The Grocer 4 Independents is the monthly section containing news of key issues for the smaller retailer brought to you in association with Kerry Foods Direct to Store. The section is also geared to add value for the independent retailer through both product giveaways and money-saving offers. To take advantage of any of the prize draws or competitions on these pages, please complete the coupon on page 30.




Retailers with an eye for an upward trend will be filling their shelves with premium cider varieties this summer.And with premium ciders growing at a spectacular 62% by volume [ACNielsen, year to December 31 2005], award-winning Merrydown is ready for the rush. Merrydown's famed Vintage Cider, in stylish glass litre bottles that are designed for stunning standout on shelf, is made from crisp Cox and Bramley apples - not from bitter cider apples - and is fermented with Champagne-style yeast for a deliciously refreshing taste. There are no artificial sweeteners or colourings to be found in this superb cider variety. Merrydown Vintage is also available in 440ml cans. We are giving 10 lucky readers the chance to win 3 cases of litre bottles. Tick the box below to enter.
Frederick's Dairies, the UK's number two branded ice cream manufacturer [TNS 52 w/e January 1, 2006], has added to its successful Del Monte portfolio with the launch of a new range, Del Monte Smoothies. Del Monte Smoothies are available in two delicious flavours, mango and raspberry, each boasting strong fruit credentials for the health-conscious consumer and benefiting from the Del Monte quality promise. To mark the launch of the exciting new range, Frederick's Dairies is offering eight readers the chance to win two cases of each variant. Tick the box below to enter.
As part of a significant support package for the entire Wall's ice cream range, Magnum, the UK's number one hand-held ice cream product from Unilever Ice Cream & Frozen Food [IRI value sales January to October 2005], is to receive a magnificent £6.5m makeover this year. Available now, new-look Magnum features new flavours, indulgent packaging and a new TV advertising campaign.The new Magnum impulse flavours joining Magnum Classic and Magnum White are Magnum Almond, Magnum Mint and Magnum Double Caramel, priced £1.10 each. All products in the out-of-home range are dressed in an indulgent new livery, an eye-catching golden metallised wrap to reinforce their premium feel.UICFF is offering five retailers an opportunity to stock up their freezer with £250 worth of stock vouchers (worth up to £500 at retail) redeemable at wholesalers. Tick the box below left to enter.