Frontier Duty Free Association unveils 2019 Gold Standard Award finalists

The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), has announced the finalists for the 2019 Gold Standard Awards, which will be awarded at the Imperial Gala on November 13, in Toronto, during the annual FDFA Convention.

 For over two decades, the FDFA has selected winners for the 14 unique Gold Standards awards, to showcase the best in Canadian Duty Free. The awards honor products, suppliers, innovative practices, and recognize the hard working FDFA member stores, owners, employees, and suppliers.

    “The finalists were voted on by a panel of judges consisting of stakeholders from the industry. Canada’s Duty Free industry is a vital component to supporting our tourism economy, and the 2019 Imperial Gala is a great way to showcase that,” said Barbara Barrett, Executive Director, FDFA.

2019 Finalists

Outstanding Duty Free Employee of the Year. Sponsored by: Retail Council of Canada; Finalists – Jordan Burns, Emerson Duty Free: Katherine Chase, 1000 Islands Duty Free; Christine Pelletier, Philipsburg Duty Free

 

Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year- Jewelry, Watches, Handbags, Accessories. Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report – Finalists – Champs Cross Body Bags, ALFA Brands Inc.; Swatch Watch/Flik Flak, Swatch Group Canada; Strong and Free Clothing Line.

 

Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year – Confectionery/ Food/Souvenirs. Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report. Planters Craft Bar Mix,  Beler Holding Inc.; Lindt Maxi Plaisir, Distribution Fontaine Inc.; Kit Kat Senses Mini Desserts, Beler Holding Inc.

Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year – Fragrance/ Cosmetics. Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report. Mont Blanc Explorer, Distribution Fontaine Inc.; Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sun, Beler Holding Inc.; Escada Miami Blossom, Distribution Fontaine Inc.

 

Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year – Spirits/Beer/Wine/ Tobacco. Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report. Crystal Head Motts Clamato – National Caesar Day, Wine Classics International; Macallan Quest Range, Wine Classics International; Johnnie Walker White Walker, Diageo; Jack Daniels Bottled in Bond, Peter Mielzynski Agencies.

 

Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year —  AerRianta International, Dufry North America, Abbotsford Airport Duty Free.

 

Best Marketing/ Merchandising Award –  Emerson Duty Free, Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store, Philipsburg Duty Free.

Outstanding Achievement or Innovation Award —1000 Islands Duty Free, Philipsburg Duty Free, Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free

Supplier of the Year (Category A)  – Northern Souvenirs, V.P.I. Canada Ltd., Strong and Free Emblem

Supplier of the Year (Category B) – House of Horvath, JTI-Macdonald Corp., Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd.

Supplier of the Year (Distributor/ Agent) – Wine Classics International, WFH Travel Retail, Distribution Fontaine Inc., Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd.

Platinum Award – Category A, Sponsored by: The Americas Duty Free Magazine & Travel Retailing.  Johnstown Duty Free Shop Inc., Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store, Abbotsford Duty Free

Platinum Award – Category B, Sponsored by: The Americas Duty Free Magazine & Travel Retailing. Queenston-Lewiston Duty free Shop, Blue Water Bridge Duty Free Shop Inc., Importations Guay Ltée