In recent years, the intersection of artificial intelligence and oil trading has garnered significant attention in the financial industry. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on data-driven decision-making, the application of AI in the oil trading sector has the potential to revolutionize how traders and investors operate. This article delves into the fascinating realm where cutting-edge technology and the complex dynamics of oil trading converge. Start your Oil trading journey by using a reliable trading platform such as Oil Capex Pro.
Understanding Artificial Intelligence in Oil Trading
Artificial intelligence, a branch of computer science, focuses on the development of intelligent machines that can perform tasks requiring human intelligence. In the context of oil trading, AI algorithms and systems analyze vast amounts of data to identify patterns, make predictions, and optimize trading strategies. By leveraging AI, traders can gain valuable insights, improve decision-making, and ultimately enhance profitability.
AI's Impact on Data Analysis
The oil trading industry generates an enormous amount of data from various sources, such as supply and demand reports, geopolitical events, weather patterns, and market sentiment. Analyzing this vast and diverse dataset manually can be time-consuming and prone to human error. However, AI systems excel at processing and analyzing big data, enabling traders to quickly extract meaningful information and identify trends that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Predictive Analytics and Forecasting
One of the most significant advantages of AI in oil trading is its ability to perform predictive analytics. By analyzing historical data and real-time market information, AI models can forecast future price movements with a higher degree of accuracy. These predictive capabilities empower traders to make well-informed decisions, optimize trading strategies, and effectively manage risk.
Automated Trading Systems
AI-powered automated trading systems have gained popularity in the oil trading industry. These systems use advanced algorithms to execute trades based on predefined rules and market conditions. By removing human emotions and biases from the trading process, automated systems can make rapid and objective decisions, leading to increased efficiency and reduced transaction costs.
Benefits and Challenges of AI in Oil Trading
While the integration of AI in oil trading offers numerous benefits, it also presents challenges that traders and industry participants must address.
Benefits of AI in Oil Trading
Enhanced Decision-Making: AI systems provide traders with accurate and real-time insights, enabling them to make better-informed decisions based on data-driven analysis.
Improved Risk Management: AI models can identify potential risks and vulnerabilities in the market, allowing traders to implement effective risk mitigation strategies.
Increased Efficiency: Automation of repetitive tasks and real-time monitoring capabilities enable traders to respond quickly to market changes, leading to enhanced operational efficiency.
Enhanced Profitability: By leveraging AI's predictive capabilities, traders can identify profitable trading opportunities, optimize trading strategies, and maximize profitability.
Challenges of AI in Oil Trading
Data Quality and Availability: The quality and availability of data remain crucial for AI algorithms to deliver accurate predictions. Ensuring data accuracy and accessing comprehensive datasets can be challenging in the oil trading industry.
Model Interpretability: Some AI models, such as deep learning neural networks, are often considered "black boxes" due to their complex structures. Interpreting the decision-making process of these models can be challenging, potentially raising concerns regarding transparency and accountability.
Regulatory Considerations: The integration of AI in oil trading raises regulatory concerns, including algorithmic trading regulations, market manipulation, and data privacy. It is essential for regulators to stay updated and establish appropriate guidelines to mitigate potential risks.
Technological Infrastructure: Implementing AI systems requires robust technological infrastructure and expertise. Companies need to invest in hardware, software, and skilled personnel to effectively leverage AI in oil trading.
The Future of AI in Oil Trading
The future of AI in oil trading appears promising, with continued advancements in technology and increasing adoption across the industry. Here are some potential developments to watch for:
Advanced Machine Learning Techniques
AI systems will continue to evolve with the application of advanced machine learning techniques. Improved algorithms, such as reinforcement learning and natural language processing, will enhance decision-making capabilities and enable more accurate predictions in oil trading.
Real-Time Market Monitoring
AI-powered systems will enable real-time monitoring of market conditions, including supply and demand dynamics, geopolitical events, and weather patterns. By processing and analyzing vast amounts of data in real-time, traders can promptly identify emerging trends and take appropriate actions.
Enhanced Risk Management Tools
AI algorithms can assist in developing sophisticated risk management tools. By identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities, AI models can suggest optimal risk mitigation strategies, helping traders safeguard their positions and investments.
Ethical Considerations
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into the oil trading industry, ethical considerations surrounding its usage will become more prominent. Transparent and accountable AI systems, coupled with comprehensive regulatory frameworks, will be crucial in ensuring fair and responsible practices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the intersection of artificial intelligence and oil trading holds tremendous potential for transforming the way traders operate in the financial markets. AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data, make accurate predictions, and automate trading processes offers significant advantages. However, challenges related to data quality, model interpretability, regulations, and technological infrastructure must be addressed. As the industry progresses, continued advancements in AI technology and a proactive approach to addressing challenges will shape the future of oil trading.
Diwali always comes at the perfect time to light up the night and the spirits as the days shorten and the weather grows colder. Here is our guide to the festival, to help you spread warmth, happiness – and prosperity
Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, is one of the most widely celebrated festivals across the globe, and its significance in the UK, along with its economic footprint, is growing each year. Marked by joy, togetherness, and vibrant traditions, Diwali, also known as Deepavali, is a time for family gatherings, festive meals, and the exchange of gifts.
This five-day celebration, which symbolises the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, is observed with a wide array of customs, including decorating homes with oil lamps (diyas), indulging in festive sweets, and offering prayers for prosperity. The main day of Diwali, known as Lakshmi Puja, is dedicated to worshipping Goddess Lakshmi, the deity of wealth and prosperity.
While Diwali is predominantly a Hindu festival, it is observed by various other communities with unique cultural and religious significance. For Sikhs, Diwali marks Bandi Chhor Divas (Prisoner Release Day), celebrating the release of Guru Hargobind, the sixth of ten gurus of the religion, from imprisonment. Jains celebrate Diwali as the day when Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana, while Buddhists in certain regions mark the festival by paying homage to Emperor Ashoka’s conversion to Buddhism.
It is a special time for retailers for both professional and personal reasons as stores experience a sales spike in categories such as rice, drinks, sweets and chocolates. Diwali offers a perfect opportunity to showcase not only “world cuisine” but festive drinks, sweets and cakes, with a great potential to take a share of the extra festival-based spend, and to make use of many advantages – retail and community-based, that convenience enjoys over the multiples.
Diwali sweets and snacks at SPAR Lindford store
From mithai (Indian sweets) and namkeen (savory snacks) to speciality flours, spices, and ready-to-eat meals, there is a high demand for authentic products that evoke the essence of home-cooked feasts. Additionally, gifting items such as chocolates, dried fruits, decorative diyas, and fairy lights see a surge in popularity.
This year, Diwali falls on Friday, 1 November, coinciding with Halloween, celebrated across the world on the night of 31 October. With Bonfire Night falling four days later, retailers have an exciting window to capitalise on the festive mood.
The convergence of Diwali and Halloween allows for creative cross-promotions and themed displays that appeal to a wide range of customers. Both festivals share an emphasis on sweets and treats, making confectionery a key category to promote. Offering special Diwali-themed sweets alongside Halloween candy could attract diverse shoppers looking to celebrate both traditions.
Alongside Diwali-themed offerings, Halloween treats and Bonfire Night essentials can be promoted together to maximise customer engagement. From confectionery and snacks to decorations and party supplies, this period offers numerous opportunities to boost footfall and sales. For more insights on how to make the most of Halloween and Bonfire Night, be sure to check out our dedicated feature in this issue.
Authenticity and innovation
Diwali is steeped in tradition, and food plays a central role in the celebrations. According to Upuli Ambawatta, brand manager at Empire Bespoke Foods, one of the most significant trends retailers should keep in mind is the growing consumer demand for flavours and high-quality products.
“Great flavours and authentic products are two of the main purchase motivators for Diwali, and as a leading speciality food importer and distributor, Empire Bespoke Foods is perfectly placed to deliver,” she says.
“While shoppers will be looking for great flavours and familiarity of product, they’ll also be seeking authenticity so that they can share food with confidence. Stocking a comprehensive range of Diwali products is a tried and tested way of increasing basket spend and therefore maximising sales.”
Indian snacks, both sweet and savoury, are always highly sought after, and with many customers still prefer to prepare meals from scratch, she notes that staples like rice, flour, ghee, butter, and various nuts will see a surge in demand during the festive period.
The Diwali shopping list is evolving, too. Ambawatta highlights the increasing interest in healthier Indian sweets, which offer lower sugar and fat content while maintaining an authentic taste.
“To help retailers stock up for Diwali, Empire Bespoke Foods offers a range of traditional yet innovative ‘Shayona’ snacks, as well as acclaimed Indian condiments and ready-to-eat-meals from global brand Ashoka. Sourced direct from India, Ashoka products are ideal for the busy Diwali period, with an emphasis on authenticity and convenience,” she says.
Merchandising plays a critical role in ensuring retailers make the most of the Diwali season, with Sanjeet Manek, founder of Sandea Wholesale, highlighting the importance of strategically merchandising high-demand products.
“In the convenience sector, high-demand, everyday essentials like toiletries (toothpaste, deodorants), OTC medications (pain relievers, cough drops), and FMCG staples (snacks, beverages) perform best. These products are frequently purchased due to their essential nature and often on impulse, particularly in busy environments like convenience stores or during festive periods,” he notes.
“By ensuring a steady supply of these essentials, retailers can meet immediate consumer needs and capitalise on quick, hassle-free purchases.”
Both Ambawatta and Manek agree that bundling is an effective strategy for increasing sales during Diwali.
“Offering product combinations encourages larger purchases. Additionally, offering seasonal promotions tied to key events, like Diwali, drives excitement and clears stock. Lastly, monitoring consumer feedback and preferences helps tailor the product mix, ensuring that retailers remain responsive to customer needs and maximise sales,” Manek says.
Sandea Wholesale has several exciting launches lined up for the festive season.
“Many of our partnered brands will introduce new ranges and festive packaging in time for Diwali and Christmas, featuring exclusive gift sets and holiday editions. These products, particularly in FMCG and cosmetics, are perfect for gifting and celebrations,” Manek explains.
“On the FMCG side, we continuously stay ahead of the curve, preparing for new product launches well in advance. These innovative product lines, combined with tailored marketing campaigns, will drive consumer interest and increase engagement during the festive period.”
Competing with multiples
With many customers preferring to shop for Diwali products in ethnic or independent stores due to the limited range offered by larger retailers, it’s a great opportunity for indies to steal a march on the multiples by making the most of this relatively short but intense selling period. However, as more multiples expand their Diwali offerings, independents must step up their game to stay competitive.
Ambawatta emphasises the importance of planning ahead and stocking up early to offer maximum value and choice to customers.
“This year, some retailers will be starting their Diwali promotions earlier than in previous years. Getting on top of planning for the occasion gives you a clear advantage over the multiples as it gives shoppers more time to plan,” she suggests.
“By making sure you’re well stocked with popular lines ahead of this key selling time, you can offer plenty of choice for last minute or top-up purchases – but make sure that you understand your customer base and are stocking the right range otherwise you could miss out on valuable sales.”
Manek believes independents hold a unique advantage in their ability to deliver personalised service and cater to local preferences.
“Independents can compete with larger chains by focusing on personalised service and a deeper understanding of their local customers,” he explains.
“Offering niche products, such as artisanal goods or hard-to-find cultural items, provides a unique selling point. Local collaborations with artisans or community groups can help differentiate their offerings while fostering community spirit.”
Manek also advises independents to leverage social media to highlight local stories, Diwali-specific promotions, and engaging with local influencers to build strong customer loyalty. By using social media to showcase exclusive product ranges, special promotions, and even behind-the-scenes glimpses of preparations, independents can create a buzz that draws customers in and enhances their shopping experience.
“With personalised care and a close community connection, independents can attract customers who prefer a more intimate shopping experience,” he adds.
Soft drinksopportunities
Diwali provides convenience retailers with an ideal opportunity to boost their soft drink sales by catering to consumers seeking refreshing beverages to complement their celebrations. With family gatherings, festive meals, and an emphasis on socialising, the demand for soft drinks continues to rise, making it an essential category for retailers to focus on during this festive season.
Barr Soft Drinks, a leader in the soft drinks category, is urging retailers to tap into the growing demand for exotic juice drinks by stocking up on Rubicon, the UK’s No.1 Exotic Juice Drink brand [IRI].
“Diwali celebrations encourage shoppers to discover exciting new taste and flavour experiences, as they make the most of the opportunity to socialise with family and friends,” comments Jonathan Kemp, Commercial Director at Barr Soft Drinks.
“Many consumers are looking for new and exotic food and drink options during Diwali. Rubicon’s largest ever range of unique, bold flavours, which complement many traditional Diwali dishes, and broad choice of pack formats take the lead in attracting shoppers to the soft drinks fixture.
With Diwali sales continuing to grow year on year, in 2023 alone volume grew by 13 per cent [Circana], Rubicon accounted for a remarkable 83 per cent of soft drink sales during Diwali in 2023.
“Rubicon Stills accounted for one-third of those sales, growing at 42 per cent year on year whilst Rubicon Sparkling accounted for two-thirds of the sales, growing at 27 per cent highlighting the importance to retailers to stock up on both formats,” Kemp says.
For retailers, Kemp advises stocking up on a mix of Rubicon Still, Rubicon Sparkling, and Rubicon Spring to meet consumer demand for taste, value, low sugar options, and innovation.
“Diwali is synonymous with exciting food and drink choices. Offering a large range of flavours and pack formats will cater to demand from those who are shopping for family gatherings, where individual tastes and preferences differ. Larger pack formats, such as Rubicon two-litre sparkling and one-litre still packs, have particular take-home appeal,” he adds.
Barr Soft Drinks is supporting Rubicon with a range of eye-catching POS, enabling retailers and wholesalers to create in-store theatre during Diwali.
Alongside Rubicon’s exotic offerings, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP) emphasises the importance of stocking up on popular soft drink brands like Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite, and Dr Pepper during Diwali, an important event in the winter calendar.
“With shoppers looking for non-alcoholic options around Diwali, the event can create a great opportunity for soft drinks,” Amy Burgess, senior trade communications manager at CCEP.
“Retailers should light up their stores with exciting seasonal displays featuring sharing packs across leading brands, such as large PET bottles and multipack cans of popular favourites like Coca-Cola, Fanta, Sprite and Dr Pepper.”
These formats offer convenience, ensuring that guests have ample refreshments during extended celebrations. Whether enjoyed alongside a festive meal or during a casual family gathering, CCEP’s range of fizzy favourites delivers familiar, refreshing flavours that are a staple for many Diwali celebrations.
Spirits and RTD options
The Diwali season presents an excellent opportunity for retailers to enhance their spirits and ready-to-drink (RTD) offerings, aligning with the festive spirit and consumer preferences. With spirits alone generating £20 million in sales during the Diwali season [NielsenIQ], the category has immense potential for growth.
As Lauren Priestley, head of category development, off trade at Diageo GB, explains, “These occasions are perfect for aligning stock with consumer preferences and seasonal trends, enabling retailers to provide popular drinks options and maximise sales.”
Retailers have an essential role to play in helping customers prepare for Diwali gatherings, from offering the right beverages to creating a festive atmosphere in-store. “By actively participating in Diwali festivities, they not only enhance their relationships with customers but also boost brand loyalty and contribute to the festive mood,” she adds.
“Retailers can support this communal spirit by assisting customers in preparing for home parties, offering everything from festive decorations to a diverse selection of beverages, ensuring all needs are met for a memorable celebration.”
She also emphasises the importance of stocking both alcoholic and alcohol-free options to cater to all consumers, helping families and communities celebrate together.
“Alcohol-free occasions are increasingly mirroring traditional alcohol-driven celebrations in terms of consumption patterns, with sales of alcohol-free drinks peaking during major seasonal events,” Priestley observes.
“Recognising this trend, retailers can benefit by stocking a selection of premium alcohol-free options in their stores. For instance, Guinness 0.0 has become a standout in the alcohol-free beer category offering consumers a high-quality, great-tasting alternative that meets the rising demand.”
In the alcohol-free spirits category, there has been significant innovation, driving a 9.2 per cent growth in off-trade sales [Nielsen Discovery]. Diageo’s “House of Zero” portfolio, which includes alcohol-free versions of iconic brands such as Gordon's, Tanqueray, and Captain Morgan, is a prime example of the quality options now available. These alcohol-free choices allow consumers to enjoy the social moments of Diwali celebrations without feeling left out, making them a must-stock item for the festive season.
Ready-to-drink (RTD) beverages are another segment that offers significant potential during Diwali, especially given the growing trend toward convenience and at-home entertaining. RTDs are the fastest-growing segment within the total alcohol category in the off-trade [by 25 per cent between 2020-2023 – Nielsen Scan Track], and their popularity continues to surge as consumers look for high-quality, premixed drinks that require no preparation.
Priestley notes: “The rising trend of crafting cocktails at home remains strong, with premium cocktails showing an impressive growth of 82 per cent [Nielsen Scan Track]. For those less experienced in mixing drinks, RTDs offer a simple solution without compromising on quality.”
Diageo’s recent RTD innovations, such as the Cîroc Passion and Cîroc Summer Citrus RTDs, have performed exceptionally well, meeting consumer demand for premium, convenient cocktail options. Similarly, Diageo's The Cocktail Collection—a trio of bottled premium cocktails featuring Johnnie Walker Old Fashioned, Tanqueray Negroni, and Cîroc Cosmopolitan—caters to those who want bar-quality cocktails at home, ideal for sharing and social celebrations.
Ben Anderson, Marketing Director at FUNKIN COCKTAILS, reinforces this trend, stating that RTDs have seen "brilliant" performance in the market, with the cocktail segment leading the charge.
“Convenience, portability and premiumisation have driven strong growth particularly in the convenience channel. Over the past year, RTD cocktail sales have surged to £138 million, marking a 12 per cent YOY increase – far outpacing the overall RTD market’s six per cent growth [Nielsen],” Anderson reveals.
In the impulse sector, these sales have grown even faster, hitting £17 million, up 25 per cent YOY.
“This trend highlights a significant opportunity for convenience retailers, as consumer demand for high-quality on-the-go beverages continues to rise,” he notes, adding that: “As the market continues to evolve, retailers can expect ongoing innovation in flavours and formats, making RTDs a must-stock.”
In terms of products, Anderson highlights the importance of offering single-serve options, including both bottles and cans, which have consistently performed well.
“So far this year, RTD cocktails have generated £84 million in sales, marking a seven per cent increase YOY. With this in mind, independent retailers should prioritise stocking up on these formats, maximising the opportunity to cash in,” he suggests.
Classic cocktail flavours like FUNKIN’s Passion Fruit Martini have seen tremendous growth, doubling from three million cans sold in 2022 to nearly six million in 2023. Nostalgic flavours, such as FUNKIN’s Blue Raspberry Martini, have also gained popularity, particularly among Gen Z consumers, making them an essential part of any retailer’s RTD offering.
“Tailored to Gen Z preferences, this new addition has quickly gained traction, particularly in convenience stores, where it now accounts for 30 per cent of all sales. By staying ahead of these flavour trends, retailers can unlock additional sales by recruiting a new generation of drinkers and enhancing their product offerings,” Anderson adds.
The rise of premium cocktails and convenience-driven purchasing habits has also made multipacks a valuable option for Diwali celebrations.
“With RTDs, our merchandising advice has always been to prioritise these in the fridge – and this is particularly true in impulse. During times when you’re expecting a high footfall, as well as regularly restocking the chillers, also remember to stock up on FUNKIN's multipacks, such as our Mixed Cocktail Party Pack, to capitalise on group purchases,” he says.
“We’d recommend that independent retailers keep a close eye on any events in their local area which are going to be particularly appealing to young socialisers and tastemakers. Whether that’s seasonal events or concerts, there’s often an opportunity to capitalise on passing trade by making sure consumers’ favourite cocktails are on offer.”
Gift-giving
Confectionery plays a central role in Diwali celebrations, making it an essential category for retailers during the festive season. Diwali is synonymous with indulgence, gift-giving, and sharing treats with loved ones, and confectionery items perfectly align with these traditions.
Sweets are often given as gifts during Diwali, as they symbolise joy, prosperity, and the sharing of happiness. Gifting sweets is a key cultural practice, making it crucial for retailers to stock up on premium confectionery gift boxes, chocolate assortments, and festive-themed packaging. Popular brands offering limited-edition Diwali treats or personalised gift options will appeal to customers looking for unique gifting solutions.
Family gatherings and parties during Diwali drive demand for sharing packs and multipacks of confectionery. From chocolates and sweets to traditional Indian mithai, shoppers look for larger packs that cater to the whole family and guests. Stocking a wide variety of sharing formats and bulk options can help retailers meet this demand and increase basket sizes.
SPAR Lindford store
Creative and vibrant in-store displays featuring confectionery can capture the festive spirit and encourage impulse purchases. Retailers should also run special Diwali promotions, offering bundle deals or discounts on festive sweets, to entice shoppers and boost sales during this high-demand period.
Diwali represents a critical period for convenience retailers, and independents are uniquely positioned to capitalise on the season by offering authentic products, personalised service, and a deep connection to the local community. By planning ahead, stocking up on key categories, and leveraging digital and in-store merchandising techniques, retailers can drive sales and attract a loyal customer base. Collaborations, bundling, and a keen understanding of consumer trends will further enhance their Diwali offering and help them compete against larger chains.
With the right approach, independents can shine brightly during Diwali, offering their customers a memorable shopping experience that reflects the joy and togetherness of this festive season.
It was her child’s 10th birthday when Seema Misra was sentenced to 15 months in prison for “stealing £70,000” from her Post Office branch in the village of West Byfleet in Surrey in 2010. She was eight months pregnant at the time and she gave birth to her second son wearing an electronic tag.
Misra was one of more than 700 sub-postmasters and postmistresses prosecuted between 1999 and 2015 for theft and false accounting after a faulty computer system called Horizon made it look like money was missing from their branches.
Many, like Misra, were convicted and sent to prison. Hundreds of them were left financially ruined; they lost their jobs, businesses and homes. Many have died. After all these years, the victims are still waiting for complete justice and fair compensation, but the end is nowhere in sight.
Injustice happened in not just in the wrongful convictions, but also in social humiliation and abuse that these victims had to endure. Recently speaking with Asian Trader, Misra expressed deep regret over becoming a sub post mistress at the first place, calling it the “worst decision” of her life.
She said, “We were doing so well before that. My entrepreneur journey was brilliant until the time I decided to join Post Office.”
Like other sub post masters, Misra was a pillar in her community, and everybody knew her well in the village. In 2010, when she was wrongly sentenced to prison after she was found guilty of the so-called theft following a trial in the Crown Court, both the community as well as local media showed complete hostility and lack of empathy or even mercy towards her.
Reflecting, she said, “The local newspaper published a column with headline ‘Pregnant Thief’. We had to move home thrice. Everyone in the community, including our friends, turned their back towards us overnight.
“The same people whom I used to catch up with over coffee almost every second day, none of them came forward to help and support my husband who single-handedly had to take care of my son when I was imprisoned. No one even offered words of consolation.
“Had it been the other way round, I would have definitely made sure to at least feed the rest of the family who is still in shock and already dealing with a lot. However, I don’t have any hard feelings towards anyone."
Former sub-postmistress Seema Misra (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
When she was in jail, her husband sent urgent desperate pleas to a series of people and agencies including High Commission and human rights agencies but no one came forward to help them, she said.
Misra continued, “On the day of my sentence, it was my first child’s 10th birthday and I was eight weeks pregnant. We didn’t tell our elder child anything about prison time. He got to know what actually happened much later in 2019.
“We told him that mommy has to stay in hospital as she is pregnant. Otherwise it would have been too hard on him. For eight years, we didn't celebrate my younger son's birthday because I didn't want the world to know that I am his mother. I never used to say my full name. I used to drop my son for sports but never used to enter the ground.
“I didn’t want people to spot me and say, ‘oh she is Seema Misra, the one who was sent to prison’.
“Coming from Asian community, we always want to protect our children. And this was something very shameful for us. I can fight Post Office day in-day out but I still, after all these years, even today cannot come to terms that I was sent to jail."
Misra also stressed that Asian post masters were treated unfairly by Post Office throughout the ordeal.
She stated, “I feel Asians were kind of not targeted, but definitely got racially discriminated. Like, Post Office came upon with a mentality that if you are an Indian, you must be stealing. They proceeded with my case (a helpless Indian lady) as they wanted to set an example. They thought because of our background, we won’t be able to defend ourselves or create much noise.
“Mostly, such business is owned by the Asian community anyway. So that's why there are more Asians than the other community. But now I can feel in our meetings that most Asian sub post masters are feeling let down by the country.”
The Post Office horizon scandal is more of an ego clash, said Misra, stating that the Post office knew they were at fault and all they cared about was to cover up.
Elsewhere in Oxfordshire, unaware of Misra's ordeal, another sub post master was facing a similar fate. Sub post master Vipin Patel was charged with stealing £34,000 from the Post Office branch he ran in Horspath though his shortfalls in the financial year of 2010 mounted in excess of £75,000, leaving him no choice but to cash in his Royal Mail pension and sell his wife's family jewellery.
He was convicted of fraud and was given an 18-week suspended prison sentence in 2011.
In 2019, Misra was one of 557 claimants to whom the Post Office agreed to pay nearly £58m in compensation after losing a landmark civil litigation case (though most of the payout went on legal fees). It was only after this landmark decision that people's attitudes started shifting albeit very slowly, she said, adding that at least, the public came to know that there were many others like her.
In 2020, Vipin’s conviction was also quashed though a monumental and irreversible damage had already scarred the family for life.
In a conversation with Asian Trader, Varchas Patel, son of Vipin Patel, said, “My parents were respected citizens of a small village in Oxfordshire. Being sub postmasters, they were also the pillars of the community. Post the scandal and my father’s legal proceedings, our family had to face a lot of abuse from the community.”
Former sub post master Vipin Patel
Be it a “wanted dead or alive” poster pasted on the shop or “RIP Vipin” memorial cross planted in the centre of the village, the family faced endless racist and disturbing events for several years.
Varchas continued, “My mother was racially abused. My father suffered a lot of racial harassment and intimidation. They (counselors of Parish council and some residents) wanted to drive my mom and dad out of the village.
“Every time I visited Oxfordshire, I was harassed by counselors, who were putting pressure on me to make my parents leave the village and sell the shop. But most importantly, our relations as a family with relatives and friends were strained, some even permanently.
"As a family, we have suffered our own traumas. We as a family were perfect before 2011. When my father got prosecuted, we were divided in so many different ways. It was a nightmare. I couldn't finish my degree because I had to start working to assist my parents financially. I had to make a choice, either financially help them or see them bankrupted and just continue with my degree.”
The treatment from Post Office, the financial debt that came as well as the abusive attitude of the community left the Patel family shattered.
Varchas stated, “As a son, I have suffered depression and anxiety. My relationship with my own sister suffered for so many years. It’s just been one huge mess, and it's all been orchestrated by the post office.”
A couple more years down the line, a similar fate fell upon Shazia Saddiq.
Former sub-postmistress Shazia Saddiq (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)
Saddiq was a single mother of two young children, when the Post Office’s faulty IT system coupled with its complete apathy and intimidation tactics rattled her life to shreds. She had three post office branches in Newcastle between 2009 and 2016. In 2012, she was forced to pay £3,500 in installments due to alleged shortfall.
Later in 2016, she was suspended without pay from Westgate Hill and Ryton branches over a shortfall of £39,269.97 which was later increased to £41,097.37 without much explanation.
The post offices were closed, and she was given no access to either branch or her own retail businesses. Apart from Post Office ruthlessness, it was the community’s treatment that left her shocked and traumatised for life. Years have passed though the humiliation is still very fresh in Saddiq’s mind.
In a conversation with Asian Trader, Saddiq revealed, “It had a devastating effect on me and my small family. The community I once served physically attacked me. Post Office left me humiliated as well as broke.”
After abuse and taunts went through the roof and also after some people tried to enter her home which was directly above the Post Office branch, Saddiq was forced to flee from her home in the middle of the night with her children and just bare minimum essentials.
Delay, delays and more delays
Post Office victim campaigner Sir Alan Bates recently called for a March 2025 deadline for financial redress for those caught up in the Post Office scandal, saying the financial redress schemes can't be allowed to drag on for years.
Sir Bates also hinted about taking legal action, saying if the victims don’t “get an affirmation from them of a March 2025 deadline, then “other routes” will be followed.
Post Office Minister Gareth Thomas however said it would be difficult to achieve the deadline but promised that there would be “substantial progress” toward clearing the compensation claim backlog by next summer.
Talking about delays in compensation, Misra called the whole ordeal torturous and humiliating.
She said, “Seeking compensation in itself a torture. It feels like what happens with rape victim; first they took my dignity and then they make me repeat the ordeal over and over again for seeking the money that Post Office technically owes me.
“They are active in paying bonuses to themselves but when it comes to paying up to the victims, they are clearly cutting corners. We were expecting that it would take time, but we never expected that this will take this much time.”
Varchas echoed Misra’s frustration, as after all these years, his father’s compensation is nowhere in sight.
He said, “We have already seen that once a claim is submitted, post office continues to fight sub postmasters to decrease the compensation as much as the post office can. Post Office is definitely not looking to pay sub postmasters their full and fair compensation. They are continuing to fight the majority of sub postmasters and is clearly wasting a lot of valuable time, especially for the victims who are elderly, like my father, who is 70 and in poor health.
Former subpostmasters (Photo by TOLGA AKMEN/AFP via Getty Images)
“There are so many, so many people like him. Recently, another sub postmaster sadly passed away. In the back of my mind, I always pray that something like this doesn't happen with my father and I really hope that he gets to live and able to receive his compensation in his lifetime.”
However, Post Office is not making it easy for anybody, Varchas added. “It doesn't matter which background you are from, if you have got a small claim or a large claim, they are literally fighting everybody.
“I don't trust the government's assurance of next summer. I have no faith in the government, let alone the post office, when it comes to full and fair compensation. Governments just come and go. With the new Labor government also, sadly nothing has truly changed.”
Varchas is calling on the Post Office to immediately release a “£600,000 interim payment” so that people, like his ailing father, can move on in their lives.
He said, “Post office knows that a large portion of the claimants, their claims are around 1 million pounds each. Some will be less, some will be more, depending on how much the sub postmaster in question has lost. My suggestion is why not give each claimant £600,000 interim payment so at least those who have already suffered so much can go on with their lives?
“My parents, at 70 and 65, should have been retired by now if the Post Office had not ruined our lives like the way it did. My father should be given 600,000 pound interim payment to move on with this life while the rest of his claim gets processed and finalised at the earliest.”
Like others, Saddiq is also still waiting to be fully compensated from the Post Office. Frustrated at the endless wait, Saddiq stated, “The government is dragging it; maybe it is waiting for me to die. So much delay with no end in sight has re-traumatised me. They are dehumanising I cannot move on. I am a prisoner of the post office scandal.”
Saddiq said she has no faith in Thomas’ recent assurance that things will move by summer of 2025.
'Scandal within a scandal'
It is appalling that so many summers have passed and there is still no full and fair financial redress, Saddiq said, calling the delay is a "scandal within a scandal".
Saddiq however has high hopes from the ongoing public inquiry, that was established in non-statutory form in September 2020. It was converted to a statutory inquiry in June 2021.
Sir Alan Bates, Founder, Justice for Subpostmasters Alliance (Photo Andrew Matthews - WPA Pool/Getty Images)
The Post Office Horizon IT inquiry is led by retired high court judge Sir Wyn Williams who is tasked with ensuring there is a public summary of the failings which occurred with the Horizon IT system at the Post Office leading to the suspension, termination of sub post masters’ contracts, prosecution and conviction of sub post masters.
The Inquiry will look to establish a clear account of the implementation and failings of the system over its lifetime (a period of over 20 years). The inquiry is in its last phase of hearing.
Saddiq said, "I believe Sir Wyn Williams and his team will provide the nation with a detailed report of what all happened. I hope for a sustainable self-sufficient post office for the future. But most importantly, those who contributed to this cover held to account.”
Vipin’s family too has high hopes from the ongoing public inquiry though they are quite shocked at some of the revelations.
Varchas said, “I think the inquiry has done a tremendous job. The lawyers, like my father’s, have also done a tremendous job though it is so sad to see that the post office, from what I've seen so far over two years, continues to deny and deflect.
"Even though I believe the inquiry will unanimously come down in the favor of sub post masters, I genuinely believe that the post office has used that the time, length of the inquiry to continue in its cover up. And I also do not believe the post office has given the post office inquiry the entire truth.
“I was quite shocked to see how some post office officials and lawyers even conducted themselves in the post office inquiry. The likes of former senior Post Office lawyer Jarnail Singh who actually do not believe that they've done anything wrong, even when evidence is shown to them.”
Varchas is demanding strict penal action against Post Office investigators as well. He informed, "My father’s post office investigator categorically knew the existence of a horizon bug in 2010 but that individual in 2011 rendered my dad for prosecution.
“The same investigator could have acknowledged that there have been complaints of a bug and should have checked back with Fujitsu but he did not. Post Office seemed to be on a mission to cover up and make it look like sub post masters’ fault.
Vipin Patel, along with wife and son Varchasanraj Patel, on the day his conviction was quashed
“Sub post masters were not only the most trusted people in the UK, not only pillars of their community, but they are also successful entrepreneurs. So it is mind boggling how, for around 20 years, the post office employees, former and current, still think, even though the court has found them wrong on numerous occasions, that these sub postmasters are guilty of something.
"Even though their names have been cleared, some Post Office officials literally live in a fantasy world," he added.
Post Office is “defending the indefensible”, said Varchas, adding that it is also buying time to waste some more.
He said, “It is also wasting taxpayers’ money on its shiny lawyers to delay and deny the poor victims of proper, full and fair compensation. I fear sadly more victims will fall ill and die simply waiting for justice.
“I just hope one day that my father can get compensated in full and fair soon so that we as a family can move on to better times. The devastation in my family and other families that I've seen sadly is catastrophic.”
Saddiq, Misra and Varchas agree that ITV’s four-part series Mr Bates vs The Post Office, which was aired in early January, changed and exemplified the chatter around the issue.
The ITV drama led to a public outcry about the treatment of hundreds of workers who were wrongly convicted and accused of theft, fraud and false accounting because of a faulty Post Office accounting system.
Varchas said, “I do believe the victims’ reputations have been restored to some extent. It will never completely wipe everything away. But at least now, the majority of British people now realises that the sub postmasters were innocent for all these years and have been badly wronged. The perception of people has changed.
“But that’s in general terms. In my father’s case, nobody in our village in Oxfordshire has even apologized for anything that they've said or done even though a lot of media flock to the village after ITV aired the show.
“Some people of my village have a huge guilt complex now and cannot even come up and say sorry for all the harm and the mud that they have thrown at us.”
Misra added, “After ITV series, the awareness level spiked and people’s attitude towards us changed. And that means a lot to us. A simple statement like ‘we are behind you, or we believe in you’ charges us up whenever we are feeling low.”
Fight for justice
Apart from compensation, it is now a fight of justice and fair system for all. It is high time someone should be held accountable and concrete actions are taken swiftly.
In Misra’s words, “Compensation is just one bit; the main thing I'm fighting for is accountability and fair justice. Whoever is behind this needs to go behind bars. Otherwise, it means we are living in a land of two laws- one where on one side, one with slightest hint of a slip is penalized and on the other, high-profile people doing huge blunder, destroying lives are being ignored so blatantly.”
Misra also criticized Met Police for not doing much on the issue despite running an investigation for the past two years.
She said, “I am so heartbroken from them. They have deployed 80 officers and there is so much factual evidence already. How much more do they need? What needs to be done immediately is to make some arrests or at least confiscate the passports. I was sent to prison directly from the court despite being eight week pregnant, but I don’t see that level of swiftness and efficiency when it comes to Post Office scandal’s real culprits.
“The government and the authorities are definitely not setting a good example. Nothing is happening.”
Misra warned that scandals like these and inaction over them would pave the way for more.
Former sub-postmistress Seema Misra (Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images)
She said, “If we let Post Office officials or whoever is responsible get away with it, another thing will happen. Are we waiting for another such scandal to happen? Our fight is to correct the system. I don’t want another kind of scandal to happen and innocent people to suffer again. I know the pain and I don’t want anyone to go through this kind of hell.
At the time of this conversation with Asian Trader, Misra and her family of four were on a nine-day Navratri (annual Hindu festival observed in honor of the goddess Durga) fasting and were looking forward excitedly to an auspicious Diwali celebration.
“The ordeal has been very long and very traumatic. But I feel that I am the ‘Chosen One’. Instead of wondering over ‘why me?’, I believe that the higher power, Mata Rani, wanted some of her strong kids to come forward and fight the system to correct it for everyone and also for generations to come,” she concluded.
Stories of Misra, Saddiq and Patel family is of relentless suffering, but it reflects a wider, harrowing truth of how the systemic failure of the Post Office shattered lives beyond repair. The injustice is not just in the wrongful convictions, but also in the years of torment and social humiliation these victims have faced.
Yet, despite the undeniable evidence, full justice and compensation remain out of reach. The question remains- how much longer must they suffer before justice is truly served or will it ever be served?
A convenience store in Telford is rewriting its own definition. It’s a community hub where elderly locals gather to chat, youngsters come for guidance and support while financially struggling parents bring their kids to meet Santa. Not only that, it’s also the go-to place for leading suppliers when they want to create ripples in the market.
Premier Jules Convenience in Hadley, Telford does it all, apart from serving daily supplies with a side of warm banter. The store has been standing in the community since 1982. Under the vision of award-winning retailers, Julie Kaur Duhra and her husband Joey Duhra, the store has always been rising like a phoenix, thus managing to stay well ahead with the changing times.
During a detailed conversation with Asian Trader, Julie revealed all about the journey of Premier Jules Convenience, its strength and uniqueness along with her own evolution as a business and community person.
Julie said, “This store was bought by my father in law Harbhajan Singh in 1982 and was running as Duhra supermarket by him and extended family. When we got married, my husband’s uncles moved into their own store, and we stayed with the original one.
“At the time, it was just a convenience store with basic groceries. In 1991, we undertook a massive refit and a year later, bought a shop next door and sublet it.”
By 2005, when the store completely came into the hands of Julie and Joey, they got an alcohol license, giving the store a new lease of life. Around the same time, the store also came under Premier symbol group, (a decision which Julie likes to call today as a “game changer”), giving way to Premier Jules Convenience.
Around 2013, the store faced another setback when a Tesco Express opened half a mile away, stealing its footfall. This is when the couple came up with another master plan to salvage the situation by expanding the store and widening its range.
She said, “Around this time, the shop that was next door that we had sublet was merged with our store. Very soon, we got the National Lottery in which boosted our footfall.
“We also had a very broken road outside the store which had potholes and that needed upgrading. In 2012, we upgraded our outsides which gave us 15-car parking spaces, which once again helped with the footfall and elevated the store at par or at even better standards as compared to other stores in wider neighborhood.”
The following years saw rapid growth of Premier Jules Convenience both in sales and stature. Being an epitome of family-run British corner shop, the store did not have any paid employees and was run completely by Julie and her family for a long time.
“My children worked with us. It was just five of us who have been running the store for 15 years. It was only last year we started employing staff,” she said.
Today, the store employs four people, though Julie and Joey remain as hands-on as ever.
Being close to the community, Premier Jules Convenience is well-tuned with its customer base, their needs and preferences.
She said, “We as a family have been serving the community for three generations. We keep everything from everyday newspapers, greeting cards, pet food, soft drinks, confectionery, snacks, household cleaning items, usual grocery items and much more.
“We are in close touch with shoppers and try to bring in everything that our customers ask for. Like, we get lots of young customers who are on Tik Tok more than we are and they wanted dried sweets and American sweets. We listened to them, procured what they asked for and now those lines are now selling really well.
Having a Premier brand on the storefront helped the business a lot.
Julie explained, “Since the stock is Premier branded, we haven't got to do a lot of work behind the scenes. We have leaflets that go out once a month; we've got promotions happening in store. So Bookers has been very good providing us with the service. Their Retail Development Managers are also very prompt on visits.
“We just started using Booker delivery and that has been a really huge help and saves a lot of our time,” she said.
"We are also in charge of parcels and that also brings us lots of footfall,” she added.
For her next addition, Julie is planning to start offering hot foods in the food to go section.
Beyond business
Apart from her thoughtful approach and risk-taking skills, Julie has managed to master another skill and that is having good and fruitful relations with leading suppliers, something which has perks of its own.
Over the years, Julie has built strong relationships with leading suppliers and even sits at roundtables with Mondelez, Suntory, JTI, and Coca-Cola, something which not only keeps her abreast of trends but has also made Premier Jules Convenience a perfect launching pad.
Advising the fellow retailers to “talk to suppliers; they don’t bite”, Julie revealed how suppliers’ approach towards convenience channel has changed massively after Covid-19.
She stated, “I always had a good relationship with them, but since Covid-19, I feel that suppliers appreciate what the independent retailers did for the local communities and saw our reach too. I feel they've got more respect for us as well and they are eager to work with us.”
Over the years, the couple has evolved and elevated their humble neighbourhood convenience store into a one-stop community pillar and society hub of Telford.
During Covid-19, Julie and her family “hands on” helped the community and extended its active support to the local council as well.
“We took special care for the elderly. We used to go round every day to make sure no one is left underserved. Our store was always open despite the fear and panic of the disease,” she said.
No wonder that Julie was the first winner of Raj Aggarwal trophy as well as Spirit of the Community Award winner at the 2021 Asian Trader Awards.
Despite multiple features and attractions, Premier Jules Convenience’s most unique selling point, which is also its strength, is its deep-rooted connection with the community.
“It’s a place where everybody knows everybody. My staff and I know almost two-thirds of our shopper base by first name. We use our store window to make community announcements and keep the community buzzing with various activities,” Julie said.
Currently, Premier Jules Convenience hosts Breakfast Club for the elderly where they are given free tea, coffee and a breakfast bite. The store also hosts a sponsored Santa’s grotto, an idea that came to Julie during the peak of cost-of-living crisis when she saw several parents struggling to afford Christmas gifts for their children.
She said, "Our Christmas event has only got bigger each year. We started with 80 children, last year we had 120 and this year, we are going to giveaway gifts to about 150 local children along with an Amazon voucher each.”
Julie Kaur, and her husband Joey, at the Asian Trader Awards 2021, held on Tuesday 30 November at Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London
Adding the suppliers have been very generous and enthusiastic about such events, Julie said that this year, the store will provide gifts through the help from a bunch of leading suppliers like Bookers, CCEP and Mondelez along with JTI.
Revealing more about the store’s involvement in people’s lives, she added, “If someone needs character references, we write them one. If they need some work experience, we provide it. If they need a Stop Gap 3-weeks voluntary work they want to do for the Duke of Edinburgh board, we facilitate that. We now work closely with the local college where we provide internship and training to youngsters on retail which help them in their qualifications.”
It is fair to say that Premier Jules Convenience has been supporting the local community in ways that go beyond retailing.
Women power
Apart from being a leading retailer, an active community member, a local councilor, a mother and now a grandmother, Julie is also a marathon runner with several local and national races under her belt.
Reflecting how in 2012, she picked up a pair of trainers for the first time and never put them back, she said, “I picked up running with a running group that used to assemble in front of my store in the morning and start from here. One day, I decided to join them. Initially it was tough but I eventually built my stamina.”
She has run the London Marathon multiple times apart from numerous other races to raise money for charity and local hospice. In 2022, she was chosen to carry the Queens Commonwealth Games baton.
This year, she has already raised £4000 for Teenage Cancer Trust through her races. She did a half marathon in May and most recently, ran 26km MBNA Metric Chester Marathon earlier this month, through which she raised over £1000 for the Severn Hospice.
In an otherwise comparatively male-dominated sector, Julie is one of the leading women retailers who have not only earned their respect but also and managed to pave the path for others as well.
Julie said, “Back in 1990, when I joined my husband in business, we were the only couple that went to cash and carry. I was very young too. Most of the checkout and filler staff was men. That time, I indeed felt I was not much invited though I cannot say I was ever discriminated against.”
Reflecting on the evolution of role of women in retail as well as in wholesale, Julie recalled how award ceremonies 15 years ago were massively dominated by male.
Julie recalled, "When I joined the Federal News Federation and went to my first conference, I was shocked at how it had mostly male retailers. However, I did not feel discouraged and vowed to myself to keep learning.”
Scenarios, thankfully, have changed massively over the years, she said, as the sector now boasts of the likes of “Susan Nash, Amy from Coca-Cola and Sarah Johnson from ACS”.
Julie said, “I do try and go to as many conferences and seminars. Events, like last year’s Women in Wholesale conference that was packed with female, perk me up a lot. It gives me a lot of inspiration to see women like me excelling in this sector.”
Under her multifaceted and multi-talented personality, Julie is still a passionate retailer at heart, something which gets reflected in the store as well.
She said, "Even to this day I enjoy going to the cash and carry. I enjoy putting the stock car; I enjoy displaying product. I love to find out what I need to from any supplier and work with them.”
To continue to keep it ahead of the curve, Julie is planning to give Premier Jules Convenience another major refit through major investment and get it up to the next level. In her words, she has “another good 10 years” before she retires.
Julie is also determined to keep serving the community in whatever way she can.
"As a retailer, if I can support my community, I will. May be that’s my purpose in life, maybe that's why I'm here,” she concluded.
Stocking sustainable products is not merely a trend; it’s a smart way to stay ahead of the curve to tap the rapidly changing consumer habits.
Today’s shoppers are hyper-aware of their environmental impact, and they're actively seeking out products that align with their values. With this in mind, offering sustainable products is not only the right choice for the planet but also a clear message to customers that your business is committed to environmental responsibility. From a business perspective, it simply makes sense.
But how tuned in are Brits when it comes to sustainability in their daily shopping?
According to a recent report on consumer buying habits by Deloitte, frequently-purchased and essential items, such as groceries and everyday household products, drive consumer interest in sustainable and ethical values “the most”.
The report also noted that a third of consumers (34 per cent) would trust brands more if they were certified as ethical or sustainable by an independent third party. A similar proportion (32 per cent) claimed that their trust in brands would be improved if they had a transparent, accountable, and socially and environmentally responsible supply chain.
Conscious consumerism is no longer a niche—it’s mainstream. UK shoppers are increasingly opting for stores that have products with less plastic packaging, stock more local produce, and keep brands that champion sustainability. In fact, another study by Statista revealed that in 2022, a whopping eight out of ten consumers in the UK preferred eco-friendly packaging materials, and this trend is particularly strong among younger generations.
What’s even more telling? A YouGov survey from May 2023 found that 64 per cent of British consumers are willing to pay up to “10 per cent more” for sustainably packaged foods and drinks. Yet, only 26 per cent would stretch that to 25 per cent, suggesting there’s a real opportunity for retailers to strike the right balance between sustainability and affordability. Also, 46 per cent of those who responded pledged to reduce single-use plastic consumption.
Rise in conscious consumerism is also evident by another YouGov survey commissioned by the Fairtrade Foundation which found that most UK adults have bought Fairtrade products such as bananas, tea or coffee in the past year despite pressure on personal finances.
Clearly, this is an aspect which retailers cannot ignore anymore. In fact, with a bit of thought and strategy, local convenience stores can even be transformed into sustainably inclined stores, thus tapping the sentiment of growing number of environmentally conscious shoppers.
Sustainability is no longer an option; it’s a consumer expectation. Whether it’s reducing plastic packaging, sourcing from ethical suppliers, or even offering refillable products, convenience stores can no longer afford to ignore their role in the sustainability conversation. What used to be a nice-to-have is fast becoming a must-have.
Products Packaging
The fight against plastic pollution is an uphill battle, riddled with complexities and challenges, but as WRAP points out, it is “not insurmountable if the industry collaborates”.
Convenience stores, with their unique position in the community, can lead this transformation. A great way to do this is by stocking products that use compostable, recyclable packaging. Packaging is one of the top things that shoppers check while making an environmentally safe choice.
Makers and suppliers are waking up and recognising the awareness level among end users, considering how the rising problem of plastic waste is now a problem affecting everyone.
As emphasised by Amy Burgess, Senior Trade Communications Manager at Coca-Cola Europacific Partners (CCEP), as well, consumers are becoming more conscious of the environmental impact of packaging, with many now choosing their soft drinks based on their recyclability, followed by packaging made from recycled content.
“With that in mind, dedicating space on the shelf to those products with the strongest sustainability credentials is becoming more important. In May 2022, in partnership with Coca-Cola GB, we became the first major soft drinks producer to introduce attached caps on our plastic bottles, making it easier to recycle the entire bottle and ensure no cap gets left behind.
“The innovative bottle redesign follows our transition to 100 per cent recycled plastic, excluding cap and label, in all 500ml bottles across our entire range, and the switch from plastic shrink wrap to sustainable cardboard across our multipacks. production of our Shrink to Board packs,” Burgess told Asian Trader.
Apart from CCEP, several other drink makers are making huge strides in the arena of sustainability. Like, soft drinks manufacturer Radnor Hills that recently scooped an award for its Sustainable Values in this year’s Wales Food and Drink Awards.
The Knighton-based company, which produces a range of still, sparkling and deliciously flavoured drinks all made with exceptionally pure spring water sourced from its boreholes and come in fully recyclable bottles.
Their shrink wraps are 100 per cent recyclable and are also made up of 30 per cent recycled materials, and their cartons are straw free. Radnor’s aluminium cans have the highest recycling rate of them all. Each can is infinitely recyclable and sourced only 65 miles from the company’s farm in the heart of the Welsh countryside. Radnor is proud to have sent zero waste to landfill since 2018, has an on-site state-of-the-art recycling facility and an expert in-house team to facilitate this.
Earlier this year, leading cider maker Westons Cider was also acknowledged for its efforts in this direction and was crowned as Sustainability Champion of the UK by the British Institute of Innkeeping.
Westons Cider was praised for its work over the past year at its Much Marcle mill, including an increased use of solar panels, up 300 per cent in the last year, saving 60 tonnes of CO2, –equal to boiling four million cups of tea. Seventy-two tonnes of cardboard – have also been saved throughout 2023 from swapping trays to cardboard pads for every pack of cider during transportation.
Another name that is vouched for its sustainability efforts and campaigns are GUNNA Drinks.
As Melvin Jay, founder of The Sustainable Bottling Company, GUNNA Drinks and Water Almighty, like to put it, sustainable practice has always been at the forefront of the brand’s mission.
Jay told Asian Trader, “We are already seeing very high rates of sale for our aluminum bottles; it’s a simple switch from plastic that addresses their concerns about plastic pollution without asking them to make big changes in the shopping behaviour. We think over the next 5 years aluminium bottles will grow to account for about 5 – 10 per cent of the soft drinks and water market.”
Rising inflation and cost of living crisis did cast a shadow on the sustainability progress made by brands like GUNNA Drinks though still managed to remain strong with its mission.
Jay said, “The cost-of-living crisis has affected consumer spending patterns substantially and it’s worth being aware of where people are looking to spend and save their money and stock accordingly. A survey has found that eco-conscious customers make up 20 per cent of the FMCG market. However, the most important factors for consumers remain the taste and price.
“Finding eco-friendly swaps that match consumer preferences in terms of pack format, taste and price is a surefire way to maximize consumer spend across these key areas, as well as communicating the stores dedication to improving sustainability to shoppers. GUNNA Drinks’ aluminium bottled lemonades are completely plastic free, re-sealable, comparable in price and have beaten competitors in blind taste-tests. They are an example of a like-for-like swap that benefits the consumer, the retailer and the planet.”
Brands like GUNNA Drinks are not only determined but also breaking myths around the relationship between shoppers and sustainability.
Recently, the anti-plastic campaigning soda brand launched the UK’s first range of aluminium-bottled immune-boosting soft drinks. The functional lemonades in aluminium bottles are now available to purchase online from the GUNNA website, Amazon and in Mid-Counties Co-op stores (RRP £1.99 per bottle), with more UK stores to follow.
Since launching their aluminium bottled lemonades into Midcounties Co-op stores GUNNA Drinks has seen nearly at hreefold increase in sales on the same fixture compared to its canned drinks, demonstrating a strong consumer appetite for sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic bottles.
Aluminium bottles are a simple switch from plastic that addresses shoppers’ concerns about plastic pollution without asking them to make big changes in the shopping behaviour. This is particularly relevant for convenience stores as on-the-go items make up a large percentage of their stock.
Jay from GUNNA Drinks strongly advocated changes should be made to curb advertising of products that involve single use plastics.
“Retailers can lead the charge themselves, highlighting sustainable brands on their end caps and using promotional shelf labels that point shoppers in more environmentally friendly directions,” he said.
GUNNA Drinks is committed to being carbon negative, meaning it offsets 2g of carbon for every 1g that is created in making every GUNNA product. Each year GUNNA also invests in The Clean Oceans Project, picking up tonnes of competitors’ plastic waste from the world’s beaches.
Keeping pace with drink makers, snack brand KP Snacks is also aware and feels the responsibility of saving the planet.
Matt Collins, Sales Director at KP Snacks, told Asian Trader, “Protecting the environment is one of the core pillars of our ‘People and Planet’ programme. As a responsible snacks manufacturer, we are committed to taking a proactive approach to reduce our carbon emissions and safeguard the planet.
“In line with our commitment to using as little plastic packaging as possible, we recently launched an additional investment in flow wrap equipment. The flow wrapping process reduces plastic packaging across three of our most popular Everyday Value (EDV) brands: Discos, Roysters, and Frisps. Equivalent to 100 tonnes of packaging, the flow wrapping process will see a 35 per cent reduction in plastic packaging for 6-packs across the three brands.
“Meanwhile, with more products able to be transported at once, our lorry journeys will decrease by 620 annually, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport. As well as appealing to increasingly environmentally conscious consumers, the new flow-wrapped packs will create more space on shelves, enabling retailers to display extra stock and drive sales.”
In addition to this, KP Snacks also recently introduced 25 per cent recycled content packaging across its popular Tyrrells sharing range.
“Incorporating recycled soft plastics, this move reduces our reliance on virgin plastics for packaging and supports a circular economy in line with our commitment to the UK Plastics Pact,” Collins told Asian Trader.
Beyond Packaging
Sustainability is increasingly becoming a priority for consumers, with more and more shoppers seeking products that offer excellent value without jeopardising the planet.
Apart from food and drinks, household items are also an aisle where shoppers are increasingly scanning for products that are easy on the environment, be it packaging or the ingredients or plastic footprints.
Considering that, shoppers will love to spot brands Elegance, Magnum, and Little Heroes on the shelves. The brands’ maker Navigator Tissue UK, formerly known as Accrol Group, is known for significantly reducing its environmental impact.
Following its acquisition by The Navigator Company in May 2024, the business is now even better positioned to deliver eco-friendly paper products to meet growing demand.
Mark Warriner, National Accounts Manager for Navigator Tissue UK, revealed, “The acquisition has reinforced our position, enabling us to provide independent retailers with products that meet the growing demand for eco-friendly options.”
Unlike many affordable products, brands such as Elegance, Magnum, and Little Heroes were designed with the environment in mind, with Navigator Tissue UK prioritising sustainable production methods.
Warriner added, “We’ve noticed a clear shift in consumer behaviour towards greater environmental awareness. In response, we’ve made it a priority to ensure all of our brands have clear sustainability messaging on their packaging to help shoppers make informed decisions.”
All packaging associated with Elegance, Magnum and Little Heroes is fully recyclable, and made using at least 30 per cent recycled content while the products themselves are made using certified sustainably sourced materials.
“We strongly believe that great value shouldn’t have to come at the expense of the planet, and sustainable products shouldn’t be at extra cost to our customers and consumers.
“That’s why our price-marked packs proudly display their sustainability credentials on pack, helping to communicate the great value they offer whilst also showing them to be sustainably minded,” Warriner told Asian Trader.
Navigator Tissue UK continues to lessen its environmental impact through innovations such as reducing the size of the inner core of Elegance toilet tissue, resulting in 10 per cent less packaging and reducing the size of the inner core of Elegance toilet tissue, resulting in 10 per cent less packaging and a lower carbon footprint.
Elegance, Magnum and Little Heroes are available from a range of wholesalers nationwide, offering consumers a great quality product that is both affordable and sustainable.
Shoppers might also like eco-friendly brands like Ecover, Method, Bio-D, Greenscents, Astonish, and Smol that are recognized for their focus on plant-based ingredients and environmentally friendly packaging.
In-store sustainability
One of the biggest misconceptions is that sustainability requires a massive overhaul of your entire operation. Not true. Small, meaningful changes can go a long way in cutting waste and showing customers you are serious.
Stocking local products, for instance, not only reduces carbon footprints but also supports local businesses – a win-win for your shop and the planet. Switching to energy-efficient lighting can also get the store aligned with eco-conscious radar of customers.
CCEP is helping retailers in this regard.
Burgess from CCEP tells Asian Trader, “We’re also helping our customers improve their sustainability credentials in-store with our equipment. Our chillers use natural refrigerants, are fitted with low energy LED lights, and also use advanced insulation technology to improve efficiency. They also feature Energy Management Systems to reduce power consumption by switching off automatically when a certain temperature is reached.
“It’s worth chatting to your customers to educate them and show them that you’re doing your bit to be as sustainable as possible, for example mentioning that bottles now have caps that remain attached to ensure no cap is left behind when it comes to recycling. These innovations can be great ways to start conversations about sustainability.”
The war on plastic packaging is here to stay, and customers are paying attention. With initiatives like the UK's plastic bag charge and the incoming Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) scheme, convenience stores will soon be held even more accountable for the waste they produce. So, why not get ahead of the curve?
iStock image
Offering reusable bags by the till can also be a great gateway to sustainability credibility.
In an era of climate crisis, stocking local or UK-produced goods not only cuts down on emissions but resonates deeply with a customer base that’s increasingly looking for authenticity. Feature a section in your store dedicated to eco-friendly or locally sourced products, and make sure to tell the story behind them. Educating customers about the origin and sustainability credentials of their purchases can deepen loyalty and trust in your brand.
One of the most exciting sustainability trends sweeping the retail world is refill stations. In the past, refill stations were mostly associated with eco-centric shops in trendy neighbourhoods. But now, they're moving mainstream. Installing refill stations for common goods like cleaning supplies, dry foods, and even coffee can dramatically cut down on packaging. By offering a discount for customers who bring in their own containers, you not only encourage repeat business, but you also reduce single-use plastics.
Interestingly, while supermarket giants seem to be failing at taming refill retailing (remember Asda scrapping the trial?), independent convenience stores stand a better chance in mastering this skill.
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Refill retailing is more complex and less practical for bigger supermarkets where shoppers usually come unprepared (not carrying any bottle or containers for refill) and often pick pre-packaged products to avoid any spillage during the long errand run. However, things are different with local stores.
Some independent stores, like Central Co-op Dodworth Community Store and Costcutter Epsom, are already pioneering refill retailing. Premier Talbot Store in Poole installed refill stations about two years ago, and the customer response has been great. Asian Trader Award winning retailer Ehamparam Karunanithy, who owns the store, told Asian Trader how his shoppers love this concept as refill stations give them flexibility to control the amount they want to buy.
A leading supplier of refill systems for dried foods and liquids is Martek Zero Waste. It has been assisting in increasing numbers of refill stations in local stores. The firm boasts of “one stop shop” approach where store owners can purchase every component required to set up a refill dispenser.
Martek Zero Waste's dispensers can be seen in locations such as Co-op Central England and countless independent stores which have all of their products from sweets and nuts right through to liquids displayed in an “aesthetic and practical manner”.
Another name here to make note of is London-based GoUnpackaged that helps the makers in transition from single-use to reusable packaging. Its venture The Refill Coalition has been a pioneer in installing reusable bulk vessels for key food staples, starting with some select Aldi grocery stores in England.
Targeting the spillage issues, the solution by GoUnpackajed re-imagines in-store refills using a standardised vessel that is filled by the supplier, and returned up the supply chain for hygienic washing and refilling removing all the operational burden from store level.
This is a change that doesn’t just benefit the planet – it also taps into the rising trend of conscious consumerism. Customers love the idea of reducing waste, and offering refills gives them a reason to return regularly.Traditional recycling bins are great, but why stop there? Take it to the next level with recycling incentives. For example, you can set up a drop-off point for difficult-to-recycle items like batteries, electronics, or soft plastics. Partnering with local recycling centres or eco-organisations can help manage these collections.
To sweeten the deal, offer small rewards, such as discounts or store credit, for customers who bring in recyclable items. Not only do you help the environment, but you also increase customer loyalty.
Receipts are tiny but mighty contributors to environmental waste, and most of them end up in the bin. Offering digital receipts via email or app is a small but impactful way to reduce paper usage. Similarly, consider switching to electronic shelf labels that can be updated with a few clicks, eliminating the need for constant reprinting of paper tags.
Food waste is one of the biggest challenges for convenience stores. But instead of binning unsold perishables, why not find ways to cut down on waste? Start by donating unsold food to local charities or food banks and platforms like Too Good To Go.
Most recently, East of England Co-op extended its partnership with Retail Insight, provider of in-store execution software, for a further three years as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and tackling food waste.
East of England Co-op has partnered with Retail Insight since 2021, leveraging its cloud-based WasteInsight solution to tackle food waste across its estate, putting retailers in control of food waste through data-led, actionable insights including forecasting accuracy, expiration management, dynamic markdowns and donations to charities.
An important name to consider here in terms of food waste reduction is Gander. Recently, local sharing app Olio has launched a brand new “Deals” section in partnership with reduced-to-clear SaaS platform Gander, to take their fight against food waste to the next level.
Under the partnership, Gander’s SaaS platform shows Olio’s four million UK users where to find cut-price groceries at participating stores in their local area. Users of Olio’s app can browse yellow-sticker deals at Gander’s growing list of partner retail groups, including Channel Islands, Filco Market, Pricewatch Group and Sewell on the Go, displaying branded products from Nisa and Co-op.
App users can add their favourite deals to a watchlist on Olio to keep an eye on availability, and then head into the store to purchase them as normal.
Stacey Wiliams, Business Development Director at Gander, told Asian Trader, “We could not be prouder of the way Gander continues to evolve, not least of all with the pivot from app to SaaS, which uses the latest technology to enable more food to be saved than ever before.”
Given the current challenges of the high cost of living, Olio and Gander expect their collaboration on the “Deals” section to be a valuable addition to the app, helping users shop smarter and save money on their grocery bill.
Go Greener
It’s easy for smaller stores to shrug off the sustainability trend as a “big supermarket problem”, saying that they don’t have the colossal supply chains of Tesco or the budget of M&S to overhaul the operations, right? Wrong.
In fact, convenience stores are in a prime position to make a big impact on sustainability.
They are flexible and tune themselves more easily to consumer trends and preferences but also can play a crucial role in shaping the community mindset. Let’s not forget that customers are increasingly loyal to businesses that align with their values.
It doesn’t matter if you’re selling organic avocados or everyday basics – customers are looking for eco-conscious choices. And some will shop around to find them so make sure you have what they are looking for.
Some changes like installing refill stations might sound like a big project but it is more about taking the first step in the right direction, no matter how tiny it is. Consumers are crying out for solutions to the problem of single-use plastic packaging, and it is time that they should be given solutions.
The future of convenience retail isn’t just about convenience anymore. It’s about being smart, ethical, and yes – sustainable. It’s time for convenience stores to embrace their role in creating a greener future. Convenience stores that embrace their role in building a greener future aren’t just doing the right thing—they’re meeting the growing expectations of planet-conscious shoppers.
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