Life begins at forty

Henry Amar, chairman, writes:These notes are written as my son, Rob, managing director of RH Amar, is about to celebrate his 40th birthday. I hope the decade which follows will be as exciting and eventful for him as the forties were for me. I look back on that decade as one of intense activity and great fulfilment.

In business, I became managing director of our family firm at a time when British food tastes were changing and speciality foods from around the world were fast growing in popularity. On the back of this trend, we made a push for growth, computerising our business, opening our first warehouse, acquiring several prestigious new distributorships, and starting to build our national salesforce.

In the wider trade environment, I was chairman of a trade association which quadrupled its membership, sponsored a national food exhibition, ran six regional trade shows per annum, and developed a programme of training courses. These activities not only broadened my business horizons, but enabled me to make many friends, who over the years have enriched my working life.

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Mary Berry’s exceptional score Cambridge Market Research is an independent product testing body which assesses products submitted to them according to a number of criteria, including appearance , taste, texture, and value for money. The test results are often used in The Grocer’s “Acid Test” articles.

We submitted the Mary Berry’s Honey & Balsamic Vinaigrette to Cambridge Market Research to test our new range.

The results have been exceptional. Out of a maximum possible score of 50, the Mary Berry’s Vinaigrette scored 45. Brand manager Anne-Marie Cannon and senior technical manager Markus Endt led the NPD team which produced this range, and we congratulate them on their success.

RH Amar strikes gold by investing in people In February, RH Amar achieved Gold status in the Investors in People employer accreditation scheme.

The company has improved from Silver status, obtained in 2009, to Gold, after impressing the assessor across a list of ten stringent criteria including People Management, Recognition and Reward, Learning and Development, and Involvement and Empowerment. RH Amar was also recognised for its clear business strategy.

“We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to have achieved Gold status, building on the Silver award that we achieved in 2009,” explains managing director, Rob Amar. “Like any family business, our greatest asset is our people and it is wonderful to get confirmation that we really are bringing to life our company values of integrity, passion, accountability, creativity and teamwork. We celebrated our 70th anniversary last year, and continue to go from strength to strength. So this award is recognition that we are growing in the right way and that the philosophies put in place by my grandfather more than 70 years ago are still very much at the heart of our business.”

RH AMAR • Famous For Fine Foods Spring 2016

FINE FOOD NEWS

NEW BRANDS2 Fine Food NewsSpring 2016

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Life begins at forty Outside work, life in my forties was a busy, happy time. Our younger son, James, (now an RH Amar brand manager) was born, we moved house and enjoyed holidays at home and abroad. I started a 28 year career as a magistrate, became a school governor, and played a great deal of cricket.

Regrets? Like Frank Sinatra, in that ridiculous song, I have a few. In my forties, I should have embraced information technology, instead of leaving it to others, and I should have learned to play golf properly. Too late now on both counts.

I hope my son will find, as I did, that his forties will be a decade in which growing experience and self-confidence combine with energy and ambition to create one of the really productive and enjoyable periods in his life. It will be good for him, good for his family, and good for our business.

Premium snacks from The Meat Makers RH Amar is pleased to announce the introduction of The Meat Makers to its brand portfolio.

Meat snacks are enjoying phenomenal growth. Not only do consumers seek high protein foods when on the go, but they also appreciate the associated benefits of protein, namely that it provides energy, increases bone density, and helps with weight management. A quarter of people who buy snacks seek a product that will keep them fuller for longer, and 26% of snackers consider high protein foods to be filling1.

The Meat Makers offers high protein, low carbohydrate snacks made from premium cuts of meat that are free from artificial flavours, colours and preservatives. Quality is absolutely paramount with a focus on natural ingredients and 100g of its Beef Jerky being made from over 228g of premium topside beef.

The Active range consists of four 40g packs with an RRP of £1.99:

• Beef Jerky Original

• Beef Jerky Ginger & Honey

• Turkey Jerky Lemon & Pepper

• Turkey Jerky Honey & Garlic

The unique packaging has a distinctive sports focus and clear nutritional labelling on the front and back of the pack. The range is aimed at those who prioritise sport and fitness and who are in need of a lean and clean fuel while on the move. With the Sports Food and Drink market estimated to be worth £471m by 20182, The Meat Makers product is perfectly positioned to meet these consumers’ needs.

Meanwhile the Meat Makers Gourmet range, in sophisticated, slate-effect packaging and with exciting flavour profiles, is available in 40g packs with an RRP of £2.09:

• Beef Mild Indian Curry

• Beef Sweet Asian Chilli

• Turkey Honey & Mustard

Premium food and drink continues to demonstrate massive sales potential3, meaning that there is a real gap in the market for a more high-end jerky offering:-

1Mintel – Buoyant innovation and premiumisation in

the meats snack market – Feb 20162Euromonitor – Sports Nutrition in the United

Kingdom – Nov 20153Food Manufacture.co.uk – Premium Food is a Big

Opportunity for Posh SMEs – Mar 2015Tree planting at Booker Hill School – see

P8 “International Earth Day”

Wishing our MD, Rob, a belated Happy 40th Birthday! We are still debating whether this is his age or his handicap….

NEW BRANDS 3Fine Food NewsSpring 2016

Relax. Be positive. Good happensWe’re positively relaxed and delighted to announce that RH Amar has partnered with Tranquini®, a very exciting and innovative new brand that is set to shake up the functional drinks market and create a new Relaxation drinks category.

In today’s fast-paced world, people are seeking activities and products that encourage or induce relaxation more than ever. Tranquini® fits the current generation’s desire for a balanced life-style that includes active and positive relaxation. Such a life-style is focused on helping people face every-day challenging and stressful moments with a calm and positive mind-set, ensuring the most effective and productive outcome possible.

Tranquini® is a lightly carbonated, premium functional beverage made with naturally occurring ingredients which are known to help to relieve stress and anxiety without causing drowsiness.

The formula includes a combination of green tea, chamomile, lavender, and lemon balm extracts. All ingredients are blended into a range of lightly carbonated drinks with unique tastes that can be enjoyed at anytime. Tranquini® contains natural flavours, is preservative-free, does not contain artificial colourants, and has about 30% fewer calories compared to most natural juices or regular sugar-based soft-drinks.

Tranquini® is available in 3 variants:

• Tranquini Original - boasting a pleasant fruity flavour

• Tranquini Jade - with a unique flavour of green tea notes

• Tranquini Zero - containing a combination of sweeteners, including naturally sourced sweetener from the stevia plant. One can enjoy the unique Tranquini® taste with zero calories and zero sugar

Tranquini’s key ingredients:

GREEN TEA - Several studies have shown that theanine, contained in green tea extract, produces a noticeable relaxation effect by reducing anxiety, enhancing mood and focus, without causing drowsiness.

CHAMOMILE - Chamomile has been used for centuries to induce relaxation, particularly in the form of tea and essential oils.

LEMON BALM - Studies have shown that lemon balm is effective in addressing conditions related to stress and anxiety.

LAVENDER - Lavender flower and its extracts have been used for many generations as a treatment for anxiety.

FRUCTOSE - Tranquini® contains fructose and has one third fewer carbohydrates than are found in most natural juices or regular sugar-based soft-drinks.

NATURAL COLOURS - Tranquini® does not contain any artificial colourants.

RANGE EXTENSIONS4 Fine Food NewsSpring 2016

Del Monte drinks bursting with flavourIconic canned fruit brand, Del Monte, has launched a new range of juice drinks, available in single-serve, slim-line 240ml cans.

The drinks are available in four flavours – Pineapple Crush, Pineapple Orange, Tropical Fruit, and Mango. These make a perfect impulse purchase for the on-the-go consumer, and are also ideal as cocktail mixers.

All the drinks are high in Vitamin C and made with 20% real fruit. The range is well positioned to meet consumer demand for a premium product in a convenient format whilst offering exotic flavours.

Del Monte – the fruit expert since 1886 – is a brand synonymous with quality, reliability and freshness, so it is no surprise that these deliver on taste.

The Juice and Juice Drinks market in the UK is worth an estimated £1.9bn1. Ambient and chilled single-serve drinks are the best-performing sectors within the category. Del Monte’s convenient offering – which carries a £0.75 RSP – is perfectly placed to quench thirsty consumers this summer.

1Nielsen EPOS data, 02/01/16

Nando’s gives consumers more PERi-PERiNando’s is relaunching PERinaise - its delicious unique mayonnaise with a PERi kick.

The recipe has been improved to exactly match the PERinaise in the Nando’s restaurants and a unique squeeze bottle design has been developed. PERinaise offers a milder way to bring consumers into the Nando’s brand.

Restaurants are selling 110,000 pots of PERinaise per week - that is 5.7m pots per year – providing a huge opportunity to the cash and carry channel.

Nando’s gets even hotterAn Extra Extra Hot Peri-Peri Sauce is now available to replace the Extra Hot variety. This is designed to provide more differentiation to the Nando’s range, and targets the “spice junkies”.The sauce, available in 6 x 125g packs, contains no artificial preservatives, flavours or colourings. It has no added MSG and is suitable for vegetarians.

New mayo from Cooks&CoCooks&Co’s new product development team has extended the range by introducing an American-Style Mayonnaise. The product has a higher oil content than some traditional mayonnaises (75%). This creates a higher moisture barrier which is ideal for sandwiches as it stops the bread soaking up excess moisture. The mayonnaise is perfect for burgers and sandwiches, and can also be used as a dip.

RANGE EXTENSIONS 5Fine Food NewsSpring 2016

Coconut oil from Cooks&CoCooks&Co has added 300ml Coconut Oil to its popular range of speciality oils that includes Virgin Sesame Oil, Hazelnut Oil, Roasted Peanut Oil, Walnut Oil and a trio of cold pressed Rapeseed Oils.

The new oil carries an RRP of £6.49, contains no cholesterol, is naturally lactose- and gluten-free and thus is suitable for people on a range of diets. It is extremely versatile and can be used for frying, roasting and baking, while providing a mild coconut flavour to all dishes.

Coconut oil, like goose fat, has a high smoke point, making it a good oil for cooking at hot temperatures. It also has non-culinary uses: it can serve as an eye make-up remover, a moisturiser and as a hair conditioner. One in ten UK consumers now purchase coconut oil1 and 32% of consumers consider it to be healthy1.

1Mintel Yellow Fats and Edible Oils - UK - September 2015

Nando’s puts on a CoatNando’s is launching PMP Coat ‘n Cook pouches to allow consumers to create Nando’s meals quickly and easily at home. It works much like a marinade but without having to leave the food overnight - the chicken is simply coated, and then cooked straight away. Coat ‘n Cook adds flavour, zest and a gentle dash of heat to any meal.

Hot and medium varieties will be available PMP at £1.

Geeta’s solves a problemIndian food is still very popular among British consumers. However, for many it tends to be a weekend or dinner party option as the recipes often seem complicated and the ingredients are unfamiliar. Consumers want recipes that are quick and easy to prepare during the week.

Two Step Sauce Kits are Geeta’s latest product innovation that allows consumers to prepare a delicious restaurant quality meal at home in around 15 minutes. Geeta’s Sauce Kits contain two sachets, one with whole spices and the other with a concentrated cooking paste. Together they can be used to create a traditional curry, Indian stir-fry or oven bake.

The Sauce Kits, which have an RSP of £2.09, will be available from May 2016 in six varieties. Four of these are already firm favourites (Royal Korma, Tikka Masala, Madras, and Rogan Josh) and two more are emerging flavours (Makani Butter Chicken and Coriander Masala).

MARKETING NEWS6 Fine Food NewsSpring 2016

Happy Birthday, Sacla’!Sacla’, the UK’s No.1 pesto brand, has relaunched its brand identity to coincide with its 25th anniversary in the UK.

The new-look branding features an updated logo and new jar labels across the range. The revised Sacla’ logo has a copper flourish and a contemporary feel. Copper leaf is visible across all facing labels giving a more premium stand-out on shelf. The new branding will feature immediately on the core pesto range.

Sacla’ is a family-owned business currently run by the third generation of the Ercole family. 2016 is a special and significant year for Sacla’ as it celebrates 25 years in UK with a series of activities. These include the recent launch of “Con Gusto”, a book written by Bill Knott which tells the story of how the British came to love Italian Food.

Top Herd fuels Row2Rio Four extraordinary adventurers have set off on a 6,700km trip that will see them row and cycle from London to Rio de Janeiro ahead of this year’s Olympic Games. The route itself has never before been completed, meaning that the Row2Rio team will be pioneers seeking to break three Guinness World Records along the way. With full backing from the Ocean Rowing Society and support from ocean rowing experts, they have plotted a route that will allow them to complete the journey using only an ocean rowing boat, bicycles and the four team members’ determination.

To undertake such a Herculean task, it was imperative the team had access to foodstuffs that would not perish in the harsh conditions whilst still providing them with the best possible fuel and nutrition for their ailing bodies. An endeavour on this scale required huge quantities of protein-rich foods and the team from Top Herd were more than happy to oblige, providing the rowers with plenty of delicious Jerky and Salami snacks to fuel the journey ahead.

Simon Worne of Top Herd said “From the moment we heard about their epic challenge, we knew we had to get behind them. They’re an amazing group of individuals, who simply want to do something extraordinary in their lives and this is the sort of achievement our brand, Top Herd, is so keen to support and inspire”

As well as highlighting the legacy of the London 2012 Olympics as the hosting baton is passed to Brazil this year, the team’s aim is to raise at least £125,000 for MacMillan Cancer Support. If you would like to sponsor their efforts please visit https://www.justgiving.com/row2rio2016.

Crespo launches new website Crespo, the UK’s No.1 brand of olives, launched a new consumer website in February 2016. This initiative aims to drive brand awareness and give consumers real reasons to visit the ambient olive fixture and buy Crespo olives.

The website has a modern, fresh, vibrant feel. It brings the Crespo brand firmly into the twenty first century, whilst retaining its strong family values, heritage and expertise in olives.

The website is easy to navigate and includes information on the Crespo range and the health benefits of olives. There are also easy and simple recipe ideas that show the versatility of olives.

The website will help to drive purchase frequency as well as attracting new users into the category.

www.crespo-olives.com

MARKETING NEWS 7Fine Food NewsSpring 2016

Mary Berry’s hits the roadMary Berry’s is hitting the festival trail this summer and visitors will be offered tasting masterclasses, money-off vouchers and a chance to win a range of prizes.

Starting off at the Brighton Foodies Festival between 30th April and 2nd May, The Home of Good Taste Tour will be treating visitors to a culinary journey inspired by the popular Mary Berry’s range. This includes the finest quality dressings, sauces, chutneys, and mayonnaises. Among the dressings are the new delicious vinaigrettes that offer food lovers a healthier, lighter way to dress their favourite salads without compromising on flavour.

The Mary Berry’s Home of Good Taste Tour will also be visiting Foodies Festivals in Bristol (13th- 15th May), Birmingham (3rd- 5th June), and Cheshire (15th- 17th June), as well as the Thame Food Festival on 24th September.

Mary Berry’s has also launched its Facebook and Twitter pages this month. Follow the #HomeofGoodTaste on Twitter (www.twitter.com/MaryBerrysFoods) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/MaryBerrysFoods) to be kept updated on tour activity.

Jamie Oliver magazine to boost our brands2016 will see a major focus on driving awareness for both the Cooks&Co and Mary Berry’s brands.

There will be advertisements in the upcoming issues of Jamie Magazine. We know our core consumers read this magazine and look to it for recipe inspiration. This makes it the perfect partner to drive awareness and trial with both of these brands.

The power of customer feedbackRob Amar,

managing

director, writes:Customer feedback is one of the most powerful tools available to any organisation. Getting that feedback isn’t always easy. You sometimes hear when things go wrong (and yes, they do go wrong!). But many experts will tell you that 94% of people don’t complain - they just take their business elsewhere. The reality is they do complain, but to their friends and not to you, sharing their negative experience with an average of nine people. I would always rather know than not know if a customer is dissatisfied – then we can do something about it!

It is equally valuable to receive positive feedback and know about the things we’re doing well, so we can keep doing them well, and keep improving.

A few weeks ago one of our customers visited our offices and warehouse in High Wycombe for the first time. On leaving, she commented “I have four words to describe your business: clean, concise, organised and passionate.” At first I was disappointed by the brevity of this evaluation, but as a man of few words myself, ultimately I found this useful and reassuring feedback, as each word touched on an area that is important to who we are and how we operate:

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8Fine Food NewsSpring 2016

Tel: +44 (0) 1494 530200 Fax: +44 (0) 1494 472076Email: info@rhamar.com Website: www.rhamar.com

COMPANY NEWS

Turnpike Way, High Wycombe, Bucks, HP12 3TF, UK

FINE FOOD NEWSInternational Earth DayRH Amar’s Green Committee remains very active on many fronts, particularly in the areas of energy conservation and recycling. This April, it has been involved with International Earth Day, a movement that has been in existence for 46 years. Amongst the Company’s activities on that day (22nd April), were the following:

• Three trees were planted at the local Booker Hill Primary school

• There was a “dark hour” in the office whereby no lights were used between 12 and 1pm

• A litter-picking party was sent out to a local beauty spot

• Staff were urged to share a car to work, or otherwise walk or cycle

The Chair of the Green Committee, Grainne Lawless, says: “This was the first time the Company had been involved in International Earth Day, and we felt pleased to be making a contribution to a greener world outside the confines of our offices and warehouse. Hopefully, we will repeat the exercise next year.”

Welcome to Jessica

Jessica Bartkowiak joined RH Amar’s marketing team in April as a brand manager. Previously she worked for Curry’s PC World where she was a category manager for several areas including cook shop, health

and beauty and domestic appliance accessories. At RH Amar, Jessica will be responsible for gluten-free and home baking products, with brands including Wellaby’s, Provena, Sacla, Busch and Certo.

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The power of customer feedback• Clean – because we are a food

company, and we pride ourselves in getting our products from factory to customers in prime condition.

• Concise – because all too often business is filled with too much talk and not enough action.

• Organised – because I think any good business has to have great processes and systems.

• Passionate – because this is one of our five core values, and pleasingly we brought this value into this particular customer interaction, as I hope we do with most.

I don’t see as many customers face-to-face as I’d like, but my inbox and phone line are always open. So if you’ve got some feedback – good or bad – give me a call on 01494 530 200, or drop me a line at robamar@rhamar.com.

RH Amar is shortlisted for awardWe are delighted to announce that RH Amar has been shortlisted for the Thames Valley Family Business of the Year Award 2016.

These awards are organised by the magazine, Family Business United, which champions and celebrates the family business sector.

Now in their fourth year, these awards recognise the diversity, strength and depth of family firms across the UK and seek to highlight the contribution that companies like RH Amar make to the UK economy.

Winners of the regional awards will be announced at a gala awards ceremony in London on 2nd June. Also at the ceremony, the UK’s overall Family Business of the Year will be announced from among the regional winners.

Please vote for us at http://www.familybusinessunited.com/resources/family-business-of-the-year-regions/thames-valley/