The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) held the 2019 Gold Standard Awards at the Imperial Gala on November 13, in Toronto, during the annual FDFA Convention.
For over two decades, the FDFA has selected winners for the 14 unique Gold Standards awards, to showcase the best in Canadian Duty Free. The awards honor products, suppliers, innovative practices, and recognize the hard working FDFA member stores, owners, employees, and suppliers.
2019 Winners
Outstanding Duty Free Employee of the Year. Sponsored by: Retail Council of Canada; Katherine Chase, 1000 Islands Duty Free
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year- Jewelry, Watches, Handbags, Accessories. Swatch Watch/Flik Flak, Swatch Group Canada
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year – Confectionery/ Food/Souvenirs. Kit Kat Senses Mini Desserts, Beler Holding Inc.
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year – Fragrance/ Cosmetics. Mont Blanc Explorer, Distribution Fontaine Inc
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year – Spirits/Beer/Wine/ Tobacco. Crystal Head Motts Clamato – National Caesar Day, Wine Classics International.
Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year — AerRianta International
Best Marketing/ Merchandising Award – Emerson Duty Free.
Outstanding Achievement or Innovation Award —1000 Islands Duty Free
Supplier of the Year (Category A) – V.P.I. Canada Ltd.
Supplier of the Year (Category B) – Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd.
Supplier of the Year (Distributor/ Agent) – Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Platinum Award – Category A, Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Platinum Award –B, Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop
Outstanding Contributor of the Year – Imperial Tobacco Canada
Star Product of the Show- PMA Canada Ltd & W. Grant & Sons – Glenfiddich Grand Cru