A look at what’s going on across the convenience channel
Chivas Brothers plugs into EV truck trial
WHISKY maker Chivas Brothers is trialling an all-electric Volvo truck that has been specified to transport Scotch.
It can haul 24 tonnes of whisky per journey and will cover 250 to 300 miles a day, clocking up at least 62,000 miles a year.
The truck, operated by haulage partners McPherson’s, will cut Chivas’ CO2 emissions by 155 tonnes annually during the two-year trial.
Chivas boss Jean-Etienne Gourgues said: “We are a proudly Scottish business and feel a deep responsibility to further the sustainability agenda not only in whisky but for Scotland at large.”
BrewDog launches online advice service
BREWDOG has launched a dedicated webpage to help convenience retailers maximise the profitable craft beer category.
Recent research shows craft beer shoppers spend more on their total basket than average beer shoppers.
The new page – www.brewdog.com/uk/enquiries/off-trade – provides access to the latest market insight and trends, ranging and merchandising advice, information on best-sellers and key stockists.
BrewDog’s Hannah Corker said: “Just 8.4% of craft beer sales go through impulse versus 28.1% of total beer, meaning the category hugely under indexes in this channel.
“The aim of our new online resource is to help retailers build a compelling craft beer offering and unlock profit potential.”
Lidl signs up to Scotland Loves Local Gift Card scheme
DISCOUNTER Lidl has joined the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card scheme.
All 111 of its Scottish stores are now accepting the card, which can be swiped at the till like a debit card, with the balance automatically updated.
More than £12m has been distributed to low-income families through the ScotGov-backed card to date, with Perth-based fintech firm Miconex providing the technology for the initiative.
Miconex boss Colin Munro said: “The welcome addition of Lidl to the Scotland Loves Local Gift Card gives customers even more choice to spend and support local.”
