The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.
The annual Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) convention and trade show in Canada was one of the most upbeat in years – with high participation from operator members, suppliers and both land border and airport buyers, including many in decision-making positions. Although the land border duty free sales showed a small dip in September (down 4% from September 2011), sales for the year from Jan-Sept. are up nearly 3% from the same period last year, totaling $109 million. Airport duty free sales continue to soar, up 8% in the Jan-Sept. period, reaching $188.
And with the Association’s very successful national marketing program now entering a new stage, Canadian operators are very optimistic that the numbers of shoppers entering duty free stores will continue to rise. More information on this topic in our next issue.
Operators were also tremendously relieved to hear that the Canadian government’s Duty Free Strategic Review is now nearly completed and that the outcome provides benefits to all the parties involved– see interview with FDFA President Abe Taqtaq on page 1.
Don’t forget to see a round-up of some great Cannes photos featuring friends from Godiva, Butler’s, Marcolin, LaCoste, Furla, Travel Retail Distribution Group, Essence Corp. and Sunny Touch — on page 3. We will post many more Cannes photos on the TMI Facebook page.
SUPPLY SIDE NEWS. Van Gogh roars into Canada with classic and trendy spirits – page 2. The Balvenie unveils TR Exclusive Triple Cask range in Cannes – page 3. Imperial Tobacco expands global duty free team – page 4. William Grant loses Stoli distribution in the US – page 4.
PEOPLE NEWS. New FDFA Board, Baker to join Nuance, Kirk Wilde to Bugari, Furla names new TR manager for Europe.
ASUTIL confirms that the 2013 ASUTIL Conference will take place at the Barcelo Bavaro Beach Resort in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic on June 12-15.
