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It was another exceptionally busy week in travel retail in the Americas.
The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores – IAADFS – named two new members to the Board – Petrina Kho, the new Managing Director of L’Oréal Travel Retail Americas, to complete the term of her predecessor, Julia Seve; and Pat Molloy, SVP of Harding+ US. See details on page 1.
New Ventures
Many travel retail brand representatives gathered for an exclusive party earlier this week at Miami’s elegant Casadonna to celebrate the official launch of Executive Retail Shops, the premium retail concept for private jet travelers from the owners of Duty Free Holding. Read more on page 1.
Avolta announced that it has won its first contract at JF Kennedy International Airport Terminal 4, through its HMSHost division, which along with its JV partners, was awarded a concession to oversee nine locally-owned F&B outlets. The new lineup of food and beverage brands will bring a distinct New York City vibe to T4, where the airport is becoming dining destination in itself, according to Steve Johnson, president and CEO of Avolta, North America. Full story on page 2.
Bvlgari Hotels announced that it will be opening its first property in the Caribbean in 2029 in The Bahamas. Meanwhile, the utra-luxurious Bvlgari Hotel Miami, slated to open in 2027, will be the Group’s first property in North America. Page 2.
Cartier, in partnership with DFS, also opened a stunning new boutique at LAX, its inaugural airport location on the West Coast of the US. See how the iconic French brand was inspired by the spirit of LA in the store design. Page 3.
CRUISE
F&B@Sea, the increasingly popular food and beverage event for the cruise industry that is part of the annual SeaTrade Global taking place in Miami in April, announces that the exhibition space will be double the size this year. See page 4 for other new features. Page 4.
Gebr. Heinemann has extended its retail contract with TUI Cruises for six Mein Schiff ships. Page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE
Blue Caterpillar continues to expand, and has appointed Nadia Cheklab as area sales manager for Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. Page 4.
Moroccanoil has launched its first fine fragrance. Page 5.
Katherine Sleipnes’ International Brand Builders Inc. (IBBI) has added The Sommerset Toiletry Company from England to its clean beauty portfolio. “These vegan, well priced collections complement our current portfolio and will be a fun addition,” Sleipnes tells TMI. See page 5 for the full story.
Summit of the Americas Preview
Ferrero focuses on travel retail exclusives and sustainability in the Americas. Page 6.
Ritter Sport targets Americas’ growth with travel retail editions of its minis range. Page 6.
