A look at what’s going on across the convenience channel and associated businesses and organisations
UWS shows off future of sector
AMBITIOUS c-store operator United Wholesale Scotland (UWS) showcased the future for its symbol group at its latest industry trade show.
More than 80 suppliers were in attendance at the event, which was held at the Crowne Plaza hotel in Glasgow on 15 August and allowed Day-Today symbol retailers to directly engage with brands and benefit from unique insights in the process.
UWS has reported that every stall at the show had sold out completely and the value of orders placed during the show surpassed previous records, with significant interest in the latest cutting-edge tech available to retail stores.
Retailers were also given a look into the future of the Day-Today symbol store design through the event’s store development area, which showed off new counters, shelving as well as a beer cave concept for the fascia.
Naeem Khaliq, symbol group controller at UWS, said: “Our recent trade show at the Crowne Plaza Glasgow was a resounding success, exceeding all expectations.
“The trade show provided a valuable platform for networking, collaboration and knowledge sharing.
“We are already looking forward to making next year’s event even bigger and better, building on the success of this year’s show.”
Graham’s hosts key sustainability meeting
LEADING Scottish dairy Graham’s has hosted key sustainability talks between ScotGov and industry stakeholders at its hi-tech milking barn.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie met Graham’s farmers and producers from across the country at the facility near Kippen, Stirlingshire.
Fairlie said: “I was pleased to learn more about what our dairy sector is doing to reduce emissions. It is clear that many farmers and crofters are already taking important steps.”
Graham’s sustainability manager Annemarie Keenan added: “This was hugely successful and offered us the chance to share our experiences, celebrate our successes and address the barriers that still exist.”
Graham’s has invested £4.5million in the new dairy shed, which houses 300 Jersey cows.
It includes four robotic milking machines and another robot that pushes silage up to cows hourly to maximise forage intakes.
Automated curtains and an insulated roof, controlled by weather stations, provide a consistent environment.
The robotic system mimics a more natural lactation for the cows by allowing them to milk on demand, meaning they are never carrying an uncomfortable amount of milk at any time. This makes for happier, healthier and more productive cows.
Scotmid Co-op’s underage alert
SCOTMID Co-op has been running the “It’ll Cost You” campaign, which highlights that buying alcohol for children could result in a fine or jail sentence, in stores across Glasgow.
Through its partnership with Police Scotland, the Scottish Alcohol Industry Partnership (SAIP) and Community Alcohol Partnerships, the retailer aimed to protect children from the harms of underage drinking.
Throughout the school holidays, adverts were played over the in-store radio, ensuring shoppers understood the legal implications of buying alcohol for under-18s.
Scotmid also displayed campaign graphics on digital screens, highlighting the consequences of proxy alcohol purchases.
Scotmid compliance manager Ian Lovie said: “Our role in the campaign is to make our customers in our communities understand the implication of purchasing alcohol for under-18s.
“The campaign is a great example of working together with local law enforcement to make the communities we serve safer.”
