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 Travel Retail industry once again shows its generosity of spirit, donating money, time and gifts to help raise a quarter of a million dollars for a worthy charity at the 2nd annual Duty Free Americas Charity Golf Tournament held at the Weston Hills Country Club in Weston, Florida last Thursday. More than 200 golfers, a dozen tennis players and scores of other duty free suppliers and service providers participated in the full day event, which raised money for the Children’s Tumor Foundation, an organization fighting the genetic disorder called Neurofibromatosis . See full story on page 1. A full gallery of photos can be seen www.dfagolf.com.
With the Tax Free World Exhibition in Cannes fast approaching, the industry attention turns to new product development. Among the big stories in the news IWSR released this year’s World Class Brands rankings of top-performing global spirits brands. The #1 position went to LVMH-owned Hennessy cognac, while Johnnie Walker, last year’s top winner, plunged to #34. See other top performers in the story on page 2.
In other Spirits news, Patrón Tequila introduces a new duty free exclusive, Patrón Extra Añejo 5 Años. Page 2. And US-based spirits distributor Haleybrooke International is bringing the award-winning, highly giftable U’Luvka Vodka to travel retail in the Americas and Caribbean. Page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE FEATURE. Iconic America writing instrument brand Cross has unveiled a new brand identity that combines its historic past with a modern new vibe, and launches a new communications campaign featuring “inspired ingenuity.” In related news, Cross also unveiled a collection inspired by the Star Wars trilogy. See full story on page 3.
CONFECTIONERY. Citing the changing business and economic environment, Swiss chocolate brand Frey announced that it is withdrawing from the export and travel retail channels. More details on page 2.
Godiva appoints former Remy Cointreau executive Matthew Hodges as its new head of global travel retail; and promotes Jonatan Gramage to a new position in New York.
BY THE NUMBERS. More passengers are traveling through Canada’s airports these days. Page 1.
SOUTH AMERICA. South American duty Free Association ASUTIL and trade group CEFSU – Camara de Empresarios de Free Shops del Uruguay, announce the postponement of the Border Conference originally scheduled for Nov. 16-17 in Puerto Iguazu, Argentina.
MEADFA – Registration is now open for the 2015 Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association Conference, taking place Nov. 23-24 in Jordan. See page 4 or go to www.tfwa.com.
