The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) announced the winners of their 2024 Gold Standard Awards during a gala evening held at the Omni King Edward Hotel in Toronto on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
FDFA Executive Director Barbara Barrett (left) and FDFA President Tania Lee (right) present Michael Resch with the Canadian association’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Gala Dinner on Nov. 20. Resch – a founding member of the FDFA – is also the holder of Canada’s first land border duty free license and opened Emerson Duty Free in 1982.
This event, a highlight of the FDFA’s annual convention, brought together industry leaders to celebrate the millstones that define Canada’s duty free sector.
Reflecting on the association’s four-decade journey, Barbara Barrett, FDFA Executive Director, said, “This year’s celebration is special as we recognize 40 years of shared growth and success. Our industry is in great hands, with leaders dedicated to shaping the future of duty free in Canada.”
The FDFA Gold Standard Awards, a long-standing tradition, honor the dedication and achievements across Canada’s duty free industry through 13 Gold Standard Awards. New to this year’s awards are the “Trail-blazing Women of Influence” award – celebrating outstanding women in leadership, and the “Rising Star of the Year” award, recognizing promising talent.
Barrett added, “Each winner exemplifies what makes Canada’s duty free industry stand out globally. The dedication and creativity these individuals bring to their roles make a lasting impact across the entire sector.”
The FDFA extends heartfelt appreciation to its sponsors, whose contributions play a vital role in celebrating excellence and sustaining the ongoing success of the Gold Standard Awards.
NOTE: TMI publisher Lois Pasternak was honored to be nominated as a candidate for the “Trailblazing Women of Influence” award, along with Heather Howard, who opened 1000 Islands Duty Free store 40 years ago, and Alex DeBellis, of Beler Holdings, who has been involved with the distribution side of the business for some 30 years. I extend huge thanks to the FDFA for the recognition.
Heather Howard (center), winner of the Trailblazing Woman on Influence award, presented by Sandra Dral (left), of award sponsor Bacardi Global Travel Retail alongside Canada’s Associate Minister of Small Business, Hon. Nina Tangri (2nd right).
2024 FDFA Gold Standards Awards Winners:
Best Marketing/Merchandising Award – Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Outstanding Achievement or Innovation Award – Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year – ARI North America
ARI North America won the coveted Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year Award (for the 6th time!), as well as the Rising Star of the Year award for Paul Lafleur-Woods.
Supplier of the Year (Category A) – Sayan Inc. / Miss Caprice
Supplier of the Year (Category B) – JTI-Macdonald Corp.
Supplier of the Year (Distributor/Agent) – Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Distribution Fontaine, winners of the Supplier of the Year (Distributor/Agent)
Platinum Award (Category A) – Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
The team from Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free came home with three awards: The Platinum Gold Standard (Catergory A), plus the Best Marketing/ Merchandising, and Outstanding Achievement or Innovation awards.
Platinum Award (Category B) – Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop (Both sponsored by Global Travel Retail Magazine)
The team from Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop, winner of the FDFA Gold Standard Platinum Award (Category B).
Trailblazing Women of Influence – Heather Howard (Sponsored by Bacardi Canada)
Rising Star of the Year – Paul Lafleur-Woods, ARI North America
Outstanding Duty free Employee of the Year – Bill Cassford, Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop (Sponsored by Retail Council of Canada)
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Jewelry/Watches/Handbags/Accessories) – Promaster Skyhawk A-T Snowbirds, Citizen Watches of Canada
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Confectionary/Food/Souvenirs) – Ritter Sport Nut Selection, Distribution Fontaine
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Fragrance/Cosmetic) – Le Beau Paradise Garden by Jean Paul Gaultier, Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Spirits/Beer/Wine/Tobacco) – Crown Royal Blackberry, Diageo PLC
(Above awards sponsored by Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report)
