Alexander James & Co has been representing premium and luxury wine and spirits brands in the duty free channel, including airport and border duty free stores, and cruise lines for more than a quarter century.
Ignacio Melero, Vice President, Alexander James, tells TMI that as his company focuses solely on the duty free channel and has since 2000, it has a deep understanding of the markets it supplies.
“We will add brands selectively as they fit our high-end portfolio, and the needs of our clients,” says Melero.
“Our brands are premium and luxury, so they align well with cruise brands targeting to provide elevated experiences to their guests.”
The Alexander James portfolio is comprised of known world class brands.
In wines, the portfolio includes 19 Crimes, Beringer, Beaulieu Vineyards, Cune, Far Niente, Frank Family Vineyards, Stags’ Leap Winery, Mouton Cadet, Minuty, Muga, Marques de Riscal, Matua Valley, Penfolds, and Vega Sicilia.
The spirits portfolio features Alize, Crystal Head Vodka, Citadelle Gin, Clement Rhum, Garrison Brothers, Middle West Spirits, OM Chocolate Liqueur, Camus Cognac, Piñaq, Plenteray Rum, Prarie Organic Spirits, Rhum JM, and Signal Hill Canadian Whiskey.
These brands are ideal for the cruise channel, says Melero.
“Our brand successes are generally aligned with the success in domestic USA and European markets. What works on-premise on land, generally works well in cruise lines. This is the power of a world class brand,” he says.
The cruise wines and spirits business is divided between retail and pouring, with Alexander James’ spirits thriving in retail, and its wines shining in pouring, says Melero.
“Experiences that are generally fun on land are fun at sea: tastings, customization of labels, winemaker visits, wine dinners.”
Cipriani Bellini is the latest brand Alexander James has listed on cruise lines.
“We are very excited about this brand, and what it brings to the cruise line: luxury brand, incredible taste and freshness, and who doesn’t like a great Bellini by Cirpriani?”
Airport retail is another key focus for Alexander James.
“The ultra luxury wine tiers from Treasury Wine Estates are making their way to airport retail shops. This is an opportunity Alexander James & Co is focusing on,” says Melero
“Penfolds, Robert Mondavi Winery, Beringer, Stags’ Leap Winery, DAOU, and others are recent placements that we are looking forward to growing in this dynamic channel.
Melero says that Alexander James we be introducing some very exciting new brands at the IAADFS Summit of the Americas.
