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I am starting off this week’s TMI with a reference to a very important story on Martin Moodie‘s latest blog, which is all about my dear friend Beverly Walker Johansson.
Bev has been such a vital part of this industry — both with her late husband Lars Johansson and on her own — she is one of the people who epitomize the heart and soul of this industry. And, as Martin reports, Bev has breast cancer and is in the midst of the horrific treatment that requires.
Since this month is Breast Cancer Awareness month, the initiative begun by The Estée Lauder Companies to help prevent “this cursed disease,” I am adopting Martin’s pleas to the industry. As Martin so eloquently states:
“This year’s [BCA] theme is ‘Every Action Counts’ and I salute it as I salute Bev. So I want anyone who’s read this far to carry out a simple action. Tonight, please, wherever you are in the world, across oceans and continents, light a candle for Bev. She won’t be able to see the candles but I tell you she’ll feel their warmth.”
Bev plans to be well enough to attend the 2016 Duty Free Show of the Americas in Orlando next year, and we will be honored to have her tell her story before the annual WiTr Breakfast. If her words can help one woman find and treat the disease before it is too late, we will do whatever we can to help achieve this. As this year’s BCA campaign pledges, “Every Action Counts.”
In addition to more details on the 2015 Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign, most of this issue is a Countdown to Cannes.
Although for a few hours last weekend, the future of any events taking place in Cannes were “under a cloud,” after the city was struck by a devastating flood that caused widespread damage and 19 deaths.
TFWA reports that the Mayor and the City of Cannes worked round the clock to ensure that the TFWA World Exhibition and two earlier events would take place though. See the TFWA comments on page 1.
The Spirits companies have been extremely active at the point of sale in the Americas over the summer, such as the Bacardi – DFS Group activation at LAX called Cocktails of the World. Travelers visiting LAX’s Tom Bradley International Terminal had the opportunity to sample some of the premium Bacardi brands in malt whisky, rum and vodka through the customized destination-focused promotion. See page 2.
Congratulations to Casa Botran who celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special party in Madrid and the release of a very limited edition commemorative rum. Page 2.
The newly renamed Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits Company (formerly Belvedere) is bringing a new focus on its award-winning Gaultier cognacs in Cannes, as part of its strategy to grow its travel retail footprint. Page 3.
In other news, JTI acquires the Natural American Spirit business outside of the U.S. from Reynolds American Inc.; and ALFA Brands takes on Nishi Pearls for travel retail in North America. Page 3.
Looking for something different in Cannes? Premium motorsports fashion brand Alpinestars is launching into travel retail with a range of new and innovative accessories. Katherine Patch Sleipnes and her team at IBBI will be representing the brand in the Americas channel. See page 5.
FLO Accessories has signed two important partnership deals that will grow its beauty on-the-go business, one with Tommy Hilfiger and one with WHSmith. See details on page 5.
