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Did You Know? February 17, 2015

By Publications Checkout
Did You Know? February 17, 2015

Did you know… Deep RiverRock has teamed up with McCannBlue on a digital initiative that encourages consumers to ‘take the hydration test’? The brand has launched a series of online games for consumers to ‘test their mental sharpness’, while reminding them to keep hydrated. “The games have been created to encourage a little competition and total shareability, but also to remind the consumer that water is so important for a healthy mind and body,” said Andrew Murray, head of social & brand content at McCannBlue. “Our social/content strategy also centres on ridiculing stupidity and celebrating sharpness – all linked back to ‘When you can’t think straight. Hydrate’.”

Did you know…Absenteeism costs small business over €490 million per annum? The Small Firms Association (SFA) has published its Absenteeism Report 2014, which also shows that a total of 4,052,222 days were lost in the last year. It also found that back pain and anxiety/depression are the biggest contributors to employees missing work. Commenting on the findings, Alan Sherlock, SFA Executive said, “absenteeism still has a significant impact in terms of direct costs for small firms, but the results do show an improvement for small compared to big business. For large businesses the average absenteeism rate is 2.34% or 5.4 days where as in businesses with less than 50 employees the rate is 2.06% or 4.7 days.”

Did you know… Ireland is at risk of reaching US levels of income inequality? According to the latest research from think-tank Tasc, the gap between rich and poor is on the rise with more than a third of all income concentrated in the hands of the top 10% of earners in Ireland. The research says that Ireland is now the most unequal country in the EU regarding how the economy distributes income, including social welfare payment and considering income before taxes are deducted. “Income inequality leads to poverty and social exclusion. But it also lowers demand in the economy in a downward spiral of lost spending,” said Nat O’Connor, director of Tasc.

Did you know… Glendalough Irish Whiskey have launched a new Double Barrel whiskey? The distillery, which claims to be ‘Ireland’s first craft distillery’, announced the launch of its new yesterday. The new offering is crafted in small batches from a mash of malted barley and corn, and cut with spring water from the Wicklow Mountains. Did you know… Three Northern Irish food companies have been shortlisted in the 2015 ‘FreeFrom’ Food Awards? The companies selected were Mash Direct, a manufacturer of convenience potato and vegetable dishes, Rule of Crumb, a manufacturer of chicken products, part baked rolls and breads, and Squeeze Wheat Juice, a processor of wheat juice. They are among 270 products shortlisted in 15 categories. The awards take place on the 22nd of April.

Did you know… The world’s richest confectioner and inventor of Ferrero Rocher and Nutella passed away on Valentines Day? The patriarch of the Ferrero empire, Michele Ferrero, was said to have defined Italy’s confectionery industry. He and his family were ranked 30th on Forbes list of the world’s richest billionaires in 2014, and are said to be worth $23.4 billion (€21 billion). Italian President Sergio Mattarella praised Ferrero as one of the leaders of Italian industry, describing him as ‘‘always ahead of his time thanks to innovative products and his tenacious work and reserved character.”

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Did you know… Core Media has unveiled a graduate recruitment programme? Core will appoint ten graduates to its team of businesses, including Clear Blue Water, Ignite Research, MediaVest and Starcom, in September, in a programme the company is calling Core Knowledge. “The Graduate Recruitment Programme demonstrates our commitment to young graduates as they come out of college and seek full-time, paid employment," said Catherine Fitzgibbon, Core Media HR director. "The 10 employees will also have the benefit of Core Knowledge as they build up their practical skills before being assigned to a Core media company. We look forward to recruiting Ireland’s top class graduates and welcoming the 10 graduates in September.”

Did you know… Flahavan’s is unveiling a new ‘Porridge to Go’ food solution at Catex, taking place at the RDS Dublin between today and Thursday? The product, which is aimed at the convenience and foodservice markets, is designed to be labour-saving and cut back on waste. Catex commemorates its 50th anniversary this year, with over 200 exhibitors in attendance.

© 2015 - Checkout Magazine by Hannah Popham. 

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