Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 16 No. 13

The Travel Markets Insider newsletter is attached to this post as a PDF file. To open the PDF file, please click on this link.

Numbers. Despite a challenging first quarter – particularly in South America – travel retail giant Dufry posted solid first quarter sales for 2014, up 9% for the three months versus the same period in 2013. Strong business in its EMEA & Asia division, followed by good turnover in the US & Canada region spurred growth. Full story on page 1.

New travel retail operator Duty Free City stirs up interest for its upcoming new duty free shopping complex in San Ysidro, California with a creative outdoor marketing campaign. See a sneak peek on page 1.

Giving back. Once again Essence Corp. shows its fundamental generosity of spirit, participating in the annual Mercedes Benz Corporate Run, working to benefit The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis. Page 2.

PEOPLE. Two familiar figures are returning to the industry in senior positions. Geoff Biggs, formerly with Diageo, is the new Regional Director for the Americas at Bacardi Global Travel Retail; and John Kilmartin, well known from his days at ARI in the Soviet Union, Europe and New York, joins The PatrĂ³n Spirits Company in the new position of Global Director, Travel Retail.

In other People News, Catherine Bonelli, formerly with Lacoste, joins Paul & Shark; and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo signs a long-term partnership with TAG Heuer. Pages 1-2.

Partnerships. Marcolin and SKETCHERS renew and expand their licensing agreement; Katherine Sleipnes’ International Brand Builders Inc. will represent designer sunglasses from Marr Int’l (including Missoni, Moschino, Loewe and FILA). In other sunglasses news, Maui Jim will be unveiling some exciting new styles at the TFWA Asia Pacific Show this coming week. Page 3.

In the Spirit. Updates from Jack Daniel’s, Pernod Ricard & Kenwood Vineyards, The Glenlivet, and Bacardi’s Aberfeldy Single Malts. See page 4.

Tenders. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority invites bidding for seven duty free/duty-paid stores in Washington Dulles and Reagan National airports. Page 4.