Ricola returns to Cannes with new ideas and innovations

Ricola is delighted to be returning to this year’s TFWA World Exhibition, where it will be exploring new travel retail opportunities and building upon its current success.

The Swiss Herb specialist has declared that 2022 and 2023 have been its best years in Travel Retail to date – after building a very successful range of Travel Retail exclusives for the airport channel over the last few years, it is now looking at products tailored to other channels such as border shops and ferries and will be showing these new innovations to potential partners in Cannes.

Visitors to Ricola’s stand will be able to see its best-selling products including the brand’s 75g tins (Original Herb, Lemon Mint and Cranberry), 4 x 40g Box Multipack, and the 250g Original Herb Tin.

Andreas Reckart, Ricola’s Head of Travel Retail, says: “We are thrilled to be returning to Cannes at the peak of our travel retail performance. We are expecting a very busy week and are looking forward to buyers from Asia being back in full force. China is a key market for us and business there has been growing very dynamically on the domestic side and we are now making it a key target for our travel retail business. So far we are listed with CDFG and in Cannes we are hoping to expand our listings in key Chinese travel retail locations.”

Hanse Distribution Ltd and L’Oréal sign distribution agreement for the inflight sector

Hanse Distribution Ltd and L’Oréal Travel Retail are pleased to confirm they have signed a distribution agreement for the inflight sector.  Under the terms of the agreement, Hanse is granted the rights to supply for L’Oréal TR brands to selected airlines in the Middle East and Africa.

 

Hanse Distribution Managing Director Nikolas Hogrefe stated: “Hanse is absolutely delighted to have reached this agreement with L’Oréal, the largest beauty company in the world.  The Middle East and Africa continue to develop rapidly, and we will work closely with the L’Oréal team and the wonderful airline partners that are in the agreement to provide professional and well managed sales and service.  It has been a challenging time for us during Covid, but I am so proud we have ridden this storm and are now well on track to reach our targets for 2023. Thank you to all our customers and colleagues for such a great cooperation during this time.  There are a lot of opportunities to grow business for Hanse and we are excited for the future.”

 

L’Oréal Area Manager Fazyl Ablanov commented: “We are very happy to be working with Nikolas, Jakob, Stuart and the whole Hanse team who have developed such an excellent reputation for the airline sector over the years.  At L’Oréal it is important that we work with trusted and experienced partners to realize our ambition to provide beauty for each traveller. We look forward to growing the business together in this exciting Travel Retail area.”

 

Hanse Distribution Strategic Business Development Advisor Stuart McGuire added: “I am delighted to bring together these two companies who I have enjoyed such a close relationship and business success with over many years, and I am sure it will be a great success.”

Molton Brown take sustainable luxury to the next level with the launch of the Infinite Bottle in travel retail

British fragrance makers Molton Brown have proudly launched their new, made-to-last, refillable Infinite Bottle into travel retail. This latest innovation takes the sustainable offer for travelling shoppers to the next level and underlining the brand’s commitment to creating luxury with a conscious care for the wider world.

Infinitely recyclable, and crafted from 100% recycled aluminum,* the Infinite Bottle is sustainable inside and out, allowing customers to embrace a guilt-free, refined daily ritual. Each Infinite Bottle comes filled with one of Molton Brown’s three iconic fragrances, Re-charge Black Pepper, Fiery Pink Pepper or Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel – all of which are formulated using sustainably sourced, RSPO-certified palm oil derivatives – and the bottle can be refilled over and over again to reduce waste.

As it is crafted from recycled materials,* the Molton Brown Infinite bottle reduces energy use by 95% and CO2 emissions by 83%, compared to virgin aluminum. When paired with the Molton Brown Refill Pouches, which debuted in travel retail last year, the Infinite Bottle helps customers to reduce their plastic footprint by 63% compared to using standard bottles.** Furthermore, the paper used for the recyclable outer carton and tag is made from 40% recycled materials and 15% agro-industrial waste, consisting of upcycled plant by-products from the food and drinks industry.

The stylish, minimalistic design of the Infinite Bottle is ergonomically shaped and fits seamlessly into any bathroom, underlining Molton Brown’s belief that sustainability and luxury go hand-in-hand.

Sophie Sponagle, Senior Global Account Manager, Travel Retail, Molton Brown, said: “At Molton Brown, we have been pioneers of positive luxury since the 1970s and we are delighted to bring the Infinite Bottle to travelling shoppers as the latest step in our ongoing sustainability journey.

“While creating luxury with a conscious care for the world has always been at the heart of our brand, we are hearing more calls from our consumers for greener packaging solutions. The launch of our Refill Collection in travel retail last year was wonderfully received and we are very pleased to extend our refill offer with this latest innovation.”

“We are committed to making a change, which is why our goal is to ensure that by 2030, 50% of what we sell is reusable or refillable.”

Sustainability has always been at the heart of Molton Brown, since its foundation in the 1970s, instilled by the brand’s pioneering founders in their salon in London’s South Molton Street. Today, Molton Brown keeps their spirit alive by ensuring its business continues to bolster its evolving sustainability commitments, including being 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free, never testing on animals, using the best sustainable natural ingredients and manufacturing all collections in England to ensure the highest quality standard and promote local and greener manufacturing. To ensure the latest in sustainable excellence, Molton Brown collections are also created with 50% RPET.

The Infinite Bottle launched in travel retail with key travel retail locations.

*Excluding the pump 

** Standard bottles refers to a total of 1 x 300ml and 1 x 100ml plastic bottles

Ritter Sport launches new TR exclusive with Dufry

German chocolate giant Ritter Sport is delighted to announce that it is launching a brand-new Travel Retail Exclusive product: Mini Rainbow Crunchies Tower 250g Limited Edition exclusively for Dufry globally.

The Mini Rainbows Crunchies Tower includes 15 mini Ritter Sport bars with colourful chocolate buttons in delicious whole milk and white chocolate. The exclusive new product will launch through all Dufry stores during the summer and early autumn 2023.

In addition to quality and taste, Ritter Sport is paying special attention to the use of natural and sustainable ingredients by utilising fruit and plant extracts for colouring and forgoing the use of glossing agents, as these usually contain beeswax or carnauba wax. As with all Ritter Sport products, the cocoa being used comes from 100% certified sustainable sources.

Says Jan Bessel, Ritter Sport’s International Key Account Manager Global Travel Retail: “We are currently pushing limited editions in travel retail to underline our chocolate expertise and emphasise Ritter Sport’s innovative DNA. Limited editions and exclusive products are the perfect way to trigger additional buying impulses amongst consumers. Whether for sharing, giving away or self-indulging; the new mini Rainbow Crunchies Tower will be a valuable addition to the Dufry confectionery assortment. It was great to partner with Dufry on this exclusive article.”

Bruno Stäuble, Global Category Manager Confectionery at Dufry, adds: “Offering Dufry exclusives is an increasingly important element of our company philosophy and this is as true of confectionery as it is of other sectors. Ritter Sport is a well established brand within the Dufry portfolio and we are pleased to be working with them on this collaboration.”

Beam Suntory celebrates 100 years of Suntory whisky at Singapore Changi Airport

 

Beam Suntory has partnered with Changi Airport Group (CAG) and Lotte Duty Free Singapore to create the first major global airport activation to celebrate the House of Suntory’s 100th anniversary of pioneering Japanese spirit. 

The high-profile outpost installation will be located in Singapore Changi Airport T1 Departure Transit until 25 July. It was officially opened on 20 June at a ceremony attended by guests of honour Beam Suntory Global Travel Retail Managing Director Ashish Gandham; Lotte Singapore Managing Director Jeff Jeong; CAG Managing Director of Airside Concessions Teo Chew Hoon; and local celebrities Qi Yuwu and Ya Hui. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was followed by a ceremonial toast and a tour of the activation.

To mark its centennial, the House of Suntory is releasing several new limited-edition whiskies that highlight the unique Japanese craftmanship at Suntory’s whisky distilleries, and their meticulous art of blending. These exceptional limited-editions include Yamazaki Mizunara 18 Year Old and Hakushu Peated Malt 18 Year Old whiskies, in addition to special 100th anniversary design bottles of the flagship Yamazaki 12 Year Old and Hakushu 12 Year Old. These bottles feature beautiful illustrations that pay tribute to the Yamazaki and Hakushu distilleries. 

Within travel retail, these limited-edition whiskies will be available at only a small selection of key strategic airports, including Dubai, Shanghai, London and Delhi. Singapore Changi will have global exclusivity within travel retail throughout the month of June.

The Singapore Changi Airport hero activation, which covers almost 50sq m, has been designed to showcase these limited editions and build awareness of the wider Suntory portfolio. It also encourages travellers to explore the art of Japanese whisky making, and the different elements that make it so special.

Inspired by Japanese nature – including the water that is used and how the seasons in Japan breathe life into Suntory whisky – the outpost features tactile natural materials, and is light, airy and open. In keeping with Japanese hospitality, at the entrance is a Welcome Station, where travellers are invited to select an Omikuji fortune stick, for a chance to win a lucky postcard. An illuminated floor entrance then guides them inside. 

An eye-catching Engagement Wall, incorporating interactive digital touchpoints, highlights the craftmanship of Japanese whisky, and the distinctive stories and provenance of the three key Suntory luxury whisky collections: Yamazaki, Hakushu and Hibiki. A separate digital display also showcases highlights from the house’s key milestones over 100 years. 

Other notable elements include The Art of Japanese Gifting display, where travellers can enjoy a personalised gift-wrapping service, purchase exclusive detachable bottle-themed charms, and discover the selection of exclusive anniversary GWPs, which includes a cotton tote bag, a Furoshiki scarf, and a luggage sticker set. A bar counter offers complimentary cocktails featuring Suntory’s Roku Japanese Gin, Haku Japanese Craft Vodka, and Ao World Whisky.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Lotte Duty Free Singapore to celebrate the House of Suntory’s milestone achievement at Singapore Changi Airport,” noted Beam Suntory Brand Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Manuel Gonzalez. “Together we have created a truly distinctive activation that invites passengers to engage all of their senses through a range of different activities, and fully immerse themselves in the craft and philosophy of the house.”

CAG Managing Director Airside Concessions Teo Chew Hoon commented: “We are honoured to have the House of Suntory celebrate their 100th anniversary with us, and excited to partner with Beam Suntory and Lotte Duty Free Singapore to create this flagship activation. With this immersive outpost, visitors will not only be momentarily whisked away to Japan, but will also be able to appreciate the fine craftmanship behind some of the world’s most renowned whiskies and take home a limited-edition bottle with them.”

Lotte Duty Free Singapore Managing Director Jeff Jeong commented: “We are pleased and proud to collaborate with Changi Airport Group and House of Suntory, as part of this landmark centennial.

“As a true pioneer of Japanese spirits culture, House of Suntory continues to push the boundaries within the Japanese whisky category with these prestige limited editions and new innovative spirits, which are sure to appeal to both connoisseurs and new consumers.

“We look forward to inviting passengers to discover these new liquids, and to explore the rich history and heritage of the House of Suntory through this activation, which we are confident will stimulate great interest in the category, and really elevate the traveller experience.”

Champagne Lanson releases Wimbledon themed Limited Edition Gift Boxes

Champagne Lanson celebrates its 46th year association with The Championships, Wimbledon, with limited edition gift boxes for its iconic cuvées Le Black Label Brut and Le Rosé.

Sold separately and fully recyclable, the two limited edition gift boxes take inspiration from the iconic flowers seen throughout the SW19 grounds of The All England Club every summer. Emblematic flowers of Hydrangea, Agapanthus, Rose and Petunia are captured in the designs.

To support this, Lanson is running Wimbledon themed activations at London City Airport with Lagardère and Dubai International Airport with Dubai Duty Free from May 30th to July 24th. 

Albane Lussat, Key Account Manager GTR, Champagne Lanson said “We are really proud to be part of the Wimbledon experience since 1977 and our limited edition Wimbledon themed bottles are a huge success every year – they are an irresistible choice for tennis fans and a great gifting opportunity. Our activations in London City Airport and Dubai are the perfect way to compliment them and we extend our sincere thanks to Lagardère and Dubai Duty Free for their support.” 

BOWMORE® REVEALS FINAL DESIGNED BY ASTON MARTIN TRILOGY

The third and final collaborative release in the series showcases Bowmore’s classic whiskies aligned with a selection of iconic Aston Martin cars.

Bowmore® Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled the final release of its exclusive global travel retail collection, Designed by Aston Martin, which unites Bowmore’s dedicated GTR range with some of the ultra-luxury car marque’s most iconic cars.

A shared commitment to uniting heritage and innovation to craft the precious into the exceptional sits at the heart of the relationship between Bowmore and Aston Martin.   A richly genuine connection calling on the past yet creating relevance today and aspiration in the future, deepening and gaining momentum over time, now celebrated in this striking new collection. 

Since launching in 2021, this collaboration has proved hugely popular with its distinctively bold, limited edition bottle and pack design.  In this final series, the existing Bowmore 10, 15 and 18 Year Old single malts provided the inspiration to Aston Martin’s design experts, to select specific car designs and stories to align with the distinctive character of each of the whiskies.

The bold character of Bowmore 10 Years Old aligns with the Aston Martin 1923 Razor Blade, to collectively tell the story of a passion and vision, where strength of character and intensity play a crucial role. Its depth of flavour and bold notes are created from exceptional ageing in Sherry Oak casks, resulting in a ‘spicy’ take on the signature fruity, smoke of Bowmore. 

The Aston Martin 1923 known as Razor Blade was built with a clear goal in mind - to break world records for 1.5litre cars in exceeding the 100mph speed barrier. With its striking aerodynamic body, designed by British aviation manufactures de Havilland, this car was born to race. Using ground-breaking technology, Aston Martin’s creation embodies a distinctly bold and confident move of its time, and 100 years since its inception, this car has firmly solidified its place in the history of Aston Martin.

With a united desire for elegance, the Aston Martin DB4 and Bowmore 15 Year Old capture this in a synchronised vision of their creation, story and characters. Sophistication and flair underlie the essence of the partnership, elevating its look with a stylish and refined edge. Offering a pure interpretation of a design of its time, the 1958 DB4 symbolised a design milestone for Aston Martin, with the introduction of its Italian-inspired ‘Superleggera’ chassis. 

From ground-breaking disc brakes on all four wheels to the iconic front wing vents with their distinctive polished blade, its elegance embodies both performance and style. This perfectly pairs with the Bowmore 15 Year Old, a true spirit of opulence, combining first fill bourbon casks and hogsheads. It is defined by sweetness, reminiscent of Italian desserts and Italian Amalfi lemon and honey, providing an enriching journey of flavour discovery.

 

The complexity of the Aston Martin DB9 perfectly aligns with the balance and depth of the Bowmore 18 Year Old. Signifying a new era for Aston Martin, the DB9 (2003) is one of the most standout Aston Martin innovations of all time and showcases a complexity of engineering with the perfect balance of 50/50 weight distribution front to rear – almost unheard of in road cars. 

Likewise, Bowmore 18 Year Old is rare and complex from time spent nurturing in the finest Oloroso and PX Sherry Casks. With its rich dark appearance, the complex layers of flavours seamlessly combine dark chocolate, treacle toffee and peat smoke roasted coffee, making this single malt velvet a delectable and memorable taste experience. 

Manuel Gonzalez, Brand Marketing Director; GTR at Beam Suntory, said, “We’re thrilled to reveal the final Designed by Aston Martin set in the trilogy, unifying our exclusive travel retail whiskies with the flair and innovative nature of Aston Martin’s design team. Due to the ongoing success of the previous Aston Martin series, we know this collaboration largely appeals to our consumers passing through the GTR channel, offering them the chance to engage and discover the Bowmore range.”

The new collection will be brought to life through a dedicated activation in key airports including London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Taiwan, Dubai, Hong Kong, Hainan from July 2023.  This captivating and unique instore experience explores the concept “Made to Move You” using a ‘cymatics’ technology to allow consumers to create their own bespoke ‘emotive pulse’.

The cymatics technology is a liquid vibration that creates alluring patterns, energy, and light. Shoppers can create their own emotive pulse with cymatics and discover which of the pulses best represents each of the ‘Designed by Aston Martin’ collection.

Gonzalez adds, “Disruptive, alluring and highly memorable, the Bowmore team have excelled themselves with this new cymatics experience. Personal to each consumer, we are truly pushing the boundaries of creativity, meeting the traveller’s demand for dynamic and engaging experiences whilst staying true to the ethos and spirit of the Bowmore and Aston Martin brands.”

TASTING NOTES

Bowmore 10 Years Old / 40cl ABV / RRP $64.00 USD

ON THE EYE: Dark amber

BREATHE IN: Sun-dried fruit, baked Seville orange and toasted maple

SIP: Sultanas, sea salt and dark fruit oils

SAVOUR: Peat-smoked walnut and spices

Bowmore 15 Years Old / 43% ABV / $98.00 USD

ON THE EYE: Golden barley

BREATHE IN: Sicilian golden desserts with honey, Amalfi lemon and sweet tobacco leaf

SIP: Silky citrus, salty-sweet vanilla and honeycomb

SAVOUR: Peat smoke, sweet almond and lingering lemon

Bowmore 18 Years Old / 43% ABV / $145.00 USD 

ON THE EYE: Deepest Sunset

BREATHE IN: Rich dark chocolate, treacle toffee and date oil

SIP: Bitter-sweet orange peel and peat-smoke roasted coffee

SAVOUR: Velvet mocha and macadamia nut chocolate