Nestlé brings 2012 product range to region with ‘massive consumer potential’

Nestlé International Travel Retail is exhibiting at TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE this year (stand G30) with strong beliefs on how the Asian market should be approached.

‘The massive consumer potential combined with the ongoing removal of the access barriers through improving infrastructure, greater income, and the disappearance of travel limitations, make Asia a very important market to us - and probably to every other key player in the industry, brands owners and retailers alike. However, it is not only Asia as a region that is important, but also Asians and where they are travelling to that drives growth in our industry.’ Says NITR head of sales Roland Stieger

NITR continues to work closely with retailers across Asia to develop its business and introduce the Perfect Store™ initiative to increase penetration, conversion and basket size.

In doing so, NITR emphasises that suppliers need to acknowledge that the needs and wants of Asians can be different from Europeans. ‘They are faced with very different gifting cultures, different taste and brands preferences,’ continues Stieger. ’We need to acknowledge that the true potential in Asia is accessible only if we actively meet those needs instead of trying to impose concepts adopted from Europe. The size of the potential in Asia deserves – demands -- solutions that are right for this group of consumers. This includes the brand experience, product proposition, down to the language in which to communicate to them.’

A perfect example of this are the new products introduced to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon

To celebrate this most auspicious year, Nestlé has introduced two travel retail exclusive tins. ‘Chinese New Year in particular is an important gifting period and Asian travellers will be looking for customised gifting solutions to celebrate this unique event,’ says Alan Brennan. ‘These two exclusive tins, which capitalise on our best-selling brands NESTLE SWISS and KITKAT, are designed not just for CNY but as a whole year gift sales opportunity.’ The tins – in red, silver and gold for NESTLE SWISS and red and gold for KITKAT – are embossed with Dragon graphics and have a premium look and feel. They contain 350g (66) SWISS Napolitains and 450g (10) KITKAT 4 Finger bars respectively.

These new items join the growing portfolio of travel retail exclusives from NITR which focus on global brands. NESTLE SWISS, KITKAT and SMARTIES, all of which present solutions for different shopper needs

NESTLE SWISS –NITR has introduced an entire new range of six new exciting travel-exclusive items under the NESTLÉ SWISS Premium Collection taking this highly successful brand into a new high-value premium level. Listening to the shoppers’ quest for difference and exclusivity, the brand, as well as all the products, have been developed exclusively for travel retail and are available in no domestic market worldwide.

NESTLE SWISS Alps – Shaped like Swiss peaks and mountains, these exclusive pralines in eight different recipes (five milk and three dark) come in two box formats – 122g and 240g.

NESTLE SWISS Carres – Unique pieces of chocolate which are the perfect translation of ‘Chocolat Brut’ – delicious, chunky and generous ingredients such as pineapple and pepper, almonds and orange, cashew nuts and cranberries, topping a solid piece of Swiss chocolate. Two varients are available – milk and dark – in 160g boxes.

NESTLE SWISS Tender Rocks – Here two exclusive recipes, inspired by chocolate truffles, are shaped and presented like an avalanche of Swiss mountain rocks. In dark and milk varieties, both come in 180g boxes.

SMARTIES With the huge attraction of the DISNEY partnership, NITR is expanding the age appeal of SMARTIES into teens with a new Shrek franchise. This blockbuster movie character, along with his friend Donkey is available as a ‘bobble head’ figurine gift boxed with five SMARTIES tubes, easy to portion and share.

New gift packs have also been introduced for 2012 to refresh and renovate the existing range including a new travel retail exclusive high value gifting dome tube with a premium look and feel. Three options are available, all with an exclusive game in the ‘dome’ of each tube: a Cars Hit & Loop, Winnie the Pooh Fishing Adventure & Memory Game and Enchanted Princess Set. Each also includes three giant tubes of SMARTIES. This new gifting format is accompanied by a brand new SMARTIES Toppers range, with a new game for the Winnie the Pooh Toppers, a pen for the Princess Toppers, and brand new Cars characters from the Cars 2 movie for the Cars Toppers range

To celebrate the confectionery brand’s 75^th anniversary, NITR has introduced a range of Retro Toppers designed to bring back memories of childhood and the heritage of the brand. The limited edition SMARTIES Retro Toppers use original Mickey and Minnie character images plus a unique retro-style design linked to the SMARTIES iconic tube shape and brand values.

KIT KAT – This well known global brand is ideal for informal gifting – as well as snacking and sharing. With the former in mind, NITR is introducing a new travel retail exclusive 405g mixed pack containing white, milk and dark varieties of the world famous KITKAT 4 Finger. It’s ideal for discovering and sharing different tastes.

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

April 2012

WORLD OF PATRIA FEATURES THE LAST DROP AT DFS MASTER OF SPIRITS EVENT

World of Patria International was delighted to feature The Last Drop 1960 Scotch and 1950 Cognac a the recent DFS Master of Spirits Gala Event. Held in partnership with Changi Airport at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, the second Master of Spirits event presented rare and limited edition spirits, wine and champagnes from global and niche brands to a specially invited audience of potential purchasers.

‘We were absolutely delighted to provide DFS Group with a number of bottles of The Last Drop 1960 Blended Scotch Whisky and 1950 Cognac for this highly prestigious event,’ says WOPI director Kevin Baker. ‘It was a fantastic opportunity for us to present these two remarkable spirits to a very appreciative audience and to help spread awareness of the brand. We’re very encouraged by the reaction from DFS Group’s VIP customers.’

The Last Drop Distillers are bottling, one by one, a limited number of old casks from remote cellars all over Scotland. The 1960 Scotch was blended in 1972 from whiskies all distilled before 1960 - in some cases long before – and many of the distilleries from which they came no longer exist. The Last Drop Cognac is an especially rare cognac from two French oak casks found in a distillery hidden deep within the woods of Cognac. It has been hand-bottled straight from the cask with no chilling, filtering, dilution or colouring.

Bottles for both the Scotch and the Cognac are hand filled and sealed with wax then placed in a velvet lined box which includes a certificate stating the date and bottle number. A 50ml miniature is included so those who purchase the bottle as a gift can sample it, or the bottle can be added to a collection.

Kevin Baker adds: “World of Patria is proud to be representing this unique premium brand and we are very grateful to DFS Group for giving us this wonderful opportunity.’

We would like to invite attendees of TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE in Singapore, to come to see us at stand A26, to see The Last Drop for themselves.

About DFSDFS Group headquartered in Hong Kong, is the world’s largest luxury travel retailer. With more than 200 stores in 15 countries, most in cosmopolitan and resort locations throughout Asia-Pacific, U.S. and Middle East. DFS Gallerias offer a luxurious shopping experience and incomparable services to discerning clients. The company is majority owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, with the balance of shares held by companies associated with DFS Group co-founder Robert Miller.

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

April 2012

THE BALVENIE TUN 1401 BATCH 4: AN EXCEPTIONAL NEW WHISKY FOR GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL

The latest release from David Stewart, Scotch whisky’s most admired Malt Master, is The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 4, an outstanding single malt married from ten selected rare and precious casks from across the ages – and available exclusively in travel retail from March2012. It sees its official launch to Asia at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE (stand K21).

Almost half a century of experience has given David Stewart unparalleled expertise in single malt maturation. For Batch 4 of The Balvenie Tun 1401, David filled the tun with The Balvenie matured in three sherry butts (1970, 1971 and 1973) and seven traditional American oak barrels (1966, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1980 and 1990) carefully chosen to create a single malt characterised by luxurious honey, mellow spices and oak. Velvety smooth and rich, accompanied by soft ripe fruits and a citrus sweetness, the taste then brings a wave of vanilla and a hint of butterscotch. Abv is 48%.

Says William Grant & Son Global Marketing Manager Ian Taylor: ’Only the finest casks of The Balvenie have been considered by Malt Master David Stewart for inclusion in Tun 1401 and we are delighted that Batch 4 has been reserved exclusively for global travel retail. GTR remains a crucial channel for William Grant & Sons and we have developed a careful portfolio of exclusive expressions for The Balvenie . This latest creation is a wonderful addition which will enhance the current range adding further interest and excitement for travellers worldwide.’

Hand-bottled at The Balvenie Distillery in Speyside, each is presented in a gift tube which includes explanatory copy and tasting notes. Just 2,500 bottles of The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 4 will be available exclusively in travel retail outlets at an RRP of £150.

Launched in March as part of a The Balvenie range promotion across World Duty Free Group outlets including Manchester T2, Glasgow and London Heathrow, The Balvenie Tun 1401 is also available in Qatar, Air Rianta Cyprus and James Richardson (Israel), as well as in JFK (International Shoppes) from May 1^st.The launch has been supported by an educational brochure which is handed out to passengers .

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

April 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.

• Tun 1401 takes its name from the traditional oak marrying tun in which the aged whisky was married. Marrying tun 1401 is found inside the Balvenie Distillery’s Warehouse 24.

• 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.

Imperial Tobacco to reveal Davidoff’s greatest IDEA in Singapore

Every great invention, every memorable song, every tear-jerking film, every stunning piece of artwork - each starts with a great IDEA.

At this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE exhibition, Imperial Tobacco will be revealing its latest and greatest IDEA for premium brand Davidoff (stand J1).

The aim is to target a wider audience for Davidoff using an inspirational and artistic approach.

All details will be revealed in Singapore where Imperial Tobacco will be presenting the new concept and celebrate a special launch party.

‘This is the most important launch from Davidoff for many years and we are incredibly excited about it as we believe it will open up the brand to a completely new audience of smokers,’ says Jennifer Thanscheidt, Corporate Affairs Manager Global Duty Free. ‘The initial launch announcement will take place in Singapore and we will further push this inspirational concept with another major presentation at TFWA World Exhibition in October.’

Discover Davidoff’s new IDEAS in Singapore.

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

April 2012

WORLD OF PATRIA BRINGS A TASTE OF SCOTLAND TO SINGAPORE

World of Patria International continues to diversify its product portfolio with a new range of smoked Scottish salmon which introduces some unusual and unique flavour combinations. The line can be seen in Singapore at TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE (Stand A26).

St. James is a traditional smokehouse located in the Royal Burgh of Annan, Scotland, using only the finest quality fresh Scottish Salmon from approved growers, then hand cured with sea salt and brown sugar before traditional smoking over smouldering oak chippings. All products use only natural ingredients with no artificial flavours or preservatives.

There are eight varieties available with some truly original flavour combinations such as garlic & cracked pepper, Hendricks gin & tonic, pastrami, whiskey & wild honey, zested lemon & cracked pepper, and zested orange & cracked pepper. Original and gravadlax are also offered. All are available in 100g, 114g, 200g, 228g, 454g, or 500g packs with 28 days shelf life from manufacture for fresh and one year from frozen.

‘This is a top quality range – a traditional product yet again offering something a little different,’ continues Andy Butcher. ‘Food products are a growing offer in travel retail and we’re sure this range has excellent potential within the category. We had an excellent reaction to a soft launch at the Duty Free Show of the Americas and are delighted to now be introducing St James to travel retail markets globally.’

World of Patria International has worldwide distribution rights for St James in travel retail. The range joins a growing portfolio of premium and super premium wines and spirits, along with travel accessories, Ted’s Cigars and Fazer confectionery for selected markets. 

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

April 2012