A time to grill!
Never mind our famously unreliable weather, Irish people are some of the most enthusiastic barbecue lovers in the world. As the warm weather kicks in, we highlight the best-selling barbecue essentials that no retailer should be without
Print16 May 2016
After an unusually cold April, the good weather has finally arrived, and the familiar, comforting smell of barbecue is set to emanate through towns and villages across the country. Something else that’s familiar at this time of year is the sight of store shelves ransacked of barbecue products – meats, bread and condiments are usually first to go as Irish consumers take to the idea of a barbecue lunch or dinner – especially an impromptu one – with unbridled enthusiasm.
And sales figures back up this popularity and enthusiasm – €2m was spent on sausages alone in the 12 weeks to 18 August 2013, according to Kantar Worldpanel, while cooked meats, prepacked salads and bread rolls all saw double-digit increases.
So then, with this in mind, it’s time for retailers to ensure they have all the necessaries stocked aplenty so as not to disappoint hungry and excited coal chefs. Read on, as we take a closer look at some of the more iconic products that go with dining al fresco, as well as some of the newer innovations too.
Add a little magic
An assortment of condiments is what’s needed for a successful barbecue, and this summer, Heinz launches a new campaign to promote its own unrivalled range of sauces. Launching this month to maximise the fullest potential of barbecue season, the “Add a little magic with Heinz” marketing campaign is set to be supported with 30 second TV advert, along with a number of 10 second TV spots. Each spot will focus on a different member of the group: Tomato Ketchup, new [Seriously] Good Mayonnaise, Salad Cream and Classic BBQ sauce.
Heinz’s campaign will also be supported with out-of-home marketing in all the major retail centres and cities throughout Ireland, along with digital, social and heavyweight in-store activation that will run throughout barbecue season.
The key focus of Heinz’s Add a Little Magic campaign is to drive relevance and taste appeal of Heinz sauces by inspiring consumers to use the Heinz sauces they know and love to make good food taste great. Simultaneously, the message is that excitement and flavour can be added to food with new and different sauces.
As well as the much-loved classics above like Heinz Tomato Ketchup, the number one-selling ketchup in Ireland,* more adventurous choices in the lineup are included, such as Zingy Heinz Salad Cream, full-flavoured Heinz Classic BBQ Sauce, Heinz Sweet Chilli Sauce and the new Heinz Yellow Mustard.
*(Source: Kantar Worldpanel, January 2016)
Ballymaloe’s new steak sauce is made with Dungarvan Brewery stout
BBQ to beat cancer!
This year sees the launch of the Marie Keating Foundation’s BBQ to Beat Cancer campaign. It’s a new initiative that encourages individuals to become a BBQ Hero and help to raise funds for the charity’s cancer programmes and services. In addition, Ballymaloe Foods has chosen the Marie Keating Foundation to become its major charity partner for 2016.
Ballymaloe Foods produces several sauces and salad dressings, as well as sliced Irish Beetroot, all of which are perfect accompaniments to a barbecue. Of course, iconic Ballymaloe Relish is also a BBQ essential, while Ballymaloe Steak Sauce is a new addition to the family, a blend of Irish stout from the Dungarvan Brewery.
“We are immensely proud to be able to come on board and support the Marie Keating Foundation’s new BBQ to Beat Cancer campaign,” says Maxine Hyde of Ballymaloe Foods. “We have always admired the work that the foundation does in helping so many people day in, day out. It’s a great fit with our product range too, and we look forward to helping spread the world about this great new campaign!
“Ireland may not get the best summer,” adds Liz Yeats, CEO of the Marie Keating Foundation, “but when we get a glimmer of sunshine, the barbecue always comes out. So this summer we are asking people to get their friends, family or workmates together to BBQ to Beat Cancer. It doesn’t matter when, where or how – all that matters is that people come together to help turn up the heat on cancer.
“We are so grateful for the support of Ballymaloe Foods and also Flogas, who are sponsoring this fun and innovative campaign,” Yeats continues. “We hope lots of people will register for a BBQ to Beat Cancer information pack now at mariekeating.ie/bbq.”
As well as the sponsorship, Ballymaloe Foods will be providing giveaways with the Marie Keating Foundation, and all those who sign up will receive a coupon for in-store redemption.
Ballymaloe Foods, whose products are all produced in Co Cork using 100% natural ingredients, looks forward to sharing lots of BBQ recipes this summer.
Making a splash!
Chef’s new reduced sugar and salt Tomato Ketchup doesn’t compromise on taste
Chef plans to mark summer 2016 in a big way with a large-scale advertising campaign spanning nationwide radio, outdoor, online and targeted point of purchase, as well as exciting sampling and engagement activation at the Bloom Festival, Ireland’s largest summer event. All these will mark the new look for Chef, the company’s return to production in Ireland and the launch of its new 50% Less Sugar and 25% Less Salt Ketchup.
Chef has been a favourite at Irish dinner tables since 1921 – long before the days of barbecues! Despite this, it’s at barbecue season that Chef comes into its own. It’s the ultimate barbecue must-have with a selection of sauces to suit all tastes and occasions. From zingy Tomato Ketchup for burgers, to smooth Brown Sauce which makes char-grilled sausages taste great, via tangy Barbecue Sauce with chicken or beef and Salad Cream, which is the perfect salad accompaniment with at least 60% less fat than standard mayonnaise, which leaves more room for dessert! Not to forget pickled onions, vinegar and the Irish salad must-have, Chef Beetroot.
New for 2016 is the Chef 50% Less Sugar and 25% Less Salt Ketchup, which promises to be a big hit with Irish consumers, given the current popularity of reduced sugar products and diets. However, unlike other reduced sugar and salt products, this new ketchup from Chef does not compromise on taste or consistency, so consumers get the best of both worlds.
Summer fun!
Al fresco desserts are the perfect end to a barbecue, topped with delicious limited-edition Avonmore Summer Whipped Cream
Long summer evenings and mild weather are perfect for al-fresco dining, and Avonmore has a range of products that will really kick-start those summer meals.
Avonmore Summer Whipped Cream is perfect for those looking for summer dessert ideas. Back for a second year due to popular demand, this limited edition ice-cream inspired product has the luxurious velvety texture of cream with all the flavour of vanilla ice-cream. Inspired by sunshine and summer fun, this product is perfect for both cream and ice-cream lovers alike and is sure to be a hit with all the family. It can be spooned over a bowl of summer fruits or any other dessert, or mixed in to Eton Mess for a new taste sensation. Avonmore Summer Whipped Cream is available until the end of August, so the brand advises to be sure to stock up on this limited edition cream while you can.
Meanwhile, Avonmore Sour Cream is the perfect accompaniment to summer BBQs and light summer meals. It can be dolloped onto baked potatoes, spooned into summer pasta dishes, mixed into homemade coleslaw or drizzled over salads for a tangy summer dressing.
Another addition to any barbecue meal is Avonmore Cheddar Cheese. This long-standing family favourite comes in convenient, re-sealable grated and sliced formats and is the perfect addition to burgers, omelettes, pizzas and summer salads.
For inspiration in how to liven up summer mealtimes, visit www.cookwithavonmore.ie for tons of recipe ideas and lots of great competitions.
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