Duty Free Americas and The Estée Lauder Companies today announced a strategic global retail partnership to launch ELC brands across DFA stores.
Calling the collaboration “a significant milestone in elevating prestige beauty experiences for international travelers,” the joint press announcement says the agreement will be a key driver in ELC’s accelerated expansion ambitions in The Americas.
“We are very excited to launch this partnership with The Estée Lauder Companies and its exceptional portfolio of beloved brands,” said Jerome Falic, Chief Executive Officer, Duty Free Americas.
“This collaboration is underpinned by our shared commitment to delivering best-in-class retail experiences for international travelers. By integrating ELC’s world-class brand portfolio and deep consumer understanding with DFA’s expansive retail network and operational expertise, together we are uniquely positioned to drive further growth, enhance in-store engagement, and set a new benchmark for excellence in travel retail.”
Under the agreement, DFA will be carrying ELC’s portfolio of beauty brands throughout its retail network, according to the announcement.
The two companies have not done business together since 2015, when an intense dispute led to a long-drawn out court case. The break-through news that the two leaders in their fields will resume a business relationship was made by ELC President and CEO Stéphane de La Faverie during the earnings call last month following the fiscal year results.
“We are delighted to enter a strategic global retail partnership with DFA, a leader in travel retail operations,” said Olivier Dubos, SVP and GM, Travel Retail Worldwide, The Estée Lauder Companies.
“This partnership is anchored in consumer centricity – the driving force behind our Beauty Reimagined strategy. As we continue to elevate the role of travel retail in building brand equity, we look forward to partnering with DFA to deliver exceptional experiences that deepen consumer connections with our iconic brands and products.
“We are confident that our work together positions us well to generate strong retail sales growth in The Americas for ELC’s travel retail business in fiscal 2026.”
DFA is the largest duty free operator in the Americas, operating in more than 200 locations at major airports and international borders, including retail concessions in such major airports as Miami, Atlanta, New York JFK, Washington D.C., and Dallas Fort Worth in the U.S. as well as throughout Central and South America.
