Harston Group announces restructure

The Harston Group is pleased to announce that Hans Eulenhoefer has taken over as Managing Director. Hans will be dividing his time between Harston’s Miami and Cebu offices and will also be travelling to meet with key customers. Margaret Taylor will now focus on the more strategic issues and act in an advisory role as a Director.

Hans has been involved with the set up and development of Harston since its conception in 2009; prior to which he was integral part of the Timex Duty Free team for eight years.

Harston also welcomes Mikel Perdices to its team as Marketing Director. Mikel, who is based in the company’s Cebu headquarters, will be responsible for all marketing matters, including the organization of Harston’s exhibition activity and day-to-day communications with the company’s suppliers.

Mikel brings wide ranging experience in Marketing and Sales Operations to the Harston Group with a background that includes communications, branding and product management for companies such as Acer, Microsoft and Trend Micro.

Meanwhile, Harston is further strengthening the team with more Area Sales Managers and is implementing sales systems to give even better coverage for the brands it represents in duty free and select domestic markets.

Says Hans Eulenhoefer: “We are delighted that Mikel has joined the Harston Group team; his experience will bring huge benefits to the business and he will play a key role in taking the company’s marketing strategy forward.

“We’re confident that the new structure implemented will deliver even better results for the Harston Group and the brands we represent as our travel retail business continues to grow.”

Notes to editors: The Harston Group  represents  a wide range of brands within global and selected travel retail markets including watch and jewellery collections from Invicta, Jacques Lemans, Jacques Farel, Jacques Farel Kids, Puma and Esprit; plus Carolina Herrera, Tous, Loewe, Pepe Jeans plus B+D eyewear.

A separate division, Harston Cellars, represents CVBG, Dourthe, the Michelle Rolland Collection, Yvon Mau, Banfi, Marques de Riscal, Royal Tokaji, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Chateau Ste. Michelle wines.

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org.

November 2011

Old England watches targets travel retail following listing on BA

Relaunched this year, vintage British watch brand Old England is targeting travel retail with its range of bold and colourful timepieces. The brand has gained a first-time listing with British Airways for its long-haul routes from November and is confident this will act as a springboard for further business in the travel retail sector.

Originally launched in 1967, this defiantly British brand captured the spirit and energy of London’s role as a fashion capital.  With fans and wearers of the brand coming from musical, fashion and even true royalty, Old England enjoyed success in the UK as well as the USA and other international markets. This year, has seen a relaunch of Old England with a small collection of pieces true to the brand’s original archive. 

British Airways is listing an iconic piece that represents all of Old England values of ‘British-ness’ and fashion bravery. With its oversized case, vibrant Union Jack dial, and hi-gloss strap this is a piece that remains true to its 1960s heritage whilst remaining utterly relevant to today’s lover of fashion accessories.  It is priced onboard at £85.00

Says Philip Woolff, Sales & Marketing Director, Old England Watches: “With its strong British design theme, we’re certain that Old England watches will prove to be perfect for the travelling consumer – ideal for those who want to take ‘A piece of Britain’ home with them either for themselves or as a gift. They’re the ideal destination merchandise!

“We’re delighted that British Airways is the first airline to carry an Old England watch.  With its British identity and global reach, we couldn’t think of a better airline than BA to help re-introduce the brand to the travelling consumer.”

Old England is developing a strong presence on the UK retail market with listings through Selfridges in London and Manchester and Boutique by Goldsmith stores in Westfield, Stratford and Lakeside, as well as selected fashion retailers. “Alongside this we hope to build a market for the brand in the travel retail sector over the coming months, both inflight and on the ground” continues Woolff. ‘Old England is stylish, contemporary and definitely different to anything else in the market.’

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.Email:row@essentialcommunications.org

November 2011

WORLD OF PATRIA PORTFOLIO WHISKIES ARE JIM MURRAY WHISKY BIBLE WINNERS

World of Patria International is delighted to announce that a number of premium whiskies in its travel retail portfolio have been awarded and highly praised by Jim Murray in his Whisky Bible 2012 Awards.

Duncan Taylor’s Peerless Glen Grant 1970 cask 3497 has been awarded Best Single Malt Scotch 35-40 Years (Single Cask), a significant achievement as Jim Murray nosed, tasted and rated almost 1,500 whiskies in the competition, with a much wider crop of vintage whiskies than ever.  Described as an outstanding, world-class whisky of the rarest quality, Peerless Glen Grant is available from World of Patria International to travel retail markets globally.

 The Best Blended Scotch 26-50 years award went to The Last Drop, with 96.5 points for its 50 Year Old Blended Whisky. Jim Murray had an exclusive preview of this latest ‘baby’ from The Last Drop which will be available to travel retail buyers from WOPI in 2012. With only 180 bottles to be made available, this 50 year old blended whisky comes from many malt and grain distilleries, all of them renowned, and sadly a number of them are now defunct.  After long ageing, it was recasked in new Spanish oak three years ago; the resulting quality surprising both the brand owner and Jim Murray for its power and depth, ‘If you could capture the first second and a half of the delivery somehow mass produce it and sell that to the world: everyone would have the chance, just once in their lives, to taste perfection’, say the tasting notes.

World of Patria International currently offers The Last Drop blended whiskies including the 1960 Blended Scotch Whisky and 1950 Cognac to global travel retail markets, and will be adding The Last Drop 50 Year Old Blended Scotch whisky during 2012.

High marks with over 90 points were also given to several of the Wemyss Malt whiskies – both blended malts and single casks. These included: The Hive 12yo (93/100); Peat Chimney 12yo (90.5/100), Orange Tree (92/100), Spiced Figs (93/100), Vanilla Summer (93/100), Whispering Smoke (94/100), Well-mannered Mint (92.5/100) and Spiced Apples (91/100). The Wemyss range is currently distributed by WOPI throughout Europe with plans to expand into the Middle East and Americas during 2012.

‘The philosophy of WOPI is to develop a portfolio of premium and super-premium spirits that stand out from the rest; that offer the travel retail sector truly niche, exciting brands that make a statement in what is a very competitive market place. So to have brands such as Wemyss, The Last Drop and Duncan Taylor so highly awarded and commended by Jim Murray in his 2012 Whisky Bible is a tremendous plus for us, clearly showing we are on the right track with our choice of brand partners,’ says WOPI director Kevin Baker. ‘The award for the Last Drop 50 Year Old has already caused quite a stir with one of our leading travel retail customers and we are very much looking forward to working closely with the brand owner to create some spectacular activity for this new expression next year.’

Notes to editors: World of Patria International was formed in 2006, expanding rapidly from its original remit to cater for ex-pat Brits, to extensive coverage of retail outlets focused on travellers in Northern France, and extends to ferries, cruise lines and airports. The company sells an extensive range of spirits, wines and beers as well as Ted’s Cigars and Fazer Confectionery in selected markets. Distribution includes Seafrance, Condor Ferries, IDS, Le Riches Stores, Saga Cruise Lines, Carisam, Apollo Ships and Delhi Duty Free.

The team also includes Director, Andy Butcher, previously  Category Manager for Hoverspeed and P&O Stena Line, followed by a period as Senior National Account Manager for Constellation Wines, and logistics expert Steve Smith, whose expertise was formed in the automotive industry with Mercedes Benz, Renault and Peugeot.

Press contact: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org.

November 2011

Imperial Tobacco to set up special smokers’ lounge at MEDFA

Imperial Tobacco is pleased to announce that it will be sponsor a dedicated smokers’ lounge at the Al Murooj Rotana Hotel in Dubai on the 21^st and 22^nd of November during the MEDFA Conference.

Imperial Tobacco is installing the lounge to provide a comfortable and premium outdoor smoking area for MEDFA delegates. Delegates will also be able to sample the company’s premium brand - Davidoff cigarettes.

Within the smokers lounge, Imperial Tobacco will be offering the opportunity to recharge and to discover the premium brand in a relaxing environment. Delegates can take part in a Davidoff quiz via two large touch screens. A draw will take place at the end of the conference and one lucky contender will win a trip for two to a destination of his or her choice. Instant gifts will also be given out to delegates.

“We think that the smokers’ lounge will be a great place for delegates to come to relax and socialize during a busy day,” says Gotje Rogall, Premium Brand Manager – Global Duty Free. “It’s also a great opportunity for us to present our premium Davidoff cigarette brand – and to bring a little extra excitement to the day. Davidoff Cigarettes is not only a top premium brand, it also brings people together.”

Press enquiries Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. . Email: row@essentialcommunications.org.

November 2011

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