SPAR International

SPAR Italy Resumes “Count on Us” Campaign

Tracey Archer — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 07:00:37 +0000

In a vibrant return to the airwaves, SPAR Italy unveiled the first flight of the year for its "Count on Us" campaign. From January 28 to February 10, the campaign was seen on national television channels, connected TVs, radio stations, social media, and online video platforms.

For two consecutive weeks, television screens featured the campaign in 15″ and 30″ formats, making approximately 400 appearances. The focus remains on DESPAR Italia’s branded products, a key offering, capturing diverse moments from everyday and family life.

Geotargeted Programming

Expanding beyond traditional television, the campaign made its mark on connected TVs through geotargeted programming. Additionally, it seamlessly integrated into the content offerings of online video and on-demand platforms.

Not stopping at traditional media, DESPAR Italia included sponsorship activities on Facebook and Instagram, ensuring a robust digital presence for its “Count on Us” narrative.

From February 4 to 10, the campaign’s echoes also reverberated on radio, with over 500 broadcasts scheduled across major national broadcasters.

Product Prominence

The heart of the campaign lay in showcasing DESPAR Italia’s branded products. The commercial not only captured the essence of daily life but also reflected private label offerings. A rotation of 300 DESPAR products available at locked prices until March 31, 2024 were highlighted.

Ombretta Putzu, Head of Marketing and Communication at DESPAR Italia, shared insights into the campaign’s revival, emphasising a commitment to customer support through quality and convenience. This marks the initial phase of an integrated communication plan set to unfold throughout 2024, aiming to engage an ever-expanding audience of potential and current customers.

Source: DESPAR Italia

About SPAR Italy

SPAR Italy, known locally as DESPAR Italia, was first granted the SPAR Brand’s license in 1959. The first store opened in 1960. With it, SPAR became the first partnership of retailers and wholesalers to operate in the country. In addition, SPAR Italy licenses regional partners, all of whom work together to grow the brand across the country.

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SPAR Gran Canaria cooperates with the Foresta Foundation planting trees

Magda Zwang — Wed, 28 Feb 2024 07:24:17 +0000

SPAR Spain partner in Gran Canaria cooperates with the Foresta Foundation reforesting 2,000m² around Osorio estate, planting 250 trees.

With this initiative, SPAR Gran Canaria reinforces its historical collaboration with the Foresta Foundation to enrich the forest mass of Gran Canaria with faya and paloblanco specimens to the almost 6,000 that have already been planted. This invaluable forest will reduce approximately two tonnes of CO2/year over the next 30 years.

Community spirit

Approximately 120 SPAR Gran Canaria employees and their families enjoyed a day in nature with workshops for kids, including building bird feeders and musical butterfly activities. The eco-friendly day concluded with a countryside picnic and a guided tour of Finca de Osorio.

Since 2007, SPAR Gran Canaria has partnered with the Foresta Foundation, actively contributing to environmental initiatives. Over 17 years, collaborative efforts resulted in successful reforestations in various locations on the island. Locations include Morro Santiago, Tenteniguada, Finca de Osorio, Valleseco, Los Llanos de la Pez, Finca Las Tabaibas, Artenara, and San Juan De Dios. The commitment continues to create a better living environment for the future, emphasising the retail company’s respect for the land.

SPAR Gran Canaria has an extensive responsible retailing programme. Initiatives include supporting local growers, reducing its environmental footprint through generation power through photovoltaic panels and more.

Source: SPAR Gran Canaria

SPAR Oman taps into coffee culture, introducing CENSA

Penny van der Kaars — Tue, 27 Feb 2024 07:25:09 +0000

The SPAR CENSA© Coffee offer has been introduced to shoppers in Oman, following investment by SPAR Oman in training employees and developing the best solution for their market. Combining convenience retailing with a boutique coffee haven is the solution which is being rolled out. To date, two CENSA© coffee locations have been opened, in combination with a SPAR Café offering instore dining to customers.

Foodservice growth

Statista values the coffee market in Oman at US$114.5m reflecting local consumers’ desire for a variety of bean cup coffee solutions. SPAR Oman is reaping the benefits of having access to international best practice in food service to support them develop a range of specialty coffees for their entrance into this segment. The projection is to increase the volume of coffee consumed in volume growth of 2.9%, leading to the average volume per person to be 1.20kg during 2024.

The company provides employment opportunities through this investment, for example as a barista or a chef for the instore Café. Additionally, SPAR Oman support small-scale Oman producers by sourcing all disposable materials for the Café and CENSA^©Coffee solution locally. A modern, attractive, and welcoming atmosphere has been created for the CENSA Coffee and SPAR Café instore areas. Training is included for the team operating the SPAR Café, including as barista, food service operator, and in product knowledge.

Coffee culture

Utilising only the best quality, locally-roasted coffee beans, SPAR Oman’s new CENSA^©coffee solution is proving popular with customers. Variants such as café latte, cappuccino, and iced latte are as popular as the double espresso or americano coffee options. Whilst enjoying their coffee, customers can also consume fruit salads, smoothies, sandwiches or fresh salads in the cozy dining area. The marketing campaign behind the new CENSA^©coffee offer highlights how a great coffee can ‘make your day’ whilst a loyalty card whereby frequent customers earn rewards.

SPAR retail expansion

The second CENSA^©coffee offer introduction was timed with the opening of a new store in Al Muna. The newest SPAR Supermarket to open in Oman has a strong offer of fresh foods, wide aisles in the grocery section, a bold colour palette and a focus on great customer service. The store team celebrated the opening, welcoming shoppers with great special offers and well-stocked shelving throughout the store.

Source: SPAR Oman

About SPAR Oman

SPAR International granted the licence for SPAR in Oman in 2014 to Khimji Ramdas, a leading business conglomerate in Oman. The group has interests in trading, distribution, retailing, training, restaurants, and manufacturing. SPAR Oman has developed a successful business that offers a world-class shopping experience to consumers.

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A.F. Blakemore adds Electric HGVs to delivery fleet

peterm — Mon, 26 Feb 2024 07:30:26 +0000

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, SPAR UK wholesaler across the Midlands and Wales, added two state-of-the-art electric HGVs to its fleet, marking a significant step towards its commitment to sustainable operations.

These zero-emission vehicles, supplied by Hartshorne Group and Volvo Trucks, boast an impressive range of 185 miles. The new vehicles significantly reduce the company’s carbon footprint, contributing to cleaner air in communities across the Midlands and Wales.

The two new Volvo FM Electric trucks are equipped with innovative battery technology and regenerative braking, offering a clean and efficient solution for long-distance deliveries. Additionally, the company is further reducing its carbon footprint, partnering with Certas to utilise fridge trailers powered by HVO fuel. HVO, a biofuel produced from renewable sources, offers a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional diesel.

The initial two electric HGVs are just the first phase of A.F. Blakemore’s commitment to electric transportation. As part of the UK Government’s Electric Freightway Programme, two additional electric HGVs are set to be delivered in March, further expanding the company’s zero-emission fleet.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of the electric vehicle revolution in the convenience retail sector,” said Caoire Blakemore, A.F. Blakemore’s Responsible Business Director. “The addition of these electric HGVs demonstrates our commitment to reducing our environmental impact. We believe this is just the beginning of our journey towards becoming a net zero carbon company by 2040 and we are excited to see the positive impact these vehicles will have on our operations and the environment.”

Source: A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd

About SPAR UK

The United Kingdom became a SPAR member in 1956 when SPAR International granted the SPAR licence to a group of independent wholesalers. There are five regional organisations in the UK, continually building the brand’s presence. A central office in London provides national marketing and buying services for the group. SPAR UK comprises independently owned, licensed, retailers and company-owned stores.

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Supply Chain and Product Data Experts Explore AI for Business

Penny van der Kaars — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 13:37:49 +0000

The IBM Innovation Studio hosted leaders in supply chain and product data at the first E2E SpringBoard of 2024 in New York City. The morning opened up with the Product Data Coalition Steering Committee meeting. The group held in-depth discussions regarding the various Coalition work streams including New Ways of Data Exchange; Easy Access to […]
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P&G CEO Would Change Debate From ‘Social Justice To Winning’ To Bolster Diversity

Penny van der Kaars — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 13:37:00 +0000

Procter & Gamble CEO Jon Moeller told Wall Street analysts that changing the dialogue to "winning" from "social justice" would be a...

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UK Consumer Morale Fell Unexpectedly In February: GfK

Penny van der Kaars — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 13:34:42 +0000

British consumer sentiment fell for the first time in four months in February as households took a gloomier view of their recent personal finances and the...

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Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Completes Acquisition Of CCBPI

Penny van der Kaars — Sun, 25 Feb 2024 13:34:15 +0000

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) has announced it has completed the acquisition of Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines, Inc. (CCBPI) from The Coca-Cola Co...

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SPAR Italy partners support AIRC Foundation’s initiative

Magda Zwang — Fri, 23 Feb 2024 07:00:52 +0000

SPAR Italy, uniting six food distribution companies and affiliated retailers under the SPAR Brand, supports the AIRC Foundation's "Blood Oranges for Research" initiative for the fourth consecutive year. The initiative sustains cancer research and aims to raise awareness on the illness' prevention and on proper nutrition.

Over 10,000 retail outlets in Italy are teaming up with the AIRC Foundation for a two-week campaign which began on February 2. This collaborative effort involves over 50 brands and supports approximately 6,000 AIRC researchers in their quest to improve cancer treatments.

Over a million orange nets, featuring the AIRC logo, will be available at 600 SPAR, EUROSPAR, and INTERSPAR stores. The nets will feature SPAR brand oranges sourced from a controlled supply chain, ensuring the highest quality. Buying the specially packaged 2.5 kg blood orange nets will contribute to cancer research as DESPAR Italia will donate 50 cents to the AIRC Foundation for each purchase.

DESPAR Italia’s General Manager, Filippo Fabbri, expressed enthusiasm about joining AIRC’s “Blood Oranges for Research” initiative, highlighting the campaign’s social significance and potential impact of customer participation. Mr Fabbri invited customers, associates, and communities to unite in supporting cancer research, emphasising the collective impact in advancing innovative solutions and treatments.

Source: DESPAR Italia

About SPAR Italy

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Employee recognition across SPAR on Supermarket Employee Day

peterm — Thu, 22 Feb 2024 09:15:21 +0000

On 22 February, SPAR joins supermarkets and food manufacturers worldwide in celebrating the annual Supermarket Employee Day.

FMI – the US Food Industry Association – has proclaimed this day to recognise employees at every level for the work they do in feeding families and enriching lives.

The 13,996 SPAR stores worldwide that sell food and grocery items are the backbones of our communities. SPAR employees work daily to keep shelves stocked and to provide communities with essential services that help them thrive.

On Supermarket Employee Day, we celebrate SPAR employees across the network who continue to serve their local communities.

Award winners

The remarkable work of SPAR employees does not go unnoticed. Throughout the network, retailers and their teams have been recognised through awards.

SPAR Australia awards SPAR stores for excellence across different categories, including fresh food, food-to-go, store formats and Community. SPAR Australia also has a ‘Little SPAR Award’ which recognises the contribution to SPAR and the independent industry by SPAR Independent Retailers. In 2023, the family run SPAR store in Malanda received the award recognising their vital role in the local community.

In Austria, approximately half of the 1,428 stores are run by independent retailers. With this in mind, SPAR Austria presents the “SPAR Golden Fir” awards to the top independent retailers in each of the six regions each year.

On European Retail Day in December 2023, SPAR Hungary highlighted the importance of the profession by recognising two SPAR colleagues. Magdolna Bíróné Kósa, deputy manager of the INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Székesfehérvár, and Sándor Polyák, a respected independent retailer, were both honoured for their contributions in the company’s store network.

Similarly, SPAR Sri Lanka brings all 670 team members together each year to celebrate success at an annual awards ceremony. Recent graduates as well as those reaching significant milestones at the company are highlighted, as well as award winners. In 2023, the coveted Star Performer of the Year award was won by Lakshitha Dissanayake. The ‘Think Retail’ award was given to Lakmali Igalahewa, and the ‘Think DC’ award was won by Dinusha Yatiwella.

Local Champions

Across SPAR, the retailers become integral parts of the local community. This is the case with Susan Hutchinson and her family, who run a SPAR store in Scotland. The Hutchinson family have owned and operated the store for over 65 years, and are staples in the community. Susan took over the store from her father, and runs it alongside her son Ryan.

Meanwhile, Xjengis Saliji opened his first SPAR store in his home town of Svendborg, Denmark at the age of 25. Xjengis has been involved in retail since the age of 15, and worked his way up the SPAR ladder and gaining experience before opening his own store. Now, Xjengis and his 17 team members operate the SPAR store in Christianvej, focusing on creating a friendly atmosphere and strong community bond, in addition to a diverse product range.

Sources: SPAR Austria, SPAR Australia, SPAR Hungary, SPAR Denmark, SPAR UK and SPAR Sri Lanka.

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