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Reports from Singapore at the close of this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Show are very positive, beginning with an upbeat State of the Industry overview from TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen at the opening of Monday’s Conference.
According to preliminary figures from Generation Research, Juul-Mortensen reports that duty free and travel retail sales reached US$68.6 billion in 2017, up more than 8% over the year before. Page 1.
Reflecting the strong business reported by Generation, Dufry released a very strong first quarter earnings report, with organic growth of 7.1% compared to the first quarter of 2017. It was a big step up from the 5.7% growth seen in the fourth quarter of last year. For more details and to see the results from the Americas, go to page 2.
SUPPLY SIDE
Bacardi has been extremely busy on all fronts over the past quarter, completing its acquisition of super-premium Patrón tequila, and launching new luxury products from its Scotch, rum and vodka businesses for Global Travel Retail. Full story on page 3.
Diageo has announced changes to the leadership team of its North American business. Page 1.
Swiss luxury skincare brand La Prairie has just completed a multi-tiered, interactive activation with DFS at Los Angeles International Airport, produced and managed by retail-focused design agency Bloommiami. Page 4.
Shiseido Travel Retail featured a striking booth under the theme of “Beauty and Strength” at the TFWA Asia Pacific Show in Singapore this week. The space was created in collaboration with Asia’s top university, the National University of Singapore, through a design project awarded to two NUS students, and is part of Shiseido’s quest to foster creativity and build partnerships with creative institutions. Read the full story on page 5.
BY THE NUMBERS
TFWA reports that the 2018 Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference set new attendance records, reflecting the “dynamic growth” of the Asian duty free and travel retail market. Page 2.
Canada’s duty free sales have gotten off to a strong start in 2018, with double digit growth in March. Page 2.
AVIATION
JFK Terminal 4 debuts a new Security Operations Center. Page 2.
AT THE POINT OF SALE
Flor de Caña capitalizes on the power of airport marketing with a first of its kind activation at ATL, developed in partnership with Clear Channel Airport. Page 5.
PEOPLE
ARI Chief Executive Jack MacGowan is to step down. Page 1.
The Estee Lauder Companies announces a new SVP, Investor Relations. Page 1.
Swiss watch brand Frederique Constant renews its charity partnership with Gwyneth Paltrow for the 3rd year. Page 4.
Champion golfer Paul Lawrie has joined Loch Lomond Whiskies as a brand ambassador, joining the great Colin Montgomerie as a representative of the brand. Page 5.
Brown-Forman has announced four key management changes to its organization designed to help the company globalize its premium and super premium spirits brands. More detail on page 5.
