National Convenience Show offers c-stores a host of ideas

They are questions that keep any retailer worth its salt awake from time to time: what’s going to be the next big growth driver and how can we differentiate ourselves from the competition?

Look no further than the varying fortunes of Britain’s biggest grocers for proof of how difficult it is to come by the answers to these perennial questions. But three upcoming exhibitions - the National Convenience Show (NCS), the Farm Shop & Deli Show and the Forecourt & Fuel Equipment Show, which run concurrently at Birmingham NEC next week - are certainly aiming to provide some clues.

The range of exhibitors and NPD to be showcased at the events is impressive. Expect showcases of the latest products from giants and niche brands alike, ground-breaking in-store technology - including a space-saving trolley and a cashless self-checkout system - and a range of events and masterclasses aimed at sharing the trade secrets of some of the industry’s biggest players. “These shows are dedicated to encouraging best practice and generating growth,” says Jack Halliday, event director. “NCS will showcase more than 300 brands and suppliers - it promises to be the biggest yet, while Farm Shop & Deli Show will have 150 exhibitors.”

NCS will feature everyone from wholesalers and manufacturers to symbol groups and service providers. The line-up includes giants such as Unilever, Allied Bakeries, Mars and Nestlé. And Heineken will be joining drinks industry rivals Diageo and Molson Coors for a Live@theCounter session, part of a series of topical interactive theatre debates taking place throughout the event. Heineken’s off-trade sales director Martin Porter says the session - entitled Meeting the Needs of the alcohol Shopper and running from 2.45pm on Sunday - is a good example of how NCS provides a platform for brands to aid retailers in maximising sales. “By helping retailers capitalise on relevant cross-category opportunities, NCS is helping to safeguard the future prosperity of the convenience sector,” he adds.

Other sessions for Live@the Counter include a masterclass on food-to-go, exploring developments in in-store services and a discussion of how independents can fight the multiples and win, hosted by executives from Spar, Musgrave and Booker. Other sessions will be hosted by big hitters including Cuisine de France, Subway, PayPoint and the Post Office.

In addition to Live@theCounter, NCS will feature the first-ever Association of Convenience Stores Global Summit on Monday, looking at the key issues driving growth globally for c-stores, while on Tuesday Summit13 will be looking at how convenience retailers can get an edge over the multiples. Both are open forums so attendees and exhibitors alike can pitch in.

Of course there will be plenty more going on at exhibitors’ stands too. Diageo will be running exclusive on-stand competitions and samplings. Prizes will also be up for grabs at PayPoint’s stand, says retail director Andrew Goddard. “We will also offer the chance to win counterfeit note checkers and industry experts will be on stand to help answer visitors’ questions,” he says.

Both shows will have no shortage of NPD on offer, either. Lacka Foods will be showing off its new breakfast drink Be Fast at NCS, and for the technologically inclined CBE Software will be unveiling its latest cashless self-checkout system and Storage & Handling will be showcasing a new space-saving trolley design.

Farm Shop & Deli Show

At the Farm Shop & Deli Show, meanwhile, everything from speciality food and drink to hygiene products, packaging and technology will be on show, with new products including a line-up of sparkling drinks from Cawston Press, a gift set and tea range from Suki Tea, and skincare products from Aphrodite Organic Olive Skincare.

“Farm Shop & Deli will be a key event for us,” says Debbie Kay, director and co-founder of EcoBags, which will showcase a new range of bags made from recycled plastic bottles and its new Cool Liners, which custom-fit inside existing bags or boxes to keep food chilled.

It will be key for many others, too, particularly British producers who this year have their own section for the first time, called the Regional Quarter (where 60 exhibitors will be stationed).

Among the UK producers exhibiting is Lucy’s Dressings. Owner and founder Lucy Mackenzie says the show is vital for small British producers. “We’re a small business, with just two people. We are looking to meet new wholesalers and outlets and the show provides the platform to do just that, without the need to travel far and wide,” she says.

It’s just as important for Dalesman Group, which will be showcasing new rubs, sprinkles and crumb coaters from the Gordon Rhodes range, says assistant general manager Charlotte Carter. “By attending the Farm Shop & Deli Show we hope to achieve more brand awareness for the Gordon Rhodes range of Jolly Fine Food products and penetrate relevant markets,” she adds.

So whether you are heading to NCS, the Farm Shop and Deli Show or both, there is plenty on offer to help your business grow and lots of exciting ways to innovate your business. As Halliday says: “This is the perfect platform for networking with industry colleagues, sourcing information on the latest trends and seeing the latest products and services first hand.”