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SEPTEMBER 2026 | ISSUE 281

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Official SPAR Scotland 2026 Tradeshow preview inside! – p41

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | ISSUE 281

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SUCCESS WITH DRS Nail the deposit return scheme in one day

FULL THROTTLE RaceTrack profiled

SUPPLY SURPRISE Asda and One O One partnership

FASCIA FOCUS

Time to shift symbol?

UP IN SMOKE?

Have your say on vape display ban proposals

HEALTHY MARGINS

Protein, portion control and clean label are reshaping convenience.

Official SPAR Scotland 2026 Tradeshow preview inside! – p41

JUUL2 now available at United Wholesale Scotland.

For more information on the responsible retailing of vapour products, visit juullabsretailer.co.uk

WARNING: This product contains nicotine which is a highly addictive substance.

September 2026

Contents

Contents ISSUE 281

NEWS 06

08 10

20 22

Wholesale Multi-SLR Award-winning Scottish forecourt and convenience operator RaceTrack Pitstop agrees a five-year partnership with Co-op Wholesale. Fascias Asda launches a new wholesale supply model for independent retailers through a partnership with the One O One chain. Crime Senior Fed members raise racism concerns with new Retail Crime Taskforce head. News Extra Vape Display Consultation Don’t miss your chance to comment on the UK Government’s proposals around the display of vaping products in stores. Product News Coca-Cola launches a new loyalty platform and AG Barr has a £20,000 store makeover up for grabs. Off-Trade News Echo Falls unveils a Sour Apple flavour for Halloween and retailers can win a bootload of tonic wine.

INSIDE BUSINESS 24 26

36 41 60 86

Advertising Feature Highland Spring How to turn growing demand for bottled water into sales. GroceryAid Checkout Scotland is now in its fifth year and has become one of the biggest and best nights in the Scottish local retailing calendar. SLR Awards Winner’s Profile RaceTrack The Glasgowbased chain’s unique business model and eye-popping stores helped it secure four SLR Awards this year. Success with DRS SLR’s upcoming event will help retailers make the most of the deposit return scheme, free of charge, and in just one day. Advertising Feature RVM Systems Two years on, there’s plenty that retailers can learn from Ireland’s DRS. Spar Scotland Tradeshow SLR takes a 19-page deep dive into this month’s event. Hotlines The latest new products and media campaigns. Under The Counter The Auld Boy grapples with some of humanity’s most profound philosophical questions.

FEATURES 63 72

Fascia Focus A guide to the options available to retailers looking to switch their symbol group. Big Night In From convenient snacks to restaurant-inspired meals, retailers must cater to a wide range of Big Night In needs. Food To Go Consumers on the go are hungry for products that deliver on taste, health and value.

ON THE COVER 14

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Healthier Options Scottish convenience stores are responding to rising demand for protein, healthier meals, wellness drinks and smaller portions.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

News WHOLESALE Suds choose new supplier

New Chair of Scottish Retail Consortium The Scottish Retail Consortium (SRC) has announced that Karen Scott, Chief Executive Officer of

RaceTrack Pitstop signs Co-op Wholesale supply deal

Scotmid, has become the new SRC Chair. She took on the role on 1 August, succeeding Debbie Harding, who served as SRC Chair since 2024. Scott became CEO of Scotmid in 2024. Prior to this, she was Chief Operating Officer and previously Head of Semichem.

Scotland top for footfall The summer holiday season, the Commonwealth Games and a spike in international visitors saw Scotland achieve the highest rise in July footfall of all the UK nations. Scottish footfall jumped 2.7% year on year in July, up from the 1.7% rise recorded in June, according to the latest SRC-Sensormatic data. Edinburgh led the way, with an increase of 5.7% year on year, while footfall in Glasgow crept up 0.5%.

Spar appoints new MD Former Co-op MD for B2B and Growth, Jerome Saint-Marc, has been appointed Spar UK’s Managing Director after Michael Fletcher announced his departure from the role. Saint-Marc brings 30 years’ experience across supply chain and retail, having held roles at Tesco, Morrisons, Wilko and, most recently, Co-op. Fletcher will leave the business at the beginning of November.

Enforcement failing on illegal tobacco A new JTI poll shows that 85% of the public have heard of illegal tobacco, up from 83% in 2025, and nearly a third (31%) have been offered illegal tobacco products. The research marks the one-year anniversary of JTI’s ‘It Costs More Than You Think’ illegal tobacco awareness campaign. The findings revealed a major enforcement and accountability gap, with 82% stating there is not enough enforcement to stop the problem.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

Multi-SLR Award-winning Scottish forecourt and convenience operator RaceTrack Pitstop has signed a five-year partnership with Co-op Wholesale. The deal expands Co-op Wholesale’s presence in the independent convenience sector and supports RaceTrack Pitstop’s store growth plans. It initially covers four stores: RaceTrack Strathclyde and RaceTrack Wishaw, alongside two new sites. RaceTrack Strathclyde will be the first store to operate under the new partnership, starting early this month. RaceTrack Pitstop currently operates 12 stores in and around Glasgow and will continue trading under its existing fascia, with the addition of ‘Proud to Stock Co-op’ decals. Under the partnership, the retailer will gain access to Co-op Brand products across categories including BWS, food to go, snacks, treats and evening meal solutions, including the Co-op Irresistible pizza range. Co-op Wholesale said the agreement will allow RaceTrack Pitstop to oﬀer shoppers a wider range of products while benefiting from its supply network and own-brand proposition. Ian King, Business Development and Growth Director at Co-op Wholesale, said: “We’re delighted to be working with such a well-respected operator

in RaceTrack Pitstop. It’s highly thought of by both industry peers and shoppers alike, thanks to its clear focus on value, quality and customer experience. This partnership reflects the strength of our wholesale offering and our continued commitment to supporting ambitious independent retailers with the value, service and scale they need to grow and serve their customers’ needs.” Guna Sud, Retail Manager at RaceTrack Pitstop, said: “Partnering with Co-op Wholesale is the perfect next step in our journey as we expand our store portfolio. Our new and, we hope, long-lasting partnership allows us to further enhance our retail offering, giving us an even greater point of difference in the market and delivering more value for our customers every day.”

GUIDANCE

Government bans disposable barbecues Disposable barbecues have been deemed by the government to be an unsafe product and should not be made available for supply either in store or online. The measures are in response to the extreme temperatures and drought affecting all parts of the UK. The measures have been set out to mitigate the risk that the sale and subsequent use of disposable barbecues pose to the public and the environment. ACS Chief Executive Ed Woodall said: “Many local shops have already taken action to remove disposable BBQs from sale, and we are working with the government to share this new statutory guidance as widely as possible and support its implementation.”

Q-COMMERCE Retailer promo boosts sign-ups

Retailer grows delivery sales with mystery bags Jaz Ali of Jaz’s Premier in Grangemouth has grown his home delivery sales by 15% since introducing a mystery bag initiative in July. The promotion oﬀered Scoot customers £10 worth of mystery fresh goods for £5, and a mystery bag with £20 worth of fresh and chilled food for £10. The bags contained fresh meats, pizzas and ready meals. “It’s about getting new customers on the platform,” he told SLR. “The hard part about delivery is trying to get customers on the app. The minute they’re on the platform, they’ll order again and again.”

The first run of mystery bags was so successful that he has repeated the promotion with frozen goods. Products included chicken dippers, pizza and potato waﬄes, and Jaz claimed that the deal was even more popular than its predecessor. “It worked really well. Every day we’ve had an extra 15-20 customers since the deal. We’ve seen a 15% increase in Scoot sales since the start of it.” Jaz hasn’t looked back since switching to the Scoot delivery platform in December, which resulted in a doubling of his delivery sales in a matter of weeks.

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News FASCIAS Supermarket giant woos independents

Trio of One-O-One stores trial Asda’s wholesale supply model

New Booker boss Tesco Group has announced the appointment of former Tesco Ireland and Northern Ireland (NI) CEO Geoff Byrne as CEO of Booker. He succeeded Andrew

Asda has launched a new wholesale supply model for independent retailers through a partnership with the One O One chain. The supermarket has introduced an ‘Asda Convenience’ format, with an initial three-store trial in Glasgow. The stores are operated by

One O One and will stock around 3,500 lines, including Asda ownlabel products, fresh and chilled groceries, and food-to-go ranges. The trial marks Asda’s first move into wholesale supply for indies and is separate from its wholly owned Asda Express estate.

VAPE INNOVATION Dedicated sales space installed

Glasgow retailer scores Scottish convenience first with new vape cave Mohsin Raziq of ZX Retail has opened what is believed to be Scotland’s first in-store vape cave inside his new Morrisons Daily outlet in Shawlands. The cave cost £20,000 to install and was designed to improve the shopping experience by giving vapers a dedicated space to browse and sample vapes, while saving staff time. As a vaper himself, Mohsin had felt frustrated by the process of staff locking and unlocking shopfloor cabinets to retrieve products, deeming it “a complete waste of effort”. The cave has been fitted with ventilation so that vapers can try products without impacting other shoppers. The room is accessed via a touch-button automatic door and only one customer can enter at a time. The cave is located by the till so that staff can run age checks if necessary and Mohsin has installed a RetailAI security system to deter shoplifters. The space was fully merchandised by Vape Supplier Ltd (VSL) within two days of placing the order and the store’s range is tailored to the Scottish market.

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The Glasgow stores will be used to test and refine the model before a potential UK-wide rollout. Joseph Sutton, Express, Fuel & Wholesale Director at Asda, said: “By partnering with experienced independent retailers, we can combine our product range, pricing and supply chain strengths with their local expertise to create a truly compelling offer. This is just the beginning, and we see a real opportunity to scale this approach while building a broader wholesale business.” Paul Stirling, One O One Group Retail Director, said combining the chain’s local expertise with Asda’s value and own-label range created “a compelling convenience offer” that offered shoppers greater choice than ever before.

CHARITY

GroceryAid support surges as demand for help rises

Yaxley on 31 August, with Yaxley taking up the role of CEO of Tesco Ireland and NI.

Forecourts offered direct police alert Fuel crime prevention and debt recovery platform Forecourt Eye is offering its Scottish retail partners free access to a new Crime Management Platform, with the option of sending instant alerts directly to Police Scotland via Facewatch Live Facial Recognition, the firm has announced. Retailers that don’t use Facewatch Live Facial Recognition can still use the platform to manage incidents, package evidence and submit reports to the police.

£4m top prize scratchcard Allwyn is set to launch its new ‘When It’s Gold Outside’ scratchcard, which features the biggest scratchcard jackpot since the company took over operation of The National Lottery. The £10 game will begin reaching selected stores early this month. Featuring four £4m top prizes, the game provides retailers with 60p commission on

More retail workers are turning to GroceryAid for support, according to the charity’s latest Impact Report, which revealed a significant increase in demand for financial, emotional and practical assistance across the sector. The report shows that GroceryAid helped 19,200 grocery workers during 2025/26 through a combination of financial grants, counselling services, specialist support and online resources. Increased awareness of the charity’s services contributed to a 15% year-on-year rise in financial grant applications during a major awareness campaign. According to the report, 38% of grocery workers say they are finding it difficult to cope with daily life, while 53% have experienced tough times during the past 18 months.

every sale.

Glasgow retailing loses local legend Mohammad Rafi, owner of the Day-Today Express store on Shettleston Road in Glasgow, sadly passed away on Monday 3 August. His sons, Junaid and Jawaad, will continue to run the store, which recently underwent a major refit. Mohammad worked closely with United Wholesale (Scotland) Development Manager Eddie McCrory to complete the revamp. McCrory said of his passing: “It is sad news indeed. He was an industry legend in the Glasgow area and a great man to deal with.”

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

News CRIME Retailers under threat

Glasgow retailer and National Deputy Vice President of the Fed, Nathalie Fullerton, hosted a visit from MSP Kim Schmulian at her Go Local store on Dumbarton Road in Partick in July. Reform UK’s Schmulian was elected in May as one of seven Regional MSPs for Glasgow. During the discussion, they spoke about the high level of theft facing Scottish retailers and Nathalie’s personal experiences of theft and intimidation.

Aldi eyes three more Scottish locations Aldi has revealed 25 additions to its priority locations for new stores across the UK, including three in Scotland. The discount giant is seeking new sites in Ayr South, Blantyre and Falkirk. This announcement builds on Aldi’s wider UK expansion plans. The supermarket is investing more than £370m in new stores this

Racism concerns raised with new Retail Crime Taskforce head Growing incidents of racism were the key focus when senior Fed members in Scotland met with the new head of Police Scotland’s Retail Crime Taskforce, Detective Chief Inspector Jordan Low. The Fed’s Scottish President and Costcutter Inverleith owner, Uthay Soundararajan; its National Deputy Vice President and Go Local Dumbarton Road owner, Nathalie Fullerton; and its former National President and owner of Premier Mo’s Blantyre, Mo Razzaq, attended the meeting. They discussed with DCI Low how face-to-face and online racism are creating a threatening environment for retailers from ethnic minority backgrounds. Nathalie said: “Members have noticed an increase in verbal and online racist abuse in Scotland this summer – particularly following

the riots in Southampton in early June.” Mo also highlighted the challenge and the massive emotional toll it was having on the small teams and relatively isolated individuals he represents. DCI Low acknowledged their concerns and claimed it was an area the taskforce was working on to improve reporting and awareness. He also emphasised the need for hate crimes to be reported on the online hate crime reporting form on the Police Scotland website or via 101 so they could be investigated and recorded properly in police data to help focus resourcing. Meanwhile, Uthay spoke about continued incidents of theft, saying even common products like bacon had been stolen from his and other members’ businesses, as well as higher-value goods such as alcohol.

He claimed this made it extremely hard for responsible retailers to turn over the profit necessary to keep their businesses afloat. DCI Low said that his team was working to roll out a new direct reporting tool with a digital element which retailers could use from their mobile phones for convenience and speed. He also said he would be open to supporting the Fed’s call for the government to introduce a targeted retail security grant. Image by Alexa from Pixabay

Glasgow MSP visits Go Local retailer

year as it works towards its longterm target of 1,500 locations nationwide.

Retail CFOs pessimistic Nearly three-quarters of UK retail finance chiefs are pessimistic about trading conditions over the next 12 months as labour costs, inflation and weakening demand continue to weigh on the sector. The latest British Retail Consortium Retail Outlook found that 74% of CFOs are pessimistic about the year ahead, while just 7% are optimistic. Sixty per cent of respondents cited employment costs among their top challenges, alongside inflation and falling demand.

Jisp Scan & Win campaign delivers results Retail technology company Jisp has unveiled the results of its highest-performing Scan & Win activation to date. The six-week campaign, which was developed in partnership with a UK FMCG manufacturer, generated more than 1,000 product scans, with 62% of participants returning to scan more than once.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

SERVICES Customers back Glasgow retailer

Locker victory for Premier Neilston Premier Neilston in East Renfrewshire is celebrating after the council finally agreed that the store can keep its InPost lockers, which it had previously been told to remove. The lockers were installed in October 2024. “At the time, the team from InPost told us planning permission was not required because they were not a fixed structure,” said manager Zayn Ahmed, whose father, Bashir, owns the store. The lockers became an important footfall driver, serving 120 customers a day. However, after complaints the lockers had led to increased noise and traﬃc, the council investigated the lack of planning permission. The store submitted a retrospective planning application, but it was rejected. Zayn was determined not to give up, submitting several weeks’ worth of CCTV footage to prove that the lockers were not problematic. The store’s customers were equally keen to keep the lockers, with more than 300 signing a petition in their support. Zayn also reached out to Blair McDougall, Labour MP for East Renfrewshire. Following discussions with the council, an agreement was finally reached allowing the store to keep the lockers, provided they were repositioned in front of the shop rather than at the side.

CRIME Glasgow kicks off digital billboard activity

Retail crime campaign launches

Retailers Against Crime CEO Stephanie Karte and Partnerships Manager at JCDecaux Mike MacLennan launch the campaign

Glasgow has become the first city to unveil Retailers Against Crime’s ‘Retail Crime Techniques: A Community Awareness Guide’ digital billboard campaign, before its national rollout. The guide was displayed on advertising screens in Buchanan Street and Sauchiehall Street to raise public awareness of the growing impact of retail crime and a range of criminal techniques that members of the public may encounter, including distraction theft, counterfeit gift cards, ATM fraud, compensation scams and impersonation scams. It provides practical advice on what to do if a theft happens and how people can protect themselves and reduce their risk of becoming a victim of crime.

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PREMIUM+ VODKA*

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News Extra

NewsExtra FASCIA FOCUS – P63

Convenience Matters with the SGF After almost three years of parliamentary debate, and a change of government, ministers have finally set out plans to restrict the marketing and design of vape products. As usual, the heaviest burden will fall on retailers, as if the sector did not already have enough to contend with. The Tobacco and Vapes Act also contains the generational ban on tobacco products, due to come into force on 1 January 2027. A new duty on vapes is set for October, while the ban on single-use vapes has now been in place for more than a year. In a recently published fournation consultation, proposed measures include restrictions on vape packaging, flavours and flavour names. For retailers, the biggest concern is a potential full display ban on all vape products, similar to the current restrictions on tobacco. SFG has long argued that vapes should never be marketed or sold to children, and that they should be treated as a cessation product for adult smokers who want to quit. Measures that support responsible retailers providing a legitimate adult service are therefore welcome. The problem is that every new restriction on compliant sellers, particularly those that limit access or increase prices, risks driving more vape customers towards blackmarket traders and potentially dangerous illicit products. Illicit trade, and retail crime more generally, is now out of control. HMRC estimates illegal tobacco costs taxpayers £1.8bn to £2.8bn a year, and the illegal vape market appears to be growing fast. What is clear, however, is that stricter controls and adding pressure to struggling community retailers won’t help improve the situation.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

Vape display ban proposals: have your say Don’t miss your chance to submit feedback to the UK Government’s consultation. Scan the QR code to take the UK Government survey

The Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF) is encouraging convenience retailers to take part in the UK-wide consultation on the packaging and display of vaping products. The 12-week consultation, launched under the Tobacco and Vapes Act, runs until 2 October and seeks feedback on proposals that could introduce new regulations covering packaging, flavours and the display of vaping products in stores. While SGF supports eﬀorts to tackle youth vaping, it is keen to ensure that any future restrictions, including a potential retail display ban, do not inadvertently increase illicit trade, contribute to retail crime or make it harder for adult smokers seeking to quit to switch to vaping. The consultation covers a range of proposed restrictions on tobacco and vaping products. It is hosted by the UK Government, with the proposals developed in partnership with the devolved governments in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. SGF has produced a template letter that retailers can also use to share their concerns about the proposals

with the Government. Completed letters should be emailed to the Department of Health and Social Care at tobaccoandvapesconsultations@dhsc.gov. uk. The trade association is also canvassing local retailers through a short online survey to help shape its response to the consultation. SGF has also raised concerns about the tight timetable for implementing the changes, arguing that it could place additional pressure on struggling retailers. Luke McGarty, SGF’s Head of Policy and Public Aﬀairs, said: “It’s vital that convenience store owners and operators make their views known about the impact that these proposals could have on their businesses. Their voices are incredibly important. “We must be careful that new restrictions do not have the unintended consequence of fuelling illicit trade and retail crime. There is a very real concern that placing vaping products behind shutters will lead to exactly that, adding to the pressures that legitimate community shops face.”

Scan the QR code to download SGF’s template letter

Scan the QR code to complete SGF’s short survey

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Comment

SPEAK NOW OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE The local retailing sector, as we all know, is beset by a more-or-less constant barrage of new legislation, much of it ill-considered, that more often than not complicates doing business in all sorts of ways, as well as typically serving to frustrate sales. Much of the madness tends to emanate out of Holyrood, but Westminster also likes to keep its hand in with well-meaning but misguided and clumsy new bits of legislation. And it’s always, always left to retailers to take care of all of the implementation and most, if not all, of the policing and compliance. The latest example is the Tobacco and Vapes Act, which is packed full of proposals that range from the relatively sensible to the downright off-the-chart bonkers. There are proposals to restrict the packaging, flavours and display of vaping products, for example. These rules would ostensibly be designed to make vapes less appealing to younger customers. That’s something the entire local retailing sector can wholeheartedly buy into. We all want to tackle youth vaping. But, as we learned from the plain-packaging regs around tobacco, proposals like these, if passed into law, would effectively present the illicit trade with a blank cheque. In recent years, the vaping category has been plundered hard by the unregulated illicit trade, which has forced the government to be seen to be doing something about it – but the best the government seems to have been able to come up with are rules that basically punish and restrict legitimate retailers who had little or no hand in creating an underage market in the first place. Then we have the frankly weird generational tobacco ban. No doubt some Whitehall genius is very proud of his or her efforts in coming up with this bizarrely complex roadmap to a smokefree UK. The only other nation on earth to operate a similar system, by the way, is the Maldives – population 500,000 or so – and while the New Zealand government did pass a generational smoking ban law in 2022, it was repealed the following year, presumably because it’s so off-the-chart bonkers. Essentially, the ban means anyone born on or after 1 January 2009 will never be able to legally buy tobacco – even after they turn 18. The legal age of sale for tobacco then goes up by one year every year. Ultimately, when everyone born before 2009 has died, the sale of tobacco will be fully illegal. So, for example, in 2030 a 21-year-old born in 2009 will not be able to buy tobacco, but a 22-year-old born in 2008 can. It’s not hard to see the chaos that will ensue at the tillpoint for retailers trying to calculate whether a customer can legally purchase tobacco or not, and the potential flashpoints around refusals. So, the ask here is that you, as a legitimate retailer, make your voice heard by taking part in the UK-wide consultation that runs until 2 October. You can share your views on the UK Government website by scanning the QR code on this page. This is your one and only chance to help shape the legislation that actually comes into force. Don’t miss the opportunity.

EDITORIAL Publishing Director & Editor Antony Begley abegley@55north.com Deputy Editor Sarah Britton sbritton@55north.com Features Editor Gaelle Walker gwalker@55north.com Web Editor Findlay Stein fstein@55north.com

ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Director Helen Lyons 07575 959 915 | hlyons@55north.com Advertising Manager Garry Cole 07846 872 738 | gcole@55north.com

DESIGN Design & Digital Manager Richard Chaudhry rchaudhry@55north.com

EVENTS & OPERATIONS Events & Circulation Manager Cara Begley cbegley@55north.com Scottish Local Retailer is distributed free to qualifying readers. For a registration card, call 0141 22 22 100. Other readers can obtain copies by annual subscription at £50 (UK), £62 (Europe airmail), £99 (Worldwide airmail). 55 North Ltd, Waterloo Chambers, 19 Waterloo Street, Glasgow, G2 6AY Tel: 0141 22 22 100 Fax: 0141 22 22 177 Website: www.55north.com Twitter: www.twitter.com/slrmag DISCLAIMER The publisher cannot accept responsibility for any unsolicited material lost or damaged in the post. All text and layout is the copyright of 55 North Ltd. Nothing in this magazine may be reproduced in whole or part without the written permission of the publisher. All copyrights are recognised and used specifically for the purpose of criticism and review. Although the magazine has endevoured to ensure all information is correct at time of print, prices and availability may change. This magazine is fully independent and not affiliated in any way with the companies mentioned herein. Scottish Local Retailer is produced monthly by 55 North Ltd.

ANTONY BEGLEY, PUBLISHING DIRECTOR

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

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Cover Story

Healthier Options

GET THE SKINNY ON HEALTHIER OPTIONS Retailers are reporting growing demand for products that offer more protein, fewer ingredients, clearer nutritional information and better portion control. BY SARAH BRITTON

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Healthier Options

rom calorie-counted meal-prep dishes and protein-packed ready meals to simple-ingredient staples and functional drinks, convenience retailers are increasingly adapting their ranges to meet changing shopper expectations. While traditional indulgent categories remain important, many store owners say today’s customers are seeking greater balance. The rise of weight-loss medications such as Mounjaro and Wegovy may be accelerating the trend, but retailers say the shift towards healthier eating was already underway long before GLP-1 drugs entered the mainstream. Greater awareness of nutrition, growing gym participation, social media influence and a stronger focus on ingredients are all contributing to a market that looks significantly diﬀerent from just a few years ago.

INGREDIENT TRANSPARENCY One of the clearest trends emerging across the sector is growing consumer interest in ingredient transparency. Upper Dysart Larder has seen strong success with its mashed potato range, now stocked in more than 100 Spar Scotland stores. The company uses vacuum packaging technology to preserve freshness, delivering a shelf life of up to 60 days without the need for extensive additives. For Production Manager James Stirling, the appeal is straightforward. “Our Farm Mash just contains potato, milk, butter, and a little bit of salt and pepper, so five ingredients,” he says. “People are always reading labels and looking for fewer ingredients. It’s nice to actually understand what’s on the back of the packet.” ‘Clean label’ was listed as a top food and nutrition trend for 2026 by market research firm Kline Group, which claims it is becoming “a baseline expectation shaping product development, regulatory compliance, and brand strategy”. The firm also listed ‘holistic wellbeing’ as the highest and rising trend, claiming “nutrition density and quality are gaining attention, not only among GLP-1 drug users but also across a broader audience seeking smarter calories and better nutrient profiles.” Nicole Robertson has also witnessed consumers increasingly scrutinising labels at Pinkie Farm in Musselburgh, East Lothian. “The younger generation are definitely more health conscious,” she says. “They’re reading labels, scanning products into apps and paying close attention to calories, protein and macros.” In fact, 37% of UK consumers now actively prioritise their protein intake daily, and more than 75% report eating more protein than they did a year ago, according to research from food and drink consultancy HRA Global. www.slrmag.co.uk

Cover Story

MEAL-PREP BOOM This may well explain why Fife-based Savage Kitchen meal-prep dishes have proved popular at Pinkie Farm. Nicole says customers are increasingly seeking protein-rich versions of takeaway favourites that oﬀer indulgence with a healthier nutritional profile. The brand is also a hit at David’s Kitchen in Kirkcaldy, Fife, where Manager Kyle Fernie says the shift towards healthier lines has been impossible to ignore. “In the last year or two there’s been a noticeable change in people looking for healthier meals,” he says. “With Savage Kitchen, the macros and the protein are all worked out for customers and they can scan it on [the] MyFitnessPal [app].” Meal-prep products have become a strong area of growth at Londis Solo Convenience in Baillieston, Glasgow. The store had previously experimented with healthier prepared meals but struggled to generate suﬃcient sales. This changed when it introduced Healthy Buddha products from local Chinese takeaway Lam’s Kitchen. The meals are priced at £6.99 each or two for £13. “Because people already trust the brand, demand has been much higher,” says store supervisor Alix Roy, noting that customers are seeking convenient meals that are calorie- and macro-counted but still deliver a takeaway-style experience. On the other side of the city, healthy takeaway-style meals are also striking a chord with shoppers at Premier Neilston, which stocks meal-prep dishes from Glasgow supplier Hos Prep. “We started with a small range in January last year after customer suggestions and demand grew steadily,” says Manager Zayn Ahmed. “We now sell large numbers every week.” Such is their popularity that he has now added a new Prep Pal Meals range from another local supplier. The menu is regularly updated and includes dishes such as Jerk Chicken, Sticky Garlic Udon Noodles, and Galaxy and Oreo Overnight Oats.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

Cover Story

Healthier Options “Their meals sold out immediately. Customers come in asking for them before deliveries even arrive!” says Zayn. “A lot of our success comes from supporting local suppliers. Customers love local brands and they tell their friends about them.” He says that the meals oﬀer a strong value proposition. “A £6.50 meal can compare very favourably with a takeaway that costs much more. Customers often get two portions from one meal and can save the rest.” Zayn also claims that they have wide-ranging appeal and deliver a decent margin. “The audience is very broad. Young adults buy them, older customers buy them, and families buy several at a time. “The meal category works well for us, with margins around 25%. The products have short shelf lives, but demand is strong enough that we can manage stock eﬀectively.” He is currently selling 80–90 Hos Prep meals a week, plus 20 from Prep Pal. As well as stocking meal-prep lines, some retailers are creating healthier versions of their store-prepared meals. Pinkie Farm has been working behind the scenes to improve the nutritional profile of its Carla’s Kitchen ready meals. “We’ve been doing a lot of work in the background to make our meals more healthy,” Nicole Robertson says, “so with our lasagna and homemade macaroni we’ve consciously been trying to make them healthier, making them higher in protein and lower in fat.” She claims that people are happy to pay a premium once they grasp the concept. “Healthy eating and checking ingredients is at the forefront of people’s minds a lot more,” she says. “If they understand it, they’re absolutely willing to invest in it to get a better option.” The meals are £5.99 or three for £15. Nicole says some shoppers initially questioned the higher price point, but many became repeat purchasers once they understood the meals were made in-store with higher-quality ingredients and extra protein.

SMALLER PORTIONS Meanwhile, Kyle has been innovating with meal sizes after witnessing growing interest in portion control. This isn’t surprising when you consider that Scotland has the third-highest uptake of GLP-1 treatments in the UK at 78.2 per 10,000 people, 7% above the national average, according to the Signal in the Food Noise Report published by Asda Online Doctor and Zava in January 2026. 16

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

Renfrewshire tops the entire UK table of Mounjaro and Wegovy patients per 10,000 people by county at 120.4 per 10,000, while Glasgow (95.6) significantly outpaces Edinburgh (69.4). Fife and Aberdeen also rank in the top 10 local areas nationally, indicating a strong concentration in parts of central and western Scotland. Kyle says David’s Kitchen has adjusted its meal offering to cater to this trend. “With Mounjaro and other kinds of weightloss drugs, we had a few customers asking for healthier options. You could see a change with people wanting smaller meals.” He says smaller portions were once aimed mainly at older shoppers, but are now increasingly popular with customers looking to manage calorie intake. David’s Kitchen now offers snack-pot versions of its ready meals to meet that demand. The trend mirrors wider research into changing eating habits. Worldpanel by Numerator recently reported that 40% of GLP1 users would like to see smaller portion sizes made available, highlighting an opportunity for retailers and manufacturers alike. According to Worldpanel by Numerator, the number of British households with a GLP-1 user has nearly tripled since 2024, with 1.9 million adults now using the medications. The research shows substantial changes in food purchasing habits. Users are buying fewer groceries overall while significantly cutting consumption of categories such as chocolate and crisps. Convenience retailers remain cautious about directly linking sales trends to GLP-1 use, noting that customers rarely discuss weightloss medications openly. However, Nicole says that their influence is becoming increasingly visible at the industry events she attends. “What we’re seeing in other bigger retailers and trade shows are products branded ‘GLP friendly’ and ‘nutrient dense’ becoming quite popular.” For many retailers, the challenge is determining how to communicate the benefits. “I don’t know if a big sticker saying GLP-1 friendly would put people off,” Nicole says. “We might just gently introduce nutrient-dense lines.”

SOFT DRINKS SHIFT She is also expanding her healthier oﬀer beyond food, having significantly expanded into wellness beverages. www.slrmag.co.uk

Healthier Options

Cover Story

ASTON MANOR CIDER TRIALS Kaual Patel, Nisa Torringdon

“We started with soft drinks and that evolved into electrolyte drinks and coconut waters and shots,” she says. Her offer includes Counter Culture kombucha, It’s Giving, Happi Digestion, Belly Dancing water kefir soda and BetterYou Magnesium water, to name a few. Initially, price was a concern. “We were looking at the price to be honest, but we were really surprised at how quickly the stuff did start to move.” Consumers appear willing to spend significantly more on products they perceive as delivering health benefits. “There are big buzzwords like matcha and healthy energy drinks,” she says. “It doesn’t seem to be just a trend. They are buying it continuously.” These products often encourage linked purchases. “If they buy coconut water, they’re maybe putting a turmeric health shot in the basket as well. So you’re making it more of a destination.” Back in Baillieston, Alix has also found this to be true at Londis Solo Convenience. The shop stocks Huel meal replacement drinks and protein bars and recently began selling gutfriendly soda It’s Giving, which offers 6g of fibre. “The biggest shift [within soft drinks] is the move towards what we describe as everyday better-for-you soft drinks,” says Simon Gray, Founder of Fizz with Purpose, which owns the It’s Giving brand. “Wellness-led soft drinks are up 23.8% year-on-year. “Shoppers, particularly Gen Z and Millennials, are far more conscious of sugar levels, artificial ingredients and nutritional content than they were even two years ago. “This is not a niche trend. Research shows that 74% of shoppers are actively striving to lead a healthier lifestyle, and nearly half of Gen Z, 49%, are already switching towards functional drinks.” www.slrmag.co.uk

Alcohol is a hugely important area of our business. We have a beer cave located towards the right-hand side of our store, and it makes us a destination for our neighbourhood customer base. We use the space to partner with suppliers and run activations – and we have even gone as far as to launch our own beers. We’re very proud of it. When the opportunity to partner with Aston Manor Cider arose, we jumped at it. We like to try products that are new to us and we know that our customer base values more affordable products. We dedicated a full shelf to Crumpton Oaks and Knights early in the trial, making it the most prominent brand in the beer cave. All products from Crumpton Oaks – and Knights Cider – performed incredibly well during the trial. In fact, Crumpton Oaks Original outperformed other brands of similar ilk by rate of sale. Knights sold just as well, meeting that sweet spot for price-conscious shoppers who are looking for a more premium option. It’s certainly one to watch. They have now become permanent ﬁxtures in our range and we’re conﬁdent that sales will only continue to grow. Working with Aston Manor Cider was eye-opening for our business – we’d not considered these products before and were genuinely impressed by their performance. We’ve developed a deeper relationship with the team at Aston Manor as a result and we’re looking forward to seeing what we will achieve with them next.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

Cover Story

Healthier Options

Alix claims that ginger and apple cider vinegar shots are a draw. “There’s certain people who will come in because we’ve got them,” she says. “Our supplier has it on and off throughout the year; in summer when people are exercising and for winter colds.” She is keen to offer customers plenty of healthier choices. “We sell fresh fruit and veg, we’ve always got bananas, apples, oranges, salads, onions and mushrooms,” she says. “We also have signage up in store for the Healthy Living Programme.” She claims that all retailers can benefit from offering healthier options in certain categories. “Even if you’re not offering meal replacements, offer protein bars,” she says. “The Euroshopper ones are £1.50, so it doesn’t need to break the bank. Have something nutritional on offer so it’s not just chocolate bars and crisps.” Kyle says protein has become such an accepted part of food retailing that categories once considered niche are now everyday purchases. “We also have all the supplement stuff, the protein powders, the snacks, Grenade bars, protein shakes, collagen drinks. It’s grown arms and legs and become this huge thing,” he says. Even within traditionally mainstream categories, protein variants are becoming top performers. “Grahams Yoghurts with 25g of protein have become a bestseller within yoghurts,” Kyle adds. This aligns with HRA research, which shows that while 23.8% of consumers still see dinner as a key occasion, 13.9% now prioritise protein at every meal, and snacking moments are rapidly gaining ground. According to Kyle, shoppers are no longer viewing protein products as specialist items. Instead, they are trading up from standard 18

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

purchases to products nutritional benefits.

with

additional

LONG-TERM CHANGE Pinkie Farm also oﬀers protein powders, protein bread and nutrient-dense seaweed snacks. Nicole is actively on a mission to make healthier choices “less scary”. The store has a vast fresh fruit and veg oﬀer too, displayed alongside Forest Feast dried fruit and pre-packed mixed fresh fruit priced at £4.49. Zayn reckons that providing healthier options gives his store a genuine USP. “I walked into Tesco last night and there was a bay of crisps and a bay of chocolate bars,” he says. “When customers walk into our store,

Healthier Options

Cover Story

they see healthy meals, fruit pots and juice first. We want to make healthier options visible and accessible.” While some trends come and go, Scottish retailers increasingly believe this one has longterm staying power. Nicole, for one, is convinced that changing consumer behaviour extends beyond social media fads. “We genuinely don’t think it is just hype. We think people’s habits are changing.” Alix agrees that broader cultural forces are driving demand. “I think growing interest in health comes from a number of factors: increasing awareness of diet and wellbeing, more local gyms and personal trainers, the possible influence of GLP-1 medications, and the fact that healthier products are simply more visible and accessible than they were before.” For retailers, the lesson is increasingly clear. Today’s convenience customer still demands flavoursome food and good value, but many also want protein, nutritional transparency, quality ingredients and products that support wider wellbeing goals. As Kyle puts it: “It’s the new normal.” To mark 45 years of partnership with the Royal Highland Show, Royal Bank of Scotland is shining a spotlight on the farmers shaping the future of Scottish agriculture today. Upper Dysart Farm is one of the customers supported by Royal Bank who represents this next generation, helping to drive innovation and growth in Scotland’s rural economy. Visit rbs.co.uk to ﬁnd out more about how Royal Bank is championing Scottish agriculture.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Image courtesy of Mikhail Nilov on Pexels

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

News

Products

New York, new look Bagel brand New York Bakery has launched updated packaging, with brighter colours, clearer flavour differentiation and more prominent messaging highlighting product benefits, including low-fat and highfibre claims where applicable, as well as freezer-friendly guidance. The brand is also rolling out pre-sliced bagels after research found that two-thirds of

Product News BIG UP THE BIG NIGHT IN – P72 SOFT DRINKS What would you invest in?

Win a £20k store makeover courtesy of AG Barr

shoppers prefer bagels that have already been cut for them.

Waddle you reading? Penguin Biscuits has teamed up with Penguin Books for a new promotion giving shoppers the chance to win one of 3,000 copies of The Penguin Book of Jokes. Created to commemorate the National Year of Reading 2026, the book encourages families to discover the joy of reading and laughing together. Entry is via promotional packs

Independent retailers have the chance to win up to £20,000 to invest in their store through a new AG Barr trade promotion running across qualifying products from the Irn-Bru, Rubicon, Barr and Boost brands. The winning retailer will work with AG Barr’s specialist enhancement team to decide how the investment can best support their business. Potential improvements could include new chillers, EPoS or CCTV systems, shopfront signage, exterior lighting or new flooring. To enter, registered trade customers must buy any five cases of qualifying products in a single transaction from a participating UK wholesaler, either in depot or online, and retain an itemised receipt or invoice.

Scan the QR code on promotional materials, text BARR to 88802 or visit winwithagbarr.com to complete the entry form and upload proof of purchase. The promotion runs until 31 October 2026.

of McVitie’s Penguin and up to 20,000 Google Play audiobooks are also up for grabs.

First YOP price-marked pack hits wholesale Yoplait is introducing its first YOP 500g price-marked pack – in strawberry flavour – into Bestway, Eden Farm and Parfetts. Each bottle carries an RSP of £1.59. According to Yoplait, YOP is the only drinking yogurt brand on the market and is currently worth £10.3m and is

CONFECTIONERY

Cadbury’s Giveaway Give Away returns Cadbury has brought back its Giveaway Give Away consumer promotion for a second year, offering shoppers the chance to win cash prizes for someone they care about rather than themselves. Running until 31 October, the campaign covers products across Cadbury, Sour Patch Kids, Maynards Bassetts and Trebor. Prizes range from £50 all the way up to a whopping £25,000. The campaign is supported by out of home, radio, YouTube and TikTok activities.

growing 4% year on year in value and 10% year on year in volume. Almost seven million bottles were sold in 2025.

Galaxy unveils two new More to Share flavours Galaxy has expanded its More to Share range with the launch of two bakery-inspired flavours: Galaxy Millionaire Crumble and Galaxy Cinnamon Swirl. The new products combine Galaxy’s signature smooth chocolate with two popular bakery flavour profiles and are designed to tap into demand for indulgent treats and familiar flavours.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

COLD COFFEE DRINKS Popular YouTubers move into convenience

Sidemen’s RTD coffee hits Bestway United Food Brands has secured a national rollout for SIDES Coﬀee through Bestway Wholesale, taking the RTD coﬀee brand into more than 2,000 convenience stores. Created with YouTube collective The Sidemen, the brand’s first major convenience push will include Costcutter, best-one, Central Convenience and Bargain Booze. United Food Brands has also launched a Bestway-exclusive £2.25 price-marked pack across three flavours: Sub Zero Vanilla, Ice Cold Original and Gold Rush Caramel. The launch will be supported by a £1m marketing campaign.

SOFT DRINKS

Suntory marks 80 years of Ribena factory

Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I is celebrating 80 years since construction began on its Coleford factory in the Forest of Dean. Known locally as the ‘Ribena factory’, the site has manufactured the blackcurrant drink since 1947. Lucozade production was added in 1957. Evidence of the site’s long history remains visible today, with blackcurrant stains from berries pressed in the 1940s preserved in the factory’s concrete paving. The Coleford site produces more than 420 million litres of Lucozade and Ribena every year.

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SLRMAG

www.slrmag.co.uk

Products

News

Nairn’s marks 130 years Nairn’s has launched a limitededition pack design for its Rough Oatcakes – one of the brand’s longest-standing products – to mark its 130th anniversary.

SOFT DRINKS New loyalty platform unveiled

Coca-Cola relaunches Supercan promotion

The special-edition carton was

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners is backing the return of the Premier League with a refreshed 500ml Coca-Cola Supercan range and the launch of ‘The Club’, a new loyalty platform designed to encourage repeat purchases. Running to 31 October, the ‘Superfan’ promotion spans CocaCola Original Taste, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, Diet Coke and, for the first time, Coca-Cola Cherry in the 500ml Supercan format. Available with an RSP of £1.95, promotional packs feature a

PR, social media and marketing

unique code beneath the ring pull. Shoppers can scan an on-pack QR code and enter the code in the Coca-Cola app to join ‘The Club’, collect points and unlock rewards. The 500ml Supercan oﬀers double the points of a standard 500ml Coca-Cola pack. Rewards include hospitality tickets, VIP stadium tours, opportunities to watch matches with club legends, pitch experiences, player meet-andgreets, Coca-Cola merchandise, digital vouchers and Sky Sports packages.

created by illustrator Emily Hogarth, who drew inspiration from the oat fields surrounding her studio. The pack forms part of Nairn’s 130th anniversary campaign and will feature across activity throughout the year.

PepsiCo signs five-year Silverstone partnership PepsiCo has signed a five-year deal with Silverstone to become the venue’s Official Soft Drinks and Official Snacks Partner. The partnership takes in the British Grand Prix, the British Grand Prix MotoGP, the British Touring Car Championship, CarFest and Christmas at Silverstone. Carlsberg Britvic, PepsiCo’s bottling partner, will support

FREE FROM Fife-based brand is Scottish Favourites winner

Nakey Bakey lands in Scotmid

Allergen-free food brand Nakey Bakey has secured a listing in Scotmid Co-op stores across Scotland after winning the retailer’s Scottish Favourites competition. Founded by Glenrothes entrepreneur Megan Murrie, who launched the business after struggling to find suitable products while living with endometriosis and a nut allergy, Nakey Bakey produces allergen-free granolas and snacks from a dedicated facility in Fife. The range is free from 14 allergens, contains no added sugar and is vegan-friendly. The Scotmid listing will be supported by JW Filshill, helping the business expand its distribution across Scotland. To support growth, Nakey Bakey has secured a £100,000 invoice finance facility from Bank of Scotland. The funding will be used to invest in stock, increase production capacity and manage the longer payment terms associated with retail contracts.

CHILLED

Yoplait teams up with KPop Demon Hunters Yoplait has launched a limited-edition range inspired by Netflix film KPop Demon Hunters, with products hitting shelves to coincide with the back-to-school period. Frubes will headline the collaboration, with all three flavour packs featuring KPop Demon Hunters characters including Rumi, Zoey, Mira and Jinu. Each tube will feature a different character and fun facts, while packs will include collectable cards and a chance to find Derpy Tiger. Packs are available now. The range also includes a chocolate dessert and a strawberry drinking yoghurt featuring characters from the film.

delivery of the drinks portfolio as part of the agreement.

Mattessons refresh Pilgrim’s Europe is getting behind its Mattessons brand as part of a plan to attract more shoppers and support future growth. The first phase of the investment is a refreshed look across the Mattessons portfolio, with new packaging rolling out now. The new look forms part of a broader plan for the brand, with further investment on the horizon across product innovation, communications and shopper marketing activity.

World of Wonder returns Golden Wonder has revived its World of Wonder experiential campaign, which will visit St Enoch Centre in Glasgow on 11 and 12 September before moving to Waverley Market in Edinburgh on 25 and 26 September. Thousands of product samples will be distributed in both cities and the events will be backed by radio advertising and social media activity across Scotland.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

News

Off-Trade

Ballz booted BuzzBallz has been rapped by the Portman Group over a giant promotional vending machine. The popular RTD brand had installed a 10ft-tall ‘Gacha Machine’ on London’s South Bank offering prizes including product samples, stickers and plush toys. Despite the machine being age-gated, the drinks watchdog concluded that the promotion still had a particular

Oﬀ-TradeNews ENERGISE YOUR FOOD-TO-GO SALES – P82 BEER Drinks giant taps into world beer trend

Carlsberg Britvic extends UK line-up with Sapporo Carlsberg Britvic is now brewing and distributing Sapporo Premium Beer in the UK after being appointed as the brand’s full licence partner. The agreement covers retail and hospitality and includes marketing activity. It follows Carlsberg Britvic’s on-trade distribution of Sapporo for 18 months. Sapporo Premium Beer is described as a refreshing and balanced beer with subtle grassy hop notes and a distinctive Japanese taste.

appeal to under-18s.

Hooch push RTD brand Hooch has unveiled a £1.6m nationwide marketing campaign designed to reach Gen Z and Millennial drinkers. Running across out-of-home, retail media, digital and social channels, the activity couples tongue-in-cheek messaging like ‘For the people who know matcha tastes like grass...’ and locally tailored creative coupled with the tagline ‘Hooch. There it

Dharmesh Rana, Brand Director for Premium Brands at Carlsberg Britvic, commented: “As shoppers look to trade up, we’re seeing clear momentum in premium world beers.” Rana said consumers have fewer opportunities to discover authentic premium Japanese beers despite the increase in popularity of Japanese cuisine. “Sapporo is helping meet the growing consumer demand, bringing a premium Japanese beer experience to more consumers.”

is.’ The campaign includes more than 780 advertising formats.

BEER

Top of the class

Curry Smugglers expands into beer with Desi Lager

Schweppes has been named the UK’s number one bestselling soft and mixers brand across the country’s leading bars in the CLASS Report 2026. Following the news, CCEP encouraged retailers to tap into growing consumer demand for premium drinks at home by stocking a broad range of Schweppes products like Classic Tonic, Slimline Tonic and Lemonade, and new lines including Tropical Soda and Cherry Pepper Soda.

Peace of the action Australian wine brand Andrew Peace has launched its biggest UK marketing campaign yet, centred on new ‘Smooth, Even When Life Isn’t’ positioning. Led by brand ambassador Jane Dowden, the campaign spans radio, influencer partnerships, sampling, PR and social media. It promotes the brand’s White Label and Masterpeace ranges while encouraging consumers to

South Asian-inspired snack brand Curry Smugglers has expanded into beer with the launch of Desi Lager, a 4.2% ABV Basmati Rice Lager, alongside alcoholfree variant Mango Mirchi. Having built its reputation in the Desi snacks category over the past two years, the challenger brand is now targeting the beer market with a range inspired by India’s brewing heritage. Desi Lager is a light-bodied lager made with Basmati rice, while alcohol-free Mango Mirchi combines Alphonso mango and habanero chilli. The brand said both products are intended to offer a more modern interpretation of South Asian-inspired beer. The launch takes inspiration from India’s historic use of locally sourced ingredients, including rice, in brewing. Curry Smugglers said the new range draws on that heritage while creating a contemporary beer proposition for today’s consumers. The brand has packaged the beers in colourful cans designed to reflect modern South Asian culture and plans to bring the same disruptive approach to beer that it has taken in the snacks category.

TONIC WINE

Win a bootload of Magnum Magnum Tonic Wine is offering indies the chance to win a bootload of stock. Running until 30 September, the ‘Boss! Win a Bootload of Magnum’ prize draw invites retailers to photograph Magnum displayed instore and email the image to MagnumCompetition@ Campari.com for a chance to win 30 cases of the 16.5% ABV drink. The competition follows a busy summer for the brand, with its customised Magnum Jeep visited more than 20 wholesale depots and independent retailers across the UK, offering exclusive merchandise and prize giveaways.

find “five minutes’ peace” amid busy lifestyles.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

KEEP UP WITH THE LATEST NEWS AS IT HAPPENS – FOLLOW US ON TWITTER @SLRMAG

www.slrmag.co.uk

Off-Trade

News

Pulp adds piña colada Pulp Cider has expanded its core range with the launch of Piña Colada variant. The new 3.4% ABV cider is available now in 500ml glass bottles with an

WINE Previous Fruit Fusions variant saw stunning sales

Echo Falls adds Sour Apple flavour

RSP of £2.79-£2.99. It combines

Echo Falls is expanding its Fruit Fusions range with the launch of Sour Apple (9% ABV), building on the success of its Blue Raspberry variant. The new flavour will launch as a wholesale exclusive in September before rolling out across grocery from October, arriving in stores ahead of Halloween. Sour Apple features a bright green liquid and a glow-in-the-dark Echo Falls monogram designed to help it stand out on shelf. The launch comes after strong performance from Blue Raspberry, which has sold more than two million bottles through wholesale and convenience since launch. The flavour is

now available in 26% of the market and is selling almost 80,000 units a week across major grocers. Early data indicates sales are largely incremental and are helping drive growth across the wider Echo Falls portfolio. Echo Falls said Sour Apple continues its strategy of oﬀering bold, fruit-led flavours aimed at attracting new shoppers to the category. The company highlighted the popularity of colourful, sweet flavours among 18 to 35-year-olds across the wider drinks market and identified flavour as a key driver of product trial. Sour Apple is available in Booker, Spar, Costco and Unitas depots now.

the country’s top 10 serves.

BEER Tokyo trips up for grabs

Drinks distributor Speciality

CIDER

Knights Premium adds pear cider to range Aston Manor has expanded its Knights range with the launch of Knights Premium Pear, described as the only flavoured cider in the strong cider segment. The new cider comes in cases of 24 x 500ml plain cans, with POS materials available to support in-store visibility. It retains the black can design and 8.4% ABV of Knights Premium Bittersweet. Made with 85% pear and 15% dessert apples, it offers a medium-sweet taste and contains no artificial colours, flavours or sweeteners. The cider is also naturally gluten-free. The launch follows consumer research showing that nearly eight in 10 strong cider drinkers would purchase Knights Premium Pear, while 65% of cider drinkers overall said they would buy the product.

Asahi launches ‘Seek, Find & Win’ campaign

rum notes with pineapple and coconut and is lightly sparkling with a sweet finish. The launch follows growing popularity for Piña Colada flavours in the UK, with the cocktail ranking among

Crabbie’s snapped up Brookfield Drinks has acquired the Crabbie’s alcoholic ginger beer brand from Halewood Artisanal Spirits. The deal includes Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Beer, raspberry and blood orange variants, and Crabbie’s Alcoholic Ginger Wine. Brookfield described Crabbie’s as a complementary addition to its portfolio and also confirmed plans to increase marketing investment behind the brand.

Speciality brings Abelha Brands has secured an exclusive UK partnership with Brazilian cachaça brand Abelha. Two expressions are now available: Abelha Cachaça Silver (39% ABV, 70cl, RSP £29.50) and Abelha Cachaça Gold (39% ABV, 70cl, RSP £36.50). The Gold variant is aged for three years in wood casks, while the Silver rests for six months in open steel tanks. Retailers should contact sales@ specialitybrands.com with trade queries.

Borders Distillery completes series Asahi Super Dry has unveiled a new multi-million-pound marketing campaign, ‘Seek, Find & Win’. The campaign gives shoppers and drinkers the chance to win prizes including exclusive merchandise and trips to Japan. The campaign is supported by outdoor advertising, social media and online video until the end of September. The activity is linked to Asahi’s global brand platform, ‘Seek What Is Unique’, and includes a new limited-edition pack design. The new-look bottles and cans are supported by POS and merchandise for convenience stores and grocery retailers.

The Borders Distillery has launched Deep Time, the fourth and final expression in its blended whisky Workshop Series. The limited-edition bottling marks 300 years since the birth of Scottish geologist and farmer James Hutton and is inspired by his work exploring the relationship between land, water and time. Only 750 bottles of Deep Time are available. The whisky is bottled at 40% ABV.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

Advertising Feature

Highland Spring

GROW YOUR WATER SALES WITH HIGHLAND SPRING Highland Spring is growing five times faster than the water category1 – and water outpaces soft drinks2. For Scotland’s local retailers, that creates an opportunity to turn demand into sales with the UK’s No.1 Water brand3.

hat performance is underpinned by an established Still, Sparkling and Flavoured Water portfolio for every occasion. Still provides natural, healthy hydration on the go, at home or at work; Sparkling delivers a refreshing bubbly boost; and Flavoured Water combines spring water with natural fruit flavours for extra fruitiness. The range serves immediate-consumption and take-home missions while broadening choice. Three trends are shaping demand: healthy hydration, naturally better-for-you drinks and interest in locally sourced products with clear provenance. Together, these support year-round water sales, with consistent demand beyond seasonal peaks and uplifts during key seasonal moments. Drawn from Scotland’s Ochil Hills, Highland Spring responds to these priorities with a local story. To meet year-round demand, retailers should prioritise bestsellers: 750ml Still Sports Cap, 1.5L Still and 500ml Sparkling, alongside Strawberry, Apple & Blackcurrant, and Orange & Passion Fruit Flavoured Water in 750ml and 1.25L formats. HFSS restrictions already apply in England and reach Scotland this October. Highland Spring Flavoured Water is HFSS-compliant, so retailers can merchandise it in store locations aﬀected by the legislation while oﬀering shoppers a fruity choice. 24

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

Rob Long (pictured), Category Controller at Highland Spring, said: “Water is a growing opportunity and Highland Spring is helping retailers unlock it. Its recognition and breadth make it well placed to serve varied shopper occasions. “Retailers should focus on a balanced mix of Still, Sparkling and Flavoured Water, supported by strong availability and execution. Giving shoppers the right formats, in the right place, can broaden choice, build confidence at the fixture and drive stronger store sales.” Use Highland Spring’s recognition and provenance to draw shoppers into a fixture blocked by water type and brand. Oﬀer onthe-go packs chilled, supported by secondary locations and free-standing displays. As water is often bought alongside soft drinks and coﬀee – an ‘and’ drink rather than an ‘or’ drink – these steps can encourage incremental purchases and drive stronger store sales. 1

NIQ Total Impulse, Sales Value Growth vs YA), 52wks data to w/e 11/07/2026 Dataset: NIQ Homescan Panel Data | GB Total Outlets, data to 11/07/26 NIQ Total Coverage, Sales Volume (Ltrs) and Sales Value (£s), 52wks data to w/e 11/07/2026

www.slrmag.co.uk

THE UK’S NO.1 WATER BRAND

GROWING 5X FASTER * THAN THE CATEGORY STOCK THE RANGE

We draw our water from underground *NIQ Total Coverage, Sales Volume (Ltrs) and Sales Value (£s), 52wks data to w/e 11/07/2026, NIQ Total Impulse, Sales Value Growth vs YA, 52wks data to w/e 11/07/2026

Inside Business

GroceryAid Scotland | Checkout Scotland 2026

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER!

Checkout Scotland is now in its fifth year and has become one of the biggest and best nights in the Scottish local retailing calendar.

s SLR was going to press last month, we were just days away from the fifth annual running of Checkout Scotland, the flagship music festival from the Scottish Committee of GroceryAid. From a standing start five years ago, the event is now one of the most popular events in the local retailing calendar and is certainly one of the liveliest. With banging headliners Boyzlife and Nathan Evans & The Saint Phnx Band this year, the scene was set for another memorable evening. More than 600 industry colleagues were registered to attend, making Checkout Scotland one of the largest single events in Scotland in terms of retailer attendees. One of the problems of publishing a monthly magazine, however, is that you often go to press right before a major event – but the magazine lands after the event has taken place. And that’s unfortunately the situation with Checkout this year. But fear not, SLR will be right on hand and you can check out all the news, photographs and video on the SLR website. Antony Begley, SLR Publisher and Chair of Checkout Scotland, said: “The Scottish committee of GroceryAid is immensely proud of Checkout Scotland and how far it has come in such a short space of time. “The event is absolutely vital in helping raise awareness of the financial, emotional and practical support that GroceryAid can oﬀer industry colleagues. “Support provided to colleagues in Scotland by GroceryAid has skyrocketed since we first launched the event which tells us that more people than ever know that there is help available if and when they need it. “It’s a fantastic, fun event but it has a very serious purpose and we genuinely appreciate the support of every attendee and every sponsor.”

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

www.slrmag.co.uk

Fractionals

+23% Value Growth*

STOCK UP NOW *Includes: Jameson Original, Absolut Vodka, Malibu, Bumbu Original 50cl and below. Source: PINPOINT, TOTAL STORES, MAT TO 02/08/2026. Enjoy Responsibly.

Inside Business

SLR Awards 2026 Winners’ Profile | RaceTrack

FAST TRACK TO THE FUTURE

WATCH THE VIDEO #THINKSMART INNOVATION AWARD RACETRACK WISHAW

RaceTrack’s unique business model and eye-popping stores have long made it an outlier in Scottish local retailing – but that hasn’t stopped it picking up four SLR Awards this year. BY ANTONY BEGLEY

n terms of the sheer shopper experience, there is simply nothing else in UK local retailing quite like shopping a RaceTrack store. In just over a decade, the family-run business has torn up the rulebook on what a convenience store is and does. The Sud family chose instead to start from scratch and reinvent local retailing on their own – spectacular – terms. The playbook they ultimately created majors on what a marketer would probably call ‘experiential shopping’. If you’ve ever visited a RaceTrack store, you’ll know exactly what I mean. It’s an assault on the senses, but in the best possible way. Most people say ‘wow’ as they walk in. Including the judges for this year’s SLR Awards, which goes some way to explaining why the group collected no fewer than four awards in June: Oﬀ-Trade Retailer of the Year, Smokeless Alternatives Retailer of the Year, Soft Drinks Retailer of the Year and, not for the first time, #ThinkSmart Innovation Retailer of the Year.

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE There’s a lot to unpack with four separate award wins, but let’s start with the bigger picture. There’s no question that RaceTrack has a style all of its own. It’s big, it’s bold, it’s bright and it’s loud. But while the stores major on style, they also deliver on substance. Yes, visiting a RaceTrack store is an experience that stays with you, but dig a little deeper and it’s not hard to see that there’s a sophisticated business model at work here. When they were building this fast-growing chain of stores, husband-and-wife team Vikas and Shamly Sud and their sons Guna and Rits absolutely 28

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

had a strategy in mind, over and above the commitment to an elevated in-store experience. They clearly wanted to build destination stores. Stores that give customers unique and compelling reasons to visit. Reasons to pass another store to get to a RaceTrack store. Every store in the group is packed with stuﬀ you won’t see anywhere else, certainly not under one roof. They were never trying to build a business that would sell a traditional convenience range. They wanted Havana cigar humidors, 70 flavours of slush, liquid nitrogen desserts, ozone-technology launderettes and thousands of vaping and pouch SKUs – and that’s before you get to all the imported stuﬀ that dominates whole categories in-store: Japanese soft drinks, American candy, Korean booze, Mexican crisps, Nigerian Coke. The list goes on and on. You may have noticed that the vast majority of these unique or rare products carry very hefty margins. There’s method in the RaceTrack madness. Similarly, there’s a big focus on the Tubbees desserts and Hoagies food-to-go brands, both sub-brands of RaceTrack, and both very much on the money in terms of modern consumption trends. What’s more, both of them deliver very high margins.

DERANGED RANGE That commitment to diﬀerentiated ranges was what helped RaceTrack Strathclyde pick up three awards. The store is only a few years old but benefited from a major refresh last year and is one of the star performers in the group. Sitting at the heart of Strathclyde University, it’s typically rammed all day long. www.slrmag.co.uk

RaceTrack | SLR Awards 2026 Winners’ Profile

Inside Business

Off-Tr a d e Reta i l er of the Yea r

Sm ok el es s A l ter n a ti v es R eta i l er of th e Yea r

Soft Dr i n k s R eta i l er of th e Yea r

#th i nksmart I n n ov atio n Award

WINN ER

W I N N ER

W I NNER

WATCH THE VIDEO SOFT DRINKS RETAILER OF THE YEAR RACETRACK STRATHCLYDE

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

Inside Business

SLR Awards 2026 Winners’ Profile | RaceTrack

WATCH THE VIDEO

SMOKELESS ALTERNATIVES RETAILER OF THE YEAR

OFF-TRADE RETAILER OF THE YEAR

RACETRACK STRATHCLYDE

That creates its own problems. Guna readily admits that it’s diﬃcult to keep the store as pristine as the family like their stores to be when it’s getting hammered all day long. But that’s a nice problem to have. Across Soft Drinks, Vaping and Oﬀ-Trade, the model is fundamentally the same and was equally appealing to the judges in all three categories. Essentially, we’re talking about a strong core range of products you’d expect to see in most stores but, on top of that, there’s a mountain of the sort of lines that make the store special and draw customers from miles away. Endless shelves of imported products most customers will never have seen before. Many of them carry premium prices (and margins), but that doesn’t appear to deter shoppers. The extra they have to pay seems to be worth it for that elevated experience. Nothing is cheap these days, so why not pay a small premium for a genuinely new experience or an interesting product? Everything is beautifully presented too and, in the case of the Smokeless Alternatives category, there’s a range that a city-centre specialist vape shop couldn’t compete with. And pricing that they definitely couldn’t match.

TECH TIME The fourth award – the #ThinkSmart Innovation Award – went to RaceTrack Wishaw, which plays a major role in the development of RaceTrack’s loyalty app. With thousands of users, the app is already in great shape, but the latest plan sees the tech and data guys back at RaceTrack HQ starting to dig into analytics and sophisticated digital marketing techniques to drive footfall, sales and profits in a way that no other local retailers that I’m aware of are doing. The app permits segmented, tailored marketing and is already driving significant uplifts for the business – and the team are only just getting started. The potential for the app to play an increasingly important role in the business moving forward is huge as deeper relationships are developed with individual customers and more is learned about their tastes and preferences.

GIVE IT A GO It typically becomes more and more diﬃcult to maintain momentum and standards across a business as it grows, but the signs are clear that Shamly, Vikas, Guna and Rits are doing all the right things to keep the business racing down the track at breakneck speed. They certainly don’t miss many opportunities and they still seem eager to give anything a go, a refreshing change from the natural conservatism and reluctance to be too experimental that tends to set in when businesses reach a certain size. Long may it continue. 30

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

www.slrmag.co.uk

Products included:- IRN-BRU, Rubicon and Barr Fizzy Drinks – 500ml x 12 PET plain or PMP all variants, all flavours. Rubicon Spring, Spring Vits and Twist 500ml x 12 PET plain or PMP any flavour. IRN-BRU Energy 500ml x 12 Cans plain or PMP Regular and Zero Sugar. Rubicon RAW 500ml x 12 Cans plain or PMP any flavour. Boost Energy 250ml x 12 Cans plain or PMP any flavour. Boost Sport 500ml x 12 PET plain or PMP any flavour. Boost Water+ 500ml x 12 PET plain or PMP any flavour. Summary Terms & Conditions: UK residents aged 18+ who are registered trade customers of participating UK wholesalers only (Promotion is NOT open to individual consumers, please see full T&Cs for details). Purchase necessary. Opens: 00:01 on 24/08/2026. Closes: 23:59 31/10/2026. Device with QR scanning capability and able to send/receive SMS messages and internet access required. To enter: (i) purchase 5 cases of qualifying A.G. Barr products (see 4. in full T&Cs) in a single transaction at a participating UK wholesaler (see full T&Cs for qualifying products) and retain the receipt; (ii) access the entry form by using your device to scan the QR code on the productʼs display or promotional material, OR by texting “BARR” to 88802 and clicking the link in the response text, OR by visiting 20kstore.winwithagbarr.com; (iii) complete the online form with the required details (including uploading a clear image of your receipt / invoice) ; and (iv) submit the completed form. Headline prize: 1 x £20k Store Investment from A.G.BARR (winning retailer can choose items such as new EPOS system, Security system, Energy efficiency improvements: max total spend £20k). See full T&Cs for prize details. A prize will not be awarded if a winnerʼs entry is found to be invalid / ineligible. Max 5 entries with a corresponding valid invoice or receipt per device per week. Winner selection: Winner is determined by randomly allocated final prize draw & subject to verification. Winner will be notified via SMS within one week of the closing date of promotion and provided with instructions on how to claim the prize and must respond within 14 days. 1 prizes are available to be won. Promoter: A.G. BARR p.l.c., Westfield House, 4 Mollins Road, Cumbernauld, G68 9HD. Visit winwithbarr.com/terms for FULL T&Cs & prize details.

Inside Business

Success With DRS

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW IN ONE DAY Find out everything you need to know to make a success of DRS – all in one day – at SLR’s new event in October.

October this year marks the 12-month countdown until the planned launch of the new Deposit Return Scheme in Scotland and across the UK and with it comes a world of opportunity for local retailers that get involved early and make the most of a unique chance to grow footfall, sales and profits. The key is to view DRS through the lens of opportunity, rather than just through the lens of compliance. Yes, DRS will bring its own challenges, but the Irish experience makes it clear that retailers who fully engage on day one and provide a great experience for their customers are the retailers who will benefit most from DRS. Getting engaged on day one, however, means preparing for DRS in good time. To help you do just that, SLR is hosting a special one-day event to provide retailers with everything they need to know – and all in just one day.

AHEAD OF THE GAME Held on 28 October in Glasgow and with the support of Headline Partner Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), Success with DRS will arm you with the knowledge and advice you need to ensure that when October 2027 rolls around, you will be fully ready to take advantage of the many opportunities that will present themselves in terms of retaining and growing footfall, sales and profits – while also helping make a massive and instant positive impact on Scotland’s world-famous environment. Whether you are a knowledgeable veteran of DRS or you’ve never put much thought into it, 32

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

Success with DRS will get you up to speed in a single day.

STELLAR CAST Speakers on the day will include Jonathan Kemp, former Commercial Director of AG Barr and now Non-Executive Director of Exchange for Change, the scheme administrator. A man who knows local retailing inside out, Kemp will detail the impressive progress made so far by Exchange for Change as well as outlining what remains to be done to ensure that the scheme is fully ready in time for its October 2027 debut. He will also detail precisely what local retailers in Scotland will need to do in order to make sure they are in a position to fully exploit the opportunity. Also on stage will be Chris Furey, Director of Furey Smyth Retail, a family-owned independent Irish retail business that operates a network of community-based Eurospar stores across Ireland. Chris will share his first-hand experience of successfully navigating Ireland’s own scheme, which launched on 1 February 2024. He will also oﬀer invaluable advice driven by the learnings his business has made during the launch of DRS and since. Attendees will also hear from Scottish local retailers, wholesalers and suppliers discussing how the implementation of DRS aﬀects their part of the supply chain and what that may mean for local retailers. Panel sessions will take a deep dive into a number of real-world issues that are likely to

face retailers in the run-up to the launch of DRS and beyond, and an open-floor Q&A session will allow attendees to pose any questions they have to the experts on the day. Finally in session one, we will host a Dragon’s Den-style series of brief presentations by a range of solutions providers, oﬀering attendees the chance to learn more about some of the key options available to them.

TASTE AND TRY With the first session complete, and having learned all that they need to know about DRS, the second session will allow attendees to see first-hand a selection of reverse vending machines and semi-automated manual handling systems from the UK’s leading suppliers: Q Envipco Q RVM Systems Q Tomra Q Carnaud MetalBox RVM Solutions Q Reborn/Trovr Q Reconomy Representatives from each solution provider will be on hand to answer any questions you have about any aspect of DRS.

ARMED AND READY Our aim is that by the time retailers leave, they will fully understand the Deposit Return Scheme and what it means for their business and will be well on the journey to finding the most appropriate solution for their business. All in one day. www.slrmag.co.uk

Success With DRS

Inside Business

28 October 2026

HEADLINE PARTNER

200 SVS, Glasgow City Centre

FREE

SUCCESS WITH DRS:

AGENDA

to attend for all local retailers

MORNING

AFTERNOON

REGISTRATION AND REFRESHMENTS

RETAILER REALITY CHECK Leading Scottish local retailer in conversation with Antony Begley

WELCOME AND INDUSTRY OVERVIEW Antony Begley – Publisher & Editor, SLR WELCOME FROM OUR HEADLINE PARTNER CCEP DRS: THE ROAD TO OCTOBER 2027 Jonathan Kemp, Non-Executive Director, Exchange for Change MIDDAY

INDUSTRY PERSPECTIVES: PREPARING THE SECTOR Q Supplier view Q Wholesaler view Q Logistics provider view Q Additional stakeholders

LESSONS FROM IRELAND: WHAT SCOTTISH RETAILERS CAN LEARN Chris Furey, Furey Smyth Retail, Kildare RETAILER SOLUTIONS SESSIONS Mainstage RVM supplier partner presentations: Q RVM Systems Q Envipco Q Tomra Q Carnaud MetalBox RVM Solutions Q Reborn/Trovr Q Reconomy OPEN RETAILER FORUM Q&A Live audience discussions

NETWORKING LUNCH

SOLUTIONS PARTNERS

To book your FREE retailer place, email cbegley@55north.com or visit slrmag.co.uk/success-with-drs/

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

Smart returns. Built for every space. Envipco is a leading provider of reverse vending machines, with more than 40 years of dedicated experience in beverage container recycling. As the UK prepares for the launch of the Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) on 1st October 2027, we are helping retailers, municipalities, and the beverage industry get ready with smart, reliable solutions that make recycling easier for consumers, simpler to manage, and more scalable. Since our founding, our mission has been to support material recovery, promote reuse, and help customers contribute to a circular economy. Today, we combine proven technology with local expertise to develop solutions tailored to the unique needs of each customer and market. With the exciting announcement from Exchange for Change of the Retailer Handling Fees (RHF) heavily weighted for convenience, we are excited to showcase our most applicable machines tonight.

Compact Compact is a space-saving RVM built for small retailers. It’s plug-and-play, easy to move, the smallest and most cost effective scheme compliant RVM. Proven in other markets, it delivers performance without complexity. Smallest footprint — just 0.42m2 Large capacity — 265L tote

Runs on standard 230V socket Most affordable scheme compliant RVM Easily moved by store staff, no engineer required Plug & play installation, ready in minutes. Eligible for scheme grant support

FLEX®

Flex® handles higher returns without taking up space. It compacts PET, cans, fits through walls, and stays easy to clean and install. Small footprint — 0.54 m² Suitable for indoor or outdoor installation Accepts PET bottles and cans Front-or rear-emptying for easy store-layout fit Easy to clean and maintain

Customizable appearance (branding) Up to 45 containers per minute, fast and accurate sorting Eligible for scheme grant support

NICK TREMBLE

Director of Sales UK & Ireland +44 7961 633205 nick.tremble@envipco.com

NICK PREATER Key Account Manager

+44 07377 726738 Nick.Preater@envipco.com

Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) Launching 1 October 2027 Retailers selling in-scope drinks containers will have obligations under the scheme and must decide how they will participate. Option 1 — Exemption Retailers may be eligible for an exemption if they meet the scheme criteria.

Size

Location

Return Point?

Exempt?

Under 100m²

Urban

Not required (can opt in) Auto

Under 100m²

Rural

Yes

Required

If criteria met

100m²+

Any

Yes

Required

If criteria met

Option 2 — Manual Take-Back Best for smaller stores with lower return volumes Low upfront cost

Fraud risk and staff errors

3p per container handling fee

No grant available

Simple to implement

Heavy impact on staff time and store space

Option 3 — Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) Best for retailers with space and volume seeking operational efficiency Automated return process

5p per container handling fee

Better customer experience

Eligible for RVM grant

No staff handling

Reduced space with compacted containers

Scheme Funding*

RVM Grant Fund*

The Retailer Handling Fee (RHF) will operate on a tiered basis across manual and automatic return points, and will provide for small to large volumes of returned containers. As a result of extensive industry consultation, engagement and research, Exchange For Change has set the RHF at: Manual return points – 3p per container Automatic return points Tier 1 – 5p per container, up to 225,000 in-scope items returned annually Tier 2 – 1.3p per container, for annual in-scope returns in excess of 225,000

*Source - https://exchangeforchange.co.uk/

Envipco UK Ltd The Point, 410 Birchwood Boulevard, Warrington WA3 7WD United Kingdom www.envipco.com

£6,000

Per site avaliable Total fund

£60m

Eligible retailers

Up to 10,000

Payment structure

3x£2,000

First payment

3 months after install

Advertising Feature

Success With DRS | RVM Systems

TWO YEARS IN: WHAT A LIVE DRS MARKET IS ALREADY TELLING UK RETAILERS

The UK’s Deposit Return Scheme goes live in October 2027, and Scottish retailers are now making real decisions about space, siting and supplier choice. The good news is that these decisions can be informed by another market. Ireland has been running its own deposit return scheme long enough to show what happens once the machines are switched on. Since Ireland’s scheme launched in February 2024, the national recycling rate for in-scope containers has climbed from 49% to over 36

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

90%, with more than 3 billion cans and bottles returned so far. Litter linked to these containers has fallen by 55%. These are not small numbers, and they were achieved inside two years, not a decade. What the Irish data consistently shows is that participation builds quickly once return points are genuinely convenient. Retailers who treated their machines as a core part of the shop floor, not an afterthought at the back door, saw steadier throughput and fewer operational headaches. Those who under-specified capacity for their footfall found themselves emptying bins more often than expected, particularly at busier sites, impacting operations and RVM availability. None of this means every UK store will see identical results. Shopping habits, store formats and local competition all vary, and Scotland’s retail mix is not a copy of Dublin’s. But the direction of travel has been consistent: participation grows, litter falls, and a scheme that looks daunting on paper settles into normal daily operations faster than retailers expect. Scottish retailers now have more flexibility than they did earlier this year, after Exchange for Change widened its exemption criteria for smaller stores. But exemption and opportunity are not the same thing. A return point brings people through the door regularly, and retailers who treat that as a chance to build footfall, rather than a box to tick, are best placed to benefit as the scheme beds in. The sensible next step is talking to suppliers with genuine live-market experience before deciding. RVM Systems has supported retailers through DRS launches in more than 40 markets over 30-years and is applying that experience directly to the Scottish rollout. www.slrmag.co.uk

SHOWROOM NOW OPEN

RVM Systems Limited, Regal Way, Watford, WD24 4YE

SEE THE FUTURE OF DEPOSIT RETURN Visit our UK showroom in Watford, explore our RVMs, and plan your DRS path with the UK team. SEE OUR RVMs IN ACTION

We offer the widest range of RVMs in the market, starting from 0.41m2 plug and play solutions through to larger bulk feed models.

75 x 90 CM 0.68

TALK TO THE UK TEAM

Our team of experts are on hand to answer your questions and provide tailored DRS advice.

PLAN YOUR DRS PATH

Machine upgrades, flexible purchase options, bespoke service packages, and timelines to meet your needs.

40+

markets with our machines

20 BILLION

containers collected in 2025

The RVM X2 is compact, high performing, and proven in markets globally

30+

years of experience

BOOK YOUR VISIT OR SPEAK TO OUR TEAM UKsales@rvmsystems.com www.rvmsystems.co.uk

Is your store ready for the deposit return scheme? With more than 50 years’ experience and over 91,000 reverse vending machines in operation worldwide, TOMRA helps retailers get DRS right first time. Our range of reverse vending machines is designed to support different convenience store formats and return volumes. TOMRA delivers the proven performance, reliability and local support convenience retailers can depend on.

Start preparing now Contact the TOMRA team: tcs.uk@tomra.com

TRUSTED BY RETAILERS WORLDWIDE

91,000+

reverse vending machines in operation

CONTENTS 42

TRADE SHOW OVERVIEW

COO INTRODUCTION

SPAR SCOTLAND & SCOTTISH FA FUTURE STARS

SPAR SCOTLAND AWARDS 2026

THE LAST 12 MONTHS…

EXHIBITORS LIST

MEET OUR SPONSORS

COLLABORATE FOR All roads lead to Aviemore once again this month as the annual Spar Scotland Tradeshow returns for the fifth time, bigger and better than ever. After the stunning event in 2025, which centred on ‘Inspiring Success’, this year’s event takes ‘Collaborate’ as its central theme. This clearly highlights the importance of partnership working across the SPAR Scotland network and the wider supply chain. The theme reflects the organisation’s focus on working closely with retailers, suppliers and stakeholders to deliver growth and innovation across the business. The Tradeshow is Scotland’s largest event in the convenience retail industry and brings together everyone in the SPAR family in Scotland and beyond: independent SPAR retailers, company-owned store managers and CJ Lang support staff, SPAR UK colleagues, delegates from SPAR International and other SPAR regional distribution centres, alongside non-SPAR retailers keen to explore the latest developments across the sector. Attendees came away buzzing after last year’s event and this year’s Tradeshow promises to be even more enlightening and inspiring as delegates hear from key speakers and learn about the trends impacting the sector and how SPAR is adapting and evolving to stay at the front of the pack in an extremely tough and competitive landscape. The event will once again bring together hundreds of retailers, suppliers and industry representatives. More than 800 delegates will attend, while more than 200 suppliers are set to exhibit at the show, showcasing a wide range of products and exclusive on-the-day deals aimed at helping retailers drive sales and stay competitive in an increasingly challenging market. The tradeshow marquee, now a well-established feature of the event, will once again provide the focal point for supplier engagement. The day will begin with a series of morning business briefings tailored for suppliers, retailers and CJ Lang staff. These sessions will provide an update on recent performance and outline key priorities for the months ahead.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

CJ Lang will update delegates on progress since its last business update in April, including a review of campaigns already delivered, new initiatives introduced and a forward look at upcoming developments across the business. The update will place particular emphasis on what lies ahead, giving retailers greater visibility of SPAR Scotland’s future initiatives and support. Throughout the day, retailers will have the opportunity to engage directly with suppliers. In addition to product showcases, there will also be tailored deals designed specifically for independent stores. This remains a central draw for many attendees, offering genuine opportunities to drive margin and refresh ranging. The tradeshow will culminate in a presentation from one of the top performance coaches in customer service, motivational speaker Alf Dunbar. Proceedings will then continue into the evening with the highly anticipated SPAR Scotland Awards, which will take place alongside a gala dinner in the Osprey Arena. The celebrations will conclude with entertainment and dancing, providing an opportunity for delegates to network and mark the achievements of the past year. The event’s strong focus on collaboration, commercial opportunity and insight will provide retailers with both inspiration and practical tools to support their businesses in the months ahead, while reinforcing relationships across the wider SPAR network. With strong attendance expected and a packed programme planned, the 2026 SPAR Scotland Tradeshow looks set to build on its reputation as a key event for the convenience sector.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SUCCESS IN 2026 24 SEPTEMBER 2026, AVIEMORE 800+ delegates l 200+ exhibitors CJ Lang briefings l Morning business sessions l Motivational speaker l Trade exhibition l Product showcases l Exclusive show-only deals l SPAR Scotland Awards l Gala dinner l Fabulous entertainment

DREAM BIG… Attendees at this year’s Tradeshow will hear lots more about the many fantastic campaigns and initiatives driven by SPAR Scotland throughout the year, all created and executed to help SPAR stores boost footfall, sales and profits. A great example is this summer’s Dream Big campaign, which helped celebrate the season’s biggest matches with winning offers for shoppers across Scotland. With a blockbuster summer of football, including the World Cup, the campaign reached the heart of local communities with marketleading exclusive deals, perfect for match days and beyond. These great-value offers were available across fanfavourite food, drinks and match-night essentials. Whether customers were hosting a viewing party, heading to a friend’s house or cheering on their team from home, SPAR stores across Scotland stocked everything needed to make the occasion special.

making every match feel like an occasion – whether you’re celebrating a win or simply enjoying the atmosphere.” The Dream Big campaign was brought to life with strong in-store POS materials, in-store digital, paid digital activity, in-store events and much more. THE RESULTS

Wholesale volume and value up 91% and 95% respectively Retail sales in Company Owned Stores up 60% Basket spend in Company Owned Stores up 2.70% 2.5m local impressions over the campaign across hyperlocal social media pages (organic) Digital amplification saw the campaign hit 65m social media views

The campaign celebrated not just the thrill of the game, but also the role SPAR plays at the heart of communities – bringing people together through convenience, quality and value. Josie Cattermoul, Trading Director for SPAR Scotland, said: “With such a huge summer of football, we wanted to give our customers even more reasons to celebrate. This campaign was all about bringing fans together with fantastic deals and

www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

WE’RE THERE FOR 2026 has been another challenging year for the entire local retailing sector but constant investment, innovation, vision and drive means SPAR Scotland is always there for you when you need us as we collaborate to continue building vibrant, profitable businesses. BY SONYA HARPER, CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

There’s no doubt that 2026 has been another challenging year for the entire local retailing sector in Scotland. SPAR Scotland is not immune to those challenges but the hard work and major investment that we have made over the last five or six years means that we are ideally placed to help SPAR Scotland retailers weather the storm and emerge fitter and stronger in the months and years ahead.

SHOW TIME

The local retailing sector has certainly changed significantly in the post-Covid years but we believe that the vision and drive of the team at SPAR Scotland, backed by major investment, has helped us progress and evolve into a modern, progressive and collaborative business that is perfectly suited to today’s local retailing environment.

We expect more than 800 delegates to descend on Aviemore, and we have around 200 suppliers exhibiting there too for what promises to once again be a truly memorable event. I would like to thank every retailer and every exhibitor for their support for the Tradeshow – we couldn’t make it the remarkable event it is without you.

We know this sector and we know Scotland better than anyone. We believe SPAR Scotland is ready to meet all of the current challenges head on, working with our retailers to deliver the standards and the consistency that are so important to today’s shoppers.

The Tradeshow provides us with the perfect opportunity to share more of our vision and our progress with our retailer and supplier Collaborators, while the Exhibition allows SPAR retailers to learn about the latest products and innovations from around 200 suppliers – all in one giant marquee.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

It won’t surprise anyone that there’s a lot going on at SPAR Scotland at the moment, as there always is, and I am looking forward to sharing some of our work at our sector-leading Tradeshow, an event that has now firmly established itself as the leading event in the Scottish local retailing sector.

www.slrmag.co.uk

I’m also very much looking forward to the SPAR Scotland Awards where we recognise some of the finest stores and retailers in Scotland. Over the last few weeks I’ve covered thousands of miles with several members of the SPAR Scotland senior management team (and our supplier sponsors) for the judging of these awards and it was a hugely uplifting experience. It reminded me once again, as if I needed reminding, that SPAR retailers really are the best in the business.

40 – but there’s still plenty of headroom for growth. I would encourage all independent SPAR stores to take a serious look at Barista Bar. It’s a fantastic product; the machines are the most eye-catching in the trade and the margins are fantastic.

And, of course, the Tradeshow also gives us all the opportunity to have some much-needed down time and the chance to catch up with colleagues from across the SPAR family including colleagues from SPAR international and other RDCs, have a few drinks with friends and enjoy the spectacular Gala Dinner.

HOT TOPICS So what will we be discussing in Aviemore? A key topic will certainly be food-to-go, something we see as a massive opportunity for SPAR Scotland retailers. SPAR Scotland was among the first major groups to recognise and exploit the food-to-go opportunity, and we have driven constant innovation and learning through our exclusive CJ’s food-to-go brand in our company-owned stores over the years.

NEW INNOVATION Another topic we will be discussing in Aviemore is the massive success of our exclusive partnership with Iceland. The Iceland frozen range is now available in 95 companyowned stores, and the range is also available to independent stores, with 37 independent SPAR stores already stocking it.

CJ’s is now a massively important part of our business, and we are keen to help our independent SPAR retailers tap into this huge opportunity. Our years of experience with CJ’s means we are perfectly placed to be able to do this and we are extremely passionate about sharing the many learnings we have made with independent SPAR retailers to help fasttrack them to food-to-go success.

The Iceland partnership has been a massive success. Basket spend for Iceland products is around £18, around double the typical basket spend – and Greggs Sausage Rolls are now our number one selling frozen line, thanks to the 3-for-£10 deal.

That’s why this year’s Tradeshow will feature a panel of independent SPAR retailers who are at different stages on their food-to-go journey, and we hope to be able to inspire more retailers to embrace the opportunity.

We have also ramped up our commitment to Q-commerce, with home delivery through Snappy Shopper now available at 50 company-owned stores. We’ve also launched our SPAR Dash rapid delivery service to help independent retailers cash in on one of the biggest and most profitable trends in local retailing.

For us, food-to-go is the tailor-made replacement for declining traditional categories like tobacco and newspapers. We will be sharing some new developments with attendees at Aviemore on food-to-go and we are currently in the process of updating our website to make it far simpler and quicker for retailers to order food-to-go products. We have everything retailers need in our warehouse in Dundee, from products to equipment, and we also have a wealth of information and assets available on everything from allergens to packaging. In fact, we will be issuing a handout at the Tradeshow which includes all the information retailers need in order to get started with food-to-go with a minimum of fuss and effort. Our exclusive Barista Bar coffee offer is, of course, a core element of our food-to-go offer. Well over 100 companyowned stores now offer Barista Bar and the number of independent stores offering Barista Bar has now topped

www.slrmag.co.uk

Alongside all of that, our rolling programme of gamification and seasonal campaigns like Spin into Spring and Dream Big have helped deliver huge uplifts in sales for SPAR stores, often in typically quieter parts of the year. These are just some of the highlights of the last year but they help explain why we have seen record recruitment of independent retailers into SPAR Scotland over the last year. We can offer an end-to-end service and support package in a way that no one else can. More and more retailers are realising that, and I am confident that SPAR Scotland will continue to grow in future, benefitting everyone in the SPAR family. I look forward to seeing you all in Aviemore and collaborating for a successful year ahead.

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

SPAR SCOTLAND FUTURE STARS HITS NEW HEIGHTS The hugely popular SPAR Scotland Future Stars programme promoting girls’ football once again reached new milestones this year with a record number of girls taking part.

SPAR Scotland and the Scottish FA are proud to have achieved another landmark year for the SPAR Scotland Future Stars programme with a record number of girls participating in this year’s competition.

of the competition, giving young players the chance to experience competing at an iconic venue while creating unforgettable memories alongside teammates, coaches, schools, and supporters.

The event culminated in a Finals Day at Scotland’s national stadium, Barclays Hampden Park, on Wednesday 3 June 2026.

Over recent years, SPAR Scotland Future Stars has become one of Scotland’s leading schoolgirls’ football initiatives, helping create accessible opportunities for young people to participate in the game, build confidence, and develop a lifelong connection with football.

The continued growth of SPAR Scotland Future Stars reflects the increasing momentum behind girls’ football across the country with schools from communities throughout Scotland taking part in local and regional stages of the tournament before earning the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in Scottish football. The move to Barclays Hampden Park marks a significant moment in the evolution 46

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

Shirley Martin, Head of Girls & Women’s Football at the Scottish FA, said: “It was fantastic to see the SPAR Scotland Future Stars playing at Barclays Hampden. The opportunity to play at the national stadium is something that can be an inspiration for the players taking part and continue to fuel their ambition to go as far as they can in the game. Whether it is simply to play with

their friends and stay active, or take steps within the professional game, events like today can motivate them to keep growing and learning.” As participation continues to grow, organisers hope this year’s competition will inspire even more girls to take their first steps into football and continue building a pathway for future generations.

3,018

Total players in competition

422

Finals Day players

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SPAR SCOTLAND AWARDS TO ONCE MORE RECOGNISE EXCELLENCE CJ Lang’s Spar Scotland Awards recognise and celebrate excellence, innovation and outstanding contributions in SPAR Scotland company-owned and independent stores.

ne of the many highlights of this year’s SPAR Scotland Tradeshow this year will once again be the SPAR Scotland Awards, now in their fifth year. The awards will once again honour those who demonstrate exceptional performance, innovation, and commitment to excellence across a host of categories, including: Q Vape stores of the year (company owned and independent) – sponsored by Vape Supplier Q SPAR Brand stores of the year (company owned and independent) – sponsored by SPAR Brand Q Barista Bar stores of the year (company owned and independent) – sponsored by Barista Bar Q Lunch Meal deal stores of the year (company owned and independent) – sponsored by Samworth Brothers Q Independent community store of the year – sponsored by CCEP Q Company owned community store of the year – sponsored by Graham’s the Family Dairy Q Independent store of the year – sponsored by AG Barr Q Company owned store of the year – sponsored by Hovis Q Supplier of the Year across categories – sponsored by SPAR Scotland Q New award for Scottish supplier of the year – sponsored by SPAR Scotland Q Future Stars Award – sponsored by Scottish FA

Independent and Company Owned Store of the Year awards will be given to two retailers adhering to the highest standards, with teams who are truly passionate about their work and embedded within their local communities. Supplier of the Year awards will be given to companies based on product supply, NPD and promotional support activity. Working in partnership with the Scottish FA, the Future Stars award is designed for CJ Lang & Son colleagues based at the distribution centre and head office in Dundee. Winners are selected by a panel of CJ Lang & Son Area Managers and Executive team members, as well as category sponsors. Colin McLean, CEO of SPAR Scotland, said: “We are thrilled to once more recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions within SPAR in Scotland. “The SPAR Scotland Awards underscore our commitment to celebrating innovation, excellence, and the community spirit within SPAR, and we look forward to honouring the remarkable individuals, stores, and suppliers who drive positive change and inspire others.”

The Independent Community Store of the Year will go to a Spar store that engages, empowers and supports their community, making an especially strong, effective contribution to its local area.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

INSPIRING SUCCESS

In a tough year for convenience retail, Spar Scotland continues to shine. We highlight the latest initiatives, successes and key events that have shaped the group over the past 12 months.

SEPTEMBER 2025 A CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE AT AVIEMORE More than 800 delegates from across the Scottish convenience retail sector gathered in Aviemore on 25 September for Spar Scotland’s biggest-ever Tradeshow. Under the banner of ‘Inspiring Success’, the event reached new heights with 210 suppliers exhibiting an exciting mix of new products and bestsellers. The day was capped off with the Spar Scotland Awards, which were presented to outstanding stores, retailers and suppliers.

OCTOBER 2025 DEPOT OPEN DAY SHOWCASES SPAR SCOTLAND’S SUPPORT On 15 October, Spar Scotland opened its doors to retailers for a special behindthe-scenes look at its Dundee depot. Attendees were invited to explore the facilities and see how the group supports independent retailers and convenience stores across Scotland. They also spoke to team members and were informed of the firm’s latest innovations and investment plans.

SPAR SCOTLAND IS A TIKTOK HIT A new social media strategy helped Spar Scotland drive significant online visibility with the launch of a dedicated TikTok channel. Within two weeks, the account had generated more than 140,000 video views, while content across multiple platforms achieved over 400,000 impressions with minimal advertising spend. Regular posts supported efforts to reach younger audiences, boost brand awareness and strengthen customer engagement.

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NOVEMBER 2025 MARIE CURIE LORRY LIVERY LAUNCHED A new Marie Curie-themed lorry featuring artwork created by an East Ayrshire pupil was unveiled by Spar Scotland. The winning design, created by 12-year-old Finlay from Bellsbank Primary School, was selected from 80 entries submitted to a nationwide competition celebrating the retailer’s charity partnership. Spar Scotland also donated £1,000 to the school in recognition of its participation. The lorry was unveiled at CJ Lang & Son’s Dundee depot, where Marie Curie received a £2,500 donation raised at the retailer’s 2025 Tradeshow in Aviemore.

DECEMBER 2025 RECORD-BREAKING CHARITY DONATIONS REVEALED Spar Scotland announced a record year of charitable giving, donating £200,000 to good causes in 2025. The total exceeds the £180,000 donated in 2024, underlining the symbol group’s continued commitment to supporting local communities. Spar Scotland continued supporting national charity partner Marie Curie while funding hundreds of local causes, including schools, care homes, football clubs, foodbanks, hospitals, defibrillator projects and community organisations across Scotland.

LADYBANK WELCOMES SPAR MARKET STORE Following a major investment by CJ Lang & Son, a Spar Market store opened in Ladybank after the village’s existing Spar store relocated to a larger site on Commercial Road. The 1,747sq ft store offers an expanded range of food-to-go, chilled and grocery products, alongside services including PayPoint, ATM and parcel collection. A grand opening celebration featured Santa Claus, product sampling, prize giveaways and performances from pupils at Ladybank Primary School.

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JANUARY 2026 SPAR SCOTLAND LAUNCHES VALUE CAMPAIGN ACROSS STORE ESTATE Shoppers saw a renewed focus on value in Spar stores across Scotland from 5 January, as the retailer rolled out a campaign highlighting a range of key everyday essentials at low prices. The promotion included products such as Spar bread, Connolly’s bacon, McGhee’s tattie scones and Graham’s Light ‘n’ Low milk. The initiative was supported by in-store and digital marketing.

FEBRUARY 2026 CJ LANG APPOINTS FORMER MUSGRAVE BOSS AS NON-EXEC CHAIR Eoin McGettigan succeeded Jim Hepburn as non-executive chair at CJ Lang & Son. He brought more than 35 years of leadership experience, including CEO roles at Musgrave, Budgens-Londis, Co-op Retail and Lifestyle Sports. CJ Lang CEO Colin McLean said McGettigan would help support the business’s ongoing transformation programme and future growth ambitions.

MARCH 2026 SPIN INTO SPRING CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED Spar Scotland’s new ‘Spin into Spring’ digital activation landed in stores, delivering strong customer engagement and attracting new shoppers while increasing sales and footfall. Running for 42 days from 12 March to 22 April 2026, the gamified promotion offered daily chances to win digital vouchers, alongside a £10,000 cash prize. Supported by in-store POS, digital marketing and vehicle livery, the campaign also provided FMCG suppliers with valuable brand exposure and trial opportunities.

NEW TRADING DIRECTOR FOR CJ LANG & SON

SCOTTISH WHOLESALE ACHIEVERS SUCCESS FOR CJ LANG & SON Multiple accolades were secured by Spar Scotland wholesaler CJ Lang & Son at the Scottish Wholesale Achievers Awards 2026. The business won Best Delivered Operation (Retail), while Wendy Blain was named joint winner of Wholesale Driver of the Year. CJ Lang was also runner-up in the Best Symbol Group category and highly commended for Best Innovation. CEO Colin McLean praised colleagues across the business for their contribution to the success.

SRJ CONVENIENCE RETAIL JOINS SPAR SCOTLAND

Josie Cattermoul was appointed Trading Director at CJ Lang & Son. She leads buying, ranging, promotions and supplier partnerships, with a focus on strengthening Spar Scotland’s offer and driving growth across its independent and companyowned stores. Cattermoul joined from Tasmanian Independent Retailers, bringing more than 15 years of trading and commercial experience across convenience retail, wholesale and food retail businesses.

WORLD CUP TRUCK KICKS OFF TOURNAMENT CAMPAIGN A special World Cup-themed truck hit the road as Spar Scotland began building excitement ahead of the tournament. Created in partnership with supplier brands, the livery celebrated Scotland’s qualification for the World Cup for the first time in 27 years. The vehicle marked the start of a wider campaign that included in-store promotions, digital activity, radio advertising and marketing support designed to help retailers capitalise on tournament interest.

Arul Palaniappan and Prabu Vai of SRJ Convenience Retail have opened their first Spar Scotland store in Lossiemouth, Moray. The shop, which features a beer cave and cake counter, celebrated its opening with a Good Causes Giveaway. The Ladybird Development Group, The Lossiemouth Skatepark Initiative and The 1st Lossiemouth Scout Group were all given donations.

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APRIL 2026 SUPPLIER BUSINESS BRIEFINGS HIGHLIGHT OPPORTUNITIES More than 200 suppliers from across the UK joined CJ Lang & Son Ltd’s April virtual business briefings, where trading performance, future priorities and collaboration opportunities were discussed. The Spar Scotland wholesaler highlighted continued market outperformance despite challenging retail conditions and reaffirmed investment across its stores, operations and supply chain.

MAY 2026 SPIN INTO SPRING £10,000 PRIZE WINNER REVEALED Spar Whitletts regular customer Alex McAughtrie was named Spar Scotland’s Spin into Spring £10,000 grand prize winner. The interactive spin-to-win initiative attracted thousands of entries across Scotland, rewarding shoppers with instant prizes while reinforcing Spar Scotland’s commitment to customer engagement, loyalty and exciting in-store experiences.

INDEPENDENTS INSPIRED AT RETAILER STRATEGY BRIEFING Spar Scotland independent retailers were given fresh insight into evolving consumer trends and future growth opportunities through the symbol’s 2026 Retailer Briefing. The session highlighted the rising importance of q-commerce, food to go and digital engagement in driving sales and customer loyalty. Retailers also heard how continued investment is helping Spar Scotland outperform the wider Scottish convenience market.

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CJ LANG RANKED NUMBER ONE CONVENIENCE RETAILER The 2026 Advantage Survey named CJ Lang & Son the UK’s number one convenience retailer and number two wholesale retailer. The independent business earned high praise from suppliers across key areas including commercial strategy, communication, category management and ease of doing business. The ranking underlines CJ Lang’s focus on operational excellence, strong supplier relationships and delivering a customer-focused approach across its retail and distribution operations.

LOYALTY APP ROLLOUT STRENGTHENS BARISTA BAR OFFER Spar Scotland embarked on the rollout of the My Barista Bar Rewards+ app across participating locations. The platform offers Barista Bar coffee consumers digital stamps, exclusive promotions and personalised incentives, including free drinks and birthday rewards. The initiative supports Spar Scotland’s wider food-to-go and digital engagement strategy, helping drive customer loyalty, repeat visits and stronger shopper connections across its growing Barista Bar estate.

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JUNE 2026 SPAR SCOTLAND FUTURE STARS ACHIEVES RECORD PARTICIPATION The Scottish FA and Spar Scotland celebrated a landmark year for the Future Stars programme, with a record number of girls taking part in the nationwide schools’ football competition. The tournament culminated in a Finals Day at Barclays Hampden Park, giving participants the opportunity to play at Scotland’s national stadium. Continued growth in the initiative highlighted rising interest in girls’ football and Spar Scotland’s commitment to supporting grassroots sport.

CJ LANG BOOSTS FROZEN OFFER WITH ICELAND FOODS A new partnership between CJ Lang & Son and Iceland Foods expanded the frozen category across Spar Scotland stores, bringing popular branded and own-label products to shoppers. The agreement, delivered alongside fellow Spar wholesalers James Hall & Co. and A.F. Blakemore, introduced a wider range of meal solutions and valuefocused options. The initiative improved accessibility to trusted frozen food brands for families across Scotland.

SPAR SCOTLAND LAUNCHES LOCAL SOCIAL RETAIL MEDIA CAPABILITY A partnership with SocioLocal saw Spar Scotland expand its retail media offering, enabling suppliers to reach shoppers across 91 local store communities through targeted social media campaigns. The initiative transformed store social channels into scalable retail media inventory, combining trusted local content with paid amplification. Suppliers gained access to geographically targeted activity across Facebook and Google, helping drive awareness, engagement and sales while delivering measurable campaign performance insights.

DREAM BIG FOOTBALL CAMPAIGN GETS UNDERWAY Spar Scotland launched its Dream Big summer football campaign with a highprofile activation at Hampden Park, celebrating the season’s biggest matches with exclusive offers and promotions. The initiative provided shoppers with greatvalue deals on food, drinks and match-day essentials across stores nationwide. Designed to boost engagement during a busy sporting summer, the campaign highlighted Spar Scotland’s role in bringing communities together through convenience, value and quality.

SPAR KINCORTH HOSTS LIVE RADIO BROADCAST Original 106 Radio’s Breakfast Show held a live community broadcast in Spar Kincorth on 30 June, bringing music, competitions and local conversation directly to shoppers in Aberdeen. The event featured free breakfast vouchers for early customers, promoted the Barista Bar Loyalty App and raised support for local causes. Donations included £200 in Spar vouchers for the Kincorth foodbank and £500 for Champion Street Football to support its community programmes.

TRIBUTES PAID TO CJ LANG LIFE PRESIDENT JOAN SCOTT-ADIE CJ Lang & Son announced with sadness the passing of Life President Joan ScottAdie on 15 June following a long illness. A granddaughter of founder Charles Lang Senior, she played a pivotal role in the growth of the Dundee-based business, serving as long-standing chairwoman and majority shareholder. Her leadership helped establish CJ Lang as Scotland’s leading independent food wholesaler and retailer, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations.

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DISTRIBUTION STRENGTH ON DISPLAY AT CJ LANG’S DEPOT OPEN DAY Prospective independent retailers were given a behind-the-scenes look at CJ Lang’s distribution operation during Spar Scotland’s Depot Open Day on 24 June. Held in Dundee, the event showcased the scale of the wholesaler’s logistics network, commercial expertise and retailer support services. Attendees met key members of the Spar Scotland team and learned how the business helps retailers grow successful community stores through operational, marketing, category and supply chain support.

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JULY 2026 SPAR SCOTLAND AND HLP MAKE HEALTHIER CHOICES MORE VISIBLE The Healthy Living Programme (HLP) and Spar Scotland strengthened their partnership with the introduction of dualbranded Healthy Living stands across participating stores. The initiative increased the visibility of healthier food and drink options, helping shoppers make informed choices while supporting community wellbeing.

SPAR DASH DELIVERY PLATFORM REVEALED Spar Scotland launched Spar Dash, a new home delivery platform powered by Snappy Shopper. The platform provides customers with fast access to groceries, meal solutions, household essentials, hot food and fresh drinks from their local store. The service combines neighbourhood convenience with digital ordering, helping participating retailers reach more shoppers and grow online sales.

STORE ACTIVATIONS CAPITALISE ON COMMONWEALTH GAMES Spar Scotland partnered with Coca-Cola Europacific Partners to deliver three high-impact store takeovers in Glasgow during the Commonwealth Games. Activations at Spar Scotstoun, Spar Garthamlock and Spar Cranhill featured eye-catching branding, promotional displays and point-of-sale materials designed to increase shopper engagement. The campaign helped drive additional footfall and sales while enabling Spar Scotland stores to maximise the opportunities created by one of the city’s biggest sporting events.

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

EXHIBITORS LIST 2026 Company

Stand Number

LICENSED

Company

Stand Number

CIGS/TOBACCO/VAPE

AGB Funkin (share stand with A G Barr)

E17

British American Tobacco (UK) Ltd

C15

Asahi UK Ltd

F11

Clipper UK Ltd

A11

AU Vodka

F03

Imperial Brands

A10

Australian Vintage Ltd

D14

JTI UK

A09

Bibendum Off -Trade

D13

Philip Morris Limited

M14

BrewDog

E18

Vape Supplier Limited (SPONSOR)

D01

Brown Forman UK

E01

Budweiser Brewing Group UK

FROZEN

& I (AB InBev UK Limited)

F13

Iceland

Budweiser Budvar UK Ltd

F10

Crosta & Mollica

J09

C&C Group plc (Tennent’s)

F12

Nomad Foods

N13

Glen Grant LTD (T/A Campari UK)

E02

Mackie’s of Scotland

N14

(share stand with Britvic soft drinks)

A02

NON-FOODS

Casella Family Brands (Europe) Limited

D12

DCS GROUP (UK) LIMITED

M13

J Chandler & Co (Buckfast) Ltd

E09

CPL HOMEFIRE

M12

Cider Of Sweden (Kopparberg)

E13

CARD CONNECTION

M09

Fifo

M11

N12

Carlsberg Britvic - Beer

Coca Cola Europacific Partners

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(share stand with CCEP soft drinks)

C14

B&J Toys

M10

Cold Town Beer

F09

Solv-x

N16

Corinthian Brands Ltd

F02

Robinson Young

N15

CVH SPIRITS

E03

Energizer

K15

Damm 1876 Ltd (Estrella Damm)

E14

Delegat Europe Ltd

E16

GROCERY

Diageo

E04

Baxters Food Group

N17

Differentiator Brands

E11

Pladis UK

M16

Disaronno International UK

E05

Brave Pet Care

H17

Hatch Mansfield

D10

Nestle Purina

K18

Heineken UK

F14

Thomas Tunnock Ltd

K17

Ian MacLeod Distillers Ltd

E06

KOHLICO BRANDS UK LTD

H13

International Beverage

F06

Nestle Beverages & Food

H18

Molson Coors Beverage Company

E19

SHS Sales & Marketing representing

Moth Drinks Ltd

E10

Fox’s Burton’s Companies

Nice Drinks

C13

Premier Foods

K19

Off Piste Wines

D09

Vitamin Well Ltd

H15

Pernod Ricard UK Ltd

E07

RH Amar

N18

Proximo Spirits UK

F07

Walkers Shortbread

H16

Red star Brands - Four Loko

F01

Princes Group PLC

M15

Sazerac UK

F08

Grenade

B05

SHS Drinks

F04

Thatchers Cider Company Ltd

E12

H14

FTG BREAD & CAKES

The Glen Turner Company (Trading as LMB UK) E08

Brownings the Bakers

H04

Treasury Wine Estates

D11

Asher’s Bakery Ltd

H09

VCT Europe

C12

Europastry UK

J06

Vinarchy UK

C11

Grupo Bimbo UK - New York Bakery

H02

Whyte & Mackay Ltd

F05

Samworth Brothers (SPONSOR)

J08

Heather Ale T/A Williams Brothers Brewing Co

E15

Hovis (SPONSOR)

J02

McGhee and Sons Ltd

J04

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Company

Stand Number

Company

Kepak Convenience Foods

G02

Rollover (SPONSOR)

G04

R T Stuart Ltd

H05

SOFT DRINKS

Cambusnethan Slush Limited

H12

A G Barr (SPONSOR)

CUPCAKES BY SOPHIA LTD

H01

Capri Sun

Murphys Home Bakery

H06

Carlsberg Britvic

SFC WHOLESALE LTD

Vehicle Outside

Stand Number

Grupo Bimbo UK - Takis

(shared stand with Britvic licensed)

Warburtons Ltd

J03

Coca Cola Enterprises

VICKY FOODS PRODUCTS SLU

H07

(SPONSOR) / MONSTER

Country Choice Foods (SPONSOR)

G05

Barista Bar (SPONSOR)

J01

Fresh Fill Ltd

B10

Company

Stand Number

PROPERTY GSS Contracts Ltd (SPONSOR)

K14

Smart Save

K10

A01

Vertex R.A.S. Ltd

K13

A03

Acorn Signs Ltd

K12

Envipco UK

L17

Retail Solutions Scotland Ltd

L14

A02

RVM Systems UK MD

L16

C14

CMB RVM Solutions

A04A

Suntory

A04

Snappy Shopper

Red Bull Company Limited (SPONSOR)

L01

TOMRA

L15

J05

Nichols plc (Vimto)

B02

Quail Digital

K11

The Bread Guy Bakery

H08

VITHIT

B03

Bates Office

K08

Simply Doughnuts Ltd.

H10

Sneak Energy

B04

Sustainable Energy First

K07

LUTOSA

G03

Kelsius

J10

CHILLED

JG ROSS

H03

Grahams Dairies Ltd (SPONSOR)

CJ’s FTG

H11

UFIT

N06

MARKETING / OTHER

May & Raeburn Ltd/ Fordham

M01

L05

Lectalis UK & Ireland

N01

Media Hub

K06

CONFECTIONERY

L12

Smart Parking

L13

Reconomy Connect

K09

G01

Anderson Veitch & Co. Ltd

C10

Nomadic Foods

N05

Marie Curie

L02

BIP Candy and Toy

D06

Pilgrims Europe

N02

Grocery Aid

L03

HARIBO

C07

Peter H Smith

M08

Healthy Living Programme

L04

Eurofoodbrands

C04

PUREPOWER Nutrition

N10

Socio Local Limited

L10

Ferrero UK

D04

Tropicana Products Uk Ltd

N06

SPAR BRAND (SPONSOR)

G06

Golden Casket

C09

Compleat Food Group

N07

Image Data (SPONSOR)

L09

Lindt & Sprungli UK Ltd

D05

P.K.Foods Glasgow Ltd

M06

The National Lottery

L06

Mars Wrigley UK

C05

Huel

M02

SLR Magazine

L07

Mondelez International

C03

Muller Yogurt and Desserts

N03

Facewatch Limited

L11

Mrs Tilly’s

C08

Emmi UK

N10A

Scottish Guild

L08

Nestle Confectionery

K16

Rowan Glen

M04

Nisha Enterprises Ltd

B08

Connolly Meats

N08

Perfetti Van Melle (PVM UK)

D02

Malcolm Allan / Macsween

N09

Sweetzone Ltd

D03

McCallum Foods

N08

Swizzels Matlow Ltd

C02

Oatly UK

M07

Kervan Gida Uk Ltd

D07

Shaken Udder

M03

Hamilton Imports ltd T/A 3DTRADING

C01

Kinisla

N04

Cloetta UK Ltd

D08

Browns Food Group

N07

World of Sweets

C06

Worthenshaw’s T/a Kirstys

N09

McMillan Foods

M05

Tuk In Foods

J07

CRISPS & SNACKS Kellanova

A08

Kettle Foods Ltd

A07

INVEST NI

Olly’s

A06

Punjana/Thompson’s Tea

K01

KP Snacks

B06

Clarke Millar (Millar Moo)

K02

Taylors Snacks

B07

Feedwell Petfood

K03

PROPER Snacks

A05

Lakeland Dairies

K04

PepsiCo UK (Walkers) (SPONSOR)

B01

Big Pot Co

K05

Tayto Group Limited

B09

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

INTRODUCING OUR SPONSORS… Thank you to our Tradeshow and SPAR Scotland Awards Sponsors… HEADLINE SPONSORS

VAPE SUPPLIER LTD

BARISTA BAR

Founded in 2017, Vape Supplier Ltd has established itself as a trusted distributor of premium vaping products and viral confectionery trends, serving retailers across the UK and internationally. It supplies a wide range of vape devices, e-liquids, disposables, accessories, and fast-selling viral sweets and snacks sourced from leading global brands.

Barista Bar is one of the UK’s leading coffee-to-go brands, now available in over 140 stores across Scotland and part of a growing network of more than 670 locations and 900+ machines across the UK.

Known for reliability, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service, Vape Supplier Ltd supports retail partners with fast fulfilment, consistent stock availability, and access to the latest in-demand products within both the vaping and confectionery sectors. The company has built long-term relationships with independent retailers, online stores, and wholesale buyers by delivering dependable service and a market-focused product range. Committed to growth and innovation, Vape Supplier Ltd continues to expand while maintaining high standards of professionalism, compliance, and customer support, making it a preferred wholesale partner for businesses seeking quality products and efficient distribution solutions.

RED BULL Inspired by functional drinks from East Asia, Dietrich Mateschitz founded Red Bull in the mid-1980s. A completely new product category was born – energy drinks. Red Bull Energy Drink is available in 177 countries worldwide and over 12.138 billion cans of Red Bull were sold worldwide in 2023. A 250ml can of Red Bull Energy Drink contains 80 mg of caffeine, about the same than in a home brewed cup of coffee. For more information, visit redbull.com/gb-en/

CHILLOUT ZONE SPONSORS

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Working in partnership with CJ Lang & Son Ltd., Barista Bar combines premium coffee, innovation and convenience with a strong commercial proposition for retailers. Since switching from a leading competitor brand, SPAR Scotland stores have seen a +37.5% uplift in cup sales, demonstrating the strong consumer appeal and commercial potential of the brand. And we’re not standing still. Our next generation of Barista Bar will bring more than 30 new drinks to the menu, giving customers even greater choice across hot and iced drinks, alongside decaf, oat as a dairy alternative and an exciting range of speciality drinks, including matcha and chai. Our award-winning My Barista Bar Rewards+ app is now available in Scotland, rewarding customers every time they visit while helping retailers drive frequency, engagement and loyalty. Backed by standout branding, engaging campaigns and dedicated retailer support, Barista Bar is designed to deliver strong sales, margins and repeat visits.

PEPSICO UK (WALKERS) PepsiCo is one of the UK’s leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio of iconic brands that are enjoyed by millions of consumers every day, including Walkers, Doritos, Quavers, Wotsits and Quaker, many of which are market leaders in their

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categories. With manufacturing sites across the UK, PepsiCo plays an important role in supporting the UK economy and agricultural sector, sourcing potatoes and other ingredients from British farmers. PepsiCo UK is committed to driving sustainable growth by reducing its environmental impact, investing in healthier product innovation and supporting communities. Through a combination of innovation, operational excellence and a strong focus on sustainability, PepsiCo continues to deliver great-tasting products while building a more resilient and sustainable food system for the future.

FOOD COURT SPONSORS

products, free-on-loan equipment and expert support, we make it easy to serve great-tasting food that drives footfall and boosts basket spend. Best known for our iconic Hotdogs, our expanding portfolio spans breakfast, lunch and snacking, offering retailers a versatile food-to-go solution throughout the day. Exciting new additions include Pizza Twists, Boneless Chicken Wings and Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey Dip, help meet evolving consumer tastes and drive repeat purchases. With halal and vegetarian options available, we help retailers cater to a broad range of customers and eating occasions. From convenience stores to forecourts across the UK, Rollover delivers a complete food-to-go solution backed by decades of expertise, helping retailers serve more customers and grow profitable sales.

COUNTRY CHOICE Loved by consumers, our branded concepts and solutions make it easy to add high margin, quality products to your offering. Country Choice concepts are the ideal choice for a range of different settings. Our experienced team help deliver exciting branded experiences, that are proven to grow businesses. We pride ourselves on providing a complete support package. Our distinct brands offer an impressive range of hot, chilled and ambient products, that can be offered all day. From hot food self-serve units, to fully staffed made-toorder counters, we have flexible options for all sized operations, to drive footfall and generate profit.

AWARD SPONSORS

AG BARR A.G. Barr p.l.c. is one of the UK’s leading multi-beverage businesses, celebrated for creating and building iconic, consumerfocused brands. The company is best known as the creator of IRN-BRU, affectionately dubbed “Scotland’s other national drink.” Over its 150-year history, A.G. Barr has evolved from a regional soft drinks manufacturer into a dynamic beverage house operating across multiple high-growth categories.

ROLLOVER

Today, A.G. Barr’s impressive portfolio spans carbonated soft drinks, functional beverages, fruit juices, and premium mixers. Core brands alongside IRN-BRU include Rubicon, Barr Family, Boost Drinks & KA. The business has also expanded into the cocktail and adult beverage market through its premium cocktail brand, Funkin Cocktails, catering to both the on-trade and off-trade sectors.

For over 30 years, Rollover has helped retailers grow sales with simple, profitable hot food-to-go solutions. Combining quality

Headquartered in Cumbernauld, Scotland, A.G. Barr operates state-ofthe-art production facilities across the

Our support packages are tailored to each customer, giving you exactly what you need to operate a Country Choice concept: l Equipment Options l Free Menus & Marketing Pack l Training & Support l Quality Assurance & Technical Support

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SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

UK. Combining rich heritage with modern commercial agility, the company remains dedicated to innovation, sustainability, and delivering strong shareholder value while quenching the nation’s thirst.

COCA COLA ENTERPRISES CCEP is a global business with a local footprint We are one of the world’s leading consumer goods companies, know for famous brands like Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Monster. However, we also have local favourites in our portfolio, and products in categories like coffee and alcohol ready to drink. We make, move and sell some of the world’s most loved brands that refresh the 600 million consumers who can enjoy our drinks in 31 markets.

demands for high protein, gut healthy natural dairy produce with our Protein 25, Protein 22, Skyr, Kefir, Greek Style Pouches and children’s Squidgies range. Our products are produced with the finest milk from our farming partners.

HOVIS Hovis® Limited is a baking business. We’re proud to be part of a baking heritage that goes back more than 130 years, now delivering more than a million of our muchloved loaves every day throughout the UK and Ireland. Not just Hovis® loaves, we also bake Mother’s Pride®, Ormo® and other bakery products too. We pride ourselves on the taste and quality of all our bakery products, but then they all do have Hovis® tradition baked into them.

SPAR BRAND Great brands. Great people. Great execution. Done sustainably. Our aim? To refresh our customers and consumers and make a difference. And our success is built on three strategic pillars: great brands, great people, great execution. Done sustainably. Our portfolio is built on our core brands, but we have been expanding into new categories where we can see growth opportunities, like coffee and alcohol ready to drink. We also like to keep things fresh and exciting, with new flavour innovations like Fanta Halloween special editions. While offering low and zero sugar options so consumers have even more choice.

GRAHAMS DAIRIES LTD A five-generational farming, threegenerational dairy farming family business, Graham’s the Family Dairy have been producing award-winning fresh dairy products since 1939, from our home in the Scottish heartland. We are proud to produce a diverse selection of great tasting products such as milk, butter, cream, cottage cheese, kefir and yogurt. Among our diverse range we are proud to meet our customers’

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

SPAR is the UK’s leading convenience group, built on a true community presence. At the heart of that success is SPAR Brand – the own label range shoppers know, trust, and keep coming back for. Having a truly credible and compelling proposition for SPAR Brand is the single biggest opportunity we have for driving shoppers to our stores, gaining their repeat custom, and their ongoing loyalty. That’s why we continue to invest in and expand the range, giving shoppers fantastic quality at accessible prices while delivering real commercial value for retailers. Our mission is to provide high-quality, distinctive, and excellent value-for-money alternatives that rival big brands, while anchoring neighbourhood convenience stores firmly within their communities. The range is built around the missions that matter most to shoppers: Meal for Tonight, Big Night In, Food to Go, Top-Up and Core Grocery, with “Something Special by SPAR” going from strength to strength, led by premium pizzas bringing real indulgence into everyday convenience shopping. By offering a value for money own-label range and layering in differentiation through choice, hero category excellence, and regional expertise, we will stand out for our customers and keep them returning.

www.slrmag.co.uk

SFA Since partnering in 2019, SPAR Scotland and the Scottish FA have built a strong and fruitful partnership, built around a shared commitment to supporting girls and women’s football across the nation. Girls football, in particular, has seen enormous growth in the past seven years and SPAR Scotland has played a leading role in supporting that increase. In particular, the SPAR Future Stars Cup has consistently provided opportunities for girls to get involved in football across Scotland. The Future Stars Cup is designed to be competitive, fun and inclusive, giving schoolgirls aged 12–16 the chance to represent their school in a structured competition. It gives girls the cha to play competitive football, experience the excitement of a tournament, and, most importantly, enjoy the game with friends. The competition – which has become a real highlight of the school football calendar – is a fantastic example of what organisations similar to SPAR can help achieve within football.

personalised campaigns or 3D POS displays, we deliver precision, consistency and sale. Our expertise spans 2D POS, fabric graphics, window vinyls, banners and bespoke marketing materials – all tailored to your brand We’re committed to sustainability, with dedicated teams continually sourcing the latest recyclable materials and low impact production methods. At the core of our tech offering is iDG Connect – our proprietary platform - built in-house to manage secure, complex workflows. It connects client teams, agencies and operations into one seamless system with customised permissions, automated tasks and real-time reporting. Giving full transparency and continuous improvement to your workflow. Backed by a forward-thinking leadership team and strong values, imageData Group remains committed to delivering powerful print solutions that drive performance – and protect the planet

GSS We’re really proud of how the competition has developed and the opportunities it continues to provide for girls across Scotland, helping to inspire the next generation of players.

EVENT SPONSORS

GSS Contracts Limited was established in 2014 with the primary aim of growing a market-leading Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service and Installation business. From its Scottish office, based in East Kilbride, the Company has grown sustainably, both locally and nationally, over the past decade, by delivering a first-class level of performance across a significant portfolio of projects across the UK.

IMAGE DATA GROUP For over 35 years, imageData Group has delivered high-speed, high quality print solutions with a personal, familyowned approach. From pioneering barcode technology in the UK to leading advancements in variable data printing; innovation is at the heart of everything we do With over £10 million invested in the past three years, our accredited UK factories offer fully integrated services. From design and print to fulfilment and logistics. Whether you need large scale brand activations,

www.slrmag.co.uk

GSS Contracts has focused its business within the Convenience retail sector, developing partnerships with well-known retailers as well as supporting the growing independent retail sector. This is reflected in the level of repeat business GSS Contracts continues to receive from these clients. At the heart of our business there are 3 core values that we ask our people to live by. Through trust, honesty and integrity we ensure our 60 employees enjoy a safe and secure place of work, in our offices or on our sites. For our clients, it is the way we do business. Here is to the next 10 years!

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

Hotlines

Product News & Media Watch

Monster Nitro Blue Flash CCEP Available now in 500ml cans, Monster’s latest variant combines the brand’s energy blend with a light blueberry flavour and joins the Nitro range, which launched in August 2024 and is now worth £8.7m. It features the brand’s claw logo on a blue can designed to stand out on shelf. Retailers can access POS materials and digital assets to support the launch via the MyCCEP.com retailer portal.

Mars Wrigley gets set for Christmas with three new lines

Oreo Cookie Dough Flavour Mondelez Oreo Cookie Dough Flavour features a cookie dough creme filling with cocoa pieces for added crunch. It is also the brand’s first flavour extension to feature double creme in a single flavour and is available in a 157g pack with an RSP of £1.60. The NPD launches alongside Oreo Mini Snack Bags, available in a 110g format with an RSP of £1.25, and the Oreo Sharing Tray, which contains 36 biscuits in a resealable 396g pack, with an RSP of £2.50.

Mars Wrigley is expanding its seasonal portfolio for Christmas 2026 with the launch of three products targeting early festive shoppers, male gifters and white chocolate fans. The launch includes Crispy M&M’s Mini Santas, a small sharing bag of crispy, creamy Santa-shaped pieces. The range extends Crispy M&M’s Santa, which debuted last year, and sits alongside the original single self-eat option. Mars Wrigley is also launching The Snickers & Friends Selection Box, which combines Snickers, Twix, Mars and Snickers Creamy Duo bars. The line targets male consumers in a selection box sub-category that skews towards female shoppers.

The third launch is Maltesers White Box, which marks Mars Wrigley’s second entry point into everyday boxed confectionery. The product is aimed at under-35s who over-index in white chocolate and expands the Maltesers Box range. Mars Wrigley grew value sales by 4.2% and volume sales by 0.9% in Christmas 2025. Growth was driven by advent calendars, chocolate boxed gifts, tins and tubs, alongside singles and small sharing formats. Steve Waters, Seasonal Senior Brand Manager at Mars Wrigley, said: “All three launches will be backed with dedicated displays from early in the season, not just the final fortnight, for easy discovery and to inspire purchase.”

Chicken Tenders Snack Box Rollover

Mini Mentos Perfetti Van Melle

Crunch Soft Core Warrior

The new product features chicken breast tenders coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and served with a sweet and spicy hot honey dip. Available now, the snack box has an RSP from £3.50. The launch aims to tap into demand for protein-rich snacks and the growing popularity of sweet and spicy flavour combinations. A range of POS materials to support the launch is available, including posters, shelf barkers and bollard covers.

The new 214g sharing bags contain 18 individually wrapped mini rolls in Strawberry, Green Apple, Orange and Lemon flavours. Each singleflavour mini roll contains 41 calories. Packs have an RSP of £2.75, with a promotional price of £2.25. The product is supplied in shelf-ready packaging containing 10 bags. The launch sees Mentos make its debut in the growing £28m bag-in-bag segment.

The revamped protein bar range features a softer texture and new matte packaging. Each bar has an RSP of £2 and contains 20g of protein, fewer than 210 calories and as little as 0.9g of sugar. The range is available in six flavours: White Chocolate, Banoffee Pie, Dark Chocolate Peanut, Fudge Brownie, Choc Chip Cookie Dough and Salted Caramel. Email waqas@ kbfenterprises.com with trade and stockist enquiries.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino Arla Foods Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Frappuccino is a reimagination of the high street coffee chain’s seasonal pumpkin spice flavour, available for the first time in a ready-to-drink, chilled format. Described as ‘a seasonal sip not to be missed,’ the limited-edition release comes in 250ml bottles with an RSP of £2.20.

www.slrmag.co.uk

Product News & Media Watch Galaxy Millionaire Crumble/ Galaxy Cinnamon Swirl Mars Wrigley



KitKat Sharing Bars Nestlé

Galaxy has expanded its More to Share range with the launch of two bakery-inspired flavours. Galaxy Millionaire Crumble combines caramel and buttery crumble flavours inspired by millionaire’s shortbread, while Galaxy Cinnamon Swirl is based on the flavour of a freshly baked cinnamon pastry. Both come in a 160g More to Share format with an RSP of £3.25.

KitKat has expanded its sharing bars range with the launch of two new flavours, Milk Chocolate and Brownie. Both are available now with an RSP of £1.50 in both plain and price-marked packs. The Milk Chocolate Sharing Bar combines crispy wafer with a cocoa-flavoured filling and milk chocolate, while the Brownie has crispy wafer with milk and dark chocolate alongside a brownie-flavoured filling.

McVitie’s Mint Club Digestives pladis

Cadbury Dairy Milk Smash Bauble Mondelez

Uniting two McVitie’s icons for the first time, the biscuits combine McVitie’s Milk Chocolate Digestive with the nostalgic mint flavour of Club Mint bars, delivering a balance of chocolate, mint and crunchy golden biscuit. Limited-edition McVitie’s Mint Club Digestives (250g, RSP £2.35) are available now across the Tesco estate, as well as the wholesale and convenience channels.

Basically a Christmas Easter egg, the Smash Bauble consists of a Cadbury Dairy Milk shell that shoppers can smash open to reveal Buttons or Freddo Faces inside. The 90g line has an RSP of £2.70 and is marketed as a gift, stocking filler or fun activity. It launches alongside new Cadbury Biscoff Filled Centres and Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Pouch in time for the festive season.

S&B Japanese ingredients Empire Bespoke Foods

Players Classic Imperial Brands

The four latest additions to the S&B range of Japanese ingredients comprise Crunchy Garlic Mild Umami Topping and Crunchy Garlic Spicy Umami Topping (110g, RSP £3.75), alongside Yuzu Miso Paste and Umeboshi Paste (40g, RSP £1.99). Produced in Japan and made to traditional recipes, the new products are designed to help consumers recreate authentic Japanese flavours at home.

Available in Kingsize and Superking formats with an RSP of £14.60, Players Classic is aimed at valueconscious adult smokers looking for full-strength cigarettes. The slowerburning new cigarette contains a mixed leaf blend combining Virginia, Burley and Oriental tobaccos. Imperial Brands said that the product was one of the highestrated in its taste profile in recent consumer testing.

Hotlines

Feathered fizz Pepsi has launched an integrated summer campaign supporting its new Zero Sugar flavours, Cherry & Vanilla and Raspberry Ripple. At the centre of the activity is a lighthearted advert featuring Pidge, a CGI pigeon. The ad highlights the new flavours’ ice-creaminspired taste and runs across out-of-home advertising, social media and digital channels.

Flipping advert Lactalis UK & Ireland has launched the latest phase of its £1.2m 2026 TV advertising campaign for Seriously Spreadable Cheddar. The activity brings back Seriously’s existing ‘Habits’ advert, showcasing the different ways people enjoy the cheese, from ‘Spooner’ and ‘Scooper’ to ‘Flipper’. The ad has delivered a sales uplift each time it has previously aired.

Girders return Irn-Bru has revived its ‘Made in Scotland from Girders’ masterbrand campaign as part of an £8m brand investment. The campaign runs across TV, broadcaster video on demand, social media and out-of-home advertising. It will be bolstered by nationwide sampling activity, with more than 850,000 cans set to be distributed to shoppers.

Squashies push Swizzels has launched a new TV advert for its Squashies range as part of a wider summer campaign. The 20-second ad airs across ITV, Channel 4, Sky, Prime Video and Disney Plus and is expected to reach more than 60 million viewers. It encourages viewers to “See the Squashies Side of Life” and focuses on the brand’s soft and foamy texture.

Solid gold Kerrygold is backing its butter, spreads and cream cheese ranges with its biggest-ever marketing campaign in the UK. Live until October, ‘Make It Gold with Kerrygold’ runs across digital AV, social and retail channels and features a series of adverts voiced by the Bridgerton and Derry Girls star Nicola Coughlan.

for all the latest product news, head to www.slrmag.co.uk/category/product-news/ www.slrmag.co.uk

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

Satellite Finance Limited Business Finance Made Simple

• Equipment Finance • Vehicle Finance • Commercial Loans • Commercial Mortgages

Every year, Satellite Finance supports thousands of retailers across the UK to invest in the equipment and store improvements needed to grow, modernise, and stay competitive, without tying up valuable working capital.

What is Asset Finance? Asset finance allows you to invest in essential equipment for your store without paying the full cost upfront. Instead, the investment is spread over the asset’s economic life—typically through fixed monthly payments over 24 to 60 months—helping you manage cash flow while upgrading your business.

Key Benefits for Convenience Retailers • Spread the cost of equipment into manageable payments. • Keep your store up to date with the latest technology and layouts. • Preserve existing bank facilities and overdrafts. • Maintain strong cash flow during periods of investment or expansion. • Flexibility to upgrade equipment or fund additional improvements as your store evolves. • Potential tax efficiencies, as payments may be offset against profits (subject to eligibility).

With asset finance, you can invest in your store today and pay over time—helping you compete with larger operators while protecting your cash position.

How It Works 1. Tell us about your store, what you’re looking to fund, and the total project cost. 2. We assess eligibility and approach our panel of lenders to secure the most competitive terms. 3. We talk you through the structure clearly, so you can proceed with confidence. 4. Once everything is agreed, we raise the paperwork on your behalf and send it over for signing. 5. We package the file together, and once ready for activation, we send to the lender to process and release payment.

Our business is helping yours. To find out more, contact Michelle Coombes Call: 07415 986545 ∙ 01633 262722 Email: michelle@satfinance.co.uk

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Feature

Fascia Focus

TIME FOR A FRESH

START? The last year has been another tumultuous period in local retailing and, for many retailers, the time may be right to consider joining a fascia, symbol group or franchise for the first time, or to consider a new partner more in line with their business strategy.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

t’s been another remarkable year for the retailing sector, with challenges coming thick and fast, as they always seem to do. The longterm effects of the Covid period are still being felt, while additional new pressures continue to hit. So it’s hardly surprising that many retailers are taking a fresh look at the fundamentals of their business. For a lot of retailers, that means taking a clear-headed look at the options available to them in terms of working with a fascia, symbol or franchise partner. For some, that will mean joining a group for the first time. For many more, it will mean taking a close look at whether the partner they currently work with is still the best option available to them in the new world in which they find themselves. And there are now more options out there than ever. The benefits of joining a group are well known and well understood. Joining a group for the first time, or choosing a new group more appropriate to your current circumstances, is one of the few ways retailers can improve their sales and margins overnight. So, is it time to consider a partner who is truly aligned with your strategy for 2027 and beyond? All of the fascia, symbol and franchise groups have been working hard over the last 12 months, adapting to the new reality and evolving to better meet the needs of their members, so there’s plenty of work to be done to analyse which offer is best for you. To help take some of the effort out of that analysis, we have compiled overviews of many of the leading UK groups, which you can read over the next few pages. It’s an important decision and one that could have a huge impact on your business. www.slrmag.co.uk

Advertising Feature

Fascia Focus | Booker

BOOKER

VALUE AND FLEXIBILITY With Premier, Londis and Budgens, Booker is able to deliver value and flexibility in a way that no other symbol group can match.

t a time when retailers are under increasing pressure from rising costs and shifting shopper expectations, the strength of a symbol group lies in its ability to deliver both value and flexibility. Booker’s symbol estate is built around this principle, with Premier, Londis and Budgens offering three distinct but highly complementary propositions in Scotland. Premier, now the UK’s largest symbol group with more than 5,000 stores, is rooted in a value-led, community-focused model that continues to resonate strongly with independent retailers. Its scale delivers significant buying power, while its simple, low-cost structure ensures retailers can remain competitive while protecting margins. Combined with strong promotional cycles, digital tools and a growing fresh and chilled offer, Premier provides a proven route to sustainable growth for both new and established operators. Londis, meanwhile, offers a flexible, mission-led proposition, with particular strengths in the forecourt sector, where more than half of its 2,500-plus stores operate. Its focus on food-to-go, impulse and top-up shopping missions makes it ideally suited to high-footfall locations, while its cost-free model and access to Booker’s extensive range and own-brand portfolio allow retailers to deliver both value and quality. Finally, Budgens offers the perfect proposition for retailers in areas with high fresh participation and customers passionate about the quality, provenance and value of their food and drink. Founded in 1872, Budgens is one of Britain’s oldest convenience retailing brands and has a longestablished and enviable reputation. Together, these three symbol groups give retailers the ability to choose a model that best fits their business, while benefiting from the scale, infrastructure and support of the UK’s largest wholesaler. Booker supports its symbol retailers through a comprehensive, multichannel marketing approach that combines national campaigns with local execution. Seasonal activations and campaigns are supported by consistent

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

in-store marketing communications through four-weekly promotional cycles and price-marked packs, all of which reinforce value perception and encourage repeat visits. Own-label ranges, including Jack’s, Part of the Tesco Family, and EuroShopper, play a central role in this strategy, offering high-quality, competitively priced alternatives that help retailers meet demand for affordability while maintaining margins. This is complemented by ongoing innovation through Booker’s new product development guides, which highlight more than 100 new and exclusive lines each season, enabling retailers to stay ahead of trends and differentiate their offer. In-store, retailers benefit from fully funded POS, merchandising support and category guidance from dedicated field teams, ensuring strong execution at shelf level. Digitally, support extends to social media material, targeted campaigns and in-app promotions through Scoot, Booker’s rapid grocery ordering platform. Scoot not only enables retailers to access the growing on-demand market but also acts as a powerful marketing channel in its own right, with around 80% of users new to the store, driving both awareness and incremental sales. A key priority has been maintaining strong pricing and availability, ensuring retailers can compete effectively while meeting the needs of increasingly value-conscious shoppers. This has been supported by continued investment in own-label ranges and expanded fresh, chilled and meal-solution categories, reflecting the growing importance of convenience-led shopping missions. Looking ahead, the focus remains on helping retailers operate more efficiently, unlock new revenue streams and respond to evolving shopper behaviour. With continued investment in digital platforms such as Scoot, alongside ongoing enhancements to ranging, pricing and support services, Booker is committed to ensuring its retailers remain resilient and competitive in the face of ongoing uncertainty. www.slrmag.co.uk

CONVENIENCE EXPERTS No joining fees

Up to 6% Spend & Save Scheme

Dedicated support teams

Access exclusive NPD

Free fascia & installation

Free marketing support

Access to expert own brand ranges

Access to Home Delivery

Join one of the UK’s most recognised symbol groups, or opt for Booker’s Shop Locally Retail Club, to stock up customer favourites and access exclusive brands, promotions and discounts.

“Premier is a really strong brand that helps

us stay connected to our community. The team provide us with innovative support to grow sales and profit year after year. The free promotional PoS helps us highlight great value deals that really matter to our shoppers.” Arun Ehamparam, Premier Talbot Village

“We are very pleased with the success of our Food to Go area - our shoppers love the options available! The support from the Forecourt development team has helped massively.” Sellarajah Gunalan, Highway Stops, Londis Girton Service Station

“My sales are up 40% since moving to

Budgens. Shoppers are thrilled with the modernised look and love the new food to go kitchen area, fresh range and that they can pick up locally-sourced products.” Roli Ranger, Budgens North Ascot

Visit booker.co.uk or call 0808 1788644

Advertising Feature

Fascia Focus | SPAR Scotland

THE RECIPE FOR FOOD-TO-GO SUCCESS From matching ranges to local demand and maintaining availability to using digital menus, loyalty apps and delivery, SPAR Scotland shows how retailers can grow food-to-go sales without significantly increasing labour costs. THE KEY FACTORS RETAILERS NEED TO CONSIDER WHEN EXECUTING A STRONG FOOD TO GO OFFER A strong offer should reflect who shops the store. A commuter or forecourt location may need an excellent 6am-9am breakfast and coffee offer, whereas a store near schools or offices could have a much stronger lunchtime and afternoonsnacking opportunity. Rural and neighbourhood stores may have greater potential in food for later as well as immediate consumption. Presentation matters: a clearly defined food to go area, strong pricing, simple meal deals and products that are easy to shop quickly. That is visible in newer SPAR Scotland stores where CJ’s hot food, Rollover and Barista Bar sit alongside an expanded chilled and ready-meal proposition

HOW RETAILERS CAN UP THEIR FOOD TO GO GAME WITHOUT VASTLY INCREASING LABOUR COSTS Keep it simple and make the offer easy to shop. Many food-to-go purchases are impulse-driven, with customers often noticing a meal deal or promotion while waiting in the queue. Clear, easy-to-read menus and strong visibility at the point of purchase can make a significant difference, encouraging customers to add to their basket and return for the same offer again. SPAR Scotland’s latest store refurbishments feature digital screens above the hot food counters, providing a clear and engaging way to communicate food-to-go ranges, offers and pricing. For retailers purchasing their food-togo range through SPAR Scotland, the digital screens also simplify price communication, reducing the need to manage individual price lists while keeping the offer consistent, visible and easy for customers to understand.

FOOD TRENDS Coﬀee and loyalty are becoming increasingly interconnected. SPAR Scotland launched the My Barista Bar Rewards+ app in May 2026, allowing customers to collect digital stamps and access 66

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS Modern, fit for purpose chilled and frozen equipment.

ASSOCIATED COSTS AND FEES No upfront fees Free SPAR membership for 1 year Free deliveries

incentives. That turns coﬀee from a simple transaction into a repeat-visit mechanic. There is also growing focus on health regulation and HFSS, meaning meal deals, promotions and food-to-go ranges will increasingly need to balance indulgence with healthier choices

CASE STUDIES OF CONVENIENCE RETAILERS MAKING A SUCCESS OF FOOD TO GO SPAR Pinkie Farm, Musselburgh is one of the strongest Scottish examples. It became the first independent SPAR Scotland store to install Barista Bar and subsequently reported more than 100% growth versus its previous coffee offer. It has since continued evolving its broader food offer through Carla’s Kitchen and proteinfocused freshly prepared meals. There is also evidence from SPAR Scotland’s wider CJ’s programme. Earlier in its rollout, CJ’s had sold more than six million fresh morning rolls, while coffee sales were up 138%, with SPAR reporting a halo effect into categories including soft drinks and fresh foods

THE FUTURE OF FOOD TO GO IN SCOTTISH CONVENIENCE RETAIL For SPAR Scotland, the opportunity is to use CJ’s and Barista Bar to create a recognisable food-to-go proposition while retaining the local flexibility that Scottish convenience retailers are particularly good at. Local bakery products, Scottish suppliers and ranges tailored to individual communities provide a point of diﬀerence that major multiples can find harder to replicate. The rollout of SPAR Dash, SPAR Scotland’s delivery service, is helping to extend that convenience beyond the store by making Food to Go alongside everyday essentials more accessible to customers. This gives retailers the opportunity to reach a wider audience.

KEY BENEFITS FOR SPAR RETAILERS Q

Up to 6% rebate, with development support available.

Free multi-temperature deliveries up to 3 times per week.

Award winning own-brand ranges and trusted supplier partnerships

Exclusive Access to Barista Bar and Iceland In store

Free store design and refit support.

Expansive range of food to go within the store

SPAR Dash, a delivery service exclusive to SPAR customers.

Store formats to suit any store size.

Free demographic report.

Free fascia, graphics and internal imagery.

Free merchandising support & store launch.

Free POS kit.

Market leading promotions featured on TV.

Full food to go offer supplied by CJL.

Dedicated BDM support.

The only Scottish wholesaler to regularly advertise on STV to promote deals and offers within stores.

SWA Symbol Group of the year – 3 consecutive years

www.slrmag.co.uk

Discover Your Store Our Support

Store Tech

Barista Bar

Iceland

Food To Go

To ﬁnd out more, call 01382 512000 or email discover@sparscotland.co.uk www.sparscotland.co.uk

Advertising Feature

Fascia Focus | Parfetts

STAY IN CONTROL WITH GO LOCAL Go Local backs independents with pricing, promotions and practical support.

ndependent retailers want the backing of a strong symbol group, but they also want to stay in control of their business. That is the thinking behind Go Local, Parfetts’ symbol oﬀer for independent convenience stores. Parfetts is employee-owned, which makes a real diﬀerence to retailers. With no outside shareholders taking profits from the business, Parfetts can invest more in the areas that matter to store owners, including competitive pricing, promotions and service. There is no joining fee, and retailers receive free delivery and a straightforward 2% compliance reward. Stores can choose from several fascia options, including Go Local, Go Local Extra, The Local, Shop & Go and Local 4U, giving owners flexibility to choose the right format for their store.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

An important part of the oﬀer is Parfetts’ RDA network, which works directly with retailers, providing practical advice on store performance, layout, category planning and redevelopment. This gives retailers someone who understands convenience retail and can help them look at where improvements can be made. Parfetts also provides merchandising guidance to help stores make the most of promotions and available space. Marketing support includes regular national promotions on key convenience categories, backed by supplier investment and professionally produced point-of-sale material. The aim is to help retailers bring customers through the door and increase basket spend. Parfetts is also growing its Own Brand range, with more than 250 lines giving

retailers greater choice and helping them oﬀer customers value while protecting margins. Technology is becoming an increasingly important part of the support available. Parfetts’ Go for Growth platform brings together EPoS data, shelf analysis, category management, supplier insight, planograms, promotions and ordering tools. Retailers can use their store data to see what is selling, identify missed sales and make better ranging decisions. For retailers considering a symbol, Go Local combines competitive pricing and promotions with practical support on the shop floor. Its employee-owned structure means Parfetts can continue investing in the services that help independent retailers protect margins and grow sales.

www.slrmag.co.uk

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The full process of opening my store was really well supported. From weekly calls with my new business manager to store development team right through to launch day.

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Feature

Big Night In

ALL RIGHT ON THE NIGHT

From convenient snacks to restaurant-inspired meals, retailers must cater to a wide range of Big Night In needs. BY SARAH BRITTON

ising living costs and changing social habits are driving more consumers to socialise at home, making the Big Night In (BNI) an increasingly important mission for convenience

retailers. According to Sharon Warburton, Head of Category at AG Barr, the trend is becoming increasingly significant for convenience retailers. “In 2026, the Big Night In represents a crucial mission for convenience retailers,” she says. “Consumers are adjusting to rising prices in bars and restaurants, with almost a third saying they will visit less often [Circana Foodservice Sentiment Study, May 2025], instead creating their own occasions at home.” As more consumers moderate alcohol consumption, retailers have an opportunity to grow basket spend through soft drinks. Warburton highlights the importance of variety. “With one in five shoppers choosing to avoid alcohol [Alcohol change UK], retailers 72

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

MACKIE’S TURNS 40 with a range of delicious and interesting flavours in a variety of pack formats will see the biggest uplifts.” Low- and no-sugar products are becoming particularly important, with low-calorie carbonates now accounting for 55% of category value sales and growing faster than regular alternatives [Circana Value Sales, 12 w.e 07.03.26, Total Coverage]. Following a successful limited-edition launch, Irn-Bru Ice Cream has been added permanently to the Zero range, while Irn-Bru Zero Cherry has launched exclusively into convenience. At the more indulgent end of the soft drinks spectrum, dairy drinks are also finding their way into the BNI basket. According to FrieslandCampina, consumers continue to seek indulgent moments within everyday life. This is reflected in the growth of brands like Chocomel, which has successfully attracted a new wave of shoppers who are engaging with the “at-home treat occasion”.

As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, ice cream brand Mackie’s has picked up two stars at the 2026 Great Taste Awards. Mackie’s Traditional variant was described as “utter perfection”, while its Salted Caramel flavour was lauded for its smooth, creamy texture and well-balanced flavour. The firm gave a “huge thank you” to its staff for the care, dedication and hard work that goes into making its ice cream. Looking back on 40 years in the business, the company said: “Since making our first tubs of ice cream on the family farm in 1986, we have grown to become one of the UK’s fastest-growing premium ice cream brands and Scotland’s best-selling ice cream brand by volume [Kantar Worldpanel], while remaining firmly rooted in Aberdeenshire, where we still make all of our ice cream and chocolate.”

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“I’M TOO

FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FRUITY FOR YOUR SHELF”

GIVE THEM GIVETHEM BIGFLAVOUR FLAVOUR BIG

Feature

Big Night In

RTDS IN DEMAND Ready-to-drink alcohol is another BNI winner, especially with younger adult consumers. Scott Bell, Marketing Director at SHS Drinks, says the shift towards home entertaining continues to gather pace. “Consumers still want memorable occasions with friends, but increasingly they’re creating them at home.” RTDs remain one of the fastest-growing alcohol segments, delivering 14% annual growth [UK Take Home RTDs, 52 weeks, w/e 16/05/26], while WKD itself continues to enjoy strong momentum. The brand has delivered more than 10% value growth in recent months [UK Take Home RTDs, 12 weeks, w/e 11/07/26] and continues to strengthen its appeal through a broad range of formats and strengths. “From alcohol-free choices with WKD 0.0% through to higher-strength WKD X variants, the portfolio enables retailers to meet evolving consumer preferences while maximising sales opportunities,” says Bell. Flavour remains critical. Products such as WKD X Blue Raspberry have generated exceptional growth, while the new WKD Cocktails range brings popular on-trade serves including Blue Lagoon, Venom and Cheeky V into the home environment. SHS Drinks is supporting growth through a £10m consumer investment programme during 2026, helping ensure the category remains highly visible among younger adult drinkers.

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE Global Brands is also benefiting from the growing popularity of BNI home drinking occasions. According to Craig Chapman, Head of Brand at Global Brands, RTDs account for 28% of convenience alcohol value sales [The Knowledge Bank 2025], with more than half of buyers specifically purchasing for home consumption [Mintel 2026]. “For planned occasions that require hosting, stocking multipacks or larger formats is key, oﬀering an easy, all-in-one solution for shoppers looking to stock up with enough choice to suit diﬀerent tastes without overcomplicating the shop,” he says. “For example, VK’s 70cl bottle and mixed packs are built for group settings and best enjoyed when getting together with friends for social occasions.” Multipacks are also central to craft beer consumption, with more than half (55%) of all craft beer spend coming from four- to six-packs, states BrewDog [Circana Total Impulse latest MAT wks data up to 25.05.25]. “We also continue to see success with our BrewDog mixed multipack SKUs, which are up 87% versus YA [Circana Total Impulse w/e 74

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

25.05.25],” says Georgia Ladbrook, Shopper Marketing Manager, Impulse, BrewDog. “Perfect for sharing and trialling diﬀerent styles, these packs are ideal for the Big Night In occasion, and by driving wider availability linked to the Big Night In mission, there is an opportunity to upweight basket spend.”

From a craft beer perspective, IPA is the most popular and best-performing style of beer year-round, worth 70% of the craft beer market [ibid], while Punk IPA remains the number-one craft beer brand [ibid], making it an important signpost to help shoppers navigate fixtures and a must-stock for retailers looking to maximise BNI sales. Last summer, BrewDog introduced pricemarked versions of its best-selling products: Punk IPA 4-pack and Hazy Jane 4-pack. Earlier this year, BrewDog extended its PMP range with the introduction of Lost Lager and Cold Beer Pint Can 4-pack PMPs. PRINGLES AND BURGER KING JOIN FORCES Retailers have just one month left to make the most of Pringles’ limited-edition Burger King flavours. The non-HFSS Pringles x Burger King Bacon Double Cheese XL Flavour and Pringles x Burger King Chicken Royale Flavour bring the taste of two fan-favourite burgers to the snack aisle, offering shoppers a bold new option for sharing occasions at home. Available until the end of September (subject to availability), the range has listings with Booker, Bestway and leading buying groups, as well as One Stop, Spar and Nisa. Shoppers can use their Pringles x Burger King tubes to redeem an exclusive buy-one-get-one-free offer in restaurants by scanning the QR code on pack.

SIZING THINGS UP Within the wider beer and cider market, Aston Manor Cider claims that BNI sees consumers gravitate towards larger packs. “With shoppers planning ahead for evenings in, multipacks and larger take-home formats play an important role,” says Head of Marketing Grace Anthony. “Value-led cider formats, particularly PET bottles and multipacks, are resonating strongly with consumers who want to cater for groups while keeping spend under control.” The firm says its best-performing SKUs are also the best value. Crumpton Oaks 2.5l PET is the No.1 cider PET in UK convenience [TWC, Cider, Product Performance, Volume, Last 13wks to 30.11.2025] and Crumpton Oaks 4x568ml is up 38% [ibid]. While larger pack sizes work well for BNI, Sarah Duncan, Heineken Commercial Strategy Director, notes that convenience shoppers are limited by what they can carry. “Smaller pack sizes are more accessible for those who are walking to their local store, especially those located in busy town and city centres where taking home larger multipacks might not be accessible. It’s also important to keep in mind that while some convenience stores may have parking facilities, not all will, so consumers will be looking for beer and cider they can carry easily home, so small-pack sizes (three- to six-packs) will win here.” However, home delivery can overcome this barrier. Jaz Ali of Jaz’s Premier in Grangemouth took full advantage of his Scoot rapid delivery service by running promotions on larger beer pack sizes during the World Cup. “We did a Fosters 10-pack, a bottle of cola and a six-pack of crisps for £9.99 for Scotland games,” he says. “We’ll start doing that during the league as well.” Sporting occasions represent substantial opportunities, concurs KP Snacks. “Strong brand associations with major events significantly increase product relevance for shoppers, with 77% of sports viewers saying they notice brands surrounding sporting events [Bauer Media Outdoor Sports Advertising Survey July - September 2023] and 58% planning to buy snacks around sporting events [Bauer Media Outdoor Sporting Intentions Study, March 2024, N=1,256],” says Head of Convenience and Impulse Stuart Graham. “McCoy’s is perfectly positioned to capture this demand as the oﬃcial Savoury Snacks Partner for the NFL in the UK and Ireland, making it ideal for watching the big game at home.” KP Nuts’ association with PDC Darts World Champion Luke Littler also helps drive relevance around key viewing occasions. www.slrmag.co.uk

Feature

Big Night In

SHARE THE FUN The firm claims that sharing remains the largest segment within crisps, snacks and nuts, now worth more than £2bn [Nielsen IQ, Total Coverage, Total Value, MAT 13.06.26] and is growing. PepsiCo advises merchandising sharing snacks by complementary categories to boost BNI sales. “Retailers can position sharing packs near soft drinks to drive cross-category sales and boost the Big Night In opportunity,” says Ed Merrett, Wholesale Controller at PepsiCo. “To amplify this, using point of sale materials can deliver 12% sales uplift [NIQ, Independents & Symbols Cal Yr 2025 - w/e 27/12/25].” He advises retailers to place sharing formats at the top of their main displays so they are right in the shopper’s eyeline. “This grabs attention and encourages trade-up to larger packs, which deliver higher value than singles. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the value, the higher they should sit.” In addition to larger formats, BNI shoppers are also seeking affordable luxury, observes Mars Wrigley. “Value remains important to this occasion, so pricemarked packs (PMPs) and the Big Night In go hand-in-hand,” states Lauren George, External Communications Manager at Mars Wrigley. “PMPs offer reassurance to consumers that they are paying a fair price for a quality product, while also helping convenience retailers build trust and confidence with shoppers and drive repeat purchases.” The firm’s new Skittles Flavour Flip fits the bill as it comes in a £1 PMP 109g bag, as well as a 136g pouch. Each pack contains a Skittles lentil with two-in-one flavour and colour combinations in every bite. They are particularly well suited to teen-influenced households, adds George. Fini has also tapped into demand for a multi-sensory experience with products like Fini Sour and Inside Out Tubes. “Shoppers are increasingly looking for products that feel different, exciting and worth the spend, even within accessible impulse categories,” says Steven Greaves, Managing Director UK and Ireland at Fini.

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

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Feature

Big Night In

GOING GLOBAL Another big trend is Asian-inspired sweets, such as Fini Mini Mochis, which the group claims are moving firmly from niche into the mainstream as shopper interest accelerates. “Research shows that 78% of UK shoppers now purchase Asian-inspired bagged snacks, while online discussion around Asian sweet and savoury snacks continues to grow year-on-year [Innova Market Insights],” says Greaves. “This shift underlines just how mainstream global influence has become within confectionery, with shoppers continuing to engage with bold flavours, colours and distinctive textures.” Demand for global-inspired flavours also impacts BNI meals. “Convenient, easy-to-prepare meal solutions – such as world food meal kits, heat & eat meals and ready-to-use sauces – are key BNI purchase drivers as they align with cost of living trends and deliver restaurant-quality ready meal options as an ideal alternative to eating out,” says Akash Mittal, Brand Manager at Empire Bespoke Foods (EBF), which imports and distributes speciality foods from around the world.

(Malay Taste), Thai (Thai Taste) and Vietnamese (Nem Viet). He suggests retailers further capitalise on BNI by creating ‘pick ’n’ mix’ displays featuring meal kits, snacks and drinks. Shezad Aslam, Managing Director of Aagrah Food, which specialises in Kashmiri and Indian cooking tarka pastes, sauces and sides, believes there is an especially strong BNI opportunity for Indian cuisine. “Scotland has always punched above its weight when it comes to appetite for authentic Indian food,” he says. “It’s no coincidence that some of the highest concentrations of Indian restaurants and takeaways in the UK are found north of the border, and that appetite is now translating directly into the BNI fixture. “Within BNI, cooking sauces, pastes and accompaniments sit at the heart of the ‘fakeaway’ occasion, and in Scotland specifically we’re seeing strong performance from curry sauces and pastes, poppadums and naan, the categories that let a household recreate a proper restaurant-style curry night without leaving the kitchen.”

MAKING A MEAL OF IT

The group oﬀers a wide range of authentic meal kits and accompaniments based on global cuisines including Indian and Korean (Master Cook), Japanese (S&B), Malaysian

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

St Pierre Groupe has also recognised the trend towards recreating restaurant-inspired meals at home for less than the cost of dining out. The firm claims that its savoury brioche buns give shoppers an opportunity to trade up. “Shoppers are looking for small upgrades that deliver stronger taste, quality and enjoyment without significantly increasing the overall cost of the meal,” says Commercial Director Rachel

Wells. She claims that St Pierre Brioche Buns and Hot Dog Rolls allow shoppers to elevate burgers, hot dogs and fakeaways at modest cost, helping retailers deliver premium options without sacrificing value. Products that can feed several people are also becoming increasingly important, adds Josh Corrigan, Customer Development Director, UK, at St Pierre Groupe. “Baker Street’s Burger Buns and Hot Dog Rolls oﬀer a simple and versatile base for popular Big Night In meals, helping shoppers create crowd-pleasing burgers and hot dogs at home,” he says. “Their longer shelf life also gives consumers the flexibility to buy ahead, while helping retailers maintain availability and reduce waste.” Retailers should also cater for BNI shoppers who want a casual night in with minimal preparation, advises Kepak Foods. “Rustlers can be prepared in less time than it takes to watch a commercial break,” says Head of Convenience Ross Davison. “As Rustlers products are more likely to be eaten during relaxing moments in front of a TV [World Panel Usage, 52 w/e May 18 2025, % Share Occasions vs LY], and with 73% of Rustlers shoppers agreeing that eating and drinking out is prohibitively more expensive [Savvy Shopper Panel, Base: 1,002 UK Shoppers, January 2025], Rustlers really is made for the Big Night In occasion.” Whether shoppers are planning a curry night, hosting friends for the big game or simply settling in on the sofa, retailers that can meet every element of the Big Night In mission stand to reap the rewards.

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NEW RRP £1 ●

STOCK UP

NOW

Advertising Feature

Big Night In | WKD

NO TRICKS. JUST TREATS FOR RETAILERS WITH A HALLOWEEN BIG NIGHT IN BY SCOTT BELL, MARKETING DIRECTOR, SHS DRINKS

ver recent years, Halloween has evolved from a niche seasonal event into one of the biggest commercial opportunities for an autumn Big Night In, and for Scotland’s independent retailers it represents a valuable chance to drive footfall, increase basket spend and recruit new shoppers. With almost half of UK adults now celebrating Halloween and spending continuing to rise1, the occasion has become far more than a single day. Whilst confectionery and decorations remain Halloween staples, alcohol has become an increasingly important part of the shopping basket as Millennials and Gen Z continue to embrace the occasion, in fact, they celebrate it more than any other age group1. House parties, pre-drinks and nights in with friends all create strong demand for convenient, easy-to-serve drinks, making RTDs one of the standout categories. They also continue to be one of the fastest-growing segments within alcohol, delivering 14% growth in the last year2, combining convenience, flavour and fun with minimal preparation, exactly what consumers are looking for when entertaining at home. WKD is perfectly positioned to help retailers capitalise on the Halloween occasion as it naturally complements the brand’s “Got a WKD Side?” campaign, celebrating creativity, costumes, shared experiences and not taking life too seriously. Retailers can be confident that stocking up on WKD will appeal to their shoppers, being a brand which continues to perform strongly, delivering over 10% value growth in the latest 12 weeks, remaining one of the UK’s leading RTD brands3. Alongside its bestselling core range, continued innovation through WKD X and the new WKD Cocktails range gives consumers simple, fun solutions whether they’re hosting friends, attending a party or creating themed serves at home. For retailers, Halloween is also an occasion where merchandising really matters. Creating dedicated Halloween displays featuring confectionery, 80

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

snacks and drinks together helps shoppers complete their mission quickly while encouraging additional purchases. This year, with Halloween falling on a Saturday, retailers have an even greater opportunity to build momentum throughout the week and maximise sales across the entire weekend. Plan early, build eye-catching displays from late September, maintain availability right through October and make seasonal shopping as easy as possible. By combining trusted brands such as WKD with strong in-store theatre and convenient take-home formats, retailers can maximise one of the biggest and most profitable social occasions in the convenience retail calendar.

1. YouGov Article – Halloween Spending & Shopping Trends in Britain 2025 – 06.10.25 - https://yougov.com/en-gb/articles/53067-uk-halloween-spending-shoppingtrends-2025 2. UK Take Home RTDs, 52 weeks, w/e 16/05/26 3. UK Take Home RTDs, 12 weeks, w/e 11/07/26

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Feature

Food-to-go

NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS

Consumers on the go are hungry for products that deliver on taste, health and value. BY SARAH BRITTON

he food-to-go sector is evolving rapidly as consumers look for options that combine convenience, nutrition and value. While traditional lunchtime staples such as sandwiches, crisps and soft drinks continue to dominate, healthier alternatives, protein-rich products and more premium meal deal combinations are increasingly shaping purchasing decisions. If there is one trend cutting across almost every part of food-to-go, it is protein. One of the most notable developments of 2026 comes from Jack Link’s, which is hoping to introduce a new generation of consumers to meat snacking through a major partnership with digital superstar MrBeast. While jerky has traditionally been viewed as a niche category in the UK, the market is now worth £44m and has grown by 26% over the past three years. David Harriman, UKI Country Director at Jack Link’s, says: “With household penetration still below 7%, growth in meat snacks is fundamentally about recruitment. This launch is designed to unlock new buyers, new occasions and genuine incremental value for retailers.” The partnership gives Jack Link’s access to MrBeast’s Gen Z and Gen Alpha audience while reinforcing jerky’s position as a convenient, protein-rich snack. With younger consumers increasingly looking

SLR | SEPTEMBER 2026

ENERGISING FOOD-TO-GO SALES As supermarkets continue to strengthen their meal deal propositions, Scottish c-stores have a significant opportunity to win back food-to-go shoppers by offering the right drink choices alongside food, says Red Bull. Soft drinks remain a key driver of value in the channel, with energy drinks the fastest-growing segment and one of only two soft drinks categories currently driving growth across the board [Nielsen WE 5-4-2025, CGA WE 17-6-2025], observes the firm. This trend is being fuelled by younger consumers, with consumption amongst 18–24-year-olds up 21% vs 3YA [Insidery 2025]. “Energy Drinks is the number one soft drink category that Gen Z’s choose during a casual meal [CGA OPUS, June 2025], which puts it ahead of coffee and cola,” says a Red Bull spokesperson. For this reason, Red Bull advises convenience retailers to ensure energy drinks are prominently available in chillers and meal deal offers. Retailers should also consider changing consumption habits throughout the day. “27% of Sports & Energy usage occasions are in the morning [Kantar | Share of Occasions | 52 w/e to 25 January 2026] and breakfast on the go is at an all-time high, with energy drink sales seeing a surge during this time,” says Red Bull. “Meal deals work particularly well for premium products such as energy drinks, with one in four Sports & Energy usage occasions featuring food [Kantar Usage Panel 2024], so it’s important to consider all the different mealtimes where these would be relevant.”

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FUEL THE PAIRING.

51%

ENERGY BUYERS ALSO PURCHASE SNACKS

WITH ENERGY AND FOOD-TO-GO.

IS YOUR STORE READY FOR EVERY FOOD MOMENT? Soft Drinks and Food go hand in hand. Shoppers don’t just reach for a drink at lunch, they’re pairing up from breakfast to last thing at night. Look beyond the meal deal and merchandise drinks around every occasion food shows up.

27%

SPORTS AND ENERGY USAGE OCCASIONS ARE IN THE MORNING1. STOCK ENERGY ALONGSIDE BREAKFAST FOOD, NOT JUST AT LUNCH.

GROWTH HACKS

4 WAYS TO WIN 1

Bundle drinks with food lines to build bigger baskets, not just bigger drink sales.

27%

ARE MORE LIKELY TO STOP IN IF THEY SEE A FOOD PROMO IN STORE4. ADVERTISE OFFERS IN THE WINDOW OR OUTSIDE.

MERCHANDISE FOR THE MISSION Range drinks around food missions, including food for later, not just food for now.

+60%

MORE PEOPLE ARE BUYING ENERGY AND PREPARED MEALS TOGETHER (2025 – 2019)3 MERCHANDISE FOOD FOR LATER NEAR SOFT DRINKS.

CHILLERS NEAR SNACKS 51% of Energy shoppers also buy snacks. Place a cooler nearby to maximise touchpoints.

51%

ENERGY DRINK SHOPPERS ALSO BUY SNACKS2. PLACE A COOLER NEAR SNACKS TO MAXIMISE TOUCHPOINTS.

CROSS-CATEGORY PROMOS

ADVERTISE THE PARTNERSHIP Promote food & drink deals in the window or outside store to stop shoppers walking past.

SELL SMARTER. SELL FASTER.

Sources: 1. NIQ | Total in Home / Carried Out | All Consumers | 52we 25-Jan-26 | Share of Occasions 2. Human8 x Red Bull Shopper Path to Purchase Research March 2026 3. Numerator Advanced Trended Metric Scorecard, Gas & Conv, L52we 31/3/25 L12M vs FY 2019 4. Mintel Conv Store Foodservice Report 2025

Fuelled by

Feature

Food-to-go

for products that deliver sustained energy throughout the day, meat snacks are benefiting from changing attitudes towards healthier snacking. Protein’s influence can also be seen in hot food-to-go. Rollover hopes to cash in on the trend with the launch of its new Chicken Tenders Snack Box. Available across convenience and forecourts, the product combines crispy chicken breast tenders with a sweet and spicy hot honey dip. The launch taps into two major consumer trends: demand for protein-rich foods and growing interest in adventurous flavours. Chicken is now the second most popular food-

to-go choice, while boneless chicken remains consumers’ preferred format for eating fried chicken. Tony Owen, General Manager at Rollover, says: “With hot honey continuing to grow in popularity, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring something fresh and exciting to the category. The product is designed to drive trial and appeal to Gen Z and millennials seeking high-protein snacks.” Shoppers now expect their snacks to work harder for them, whether that’s delivering protein, fibre, natural ingredients or simpler recipes, notes Natural Balance Foods, which supplies Trek and nākd bars. “Within cereal bars, Better For You snack bars are the fastestgrowing segment, up +12.1% [NIQ Scantrack Retail Data to w/e 27.12.25],” says Marketing Manager Alice Boardman, highlighting that cereal bar singles are growing +8.2% [ibid]. “What’s driving growth is no longer niche or sports-led products, but everyday protein bars that feel accessible, enjoyable and relevant to real-life routines – reflected in the fact that Functional Health Bars are now the fastestgrowing part of Better For You snacking, up +24.3%, compared to Sports Nutrition at just +5.5% [ibid].” Shoppers are prioritising products that support broader wellness goals without compromising on taste or texture, notes Grant Yates, Sales Director at Yoplait. He claims that protein, fortification and functional health are increasingly shaping shopper behaviour in the yoghurt aisle. “Health is now an important purchase driver, with functional segments such as protein and gut health growing [Nielsen NIQ Total Convenience, MAT, 21.02.26]. Shoppers are increasingly looking for products that work harder for them, whether that’s supporting bone health with vitamin D or providing high-protein options that fit seamlessly into busy routines.” Alongside demand for health benefits is consumers’ insatiable need for value as they continue to face the cost-of-living crisis. Yoplait

is tapping into this with Yop’s first-ever pricemarked pack (PMP) for convenience. Available in its most popular strawberry flavour, the £1.59 PMP drink will be available in Eden Farm, Parfetts and Bestway. “The addition of a price-marked pack will further drive consumer trust and attract valueconscious shoppers,” says Yates. A recent collaborative trial in independent convenience stores led by Yazoo unveiled compelling evidence that combining eﬀective in-store merchandising with PMPs can drive significant sales growth in the impulse-driven chilled milk drinks category. One of the key findings, based on retailers’ EPoS data, was that there was a +89% average sales uplift in overall Yazoo PMP sales across all three participating stores. Sophie Williams of Broadway Convenience Store in Edinburgh, who took part in the trial, said: “We were blown away by the impact; our chilled milk drinks sales went through the roof.” PMPs have seen significant growth in the past few years, observes KP Snacks. “We’ve seen a recent increase in grab bags and large PMP sales as people are tempted by the bigger packs,” says Stuart Graham, Head of Convenience and Impulse. “70% of shoppers purchase items on impulse and PMPs drive these sales through clear messaging and displays [Lumina, L8w, CTP Average w/e 09.01.22].” The KP Snacks portfolio of large-format PMPs is currently worth £133m and growing at 7.4% [Nielsen IQ, Total Coverage, Total Value, MAT 13.06.2026]. PepsiCo concurs that price marks are a major draw for food-to-go shoppers, noting that PMPs make up 61% of savoury snack sales [NIQ, Independents & Symbols Cal Yr 2025 w/e 27/12/25] and reassure people that they’re getting good value. The PMP format continues to grow, with value share rising to 70% across 2025, compared to 68% in 2024 [NIQ 52 w/e 13/12/25, Independents & Symbols].

KEPAK’S DELI RANGE TACKLES FOOD WASTE Kepak, owner of the £94.6m Rustlers brand, is helping convenience retailers tackle one of the biggest food-to-go challenges: waste caused by short shelf lives. Its new East St Deli range uses Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) to offer a market-leading shelf life for pre-packed sandwiches, giving retailers more time to sell stock and reducing the risk of waste. Research conducted by Kepak and the Association of Convenience Stores identified pre-packed sandwiches and their short shelf lives as the leading causes of convenience-store food waste. East St Deli maintains freshness, taste and texture for longer without artificial preservatives. Kepak’s internal modelling suggests the extended shelf life of its new East St Deli range could cut sandwich wastage by up to 50%, helping address the estimated 10.7m to 17.8m sandwiches discarded in UK retail each year [Kantar Worldpanel OOH 52we 13 July 2025]. The premium range includes five sandwiches: Chicken & Stuffing, Chicken & Bacon Mayo, Tuna Mayo, Egg Mayo and Cheese & Onion Mayo, plus Sweet Chilli Chicken and Chicken Caesar wraps, all with an RSP of £2.89. 84

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Food-to-go

Feature

KEEP IT SIMPLE Retailers don’t need to invest in full in-store kitchens or cooking facilities to elevate their food-to-go offer, highlights St Pierre Groupe. “For many, the biggest gains come from focusing on high-impact, low-risk investments that enhance the existing proposition, particularly around the morning and lunchtime missions,” says Commercial Director Rachel Wells. “The morning run presents a clear opportunity to grow food-to-go sales by merchandising a strong range of morning goods alongside the hot drinks dispenser. Simple investments in layout, signage and availability, combined with the strength of brands like St Pierre, can drive linked purchases, encourage repeat visits and increase spend across multiple categories without adding operational complexity.” Individually wrapped morning goods, such as St Pierre Butter and Chocolate Croissants, are well suited to this mission, she adds.

PepsiCo is maximising the opportunity by investing in PMP formats across a number of foodto-go lines. “With almost 750,000 shoppers at risk of exiting the category at the £1 RRP price threshold [Kantar Worldpanel data / Out of Home / CSN / Impulse / 52we/ 10-Nov-25], we unlocked greater value for retailers and shoppers with the launch of a Walkers 85p RRP price-marked pack across impulse bestsellers,” says Ed Merrett, Wholesale Controller at PepsiCo. The modern food to go market is becoming increasingly sophisticated. While convenience remains essential, value and health benefits, in particular protein content, are also important considerations for today’s consumers. www.slrmag.co.uk

STOCK UP TODAY!

SEPTEMBER 2026 | SLR

UTC

WAFER-THIN MAJORITY From when fire was discovered to the dawn of TikTok, people once grappled with some profound philosophical questions. Is there a god? Do we have free will? Caramel wafer or teacake? Tough nuts to crack. And now Under The Counter has stopped doomscrolling long enough to come up with some answers. UTC isn’t sure if there is a god, although he thinks he might have sat next to him at primary school. What’s more, he’s fairly positive there is no such thing as free will; not after 40 years of marriage to Mrs UTC anyway. And as for

caramel wafers vs teacakes, he has some ice-cold scientific analysis courtesy of CCEP. Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (not the Soviet Union) asked visitors to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to settle the biscuit debate by chucking empty drinks containers into an interactive ‘ballot bin’. As a quick swatch at said bin confirms, you could barely squeeze a teacake’s foil wrapper between the votes. And before readers fresh from the Journal of Applied Statistics start braying about the staggeringly small sample size, don’t. UTC doesn’t care.

He is, however, torn. There’s less chance of him breaking his falsers on the soft mallow of the teacake. That said, he’s more likely to get the narrower caramel wafer into his cakehole without smearing chocolate all over his coupon. It’s a moot point though; Mrs UTC won’t let him have either.

AULD REEKER

PAIN IN THE GARCIA

If the Auld Boy was a city, he’d be Edinburgh: old and prone to smelling a bit funny. Despite this kinship with the Athens of the North, he avoided it like an alcohol-free beer last month – because the Festival Fringe was in town. Now, UTC enjoys a jostling from hordes of flyer-thrusting thespians as much as the next misanthropic geriatric but still, it’s not for him. He was therefore in no rush to visit Aldi’s Portobello store, which the German discounter, with its ruthless Teutonic efficiency in sniffing out a PR wheeze, was touting as “an unlikely foodie destination” for festival-goers. It even banged out a wee postcard to remind tourists of their grand day out in the middle aisle. The store had supposedly become one of the only supermarkets in Scotland to feature among Edinburgh’s ‘Top Things To Do’ on Tripadvisor, putting it alongside many of the capital’s most iconic visitor attractions.

Under The Counter was giddy with excitement (or had stood up too quickly) when he discovered Molson Coors had launched a competition to find a new face for its Madrí Excepcional ‘world beer’ brand. Yes, the one that magically captures the soul of Madrid from a brewery 1,000 miles away in Tadcaster. This offer to take a so-called ‘Sab-beer-tical’ (good try, Madrí, but no cigarro) from the nine to five follows research finding that 65% of Brits would consider taking a career break in return for the opportunity to try their dream job. Given that the only break on UTC’s horizon is probably a hip, he – somewhat gingerly – leapt at the chance. Sadly, a career break isn’t really up for grabs, although the prize includes a WSET Level 1 in Beer qualification. UTC is unsure just how you can ‘win’ a qualification – he remembers hours of swotting up on the Boer War to pass his Modern Studies exam – but hey, ho. The current ‘Madrí Man’ is based on the brand’s co-founder, Carlos Garcia, and the similarity to the Auld Boy is nothing short of frightening. Not only does UTC favour a bunnet and waistcoat, he is often found with a beer in his hand. And, very much like the whippersnapper in the picture, he is often out of focus.

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Given that the overwhelming majority of Scotland’s supermarkets are not even in Edinburgh, UTC had to wonder if this was worth boasting about. Putting this churlish pedantry to one side, the Auld Boy had a quick nosey on Tripadvisor to see just what other attractions Aldi Portobello was rubbing shoulders with. Castle, Royal Yacht, Camera Obscura. So far, so page one of the rankings. However, UTC had almost clicked his arthritic index finger down to the bone before he wearily stumbled across the Aldi entry, which weighed in at an impressive #653 of 773 things to do in Edinburgh. Precisely one place below the lost luggage desk at Edinburgh Airport.

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