Did You Know? March 11, 2014

By Publications Checkout
Did You Know? March 11, 2014

Did you know… The Alcohol Beverage Federation of Ireland (ABFI) released a statement in response to the launch of Cross Party Oireachtas Group on Alcohol Misuse in Leinster House last week? Kathryn D’Arcy, Director, ABFI said, “The only way we can address the issue of alcohol misuse is by having a whole of society approach. As alcohol manufactures and suppliers, we want to see our products consumed correctly and not misused.” D’Arcy highlighted that there are 62,000 people employed in the sector and the vast majority of Irish people consume alcohol in a manner that is entirely compatible with a healthy lifestyle. She said that despite contacting the Department of Health on two occasions, the group has not been asked for its input. “We see the announcement of an informal, all-party group seeking to progress legislation and policy that can help reduce alcohol harm in Ireland, with a particular emphasis on the Public Health Alcohol Bill, again with no suggestion of dialogue with the sector.”

Did you know… Glanbia Ingredients Ireland Limited will improve its digital strategy in the coming year to improve communication with its milk suppliers? Sean Molloy, head of strategy and supplier relations at the company explained that this year will be important for its development, and it will avail of new digital supplier tools to implement. He said, “We hope to expand on our digital offerings. The demand is there at farm level. Our digital strategy will look at how to best communicate, support and train our farmers and suppliers.” Molloy says that Glanbia would like to encourage its farmers to use digital communication, especially in terms of training. 

Did you know… Irish and British beef  products are selling at the same price in Tesco UK stores? This is despite meat factories paying Irish producers 15-20% less according to the The Irish Co-operative Organisation Society (ICOS). ICOS national marts chairman, Michael Spellman said, “We photographed two identical cuts of brisket beef, one labelled Irish and the other British, both prices were the same at £8 [€9.70] per kilo, but the Irish farmer had received between 15% and 20% less per kilo for his beef.” He said that this equates to almost €200 difference per head. Spellman accused the meat industry and UK multiples of manipulating the market, which in turn is causing Irish farmers to receive an unfair market value for their stock. 

Did you know… US retailers are interested in expanding into the Irish market? CBRE has launched a report that shows that Ireland is currently the 10th most desirable location for American retailers. Despite years of economic troubles, American retailers continue to invest in the market here. The CBRE report said, “American retailers have the most extensive large-scale expansion plans with almost half (47%) of retailers surveyed looking to open more than 40 stores in 2014.” CBRE's director for cross-border retail in EMEA, David Close said, “With consumer confidence returning across many markets in Europe, North American retailers feel that this is the right time to capitalise on a largely untapped growth potential. US retailers are progressively developing their store networks and global offering — this trend will continue to grow and diversify in 2014 and beyond.” Ireland has remained the 22nd most desirable location for retailers looking to expand abroad globally, for two consecutive years. 

Did you know… The European Investment Bank (EIB) president has warned that credit for small and medium firms will probably get worse due to stricter financial regulation in the banking union initiative. Werner Hoyer, president of EIB said there were limitations on what the Luxembourg-based institution could do, despite being partnered with AIB, BOI and Ulster Bank. He said, “This problem will not disappear overnight. It probably will even get worse because the effects of banking regulation, banking union, will be that it is going to be even more difficult for commercial banks to finance more SMEs because the bureaucracy is enormous. The appraisals of these projects are getting more and more difficult and the observation of all the new rules which banking regulation brings about is costly for the bank.” While Hoyer said the EIB attempts to speed up the lending processes, he is aware that Irish banks are still in a difficult position.

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Did you know… Havas Worldwide has launched its latest campaign for the Birds Eye frozen foods brand? The latest commercial for 'Fish Fingers & Peas' features an Irish family around the dinner table. Havas Worldwide was awarded the pan-European account for Birds Eye in November, by Birds Eye parent Iglo. Birds Eye recently announced a £60 million pan-European relaunch campaign for the brand.

Did you know… The founder and chairman of Cassidy Wines, Kevin Cassidy, passed away last week, just short of his 100th year? Kevin founded Cassidy Wines in 1977, as a supplier of fine wines to the retail trade, and the portfolio of wines it currently supplies includes major names such as Baron Philippe de Rothschild, Chateau de Pez, Cristal, Louis Roederer and Marques de Caceres.

Did you know… Saudi Arabia has banned energy drink advertising, as well as limiting energy drink distribution and sale in the country? Saudi Press Agency (SPA) announced lat week that due to the ‘adverse effects of energy drinks’, the changes will be implemented across the country. Energy drinks like Red Bull will have to carry health warnings when sold in Saudi Arabia as part of the changes. Currently, the region boasts strong sales growth for energy drinks so this may adversely effect the brands that sell well there. The decision was made after the Saudi Arabian cabinet held a meeting to discuss the beverages. After reviewing the evidence, the government agreed on a blanket ban on “advertising of energy drinks via any readable, audible or visible media organ, or by other means.” Energy drink companies cannot sponsor any sporting event either. In addition, a sales ban on energy drinks in restaurants, canteens, education and health facilities, halls, public and private sports clubs has also been implemented. 

Did you know… En Place Foods in Northern Ireland has gained recognition in the UK Marmalade of the Year Awards? The company was awarded a bronze medal for its savoury Burnt Hazelnut and Orange marmalade for cheese. Peter Clarke, En Place managing director, says, “It was the first time that we entered a product in the awards. We are delighted to win a bronze at the first attempt.” En Place, based in County Tyrone, is a specialist in jams, chutneys, relishes and culinary oils. The artisan company had two products listed in the Top 50 Foods by the UK Guild of Fine Food this year and won the top award for an ambient product in the competition.

Did you know… There's still time (just) to get your nominations in for this year's Checkout Power 100? This year’s Checkout Power 100 will focus on Ireland’s leading marketing executives. It will feature the marketing directors, senior marketing managers and senior brand managers at the helm of some of Ireland’s leading FMCG and retail businesses, and the brains behind some of the most inventive marketing campaigns of the past 12 months. Closing date for entries is 18 March. Click here for more details 

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© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson

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