Tuesday 18 December 2012

Harding Brothers seeks to better understand its customers with senior marketing appointment


Leading cruiseship retail concessionaire Harding Brothers Retail has announced an important new appointment within the company. Richard Antrum joins Harding Brothers as Marketing Director in early January and will be joining the Board.


This newly created role reflects the changing nature of retailing onboard cruiseships, where passenger profiling and market research has become a much more central and vital part of planning the optimum retail offer,’ says Harding Brothers managing director Harold Gittelmon. ‘Richard’s appointment will be key in implementing processes that will enable us to better understand the specific passenger profiles that we serve on board the fleet.

Coupled with the significant inroads we have made as part of Project Revelation, where we have sought to deepen our knowledge and understanding of purchasing patterns by passengers to our shops, we believe that we have an exciting new phase of our business looming.’

Richard Antrum is an extremely experienced professional, having served as Head Of Marketing for the Peacock Group from 1995 to 2011. His marketing career began with brand management positions with consumer goods companies in the cosmetics, toiletries and food markets before moving into retail as Marketing Manager at Littlewoods Stores, responsible for the marketing of its Food, Wine and Restaurant Departments. After four years, Richard moved to The Peacock Group, leading the development of the Peacocks brand through a period of significant growth. Richard holds an MBA from Henley Management College and a PhD in Leadership & Change.

Continues Gittelmon: ‘Richard brings a great deal of experience to Harding Brothers Retail and will play a pivotal role in our development of online pre-cruise offerings, the communication of our business to the outside world, and in keeping the passengers at the core of the decisions we make as a business. It’s vital that moving forward we develop the appropriate pitch, voice and tone with which we speak to our passengers.’


December 2012

Scorpio Worldwide adds Hot Diamonds watch collection following success of jewellery range inflight


One of the ‘hottest’ sellers for Scorpio Worldwide this year has been its Hot Diamonds jewellery collection. In fact, the brand has proved so successful that for 2013 the collection is being extended with a range of travel exclusive watches.



Since taking on Hot Diamonds earlier this year, Scorpio has achieved listings with major carriers globally including Air Transat, Etihad, Hong Kong Airlines. Jet 2, Qantas, Ryanair, Singapore Airlines,Thomson and US Airways. In addition, on the ground the collection is listed by World Duty Free and Heinemann.

Particularly successful has been the ‘Love Bites’ collection which features different pieces of fruit such as an Apple, Pear, and Banana, along with the Paradise Flower and Levanter designs. Every piece features at least one real diamond, and is rhodium plated for longevity.

The beauty of the Hot Diamonds collection is that it is perfect for all airlines – scheduled, charter and low cost,’ says Scorpio Worldwide sales and marketing director Richard Kennedy. ‘The quality is superb for the price points and the designs are very unique and individual. For the passenger, the pieces make a perfect gift or self purchase impulse item.’

New for 2013 in the jewellery collection are five pieces from two ranges: Entwine, a beautiful and contemporary yet classic collection and Diamonds for all Seasons, a delicate reflection of nature, captured in Sterling Silver and 18k Gold Vermeil.

Such has been the success of the jewellery collection that Scorpio Worldwide and Hot Diamonds have partnered to introduce a travel retail exclusive watch collection, initially four models are available with white or black faces, white or black leather straps, and dials in white, black, stainless steel and rose gold.

Prices will be around the £69-£99 mark which we believe is perfect for inflight,’ continues Kennedy. ‘The introduction of the Hot Diamonds watch collection is a perfect example of Scorpio Worldwide partnering with its brand suppliers and developing specific lines to meet the needs of the inflight sector. With a listing already secured with British Airways long-haul, we’re very confident that the range will be a top seller for 2013.’


Press contact: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.


December 2012

Monday 10 December 2012

FURLA OPENS NEW OUTLET AT SHARJAH


Continuing its rapid expansion in travel retail, premium accessories brand Furla has opened a new 14 sq m Shop-In-Shop at Sharjah International Airport in conjunction with Dufry. A 10 sq m generic area is also due to open with the operator in Belgrade shortly.




The Sharjah outlet is initially stocking the Autumn Winter 2012 collection and it is expected that highlights will be Furla’s icon styles Candy rubber bowling-bag, Tribe reversible shopper, and Papermoon’s colorful mock croc range.

We previously had a generic location at the airport and sales were very good, so we are confident that with this fabulous new location and very enthusiastic sales staff, we will really see an increase,’ says Global Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday.

Sharjah Airport is another important step in Furla’s Middle East expansion, which have also included openings in Beirut and Doha with Qatar Duty Free. Next year will see a personalized back wall opening with Bahrain Duty Free.

Trade enquiries: Gerry Munday, Global Travel Retail Director. Tel: +34 609 173 706. Email: gerry.munday@furla.com www.furla.com

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Tel: +44 (0) 208 405 8109. Fax: +44 (0) 208 405 0330. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

December 2012

Rollout of The Balvenie Fifty continues with launch at LAX


Continuing the celebration of Malt Master David Stewart's 50th year at The Balvenie distillery, on November 27 The Balvenie Fifty was unveiled at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX ) in conjunction with DFS.



Paige Parness, WG&S Regional Marketing Manager the Americas - Steven Corrigan, WG&S Regional Director North America - Sam Simmons, Global  Brand Ambassador Balvenie - David Stewart, Balvenie Malt Master - Polly Nelson, DFS Managing Director for Americas - Sharon Moy, Assistant General Manager LAX (DFS) - Joe Lyons VP of Business Development LAX (DFS)


The only airport in North American travel retail to carry The Balvenie Fifty, the unveiling was carried out by David Stewart himself, enabling him to share his knowledge and insight of the new product and its premium credentials. Timed to coincide with the key holiday gift giving season, a VIP experience was offered prior to the launch to DFS key stakeholders, giving them a rare chance to taste the 50 year old liquid with David Stewart.

Just 88 bottles of The Balvenie Fifty will be available worldwide, with 22 available to Global Travel Retail. 'We are delighted to be partnering with DFS to bring The Balvenie Fifty to LAX passengers,' says WGS Stephen Corrigan, Business Development Director North America. 'Featuring exclusively for two months over the festive buying season , the bottle is taking pride of place in the TBIT pillar supported by customised brand imagery for fantastic stand out.'

The Balvenie Fifty is presented in a hand blown glass bottle surrounded by a wooden case, created by Scottish craftsman Sam Chinnery. Forty nine rings of seven beautiful Scottish grown timbers mark Malt Master David Stewart's half century at The Balvenie Distillery.

The Balvenie Fifty was matured in a European oak sherry hogshead, rarely used today in whisky making. Filled with newly distilled spirit in 1962, over the following 50 years, the spirit slowly matured into an outstanding single malt Scotch whisky.

Tasting Notes: The particularly long maturation has created a wonderfully fragrant and floral whisky, which is velvety sweet with a beautifully balanced combination of sweet citrus notes and gentle hints of honey, spice and oak.

The whisky has a fragrant and floral scent, with fruit and oak lusciously intermingled. Citrus notes of lemon and orange peel are followed by honey and vanilla and finally a gentle hint of cinnamon and subtle oak. It has a sweet, dry-fruity taste with sherbet spice, toasted almonds and cinnamon, layered with richness of creamy toffee notes and traces of oak and deep vanilla. The finish is velvety smooth with a delicious citrus sweetness. The spirit has a 44.1% ABV.





Trade enquiries: Ian Taylor, William Grant & Sons. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8334 1258. Fax: +44 (0) 20 8332 1695. E-mail Ian.Taylor@wgrant.com

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Tel: +44 (0) 208 405 8109. Fax: +44 (0) 208 405 0330. Mobile: +44 (0) 7710 219784. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

October 2012

Notes to editors
About The Balvenie
  • The Balvenie is a unique range of single malts created by David Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master. Each has a very individual taste, but each is rich, luxuriously smooth and underpinned by the distinctively honeyed character of The Balvenie.

  • Born in Ayr on the west coast of Scotland in 1945, David Stewart joined William Grant & Sons in 1962, the year before Single Malt Scotch Whisky was first officially exported to England. He was appointed the distiller’s Malt Master in 1974 and his renowned ability to identify the finest casks of whisky for maturation has helped William Grant & Sons earn the Distiller of the Year accolade an unprecedented eight times (2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2001, 2000 and 1999).

  • The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.

  • The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.

Friday 7 December 2012

William Grant celebrates 125 years of Glenfiddich with travel retail exclusive


William Grant & Sons is marking the anniversary and 125 years of Glenfiddich with the launch of a new travel retail exclusive: Glenfiddich Celebration 125th Anniversary Edition.



The ultimate tribute to 125 years of pioneering spirit at the Glenfiddich Distillery, the 70cl bottle is presented in a luxury gift tin with stag embossing, accompanied by an official certificate of authenticity, leaflet with product story and tasting notes, and an etched solid copper stopper.


Available to travel retail markets around the globe to take advantage of the festive gifting season, Glenfiddich Celebration 125th Anniversary Edition is now available.

Kate Minner, GTR Marketing Manager, Single Malts says: ‘Global Travel Retail is a fundamental pillar in the William Grant & Sons strategy. The importance of the channel to the brand is evidenced by the development of GTR exclusives, limited editions and gifts such as the Age of Discovery Range.

Our 125th anniversary is such a momentous occasion that it seemed appropriate to celebrate it especially as Glenfiddich is now the world’s most awarded single malt*. Brian Kinsman has created a truly outstanding liquid to mirror the flavour of the whiskies originally produced by our founder, William Grant. It is beautifully presented in a gift tin complete with explanatory leaflet and copper stopper. This is a true celebration pack which will be coveted by travelling whisky aficionados.’


This limited edition single malt Scotch whisky was created by Bran Kinsman, the sixth Glenfiddich Malt master, using whiskies made with traditional techniques first shaped by William Grant himself. The unusual depth and smokiness found in this whisky are a result of the unique marriage of peated Glenfiddich whiskies matured mainly in European oak casks.


Glenfiddich Celebration 125th Anniversary Edition emits a rich aroma with an abundance of fresh fruit notes, zesty marmalade and spice all enveloped in peat smoke. It has a deep, oaky flavour with rich vanilla oak notes intertwined with a complex smoky character. The finish is rich with a lingering, slightly dry smokiness.


Background: William Grant built the distillery in the Glen of Fiddich, Gaelic for “Valley of the Deer.” On Christmas Day 1887, the first spirit ran from the copper stills. Since that day, William Grant's self-belief and pioneering spirit have always been at the heart of what sets its whisky apart. Successive generations have continued to maintain his drive and determination which is why Glenfiddich is now the world’s most awarded single malt. The Glenfiddich Celebration 125th Anniversary Edition honours the day one man's dream became a reality 125 years ago.

Ends

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications

Notes to Editor
About William Grant & Sons
  • Glenfiddich is the most awarded single malt Scotch whisky in the world – having won more awards at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition and International Spirits Challenge than any other single malt since 2000.
  • William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1886. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Milagro® Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.




December 2012

Wednesday 5 December 2012

HENDRICK’S MOUSTACHE BARBER SHOP OPENS AT CHANGI AIRPORT, SINGAPORE


HENDRICK’S Gin has embarked on a delightfully peculiar mission to restore everyone’s whiskers to their former glory. With the launch of the Hendrick’s Barber Shop in Changi Airport Terminal 3 Transit, William Grant & Sons is helping travellers to leave with more hair than when they first step in.



Running throughout November and December 2012, Hendrick’s Barber shop provides the ultimate grooming service to leave the traveller’s moustache immaculately groomed while enjoying a sample of its extraordinary gin. No manly hair to groom? Hendrick’s Barber shop will help travellers grow a hairy neighbour to his/her nose from a wide variety of stick-on styles!

At Hendrick’s, we celebrate the eccentricity, individuality and, dare-we-say madcap nature imbued by our gin. For travellers their dream moustache, daily dose of curiosity and peculiar refinement, Hendrick’s provides the perfect solution,’ says WGS Asia-Pacific Travel Retail Director Scott Hamilton.

To celebrate the launch of the Hendrick’s Barber Shop, WGS is also hosting a number of unusual and entertaining games at the airport, including The Man-on-wire, navigate the trimming scissors across the moustache wire and win a prize and The Fishing game: fish out the cards with a showerhead fishing rod and be surprized”!

Adds Scott Hamilton: ‘We were initially apprehensive of Asian travellers, who are relatively shy, not subscribing to our highly interactive way of brand immersion and unusual way of driving footfall to store. But so far, we have had a high level of participation from all nationalities! Current sales of Hendrick’s Gin at the barber shop have been phenomenal and we see Hendrick’s Gin paving the way for more excitement in travel retail globally.’

For further information and photography, please contact William Grant & Sons Singapore:
jack.tan@wgrant.com +65 97951950

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications

December 2012


Notes to editors:

HENDRICK’S is a deliciously super premium gin, made with a number of unusual twists to deliver a most curious arrangement. Unlike ordinary gins, HENDRICK’S is distilled in Scotland, in miniscule batches of only 450 litres at a time. Only HENDRICK’S is made with infusions of Cucumber and Rose petals, producing a wonderfully refreshing gin with a delightfully floral aroma. HENDRICK’S is the only gin made in a combination of a Carter-Head and copper pot still, creating a divinely smooth gin with both character and balance of subtle flavours.

Hendrick’s is made by William Grant & Sons - an award-winning, independent, family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and still controlled by the fifth generation of his family. The Company distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie single malts and the world’s fourth largest blended Scotch Grant’s, as well as selected other spirits, including Tullamore Dew and Sailor Jerry. www.williamgrant.com



Ends


Friday 30 November 2012

Glenfiddich Crystal Stag finds next home in Nuance Duty Free Store at Zurich Airport


Global premium spirits business William Grant & Sons has unveiled the seventh Glenfiddich Crystal Stag Gondola at Zurich airport in partnership with The Nuance Group. The Stag’s appearance is timed to coincide with the current Crystal Theme at the airport running for the festive season.


Launched on 29 November, the Crystal Stag continues the £1m investment by William Grant & Sons in Glenfiddich, bringing to life the pioneering spirit of the brand.

Says WGS Director – Europe Travel Retail, AndrĂ© de Almeida: ‘The global travel retail business is of huge importance to Glenfiddich and the Crystal Stag Gondola is testament to our commitment to both the brand and the channel. We have been very selective in placing the stags in airports worldwide and the selection of Zurich indicates the importance of the retail space here to the Glenfiddich business.’

Karl Walter, The Nuance Group’s General Manager for Zurich Airport, adds: ‘Nuance has an excellent working relationship with WGS and its brands, and we are very pleased that our Duty Free Store in Zurich has become one of the few airport retail shops to have the Glenfiddich Crystal Stag Gondola. It will certainly enhance the shopping experience for travellers, particularly during the Crystal themed event introduced for the festive season.’

Ends
For more information, please contact:
Trade enquiries: Kate Minner, William Grant & Sons
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8334 1960 Fax: +44 (0) 20 8332 1695
E-mail: kate.minner@wgrant.com

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications
Tel: +44 (0)208 405 8109Fax: +44 (0) 208 405 0330
Mobile: +44 (0) 7710 219784

Notes to Editor
About William Grant & Sons
  • William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1886. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Milagro® Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.



About The Nuance Group
  • As a leading travel retailer, The Nuance Group operates 343 outlets spanning 59 locations in 17 countries and territories across the globe. In addition to an extensive portfolio of duty and tax-free stores, brand boutiques and concept stores, the Group also provides in-flight services and operates a wholesale and distribution business, supporting the travel retail sector. Headquartered in Zurich, The Nuance Group employs almost 4,700 people worldwide. For further information: www.thenuancegroup.com

Tuesday 27 November 2012

NestlĂ© launches NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® Machines and Capsules at Singapore Changi airport


NestlĂ© International Travel Retail announces the launch of its successful NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® beverage system into travel retail. The system will be available at Sprint-Cass electronics stores at Singapore’s Changi Airport, terminals 1, 2 and 3 from early December 2012.




Coffee can be surprising”, “Coffee can be a discovery” claims NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® in its advertising campaign. And it is! NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® is a complete innovative system for high-quality beverages, from coffee to tea, hot to cold. It includes a stylish yet compact automatic machine and a range of capsules that makes it easy to create a wide variety of beverages at a quality that compares to the best Coffee Houses.

Though ultimately not exclusive to Singapore, NITR considers Changi Airport
the ideal travel hub to launch NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto®. Research shows that (unlike Europeans), the majority of Asians prefer a Cappuccino over a black Espresso and appreciate varieties such as Latte Macchiato, Chai Tea and Cappuccino Ice, all of which are present in NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® range.

Says NITR brand manager, Emmanuelle Chavarot : “While we remain focused and committed to developing the confectionery category, the incredible success of NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® in more than 60 countries worldwide inspired us to extend the concept to travel retail. NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® is not just a coffee machine but a real lifestyle experience. We firmly believe that the consumers will be keen to discover the fun and colourful universe of NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® and will be wowed by the great taste of the beverages. We are delighted that Changi Airport Group and our retail partner Sprint-Cass share that belief and are joining us in pioneering this novel business concept.”

Apart from the core offer of machine, capsules and accessories, NITR is investing in premium display units, in-store sampling and product demonstration to provide the shoppers a unique NESCAFÉ® Dolce Gusto® experience. A special bag will be offered to make it convenient to carry the purchase.

Leveraging technology is another key element: features including augmented reality from a state-of-the-art device will interrupt and entice travellers and QR Codes on the display units will inform shoppers.

Coffee can be a voyage, discover it at Changi airport!

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


December 2012

Friday 23 November 2012

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS CROWNED GRAND SPIRIT MASTER AND SCOTCH WHISKY GRAND MASTER AT THE SPIRITS MASTERS 2012


Global premium spirits business and independent, family-owned distiller William Grant & Sons has won the Grand Spirit Master for the second consecutive year and the Scotch Whisky Grand Master awards for its premium drinks brands at this year’s Spirits Masters, a highly respected drinks competition by The Spirit Business. The drinks publication is the only international trade title solely dedicated to the spirits industry and is the leading authority on the global market.




Scoring high marks, William Grant & Sons took home a total of 28 medals, including 7 Masters for our brands, including Glenfiddich Distillery Edition 15 Year Old and The Balvenie DoubleWood. The impressive number of medals won has reaffirmed William Grant & Sons excellence in whisky making and the quality of its products.

The Scotch Whisky Masters is fast becoming one of the most respected and high profile blind tasting competitions in the industry, attracting entries from leading brands all over the world. This year, Patience Gould, editor of The Spirits Business, along with a panel of leading spirits and on-trade specialists, judged 149 entries.

Commenting on the success, William Grant & Sons Master Blender and Malt Master Brian Kinsman said: “We are absolutely delighted and honoured to have won the prestigious top title of Grand Spirits Master and Scotch Whisky Grand Master. The skills and dedication that go into the making of our whiskies is reflected in the medals won. And to be praised by our colleagues and peers makes the awards so special to us.”


In addition to The Spirits Business Masters, the Company has also won the award of Distiller of the Year from ISC and IWSC an unprecedented nine times and our Glenfiddich brand has received more medals for the quality of its spirit than any other single malt, making it the world’s favourite and most awarded single malt Scotch whisky.*

ENDS






The Results of the SPIRITS MASTERS AWARDS 2012
Grand Spirit Master – William Grant & Sons

Scotch Whisky Grand Master - William Grant & Sons

MASTER
The Balvenie DoubleWood 12YO: Single Malts Speyside <12YR
The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14YO: Single Malts Speyside <18YR
The Balvenie PortWood 21YO: Single Malts Speyside <25YR
The Balvenie 30YO: Single Malts Speyside 25YR+
Glenfiddich Distillery Edition 15YO: Single Malts Speyside <18YR
Grant’s 18YO: Aged Blends <18YR
Grant’s 25YO: Aged Blends <30YR

GOLD
The Balvenie Single Barrel 15YO: Single Malts Speyside <18YR
The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 2: Single Malts Speyside Special Edition
Glenfiddich Rich Oak: Single Malts Speyside <18YR
Glenfiddich 15YO: Single Malts Speyside <18YR
Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask: Single Malts Speyside <25YR
Glenfiddich 21YO: Single Malts Speyside <25YR
Glenfiddich 30YO: Single Malts Speyside 25YR+
Glenfiddich 40YO: Single Malts Speyside 25YR+
Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition: Single Malts Speyside Special Editions
Grant’s Ale Cask Finish: Blends Standard
Grant’s 12YO: Aged Blends <12YR
Gunegal 12YO: Aged Blends <12YR
Tullamore Dew 10YO Reserve: Irish Blended – Premium
Tullamore Dew 10YO Single Malt – Irish Single Malt - Premium
Wood’s 100 Rum: Overproof Rum
O.V.D.: Dark Rum up to 7yr

SILVER
Glenfiddich 18YO: Single Malts Speyside <18YR
Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask: Single Malts Speyside <25YR
Hendrick’s: Super Premium
Tullamore Dew: Irish Blended - Standard
Tullamore Dew 12YO Special Reserve: Irish Blended – Premium

For further information and images, please contact:
Rowena Holland
Essential Communications




Notes to editors


  • William Grant & Sons was named 2011’s ‘Distiller of the Year’ and ‘International Spirits Producer of the Year’ at the prestigious International Wine and Spirit Competition (IWSC) Awards. The company has been awarded this highly sought-after title since 1999, having received distiller accolades from ISC and IWSC an unprecedented nine times.

  • William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry® Spiced Rum, and the award-winning Milagro® Tequila.


Thursday 22 November 2012

Scorpio Worldwide announces new global management structure


As part of it new brand identity, Scorpio Worldwide has announced senior management changes and restructuring at account handling level. The company has also announced the opening of a new Middle East regional office in Dubai.

With immediate effect Stuart McGuire becomes Chairman and Ian Cowie moves from Chief Operating Officer to Managing Director. While still playing a key role in the company, McGuire will take a step back from the day to day management of the company. Richard Kennedy remains Group Sales & Marketing Director, Steve Freeman Purchasing Director and Garry Stoner Director of Sales – Travel Retail.

Regionally account handling has been reviewed to offer a better service split by category first and then geographically with regional area managers Chris Jennings handling the UK and Europe, Nathalie Benham the Middle East (inflight), Vanessa Hill the Middle East (travel retail), and Mark Mariana the Americas.

Nikki Shears becomes Travel Retail Support Manager – Europe and the company is recruiting for an Innovations Buyer.

November 27 sees the opening of a new Middle East regional office at the Jumeirah Business Centre in Jumeirah Lake Towers – five times the size of Scorpio's current showroom.

Press contact: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. 

November 2012

New worldwide identity for Scorpio


At a major presentation to its customers in Brighton this month, Scorpio Distributors announced a new identity for the company: Scorpio Worldwide, with a new logo, upgraded website and improvements throughout the company. Senior management changes were also announced with Stuart McGuire taking over as Chairman with immediate effect and current Chief Operating Officer Ian Cowie becoming Managing Director. The company also announced the opening of a new regional office in Dubai at Jumeirah Lake Towers.



Taking over the Seattle Hotel in Brighton, Scorpio gathered customers from all over the world to explain the reasons behind the change; in usual company style combining business presentations with fabulous entertainment and a fun product trade show which enabled one lucky person to win a weekend in Moscow with visits to the Ballet and Moscow Air Show, courtesy of Scorpio and Aviator brand-owner Volmax.

Introducing the proceedings, Stuart McGuire thanked his customers, partners and own employees for their incredible support and hard work over the years. Founded in 1995 with just three employees, Scorpio now has a staff of over 50 and a turnover of close to $100m (including third party contracts) 'I never dreamt of building a company of the size and with the success as we have today,' said McGuire. 'To say I am proud is an understatement.' In 2007 – with a turnover of $16m annually - Scorpio went into partnership with Heinemann, which took a 51% stake in the company, enabling it to acquire the distribution rights for a number of leading perfume and cosmetics companies in the UK and – in some cases – regionally and globally. 'This has really fuelled our growth and P&C now accounts for around 30% of our turnover,' said McGuire.

Scorpio's remit has been to 'be seen as a seamless link between brands and clients', continued McGuire

McGuire highlighted the massive changes in the airline industry over the past five years through acquisitions, mergers, bankruptcies– plus the growth of LCC's, the effect of LAGS, the financial crisis, growing dominance of internet sales, terrorism etc – had all put huge pressure on the ability to retail in the air. McGuire believes the company's sound financial footing has led to an increase in sales as clients have moved away from some suppliers who have not been able to honour advertising commitments or sale or return agreements, an essential part of the inflight business. ‘As a result we have seen sales growth of 300% in the last six years, not including third party contracts,' he continued, pointing to Aviator Watches as the most listed product on airlines globally. In 2006 Aviator sold 15,000 units worth £1.35m at retail. In 2011, the brand sold 170,000 units worth £19m.

While airlines has always been Scorpio's core business, the company is now actively developing its travel retail ground sales. 'Airlines will always remain our core and the most important sector of our business, but we do recognise that the most growth potential is on the ground,' said McGuire. In just six years the Travel Retail Sales division has grown from nothing to over 600 retail listings.

Today Scorpio does not want to be known just as a distributor, hence the name change. 'We are a sales and marketing company that distributes products and works worldwide with almost every airline in the world and most travel retail groups.' But when you are bigger, your customers expect more and it was therefore time for Scorpio to look at itself, look at how far we have come, where we're at and where we need to go in order to develop ever closer relationships with our clients.'

Following a series of in-depth customer surveys and one to one interviews, both internally and with clients externally, Scorpio has emerged with a new identity, new branding and refreshed set of values: friendly, authentic, thorough and pioneering. The new logo is pivotal to the new identity: – the 'o' of Scorpio communicating the philosophy, nature and heart of this family-led business: inclusivity, a circle of friends, a 360 degree service.

Managing director Ian Cowie explained that the surveys had been carried out over the past two years to ascertain 'What does the Scorpio brand stand for'. 'It's really about sales, marketing, service and fulfilment,' he said. 'We are a house of brands offering a 360 degree service. We didn't want to change the nature of who we are or lose sight of the past. We are the same company with the same core values, and the same people – we've just become a lot bigger and in some areas we needed to improve. So in effect, it's business as usual – but with enhancements.'

All areas of the business were examined including product delivery and availability, account handling, and product presentation and marketing support. Based on feedback received, the company has made a number of changes and improvements including improving availability of products within the P&C category, restructuring its regional teams, upgrading its communication/marketing support materials, introducing a wider range of innovative, unusual and on-trend brands such as Skin Doctors, Lip Smackers, Di Palomo and Hot Diamonds, 'We have to balance the heritage of the company with the needs of our customers today to ensure we are fit for purpose, not just now but in the future,' he said.

One key area has been the need for additional investment in IT and resources. 'We've implemented a 20% increase in resource over the past 18 months and are still recruiting – including a new buyer specifically focussed on innovation,' he said. 'Within IT, we have totally replaced our equipment and have upgraded our presentation facilities.'

Part of this investment is a totally new website, due to launch very soon, which sets new standards in terms of product information and marketing support. 'Our aim is that it will be the best website of its kind in the business,' said Cowie. 'Dynamic and groundbreaking it will revolutionise the marketing and promotional support we can offer our customers.'

Sales and Marketing Director Richard Kennedy finished the morning presentations with a product update, highlighting products for the coming year, such as Aviator and the new brands such as Sturmanskie watches, and new lines across the watch, jewellery and gift sets, children's and essential travel products categories. A final tribute was paid to the company and, in particular, Stuart McGuire by Martin Moodie founder and chairman of The Moodie Report.

After lunch, customers were then put into groups and spent a fun afternoon learning about the various products available for 2013. At each presentation 'Satellite Space Cards' were stamped, the completed cards being entered for the Moscow trip prize draw. This was drawn at the evening event and won by Carolyn Mariani of DFASS America.

Customers attending the event included DFASS Group Singapore and America, Saint-Honore Panama, St Doras Taiwan, Saudi Airlines, Traveller Dubai, Lojas Francis Portugal, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airway’s, Tourvest, Jet2, Flybe and many others from the UK and Europe.


  • During his speech, Stuart McGuire also played tribute to his pioneering father – Bruce McGuire – without whose entrepreneurial spirit 'none of this would ever have happened' and to his late colleague and close friend Alan Edwards.


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

November 2012

Image shows L-R: Richard Kennedy, Ian Cowie, Stuart McGuire, Bruce McGuire, Steve Freeman.



Friday 16 November 2012

CIR launches the largest BRIC nationality passenger study in Travel Retail


Recently published data from Euromonitor International in the annual Global Trends Report revealed that inbound tourism from BRIC markets look set to contribute to growth in arrivals and spending in European markets. Meanwhile the2012 China Luxury Report by Fortune Charter Institute reports that Chinese travellers overseas spend will reach $80 billion in the next year.

In this context, and following the successful 2012 Chinese nationality passenger research study conducted by CIR, the market intelligence and retail development agency announces plans to launch its 2013 BRIC Nations Passenger Research Study. CIR’s experience of running research projects at more than 70 airports around the world puts the agency well placed to execute this industry-leading initiative.

With responses from more than 14,000 inbound and outbound BRIC passenger interviews, the study will cover ten airport locations including key outbound locations in Brazil, Russia, India and China and key inbound locations from a selection of global hubs. The study will deliver insight into the expectations and behaviours of this fast-growing passenger group, providing first hand and real-time understanding of the issues affecting shoppers, capturing feedback as close to their purchasing decisions as possible. In addition to providing detailed category insight to clients from the five core categories, the research will also communicate wider airport shopping behaviours and attitudes.  



Thursday 15 November 2012

Imperial Tobacco expands Global Duty Free team to build brands and drive growth


Imperial Tobacco has announced the appointment of Andreas Lemke as General Manager Global Duty Free, with effect of 01.06.2012.



The appointment supports the increased importance and focus on Global Duty Free by the company, as well as the move from a regional to a global organisation.  Imperial Tobacco can now better cater to the needs of international key accounts and align the operations to its global strategic direction. Andreas Lemke, previously Regional Director Europe, Americas & International Accounts, has been with Imperial Tobacco since 1997, working in various roles and positions within the Duty Free Business.

To further enhance the organisational capabilities in managing the global Sales and Marketing team, two new roles have been created: Trade Marketing Director Global Duty Free and Sales Director Global Duty Free. Christian MĂĽnstermann has taken up the position of Trade Marketing Director Global Duty Free. In August 2012 he has joined Imperial Tobacco from Reckitt Benckiser and brings a wealth of experience from the FMCG business. Sebastian Clausen, previously Regional Director Asia-Pacific, Africa & Middle East, has been appointed Sales Director Global Duty Free with immediate effect.



Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.
November 2012

Wednesday 14 November 2012

FURLA OPENS DOWNTOWN WITH EVERRICH


Continuing its rapid growth in travel retail, Furla has opened a new 22sq m Shop-In-Shop this month (November) with EverRich at its new Taipei Downtown store.


The SIS opens with a selection from the Autumn Winter Collection and is expected to appeal to the high proportion of (what nationality) shoppers anticipated to visit the store.

We are finishing 2012 on a high note and will have opened 43 new listings on the ground this year, as well as 22 in-flight listings,’ says Furla global travel retail director Gerry Munday. ‘This is apart from the new business which will come on stream next year following a brilliant week in Cannes last month,’ continues Munday. ‘It really has been a fantastic year for Furla!’


Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. 
November 2012


Tuesday 13 November 2012

Furla expands travel retail team


Furla is delighted to announce the appointment of Hester Linthorst as Travel Retail Area Manager responsible for Europe North and in-flight, effective January 2013.



Linthorst previously worked for British American Tobacco in Amsterdam as Junior Export Manager and then Communications Executive, before moving to Italy to embark on a career in fashion, working for Pancaldi 1888 as Retail Development Manager. In 2006, Linthorst joined Furla as Retail Manager Export before her promotion to Area Manager Europe and Russia in 2007.

I am very excited to be joining Furla's travel retail division,” says Linthorst. “Furla’s expansion within travel retail over the past year has been quite phenomenal and I am thrilled to be part of such a strong and dynamic team.”

Other news includes Gerry Munday's promotion from Head of Travel Retail to Global Travel Retail Director. ‘This is the icing on cake at the end of what has been a phenomenal year for Furla,’ says Munday. ‘With the appointment of Hester, we really do have an incredibly strong and knowledgeable travel retail team – a team that I am really proud to be directing.’



Alongside Hester, the Furla travel retail team includes Giulia Agnoli (Travel Retail Manager, Europe South, Middle East & Major Accounts), Javy Wong (Travel Retail Manager Asia Pacific), and Grace Kim (General Manager, South Korea).


Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org
November 2012

Monday 12 November 2012

Hendrick’s gin brings Barbers Chair activation to Chicago O’Hare


The peculiar world of Hendrick’s Gin is creating a stir at Chicago O’Hare airport where William Grant & Sons Global Travel Retail has teamed up with Dufry to create a high profile activation designed to interact directly with travellers.




The Hendrick’s Barbers Chair is an impactful and dynamic display which recreates a Victorian shop environment and uses hostesses dressed in traditional uniforms to engage directly with travellers in an amusing fashion.

The promotion starts with hostesses handing out open appointment cards to direct footfall towards the promotional area, where a hostess wearing a sandwich board and the host Barber named ‘Hendricks’
(wearing a red/white striped apron, white dress shirt, red bow tie, silver shirt and sporting a moustache) invites travellers to sit on the Barber’s chair.

Hendricks makes the guest feel comfortable and a bib on the client. They engage in typical
Barber/Customer conversation, initiated by Hendricks who delivers it old Victorian speak. Eg: ‘My dear fellow, you seem like a most travelled gentleman. What brings you to Chicago?’

Hendricks then moves the conversation around to Hendrick’s Gin with a phrase such as: ‘Hendrick’s Gin is an astoundingly fast growing boutique Gin, distilled in Scotland. It contains a fantastically unusual flavour note combination of cucumber and rose.’ Hendricks also mentions the other botanicals & points to the labels on the drawers of the unit as a visual cue.

Hendricks then begins to theatrically prepare a perfect serve of gin for his client, filling a teacup with ice from the wash basin and sharpening his cut-throat razor on the leather strap which is hanging from the Barber’s chair. He then prepares a garnish by slicing it with his razor before serving his client with the drink.

Finally, Hendricks asks his client to choose a moustache from the bell jar using a phrase such as:
After all I am a Barber and I couldn’t let you leave without you looking at your best. Which of these moustaches styles is to your liking?’ After application, Hendricks whips off the bib before turning the
chair around to face the group and standing proudly next to his client, complete with moustache , for a photo opportunity.

The promotion will run until the end of November and, says Jose Castellvi, WGS Regional Director for Latin America: ‘This is the first time that we have created such a theatrical activation in Chicago O’Hare airport for Hendrick’s Gin and we’re very excited about it. Dufry has really embraced the concept full on and have been very supportive to the idea.

The beauty of this promotion is that invites travellers to actually spend some time with us in an entertaining and amusing way. By driving theatre into the store, we are keen to not only benefit sales of Hendrick’s but of the whole liquor category.’

Group photo shows L-R:
Jessica DeOliveira, US Hendrick’s Brand Ambassador (WGS); Jose Castellvi, Regional Director, Latam and Caribbean (WGS); Sinja Lee, Operations Manager, Dufry; Kum Cheng, Dufry; Samuel Poh Leung, General Manager, Dufry



Ends

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications
Tel: +44 (0)208 405 8109Fax: +44 (0) 208 405 0330
Mobile: +44 (0) 7710 219784

Notes to Editor
About William Grant & Sons
  • William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1886. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world’s favourite single malt Glenfiddich®, The Balvenie® range of handcrafted single malts and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s® as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s® Gin, Sailor Jerry®, Milagro® Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.




November 2012