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Strong new partnership for Fisherman’s Friend with Run A Muck

Fisherman’s Friend has just been announced as the title sponsor of ‘Run A Muck’, one of Ireland’s largest and most popular obstacle mud run challenges, with a partnership that will include naming rights, branding and sampling opportunities at the 2020 event. 

 

The mud run, which returns to Coolcarrigan Estate in Kildare for 2020, will be known as ‘Run A Muck with Fisherman’s Friend’, and it’s anticipated that over 5,000 mud run enthusiasts will attend this year’s event.  

 

For a family business with over 150 years’ heritage, the brand believes the new sponsorship is a great fit, reinforcing its key values of strength, friendship and authenticity.  

 

The new sponsorship with one of Ireland’s leading fun sporting events is a core part of the brand’s growth strategy. An integrated campaign including PR, radio, sampling and brand association with TV presenter, Deric Ó h’Artagáin, is planned to amplify Fisherman’s Friend’s sponsorship of Run A Muck 2020. 

 

In preparation for the event, participants can follow Deric Ó h’Artagáin’s Run a Muck with Fisherman’s Friend videos, featuring fitness, preparation, and preparing for the weather, via Fisherman’s Friend’s social channels. 

 

Run a Muck with Fisherman’s Friend is open to those aged 15 years and over, and takes place on 7 March 2020 in Coolcarrigan Estate, Naas, County Kildare. For more information visit Fisherman’s Friend Ireland on Facebook or Instagram: @FishermansFriendIreland or www.runamuckchallenge.ie. Fisherman’s Friend is distributed by Valeo Foods in Ireland.

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Spar supports ‘The Daily Mile’ primary school initiative with Athletics Ireland

As part of Spar’s partnership as Official Retail Partner of Athletics Ireland, the group will support a number of different Athletics Ireland initiatives including the Daily Mile.

The Daily Mile, a Spar supported initiative is a primary school programme which sees children run or jog at their own pace, for 15 minutes every day, making them fitter, healthier, and more able to concentrate in the classroom. In 2018, Athletics Ireland launched The Daily Mile in Ireland, and is fast approaching the magic number of 1,000 primary schools signed-up, equating to more than 180,000 students engaged with the programme daily across 26 counties.

Along with supporting and driving awareness around the importance of daily exercise, Spar states it also invests in providing healthy food options for all the family.

The Spar Better Choices initiative has seen Spar redefine its offering to customers in response to changes in Irish consumers’ lifestyle choices. Healthy food and snack options are now no longer limited and Spar Better Choices ensures that eating in, and out of home, snacking, and drinks choices do not mean that you have to compromise on health and wellbeing. The initiative also caters to customers with varying nutritional needs with low fat, high protein, and gluten-free products on offer.

Spar has teamed up with Irish international athlete Rhasidat Adeleke as a Spar ambassador for The Daily Mile. Rhasidat will encourage teachers and students around the country to participate in The Daily Mile.

For more information on The Daily Mile, log onto https://thedailymile.ie/

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Marketing bites

Retail Ireland appoints new director

Retail Ireland, the Ibec group that represents the retail sector, has announced the appointment of Arnold Dillon as director of Retail Ireland. Arnold joined Ibec in 2003 as European Affairs Executive, subsequently worked as Press Officer and then as Ibec’s Head of Press and Public Relations. In recent years, Dillon was to the fore in developing Ibec’s campaigning capability and as Head of Strategic Campaigns, working extensively on Ibec’s response to Brexit and other key campaigns.

January 22 is National Hot Sauce Day

Sauce lovers around the world will celebrate “National Hot Sauce Day” tomorrow, 22 January, and in Ireland, Deliveroo will mark the occasion through a partnership with Chimac, the newest restaurant on the takeaway delivery platform. Chimac’s Hella Hot Wings are tossed in the joint’s “spiciest-ever sauce”, for those only with taste buds experienced enough to handle it, made using a blend of four chillis including the fearsome Carolina Reaper.

Nestlé and Starbucks unveil new line-up of Starbucks at-home coffee

Nestle and Starbucks have unveiled the latest coffee pod range in their lucrative partnership. The new line-up includes Cold Brew concentrate, Fresh Brew coffee and blends of popular Starbucks in-store offerings. The latest range will arrive in US grocery stores next month; watch this space for news on when they will arrive in this part of the world.

 

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Category focus: Clear waters

In 1981, when businessman Geoff Read appeared on the Late Late Show to tell Ireland about his ingenious idea to sell bottled water, Gay Byrne couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “Who would buy water?” asked the incredulous presenter, over audible laughs from the audience.

No one believed that Irish people would be interested in purchasing drinking water.

Read has since been vindicated – he did have a good idea, and almost 40 years later Irish consumers continue to purchase bottled water in record numbers. Today, the market for bottled water in Ireland is estimated to be worth millions, with consumers spending over €75m in 2019 alone. According to Kantar’s 2017 Republic of Ireland TGI study, 63% of Irish adults, or roughly 2.4 million people, consume bottled water.

Market trends see Ireland becoming more selective about the bottled water it consumes, as more and more brands become available. “Discerning Irish consumers increasingly choose differentiation in their hydration choices and are becoming more attracted by products positioned as “smart water,” a 2019 report on Irish consumption of bottled water from Euromonitor reads. “These products are set to record good value sales growth as consumers become increasingly convinced that not all bottled water is the same,” the report adds.

In recent years, single use plastics and waste produced in the category have become a topic of contention. However, brands have responded in kind and have begun to produce more environmentally friendly products. The category has also developed the number of options available to consumers, offering a variety of flavoured waters.

Further benefitting Irish water-sellers is the sale of bottled water abroad, with the CSO stating that Irish exports of still and sparkling water last year stood at €110.14 million. Also bolstering sales is Ireland’s water infrastructure, which is inadequate and in need of modernisation, meaning that the public is often seeking to ensure that they have clean, safe water to drink.

 

A thirst for healthier options

Bottled water sales have benefitted from increased health-consciousness on the part of consumers, coupled with a spike in people playing sports; according to Sport Ireland, for instance, more than 50% of adults over age 50 now practice sport every day.

It is currently estimated that the Irish health category is worth approximately 2.5 billion, with bottled water benefitting from its popularity. Mintel’s The Future of Salty Snacks: 2019 study found that a whopping 73% of people survey want to see healthier options at the checkout when doing their shopping.

The Irish government has invested millions in health initiatives and health awareness campaigns in recent years, making the public more likely to choose healthy food and drink options – and there are few drinks healthier than bottled water.


Flavour country

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Tipperary Water
is excited to launch a brand new flavoured still waters range in a 1.5L PET bottle. There are two flavours, Lemon & Lime and Strawberry. Both flavours have zero sugar and zero calories so are perfect for those on a ‘New Year New Me’ health kick.

With more and more people wanting to get healthy and increase their water intake, these are an ideal solution and following on from the success of Tipperary Water’s 1.5L format in still water, the brand believes this is what the consumer is looking for.

The company wanted to help them to have an easy solution to increasing their water intake while also giving them an option that was full of flavour. Both new flavours are now available for order; contact your local C&C rep for more details.

Choices for athletes

Ireland’s Ballygowan has teamed up with the GAA & GPA to develop a fitness drink for active lives called Ballygowan Activ+, which is 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.

Ballygowan Activ+ is 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.

 

Quality, sustainability and innovation

Ishka Irish Spring Water, celebrating 40 years, has come into 2020 swinging, with a fresh new label design.

2020 will be another exciting year for Ishka Irish Spring Water. As well as marking its 40th anniversary this year, two new production lines will be up and running in the next six months.

By June, a total of five production lines will be in use at the company’s state-of-the-art Ballyneety site, which is already the largest of its kind in Ireland. The first new line will supply product in glass bottles, to cater to a growing demand among the hospitality market, as well as general consumer appetite for recyclables.

The second will further expand on the company’s sustainability drive, as it will be dedicated to a new type of recyclable plastic container. All Ishka’s current bottles are 100% recyclable, and the company is continually working towards increasing its recycled content.

2019 also brought Ishka Irish Spring Water’s first foray into the export market. Management has its sights set on the exciting potential in Asia and the US, where the team believes Ishka’s products could have a real impact.

Securing the contract to supply WH Smith outlets and DAA at Dublin and Cork airports in Ireland were highlights of the past few months, bringing high-profile additions to Ishka Irish Spring Water’s impressive portfolio of customers, including Aldi, BWG Group, Dunnes Stores, Lidl, Musgrave Group, Pallas Foods (Sysco) and the Stonehouse Group, to name but a few.

Production aside, Ishka Irish Spring Water made great strides in growing the company’s profile. The role of Official Water Partner for the 2019 KBC Dublin Marathon was a fantastic opportunity for brand exposure – with 22,000 runners enjoying the product and thousands of more supporters along the route seeing the Ishka brand. The company also sponsored one of the top awards at the EIQA Q Mark Awards, which afforded it valuable exposure to a wide range of businesses at a gala event in Dublin, and through the subsequent nationwide PR campaign.

The milestone 40th-anniversary celebrations have gotten underway and Mike, Denis and all the team at Ishka Irish Spring Water are excited for the next 40 years of the adventure.

All in all, it looks like Ishka is not ready to take the foot off the pedal for Irish spring water production. Ishka is continuing to light the way for quality, sustainability and innovation and drive the industry forward.

For wholesale, retail, vending and food service enquiries contact national sales manager, Maurece Wallace, on 061 450705 or email maurece.wallace@irishspringwater.com.


Cooler waters

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The IceWater system provides an endless supply of chilled still and sparkling water

IceWater is Ireland’s leading independent provider of premium filtered water and water filtration systems. The IceWater system offers an alternative to bottled water and provides an endless supply of chilled still and sparkling water.

IceWater has partnered up with some of Ireland’s leading bars and restaurants in a bid to reduce the consumption of single-use plastic bottles in the hospitality industry.

Prior to adopting the IceWater system, clients would have previously used in excess of 100,000 plastic water bottles annually.

Icewater is uniquely recognised for its slogan, ‘Experience the taste’ and is produced on site using internationally sourced Profine Filters to filter tap water, creating a pure and fresh taste. The company provide filters that are tailored to volume and water specifications.

To meet the needs of domestic and corporate markets, IceWater will continue to diversify its range of products and introduce new sustainable innovations.

In 2020, IceWater will also continue efforts to create a green and sustainable future by introducing a programme of ‘green talks’ for educational institutions to spread awareness and educate students about eco-friendly practices.


 

 

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Category focus: A high steaks market

A hero category in-store, a survey of more than 10,500 respondents conducted by Shopper Intelligence, shows the cooked meats category both drives shoppers into the store and that they are also likely to spend more on these products. As the research, outlined in more detail in the panel overleaf shows, consumers can be tempted to trade up in-store, paying more for premium and the opportunity to try something new or different. An artisanal image, credentials and packaging are important in driving these sales.

This ties in with the findings of a previous study, commissioned by Homebird and carried out by Ignite Research among 1,000 Irish consumers, published in January 2018. This found a huge 87% of consumers purchase cooked pre-packed meats, while 69% consume the product up to five times per week. 

When asked to rate the importance of factors influencing their food purchasing decisions, 53% of Irish consumers rated ‘price’ as very important. Freshness and quality ranked higher than value for money; 69.5% said ‘freshness’ is very important, and 65% said the same for ‘quality’.

The Ignite study reported 80% of consumers check the label of meat products that they purchase, with over half (57%) checking specifically for the country of origin. 56% check if the product was produced in Ireland, while almost one-fifth check if the product packaging is recyclable.

Fresh look, same great taste

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100% natural, the Green Farm range provides a nourishing addition to any sandwich, salad, stir fry or snack

Leading brand Green Farm is relaunching this January with a completely new look, cementing the brand in the territory of health and wellness.

Green Farm is a tasty cooked meat choice that is always 100% natural. The range of chicken, turkey and beef is high in protein to provide a nourishing addition to any sandwich, salad, stir fry or snack. The company has built a reputation as a purveyor of high-quality cooked meats and though the brand is relaunching with a fresh new look, the same great-tasting product remains.

Green Farm has a rich heritage of keeping the health and wellbeing of the consumer as a key focus. A marked milestone on this journey was the removal of artificial flavours and preservatives from all Green Farm products in 2011.

Since then, the brand has consistently delivered innovation in chicken, turkey and beef products, supported by recipe inspiration, to make eating well easy for the consumer. The new pack design aims to elevate these brand credentials.

Green Farm is also taking a positive step in the realm of sustainability with the new pack consisting of a recyclable tray and recyclable sleeve.

 

 

Keeping it in the family  

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Carved from a single pork joint with no added water, Brady Family Ham is proud to use only 100% Irish pork

From its home in Timahoe, County Kildare, Brady Family Ham continues to grow within the cooked meats category and is now firmly established as the number one cooked meats brand for Irish consumers, holding its category leading position for the second year running, according to Nielsen Scan Track Data from April 2018 – April 2019.

Brady Family Ham is made from 100% Irish pork, carved from a single pork joint and contains no added water. First established in 1978, the brand is renowned for its high quality, having built up a strong reputation with consumers and retailers over the years through its award-winning delicatessen range.  It is the only leading ham brand that consistently carries the Bord Bia Quality mark, which provides reassurance for consumers that Brady Family products are 100% Irish and meet the highest quality standards.

With a strong focus on innovation, the brand continues to stay relevant and attract new shoppers. In addition to its delicatessen hams, the Brady Family pre-pack range includes premium carved topside ham, a Just Add shredded range which is ideal for a convenient dinner solution and award-winning pre-cooked Christmas hams. In May of 2019, the brand launched its Master Butcher Edition, a new whole muscle sliced delicatessen ham, which is a delicious addition to a charcuterie board or perfect for a special lunch occasion.

2019 was an exciting year for Brady Family with the launch of its famous and award winning ‘It’s your only ham’ campaign across TV, video on demand, radio, social media and in-store. The new campaign is a celebration of the quality and craft behind Brady Family Ham and highlights why it has become such a leading favourite with Irish consumers.

 

A special anniversary

This year sees the Denny brand mark its 200th birthday. Since 1820, Denny has been a staple of fridges all over Ireland. Whether it’s making sure that kids’ lunchboxes are filled, midnight cravings are met or Sunday mornings kick off with the full works, the brand is proud to serve its reliable and trusted Denny everyday range.

According to the company, exploration is in the DNA of Denny chefs, taking inspiration from the original man himself, the brand’s founding father Henry Denny. The Denny craft range experiments with cures, flavours and more, indulging those looking for a taste of tradition with a twist.

Whether it’s Denny’s Fire & Smoke range – inspired by a trip to the Deep South, the birthplace of BBQ, or its four-day Bord Bia Dry Cure ham, the range is constantly evolving so keep an eye out!

Staying fresh in consumers’ minds

Made with loving care in Tullamore from only the finest pork, Carroll’s describes its hams are succulent and uniquely tasty for ham lovers. With 40 years’ experience and as a proud winner of the 2019 Blas na hÉireann award, Carroll’s Delicatessen Hams are testament to the company’s craft. With masterful skill, Carroll’s is confident its cooked meats are as good as homemade.

Served daily, fresh at local delicatessen counters and freshly sliced in front of the consumer to their liking, whether thick or wafer thin, the brand’s marketing reminds consumers that they can ‘buy as much or as little as you like, just remember to #Askforcarrolls’.

The Caroll’s portfolio includes the following options:

New York Deli: Stack it high and take a big bite of it! This tasty range features delicately shaved ham, chicken, turkey and pastrami. Inspired by the tastes of New York, the New York Deli range delivers the true deli experience to the consumer’s own home.

Signature Roasts: Carroll’s Signature Roasts range provides the perfect balance of convenience and flavour for those looking for high quality cooked poultry. Carefully crafted to ensure the perfect slice or bite for consumers to enjoy however they like! Versatile and convenient, this range of white meat makes life easy. Ideal for sandwiches, salads, stir-fry or wraps, there are hundreds of ways to enjoy this range.

Original Deli: Carroll’s Original Deli range is an ideal fridge filler for households that love great quality food at an everyday affordable price. Made from 100% Bord Bia assured Irish Pork, this range guarantees taste and quality for all. With its innovative resealable packaging, this pack stays fresh in the fridge for longer.

Premium Irish: Carroll’s Premium Irish range is a range of delicious products distinct to Carroll’s. This premium range is made from 100% Bord Bia assured pork and beef making it completely traceable from farm to fork. Slowly cooked and made with no added water this range is given extra attention to ensure excellence in succulent and taste.

A brand-new look 

Horgan’s Delicatessen Supplies introduced a fresh new look for the Horgan’s branded range in 2019. Well established in Irish retail since the 1970s, the Horgan’s brand has a strong reputation within the marketplace.

Due to popular demand, Horgan’s launched three of its award-winning deli/bulk beef products in sliced pre-pack format in first quarter 2019. This range includes Horgan’s Sliced Corned Beef, Horgan’s New York Style Pastrami and Horgan’s Irish Silverside Spiced Beef.

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Insights into the cooked meat market (click image for full size view)

 

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Sadie’s Kitchen teams up with BuJo for BroJo broth bowl offering

Award-winning bone broth brand Sadie’s Kitchen has teamed up with Dublin restaurant BuJo to create an exciting new bone broth bowl, providing a ligher lunchtime offering at the popular venue.

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BroJo Bowls are a powerful combination of Sadie’s Kitchen and BuJo for a healthy and nutricious lunch or dinner offering

BroJo Bowls combine the healthy, high-quality and fresh ingredients synonymous with BuJo, with Sadie’s Kitchen’s free-range chicken bone broth: smoked chicken breast, shredded and diced raw veggies with a chilli and ginger infusion, topped up with piping hot bone broth. In short, it’s yet another a healthy and delicious lunchtime option from Sadie’s Kitchen – this time in a perfect partnership with BuJo, which is equally comitted to sourcing high-quality, local food from the very best Irish producers.

”Bone broth is a centuries old dish, nutritious and comforting as a lunch or dinner option,” says Sadie’s Kitchen founder Sarah Kiely. “We are proud to collaborate with Bujo as it mirrors our own mindful approach to tackling food waste and championing Irish producers – as well as using the highest quality ingredients.”

Meanwhile, the popularity of Sadie’s Kitchen continues to grow, having recently acquired a listing at five locations with Fresh: the Good Food Market.

To find your nearest Sadie’s Kitchen stockist, or place an order, visit sadieskitchen.ie.

 

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Hinch Distillery awarded World Gin Award Gold

Local County Down Distillery, Hinch, which launched its Ninth Wave Gin and Hinch Whiskey Time Collection brands last summer, has received Gold status for the gin at an international awards event held in Glaziers Hall, London earlier this month.

Hinch was awarded a Gold medal and certificate in the ‘Contemporary Gin Style’ category, after judges from a panel made up of international journalists, specialist drinks retailers and industry experts completed a blind tasting session on a variety of gin profiles originating from all four corners of the world.

The contemporary category covers gins with flavour profiles where juniper is still discernible, but other flavours are “more prominent” than in a traditional gin. Contemporary Gin is a catch-all term for gins described as “New-Wave”, “New Western”, “New American Dry”, and must be bottled at a minimum of 37.5% ABV.

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Hinch’s head distiller, Aaron Flaherty, marking Ninth Wave’s prestigious win

Ninth Wave, which is part of a growing production line at the £15m distillery set to open to the public this summer, is a premium product that taps into Celtic heritage. It is the craft work of Belfast-born head distiller Aaron Flaherty and his team.

“This Gold Award marks the perfect start to what will be an exciting year for Hinch Distillery,” said Flaherty, “as construction revs up for a public launch this summer.

“We believe our Ninth Wave gin is mystical and otherworldly,” he continued, “and we’re very proud of the methods that go into making it. However, to receive an award when the product is still in its infancy, is confirmation that we are producing a product worthy of holding its own on a global stage.”

Hinch Distillery was founded by Northern Ireland entrepreneur Dr. Terry Cross OBE. Cross has invested £15m in the project which will conclude with the opening of the two-floor distillery and additional public features including a visitor centre, coffee shop, public restaurant, pub, outside courtyard space, multi-purpose events spaces catering for weddings to corporate events and a retail store.

 

 

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Marketing bites

Bewley’s Grafton Street raises €15,000 for Samaritans

Bewley’s historic cafe and restaurant on Grafton Street in Dublin has raised €15,000 on behalf of Samaritans Ireland through its Time for Joy exhibition, which was on display throughout the Christmas period. Cól Campbell, MD of Bewley’s Grafton Street, presented Niall Mulligan executive director of Samaritans Ireland, with the donation at a special event. The Time for Joy exhibition was designed and created by renowned Irish sculpture Paddy Campbell and funds were raised through the sales of bespoke postcards and calendars of Paddy’s work, as well as donations from café customers.

Untamed spirits win gold in prestigious industry awards

The Untamed spirit brand, consisting of Irish whiskey and Caribbean rum offerings, won Gold at the 2019 International Spirits Challenge as well as at the 2019 Proof Awards. Having only launched late this year, the Untamed range is part of the Wild Geese offering, spirits aimed at the Irish diaspora worldwide. It belongs to the Avalon International Management Group Inc. internationally acclaimed The Wild Geese Soldiers & Heroes Collection of luxury multi-award winning premium spirits.

Grenade sports and nutrition kicks off 2020 with new Grenade Oat Energy Bar

Leading sports and nutrition brand Grenade is aiming to grow its share in the healthy snacking world, kicking off 2020 with the release of its newest addition, Grenade Reload. Available in three flavours – Blueberry Muffin, Chocolate Chunk and Billionaires Shortbread – the healthy oat bar employs a blend of complex carbohydrates and higher protein levels to help consumers feel fuller for longer between meals.

New Guinness World Record set for ‘Most Irish Coffees Made In Three Minutes’

A new Guinness World Record made history on Saturday in the Old Storehouse Temple Bar as four bartenders went head to head for the title to make the most Irish coffees in three minutes. It was International Irish Coffee Day, and the special event was won by Rory McGee of The Shelbourne, Cork, who swept the opposition aside by making 49 Irish coffees in three minutes.

Vegan startup Fiid launches in UK stores and online

Fiid, the Irish plant-based range of nourishing lunch bowls has announced a significant step in the growth of the business as it launched onto shelves of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s. Fiid is available in Brands of the Future bays in selected Sainsbury’s stores nationwide. Fiid launched with three varieties: Hearty Moroccan Chickpea Tagine; Italian Sundried Tomato & Lentil Ragu and Smoky Mexican Black Bean Chilli.

Keelings launches “Januberry” campaign with fruity self-care ideas

For its Januberry campaign, Keelings has sought to ditch the concept of “New Year’s resolutions” and to approach January with a more gentle outlook and promise oneself some self-care. Start the month off on the right foot, spend less time thinking about what not to do and more time doing things that makes you feel good! For example: 

  • Go out for a family bike ride or take a trip to somewhere nearby that holds happy memories for you and your family, or your friends.
  • Take time to prepare a family breakfast.
  • Make a little time for yourself, switch off your phone and enjoy doing nothing for 15 minutes.
  • Whip up a batch of delicious Raspberry and White Chocolate Blondies for your family or colleagues.
  • Think of someone that makes you happy and tell them how much you appreciate them. Enjoy a little taste of nostalgia and tell them how grateful you are in a handwritten letter.

 

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Sign up for the 2020 ShelfLife Directory Diary & Sourcebook

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This February will see the publication of the anticipated 2020 ShelfLife Directory Diary & Sourcebook.

This unique publication delivers a comprehensive reference source guide to our community of top retail owners, managers and buyers.

Make sure you receive your copy on February 13th.

For more information call client manager Mark Morgan on 01 294 7767 or mark.morgan@mediateam.ie.

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JUUL vape brand goes on sale across BWG store network

The Healthy Ireland report for 2019 reveals that smoking rates among Irish consumers are falling rapidly. 17% of the population describes themselves as a smoker – down 3% on 2018 and down 6% since 2015. This decrease is aided in some cases by consumers turning to vaping as a tobacco alternative.

Many vaping brands have enjoyed rapid growth in Ireland due to this popularity; one of the best known is Juul Labs, whose growth is set to continue as it announces a new partnership with BWG Foods. Juul products are set to go on sale in Spar, Eurospar, Mace, Londis and XL stores across Ireland. The US brand says the expansion is another step in its mission to “improve the lives of one billion adult smokers worldwide”.

Gareth Smyth, General Manager of JUUL Labs Ireland, says that he welcomes the results of the latest Healthy Ireland survey, citing the statistic that suggests 4 in 10 of smokers employed e-cigarettes to aid in their quitting journey. “Tobacco kills almost 6,000 people in Ireland every year,” said Smyth, “and our mission is to improve adult smokers’ lives by offering an alternative to combustible tobacco – with the ultimate goal of eliminating cigarettes.”

Smyth added that Juul’s partnership with BWG Foods highlights the growing demand for vaping products nationwide. “Our aim is to be available in as many outlets that sell cigarettes as possible,” he said, “in order to offer adult smokers an alternative to traditional cigarettes. Furthermore, we fully support the introduction of legislation to prevent the sale of e-cigarettes to under-18s, which we have been campaigning for since we launched in Ireland in May 2019.”

Some stats from the latest Healthy Ireland study:

  • 40% of smokers have tried to quit during the past year
  • a further 28% are either trying to quit or actively planning to do so
  • 38% of those who tried to quit smoking in the past year used e-cigarettes in their attempt
  • and 5% of Irish adults now use e-cigarette products

 

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Tayto is here to help with new Treble Crunch offers

Snack lovers rejoice! Mr Tayto’s Treble Crunch range is currently on special offer to help keep those new year’s resolutions on track! With less than 100 calories per serving, Treble Crunch contains less fat than standard potato crisps with no taste compromise. These deliciously light and crunchy potato chips contain less than 100 calories per packet and are packed full of flavour, the perfect lighter snack option!

Farmhouse Cheddar & Spring Onion has long been a favourite with snack lovers, but the Salt & Vinegar flavour is growing in popularity since its launch and for a limited time only, both flavours are on special offer nationwide: a 6 pack of Treble Crunch is only €2. (RRP €2.89).

To learn more, visit Treble Crunch social channels on instagram, facebook and twitter.

 

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Marketing bites

Celebrate World Nutella Day with Nutella Wings

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The Chilli Shack’s Nutella-based chicken wings

Wednesday, 5 February is World Nutella Day, and Deliveroo is marking the occasion alongside Dublin food spot The Chilli Shack with a unique and original combination: Nutella Wings. Yes, that is just what it sounds like: chicken wings coated in a smooth and delicious Nutella-based marinade, blended with sauteed challots, fennel seeds and brown sugar, and a host of other savoury ingredients, topped off with Chilli Shack’s habanero hot sauce. Chocolate chicken wings? We’re not sold…except for the fact that we very much are.

Iceland Ireland launches Bord Bia-approved Irish beef range

Iceland Ireland has announced the arrival of its new exclusive fresh Irish beef range, Butcher’s Choice. 100% Irish and Bord Bia approved, the exciting new range is available now across all 27 Iceland Ireland stores nationwide. The new range includes a versatile line up of quality Irish cuts to suit every taste whether it be 4% Fat Lean Round Beef Mince (€3.50) for a quick and healthy chilli, 18% Fat Beef Mince (€6.00) for mouth-watering homemade burgers, Beef Meatballs (€2.75) for a classic spaghetti bolognaise or Diced Steak Pieces (€3.75) for a hearty Irish stew. And for those purists who love a really good steak and chips the 21-Day Matured Beef Striploin Steaks (€7.25) and Sirloin Steaks (€6.25) are great options for a quick yet impressive meat-lovers dish.

To learn more, visit iceland.ie.

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Lee McDonagh, winner of the 2019 competition

Search for Ireland’s next culinary champion gets underway

One of the leading competitions to find Ireland’s next culinary sensation is open for entrants. The Knorr Professional Student Chef of the Year 2020, now in its 23rd year, is now open to second year students from culinary colleges across the island of Ireland.  The competition, which will take place in TU Dublin Tallaght on 10 March 2020, is the biggest competition of its kind and has built a reputation for the quality and high standard of skills and cooking displayed by young student chefs. The theme for this year’s competition is ‘2020 Vision: The Future of Foods’. Students will be challenged to drive for a positive change in maintaining a sustainable future by take inspiration from global challenges and chefs’ starting this change in the industry.

For more information, see ufs.com/knorrstudentchef.

 

 

 

 

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Lindt Lindor launches Valentine’s pop-up in Dublin

Lindt Lindor’s exclusive pop-up shop will run for two days on 13 – 14 February at Jervis Shopping Centre.

For something special, the first 1,000 customers will avail of the complimentary engraving service, exclusive to the Lindor Milk Heart Tin 50g, €5. Visitors can engrave a special message to their Valentine on the beautiful heart-shaped tin – the perfect gift for any chocolate lovers!

Customers can also enjoy a moment of Bliss when they visit, with a sample of the iconic Lindor Milk truffle. The classic Lindor Milk cornets will also be available to purchase in 200g and 337g.

Lovingly crafted chocolates by the Lindt master chocolatier, each Lindor milk truffle is surrounded by a shell of luxurious premium milk chocolate that once broken, releases an irresistibly smooth melting and deliciously sweet milk chocolate filling.

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Lidl launches 100% compostable potato packaging

Next in the rapid procession of retail environmental initiatives is Lidl’s launch of a 100% compostable potato bag, in conjunction with Meade Potato Company – supplier of thousands of sacks of spuds to the supermarket retailer every day.

The new bag – the first of its kind in the category in Ireland – harnesses existing efficient packing machines and eliminates conventional plastic, making it fully compostable. The 2kg Meade White Potatoes are available now for €2.69 nationwide through Lidl’s network of 162 stores.

The bags are described as 100% Seedling certified compostable bags that use FSC certified sustainably-sourced paper, strengthened with starch and printed with water-based ink. The window of the bag is made with corn-starch based netting.

This innovative solution has eliminated all conventional plastic from the packaging, making it 100% compostable and suitable for disposal in all consumers’ brown bins for industrial composting. In addition, the new bag uses 34% less paper than traditional paper bagging machines.

Ciara Sheehan, CSR manager for Lidl Ireland said that as a business, Lidl’s working relationship with the Meade family allows both brands to grow and evolve. “We are fully committed to ensuring we drive positive change for the environment and for our customers,” Sheehan said. “Sustainability is core to our business and we’re constantly looking at ways we can change our packaging, which includes the removal of black packaging from our entire fruit and vegetable range.

“Other recent sustainability initiatives to support our customers include the introduction of reusable fruit and vegetable bags in store, the installation of customer recycling bins and now by giving our customers a sustainable packaging option for their potatoes, we’re continuing to empower consumers to make greener choices,” she added.

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New campaign from Coca-Cola to tackle “empathy gap” in increasingly divided society

In a move reminiscent of Coca-Cola’s 1971 iconic ‘I’d like to buy the world a Coke’ Hilltop ad, the soft drink behemoth has now launched a similarly thought-provoking advert. New Coca-Cola research across Europe* has found an “empathy gap” is opening up in today’s society, due to a lack of willingness to listen and talk to each other and see things from someone else’s point of view – an issue particularly prevalent among young adults (16-24 year olds).

Almost two-thirds of young adults in Europe feel that we can find greater happiness as a society if we behave more empathetically towards each other. And 63% of all Europeans surveyed said that listening to and understanding others can lead to a happier society.

The need for everyone in society to show more empathy is brought to life by Coca-Cola in a new campaign for 2020.  In a press statement, the company said “the campaign builds on Coca-Cola’s 134 year old brand purpose of uplifting and uniting people for a more joyful world. The insight is that we all have the capacity to understand how others feel.  However, instead of listening to each other and trying to see things from a different perspective, sometimes we are simply not listening and often seek to reinforce our own beliefs.”

The new campaign includes a television commercial, which will run in selected countries across Europe this month and highlights the empathy gap.

Created by Wieden+Kennedy London, the ad immerses the viewer in a hectic and hostile urban environment. It’s a familiar scene: the noise and negativity are overwhelming; everywhere we look, people are shouting about who is right and who is wrong. As the disagreements escalate, physical cracks appear, and the world begins to crumble around the people, who are somehow oblivious to the destruction.

Finally, straight-talking Golden Globe and Emmy-nominated producer, writer, director and actor Natasha Lyonne appears amongst the chaos to suggest a different approach: “What if we all asked ourselves, ‘Could I be the one who’s wrong?’  Maybe things would change for the better.”

“It’s not often that people feel genuinely heard and truly understood,” says Walter Susini, senior vice president of marketing EMEA. “Empathy is about the small, not the big; the personal, not the global. We listened to consumers as they explained the way they live their lives and their feelings about connectedness. What we found is that young people say they do not feel genuinely heard and even in today’s over connected world more than 50% of Europeans feel disconnected from each other.”

The research also highlighted that even though today we are healthier, living longer, and there is more equality, safety and democracy than ever before, only one in three young people (aged 16-24) feel that it’s the best time to be alive. Only 49% of Europeans believe that we have more in common with each other, than things that divide us.

Susini added that the start of a new decade often gives people hope for positive change. “Bringing people together over moments of positive optimism is where brand Coke has always made a difference and that is why it is still the world’s favourite soft drink,” he said.

As well as the new TV commercial, the campaign is also supported by digital and out of home assets all bringing to life the theme of empathy. This point of view will also be seen throughout the year across many of its marketing programmes including Coke and Meals, UEFA EURO 2020 and Christmas. The brand is also announcing a €1m commitment to invest in community initiatives across many of its Western Europe markets in 2020.  These local initiatives will look to bring divided communities together from different backgrounds, lifestyles and cultures by encouraging people to listen more, be more open to talking, and to try to see things from other points of view.

€1m commitment

In 2020, Coca-Cola has ringfenced €1m into community programmes that look to unite people from different backgrounds, lifestyles and walks of life where there is a real empathy gap.

In Spain this commitment is embodied by the new Emplatía programme, which is generating empathy through sharing a meal together with people from different cultures. Coca-Cola will encourage people to talk, listen and share their stories and celebrate different foods and cultures.  While in Portugal, Coca-Cola will help empower young women through a partnership with Corações com Coroa whose aim is to strive for gender equality, combat poverty and social exclusion. More programmes will be announced throughout the year.

A heritage in unity

Over the last 134 years Coca-Cola has had an enduring purpose around bringing people together through positivity and unity. Coca-Cola has been uniting people from different backgrounds, lifestyles, religions and cultures all over the world through its marketing and community activations.

  • Coca-Cola featured women in its advertising in the early 1900s, starting with the music hall entertainer Hilda Clark. It was one of the first brands to positively promote gender equality.
  • It was the first brand to feature African-American and white boys together; ‘Boys on A Bench’ saw them enjoying a Coke on a segregated bench in Atlanta (1969). The friends sit shoulder-to-shoulder in a powerful statement of the time, encouraging inclusion and togetherness.
  • During the Vietnam war (1971), Coca-Cola released its iconic ‘Hilltop’ TV spot portraying world peace and unity through youths from different cultures singing ‘I’d like to teach the world to sing’.
  • Coca-Cola installed high-tech vending machines in two shopping malls in Pakistan and India (2013), inviting people to put their differences aside and unite over a Coca-Cola.
  • During the month of Ramadan, Coca-Cola shared its support by encouraging others to unite and show solidarity for people fasting (2018).
  • Coca-Cola honoured the 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall with a campaign celebrating Germany coming together, through the message ‘The world doesn’t need walls’ (2019).

*(Source: Research was conducted by Delineate on behalf of Coca-Cola)


AT A GLANCE: Coca-Cola’s new campaign to tackle “empathy gap”

  • New European research shows 63% of people believe that listening to and understanding others can lead to a happier society
  • But only 31% think people are willing to listen to other people’s point of view
  • And 25% of young people say they won’t listen to others’ problems if their own problems are worse
  • New Coca-Cola campaign aims to tackle this “empathy gap”
  • Company says it builds on its 134-year-old purpose of uniting and uplifting people
  • 1 million Euro commitment to fund community programmes across Europe that bring together people from different backgrounds and walks of life

 

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Hop to it!

Easter provides a major sales boost, as Kantar’s figures aptly demonstrated last year. According to Kantar, sales in the Irish grocery market hit record levels as shoppers splashed out €208.2 million in the Easter week alone, helping the overall sector grow by 4.1% in the 12 weeks to 21 April 2019.

Douglas Faughnan, consumer insight director at Kantar, pointed out that shopper visits to the major retailers grew by 1.3% on the previous year, yielding an additional €28.7 million of value. “Consumers spent a total of €44 million on Easter eggs leading up to Easter Sunday,” said Faughnan, “while fresh lamb, a traditional favourite, generated €29 million.”

A recent report by Euromonitor entitled ‘Confectionery in Ireland’ outlined key trends in confectionery that are influencing the sector. “As has happened in the UK,” the analyst wrote, “big players in chocolate confectionery in Ireland have introduced low-sugar versions. Health professionals regard this as a positive move as Ireland has high obesity rates, particularly among children.”

Ireland’s national ‘sweet tooth’ is also highlighted, with Euromonitor reporting that chocolate confectionery sales continue to grow amid high per capita consumption. In fact, per capita consumption of chocolate confectionery is still very high in Ireland compared to Western Europe as a whole. After Germany and Switzerland, Ireland is the third largest consumer of chocolate in the world.

The analyst also reported consumers are increasingly seeking premium and personalised products. “Premiumisation is an established trend in chocolate confectionery, particularly in seasonal chocolate such as Easter eggs and in boxed assortments,” Euromonitor stated. “A number of Irish consumers are reducing the amount of chocolate they eat but are prepared, due to their increasing disposable incomes, to pay a little more for premium chocolate and to consume it more frequently.”

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An enchanting choice

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Galaxy
has given the brand’s Golden Eggs product a refresh this Easter by upgrading to a natural rose gold finish and rebranding the range as Enchanted Eggs.

This provides a platform for future colour extensions for the brand, encouraging consumers to experience a more grown up enchanted Easter. Enchanted Eggs are available nationwide in an 80g sharing bag, 234g large egg and 528g giant egg format.

A dream of strawberries and cream

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The Baileys Strawberries & Cream Chocolate Egg combines the taste of strawberries with vanilla, and of course, Baileys Original Irish Cream

The Baileys Strawberries & Cream Chocolate Egg combines the taste of strawberries with vanilla, and of course, Baileys Original Irish Cream

Easter just got sweeter with the exciting launch of the brand-new Baileys Strawberries & Cream Chocolate Egg (€12). Its melt-in-the-mouth creamy white chocolate shell is complete with a fruity explosion of dried strawberry pieces, creating a beautiful sweet sensation.

The egg also comes with four luscious milk chocolate hearts, filled with a dreamy truffle filling that perfectly blends the fresh, sumptuous taste of strawberries with light and creamy vanilla, together with the luxurious taste of Baileys Original Irish Cream. The brand is confident Easter shoppers will be delighted to spoil their loved ones, or indeed themselves, with this match made in heaven!

Lovers of Baileys can also enjoy the Baileys Salted Caramel Egg (€12) which combines a silky, milk chocolate shell speckled with crunchy salted caramel pieces throughout. This melt-in-the-mouth egg is presented with six gold-shimmer chocolates, featuring a crisp milk chocolate exterior filled with an oozing salted caramel centre.

It’s no wonder the brand advises Baileys fans to form a queue, as these eggs are sure to fly off the shelves this Easter. For more information, visit www.lirchocolates.com.

Sales set to spring

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The Kinder Maxi Surprise (150g) now features two major new licences: Frozen 2 and Spiderman

The Kinder Maxi Surprise (150g) now features two major new licences: Frozen 2 and Spiderman

Ferrero is launching new seasonal lines to complement its strong core range, with Levi Boorer, customer development director at Ferrero, offering some sage advice to retailers about how they can make the most out of the upcoming Easter season. “We expect to see shoppers planning in advance and being more considered in their purchasing decisions for Mother’s Day and Easter,” says Boorer. “We would therefore encourage retailers to stock up early to make sure they meet the demand for those shoppers looking to purchase in advance.”

Eggs remain a firm nostalgic favourite. “This year, we’ll be bolstering our eggs range,” says Boorer, “with an array of products to appeal to shoppers throughout the Easter period.”

Within the kids’ egg segment, the Kinder range will be strengthened with the launch of two new Kinder Surprise eggs that include bigger toys and relevant licenses. The new Kinder Surprise (100g) will see Justice League and Trolls toys featured, while the larger Kinder Surprise (220g) eggs will receive a Marvel Avengers update. The Kinder Maxi Surprise (150g), the number three kids seasonal Easter egg in Ireland*, will also receive an update, with the addition of two new licences: Frozen 2 and Spiderman.

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The milk chocolate shell of the Ferrero Collection Egg (240g), is complimented with six Ferrero Collection chocolates (Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rondnoir and Raffaello)

The milk chocolate shell of the Ferrero Collection Egg (240g), is complimented with six Ferrero Collection chocolates (Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rondnoir and Raffaello)

Thorntons will also be adding two new products to its range. Sitting alongside its Bunny Easter egg designs, the new Dinosaur and Unicorn eggs (151g) will feature fun and eye-catching designs to bring the popular creatures to life.

Within the adult eggs segment meanwhile, Thorntons will also be revamping the design of three of its smaller Easter eggs, featuring an updated packaging design that reflects the brand’s established heritage in premium chocolate craftsmanship. A new Mint egg (197g) will now sit alongside the returning Classic (207g) and Toffee, Fudge & Caramel (203g) eggs.

Thorntons is also expanding its range of premium gift eggs, perfect for shoppers to give as a treat to someone special. With an improved luxury look and feel to boost appeal in-store, the existing Classic Premium Egg (264g) and Continental Premium Egg (256g) will be joined by a new Continental Dark Premium Egg (256g).

Ferrero will also introduce a new premium adult option with the Ferrero Collection Egg (240g). Featuring a milk chocolate shell, the egg is complimented with six Ferrero Collection chocolates (Ferrero Rocher, Ferrero Rondnoir and Raffaello).

Within the self-treat, novelties and sharing segments, there are also several noteworthy updates. The Kinder Joy Easter range will undergo a revamp in 2020, which will see 16 different toys launched in what will be the range’s largest selection. Kinder Joy is valued at €160,000, up 18% versus Easter 2018, making it one of the top three self-treat brands in Ireland**, and the updated range will encourage early seasonal sales.

The Kinder novelties range will also expand with the launch of a new Kinder Chocolate fluffy Leopard toy (73g), that joins the Bunny and Sheep novelties.

Thorntons is also expanding its footprint in the self-treat impulse sector with the introduction of a Thorntons Bunny (29g) and Thorntons Chocolate Caramel Egg (36g).

Boorer also has some specific advice with regard to boxed chocolates, stating: “We’d always recommend that retailers focus on the core all-year range first and foremost, as shoppers trust and recognise the well-known brands for their quality.”

It’s no surprise that shoppers spend more to show their affection towards loved ones in the lead-up to the spring occasions. In fact, 57% of early Easter season (the first five weeks) sales come from self-treat and seasonal sharing in Ireland**.

*(Source: Nielsen Scantrack, Seasonal Confectionery, £ Sales, 13 weeks to Easter 2019 – 21.04.19)

**(Source: Nielsen IE Total Scantrack 12 weeks to Easter 2019 vs 12 weeks to Easter 2018)

Indulge this Easter

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Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Chocolate Easter egg (RRP €15) is accompanied by nine chocolates from the Desserts collection, inspired by classic dessert recipes from around the world

Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Chocolate Easter Egg (RRP €15) is accompanied by nine chocolates from the Desserts collection, inspired by classic dessert recipes from around the world

Easter is just around the corner, and the hunt for the perfect Easter egg is underway. Made with premium quality chocolate, the Lily O’Brien’s sumptuous collection of Easter eggs has an egg to suit everyone. These award-winning, deliciously decadent eggs will make perfect Easter gifts for consumers’ chocolate-loving nearest and dearest this year.

Lily O’Brien’s Desserts Chocolate Easter Egg (RRP €15) is sure to impress all chocolate connoisseurs. The luxury chocolate egg is accompanied by nine delicious chocolates from the Desserts collection, Inspired by classic dessert recipes from around the world, such as Hazelnut Torte, Crème Brulee, Raspberry Infusion and more, Lily O’Brien’s is confident this ultimate indulgent treat is guaranteed to make the receiver go hopping mad for it!

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Creating the ultimate indulgent chocolate experience, Lily O’Brien’s 40% Mega Milk Chocolate Egg (RRP €15) is ideal for those who enjoy an extra cocoa kick

Creating the ultimate indulgent chocolate experience, Lily O’Brien’s 40% Mega Milk Chocolate Egg (RRP €15) is ideal for those who enjoy an extra cocoa kick

Ideal for true chocolate lovers, the creamy 40% Mega Milk Chocolate Egg (RRP €15) delivers an intense, milk chocolate hit, creating the ultimate indulgent chocolate experience for savouring and sharing. With all the comfort of a creamy milk chocolate, Lily O’Brien’s 40% Mega Milk Chocolate Egg is an ideal option for chocolate devotees who love the classics but also enjoy that extra cocoa kick.

Lily O’Brien’s also has a range of boxed chocolates stocked in retailers nationwide. Whether it’s the Lily O’Brien’s Dessert Collection, the iconic Ultimate Chocolate Collection or the indulgent Lily O’Brien’s Petit Desserts Collection, the selection of products offers the perfect mix this Easter.

 

An egg-stravagant Easter

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Delivering over €800,000 in sales,* the Lindt Gold Bunny is the clear market leader in Easter hollow figures in Ireland

Delivering over €800,000 in sales,* the Lindt Gold Bunny is the clear market leader in Easter hollow figures in Ireland

The Lindt Easter egg range continues to be a key sales driver for retailers at springtime. Lindt Easter eggs have been growing six times faster than the category since 2016* and are once again proving a must-stock item for retailers as consumers look to trade up and give a premium Easter gift.

This year Lindt is bringing more exciting news to the category. From the relaunch of the magical and endearing Gold Bunny Easter egg range to the introduction of the new Lindor Easter egg (140g) range, Lindt continues to delight shoppers with an exquisite array of Easter egg creations to choose from.

The Lindt Gold Bunny is hopping back into stores nationwide this spring. Delivering over €800,000 in sales,* the Lindt Gold Bunny is the clear market leader in Easter hollow figures in Ireland.

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Made by the Lindt master chocolatiers from the finest Lindt chocolate, the Lindt Gold Bunny is wrapped in exquisite gold foil packaging and finished with the iconic red ribbon and ringing bell

Made by the Lindt master chocolatiers from the finest Lindt chocolate, the Lindt Gold Bunny is wrapped in exquisite gold foil packaging and finished with the iconic red ribbon and ringing bell

Made by the Lindt master chocolatiers from the finest Lindt chocolate, wrapped in exquisite gold foil packaging and finished with the iconic red ribbon and ringing bell, the Lindt Gold Bunny is guaranteed to bring a smile to the face of your shoppers and their loved ones.

This Easter, retailers can expect to see a heavyweight support plan behind the Gold Bunny brand. This year the ‘Make Yours Personal’ campaign allows customers to choose from four different ribbon messages in-store for their Gold Bunny or go even further and completely personalise their Gold Bunny at various pop-up shop locations across the country in the run-up to Easter.

Bring the magic of Easter to your customers this spring with the Lindt Gold Bunny.

The Lindt Gold Bunny is available in a variety of sizes and formats and is stocked in all good retailers nationwide.

*(Source: Nielsen Scantrack to 21 April 2019 @ MAT / Easter Period = 17 weeks 21 April 2019 versus 14 Weeks to 1 April 2018)

Boxes of bliss

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From the classic Lindor Milk recipe to the new Mint Edition, the Lindor Cornet range is sure to excite and engage your customers

From the classic Lindor Milk recipe to the new Mint Edition, the Lindor Cornet range is sure to excite and engage your customers

Lindt Lindor has strengthened its position as the number one boxed chocolate brand in the Irish market. In fact, €1 in every €6 spent on a box of chocolates in Ireland is spent on a Lindor box* proving that Lindt Lindor continues to be a must-stock for retailers in 2020.

With a wide range of exciting and delectable flavours as well as formats, Lindt Lindor is the perfect chocolate gift for any occasion. From the classic Lindor Milk recipe to the new Mint Edition, the Lindor Cornet range is sure to excite and engage your customers. Also returning this month is the limited edition Lindor Heart Box (160g) – the same smooth melting Lindor in a seasonal Heart Box, making it the perfect gift for consumers’ loved ones this Valentine’s Day.

Supported by a strong national campaign, Lindt Lindor TV advertising will return to screens this spring with increased support and activity both in and out of store.

Bring some bliss to your shoppers this year with the Lindt Lindor range!

Lindt Lindor (200g) retails at €6.99 and the Lindor Heart Box (160g) retails at €7.49.

*(Source: Nielsen, Total Scantrack ROI and Discounters Data to 29 December 2019)

 

 

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Espresso yourself

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Honest Coffee has 58% lower milk content compared to the leading market competitor, as well as 4.8g per 100ml of sugar versus the category average of more than 10g per 100ml

Honest Coffee has 58% lower milk content compared to the leading market competitor, as well as 4.8g per 100ml of sugar versus the category average of more than 10g per 100ml

Q & A with…Tanya O’Hare, stills shopper marketing manager at Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Q: How significant is the demand for iced coffee in the Irish market and what is the category’s growth potential over the next year?

A: Ready to drink (RTD) coffee is worth €1m in Ireland and is projected to continue to grow 4.5% over the next five years*. The popularity of ‘café culture’ has brought RTD coffee to the centre stage of the global marketplace. As consumers look for alternatives to carbonated beverages and energy drinks, on-the-go and highly convenient RTD coffee is becoming more popular with many brands capitalising on this opportunity and space*.

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Honest’s PlantBottle packaging is made from renewable plant material which is 100% recyclable

Honest’s PlantBottle packaging is made from renewable plant material which is 100% recyclable

Q: How has Honest managed to fulfil a niche in the market?

A: The RTD coffee market is growing due to a number of trends; one being an increase in consumers shopping for premium, organic options. “It seems RTD coffee is following global consumers’ love affair with all things natural,” according to Mintel*. Honest’s consumers are more socially conscious and place a real importance on the sourcing of ingredients, which is why you find organic milk and organic coffee beans in Honest Coffee. In fact, it is the only organic certified RTD coffee brand in the market. As it is much lower in caffeine, Honest works well as an afternoon relaxing/ indulgent drink, whilst still being lower in sugar. Honest Coffee has 58% lower milk content compared to the leading market competitor, as well as 4.8g per 100ml of sugar compared to the category average of more than 10g per 100ml.

Q: What growth has Honest projected for the brand within the Irish market? How many retailers is the brand currently listed with?

A: We feel there is a significant opportunity for Honest to add incremental growth within the RTD coffee category in 2020, through offering an alternative product which combats some of the barriers to category purchase, with many perceiving the current RTD coffee products on the market to be unhealthy, have too much sugar, too many calories and be too expensive. Honest is a RTD coffee which has lower sugar, is lower in calories, but has a great coffee taste whilst also giving the caffeine hit you would expect from a coffee product. Honest Coffee launched in May 2019 and is in over 680 accounts across the island of Ireland with further account acquisition expected. 

Q: How important is it for Honest to have sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging?

Honest is certified organic; an attribute which is heavily intertwined with sustainability. Honest RTD Coffee uses PlantBottle packaging, which is made from renewable plant material which is 100% recyclable. Having sustainable, environmentally friendly packaging is extremely important for the brand as it supports the demand from consumers looking for sustainable packaging as well as the brand’s ethos and positioning of being natural and ‘better for you, better for the planet’.

Q: What marketing plans are in place for the Honest brand within Ireland over the next 12 months?

There is a fully integrated marketing plan to support Honest in 2020 including digital out-of-home advertising communicating Honest’s products and organic message, targeting key city centre on-the-go convenience stores. We will encourage trial through targeted sampling and generate ‘talkability’ with our always-on social influencer strategy, partnering with wholesome individuals with organic credentials who fit within our target demographic for Honest. In-store point of sale will help drive brand visibility and awareness.

Q: How important is the range’s organic credentials in helping Honest to stand out from competitors? 

“Consumer interest in better-for-you beverages is shaping the RTD coffee market as demand for organic and non-GMO coffee or functional formulations enhanced with all-natural flavours, protein and vitamins grows,” says Caleb Bryant, senior beverage analyst at Mintel*. Honest is organic ingredient-certified (coffee beans, cocoa, milk and cane sugar) and currently the only organic RTD coffee brand in the market which helps meet this consumer demand, a clear point of difference in the coffee market and an opportunity for both retailers and consumers to trade up from mainstream players. Honest also selects ingredients with a pure recipe rather than artificial, over-processed drinks existing in the market.

*(Sources: Canadean, 2018 YTD Q3

www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/rtd-coffee-market

www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/ready-to-drink-rtd-coffee-market-100285

www.mintel.com/press-centre/food-and-drink/brewed-for-success-iced-coffee

www.persistencemarketresearch.com/market-research/ready-to-drink-coffee-market.asp)


As Ireland has increasingly become a nation of coffee afficionados over the past decade, consumers have grown more adventurous and willing to try out new iced coffee and cold brew options.

According to a new report by Euromonitor on ready to drink (RTD) coffee in Ireland, the range of RTD coffee products has increased significantly. “As the economy in Ireland heats up,” reports Euromonitor, “consumers find themselves not only with more spare cash but also with less spare time. Both factors contribute to the growing popularity of RTD coffee products.”

According to Euromonitor, awareness of RTD coffee significantly increased among Irish consumers during the unusually warm summer of 2018, which, together with the economic upsurge, led to a notable improvement of the category’s retail sales. More RTD coffee products were promoted on-trade, sparking interest and leading to a rise in off-trade sales.

Euromonitor also points out that RTD coffee continues to be very much on-trend in Ireland and niche players are playing to their consumers’ bespoke preferences, offering a larger variety of coffee available in uniquely designed packaging. Organic variants are popular, and nitro-infused coffee has also helped the category to grow, Euromonitor adds.

Consumers now more precise

An earlier report by Ian Kennedy, consumer and market insight at Bord Bia, also flags up some interesting points. According to Kennedy, “coffee has been a growing phenomenon among Irish consumers in recent years with 75% of Irish consumers stating they drink coffee, and seven in ten drinking more than one cup a day. Sales of fresh coffee are continuing to drive growth with overall sales of instant coffee declining year-on-year.”

Irish consumers have also increased their knowledge about the sector and are keen to discover new artisan and quality options. “While coffee increases in popularity,” writes Kennedy, “consumers are becoming more precise about their coffee with the coffee blend, espresso shot and even the type of milk used all significant factors in deciding what coffee to order. Mintel’s recent report found that these preferences are more common amongst 16-34 year olds with older consumers opting for the more traditional coffees like an Americano.”

Exploring more

People are also now more curious and keen to expand their knowledge about coffee. “Consumers are eager to learn about how coffee is brewed,” states Kennedy, “with 3fe and other coffee companies offering brewing classes for baristas as well as coffee lovers. As consumers become more involved in brewing the perfect cup of coffee, we could see our coffee market take a transition like the current Irish craft beer market which is hugely popular in Ireland.”

A report by Mintel published last year on ‘The Future of Coffee’ also gives a broader overview of the factors and trends predicted to make their mark on the sector. Mintel points out that global brands are meeting the rising consumer demand for coffee with added health and beauty functionality. In Western countries, Mintel states, whole bean coffee is growing from a retail niche into a major format.

In the next two years to 2021, the analyst highlights how the younger generation will re-write the ‘rules’ of coffee. “Compared to older drinkers, they prefer their coffee colder, purer and for a wider range of usage occasions,” Mintel states. Overall, cold brew is set to grow in Europe, according to the analyst, and with that in mind, we have highlighted the leading brands worth your consideration here.

From Colombia with love

Frank and Honest, the company whose coffees-to-go are available at SuperValu and Centra, has created three new coffees which are all cold brews.

Cold Brew Original, Mocha and Coconut are the three new flavours and the range is made from a single origin Colombian arabica coffee, selected and roasted for its natural chocolate and caramel notes. It is immersed in a bath of cold spring water for 20 hours to slowly extract the clean and smooth coffee flavours.

The Frank and Honest Cold Brew range is available in select SuperValu and Centra stores nationwide at an RRP of €3.

Next level nitrogen

For those who prefer their coffee cold, the Nescafé Azera Nitro range offers an ideal choice. Perfect for sipping on hot summer days or when consumers need a convenient ready to drink coffee on-the-go, Nitro coffee provides a refreshing break. Made from premium coffee infused with nitrogen which makes a satisfying hiss when the can is cracked open, this coffee delivers a memorable experience.

A silky, smooth and refreshingly cold blend, Nescafé Azera Nitro coffee promises a next level coffee experience. Nitrogen-infused for however, whenever and wherever consumers want their coffee, the Nescafé Azera Nitro range consists of two options: Nescafé Azera Nitro Americano and Nescafé Azera Nitro Latte.

Nescafé is the world’s favourite coffee brand, enjoyed in over 180 countries worldwide. With over 80 years of experience in selecting, roasting and blending the very best coffee, it’s not surprising that over 5,500 cups of Nescafé coffee are drunk every second.


 

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Paper power

Despite facing intense competition from private-label competitors, certain individual household paper brands have managed to maintain growth in recent years. Keeping a focus on USPs has proved important in maintaining that loyalty as well as attracting new shoppers. These include factors such as strength and durability, luxury, valued skincare features, anti-bacterial properties and environmentally friendly credentials.

Innovative marketing campaigns and eye-catching POS materials have also played a key role in attracting consumer attention, as have engaging social media platforms. Leading brands have also responded to consumer demand by offering excellent value-for-money for budget-conscious households and providing a range of sizes and formats to suit all needs.

Richard Hopping, household and brand analyst at Mintel, also highlights how within the kitchen roll segment, targeting the cleaning occasion more specifically can encourage consumers to trade up. “As consumers are using kitchen roll products as alternative to cloths,” says Hopping, “brands targeting the cleaning occasion more specifically may be able to encourage spend.

A further report by Euromonitor Ireland on the tissue and hygiene sector was also upbeat overall. “Despite a number of significant challenges,” writes Euromonitor, “the outlook remains reasonably positive for the majority of categories within tissue and hygiene. Irish economic activity is set to be positive until the middle part of the forecast five-year period at least, with GDP expected to outperform the EU average in 2020 and 2021.”

Euromonitor also points out that the environment is top-of-mind for consumers in their product choice. “Irish consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of their product choices,” the analyst states. “Sustainability and flushability are two top features for consumers when considering product alternatives.”

A stellar portfolio

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Boosting a 17.3%* value share of the toilet tissue category, Cushelle is the number one brand in the market

Boosting a 17.3%* value share of the toilet tissue category, Cushelle is the number one brand in the market

Cushelle is the number one brand in the market over the last 12 months, with a 17.3%* value share of the toilet tissue category, and exciting brand plans to continue growing in 2020. Cushelle will run a strong advertising campaign, featuring Kenny the Koala, throughout 2020 beginning with TV and video on-demand for Cushelle Quilted with a TV tagline to help drive awareness of Cushelle facial tissues.

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Kenny the Koala will appear on screens throughout 2020, beginning with TV and video on-demand content for Cushelle Quilted

Kenny the Koala will appear on screens throughout 2020, beginning with TV and video on-demand content for Cushelle Quilted

Many of you will have watched the upsetting news reports about the devastating bushfires in Australia that have claimed the homes and lives of many people and wildlife. As a responsible business that prominently features a koala in the branding of Cushelle, brand owner Essity felt a duty to donate to the ongoing relief efforts being carried out by charities in Australia.

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Therefore, Cushelle will be donating an initial £25,000 to WIRES and Vets Beyond Borders. Both charities are working tirelessly to protect the wildlife caught up in the bushfires. Cushelle will also support the longer-term recovery efforts and the preservation of koalas in Australia.

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Essity’s product portfolio also includes Velvet toilet tissue: a must-stock brand in the toilet tissue category with value sales of almost €1.7 million**. The brand has a strong focus on its product quality while offering shoppers value across a wide variety of different pack sizes. For instance, to suit all shoppers, Velvet has a core range that includes both four and nine roll pack sizes, appealing to both the basket ‘top up’ and trolley shoppers. For those shoppers who prefer to make a larger purchase, Velvet has a range of larger sized packs to cater for them. Velvet shoppers are buying more year-on-year with a 7.9% volume increase for those shoppers who have purchased Velvet in both 2018 and 2019.

Meanwhile, Plenty is one of Ireland’s leading household towel brands with value sales of over €5.4 million**. In 2019, Plenty launched new Plenty Handy Towels. As we all know, messes and spills don’t just happen in the kitchen. New Plenty Handy Towels – with convenient single sheets of kitchen towel – are specially designed for quick, one-handed dispensing, no matter where the mess is. This absorbent and strong household towel is always at hand, and with its attractive pack design, it looks great in every room of the house.

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 With convenient single sheets of kitchen towel, new Plenty Handy Towels are specially designed for quick, one-handed dispensing, no matter where the mess is

With convenient single sheets of kitchen towel, new Plenty Handy Towels are specially designed for quick, one-handed dispensing, no matter where the mess is

The focus for the Plenty brand in 2020 is to continue to drive shoppers to stores through a strong TV and VOD campaign across the year. Plenty advertising will continue to reach key householders with kids building on the brand’s heritage as a household hero with the evolution of much-loved brand ambassador Juan Sheet – into ‘Super Juan’!

According to Simon Pickering, country manager, Essity Ireland Ltd: “We have strong media and brand plans in place across Cushelle, Velvet and Plenty for 2020 to ensure that our market leading brands remain at the forefront of consumers’ minds when shopping the paper category.”

Essity is a leading global hygiene and health company dedicated to improving wellbeing through products and solutions, essentials for everyday life. The name Essity stems from the words essentials and necessities. The company’s sustainable business model creates value for people and nature. Sales are conducted in approximately 150 countries under the leading global brands Tena and regional brands such as Cushelle, Plenty, Velvet, Bodyform and Demak’Up.

Essity has 47,000 employees and net sales in 2018 amounted to approximately SEK 118.5bn (EUR 11.6bn). The headquarters is located in Stockholm, Sweden, and the company is listed on Nasdaq Stockholm.

For more information, visit www.essity.com.

*(Source: Kantar Worldpanel MAT Data to 31 Dec 2019)

**(Source: Kantar Worldpanel MAT Data to 1 Dec 2019)

Bring value home

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Available in both four roll and 16 roll price-marked packs, Homestead’s Comfort toilet roll offers strong day-to-day value for consumers

Available in both four roll and 16 roll price-marked packs, Homestead’s Comfort toilet roll offers strong day-to-day value for consumers

The Homestead paper range continues to be one of the strongest categories within the Homestead portfolio. 2019 was an extremely competitive year in this category and the sales of Homestead tissue continue year-on-year to be highly positive.

The paper range, which includes a variety of toilet rolls, kitchen towels and man-size tissues, is produced to the highest quality using 100% virgin pulp paper sourced from well-managed forests. According to the group, its selection rivals any market leader while remaining well priced in order to compete successfully in the private label market.

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Homestead’s Luxury Soft three-ply toilet tissue introduces a more luxurious product, but with the same great price

Homestead’s Luxury Soft three-ply toilet tissue introduces a more luxurious product, but with the same great price

2019 saw the continuation of Homestead’s man-size tissue and Comfort toilet tissue four roll and 16 roll price-marked packs which gives day to day value for the consumer. Homestead replaced its Soft two-ply toilet tissue with new Luxury Soft three-ply quilted toilet tissue to introduce a more luxurious product to the range at the same great price.

The launch of Homestead Absorb jumbo two-roll kitchen towel introduced a more absorbent kitchen towel to the Homestead portfolio which has successfully replaced its Splash kitchen towel.

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Homestead has introduced a more absorbent kitchen roll, aptly named Homestead Absorb

Homestead has introduced a more absorbent kitchen roll, aptly named Homestead Absorb

“Increasing cost in pulp paper will see changes to paper products across the market,” says Homestead brand manager Janice Gibney. “Homestead will continue to strive to remain competitive and continue to ‘Bring value home’ in what will continue to be a very competitive market in 2020.”

 

 

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Keelings acquires pineapple farm in Costa Rica

Keelings has announced the acquisition of Las Brisas, a pineapple farm in Costa Rica that is highly acclaimed for its product quality and community initiatives. Las Brisas is a significant operation with over 900 hectares of land, 460 employees and a modern pack-house producing over 24 million pineapples each year.

Keelings has been strategically aligned with Las Brisas for the last number of years, successfully producing Zero Residue Pineapples for the last 12 months. Costa Rica is also the home of Pura Vida melon farm in Nicoya, where Keelings has a 50:50 joint venture.

The Las Brisas farm is the first certified pineapple farm in the world to produce and export pesticide-free pineapples. The Costa Rican Pineapple Export Auditor recently awarded Las Brisas the title of Number One Pineapple Farm in Costa Rica for sustainable environmental practices, food safety, and staff welfare.

Caroline Keeling, CEO of Keelings Fruits said the acquisition demonstrates the company’s commitment to growing and sourcing quality fruit in the best way possible. “Las Brisas’ ethos and sustainability commitments in production and in local community activities are values we both share,” said Keeling. “We are very excited about the potential our partnership with Las Brisas will bring.”

Keelings’ Las Brisas pineapples from Las Brisas will be sold in all major European markets and the United States. For more information on Keelings, visit https://keelings.ie or @keelingsfruits on social media, or visit www.ciagrolasbrisas.com.

 

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Ice picks

Ireland’s frozen food category is thriving, through a combination of innovation in technology and responding to consumer expectations. The leading brands, providing ready meals, pizza, vegetable sides and other snacks alongside desserts and more, are often household names in Irish aisles with sales figures to back them up.

In tandem with this popularity, frozen foods have evolved over recent years. Increased quality ingredients as well as improved health benefits mean that the convenience of frozen foods – especially in a family scenario – do not come with a cost to healthy eating.

However, frozen foods are traditionally not an area where impulse purchases are made; visibility and promotion is key in order to drive sales, and so retailers should be up on what innovations and new products are available in the category.

According to a recent report by Euromonitor Ireland entitled ‘Ready Meals in Ireland’, published in November 2019, value sales of ready meals are being boosted by a greater choice of different cuisines.

Rising awareness of quality

“Ireland’s improving economic climate continues to have a positive impact on sales of ready meals,” Euromonitor reports. “Many consumers continue to seek the convenience of ready meals more often,” the analyst adds, “although there is still rising awareness about the quality of the ingredients, particularly meat, used in ready meals.”

Euromonitor also points out that amid health and wellness concerns, “manufacturers of chilled and frozen ready meals recorded significant gains in Ireland in 2019 by emphasising their products’ fresh and nutritious ingredients and the absence of artificial preservatives or colourants to attract consumers’ interest”.

Private label also maintains a strong value share in ready meals in Ireland, according to Euromonitor, benefiting from significant ongoing investment. For example, Dunnes Stores recently launched its private label range of Indian ready meals, manufactured by Bombay Pantry.

Frozen desserts

Euromonitor likewise examined ‘Ice Cream and Frozen Desserts in Ireland’, in a report published in August 2019. This reports that low-calorie ice cream continues to emerge in Ireland following the disruptive arrival of Halo Top in the country in early 2018. Sales of frozen yoghurt are seeing very little change in both value and volume terms,” states Euromonitor. “What was a booming market may have just been a passing fad, overshadowed by rising demand for low-calorie and dairy-free ice cream.”

The personalisation trend is growing in ice cream and frozen desserts in Ireland, according to Euromonitor. For example, the online shop for Culcow, an Irish brand of hand-made ice cream, allows the customer to personalise the tub of ice cream that they purchase before it is delivered in dry ice.

Reinvention

Mintel also recently published a study examining the “reinvention” of frozen and chilled food. According to Katya Witham, global food & drink analyst at Mintel: “Frozen and chilled categories are on the path of reinvention in many countries globally, with many brands working on new strategies that allow them to revive and to premiumise their ranges. While the demand for convenience remains strong, consumers of chilled and frozen products are increasingly looking for additional attributes like healthy, natural, customisable or ethical.”

Witham’s report reached three main conclusions; the first of which highlighted the opportunities that exist to engage millennials. “There are opportunities,” she said, “to market exciting, more premium chilled and frozen foods to younger consumers who consider themselves to be ‘foodies’ and expect constant engagement with food brands through new and exciting launches, quality ingredients and sensory stimulations.”

Witham also highlighted the importance of stepping up to the ethical plate. “With the rise of ethical consumerism, especially among younger consumers,” she said, “both chilled and frozen food manufacturers should address important environmental concerns such as food and packaging waste, animal welfare or ethical sourcing.”

Thirdly, she highlighted the benefits of implementing a modern take on frozen. “Frozen food has a chance to reattract consumers, who in recent years have gravitated to the perimeter/fresh areas of the store,” Witham reported, “by providing them with enticing new offerings that can not only become convenient meal solutions, but also engage with them on multiple levels.”

Readers can download the full report by Katya Witham at www.mintel.com/frozen-chilled-foods-reinvention.

Reducing food waste

Another advantage of frozen foods, in an age where sustainability is a growing concern for many consumers, are the advantages the category offers in terms of helping people to cut down on their food waste.

Wrap, the UK not-for-profit organisation which works to help businesses implement sustainable packaging, has highlighted the importance of consumers’ reducing their food waste at home. “We are in a new decade,” said Marcus Gover, Wrap CEO, “and have just ten years if we are to honour our international commitment to halve food waste. This really matters because it is untenable that we carry on wasting food on such a monumental scale when we are seeing the visible effects of climate change every day, and when nearly a billion people go hungry every day.

“We are starting to wake up to the reality of food waste,” added Gover, “but we are too often turning a blind eye to what is happening in our homes. We are all thinking about what we can do for the environment and this is one of the most simple and powerful ways we can play our part. By wasting less food, we are helping to tackle the biggest challenges this century – feeding the world whilst protecting our planet.”

Vegan pizza? Yeah, we go to town on it!

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The Chicago Town Saucy Vegan Pizza serves up a tasty feast of peppers, onions and jackfruit in a BBQ sauce, finished off with dairy-free mozzarella

The Chicago Town Saucy Vegan Pizza serves up a tasty feast of peppers, onions and jackfruit in a BBQ sauce, finished off with dairy-free mozzarella

In 2019, Chicago Town Pizza re-launched with a masterbrand campaign celebrating its Chicago-inspired roots, unique bases and the gooey, messy goodness of the brand. Chicago Town pizzas are enjoyed by pizza lovers across the country and the brand recently launched the first vegan addition to its Takeaway range of frozen pizzas, a ‘Saucy Vegan’.

The gooey messy goodness of Chicago Town’s Stuffed Crust range can now be enjoyed by vegans and flexitarians. The new ‘Saucy Vegan’ features Chicago Town’s unique rising takeaway dough, topped with juicy peppers and onions, loaded with jackfruit in a sticky BBQ sauce and finished off with tasty, dairy-free mozzarella.

With approximately 13%* of Ireland’s population identifying as vegans, vegetarians or ‘rebalancers’ (meat reducers), Chicago Town believes everyone should have the chance to indulge in one of its stuffed crust takeaway pizzas. The Chicago Town ‘Saucy Vegan’ Sticky BBQ Jackfruit Pizza (25cm) joins the popular Stuffed Crust Takeaway range alongside the Classic crust, Tiger crust, Deep Dish, and Thin & Crispy ranges.

The new Chicago Town Saucy Vegan Pizza is currently stocked in Tesco, Dunnes Stores and Iceland Foods Ireland.

*(Source: The Thinking House/ Bord Bia’s – Dietary Lifestyle Report – Nov 2018)

Bursting with flavour

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With under 450 calories per pizza, Dr. Oetker Momenti is ideal for health-conscious and time-strapped professionals

With under 450 calories per pizza, Dr. Oetker Momenti is ideal for health-conscious and time-strapped professionals

Dr. Oetker continues to bring innovations to the frozen pizza category in 2020. The new Momenti sub-brand launched last month, is a unique single serve, portion-controlled pizza (under 450 calories). Momenti currently has a range of two products – Tomato, Pesto & Mozzarella and a Salami Calabrase variant. This pizza innovation targets health-conscious consumers, individuals who live in single households and busy, time-strapped working professionals. The pizzas are positioned as the perfect solution for a quick lunch, dinner for one or hot snack on-the-go.

The Dr. Oetker Momenti range is currently stocked in Tesco, Dunnes Stores and BWG.

Meanwhile, Dr. Oetker’s ‘Yes it’s Pizza’ has been reformulated to be a fully vegetarian offering. Consumers can now enjoy the unique thin and crispy vegetable dough pizza that’s bursting with colour and flavour. The fully vegetarian range includes a Beetroot version, featuring a beetroot-infused crust topped with grilled zucchini, cheese, red onion, yellow and green peppers, and a Spinach version with a spinach-infused crust with broccoli, mushroom and mozzarella.

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 100,000 bags have been sold. This premium range of fully cooked chicken tenders and bites is different by name, appearance, and quality. According to the brand, people can’t believe how tasty they are. What’s more, they crisp 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.chickenwithattitude.ie.

Strong Roots, strong numbers

Award-winning brand Strong Roots continues to lead the agenda in tasty, plant-based food for the Irish consumer. One of the most recent successes has been the launch of vegetable-based alternatives to traditional hash browns, specifically Courgette & Spinach Hash Browns and Cauliflower Hash Browns. Impressively, Strong Roots now has a 21%* value share of the total frozen hash brown market and contributed over €700,000* in sales versus the previous year.

The products are tapping into the popular breakfast and brunch occasion which Strong Roots brought to life at store level by disrupting the shopper journey. The brand achieved this disruption via in-store sampling, recipe ideas and having a presence close to the chilled cabinet – a key destination for breakfast and brunch missions.

*(Source: Kantar Worldpanel 52 w/e 29 Dec 2019)

Packs a flavour punch

Naveen Bachani, founder of Vada Pow, started his journey in 2016. From humble beginnings, his Bombay Style Street Food products made at a BRC-accredited factory, are now available in more than 200 stores nationwide.

Vada Pow originated from the word ‘Vada Pav’ which is a famous patty and bun street food of Mumbai. The brand was founded with a simple vision: Food is to be good, not just in taste but for the body and the soul. And good it certainly is, leading Vada Pow to win the Best Food and Drink Start-up accolade at the latest ShelfLife C-Store Awards.

Vada Pow’s Bombay Style Street Food products are convenient, versatile and cater to all dietary requirements, including being suitable for vegetarians, vegans, flexitarians and gluten free consumers. The Sweet Potato Burger won the silver award in the meat-free alternatives category at the FreeFrom Food Awards, Ireland. The range is very different from any stereotypical Indian curry product.

Asian and Indian foods are ideal when looking for vegetarian or vegan options because they are often traditionally or unintentionally vegan. However, Vada Pow products are also excellent side dishes for non-vegetarian meals. Naveen’s Bombay Style Street Food is positioned in the Indian vegetarian category.

All his products are cooked and packaged in Ireland with sustainability in mind, and all ingredients sourced where possible from Irish suppliers.

Made with respect

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Goodfella’s Vegan Pizza is available in Falafel and Spicy Vegetable Salsa flavours

Goodfella’s Vegan Pizza is available in Falafel and Spicy Vegetable Salsa flavours

Goodfella’s Pizza, launched in 1993, remains Ireland’s number one frozen pizza brand. Produced in state-of-the-art facilities in Naas and Longford, Goodfella’s is proud to be made in Ireland and supporting Irish jobs.

Team Goodfella’s is constantly striving to meet consumer needs and wants. Tapping into key trends and meal occasions, Goodfella’s has something for everyone and continues to deliver tasty pizzas for all the family.

The brand has the widest frozen pizza menu available, including a Takeaway pizza for all the family to share. A more recent addition to this range is the Takeaway Thin & Crispy, an ideal option for those looking for a thinner sharing base.

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Goodfella’s Takeaway Pizzas are ideal for when the whole family wants a tasty meal without the pizza parlour prices

Goodfella’s Takeaway Pizzas are ideal for when the whole family wants a tasty meal without the pizza parlour prices

The everyday Thin range still provides families of all ages a selection of toppings from Pepperoni to Roast Chicken while the Deep Pan range has just relaunched with an even lighter fluffier base and new more relevant toppings which tap into younger audiences and their preferences. This includes Goodfella’s Cheesy Beef (delivering a ‘burger’ flavour sensation), Meat Feast (a mix of pepperoni, ham and salami for all those meat lovers) and Spicy Chicken Sizzler (for those who like a spicy kick to their pizza).

Given the now mainstream nature of vegan products as well as those with special dietary requirements, Goodfella’s felt it important to create ranges of both Vegan (Falafel and Spicy Vegetable Salsa) and Gluten Free (Margherita and Pepperoni, Mushroom and Ham), that offer standout and deliver on quality.

Whatever the occasion, whoever you’re with, Goodfella’s is confident consumers can depend on its portfolio to deliver delicious Italian American style pizzas from the original frozen pizza people.

Follow Goodfella’s Ireland on Facebook or visit www.goodfellaspizzas.com for more information.


 

 

 

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