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Fees for DRS producers reduced

Circularity Scotland has confirmed that the forecast producer fees for Scotland’s deposit return scheme have been reduced.

Beer in the city

DUNDEE could be about to ride the craft beer wave as planning permission has been granted to 71 Brewing for the creation of a...

Adding value to luxury

FAMILY firm Mackie’s says it has created a niche market of affordable luxury through a combination of quality and pricing. Marketing director Karin Hayhow said:...
THE institution of the Burns Supper, now an annual celebration of the works of Scotland’s – and one of the world’s – great poets, Robert Burns, began in the very early 19th century. In 1801 some chums who were great admirers of the recently departed Rabbie, and who were also pretty fond of a dram, met on the fifth anniversary of the great writer’s death to wine, dine, toast his memory and recite some of his works. The following year the celebration moved to the date of the bard’s birthday 25 January and the rest as they say is history. The Burns Supper habit spread across Scotland. Within a few years a Burns Supper was being held in Oxford University. Today they are held all over the world. These days formal suppers can be quite posh with a multi-course dinner, a piper, a toast to the immortal memory of our great literary hero, a cheeky toast to the lassies, an even cheekier reply from the lassies, an address to the haggis and a recitation of Burns’ great narrative poem Tam o’Shanter. Other celebrations in homes and elsewhere are often much simpler. But virtually all will include two items that retailers can highlight in Burns season each year ... haggis and whisky. It’s sad that, because of marketing restrictions on alcohol products in Scottish off-trade outlets, it’s effectively impossible to cross-promote the two Burns Supper essentials or even to place them together in a display. But that’s all the more reason to promote them individually. Try highlighting haggis in your meat chiller, carry a few different sizes to suit the variety of sizes of households, use point-of-sale material to remind shoppers of Burns Night and the part that haggis plays in the celebrations. And you could make January a special malts month or simply arrange to focus on whisky generally in your drinks area. If you have a whisky deal that’s giving you a good margin highlight it within your drinks section. And creating a Burns theme in store, with tartan and maybe even pictures of the man himself, will help get the message across.

Power of the Bard

THE institution of the Burns Supper, now an annual celebration of the works of Scotland’s – and one of the world’s – great poets,...

Powering up the everyday choice

FAIRTRADE Foundation is encouraging shoppers to ask UK retailers to switch to Fairtrade in a stock challenge during Fairtrade Fortnight 23 February – 8...
albert-bartlett-potatoes

Spuds going strong

SCOTTISH produce is having a great year according to Scottish spud specialist Albert Bartlett
Highland Spring eco bottles

Less new plastic ahead

Last year was a big one for Highland Spring in terms of sustainability.
Edinburgh Gin Fleabag bottle

Limited edition to fund theatre

Fleabag creator, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, has helped Edinburgh Gin design a limited edition bottle that references the hit TV show.

Awards – the people and brands behind Scotland’s best products

THIRD generation managing directors of their family haggis firm, James and Jo MacSween were among the winners at this year’s Scotland Food & Drink...

Circularity Scotland on the brink of collapse

DRS scheme administrator Circularity Scotland has confirmed it is on the brink of collapse after admitting it may not be able to pay staff this month.

The growth of the craft

MAINSTREAM lagers might still provide the biggest beer sales in the off-trade but other parts of the business especially craft beers are very exciting. In...
hamlyns-porridge

Health focus for porridge brand

THIS year will see Scottish porridge brand Hamlyns shine a spotlight on its health credentials

Scottish firms take on new graduates

Scotland Food and Drink has announced the appointment of two graduates to major foodservice firms .
Innis & Gunn lager line

Lager fans get magic number

As part of its If You Know, You Know campaign, Innis & Gunn set up a secret WhatsApp Lager Line this summer.

Where is Scotland left on DRS?

Questions remain about the future of Scotland's deposit return scheme as retailers look for compensation over expended costs to install and run machines.

Government climate guide

THE UK Government has issued guidance for retailers looking to cut their carbon emissions.
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