Ricola reaps benefits of new packs in Asia

Ricola, the Swiss Herb confectionery specialist, is building its brand in the Asia Pacific region and says its success has been driven by the travel retail exclusives launched at TFWA World Exhibition last October and being highlighted at the regional Singapore show in May.

The company will shortly be announcing a new distribution partner for Korea and is confident of confirming further listings in the region shortly. Meanwhile, the pocket-size packaging – available in both checkout and shelf versions for individual consumption – have sold so well with Duty Free Philippines that Ricola is now placing four personalised units in their shops at Manila Airport NAIA Terminal 3, Fiesta Mall, Cebu Airport Terminal 2 and Zamboanga City.

Buyers who have not yet had the opportunity to view the new range should visit the Ricola stand at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference (stand Basement 2 H6).  The two options are:

1.     A checkout item for individual consumption consisting of 75g tin boxes in three different designs, unwrapped, containing 2.5g sugar-free herb drops in three flavours: Original Herb, Lemon Mint, and Cranberry.

2.     A shelf item for individual consumption comprising of a 125g bag, wrapped, containing 3.6g sugar-free herb drops in a mixed doypack, three flavours: Original Herb, Lemon Mint, and Eucalyptus.

 “We’ve been really pleased with the reaction from buyers to the new range,” says Andreas Reckart, Head of Travel Retail and Middle East at Ricola. “What’s more, consumers clearly love the product too and we’re thrilled to have been named as a finalist in the TR Business Consumer Awards.”

While Europe is the region where Ricola is best known and most successful, Reckart is greatly encouraged by progress in Asia Pacific. “We are confident that our herb drops are have global potential as travellers the world over look for self-consumption confectionery that not only freshens breath and soothes dry throats, but also tastes great!” he says.

Ricola’s aim is to position itself as a truly global yet unique brand in the global travel retail business, with distribution through the top ten retailers globally. The new range will be supported with strong branding, merchandising and promotion to secure personalised space in the top ten international airports.