Putting shops centre stage

WITH Scottish general and local elections just months away, Scotland’s convenience industry representative group the Scottish Grocers Federation has taken its message about the...
Kokkoman Ponzu Lemon and Teriyaki marinade

Japanese flavour in a bottle

GLOBAL soy sauce brand Kikkoman has stepped up its NPD game, introducing more Japanese flavour to the UK market.
The Cheeky Panda toilet roll

Clean the green way

Sustainable options remain important considerations for consumers across the board, even when it comes to cleaning the house.
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,...
New Border Biscuits team

Big moves for Border

BORDER Biscuits has been on a recruitment drive, as the Lanark-based firm eyes further growth.
Chivas Brothers has shared its energy tech with the industry.

Chivas Brothers shares sustainability knowledge

Chivas Brothers is sharing its sustainability technology developments with others in the whisky industry in a bid to cut emissions.

Food and drink year in the making

WE are now at the halfway point in Scotland’s Year of Food and Drink which set out to promote the country’s natural larder. Scotland Food...

Make the most of vegan deals

Creating a display and highlighting value ranges are the two main tips from Swizzels for retailers who want to make the most of Veganuary.

Twin-track appeal sees sales grow

THERE are two key consumers for Polish meats, according to speciality supplier Smithfield Foods: Polish-born shoppers who want to buy familiar brands and products,...
Highland Spring water bottles

Visibility can be effective

TAKING action to improve sustainability is more essential than ever, both for the environment and for bottom lines.
David Brown

Crabbie makes a whisky comeback

Ginger beer brand taps into its historic legacy

Barr predicts bumper sales

IRN-Bru manufacturer AG Barr is going all out to capitalise on the events of the coming year. “Glasgow 2014 will focus worldwide attention on...

Eco focus in Glasgow

New store ‘Neighbourhood’ offers grocery staples ranging from flour and grains to body care and home cleaning products – without plastic packaging
Head shot of Louisa Coursey, programme manager of Scotland Food & Drink's Net Zero Commitment team.

Scotland Food & Drink strengthens Net Zero team

Industry firm Scotland Food & Drink has strengthened its commitment to hit net zero by 2045 with the appointment of a new programme manager for the initiative.
Ferrero Cacao Charter

Ferrero focuses on farmers

Ferrero has claimed it’s putting the livelihoods of farmers first, through its new Cocoa Charter and Action Plan.
Dale McQueen

French connection

CALLANDER-based McQueen Gin has joined forces with French spirits importer Bogdan & Bertrand Company (BBC) Spirits to grow its presence in Europe.
123...35Page 1 of 35