Travel Markets Insider Newsletter Vol. 23 No. 35

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

This week TMI takes a deeper look at the Supply Side, particularly news generated by the confectionery companies during TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, and recent local developments in the beauty sector.

Before that though, the big political news from the Americas was the re-election (for the third time) over the weekend of former Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva who defeated incumbent Head of State Jair Bolsonaro by a very narrow margin. During his last term of office, in 2003-2010, Lula is credited with instituting policies that helped raise 30 million Brazilians out of poverty and spurred the country’s global boom, including in travel retail. Since then, however, Lula spent 19 months in prison on corruption charges, although the charges were eventually annulled by the Supreme Court. See page 1.

The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores – IAADFS – has opened registration for the Summit of the Americas to be held April 16-19, 2023 at the Palm Beach County Convention Center. Housing is also now available. See more information on page 1.

CARIBBEAN: GRENADA

Grenada welcomed its first cruise ship of the 2022-2023 season with the arrival of the Celebrity Summit on Oct. 21. The Grenada Tourism Authority is expecting a record year of cruise visitor arrivals, up 11% over its benchmark year in 2019. The GTA talks about how it has prepared to meet the new demand. Page 1.

SUPPLY SIDE: BEAUTY

Spanish perfume house Perfumes y Deseño continues to put its own twist on Halloween with its appealing fragrances inspired by the festivities, and celebrated the launch of the newest Halloween Blossom with a special pop-up with London Supply in Puerto Iguazu. Page 2.

Puig announced that it will be opening a new office in Miami, which will enable it to maintain its leadership position in Latin America and grow market share in North America.  Page 2.

Well-respected beauty executive Tanguy de Buchet has joined Miami-based ACTIUM as CEO of its Beauty & Lifestyle Division, reports company founder Philippe Giraud. Page 2.

The Estée Lauder Companies has appointed Bart Dubbeld as VP/General Manager, Travel Retail for South-East Asia. In 2015, Dubbeld was located in Miami as Regional Director for M.A.C Cosmetics in TR Americas. Page 2. 

SUPPLY SIDE: CONFECTIONERY

The two main themes that dominated most company presentations in Cannes this year revolved around sustainability and innovation, especially in the confectionery channel.  

In terms of innovation, Nestlé International Travel Retail (NITR) presented its detailed strategy for unlocking the potential of food to its retail partners – and reported a very positive response from its TR customers as it discussed how it can expand sales by going beyond sweets to include coffee and well-being categories. Page 3.

When it comes to sustainability, Nestlé is introducing packaging innovations for its Quality Street and KitKat brands that will eliminate more than 3 billion pieces of packaging from its supply chain. Page 3.

Mondelez International World Travel Retail also revealed a new category vision, which is focused on driving greater penetration and accelerated conversion. Page 4.

Mondelez also launched a new limited edition Toblerone Golden Caramel – made with an innovative “carmelized white” rather than its traditional milk chocolate. Page 4.

Congratulations to Haribo. The German confectionery company celebrated 100 years of its Goldbears in Cannes. Page 5.

Swiss herbal confectionery specialist Ricola reports that it is on track for its best year ever in travel retail. Page 5.

Italy-based Ferrero Travel Retail unveiled three biscuit products from its Kinder and Nutella brands in Cannes. Page 5.

SUPPLY SIDE: HEINEKEN

Heineken Global Duty Free also presented a new strategic overview in Cannes, one that focused on maximizing revenues onboard cruise ships and ferries, as well as on airlines. The detailed plan ranges from portfolio innovations to sustainable practices, and includes training and motivational activities for crew and sales staff. See further details on page 6.