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Just weeks before the upcoming 2025 ASUTIL Conference in Lima, Peru on June 3-5, the Latin American Duty Free Association has announced a partnership with research agency m1nd-set to provide members with quarterly data on traffic forecasts and shopper insights.
The inaugural information, released this week, shows that Latin American international air traffic is outperforming the global trend in its post-pandemic recovery. See further details and more insights in the report beginning on page 1.
The Caribbean also continues its robust recovery in international tourism. According to the latest figures released by the Caribbean Tourism Organization, the region is strongly expanding and outperforming the 2019 benchmark. Full story on page 2.
Canada’s duty free sector is struggling, however. Not only has it not fully recovered from the pandemic shut-down in cross-border traffic, but the looming Trade War and threats of tariffs from the current Republican administration has caused a 30%+ drop in cross-border travel, severely impacting land border duty free sales. As a result, Peace Bridge Duty Free, one of the largest duty free retailers on the Canadian border, has been placed in receivership due to owing millions of dollars to creditors. Page 1.
CRUISE/CARIBBEAN
In a key news story for the region, Caymanian citizens are voting today on a referendum on whether or not to allow the construction of cruise berthing in the capital, George Town. The Caymans continues to be a tender destination, and proponents of building the cruise piers argue that the Cayman Islands has seen a 41% decline in cruise traffic since 2019, while the rest of the region is enjoying significant gains.
The vote on the contentious, years-long argument is today. In an interesting aside, the results of the referendum are not binding on the government – which is also being elected today – although it will show what how public opinion is running. See TMI background story on page 3.
PEOPLE & COMPANY NEWS
Falic Group names former Moet Hennessy executive Laurent Boidevezi as advisor to DFA President Leon Falic and CEO of BlockBar. Page 4.
ARI appoints Paul Neeson as Retail Director for Ireland. Page 4.
Shelftrak and Pi Insight restructure and name Garry Stasiulevicuis as Managing Director and Simon Best as Commercial director for Shelftrak. Details on page 4.
The DFWC Academy has updated it Duty Free and Travel Retail Certificate course to incorporate latest insights on changing consumer preferences. Page 4.
SUPPLY SIDE
The Duty Free World Council and industry prepare to defend duty free tobacco sales against WHO allegations of illicit trade. Page 5.
CONFECTIONERY
Mondelez World Travel Retail has released a redesign of its iconic Toblerone brand, the best-selling chocolate in travel retail. The premium new look is designed to position the brand for future growth. Page 5.
In addition to the new package design, Mondelez WTR has expanded the Toblerone range with a new more compact, travel-friendly 200g Toblerone bar that it says appeals strongly to Gen Z shoppers. Page 5.
WINES & SPIRITS
Teremana celebrates its first anniversary in global travel retail. The premium, award-winning tequila founded by Dwayne “the Rock” Johnson, is disrupting the market and delivering huge success wherever it launches. See details on page 6.
International wine group AdVini announces partnership with Duty Free Global. Page 6.
