-year. Launched in 2019, the Mil Spritz and Mil Spritz Rosa catapulted onto the scene in a roaring success. A mix of Mil gin, tonic and grapefruit, the cans really struck a chord with consumers looking for a high-quality product that was convenient; no doubt helped along by the beautiful branding and clever marketing campaign aimed at its core customer.

The signature serve for Mil Mediterranean Irish Potstill Gin is grapefruit and basil, and the brand wanted to incorporate these beautiful fragrances and flavours in its Mil Spritz (Original) cans.

As soon as you open a Mil Spritz can, you get an instant hit of beautiful fresh grapefruit citrus, followed by its signature herbal and juniper nose. The palate is well-rounded yet bursting with grapefruit citrus. Crisp piny juniper and herbs are very present along with its crisp tonic freshness

For the Rosa version of Mil Spritz cans meanwhile, the brand brought together its award-winning Mil Mediterranean Irish Potstill Gin with a hint of grapefruit and a burst of fresh raspberries and this is clearly reflected in its aroma.

The palate has Mil’s signature herbal and juniper notes yet bursting with fresh raspberry and pink Grapefruit citrus. These flavours balance perfectly with its own unique custom-made refreshing tonic.

Both variants are 5.9% ABV, 250ml.

The Muchos Mexican snack

Tayto Muchos has enjoyed major success in the market, ending the year as the best-selling crisps and snacks NPD of 2019.* Focussing on the key market trend of Mexican snacking coupled with the growth of sharing bags in the marketplace, Tayto Muchos launched in March this year with three mouth-watering flavours – Sour Cream & Onion, Smokey Chilli Chicken and Nacho Cheese 180g bags.

Tayto Muchos was supported with bespoke fun creative above-the-line which included two bursts of TV and out-of-home amplified below-the-line with digital and PR. In retail, over 5,000 displays have been placed since launch, with shoppers also having the opportunity to enter multiple bespoke retailer exclusive giveaways in-store and online.

Tayto Muchos has delivered over €1m value sales in the market and garnered a 1.2% value share of the highly competitive snacks category. No doubt Tayto Muchos will be a new staple in many Irish households during the festive period.

As for 2020, Tayto Muchos will be back on air and supported across the trade as the expansion of Tayto into the Mexican snacking category continues.

*(Source: Nielsen Value Sales November 2019)

Vibrant, flavoursome and approachable

Yellow Tail believes that great quality wine can be affordable and good fun too. The brand’s wines are vibrant, flavoursome and approachable, making everyday moments more enjoyable.

When it comes to wine, Yellow Tail likes to make its own rules – the only thing it is really serious about is the quality. Yellow Tail is instantly recognisable, both for its appearance and its personality. If you want to cut to the chase, it’s simple, drink it, share it, and enjoy it.

Often referred to as the classic Australian red wine, Shiraz is an easy to drink, all-time favourite. And Yellow Tail’s Shiraz is no exception to the rule.

Once the grapes are crushed and stems removed, they are fermented on skins in contact with oak. Temperature-controlled fermentation ensures maximum varietal flavour, colour and tannin extraction. The wine is bottled at the Casella Family Winery in Yenda, New South Wales.

Concentrated red berry fruit is complemented by subtle liquorice, sweet blueberry and subtle spice notes derived from the oak. Yellow Tail Shiraz is a youthful and vibrant red wine that displays red berry fruit flavours with hints of liquorice and spice. It’s soft and juicy on the palate with a lengthy and weighty finish. Enjoy this wine with a hearty steak.

Pinot Grigio is an Italian grape variety that grows very well in Australia’s warm climate, creating wines of not only great drinking, but excellent for matching with food. Enjoying Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio makes you feel like you’ve made a little trip to Italy – without the flight.

The fruit for Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio is harvested in the cool of night, and then pressed and clarified. Particular care is taken throughout this process to avoid oxidation. The clarified juice is fermented at low temperatures by a selected yeast strain to preserve fruit intensity and freshness. The cold storage of the wine maintains the youthful character until it is bottled. 

Yellow Tail Pinot Grigio is delightfully fresh with aromas of pear, hints of green apples and a zing of citrus lime. This has a crisp, clean palate and features vibrant flavours of passionfruit, pear and apple. Serve lightly chilled with Asian-inspired share plates.

Nutrition on-the-go

Including a high-protein yogurt and granola cup, Glenisk’s GO20 range delivers a healthy, high-protein offering

Glenisk, now Ireland’s number one yogurt brand (Source: Nielsen), has enjoyed growing success throughout 2019, not least with the introduction of its new GO20 range. This latest innovation from Glenisk, a high-protein yogurt and granola cup, delivers a healthy, high-protein offering to health-conscious consumers on-the-go. Adapting to the growing consumer demand for healthy convenience has been a key driver of the success for the brand, which has been producing premium Irish yogurt and milk from its production base outside of Tullamore, Co. Offaly for over 30 years.

Two flavours were launched to market initially – Natural 0% Fat Protein Yogurt with a Mixed Berry Granola and Vanilla 0% Fat Protein Yogurt with a Dark Chocolate & Coconut Granola. Such has been the success of the range that two additional flavours were subsequently added, with Vanilla 0% Fat Protein Yogurt with Caramel Chia Granola introduced in May and a no-added sugar Natural 0% Fat Protein Yogurt with a Mixed Seed Granola completing the range in September. The GO20 range can be found in both front-of-store and in the main fixture.

This high-protein yogurt (made using 0% Fat Irish Strained Protein Yogurt) and granola cup offers consumers the “magic” 20g protein per serving, making for an ideal complete meal on the go. As well as containing 20g protein per serving, GO20s are also gluten-free, nut-free, a source of fibre and 100% natural.

Food-first nutrition is at the heart of the Glenisk ethos – with nothing artificial, ever. Since 2016, Glenisk has been fuelling the performance of Irish Rugby as the Official Yogurt of Irish Rugby, including the Senior Men’s and Women’s squads as well as the Under 20s, Rugby 7s, Connacht and Munster teams, with its high-protein Irish Strained Protein Yogurt range and now with the new GO20 line.

Three-star status

From almost 13,000 entries in this year’s Great Taste Awards, just 208 three-star awards were made, and Killowen Farm made the cut

Killowen Farm received the highest accolade of three stars for its Blackcurrant layered yogurt jar at this year’s Great Taste Awards which took place earlier this year. From almost 13,000 entries in the competition, just 208 three-star awards were made, ten of them going to entries from the Republic of Ireland and eight to producers in Northern Ireland. Killowen Farm is the only yogurt producer across Ireland and the UK to be awarded the three-star status for its Blackcurrant flavour which uses locally sourced blackcurrants.

Judges praised the Blackcurrant flavour and commented that “the flavours balance beautifully, the yogurt is full of superb dairy richness and the marriage of the two gives a full taste and overall a delightful experience.”

At Killowen Farm Wexford, award-winning live yogurt is made using milk from its own herd of happy cows. Killowen Farm uses only the finest natural ingredients, with no preservatives and no additives, for its delicious healthy yogurt. The basis of all the yogurts is its natural yogurt which is as natural as you can get. Made with milk and live cultures, its good bacteria help keep the digestive system working well.

California dreamin’

Cali Cali Guilt Free Sauces have been uniquely developed by chef Donal Skehan using only real food ingredients

Cali Cali launched to the market in September 2019 with a unique pop-up experience on Dublin’s Grafton Street. The two-day event saw the first 50 people to arrive on both days take home an exclusive Cali Cali hamper with a select range of products alongside Cali Cali and Gym + Coffee collaboration merchandise.

Cali Cali Guilt Free Crisps are uniquely double cooked without oil-frying, using only four real food ingredients, and then seasoned without any of the bad stuff

Cali Cali Foods is a real food snacking brand offering guilt-free and great-tasting crisps and sauces that prioritises mixing Californian street food flavours and Californian health benefits.

“Our business approach has seen us collaborate with some of Ireland’s favourite brands, which is such an exciting springboard for Cali Cali,” says Tom Gannon, co-founder of Cali Cali.

“From Permanent TSB inviting us to host the pop-up experience in its flagship bank, something that has never been done before, to collaborating with brands such as Manor Farm, Kerry Ingredients, Gym + Coffee, Strong Roots, Circle K Simply Great Coffee and more, it’s a launch to remember.”

For more information on the range, check out www.calicalifoods.com.

A winning whiskey

Writers’ Tears Double Oak is the only Irish whiskey to make it into Whisky Advocate’s ‘Top 10 World Whiskey Releases of 2019’

Writers’ Tears Double Oak was first released by Walsh Whiskey in May 2019 and has already turned heads, especially in the United States – the world’s largest market for whiskey where 50% of all Irish whiskey is sold. Today Writers’ Tears Double Oak has been confirmed in the United States as the only Irish whiskey to make the elite Whisky Advocate listing of the ‘Top 10 World Whiskey Releases of 2019’. The other nine included four Bourbon expressions, four Scotch and a Tennessee whiskey.

Writing for Whisky Advocate, Jonny McCormick’s citation for Writers’ Tears Double Oak reads: “Walsh Whiskey has rarely released better whiskeys than those of 2019, which included two expressions made in collaboration with the Legaret family of Deau Cognac. Here, they apply bourbon and French oak cognac barrels to the unique marriage of single pot still and single malt Irish whiskeys, arguably the most premium interpretation of the Irish blend. Aromas of dark berry fruit, cinnamon, fudge, milk chocolate, graham crackers, jellied fruit, and a smudge of dry spices. Compelling, well-structured whiskey with cinnamon, chocolate, dark toffee, pepper, and ginger; never cloying, nor overly sweet, just a richly rewarding glass.”

“This is high praise for our new core expression in the Writers’ Tears stable,” says Bernard Walsh, chief executive and co-founder of Walsh Whiskey. “It caps a great year for us which saw The Irishman Single Malt Single Cask 17 Year Old named Irish whiskey of the year, and we also loaned Martin Scorsese our logo to help him make his movie!”

Earlier this year, Writers’ Tears scored a double coup when the range was the only one in the world to have two expressions included in Whisky Advocate‘s highest-scoring 21 whiskeys reviewed out of 150 this autumn. Writers’ Tears Double Oak and Writers’ Tears Cask Strength (2019) were the only Irish whiskeys to make that list. 

Writers’ Tears Double Oak is the third core expression in the Writers’ Tears range which includes the Copper Pot and Cask Strength versions. The wider Walsh Whiskey portfolio comprises of 16 expressions in the extended Writers’ Tears and The Irishman ranges.

Flipping fantastic!

Flipz launched earlier this year to great acclaim with a 2FM partnership and nationwide sampling campaign

Flipz is an ideal combination of golden crunchy and salty pretzels, smothered in a smooth and creamy chocolate coating delivering a fantastic taste and texture combo in every bite. The American favourite launched in Ireland in 2019 to huge success with a 2FM partnership and nationwide sampling campaign.

Flipz parent company Pladis Global is also responsible for spreading happiness with every bite through its flagship brand McVitie’s. Head of marketing, Niamh Twyford, is confident Flipz will recruit new and younger consumers into the biscuit category through its perfect combination of sweet and salty. With Flipz, there’s “no snackerifice!” There are four flavours now available: Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Fudge and Salted Caramel. The sharing packs are the perfect treat for movie nights and lunchboxes alike and are selling at an RSP of €2.89.

Health at forefront

With 35% less sugar than a typical oat biscuit, McVitie’s Oat Bakes are available in Dark Chocolate & Almond and Cranberry flavours

Popular biscuit maker McVitie’s has launched a new range of Oat Bakes in two fantastic flavours, Dark Chocolate & Almond and Cranberry. McVitie’s says health was at the forefront of design for these products, which have 35% less sugar than a typical oat biscuit. The products are also described as high in fibre and suitable for vegans. The product range is available nationwide and the RRP is €2.79.

Any way you like it

The latest addition to Avonmore’s Super Milk range is the Fat Free Milk, with all the benefits but zero fat

Ireland’s most popular milk brand*, Avonmore Super Milk is a delicious and nutritious milk packed full of Vitamin D, extra Calcium and added vitamins B, E and folic acid. New to the range is Avonmore Super Milk Fat Free 1L which was successfully launched earlier this year. It has all the benefits of Super Milk but without the fat.

Whether it’s Whole, Low Fat or Fat Free, just one 250ml glass of Avonmore Super Milk provides 100% of the EU’s recommended daily intake of Vitamin D and is a great source of calcium. Vitamin D is crucial for all ages, because it helps the body absorb calcium for healthy bones for life.

*(Source: Kantar, 100 Master Brands at Home, July 2019)

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A new-year detox follows the Christmas party as sure as night follows day. According to the Nielsen Global Health and Wellness Survey 2014, one in ten adults in Ireland are on a slimming plan*, and are always on the lookout for products and services that can help on their weight loss journey.

As outlined in Bord Bia’s consumer lifestyle trends for 2019, health and wellbeing will continue to be a key trend shaping consumers’ lives and the food and drink industry. According to Amy Bond, assistant librarian and information specialist at Bord Bia: “Consumers want to eat, drink and live to optimise their body’s systems, to feel better than well today and tomorrow (‘Bord Bia Consumer Lifestyle Trends’, 2019). However, how consumers believe this is achieved will continue to evolve, so it is important that food producers are not complacent in their understanding of this trend.”

Significantly, Bord Bia also points out that the 59 sectors which make up the health and wellness category in Ireland have value sales of €2.8bn and there has been a 5% growth in the overall category. (Source: Nielsen Scantrack & Dunnes & Discounters| Moving Annual Total (MAT) to 21 April 2019)

*(Source: Nielsen Global Health & Wellness Survey 2014)

Active engagement

The Ballygowan Activ+ range has zero sugar and only 25 calories per 500ml bottle

Ireland’s number one water, Ballygowan, has teamed up with the GAA & GPA to develop a fitness drink for active lives called Ballygowan Activ+, which is now the official fitness partner of the GAA/GPA.

Delivering on Britvic’s ‘A Healthier Everyday’ strategy to help consumers make healthier choices and lead healthier lives, Ballygowan Activ+ was developed by Britvic in consultation with the GAA/ GPA based on the refreshment needs of both elite sports people and today’s everyday health-conscious consumer. The added vitamins, minerals and electrolytes in Ballygowan Activ+ help to refresh and replenish our bodies so we can maintain an active lifestyle every day.

Ballygowan Activ+ has zero sugar and only 25 calories per 500ml bottle with two tempting fruit flavours to choose from; Orange or Apple & Raspberry. It is available nationwide at an RRP of €1.75/£1.35. Overall, Ballygowan Activ+ is the perfect fitness drink, suitable for everyone, no matter what their activity level is – from leading GAA players to a group of friends playing a five-a-side or to refresh after a brisk walk or run.

Flavour Fused

Fiona Uyema’s Fused range has been a hit with consumers

Fused will launch its range of premium Chinese stir fry sauces this month with key USPs including no refined sugar, no MSG and no nasties. “Customers are reading the back of labels and looking for products with clean ingredients,” says founder Fiona Uyema, who points out that “Fused’s new range of Chinese sauces have been developed using only quality ingredients.”

The company has chosen three of some of the most popular dishes for its range: Chow Mein, Black Bean and Chinese Curry. Fused sauces are also highly versatile, providing options to stir fry and marinate any type of dish, either vegetarian, fish or meat.

Fused estimates that 50% of shoppers have turned away from the Asian category as the current range doesn’t appeal to the health-conscious consumer. The premiumisation of other categories such as Italian and confectionery have shown great benefits from focusing on a premium range.

Robust support for Fused is planned for 2020. Fiona Uyema will continue to engage consumers through her TV appearances as well as providing engaging content on social media and food education on nationwide newspapers and magazines.

“Tokyo Olympics in 2020 will give a further push for Japanese and Asian food,” says Uyema. “We expect new consumers to try it at home.” Find out more on www.fusedbyfionauyema.com.

Vegetarian victory

Kelly’s offers vegetarian options on a range of Irish breakfast staples

It might seem counterintuitive for traditional butchers to launch a vegetarian range, but that’s exactly what Kelly’s Butchers from Newport, Co. Mayo has done. Vegetarian Sausages, Sausage Meat and QuarterPounder Burgers have joined the established Kelly’s Vegetarian Pudding on the shelves. Kelly’s Vegetarian Sausage Meat is proving a real attraction, especially in the run-up to Christmas.

“We are amazed at the response to the vegetarian range, especially the Kelly’s Vegetarian Sausage Meat; it’s just flying off the shelves,” said Seán Kelly of Kelly’s Butchers, “People tell us they love the taste and the versatility – they make so many things with it from sausage rolls to scotch eggs.”

Kelly’s Vegetarian Pudding comes in a 280g chubb, the sausages are packed in sixes (227g), the quarter pounders in sixes and the sausage meat in 454g bags.

Using a soya base and a special blend of spices including ‘superfood’ turmeric, the master butchers have managed to create a remarkably meat-like taste. The sausage casings are vegetarian cellulose. Kelly’s Vegetarian Pudding is a big hit with Slimming World enthusiasts as it is very low in ‘syns’. A 70g serving (a quarter pack) has just 1.5 syns which makes it an ideal option for anyone trying to lose weight.

All Kelly’s products are made in Newport in the company’s own manufacturing unit and nothing is outsourced.

Dunnes Stores is now stocking Kelly’s Vegetarian Pudding, Sausages and Sausage Meat in 22 stores around the country. Kelly’s Vegetarian Pudding is also available in all SuperValu shops. Orders for all Kelly’s products including Christmas Hampers can also be placed through the website, www.kellysbutchers.com.

Kelly’s Butchers is a family business based in Newport, Co. Mayo since 1930. It is a full service traditional butchery with its own EU licenced abattoir. In a time where many small town shops are suffering, Kelly’s Butchers bucks the trend in every way.

Deliciously healthy

Gorge Us is a range of chips and fries designed and launched in conjunction with Unislim

At Unislim, the company’s ethos celebrates eating delicious, nutritious food which comes from a reliable source which is why it has selected the best potatoes and finest ingredients for its Gorge Us range. There are currently three successful products within the range; Unislim Gorge Us Rustic Cut Chips, Sweet Potato Fries, and Organic Skinny Fries (the first frozen organic chip on the Irish market). The brand sums up its appeal by stating: “Where healthy meets delicious, our Gorge Us family offer a wholesome and tasty option for slimmers and health-conscious foodies.”

Created by Unislim’s top food experts, the Gorge Us range is gluten-free, vegan-friendly, low in saturated fat, contains no artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings and is approved by Ireland’s top dieticians.

The range is currently stocked in Tesco, Dunnes Stores, SuperValu, BWG stores, Iceland, Mortons and other stores nationwide.

Unislim is Ireland’s leading slimming and healthy lifestyle club since 1972. Unislim offers members a personalised and effective weight loss plan, which encourages them to make healthier food choices. With a network of supportive weekly classes all over Ireland, there’s a class nearby in all areas: visit www.unislim.com for more information.

Kick-start the year

Avonmore Slimline offers all the benefits of milk, with zero fat

Following the indulgence of Christmas, come January, health and wellness become top priority and consumers will be looking to brands to help them kickstart their year on a healthier note.

With Avonmore Slimline milk, consumers can enjoy all the goodness of milk without the fat. This refreshing fat free milk is enriched with iron and vitamin C, to help reduce tiredness and fatigue, whilst also fortified with vitamin D and folic acid; essential nutrients to help you feel your best.

To help get on track with shoppers’ health and wellness goals, Avonmore Slimline milk is launching an on-pack promotion in January giving consumers the chance to win one of ten luxury wellness weekends at the five star Aghadoe Heights Hotel in Co. Kerry. Recharge mind and body with this amazing two night break for two people, including an invigorating spa treatment, access to the Thermal Suite and dinner on one evening.

The on-pack promotion will be supported with a national campaign consisting of outdoor and shopper advertising, radio, print, digital and social media.

Natural choice

Stevia Sweet is a natural alternative to sugar with a range of benefits of its own

The post-Christmas detox and New Year resolutions all help to bring new consumers to the sweetener category, seeking help in weight management and of course reducing their sugar intake to recommended levels. Retailers can help them to reduce sugar, reduce calorie intake and to lead healthier lifestyles by stocking the right sweetener choice.

For quality and trusted sweeteners, the Swiss company Hermes Sweeteners, offers the traditional sweeteners that we know and love like Hermesetas Mini Sweeteners – Ireland’s number one volume tablet sweetener.

For cooking, baking, sprinkling on cereals or into  hot drinks, there’s Hermesetas Granulated. Enjoy great tasting sweetness with the Hermesetas brand that remains the best value premium sweetener in Ireland. It is so easy to replace sugar with the great sweet taste of Hermesetas in 300, 600 or 1,200 tablets pack sizes, or the 90g jar. Visit Hermesetas.com for great tasting recipes, healthier lifestyle tips and lots more.

Hermes Sweeteners also provides the SteviaSweet brand of naturally sourced stevia sweeteners. In granulated form, SteviaSweet Crystal has a sugar-like crunchy texture and mouthfeel. It is perfect for those who want to bake or cook with it or add to fruit, yogurt, porridge, cereals or simply add it to a favourite hot beverage.

In taste tests, over 88% of consumers rated the taste good or excellent and 90% said they would buy it. SteviaSweet is also available in tablet form in a handy one-byone dispenser – convenient for out-of-home use as well as the kitchen.

SteviaSweet is the perfect alternative to sugar but with zero calories for a healthier lifestyle. The brand’s website www.mysteviasweet.com provides lifestyle hints and tips, low calorie recipes and more, it is a great help and support for your shoppers managing their sugar consumption or weight. Maximise your category growth with a range that provides choice from the Hermesetas and SteviaSweet brands.

Contact Allegro on 01-8580600 for further information and purchasing, or patrick@hermesetas. co.uk/+44 1628 407379.

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Brennans Bread and JWT Folk are once again celebrating the magic of coming home for Christmas for those who will return to Ireland this festive season by welcoming them as they step off the plane at Dublin Airport.

‘Welcome Home’, which first launched in December 2018, returns to all OOH outlets in Dublin Airport from the walkway to passport control right through to baggage reclaim and terminal carparks and will be live right up until Christmas.

The iconic Brennans Bread branding is front and centre in the artwork and features personalised and quintessentially Irish messages to capture the hearts and minds of Irish expats and their families. As well as this, as a build on last year’s standout campaign, traditional, yet salivating, festive product shots of how you might use Brennans Family Pan this Christmas period, are there to greet and excite weary travelers, alongside messages including ‘Fáilte Abhaile’ and ‘Nearly Home’.

As well as the OOH activation in Dublin Airport, the campaign will also be live across OOH in Busaras, Connolly and Heuston Stations and across TV, radio, VOD, digital and social.

Speaking on the campaign Laura Daley, joint managing director, JWT Folk, said: “Festive traditions come in many forms and one that remains a constant and is so iconic within Irish culture is the essential role Brennans Bread plays during the festive season. Last year our Dublin Airport campaign was so impactful and became such a talking point over the holidays that we knew people would love to see it again this year. Our campaign welcomes Irish people returning home for Christmas and features iconic product photography, allowing them to almost taste that first slice of buttery Brennans toast, and uses Irish turns of phrase that will really connect with our consumer. The Brennans story is one that resonates at any time of the year but the emotion of Christmas – especially when we are talking to families reuniting – always makes it feel that little bit more special.”

Ivan Hammond, head of marketing, Brennans Bakeries, added that following the success of last year’s campaign, the brand is once again “looking forward to welcoming home Irish expats and their families for Christmas and reminding them of the fond memories and affection that they have for our brand”.

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