Did you know… Food and Hospitality Ireland will return to Citywest on September 16-17, 2015? Next year will see a new version of the show with the addition of Speciality & Fine Food Fair Ireland. This year’s show drew in 2,334 visitors over the two day event, with 83% of visitors saying they find the show important or very important to their business. 84% of visitors placed or plan to place an order from visiting the show, while 89% of 2014 exhibitors found the show 'worthwhile' or 'very worthwhile'.
Did you know… One of the key achievements of Marks & Spencers Plan A Sustainability programme has been its engagement with food suppliers, according to Carmel McQuaid, the retailer's head of sustainable business? Nearly a quarter (23%) of the volume of food the retailer sources now comes from factories meeting Plan A’s ‘Silver’ sustainability standard. Under the programme, suppliers can strive to achieve Bronze, Silver or Gold measured on criteria such as quality, price and delivery on time and products must incorporate at least one Plan A element. McQuaid said, “The scorecard we developed together with the factories focuses on what responses are needed for them to be lean and competitive. This meant that a lot of suppliers have seen the business case for operating in a sustainable way and they have become more efficient and better places to work.” Plan A was first introduced in 2007 and its third iteration was launched in June of this year, extending its commitments across its international business over the next six years.
Did you know… Tesco Wembley, in London, provided parking for 'vampires' in the run up to Halloween last week? The UK store featured a silhouette of Dracula on one of its parking spaces, as staff went to the extra effort to create the Halloween vibe. Store manager Scott Walder told the Mirror, “We’ve been getting into the spirit of Halloween at the Wembley store and we know its a day our customers love to celebrate too. Dracula’s parking space has caused quite a stir among colleagues and customers.” The vampire image was painted with glow-in-the-dark paint to ensure it is illuminated at night.
Did you know… Weetabix carton packaging subsidiary Vibixa is to close? The subsidiary, which makes cardboard packaging in the UK, will close its factory next year and let go 105 staff. A company spokesperson told Food Production Daily that the managed run down of production, which produces 6.7 million cartons a week, will complete early next year. “ This has been a difficult decision and we appreciate it affects all of our people and their families. the management team is working with its employees, their trade unions and local employment agencies to assist our colleagues in finding new roles.” Vibixa makes packaging for Weetabix own brands, Oatibix, Alpen and Ready Brek, as well as Tesco and Waitrose own-brand cereal packaging.
Did you know… The Department of Health has requested that Safefood review research on the negative effects of energy drinks? Recently-released World Health Organisation (WHO) research has called for greater awareness of the impact of energy drinks on young people. Dr Cliodhna Foley-Nolan, Safefood’s director of human Health and Nutrition told The Journal that the research shows that energy drinks can cause a marked increase in blood pressure and excessive calorie intake. She said that Safefood will do what they can to clarify matters and will pass its recommendations to the department before the end of the year.
Did you know… Coors Light has launched a new TV ad to the Irish market? Called ‘Expedition’, the €900,000 campaign includes outdoor and digital advertising and was developed by Irish agency CKSK. John O’Callaghan, Coors Light marketing manager said, “Our latest campaign is yet another example of our long-term commitment to growing Coors Light in the Irish market and building on the success we have enjoyed over recent years. Expedition was created by an Irish agency and directed by an Irish director (Damien O’Donnell). Building on the success of recent campaigns featuring our Coors Light guys, our new ad details how an expedition with friends can result in a memorable experience which can be replayed and enjoyed over a refreshing pint of Coors Light.” The campaign premiered last week on Coors Ireland Facebook, Twitter and YouTube channels, ahead of its TV run.
Did you know… Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland is to acquire Allied Logistics from DCC plc? Martin Kelleher, managing director, Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland said, “Allied Logistics is an excellent strategic fit for our operations in Ireland and there is a natural synergy between both organisations. We have a long-standing trading relationship and look forward to the employees of Allied Logistics joining Musgrave.” The deal is subject to clearance by the Competition Authority.
??Did you know… Kantar Media Ad Intelligence Ireland has launched AdExpress, an advertising monitoring and insights platform? AdExpress is a new service targeted at the Irish market that enables advertising professionals to capture and analyse display ads from Ireland’s most visited websites. The system captures display advertising statistics and creatives to provide brands, media owners and agencies with up-to-date, actionable insights by trawling through Ireland’s top websites. Michael Lavelle, commercial director at Kantar Media Ireland said, “With growth in online advertising spend set to increase each year, we’re excited to be able to help advertisers gain more insight into how their, and their competitors', spend is being used. AdExpress Online Display is the first step of the process of delivering a full 360 degree ad monitoring and evaluation service, as is already the case for our clients in the US, Denmark and France."
Did you know… Wolf Blass is searching for the ‘Local Legends’ of Leinster’s rugby clubs? The wine brand, which is the official wine partner to Leinster Rugby, has called for nominations from all Leinster rugby clubs to recognise those who go above and beyond. The ‘Local Legend’ can be anyone from a coach, to a groundskeeper, doctor or bar staff, or even a supporter of the club. A winner will be chosen each month and win kit merchandise for their club. At the end of the season, a final winner will be announced as ‘Leinster Rugby Local Legend 2015’ and win a €3,000 cash prize for their club. Entrants can be sent to [email protected] and must be over 18 years of age. ?
© 2014 - Checkout Magazine by Genna Patterson
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