The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.
It has been another week of environmental and political upheavals, beginning with a devastating hurricane that struck the northern Caribbean islands of Grand Bahama and Abaco, and ranging to the uncertainty posed by a looming no-deal Brexit.
The European Travel Retail Confederation issued a statement regarding the potential for a hard Brexit and the implications for the industry in that region. To read the statement, please click here.
In the Americas, a massive relief and recovery effort is underway following the passing of Hurricane Dorian over the norther Bahamas. Read how you can help, beginning on page 1.
DUTY FREE OPERATORS
End of an Era:
DFS Group issued a statement from Chairman and CEO Ed Brennan at the end of August announcing that it would not be bidding on the liquor and tobacco concession operations at Changi Airport, a concession it has held since 1980. Page 2.
50 YEARS OF DUTY FREE:
Gebr. Heinemann, whose founders opened its first Duty Free shops worldwide at Cologne Bonn Airport with a small kiosk with a service counter 50 years ago, are deservedly celebrating. See how the Hamburg family business, which still is the retail concessionaire at Cologne Bonn Airport today, has grown over the past five decades. Page 4.
ON THE BRAZILIAN BORDER:
Brazilian businessman Thiago Salman is officially opening his Central Free Shop duty free store to the general public on Sunday Sept. 8. The 200sqm store is located in Uruguaiana. More details on page 2.
NUMBERS
Meanwhile, IATA, the International Air Transport Association, reports a slowing of global passenger demand in July, which is normally a peak travel period throughout the world. See a region by region accounting on page 2.
SUPPLY SIDE NEWS
Congratulations to Lindt & Sprüngli for being named as Best-In-Class confectionery supplier in the 2019 Advantage Report Global Travel Retail. Lindt achieved top-tier ratings across all seven performance areas: Overall, Strategic Alignment, People, Category Development, Trade & Shopper Marketing and Customer Service. Full story on page 3.
Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail (GTR) partnered with Dufry to introduce its Cointreau “Art of the Mix” cocktail activation with an engaging pop-up at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport in June and July.
Fifth Generation Inc, the owner of Tito’s Handmade Vodka, this week announced a major restructure in Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe in order to strengthen its duty free operations, build greater customer synergy and achieve its ambitious growth plans in the travel retail channel. Changes are coming in the Americas travel retail as well. Page 5.
Luxottica and Bulgari announced the early renewal of their eyewear license. Page 2.
PEOPLE NEWS
Essence Corp.’s Patricia Bona adds an impressive new title to her community involvement. Page 1.
Stéphane Rinderknech, a familiar figure from L’Oréal’s Travel Retail business in the Americas, has been named President and CEO of L’Oréal USA, succeeding Frédéric Rozé who will take on the position of Executive Vice President, Americas on Oct. 1.
Deirdre Stanley has been appointed Exec. Vice President and General Counsel, The Estée Lauder Companies Inc, succeeding Sara E. Moss, who was recently promoted to the newly-created role of Vice Chairman.
SKROSS names Chris Jennings as its new International Business Development Manager.
Spirits Roundup: Personnel changes at Distell International, Roust Americas and Australian craft distillery Four Pillars. Page 5.
