Department for International Trade (DIT) has chosen Rahul Kale, international sales director at Vibrant Foods, to represent the company as an Export Champion in 2022.
Vibrant Foods is the parent company of TRS, East End Foods, Cofresh, Everest and Fudco, all highly successful South Asian food brands that have been leaders in the sector for decades.
Export Champions are hand-picked by the DIT as a recognition of their expertise in importing and exporting across international markets. The group is made up of over 400 ‘Champions’ across England, representing a range of sectors.
Vibrant Foods has grown its international business by 17 per cent despite severe challenges to supply chains, from Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and now the Ukraine-Russia conflict, beating the 15 per cent forecast made when Vibrant was initially founded, way before the challenges of the last two years began to affect the export sector.
In his role as a DIT Export Champion, Kale will use his expertise within international markets to provide advice, peer-to-peer support and inspiration to export businesses. His role in the international expansion will also be harnessed by DIT ministers in Government policy discussions so that businesses are supported outside of the UK.
“We are proud to be representing South Asian food and heritage in the UK and internationally,” Kale said. “Working with so many world-renowned retailers highlights not only the rise in demand in South Asian cuisine but also the success of everyone at Vibrant. Supplying the best quality products across all our markets. On a personal level, it is an honour to be working closely with DIT and other fellow champions to support the sector.”
Andrew Mitchell, Director General at the Department for International Trade, added: “We are thrilled to have Rahul Kale joining our Export Champions on behalf of Vibrant Foods for 2022-23. After the turbulence of the last two years, it is vital that we promote British food, drinks and agriculture. It is a sector that contributes £120 billion to the UK economy annually and supports 4.3 million jobs right across the country. Vibrant Foods will play an integral role in an important year post COVID-19 pandemic, being both a benchmark and an inspiration for other British export businesses.”
The news comes after a stellar year for Vibrant, which included new market growth in Spain, Finland and Portugal. The team has targeted the multi-cultural communities of six European countries, including Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Belgium, France and Norway. This led to a recent Ramadan campaign that saw an overall reach of over 4.5 million, underscoring the level of growth that has been seen this year.
The business now has new offices set up in Germany and Italy as it looks to continue its expansion. Now, not only are Vibrant Foods building strong trading relations with Indian suppliers but also exporting to Europe’s leading retailers.
Vibrant’s international markets will see targeted campaigns to new communities and new consumers – focussing on the Middle East, Turkey and Asia. As the brand grows abroad new plans will see increased distributor listings and new wholesales in markets with distribution gaps.
Rohit Samani, Chairman of Vibrant, said: “We are excited with the trajectory we are seeing in our international journey and the stature of Vibrant within the market. Being an Export Champion is a testament to the journey we have been on so far and we are looking forward to sharing our experiences and learning from fellow champions and the DIT. The last two years have undoubtedly been a difficult environment to operate in. We are committed to sharing our own learnings with our business community, supporting the collective goal of harnessing the very best of British business abroad.”
A leading retail association representing thousands of independent businesses across the UK has outlined its key priorities ahead of the Chancellor's Spring budget statement.
Andrew Goodacre, CEO of the British Independent Retailers Association (Bira), is calling on Chancellor Rachel Reeves to address three crucial areas to support independent retailers and revitalise high streets across the UK.
Goodacre said, "While we understand this Spring statement may not introduce major tax changes, we believe there are vital areas where the Government must demonstrate its commitment to the future of British high streets."
For the upcoming Spring budget on March 26, Goodacre has outlined three key priorities.
He said: "We need to see continued investment for town centres and high streets across the country to maintain momentum in regeneration efforts.
"The Government must also ensure that policing is fully funded to properly address retail crime, which has become increasingly concerning for our members.
"Additionally, we're calling for economic development to become a statutory requirement for local authorities, creating consistency in how high streets are supported nationwide."
Goodacre added, "Independent retailers form the backbone of our high streets and local economies.
"With the challenges facing the retail sector, including the aftermath of the pandemic and current economic pressures, it's essential that the Government prioritises support for our members."
Bira, which works with 6,000 independent retailers across Britain. It also includes members of Retra, the specialist trade association for independent electrical retailers and servicing organisations, and the ACT (Association of Cycle Traders).
Goodacre's appeal comes days after it emerged in a report that retailers across the nation’s flagship high streets are facing rising costs while many are considering reviewing their investment strategies while some are potentially facing permanent closure.
According to fresh analysis from pro-growth group High Streets UK, rising operational costs is the most pressing issue businesses are facing.
The survey revealed that the majority of businesses set to be impacted by the new higher multiplier (69 per cent) will seek to manage costs by reviewing staffing requirements – threatening up to 5,500 jobs in these locations.
64 per cent of those impacted businesses will consider passing on the additional costs to consumers, with analysis suggesting that prices would need to rise by around 3 per cent to offset the increased tax burden.
A third of affected businesses are considering reviewing their investment strategies in the UK (34 per cent) or closing certain locations (31 per cent) as a result.
This could put up to 600 trading units at risk, with over 200 potentially facing permanent closure.
Surplus supermarket Company Shop has partnered with Pricer, the leading in-store automation and communication solutions provider, to roll out Pricer’s in-store solution based on Electronic Shelf Labels (ESLs) to its entire UK store estate of supermarkets.
The partnership will enable Company Shop to optimise in-store operations and improve labour productivity, while leveraging dynamic pricing to help customers access good food at the best prices and reduce food waste.
Company Shop ‘surplus supermarkets’ sell discounted surplus from over 800 brands, retailers and manufacturers to its members who meet specific criteria. Each year, it redistributes over 100 million items across multiple categories and prevents 122,000 Tonnes of CO2 emissions annually.
As a surplus supermarket, Company Shop’s assortment of shorter shelf-life goods changes rapidly, often multiple times daily, requiring frequent updates to product information at the shelf-edge. Additionally, its commitment to offering its members the best value meant store colleagues were conducting several manual pricing changes throughout the day. This manual shelf-edge tasking required significant labour hours, and the installation of Pricer’s in-store solution for communication and digitalisation will create operational efficiencies, enabling store colleagues’ time to be used elsewhere within the stores.
Partnering with Pricer, Company Shop has digitally transformed the shelf edge with dynamic pricing and markdown capabilities. The centrally controlled ESLs deliver automated real-time pricing updates direct to the shelf-edge throughout the day, boosting labour productivity. Already the ESLs have contributed to a 5 per cent improvement in productivity whilst also allowing store colleagues to focus on customer service-oriented rather than manual tasks, such as checking or updating prices.
The ESLs have contributed to a 5 per cent improvement in productivity
As well as a significant operational cost saving, the dynamic pricing capabilities have also improved pricing accuracy. This ensures Company Shop’s members always receive the best value prices, while also encouraging sell-through on short shelf-life surplus goods to further reduce wastage.
“Introducing Pricer’s ESLs has been a game-changer – not just for our store colleagues, who have seen labour productivity boosted and their time freed to focus on delivering customer service, but especially for our members,” Gemma Edlin, Head of Retail at Company Shop, commented.
“Our vision is to create a world where no surplus products go to waste, so with real-time and to-the-second accurate pricing via the ESLs, our members know they’ll always be getting the very best price on offer, meaning more sell-through and less waste.”
Peter Ward, UK Country Manager at Pricer, added: “Company Shop has found a smart way to reduce food waste, which supports the FMCG sector and key workers by providing access to good food that would have otherwise been wasted, while also helping to reduce the impact of waste on the environment. And this means it really is delivering a win-win for both people and planet. With dynamic pricing capabilities, our ESLs mean more Company Shop members can access the best prices available, while store colleagues can control pricing efficiently while also focusing on those service delivery tasks that drive up customer experience and satisfaction.”
Already live in Company Shop’s St Helens and Long Eaton stores, Pricer will complete the rollout of its ESLs across all 13 Company Shop stores by the end of March partnering with Renovote on the in-store installations.
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Butlin’s Invests in Nisa Stores to Enhance Guest Experience
Holiday resort operator Butlin’s has revealed a significant investment in its on-site Nisa supermarkets, with a focus on improving customer experience and meeting the evolving needs of its guests.
This enhancement includes upgrades to two stores at its Skegness resort and improvements at Minehead and Bognor Regis.
The investments highlight Butlin’s’ commitment to providing exceptional retail services alongside its renowned holiday offerings.
As part of the upgrade, the larger Skegness store will adopt the Nisa Local fascia, while the smaller store will be rebranded under the Nisa Express fascia.
Nisa, which supplies five convenience stores across the Butlin’s estate, is a trusted partner in delivering high-quality products and exceptional service to guests.
The convenience retail sector in holiday resorts like Butlin’s continues to grow, with recent market data highlighting the increasing importance of on-site retail options for enhancing guest satisfaction.
Guests on both family holidays or adult only Big Weekender breaks now expect more from their holiday experience, and Butlin’s’ investment reflects this trend, offering a more comprehensive and accessible range of products at a competitive price.
Hannah Higgs, Retail Ops Support Partner at Butlin’s, said, “At Butlin’s, we’re always looking for ways to enhance our guests’ experience for both our family holidays and adult only Big Weekenders, and our convenience stores play a vital role in that.
"This investment allows us to offer a better selection of products, whether for a quick snack, a family meal, or holiday essentials. Working with Nisa has been instrumental in helping us meet the high expectations of our guests.”
Darren Bacon, Key Account Manager at Nisa, commented on the collaboration, “We are delighted to support Butlin’s in this significant investment in their convenience stores.
"Through our partnership, we’re helping to ensure that guests have access to Co-op’s trusted own-brand products, a wide-ranging assortment of essentials and treats, and reliable product availability. These upgrades will undoubtedly elevate the retail experience for Butlin’s guests.”
In addition to improving its retail offering, Butlin’s continues to give back to the community through Nisa’s Making a Difference Locally (MADL) initiative.
The company recently processed a £6,500 donation to Great Ormond Street Hospital through MADL.The money raised for Butlin’s’ charity partner Great Ormond Street Hospital will go directly towards a new world-leading Children’s Cancer Centre.
This is a unique facility which aims to improve the outcome for children with cancer.This latest investment reinforces Butlin’s’ position as a leader in the UK holiday market, combining best in class entertainment, accommodation, and now an enhanced retail experience.
As the company continues to develop its offerings, guests can look forward to an even better Butlin’s experience for years to come.
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Autumn Budget impacts small convenience store owners.
Convenience retailers are being advised by industry body ACS to make sure their business is ready for changes coming into force in April as a result of the Autumn Budget, which will increase costs for many, but for some of the smallest retailers may result in some savings.
The National Insurance Rate paid by employers currently stands at 13.8 per cent.
This will increase to 15 per cent from April, with the point at which employers beginning to pay NICs reducing from £9,100 a year to £5,000 a year.
For example, in a typical store (nine colleagues, 196 total paid hours per week), the change in NICs will result in an increase to the business’ annual Employer NICs bill from £8,170 per year to around £12,606 per year before claiming Employment Allowance.
Business rates bills are also set to increase due to the reduction in Retail, Hospitality and Leisure (RHL) relief, which will fall from 75 per cent to 40 per cent.
For example, a store with a rate-able value of £25,000 which applies the small business rate multiplier (x0.499) and the RHL reduction (40 per cent) will now face a payable rate of £7,485, more than double what it was in 2024.
Businesses in Wales will continue to receive 40 per cent RHL relief, and Scotland currently has no relief for retail businesses.
Retailers should also be prepared for increases to the National Living Wage (NLW) and National Minimum Wage (NMW) rates.
For employees who are over the age of 21, NLW rates will rise from £11.44 to £12.21 an hour
For employees aged 18-20, the NMW will rise from £8.60 to £10.00 an hour
For under 18s and apprentices, the NMW will rise from £6.40 to £7.55 an hour.
ACS chief executive James Lowman said, “The convenience sector has shown its resilience over the past year, continuing to grow despite the challenges faced from operational costs and retail crime.
"However, the increases introduced by the Budget will only ramp up the pressure on local shops, making it difficult for retailers to make a profit so they can grow and invest in their businesses.”
ACS is calling on retailer to claim their annual employment allowance, which is rising from £5,000 to £10,500.
"This is a vital way to reduce your overall Employer National Insurance bill. If you haven’t already, you can also claim the Employment Allowance for the past four years," states ACS.
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Unilever announces the sale of The Vegetarian Butcher to Vivera
Unilever has agreed to sell its The Vegetarian Butcher range to JBS-owned Vivera as part of its strategy to offload non-core brands.
The consumer goods giant acquired the plant-based food brand in 2018 from founder Jaap Korteweg. It has since delivered double-digit growth and expanded to more than 55 markets worldwide, both in retail and foodservice.
As part of a drive to accelerate its growth, Unilever is optimising its portfolio and focusing on its top 30 ‘power brands’.
Earlier this month, the company’s new Chief Executive, Fernando Fernandez, stated that he would accelerate the pace of disposals of smaller regional food brands after his predecessor Hein Schumacher said last year that he was looking to prune products from its portfolio that made up around €1bn of group revenues.
The plant-based food category has experienced a significant slowdown in the last couple of years, with other major manufacturers pulling brands from the market.
In a statement yesterday, Unilever noted that The Vegetarian Butcher’s chilled and frozen products required “a distinct supply chain and sourcing model”, which made the brand “less scalable” within its broader foods portfolio, which includes the likes of Knorr, Hellmann’s, and Marmite.
It went on to say: “The unique set of technological and R&D capabilities that drive the remarkable innovations of The Vegetarian Butcher differs significantly from the requirements of the wider Unilever portfolio.
"This divergence makes a sale of the brand the best option for both Unilever and The Vegetarian Butcher.”
Financial terms of the deal, which is subject to regulatory requirements and a consultation process, were not disclosed.
Heiko Schipper, President of Unilever Foods, commented: “Since the acquisition, The Vegetarian Butcher has delivered significant growth and launched many extraordinary products.
"The creative, impactful communication campaigns have fostered genuine love for the brand among consumers. These efforts have not only driven the success of the brand but also reinforced Unilever’s commitment to plant-based foods and breakthrough innovation.
“I believe that The Vegetarian Butcher is poised for even greater success in the next phase of its journey under new ownership that is dedicated to plant-based meat replacements. This focused expertise will support the brand in its ambitious goal to become the Biggest Butcher of the World.”
Vivera is a leading maker of vegan food and has been owned by meat processing giant JBS since 2021. Its CEO, Willem van Weede, said, “The impressive and relentless dedication of the people of The Vegetarian Butcher have brought the vision of Jaap Korteweg to life on an unprecedented scale and ‘sacrificing nothing’.
“Vivera is proud to unite with such like-minded believers in and experts of plant-based products, with the same big ambition towards a better and much more plant-based food chain.
"We are looking forward to together accelerating this important transition, leveraging the complementary competencies of both our companies.’