ulster grocers gala ball 2012

Good Evening...It is with great pleasure that I would like to welcome you all to the lovely

Culloden Hotel for The Caravan Ulster Grocers’ Ball 2012.

It is thanks to events such as this and supporters such as you that the charity was able to spend more than £2M on welfare support last year, which goes towards helping current and former grocery industry colleagues who need a bit of extra support during a tough period. The help that Caravan provides can be either financial support or advice through the Welfare Helpline. During the last year, the charity helped over 3,000 people across the UK, including more than 130 dependant children. But, there are many more in our industry who need our help and it is only with your assistance that we can raise awareness of Caravan across Northern Ireland and reach those in need.

Our beneficiaries come from all areas of our industry – from the shop and factory floor, warehousing and office staff through to independent retailers and wholesalers. Support to the vast majority means an annual payment of £804. We also ensure that they are in possession of fully functioning household equipment such as a cooker, fridge, washing machine and telephone. One-off emergency grants are also available and these are typically used for such things as installing central heating and repairing windows and doors. Please help us to continue with this much needed support by taking part in this evening’s fundraising events.

The charity relies on the support of our branch network to raise awareness locally. The members of the Caravan Northern Ireland committee are all volunteers and give their time freely to the charity. So, to Cliff Kells and his fellow committee members; a very big ‘thank you’.

I am also delighted to mention at this time that Caravan and the charity for the confectionery trade ‘Sweet Charity’ are merging to create a strong unified voice for the grocery industry. This is fantastic news and will enable the charity to more effectively support the growing number of people who look to us for help.

Finally, I am so very grateful to you for coming along to show your support of the charity. On behalf of everyone we help may I say a very big ‘thank-you’ to you all.

Have a great evening!

Gillian M Barker Director GeneralCaravan NI

Distinguished Guests, Ladies & Gentlemen...

Good evening, and on behalf of the local branch of Caravan I would like to extend my own special Northern Ireland welcome to you all for this 2012 Caravan

Ulster Grocers Ball. Of course, many of you are longstanding supporters of Caravan so it is wonderful to be able to say “welcome back”; but some of you are also attending for the first time this year, and I am delighted that you have been able to join us, helping to extend still further the reach of our charity in Northern Ireland.

It is a particular pleasure to be able to also welcome back Gillian Barker, Caravan Director General, to the spectacular surroundings of the Culloden hotel, and I want to thank Gillian for taking time out from what I know has been a uniquely busy year to join us at this signature event in the annual Northern Ireland Caravan calendar.

Gillian has very eloquently described the work that Caravan does across the UK to help and support beneficiaries from all areas of our industry. Here in Northern Ireland, one of the things that I am proud of is that my branch committee is itself also representative of all sections of our industry. They are an extremely committed group of people who pour time and energies into all of the fundraising events that we run throughout the year. To them, this Caravan Gala Ball is the perfect opportunity for me to say, simply and sincerely, “thank you”

Thanks to them, but even more importantly, thanks to all of you, Caravan has the strongest fundraising base the charity has ever had here in Northern Ireland, and continues to extend the range of successful events such as last year’s Midsummer Hog Roast at Willie Jacks, or the Sunday Lunch Party at Deanes at Queens, very different events, but both back this year by popular demand!

All of you have supported Caravan in Northern Ireland so much already that it may seem an impertinence to ask for more, but I cannot let this evening go without asking for your help with one more objective that I and my committee hold dear to our hearts. Quite simply, we want to make sure that we reach every single one of our industry colleagues here in Northern Ireland who needs our help. We are giving this special focus over the next year, and your support for the initiatives that emerge, will, as always, make the difference.

Finally, back to this evening. Everything you see and enjoy tonight has been the vision of the Caravan Grocers Ball sub-committee. The creativity, energy, and hard work involved can only be imagined, but it is real, and would not have happened without three special men and one very special lady! They are Gerry Cassidy, Mark Gowdy, and James Greer, led by the inspirational Debra Johnston.

Their efforts, thanks to your support, mean that in a year being described as “our time and our place”, the most vulnerable in our industry are not forgotten. In this Titanic year for Belfast, let’s make tonight a night to remember for all that is best in our industry.

Thank you.

Cliff KellsCliff KellsChairman, Northern Ireland Branch

Cliff Kells Caravan NI

William Caulfield

The Hosts

William Caulfield

William Caulfield- is now without doubt one of Northern Irelands best loved and busiest comedians. Packed theatres are testament

to that. With a keen eye and ear for all the things that make us laugh, and with his home grown style of humour, William has endeared himself across all the generations not only here in N.I. but wherever he has gone on land or sea!

The success of his BBC1 TV show ‘Our William’ and his BBC Radio Ulster series ‘It’s William Caulfield so it is’ would indicate that he seems to know how to hit the comedy funny bone.

Radio and TV is just a small part of what William does, as he is a consummate After Dinner Speaker. Satisfied clients include Coca-Cola, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, Moy Park, Phoenix Gas, Tesco, Toyota and Ulster bus.

He has been starring in Pantomimes for the last twelve years and also stars in comedy plays and farce.

A second series of his hit radio show has just been recommissioned by the BBC for broadcast this August and September.

William is a ‘Heart Champion’ for The British Heart Foundation Northern Ireland but is delighted to be here tonight for Caravan

Visit his website for more details and to view his show reel www.williamcaulfield.co.uk

William Caulfield

Emma-Louise Johnston

The Hosts

Emma-Louise Johnston

Emma-Louise Johnston is a popular TV presenter, broadcaster and reporter.

Well known as a travel presenter here in Northern Ireland, Emma-Louise filmed her third series of ‘Getaways’ for the BBC. Alongside this were appearances on various series for BBC NI . She has also reported for UTV, ITN and Channel 7 news, Australia.

A familiar face on GMTV nation-wide, she worked for the breakfast station in the UK for five years, before coming home to get married Her reporting assignments have been wide and varied including interviews with Leonardo de Caprio, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks and Kofi Annan, to covering some harrowing human interest stories across the U.K . The ability to remain cool, under pressure, was key when reporting from, sometimes deadly riot scenes in Northern Ireland, where petrol bombs exploded and live rounds were fired only feet away.

TV aside, Emma-Louise has proved a popular host at many events including Miss Northern Ireland, Belfast Fashionweek, travel events and photographic exhibitions. She’s also covered London Fashion Week and the Elle style awards, as well as guest speaking to youth groups.

And as if that’s not enough, Emma-Louise writes a magazine social diary and is a freelance member of the team of news journalists at BBC N.I. bringing the most up to date bulletins. For the moment though, her hands are full looking after her beautiful 8 month old baby daughter, Emily.

Gala Ball

7.00pmTesco Finest Reception Marquee

(Sponsored by Tesco and Coca-Cola Hellenic)

8.00pmDinner

9.45pmCharity Auction

10.15pmPresentation of The Ulster Grocer

Marketing Awards 2011

10.45pmDancing to Peach

1.00am - 3.00amLate Night Party at the Richmond Room

Sponsored by Richmond Marketing

Programme

Smoked cod and Leek Tartlet on Mixed Leaf Salad(sponsored by Henderson Foodservices and Dale Farm)

Demi tasse of Apple and Celery Soup(sponsored by The Big Pot Company)

Dry Aged Fillet of Kettyle Irish Beefwith Horseradish Mash and Merlot Jus

Duchesse Potatoes with sun blushed tomatoBaby Roast Potatoes

Cornel of Carrot and ParsnipBroccoli Mornay

(sponsored by Kettyle Irish Foods and Linden Food GroupAnd Henderson Foodservices)

Pear and Butterscotch Rouladewith warm butterscotch sauce

(sponsored by Dale Farm)

Trio of Irish and Continental Cheeses with Pear Chutney(sponsored by Coleraine – “Northern Ireland’s favourite Cheese!”

And United Biscuits)

Freshly Brewed Coffee or Tea with Petits Fours(sponsored by Robert Roberts, Punjana and Guylian)

Wines and WaterTesco Finest Cotes de Gasgogne

Tesco Finest Cotes Catalanes

River Rock Still and Sparkling Water(sponsored by Tesco, Beverage Brands, SHS Group and Coca-Cola Hellenic)

Dinner Menu

Tesco Finest Reception(sponsored by Tesco and Coca-Cola Hellenic)

Gourmet Canapes(sponsored by Cuisine de France)

Meet the Head Barman...

The Caravan Ulster Grocer’s annual Marketing Awards wouldn’t be the same anywhere else than Co Down’s prestigious Culloden Hotel where one man has an intimate knowledge of the successful event, Seamus Murphy, head barman.

Mumms the word as Culloden celebrates Grocery Awards

As the Awards celebrate 24 years of service to the NI grocery trade and food service sector this

April , the Culloden’s head barman has been looking back at the past decades and the gallons of Mumms champagne that has been popped!

Indeed, with 33 years under his belt at the Hastings Hotel flagship, Seamus has been involved in almost every one of the past 23 Caravan Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards presentations.

“It is without doubt one of the Culloden’s most iconic functions and over the years has been attended by all of the biggest names in the sector, and remains today one of the most sought-after invitations of the year,” he said.

“It is also unique having evolved as a sort of ‘party’ for all concerned once the formalities are over.

“The gala night is where people from the drinks and grocery sector meet up with both colleagues and competitors with many great craic at the bar, once the formalities are taken care off,” he added.

Seamus should know, having been behind that very bar all past two decades, where now he is part of a team of around 50 staff, including 30 food staff and no less than six working on the bar: “It is a very big event that has proved to be recession-proof,” he commented.

While some events are perhaps being scaled down as belts are tightened, or even postponed, Seamus revealed that in terms of Mumm Champagne alone, the event consumes some six dozen bottles.

“That’s on top of all the wine at the table, and that provided at the pre-event reception and of course, that bought at the bar or ordered by thirsty diners afterwards,” he said.

The night is also for charity, raising funds for the trade’s own cause, Caravan and attracts high level sponsorship from the likes of Coca-Cola and in recent years, Tesco - but one thing that hasn’t changed has been innovation.

“Giant teddy bears, limbo-dancing and Caribbean-themed nights have been some of the attractions as well as the famous Ulster Grocer hampers,” he added.

For the Culloden it is a lot of hard work, with celebrations until 5am, but Seamus – and the staff - enjoy playing their part.

The long-serving barman also spoke of his pride in the continuity associated with the Culloden as a venue: “Many people have said how much they appreciate the service and have made it known that seeing familiar faces behind the bar, in the event management side with the likes of Philip Drennan and on the tables makes a big difference.

“I feel that, in a time of change, those attending the celebrations are reassured by both the regular venue of choice and the way that experienced staff – many with decades of service – are on hand.

“It is a source of pride to me that in another year we will – hopefully – have a quarter century behind us of hosting the Caravan Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards each spring – long may it last,” Seamus concluded.

One man who knows first hand how much work is actually involved in a major function where over 400 people sit down to a gala dinner is the Culloden’s long-serving Banqueting manager, Philip Drennan.

Caravan Ulster Grocer Tables Overflowing With Goodies

The Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards has been held in the Culloden Hotel for more that two decades,

almost all being presided over by Philip Drennan.He has a total of 30 years service at the Hastings

Hotels Group, the last 20 years being at the prestigious Culloden Hotel, where the Awards are held each spring.

“It is a premiere event,” he said, “and remains one of the landmark dates in the Culloden calendar.

“It does take a lot of organisation though, as we contend with unique elements, such as the logistics of having a 40ft container pull-up in the hotel car park to allow guests to collect the famous Ulster Grocer Hamper after the awards.

“This means organising the parking area, having a safe access for the couples who are collecting their hampers and making sure that everyone who has to get one actually goes home with their goodies – as sometimes the hotel can end up with a few that have been forgotten in the excitement of the evening.

“There are also numerous items that are hastily delivered on the day of the event by various companies hoping to impress the guests at each tables, so many in fact that there’s sometimes hardly enough room for the food!” Philip laughed, as so many firms want to supply their produce.

However, one of the reasons for the success is continuity, with many long-serving staff working on the night.

“While recent years have seen an accelerated phase of development – with a marquee going up this year to host pre-event drinks and an expanded bar service area for example – the presence of a team of experienced staff helps it all go smoothly,” he added.

“Head Chef, Paul McKnight, has presided over all the Caravan Ulster Grocer Awards Gala nights, so quality of food is assured and Seamus, the Head Barman and his staff aid the unique party atmosphere

that flows from the Awards’ accolades.“Over the years there have been various themes –

and I even recall some limbo-dancing – but certain ‘standards’ have underpinned the event,” said Philip.

“It can sometimes be ‘difficult for the presenters to project’ with such a large number of people enjoying a great night out in the large Stuart Suite, but that has been no problem for most,” the senior manager said.

However, that’s all part of the party atmosphere which makes the event stand-out: “As always, we are all looking forward to it this year – and hopefully in years to come,” concluded Philip.

Meet the Head Banqueting Manager...

LOT 101KISS ME, HARDy’S

A case of 6 bottles of Hardy’s Shiraz Cabernet Sauvignon and 6 bottles of Hardy’s Chardonnay Semillon 2010 vintage

(sponsored by Co-Operative)

LOT 102GIANT JOy FOR 12

Coca- cola Hellenic corporate box at the Odyssey for 12 with refreshments worth £250 for Belfast Giants Ice hockey match

(sponsored by Coca-Cola Hellenic)

LOT 103IF THE SHU FITS

Meal for two at Shu Restaurant on Lisburn Road, Belfast(sponsored by Genesis)

LOT 104LUxURy LIE-IN

A luxury spa weekend for two at Hastings Culloden Estate and Spa. Two nights accommodation with full Irish breakfast, two spa treatments and a

gourmet dinner in the Mitre restaurant on one evening are included(sponsored by Hastings Hotels)

LOT 105READ ALL ABOUT IT

His/hers Kindle e-books. Perfect holiday companions for all book lovers(sponsored by Caravan)

Auction Items

LOT 106THAT’S DINNER SORTED!

Come dine with Me. Chef Sean Owens will host and cook 4 course meal for 6 people in your own home, using totally local produce…

and do the washing up too!(sponsored by Ulster Pork and Bacon Forum)

LOT 107GOURMET GOLF

Round of golf and dinner for 4 people at Galgorm Castle Golf Club(sponsored by Costcutter)

LOT 108HIGHLAND RETREAT

Stenaline Weekend break to Scotland, including car and 2 passengers, with accommodation in4 star hotel in either Glasgow or Edinburgh

(sponsored by Vion)

LOT 109FINE DINING DATE

Dinner for two at James Street South, Belfast, one of Belfast’s award winning and nationally recognised restaurants

(sponsored by Stafford Lynch)

LOT 110FAREWELL FAMOUS FIVE

Two tickets for Westlife’s “Farewell Tour” at Croke Park on 23rd June. They will be supported by The Wanted and Jedward for their last concert

(sponsored by Strathroy Dairies)

Auction Items

Auction ItemsLOT 111

FORMULA ONE FASHIONHis/Hers Official Teamline softshell Jackets and Caps from Red Bull Racing

Formula One team(sponsored by Richmond Marketing)

LOT 112

A NIGHT AT THE RACESEnjoy an evening of summer racing on 22nd june at the Summer Festival in the SHS corporate Box at the Down Royal Racecourse with complimentary

champagne, catering and refreshments for 12 people(sponsored by SHS Group)

LOT 113LIFE IN THE FAST LANE

Indulge in a Ferrari Driving Experience at Monaghan Driving School(sponsored by Britvic NI)

LOT 114A MALMAISON ExPERIENCE

Enjoy cocktails on arrival at Malmaison, Belfast, dinner, overnight stay, big Mal breakfast and £50 voucher to spend in Victoria Square

(sponsored by Vion)

LOT 115OLD TRAFFORD TREAT

Two match tickets for Manchester United’s final home game of the season versus Swansea City on Sunday 6th May at Old Trafford. Overnight

accommodation at the 5 star Radisson Edwardian Hotel in Manchester and return Tickets with Flybe from Belfast to Manchester are included in this top

auction prize(sponsored by Fresh2u)

Ballot Prizes

★ STAR PRIZE ★The Maldives – Indian Ocean Paradise

A seven night stay for two in the Maldives. Indulge yourselves on the natural white sands under swaying palm trees beside crystal blue waters. Enjoy first class luxury

accommodation and truly amazing food which is made using the natural resources of these tropical islands. Diving you can only dream of. Relax totally on an Indian Ocean

holiday of a lifetime in the Maldives(sponsored by Kerry Foods)

A PAIR OF OLyMPIC TICKETS FOR BASKETBALL CATEGORy C, BK039 SESSION

P&G, a worldwide partner of the Olympic Movement including the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games is proud to support the employees and families

that Caravan helps every day. P&G is delighted to be able to offer tickets for this truly once in a lifetime opportunity for people to attend the Summer

Olympic Games, and by doing so show our support for Caravan and all of the work it does to help employees and their families

(sponsored by P&G)

LuxuRy WEEKEnD MAnoR HouSE CounTRy HoTEL

Located in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, Manor House Country Hotel is the perfect country retreat combining old world charm, with modern hotel luxury. Facilities include a variety of restaurants and bars, including the Belleek Restauant, Leisure centre with swimming pool, steam rooms, Jacuzzi, sauna, outdoor hot tub and beauty salon. On offer is a luxury room with full

Irish Breakfast and Dinner for two nights. A bottle of champagne awaits you in your room. Also included is a cruise on Lough Erne in the Lady of the

Lake Cruiser.(sponsored by Premier Bakeries)

MEMPHIS RETRo GAS BBq

Make the most of your summer, cooking and dining outdoors. The Memphis Two Burner Gas Barbeque offers brilliant colour and retro glamour. It features a stainless steel cooking grill and warming rack and two side shelves provide ample workspace. Embracing a clean tidy design, the Memphis Barbeque has an integral storage cupboard for the gas cylinder. With fabulous 50s inspired car styling, the Memphis Two Burner Barbecue brings a nostalgic feel to your

summer barbeque. Cooking utensils and a parasol are included(sponsored by Irwins and Calor)

PAnASonIC 32” VIERA LCD TV AnD PAnASonIC BLuE RAy PLAyER

Experience great quality TV viewing with this marvellous Panasonic 32” HD LCD TV and Panaonic Blue ray player

(sponsored by PRM)

6PCE SET oF GARDEn FuRnITuRE

Staycation this summer? Then you’ll need to make the most of your sun drenched garden and thisis exactly what you’ll need. A delightful set of garden furniture; a table, four chairs and, just in case the sun is too strong, a welcome

parasol. Be the envy of your neighbours with this perfect patio purchase. Lawns and decking will feel naked without it!

(sponsored by Sainsbury)

12 BoTTLES ToRRES SAnTA DIGnA WInE

The name Santa Digna was given to the crosses marking the district boundaries of a land and symbolised good fortune and protection for those

who were leaving for other climes. Enjoy six bottles of Santa Digna Cabernet Sauvignon and six bottles of Santa Digna Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy some of

same good fortune and taste(sponsored by Robert Roberts)

Tonight'sEntertainment

Faces of Disco’s comedy dance act saw them become Live Finalists on Britains Got Talent. Since the show their popularity has seen them reach over 20 mil-lion youTube hits. They have performed all over the world including Vegas, Tokyo and Rome.

Faces of Disco

Tonight'sEntertainment

PEACHPeach have a huge repertoire of over 200 songs ranging from disco pop and Rock from the 60’s through to present day chart music and are one of the most experienced bands on the circuit today. They have 17 years experience performing all over Ireland and the UK.

The band has a reliable and respected reputation and continues to provide professional high quality musical entertainment. Peach come with a state of the art sound system and high quality professional lighting suitable for any size of venue, providing one of the most competent and polished acts on the circuit.

THE DAVE HoWELL JAZZ quARTETBack by popular demand from last year, The Dave Howell Jazz Quartet is a versatile line up with combinations put together to suit all types of functions from weddings to corporate. Dave Howell is the current lead tenor with the Nationsal BBC Big Band Champions and veteran of some key corporate bands in Northern Ireland like Kahuna, Backbeat, Soul Truth and Otis & the Elevators. He made his name in 2000 with the Fabulous Funk Foundation and is currently writing for his new album which is released later this year.

DJ PAuL MuLVEnnATonight’s DJ at The Richmond Room Late Night Party is Paul Mulvenna who has been running PM Mobile Disco Services across Ireland since 1992. He guaranteed to have everyone on their feet from the moment their feet hit The Richmond Room Party. Paul plays a wide range of music from 1950s to today, ensuring there is something for everyone. He is looking forward to playinginto the wee small hours at the Richmond Room Party this evening.

24th Annual

2012MarketingAwards

Caravan Ulster Grocers’

2012MarketingAwards Ulster Grocer’s

• Michael Maguire is managing partner of Quintus Management, which he established in 1996. Michael is a marketing analyst specialising in market access, brand development and revenue turnaround programmes and provides advanced management coaching on business positioning strategies. He works with a broad cross-section of leading businesses, SMEs, business service providers and professional bodies. He is also a prominent spokesman, columnist and blogger on

marketing and business development matters and a frequent presenter at conferences and seminars. His fascinating book ‘It’s Our Thing – 300 Years of Irish Brands’ that was released late last year, has been highly praised as a definitive work on the development and evolution of Irish brands.

• Emma Cowan is one of the publishers of Flavour magazine, the north of Ireland’s first dedicated consumer food and drink publication, and has extensive experience of the food and drink sector in Northern Ireland. She was formerly editor of Hospitality Review, a features editor of Ulster Grocer, and has also worked as an editorial consultant to the Invest NI food division. Prior to her career in journalism, Emma worked in marketing research and as a marketing consultant for Touche Ross (now Deloitte).

• Frank McKee is a freelance marketing consultant, practitioner and tutor with over 20 years’ experience in both the commercial and academic sectors. Frank is a Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Marketing and is a Chartered Marketer. He has written, delivered and assessed courses, seminars and workshops for many institutions such as Belfast Metropolitan College; Queen’s University Belfast, The Open University and the CIM. Frank is also a visiting tutor at Henley Management College on the International Executive MBA programme. In addition

to his role as a Senior Examiner for the Chartered Institute of Marketing, he has consulted widely throughout the private, public and third sectors.

And the judges Are...The 24th annual Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are as closely contested as

always. All eyes are now on the annual Grocers’ Ball when the winners will be unveiled.

The awards – sponsored overall this year by Bacardi Brown-Forman Brands – are judged by our panel of guest judges. Chaired again this year by Mike Maguire of Quintus, our expert judges are all people whose faces and credentials will be well-known within the retail grocery or food production sectors.

The Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are open to any company that’s involved in retail grocery trading, from products to suppliers and wholesalers as well as individual retail outlets. They are always hard fought and as a result, are widely regarded as among the highest local marketing accolades that a company can achieve within this sector.

Two new categories have been introduced this year, Green Retailer of the Year, sponsored by Power NI, and Best Brand of the Year, sponsored by AV Browne Advertising.

The Caravan Grocers’ Ball is a glittering evening out and has been a fixture in the trade’s social calendar for many years. Caravan, the grocers’ benevolent fund, is the beneficiary of the evening, so it’s the perfect backdrop for the presentation of these coveted awards.

The Ulster Grocer Marketing Awards are recognised as a mark of the professionalism and industry awareness of those who win them. They make a clear statement to peers and clients and they are certainly worth competing for, as successive winners can well attest. They will have particular significance at present, thanks to the challenging economic circumstances that all

of us find ourselves in.

The 2012 CategoriesBEsT MArkETING CAMPAIGN This may be a corporate, brand or project campaign and food suppliers, grocery wholesalers and grocery retailers are all eligible to enter. While the subject matter of the campaign may be any aspect of retail grocery, the marketing campaign should include some or all of the following elements – TV, radio, outdoor, in-store POS/merchandising, PR, website, leaflets, digital, SMS… BEsT IN - sTOrE CONsUMEr sALEs PrOMOTIONThis could be a stand-alone or even a joint promotion between two companies - for example, two manufacturers/brand owners running a cross-promotion on complementary products or a retail group and a manufacturer working together on a promotion running across a group of stores, or an individual retailer working independently with a manufacturer/brand owner to run a unique promotion that is exclusive to one store.

BEsT NEW PrODUCT LAUNCH Or rE-LAUNCHThis category is open to brand owners and includes brand new product launches as well as the relaunch of existing products. BEsT Csr INITIATIvE / CHArITy PArTNErsHIPThe best Corporate Social Responsibility or Charity Partnership Initiative category is open to any company operating in the retail grocery sector, from food manufacturers/suppliers to wholesalers and individual retailers.

Best off - sAles drinks cAmpAiGnThis category is open to the manufacturers, wholesalers or retailers behind promotional drinks campaigns in the off-trade sector. The campaign entered can include one or all of the following media - radio, television, print, outdoor, in-store, merchandising and digital.

BEsT BrAND OF THE yEArBest product brand open to all brands serving the grocery wholesale and retail sector. Judges will examine the effectiveness of brands in relation to communication, advertising and promotional campaigns, distribution effectiveness, brand visibility and customer loyalty. GrEEN rETAILEr OF THE yEArThis category is open to retailers who have adopted effective ‘green’ management systems and product selection. The judges will look for evidence of good supply sources, in-store handling procedures, and meeting customer expectations.

sHOrTLIsTED COMPANIEs: AWArDs sPONsOrED By BACArDI BrOWN-FOrMAN BrANDs

BEST nEW PRoDuCT LAunCH oR RE-LAunCH• Hendersons• Irwins/Asda

• Henry Denny & Sons• PRM Fresh Food Kitchen

• United Wines

BEST In-SToRE ConSuMER SALES PRoMoTIon• Henry Denny & Sons

• Hendersons• Irish News• Musgrave

BEST CSR InITIATIVE• Allied Bakeries/ Sunblest

• LIDL/Ulster Cancer Foundation

BEST CSR InITIATIVE• LIDL/Ulster Cancer Foundation

• Allied bakeries/ Sunblest

BEST oFF-SALES DRInKS CAMPAIGn• United Wines

BEST MARKETING CAMPAIGN:• Hendersons• Mash Direct

• MoyPark• Musgrave Retail partners

• Premier Foods• Tennents NI

• Tesco NI

sHOrTLIsTED COMPANIEs: AWArDs sPONsOrED By Av BrOWNE

BEsT BrAND OF THE yEAr• Moy Park

sHOrTLIsTED COMPANIEs: AWArDs sPONsOrED By POWErNI

GrEEN rETAILEr OF THE yEAr• Hendersons

Food Force Ireland

Food Force Ireland Ltd, 7 West Bank Road, Belfast, BT3 9JLTel: 02890 923130

We support the work of caravan

• Anthony Greene • Bells • Caw supermarket• Carlisle Fresh Foods • Castletown Stores • Denmins • Newell Stores • Crawfords of Maghera • Cummings • Dorman’s One Stop Shop • Emersons • Fiveways • NISA • Curleys • Fresh Food Centre • The Garage • Greens Food Fare • T&M Green • Holmes • JD Hunter & Co • Islandbawn Stores • Dewarts Service Station • Parkgate Service Station • Donaghcloney NISA • McAnerneys • McCanns • McGeoughs • Milestone • Millfords • McCleans Country Foodstore • Shop4you • Nisa Metro • Maginns • McBriens NISA • McNicholls Service Station • McSwiggans • Nisa Local, Bangor • Robinsons of Clogher • O’Kanes Superstore • P&G Family Foods • Rice Supermarket • Springisland Supermarket • J.C. Stewart • Toners Stores • Whitehouse • Wilsons • T.F. Woodside

• Two Adult Season Tickets to the Irish Open Golf (includes admission for adults on all four championship days and the practice day/pro am)• An overnight stay in the Galgorm Hotel for two, including breakfast• A NITB Day pack• A Set of Tayto Golf balls• A Box of Tayto Crisps

Win...

Simply buy a Golden Ticket or several from your Caravan hostess to enter the Golden Ticket draw

What to do...

You could be the first lucky winner of the tayto Golden

ticket Prize tonight

Events 2011

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Thanks to your support for all these events we are able to help former colleagues who are struggling to cope. Beneficiaries receive an annual grant and assistance in the purchase of essential household items such as cookers, fridges and televisions. We couldn’t do this without your participation at our events.

9th March Table quizMichael McCallion and the ASDA team ran another fun-filled Caravan Quiz Night at Beechill Inn, Belfast. It was a great fun, relaxed night out and the competition between the teams was tremendous.

8th April - Caravan ulster Grocers’ BallCaravan’s major fundraiser of the year, the 23rd Caravan Ulster Grocers’ Ball was celebrated in style in April at the Culloden Hotel. Business leaders from the retail, wholesale and food manufacturing industry were strongly represented among the 440 guests who supported the event, providing the perfect backdrop for the presentation of the annual Ulster Grocer magazine marketing Awards.

17th May - Caravan Golf DayThe 2011 Golf Day was held at Dunmurry Golf Club and as usual was well supported by a wide cross-section of the grocery industry. The 2012 event will be hosted by Galgorm Golf Club, Ballymena, on 23rd May and all industry players will be made welcome.

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Events 2011


22nd June - Mid-summer Hog RoastThis new summertime event attracted a following and provided a novel way to support the Caravan charity while having a fun night out meeting with industry friends and colleagues.

2nd october - Sunday LunchThe Sunday lunch party at Michael Deane at Queens organised by John Barrett in aid of caravan funds was generously supported by the food industry.

26th october - Caravan quiz nightThe Asda team ran another successful Quiz Night at Beechill Inn, Belfast, with great prizes all round.

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Committee

James Greer - Ulster Grocer

Debra Johnston - Food Force Ireland

Andrew Logan - Henderson Group

Michael McCallion - AsDA

David Neill - kerry Foods

John Barrett - Coca Cola Hellenic

(retired)

Gerry Cassidy - Allied Bakeries

Gillian Ekin -sainsburys

Mark Gowdy -Fane valley

Christine Grant - Musgrave retail Partners

Chairman - Cliff kellsTEsCO

secretary - Graham LoveGlanbia Foods

Treasurer - Joe sloan sHs Group

Thanks to you...

Dear Caravan,

Thank you so much for y

our help and support for

both my and I. It means s

o much to us both knowing

that although life at times

can be difficult a helping

hand of kindness is just a

phone call away!

Thank you.

To all our friends at Caravan, Recently you gave us some financial help with

our debts. In giving this you haven’t just given

money, you’ve given us the chance of a fresh

start a new life. You could say that you’ve

truly changed our lives forever.

I’d like to thank a person by name, but the

truth is that every single member of staff

and those who support Caravan has contrib-

uted in one way or another. How on this green

earth could we really explain how much this all

means to us. I think the way of saying it is

when all this goes through and we finally can

move on from our debts I imagine that it will

feel like lifting the weight of a lorry from off

our backs.Every day we shall thank you as we will both

be able to live again for the first time in many

months.Having you there has just been wonderful.

Thank you very much.

Dear Caravan,

I have already

informed you

that sadly my mother

has passed a

way. I felt I owed you

a thank you

letter on her b

ehalf.

My mother first hea

rd of your org

anisation

whilst listening t

o the radio an

d decided to g

ive

you a ring; tha

t was back in August 1

986. She

kept the origin

al letter in which sh

e was awarded

an annuity of

£4 per week. Fo

r 25 years alm

ost

to the date sh

e received fina

ncial help from

you,

along with bon

uses, Christmas Ham

per coupons

(virtual hamper), a

bed, a cooker

when her own

broke down and t

he offer of a

stair lift from

you that enabl

ed her to stay

in her own home.

Everything tha

t she received

she was most

grateful for a

nd we her family than

k you for

your generosity

.

Our sincere th

anks go to Ca

ravan and our

best

wishes for the

future.

These letters show how, with your help, we can bring comfort and help to the lives of many Caravan beneficiaries.

Thanks to you...Dear Caravan,

Thank you so much for the lovely letters you

send me, I enjoy reading them and the things

you do. It is wonderful to know that I belong

to such a caring industry.I would also like to thank you for thinking

of me and for the donation you have sent me

for which I am most grateful. It came just

in time as I had just received the (dreaded)

electric bill, so it was a great help and took

away many of my worries.Best wishes and thank you again for all you do.

To all our dear friends at Caravan,Firstly may I thank you for the gratu-

ity that you give to all beneficiaries. This

has made an incredible difference, espe-

cially with the new school year starting

and the need to buy uniform.Secondly, we would like to thank you

for the help with our debt problem. This

is now going through brilliantly and for

us is the start of a new life, so thank

you very much for this chance to get

back on track.You have been complete heroes to us

and words cannot really express our

thanks. Without you I dread to think

how we would have coped.Thank you again to everyone who has

made this possible.

Dear all at Caravan,

Just a few lines to say thank you so much for my birthday card. It was so sweet of you to send me one. Also I would like to say how nice it was to receive your letters; they take my mind off my cancer and put me back into the real world. You really are a special bunch of caring people.

Thank you so much.

Dear Caravan,

I have already

informed you

that sadly my mother

has passed a

way. I felt I owed you

a thank you

letter on her b

ehalf.

My mother first hea

rd of your org

anisation

whilst listening t

o the radio an

d decided to g

ive

you a ring; tha

t was back in August 1

986. She

kept the origin

al letter in which sh

e was awarded

an annuity of

£4 per week. Fo

r 25 years alm

ost

to the date sh

e received fina

ncial help from

you,

along with bon

uses, Christmas Ham

per coupons

(virtual hamper), a

bed, a cooker

when her own

broke down and t

he offer of a

stair lift from

you that enabl

ed her to stay

in her own home.

Everything tha

t she received

she was most

grateful for a

nd we her family than

k you for

your generosity

.

Our sincere th

anks go to Ca

ravan and our

best

wishes for the

future.

Caravan Ball CommitteeWho are they, and what do they do?

The Caravan Ball Committee is made up of four members of the Caravan NI charity committee,

Gerry Cassidy of Allied Bakeries, James Greer of Ulster Grocer magazine, Mark Gowdy of Fane Valley and Debra Johnston of Food Force Ireland.

The work of the sub committee begins the week the Ball is over. We have a review of the evening and make the booking for the following year. The Culloden Estate and Spa make it difficult to go anywhere else because of the professionalism of their team who gently take a bunch of amateurs through the complexities of the evening.

Once September comes round we go into action and begin the process of booking entertainment, hosts and deciding who does what within our committee. Areas of responsibility this year were broken down as follows;

Gerry Cassidy, our resident gourmand who works closely with the Culloden’s head chef Paul McKnight to create a mouth-watering menu, and then sets about sourcing the food needed from the trade. This is a very taxing job but he managed to produce the goods this year again. He then takes on the role of helping to co-ordinate the hampers which as we all know are the talking point of the evening. He has to try to ensure we get just the right amount of product to fill the hamper and not break James Greer’s teams’ heart. It is difficult to say no to suppliers who are very keen to help.

James Greer kindly takes on the production of the beautiful souvenir brochure we produce each year. His amazing designer Helen Wright continues to create wonderful designs and we all break his heart with late copy. Henderson’s Print produce all our printed items, from raffle tickets to table setting boards for the big night. The staff at Greers’ very generously donate two mornings to fill the hampers, a task that takes place, courtesy of Joe Sloan, at SHS warehouses. you can only imagine the pressure on the Friday morning of the Ball getting fresh and chilled product packed and loaded onto the 40ft container that then heads to the Culloden.

Gerry Cassidy, James Greer, Mark Gowdy and Debra Johnston

Mark Gowdy, now treasurer of the Caravan Committee in Northern Ireland, has this year taken on all financial matters and is responsible for helping to sell tables and advertising for the brochure. He is a great ideas man and helps move us forward each year to improve on what we have had before.

Debra Johnston heads up the committee and turns the lives of her committee upside down, especially in the weeks running up to the Ball. She co-ordinates all aspects of the Ball from selling tables to issuing invoices, working with the Culloden to ensure we get the best deals available, liaising with the production, lighting, sound and design teams needed to bring together a big night, and this year working with North Down Marquees to provide a new venue for the Drinks Reception. Booking entertainment and hosts falls under her remit too.

We have regular meetings to update each other and hopefully inspire each other to go the extra mile to make the event as successful as possible for the Caravan charity. We have lots of laughs, lots of stress, and hope in the end that what we do makes a difference.

Richmond are proud to work with Caravan

Dear friends at Caravan,

My letters to you always start with a thank you

,

and for good reason. This one

is no exception. My

first thank you is for my birthday card

which has

been personally signed by eve

ryone at the office.

I look forward to its coming through the letterbox

each year and really appreciat

e your good wishes.

My second thank you is for a

happy receipt of

the quarterly payment into my bank account

without

which I do not know how I would cope.

I am most grateful to you all.

Thank you.

Dear Carava

n,

Thank you s

o much for a

ll your suppo

rt and the fi

-

nancial help

you have give

n to our clie

nts during th

eir

bankruptcy.

We have now

filed for ba

nkruptcy an

d

the relief fo

r both of th

em was imme

asurable. We

have begun t

o see more l

aughter in th

em and a se

nse

of a huge bu

rden being li

fted.

I cannot tell

you how muc

h your help

in paying

for the cour

t fees has m

ade to this c

ouple. It would

have taken t

hem so long

to save this a

mount, with

all

the associate

d worry unt

il they had d

one so.

Our thanks a

nd best wishe

s go to all t

hose who mad

e

this possible.

Dear Caravan,Just a short note to thank all those at Caravan for the help you have given us. This means so much to us; it is the difference between existing and living. We both would like to thank you and let you know that this will change our lives. We can now stop worrying so much and begin to look forward once more.

Thank you.

Dear Caravan,

I would like to say a very big thank you to Caravan for the mobility scooter. It will be the start of a new life for my husband as he has been out on his own for the first time in three and a half years.

Once again a very big thanks.

Thanks to you...These letters show how, with your help, we can bring comfort and help to the lives of many Caravan beneficiaries.

Dear Carava

n,

Thank you s

o much for a

ll your suppo

rt and the fi

-

nancial help

you have give

n to our clie

nts during th

eir

bankruptcy.

We have now

filed for ba

nkruptcy an

d

the relief fo

r both of th

em was imme

asurable. We

have begun t

o see more l

aughter in th

em and a se

nse

of a huge bu

rden being li

fted.

I cannot tell

you how muc

h your help

in paying

for the cour

t fees has m

ade to this c

ouple. It would

have taken t

hem so long

to save this a

mount, with

all

the associate

d worry unt

il they had d

one so.

Our thanks a

nd best wishe

s go to all t

hose who mad

e

this possible.

Dear Caravan,I would like to say thank you so much for my

birthday card. I had a lovely day. I would also

like to thank you for all you have done for me

throughout the years. What would I do without

you? The money seems to come just when I need it

most and helps me in so many ways.

I also enjoy spending the Christmas vouchers

and love the boxes full of wonderful treats that

otherwise I would not be able to afford.

Keep up the good work, take care and I wish

you all the very best.Thank you.

Dear friends at Caravan,

I would like to say thank you

to everyone at Caravan for the

superb new mobility scooter

delivered to me this week.

I went out on it for the first

time and although we did not go

far, I think I can say it is a life

changer for me. The ability to

venture out into the real world

without the fear of breaking

down etc is wonderful.I cannot believe that

there

are people out there who are

prepared to do so much for

total strangers; it makes such a

huge difference to disabled and

elderly people.

Thanks again and bless you all.

Dear Caravan,I would like to say a big thank you to you all.

My stair lift is in and it’s wonderful!

It makes such a difference to my life. Be-

cause I live in a flat and had to climb up the

stairs it means that now I can go out whenever

I want to and not only when I have to.

Before, I was only climbing the stairs when

it was absolutely necessary. Not so much the

going down – it was the coming back up! Now I

can go out at any time. When I want a news-

paper, or a loaf of bread, or even just when

I feel like it because the sun is shining. It’s

fantastic.Thank you doesn’t seem big enough, but I

will say it again and again every time I go up and

down.

Once again thank you so very much.

Thanks to you...

Dear Caravan,I received your letter last Thursday and cannot

begin to thank you enough. I am still shaking

from your kindness; it has changed my situation

so much. I am ashamed of the mess I find my-

self in, but for you to help me when my future

looked so bleak is, mind blowing.I will be for ever grateful to you for this and

I can now see the light at the end of the tunnel

for the first time in nearly two years. I can fi-

nally eat two meals a day, instead of one every

other day, can have my heating on when cold and

begin to sort out my debts.My life has changed overnight thanks to you. I

am a man of 45 years and cried when I opened

your letter, I still can’t quite believe the good

news you gave me.My grateful thanks go to everyone who made

this possible.

A Message from some of our sponsors...

TREVOR LOCKHART, CEO, FANE VALLEy

“The work undertaken by Caravan has made a major contribution to the well-being of so many throughout

the supply chain who find themselves in need. Fane Valley is pleased to support the Gala Ball along with other Caravan fundraising activities in Northern Ireland that are held throughout the year. The employees of Fane Valley wish Caravan every success.”

PAUL BARBOUR, COMMERCIAL MANAGER, KERRy FOODS BRANDED BUSINESS IN N.I

“The support received from Caravan can prove life changing for grocery industry colleagues, both current

and past, who have fallen upon difficult times. Across the U.K many of Kerry Food’s employees support Caravan’s national events and fundraising activities in local branches. Specifically in Northern Ireland, Kerry Foods and its several hundred employees are honoured to continue their support for Caravan throughout the year and in particular this evening at Caravan’s Gala Ball.”

PETER HENRy, GENERAL MANAGER, ALLIED BAKERIES IRELAND

“Caravan acts as the conscience of our industry and provides help to those who have contributed to our

success over the years and are now in need. This is why we are proud to support Caravan and will actively promote the work of the charity to our employees during Caravan awareness month in June 2012.”

JOHNNy WEIR, COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR IRELAND AND NORTHERN IRELAND

“Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland is proud to support the Caravan Gala Ball once again this year. Partnering

with our customers is a key priority for us and we wholeheartedly appreciate the valuable work carried out by Caravan to provide essential support for members of the local grocery trade. We wish Caravan every success with what we’re sure will be another excellent event and encourage everyone to dig deep for this great cause.”

CAOIMHE MANNION, TESCO

“Tesco is delighted to sponsor the Finest Reception at the 2012 Caravan Ulster Grocers Ball. Tesco is a

longstanding supporter of the Caravan charity, both at UK level, and here in Northern Ireland where Cliff Kells is the current Chairman of the local branch committee. Caravan plays a vital role in helping former colleagues from our industry who need our help, and Tesco is very proud to support the work of our own industry charity.”

JOHN MCQUAID GROUP SALES DIRECTOR OF TAyTO GROUP LTD

“Tayto is the market leading crisps and snacks brand in Northern Ireland and has been a major employer in

the industry here for over half a century. As such we are indebted to the support that Caravan provides the local Grocery industry and are delighted to be involved in the Caravan Gala Ball.”

JOE SLOAN, SHS GROUP

“SHS Sales & Marketing has been supporting the Caravan Charity for over twenty years. We have been

involved with the Grocer’s Ball since it began in the early 1990’s and continue to support it each year as it provides us with a great platform to network with key people within the industry whilst also contributing to the charity’s valuable work.”

PADDy DOODy, SALES AND MARKETING DIRECTOR, HENDERSON WHOLESALE

“Henderson Group is delighted to once again support the annual Caravan Gala Ball. Caravan is a charity

that has made a significant difference to the grocery sector in Northern Ireland by supporting many local retailers through difficult times. As a Group we are firmly focused on protecting and supporting independent community-based retailing and acknowledges the vital role the charity plays in protecting our industry. We would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Caravan and wish them every success for the year ahead.”

Party in the Richmond Room!

From 1.00 - 3.00amcomplimentary refreshments


Dates for your Diary Events 2012

27th April - Caravan ulster Grocers’ Ball The Caravan ulster Grocers’ Ball is celebrated in grand style at the Culloden Hotel. Business leaders from the retail, wholesale and food manufacturing industry join the 450 guests who supported the event, providing the

perfect backdrop for the presentation of the 24th Annual ulster Grocer magazine marketing Awards.

23rd May - Caravan Golf Day, Galgorm Golf ClubGraham Love organises the annual Caravan Golf Day for the benevolent fund, thanks to donations and support

from the food industry, this year to be held at Galgorm Golf Club, Ballymena.

20th June - Mid-summer Hog RoastThe Caravan committee invites you to attend the Summer Solstice Hog Roast night on the longest day of the year

at the Duke of york, Commercial Court, Belfast, for good food and live entertainment.

7th october - Sunday LunchAnother new venue, Micheal Deane’s in Howard Street, is the setting this year for a lively afternoon of

entertainment and music.

24th october - Caravan Table quiz nightThe organising team would appreciate your help and support with team prizes, raffle prizes, snacks and spot

prizes for the evening. Please contact if you can help with this and more importantly to secure your team’s table at the pub quiz event of the year. Test your knowledge and win some great prizes.

Proud to be associated with the

Caravan Grocers’ Ball

AcknowledgementsTHANK yOU

…to our suppliers, sponsors and dedicated team of helpers who have all given so generously in differing ways to make this event a very special evening for Caravan.

Allied BakeriesASDA

Bacardi Brown- FormanBallyclare LionsBeverage BrandsBig Pot CompanyBrennans Bakery

Britvic nICostcutterCaravan

Coca-Cola HellenicCoca-Cola Events Team

Co-operativeCuisine de France

DanepakDale Farm

Elmore FishEmma-Louise Johnston

Faces of DiscoFane Valley Co-opFortwilliam EstatesFood Force Ireland

Frankie WeirFresh2u

Genesis BreadsGilfresh

GM MarketingGlens of Antrim

Greer PublicationsHastings Culloden Estate and Spa

Helen WrightHenderson foodservices

Henderson PrintingHenderson Wholesale Ltd

InvestnIWD Irwin and Sons

Jenny MercerJohn FD northover

Jude CassidyKatie Hutchinson

Kelticandles

Kerry FoodsKettyle Irish foodsLinden Food Co

LinergyLynas foods

Mackle PetfoodsMaria LostyMash DirectMoy Park

Muller Dairy uKMusgrave Retail Partners

McColgansneills Mill

nigel Johnstonnorth Down Marqueesnorthern Snack foods

Paul McKnightPepsico International

Philip DrennanPremier Bakeries

Proctor and GamblePRM Group

PunjanaReally Good

Richmond MarketingRobert Roberts

SBD EventsSeamus Murphy

SHS GroupStafford Lynch

Stephen MeldrumStrathroySainsbury

Tasty FoodsTayto

Tennant & Ruttle Distribution LtdTesco

ulster pork and Bacon forumunited Wines

united BiscuitsVion

ulster grocers gala ball 2012

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