Did you know… Minister Alex White has told the Irish Indepdendent that new legislation on minimum pricing of alcohol products will mean the end of “dirt-cheap spirits and beer being sold at pocket-money prices”? The Department of Health will meet this week to discuss the proposed legislation, which are intended to be published by the summer and put into effect by the end of the year. Minister White said, "Some of these measures will be controversial, and will be opposed – as they have already made clear – by the drinks industry, who are, of course, fully entitled to express their views. But given the mounting pressure for action to curb excessive drinking, I believe the public will support what we are trying to achieve – so that calls for 'something' to be done can now be translated into action.” While the ban on alcohol advertising at sporting events was shelved last year, Minister White says that no final decisions have been made on the proposal as of yet.
Did you know… the Irish Creamery Milk Suppliers Association (ICMSA) is seeking support from the Government for an adjustment to the butterfat reference level in regards to the end of milk quota abolitions in 2015? Pat McCormack, deputy president of the ICMSA told Agriland that dairy farmers are facing a large super levy fine this year and an inevitable problem in the final year of milk quotas. He said, “This must be a major priority for the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Simon Coveney, given that many farmers who normally had cover under flexi-milk in order to avoid a super levy fine will find that flexi-milk could be dramatically reduced this year compared to previous years.” The total volume of milk supplies to the end of December 2013 according to data from the Department of Agriculture, including the relevant butterfat adjustment, has left Ireland 1.63% over quota. The ICMSA forecasts that if a butterfat adjustment took place, the Irish milk quota would increase in excess of one per cent, which would provide considerable relief to the current position.
Did you know… Ulster Bank has announced a €12 million support package for businesses impacted by the recent bad weather? Many small businesses were affected by floods, heavy winds and high tides, with some having to close for repair. Ulster Bank said that the credit would be granted to new and existing business customers to help with short-term cash-flow issues such as immediate repair work. Funds will be available at existing rates for business customers extending their facilities, while normal terms and conditions apply to new customers. The Government has also put in place a fund of €15m to deal with the issues arising from the weather damage.
Did you know… Tayto has launched a new snack called Popcorners? A combination of crisps and popcorn, Popcorners are created from popped corn, then baked. The new snack has 57% less fat than average crisps, all natural flavours and no MSG. Mr Tayto said of the launch, “ I’m so excited to introduce to my spuds my new Popcorners snack. I know all families are going to love this poptastic and downright tastetastic snack for their young spuds. With its low calories and scrumptious taste (If I do say so myself), everyone in the family can enjoy this explosive new product. Pop singer Samantha Mumba was on hand to help give out free packs of the new snack last Friday in Dublin’s shopping areas. Popcorners are available nationwide in chilli & lime and spicy cheese and tomato flavours.
Did you know… A Dublin man has been appointed managing director of Naked Wines in the UK? Eamon Fitzgerald, 29, will manage the online wine retailing group which had sales of €73 million last year, an increase of 67% on the previous year. Fitzgerald previously worked as a consultant with Accenture and began his career as a wine blogger before working for a wine trade magazine. In his new role as managing director, he will oversee 105 employees and 140,000 customers. Fitzgerald told the Irish Times, “We don’t ship to the Republic at the moment – we are busy launching in the US and Australia. Minister Noonan with all his duty hikes isn’t making it easy either. But you never know.” He has worked at Naked Wines for the previous two years.
Did you know… Heineken has launched a new global TV ad campaign urging Irish fans to enter a competition with a twist? The ‘Odyssey’ campaign is a talent competition of sorts, asking applicants to display a talent via video. Conor McIntyre, Brand Manager, Communications at Heineken says: "Odyssey celebrates Heineken's belief that everyone is legendary at something. Through this innovative campaign, we want to encourage the nation to step out of their comfort zones and reveal their hidden skills. Ireland has produced some of the world's greatest talents but our focus is not so much on the traditional talents.” Applicants can upload their talents via www.heineken.ie/irishlegend from now until March 31st. The ultimate "legend" who triumphs in the end will win a trip to stay on their very own private paradise island in Belize. The Odyssey is the sixth in Heineken's Legends series and was created by Wieden + Kennedy Amsterdam. It follows the main character's adventures aboard a cruise ship as he uses his wit, charm and talents to impress his fellow passengers.
Did you know… German discounter Lidl will open a new Cork city centre store at the end of this month? The new store, based at The Cornmarket centre, will create 28 new jobs, as well as transferring some staff from its Leeside store in Cork. A Lidl spokesperson said that jobs will be replaced in the original stores and not lead to any losses. The new Cornmarket store will have a different layout to its signature store style, with manned express tills for its small basket shoppers.
Did you know… RTÉ is reportedly searching for a new ad agency? The broadcaster is seeking expressions of interest from various firms to provide “specialist creative brand identity services for its Television division to support RTÉs channel branding and marketing strategy." Currently a number of agencies work for RTÉ, including Publicis Dublin, Brand Social and eightytwenty. A shortlist will be made after the submissions of EOIs, with pitches to be heard between March 19-21. The winner will be announced on April 21.
Did you know… Ibec will host its CEO conference this Wednesday at Dublin’s Convention Centre? The theme of the conference is ‘From Here to Prosperity’, and it will seek to provide a platform for business, politicians and civil society to explore the challenges and opportunities ahead for the Irish and European business community, in the context of rebuilding reputation, trust and credibility. Speakers include An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, Lord Livingston, UK Minister for Trade and Investment, John Kennedy, President Diageo Western Europe and Ibec President and many more. Former rugby international player Ronan O'Gara, is the lunchtime guest. To book your place, visit www.ibec.ie/ceoconference
Did you know… The sale of Small Business Minister John Perry’s Sligo properties have been delayed? The sites, which include a Costcutter supermarket on Teeling Street and Corran Express Buffet restaurant were withdrawn from the market. The Costcutter store was to be sold for €300,000 while the restaurant had a sale price of €110,000, but the sales have been put on hold due to a legal title issue relating to property owned by Perry’s sister adjacent to the premises. Meanwhile the sale of Perry’s derelict cottage and adjoining 10 acres of land at Ballymote has been agreed for €85,000. Perry’s properties were put on sale to pay down his Danske Bank loan of €2.5 million.
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
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