MITR expands inflight team

Mars International Travel Retail has appointed Tom Manktelow as Business Development Manager – Inflight. Tom will be responsible for all inflight business globally, working with partners to establish Mars as the inflight chocolate option of choice.

Inflight is an important sector within the MITR business and Mars is committed to offering inflight passengers a great range of products, with both catering and buy-on-board snacking and gift items. In this new role, Tom will be responsible for growing the company's inflight business, developing and executing strategy both to engage current customers and acquire new ones. 

Says MITR Sales Director Christophe Bouye: 'Mars' extensive and globally known portfolio enables us to present airlines with a fabulous range of miniatures, minis, snacking and sharing pouches, and gift items, to cover all inflight needs.  It will be down to Tom to work with airlines globally to develop this business, establishing long term relations with customers, shaping strategy and building joint business development plans.'

Tom joins the company from Highland Spring where he managed its Foodservice Sector, and before that he was at Lindt chocolate. He adds: 'I'm delighted to be joining such a dynamic company and help to  develop a sector which has clear potential, particularly in terms on onboard food sales which is becoming more and more important as a source of ancillary revenue to airlines.'

Furla opens on San Ysidro border with Duty Free City

Furla is pleased to announce the opening of a 15sqm personalised corner at the new 14,000 sq ft Duty Free City land border store in San Ysidro. The store opened on July 28th and is one of 25 stores which DFC plans to open across the Mexican and Canadian borders.

Says Furla Global Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday: “Furla is delighted to be working with Duty Free City as the sole leather goods brand present in its stunning border store in San Ysidro. We are present alongside some of the world’s most prestigious brands and have found the team at DFC a pleasure to work with. San Ysidro is one of the busiest border crossings in the world with a high spend per head, so we are confident that business here will be excellent for Furla as we continue to expand within the Americas. We look forward to working with DFC on further projects for the future.”

Adds Director of Marketing Alejandra Rudner: “We are very pleased to be working with Furla. We wanted to work with a premium brand that would align itself with our affluent clientele and Furla very much fits the bill. San Ysidro is designed as a lifestyle destination - far more than just a border store - and Furla will sit very nicely alongside the many other signature brands in place, such as Versace and Swarovski.”

The store opened with the Spring Summer 2014 Collection focusing on key lines from the Premium and Icon collections with colourways including luna, petalo, rugiada, and sole combined with onyx , vitamin and atlantic. Plus touches of Giaguaro add interest and depth. Shapes include shoulder bags in different sizes, satchels and the innovative Dome in both medium N/S and mini sizes.

Notes to editors:

Furla closed 2013 with a turnover of 228 million euros*, an increase compared to 2012 of +7% which, at constant exchange rates, corresponds to +14.5%; a trend of strong growth for the company, confirmed by the overall increase recorded in the last three years of + 45%. Results obtained by Furla thanks to a strategy of constant global expansion. Strengthening of worldwide distribution has been a determining factor. In the two-year period 2012/2013, the company has been intensively involved in the renewal of existing outlets as well as new openings: in total, 167 retail initiatives have been completed, including 97 in 2013 (51 new openings and 46 renewals) and 70 in 2012 (13 new openings and 57 renewals). In 2013 e-commerce recorded growth of +41% compared to 2012.  Also Travel Retail is growing with an increase in turnover from 2012 to 2013 of +37%, linked to an increasingly incisive presence in major airports: from 33 doors in 2010 to the current 175 in 44 different countries. 

Many Celebrities Participate In FURLA\'s Photo Wall Event

[by Sunghee Park] On July 24, bag brand FURLA held a photo wall event to commemorate the launch of ‘FURLA 14FW Presentation.’ The event took place at Gallery Salon de H in Cheongdam-dong, Seoul.

 

Meanwhile, many celebrities, including Lee Da Hee, Yano Siho and Choi Yeo Jin, participate in the event to celebrate the launch of FURLA’s new line. (photo by bntnews DB)

Kininvie 17 Year Old Batch No.1 Exclusive to Travel Retail - launches first in Taiwan with Ever Rich Duty Free

From a secluded spot in Dufftown, the capital of Single Malt Whisky in Speyside, comes the most reclusive of Single Malts - Kininvie. 

Unveiled for the first time as a 23 Year Old expression in the Taiwan domestic market we are delighted to announce that the first batch of a new Global Travel Retail exclusive, 17 Year Old Kininvie, has been released in partnership with Ever Rich at Taipei Taoyuan Airport.

This exceptional whisky is presented in a 35cl bottle and makes the ideal gift for the discerning international traveller or the malt enthusiast.

80% of this exquisite whisky is matured in American oak barrels with the remaining 20% resting in the finest Sherry Casks for 17 years.  Kininvie 17 Year Old batch no. 1 has a classic Speyside character with a rich, fruity, floral aroma and an ABV of 42.6%. Every bottle highlights the year of distillation, batch number and has an individual bottle number.

Ian Taylor, Head of Marketing for Global Travel Retail at William Grant & Sons commented: “Kininvie is a truly remarkable whisky, and a great William Grant’s story.  Only a family owned scotch company could open a distillery and choose not to release any whisky for 23 years!  A lot of people in the know have been asking us to release Kininvie for decades, but the family were not to be rushed.  Last year a very limited release of only 7,000 bottles of 23 Year Old from 1990, the first year of distillation, was offered to malt enthusiasts in Taiwan and it created waves and disappeared off the shelves almost instantly.  In Travel Retail we wanted to be able to offer international traveller’s something really special - a highly desirable gift in a delicate box containing some of the most elegant and exclusive single malt whisky in the world.  With the release of the first batch of Kininvie 17 Year Old we have been able to do this, and I am delighted that we were able to partner with Ever Rich for the global premiere to continue Kininvie’s relationship with the malt lovers of Taiwan.”

- Ends – 

Notes to editors

35cl bottle with 42.6% ABV

On the 4^th July 1990 Janet Sheed Roberts, granddaughter of William Grant, formally

opened the Kininvie Distillery. 

 Kininvie has a classic Speyside character with a rich, fruity, floral aroma and taste sitting beautifully between the Glenfiddich and the Balvenie

Tasting notes of Kinivie 17 Year Old:

Nose   

Rich and full aroma with fresh fruit notes and a deep vanilla sweetness. Unique fragrant with a characteristic floral note that is accentuated through the addition of a little water

Taste

Beautifully sweet, buttery vanilla and slightly spicy

Finish

Long and lingering with a notable sweetness

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. William Grant and his family set out to fulfill a lifelong ambition. Together, and with true pioneering spirit, they built The Glenfiddich Distillery by hand. This was a realization of a dream and the start of a new adventure. 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®, and most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whiskey.

Click on www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands

High Profile KIT KAT activation success is music to retailer's ears

Proving the value of shopper focus high profile promotions, Nestlé International Travel Retail has reported 'substantial sales increases' of KIT KAT during its 'Branded Headphones' activation run with Schiphol Airport Retail Stores during June. Alongside truly outstanding triple digit sales increases, critically the promotion accelerated category sales growth above passenger growth whilst increasing Spend Per Head.  

Centred around music, the KIT KAT gift-with-purchase offer was targeted to drive category sales, interrupt and engage shoppers and create awareness of the new 748g KIT KAT Variety Mix Sharing Bag. Run through the month of June in Lounges 1,2 &3, the activation offered a free pair of high quality KIT KAT branded headphones with every three items bought from the KIT KAT product range. NITR Regional Business Manager Kelvin Clarkson comments: “We're absolutely delighted with the results of the Schiphol promotion, not least because the new KIT KAT Variety Mix bag became the number one selling SKU from the branded offer almost immediately!”

At the heart of the activation was an interactive branded gondola and POS material, providing a fun and interactive platform for shopper engagement. The gondolas allowed shoppers to trial the headphones either with music on inset iPads or their own phones/digital equipment before purchasing. Sampling and shopper engagement via promotional partners also helped to drive the message. 

NITR Global Head of sales Alan Brennan comments: "We remain committed to the principle that the shopper should be at the heart of all of our decision making processes. We know the importance of developing unique, fun and different experiences for travellers, giving them a more compelling reason to enter the store with a visually exciting and block buster offer”. 

Says Rachel Girard - NITY Global Customer Marketing Manager: “KIT KAT is a core brand for Nestlé this year and this promotion underpins the importance of linking global iconic brands with exclusive offers for travellers. Confectionery is a high impulse category, so it is important to actively encourage shopper engagement. Offering a high perceived gift-with-purchase is an enabler for this engagement and ultimately stimulates purchasing behaviour in turn converting more shoppers into buyers, which is aligned with the added value principles of Perfect Store™.” 

This KIT KAT activation is part of a global summer campaign with additional activations mobilised in key pan European airport locations, Asia and LATAM this summer, more details to follow shortly.  

Mars ITR Summer Campaign aims to inspire retail staff and increase consumer engagement

Following an incredibly effective year of airport activations in 2013, headed by the M&Ms Mega Beach Ball Campaign, MARS International Travel Retail (MITR) is looking to improve on its success in 2014 with the equally fun and innovative M&M's Watch promotion. This exclusive limited edition gift-with-purchase offers travellers the chance to own a fun and colourful M&Ms watch, available with every three Maxi M&Ms pouches purchased. Five different models are available; each with its own individual design to match the personalities of the famous characters: Red, Yellow, Blue, Green and Orange. 

As last year, MITR is inspiring shop floor staff to really get behind the promotion through a competition giving the chance to win a top prize of $1000. 'We're challenging retail staff to really get behind this promotion and create excitement on the shop floor,' says MITR Marketing Director Lieke Duijmelings.

'We provide the tools, including a fabulous POS pack of merchandising materials with posters, stackable cubes, shelf talkers and other accessories – then it’s up to the individual teams to create the most original, fun and inspiring displays to help increase sales.' Teams are encouraged to take photos of the displays and send them into MITR head office for judging. Apart from the top prize of $1000, there are also second and third prizes of $500 and $250 respectively (given in local currency equivalents) and all three teams are treated to a night out on the town.

This year's incentive follows a similar scheme last year attached to the M&M Mega Beach Ball Campaign. 'Retail staff across the globe bought into the idea and we saw some brilliant executions on the shop floor,' continues Duijmelings. 'There were some incredibly impactful presentations and we were really impressed at the enthusiasm with which staff worked to maximise the effect of the promotion.'

Last year's winning team was DFA Punta Cana, with Qatar Duty Free coming in second and Tallink Silja third. 'At Punta Cana airport in the Dominican Republic the fun and engaging M&Ms Mega Beach Ball promotion resulted in a  massive sales uplift for the brand and we were delighted with the results,' adds Duijmelings.

DFA's Supply Manager and Confectionery Buyer Yorvis Y. Campines said: 'It was a great partnership between DFA and MITR resulting in a great big impact promotion. It increased not only category sales but also sales of the store overall,'

Receiving the award for Tallink, Ülle Kallas shop manager onboard Romantika said: ‘We were all very glad and surprised about the prize. The M&Ms Summer Mega Balls were very attractive and thanks to them the campaign was very successful. Everybody wanted this kind of beach ball. The M&Ms Summer Mega Balls campaign was very inspiring.'

Aiming to unlock travellers’ mind sets, converting non-shoppers into buyers, MITR’s activations are tailored to the needs of retail outlets, helping to make a real difference on the shop floor. ‘Bringing confectionery to life through theatre is at the heart of the MITR activation,’ says Lieke Duijmelings. 'By recognising the efforts and imagination of retail staff instore we believe we create a win win situation for everyone: brand, retailer and consumer.'

Furla opens a new store in Delhi

Italian bag maker Furla has opened a new store in New Delhi followed by stores in Mumbai and Kolkata. The new store at Select Citywalk mall is spread over a 563 square foot and offers the latest collection by the brand. Furla is known for the wide and exclusive range of accessories it offers to women. This brand has been witnessing a large number following in the Europe and the Asia. Furla bags are known for their classic designs, durability, attractive stitching and wide range of colours.

Furla, has sought the government's approval to operate single-brand retail outlets through a 51:49 joint venture with Gurgaon-based Genesis, which currently runs two Furla stores as its franchisee. The joint venture plans to invest about Rs 13 crores in the first four years to open stores, with Furla bringing in Rs 6.6 crore, as per the application submitted to FIPB.

The Bologna-based, family-owned brand is on an aggressive expansion drive in Asia. Last year, it announced a joint venture with China's Fung Group to open 100 boutiques there in four years. Japan is Furla's biggest market, accounting for 27 percent of its total sales, ahead of home market Italy that contributes 25 percent of the firm's turnover.

Hey big spenders! Chinese travelers spend over $1,000 a day

Bloomberg / Contributor | Getty Images

A shopper looks at a Furla SpA wallet inside a Furla store in Hong Kong, China, on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2014.

Chinese tourists have become some of the biggest spenders abroad, according to a new report, averaging over $1,000 a day.

According to Hotels.com's Chinese International Travel Monitor (CITM) report published Wednesday, the average Chinese overseas traveler spends a whopping 6,707 renminbi ($1,086) per day while on vacation, excluding accommodation costs.

However, in the data breakdown, the report, which surveyed 3,000 Chinese tourist and 3,000 hoteliers worldwide, showed that an extremely wealthy segment of traveler was responsible for pushing up the average.

Read MoreWhy elderly Chinese are dumpster diving

Around 15 percent of respondents said they spent 10,000 renminbi ($1,619) a day, while 2 percent spent 50,000 renminbi ($8,095) a day.

But the bulk surveyed were at the lower end of the scale, with 28 percent spending between 2,001 and 5,000 renminbi ($324-810) and 36 percent spending between 500 and 2,000 renminbi ($81-324).

Chinese travelers have been the biggest spending group among the countries surveyed by Hotels.com surveys since 2012. Total spending by this group has increased to $129 billion in 2013 from $27 billion in 2012, according to data from the United Nations.

The CITM report didn't delve into the specifics as to what the travelers were spending their cash on, but according to analysts at research house CLSA, hitting the malls and casinos were largely to blame.

"We've done a survey of 41 cities in China and people say they want to go sightseeing or experience different cultures, but ultimately all they want to do is shop and gamble," said Aaron Fischer, CLSA's head of consumer and gaming research.

According to investment bank HSBC, the Chinese account for around 35 percent of the global luxury market, while sales in their home market only contribute 9-10 percent.

"The Chinese have a higher propensity to spend versus others as prices of luxury goods tend to be 40 percent lower outside China; there is a wider selection of brands and products available overseas; and there a cache in purchasing these items from the brands home country, typically being France, Italy or Switzerland," said CLSA's Fischer.

Gambling abroad is also an extremely popular vacation pastime for the Chinese. In the last five years, the number of mainland Chinese and Hong Kong tourists traveling to gambling hotspot Las Vegas has increased 80 percent, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Read MoreComing soon: Flights from New York to Beijing in just 2 hours!

Burgeoning sector

Chinese international travelers are taking more trips abroad now than ever before, the Hotels.com report noted.

The number of Chinese tourists travelling abroad in the first three months of 2014 was 26.4 million, an increase of 17 percent compared with the same period in 2013, data from the Tourism Administration of China showed.

CLSA forecast earlier this year that this number would grow to 200 million by 2020 from 97 million in 2013.

Hotels surveyed also back the trend, with over half (53 percent) saying they have experienced an increase in Chinese guests over the past year, up from 45 percent in 2013.

The Asia-Pacific region saw the strongest surge with 74 percent saying they've received more Chinese guests, North America on 54 percent, Europe on 43 percent and Latin America on 30 percent.

Premium direction: the latest spirits trends

The off-trade spirits market grew by £130 million in the past year as consumer confidence shot up, according to latest annual market report from William Grant & Sons UK. 

It reveals that the take-home BWS market grew 1% in volume and 3.5% in value to £15.4 billion as the number of UK off-trade outlets grew 1.6% to 60,000 (Nielsen, year to April 26).

The on-trade suffered another dip in volume and value sales and pubs continue to close, leaving suppliers focusing more heavily on the take-home market.

Spirits were down 0.8% by volume in the off-trade but grew 3.6% by value, adding more to the market than any other drinks category as consumers increasingly buy more expensive products.

Chris Mason, managing director at William Grant & Sons UK, said: “Premium brands are extremely well placed to benefit from the trends the market is experiencing. This is why building premium brands that consumers desire is core to our business.

“It is these higher-end spirits that can offer more in terms of value to appeal to the consumer.”

Premium spirits were up 6.4% and William Grant believes consumers now have the confidence to spend more on “quality products with a story and a more pleasurable, engaging experience”.

Toby Clark, director of research at Mintel, which provided insight for the report, said: “On every measure of financial confidence that Mintel records, consumers are becoming steadily more positive."

Nielsen analyst Lucy Desborough added: "Consumer confidence is recovering, but consumers continue to be more selective in what they buy.

"Premium BWS brands are the core area of growth right now. As the population gets older, more affluent and with more single households, we can expect the trend for premiumisation to continue, so the role for premium spirits is more relevant than ever.”

IN-STORE DECISIONS

The report pooled insight from Dunnhumby, WG&S, HIM and Evolution Insights with data from Nielsen, Mintel, CGA and Kantar, and analysed how shoppers make spirits purchases in the off-trade.

It said: “While many elements of what to purchase occur prior visiting a store, two-thirds of decisions are made in-store. Price promotions play a key role, even for shoppers with more knowledge, with almost 60% of branded spirits sold at a promoted price.

“Promotions can also drive impulse purchasing with a third of shoppers claiming to buy a spirit not on their shopping list.”

But it added that 90% of shoppers will typically pay above expectations for categories viewed as more premium – such as malt whisky and Cognac – and will spend more for gifts, celebrations and parties.

Unlike other BWS areas, supermarkets are growing spirits sales faster than convenience stores, Grocery accounts for four-fifths of sales and value is growing at 4.2%, compared to growth of 1.3% in convenience.

The report suggests that shoppers enjoy perusing the BWS aisle in supermarkets and spend longer browsing this fixture than any other.

In convenience, just 1% of shoppers buy spirits and William Grant said there is a great opportunity for future growth, but that retailers should push the category harder as spirits shoppers spend £14.80 per trip, compared to an average spend of just £6.13 for those that do not buy spirits.

Katie Hemmings, commercial director at HIM, said: “We know that those who purchase spirits are the highest spending category shoppers of all.

“It is therefore critical for retailers to satisfy them with a relevant range, along with product advice and great customer support.”

Cocktail recipe ideas, increased visibility of different categories and drinks recommendations will help keep spirits shoppers satisfied, according to the report.

Analysts agree that there is a strong opportunity for the convenience sector to become a key player in the spirits market, while agreeing that online channels will continue to grow.

Nielsen’s Desborough said: “Convenience and online continue to be key battlegrounds, with online growing strongly. Capitalising on these channels will be critical in retailers and brands defending against the discounters. Liquor in particular is well-placed to benefit.”

A creative concoction

More plans: WGS is looking to work with various partners both in the performance arts scene and in the local film industry to further proliferate the arts scene here, says its regional marketing manager Marcus Low (above)

WILLIAM Grant & Sons (WGS) is a first time winner of at this year's Patron of the Arts Awards. The Singapore arm of the world's third largest producer of Scotch whisky received the Friend of the Arts award for its donations to the performing arts centre The Espalanade. WGS regional marketing manager Marcus Low talks to us about why whisky and the arts make for a good cocktail.

• Why did you decide to get involved in the arts?

The arts have always been an innate brand proposition through most of our brands albeit through different forms of arts, whether it's performance arts or contemporary visual arts. Hence, given the current level of exposure of the arts in Singapore, we feel it would be a good collaboration opportunity in order to provide a more holistic brand proposition.

• Why did you choose to donate to the Esplanade?

The festivals that The Esplanade has pioneered across the past decade has been nothing short of brilliant and executed exceptionally well. Hence, WGS has always wanted to be part of the exciting festival propositions that The Esplanade has organised, including the Mosaic Music Festival and d:ans Festival.

• How has this support helped your business?

This support has helped our business on two fronts. The first front would be on the consumer end where The Esplanade gathers a captive audience of like-minded consumers to each festival which allows us to build awareness of the respective brands with the right target consumer segment. On the trade front, The Esplanade has given us opportunities - through the festivals - to engage with like-minded bars within the tenant mix in The Esplanade mall as well.

Manchester Set To Get A Taste Of The Disaronno Terrace!

Manchester set to get a taste of the Disaronno Terrace with performances from Summer Camp, Little Comets, Thumpers, Saint Raymond, The Cribs (DJ Set), Pins, The Crookes & Teleman!

Following its huge success during a four-week run in London, DISARONNO is hitting the road, taking its one-off series of summer parties to the North West. Entertaining cocktail lovers at The Oast House in Manchester’s Spinningfields, The DISARONNO Terrace will once again play host to exhilarating live performances from the brightest new acts. To apply for complimentary tickets, which includes a DISARONNO Sour cocktail, visitDisaronno.beoriginale.com.

Launching the Manchester leg of the DISARONNO Terrace on 30th July are Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s Little Comets, who will be treating the crowd to their winning combination of expert percussion and lilting melody, alongside edgy laptop pop duo Thumpers. Fresh from gaining Zane Lowe’s Hottest Record accolade for ‘Everything She Wants’, Saint Raymond play the DISARONNO Terrace on 6th August, with indie rock band The Crookes. London three-piece Teleman, that formed out of the ashes of indie band Pete and the Pirates, take to the stage on 13th August, with DJ accompaniment from The Cribs. Bringing Manchester’s DISARONNO Terrace to a close on 20th August will be indie pop duo Summer Camp, alongside Manchester guitar quartet Pins.

Away from the stage, local, artistic talents will be captivating guests as they create unique artworks throughout the evening live on La Tela Nera (The Blank Canvas) including Mogwai cover artist John Powell-Jones, illustrators Lewis Loughman, Paul Hallows and DR.Me duo Ryan Doyle and Mark Edwards. Each piece will be an original interpretation of the romantic history of DISARONNO which dates back to 1525.

Mixologists will be running complimentary master classes and tasting sessions throughout the evening, teaching guests about the secrets behind the perfect DISARONNO Sour. This timeless cocktail mixes the sweet taste of DISARONNO with the sharp, punchy flavour of freshly squeezed lemon to complete the ultimate cocktail to while away the long summer evenings. Guests will also be encouraged to create their own twist on this classic from an assortment of fresh ingredients and garnishes.

Over the past four years, the DISARONNO Terrace has made an international name for itself touring likes of New York, Milan, Rome and Los Angeles. This year, in addition to its UK debut, the Terrace will also take residence in Tokyo, Madrid, Amsterdam, Milan and Rome.

To apply for complimentary tickets to the DISARONNO Terrace, visit Disaronno.beoriginale.com.

Furla upgrades its selling space at Dubai Intl Airport

Furla is pleased to announce the opening of a new 12 square meters Personalized Corner with Dubai Duty Free, at Dubai International Airport – Concourse B.

Originally merchandised within the Generic Fashion Store, Furla relocates and upgrades its point of sale at Dubai Airport by opening a new Personalized Corner as of June 25^th. 

Gerry Munday, Furla Global Travel Retail Director, declares: “This upgrade is fully in line with Furla's policy to ensure all travel retail locations are either freestanding boutiques, shop in shops or personalized corners. We would like to thank Dubai Duty Free for granting Furla this dedicated space, which we feel essential to create the right atmosphere and the brand’s unique shopping experience. Middle East is one of the regions with the highest potential of growth for Furla and we are confident that this new positioning will reap the greatest benefits both for the retailer and the brand”.

LARGEST GLENFIDDICH SINGLE MALT SHOWCASE IN ASIA LAUNCHES IN TAOYUAN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 WITH EVER RICH DUTY FREE

Glenfiddich’s largest ever single malt showcase in Asia travel retail launches in Taoyuan international airport terminal 2 with Ever Rich Duty Free. Single malt Scotch whisky connoisseurs are led on a journey of the evolution of the Glenfiddich brand starting from 1887. Historical milestones of the Glenfiddich distillery since its start in 1887 till the creation of the Cask Collection range today, are depicted in photos and memorabilia from the distillery.  Most notably on display is an original Glenfiddich vintage “straight malt” bottle from 1963. This is part of the first batch of Scotch whisky  sold outside Scotland as a single malt, in those days called “straight malt”, then a brand new category created by Glenfiddich. 

Besides Glenfiddich Cask Collection, Glenfiddich Age of Discovery and premium aged selections  such as  the new Glenfiddich 25 Year old, the widest range of limited edition single cask vintages is  being made available to travellers at the airport in partnership with Ever Rich.  Travellers are able to learn first-hand how cask maturation techniques and the unique Glenfiddich Solera process  affect whisky, by sampling a wide selection of non-age-statement whiskies and aged whiskies of Glenfiddich side by side. 

Commenting on the launch of the Glenfiddich Single Malt showcase in Ever Rich, Asia Pacific Travel Retail Director, Scott Hamilton said: "We are very pleased with the fantastic reception to the Glenfiddich Cask Collection range in Asia Pacific travel retail from both consumers and retailers. Being able to educate consumers and excel with both whiskies crafted for their flavour, alongside whiskies bottled by their age is testimony to how Glenfiddich can help lead and grow the single malt category.“ 

The Glenfiddich Single Malt showcase runs in Ever Rich Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 till the end of July 2014 

ENDS

Notes to editors 

About William Grant & Sons and Glenfiddich 

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

Recent Awards: 

International Spirits Challenge 2013

Gold : Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

Gold: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old 

Gold: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old 

Gold: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old 

Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish

Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve

Gold: Glenfiddich 125th Anniversary Edition 

Gold: Glenfiddich Ultimate 38 Year Old 

Scotch Whisky Masters Awards 2013

Master: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old

Master: Glenfiddich Ultimate 38 Year Old 

Master: Glenfiddich 125^th Anniversary Edition 

Gold: Glenfiddich Rich Oak

Gold: Glenfiddich 18 Year Old

Gold: Glenfiddich Distillery Edition 15 Year Old

Gold: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old 

Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask Finish 

Gold: Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Reserve

Gold: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition 

Gold: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old

International Wine and Spirit Competition 2013

Trophy for Single Malt Cask Strength: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old

Gold Outstanding: Glenfiddich 40 Year Old

Gold: Glenfiddich Malt Master’s Edition

Gold: Glenfiddich 30 Year Old

Gold: Glenfiddich 21 Year Old

Gold: Glenfiddich 15 Year Old

Gold: Glenfiddich Rich Oak

Gold: Glenfiddich 12 Year Old

Click on www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands.

1926 - The awakening of the Davidoff legend…

Luxurious, personalised and unique -These are the key attributes envisioned for Davidoff Magnum Elite 1926; the new Duty Free exclusive proposition from Imperial Tobacco. This new concept, carefully shaped to emphasise Davidoff’s rich brand heritage, philosophy and obsession to primness, will be available this summer, in limited quantities in Asian and Middle East markets.

Made from the most refined blends, Davidoff Magnum Elite 1926’s precious taste is only mirrored by its multifaceted design, where every feature was carefully shaped. The year 1926, present on the product’s name, evokes the time when Zino Davidoff started his journey through South America to learn about tobacco. The limited quantities and the handwritten numbers on the carton (yes, handwritten!) emphasise the individuality of this offer. The lavish brown and gold colours, the superior embossed texture and the subtle heritage details, confirmed by extensive research, reflect the contemporary and European legacy of the brand. Finally, its gradual opening and display features boost Davidoff Magnum Elite 1926 into the ideal composition to be displayed and shared. All, to protect the delicate “Made in Germany” cigarettes produced from the most carefully selected Virginia tobacco.

Trade Marketing Director, Global Duty Free, Christian Münstermann commented: ‘Davidoff’s excellent reputation for luxury, tobacco expertise and quality makes me confident this high-class and unique limited edition will prove a compelling offer to the contemporary traveller.’

Davidoff Magnum Elite 1926 will be exclusively offered this summer in selected airports. In these Duty Free hubs, Davidoff Magnum Elite 1926 will be presented just like a truly notable masterpiece: an open carton will be centrally displayed, and travellers will have the chance to see the masterpiece in all its glory.  All, in hopes to deliver the full Davidoff Magnum Elite 1926 experience in Duty Free!

Mohamed Elsarky named as the new CEO of Godiva

Mohamed Elsarky, International President of Godiva, has been appointed as the new CEO of the Company, succeeding Jim Goldman. Mr. Elsarky was previously in charge of strategic and operational functions of Godiva’s markets in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. In addition to his duties as the CEO, Mohamed Elsarky will also continue to serve as the head of the Company’s International division. 

Mohamed Elsarky has significant global management and operational experience across many countries and cultures. Since 2010, he has been in charge of the Company’s International operations including marketing, finance, human resources, supply chain, legal and IT. 

Mr. Elsarky has played a major role in Godiva's growth, especially outside the US and Canada, playing a critical role in Godiva's expansion into new markets such as China, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia.  In China he led the creation and development of strategies leading to the establishment of 50 stores in 14 cities as well as expanding e-trade to approximately 300 cities. 

Mohamed Elsarky has made a considerable contribution in the UK market as well. While expanding the Company's UK operations, he organised the launch of the Godiva Chocolate Cafe at Harrods.  

Supported by a dedicated team, Godiva’s International operations have grown strongly over recent years, with revenue almost doubling over the past four years. Existing businesses in Japan, the Pacific Rim, Global Travel Retail and new markets including China contributed to this growth.

"Mohamed Elsarky has been one of the crucial members of the executive team in increasing Godiva’s international presence and achieving profitable growth in the past four years. I believe wholeheartedly that he will display successful leadership in advancing Godiva even further in the future," said Murat Ülker, Chairman of the Board at Yıldız Holding, as he announced Elsarky's appointment. 

“I am immensely honoured to be appointed as the CEO of Godiva. We have a wonderful and special brand as well as a passionate team. I am confident of Godiva's continuing success in the years ahead with the support and strength of Yıldız Holding," said Mohamed Elsarky in regards to his new position.

For detailed information: Defne Alphan 

Yıldız Holding Corporate Communication - defne.alphan@yildizholding.com.tr

About Godiva

With a Belgian heritage dating back to 1926, GODIVA Chocolatier is the global leader in premium chocolate. Inspired by the values of Lady Godiva – her passion, generosity, and pioneering spirit - GODIVA’s legendary name has become a universal symbol of luxury, quality and the most delicious chocolate.

The company has a presence in more than 80 countries with distribution in over 500 boutiques, Global Travel Retail, department and specialty stores, and online. GODIVA offers a range of chocolate creations and is dedicated to innovation and excellence in the Belgian tradition. From its famous truffles and shell-moulded chocolate pieces to its European-style biscuits, individually wrapped chocolates, gourmet coffees, hot cocoa and other indulgences, GODIVA is committed to bringing the ultimate chocolate experience to the world.

TFWA WORLD EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 2014 HAPPY 30TH ANNIVERSARY

TFWA will mark the 30^th edition of TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, which is due to be staged this year in Cannes from 26^th to 31^st October, with special birthday celebrations including a Charity Run.

The global duty free & travel retail trade association was founded in 1984 and held its first exhibition in Nice, France in 1985. The event moved to Cannes in 1986 and has made the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès its home ever since.

Delegates attending the 2014 event for this prestigious industry are invited to ‘Show You Care with TFWA’ by turning up bright and early on Sunday 26^th October for a Charity Run along the Croisette in Cannes. 

Erik Juul-Mortensen, President TFWA comments: “Besides adding to the pleasure of travel, the duty free & travel retail industry creates employment and wealth all over the world. However, we recognise that we in the global luxury goods sector are the lucky ones and we are always pleased to be able to help communities less fortunate than our own. The Charity Run on the occasion of our 30^th anniversary aims to raise as much money as possible, through entry fees and donations along the route, for the worthy causes which the industry supports through the TFWA Care programme.”

  

Competing in the Charity Run, which will attract scores of delegates keen to get some exercise before the working week begins, costs just 15 euros and is open to all show participants - runners, walkers and even crawlers. Click here to register. 

The global summit will open for business on Monday 27^th October with a 30-year retrospective at the TFWA World Conference, which will be followed by a birthday reception on the terrace at the front of the Palais, courtesy of the City of Cannes.

The Welcome Cocktail at the Carlton Hotel on Sunday 26^th and The Scene late night venue, open Monday through Thursday, will be extra sparkling.

The grand finale will be Le Premium Evening on Thursday 30^th with a private concert by a band whose songs dominated the 80s disco scene and a sumptuous dinner created by a 3* Michelin chef.

Full details of TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, including registration for the conference, exhibition and leisure activities, can be found at www.tfwa.com.

Ends 

For further information please contact

TFWA Press Office Tel: +44 1784 434 666

www.tfwa.com Email: press@tfwa.com             

KININVIE SINGLE MALT SCOTCH GIVEN GLOBAL LAUNCH

4th July, 2014 by Becky Paskin

William Grant & Sons is making its Kininvie single malt – previously only sold in Taiwan – available to the rest of the world for the first time.

Kininvie 23 Year Old single malt Scotch will be rolled out to global markets for the first time this July

Kininvie 23 Year Old, which launched in Taiwan in 2013 to help improve William Grant’s Scotch whisky footprint in Asia, will be introduced to the UK this month, with availability in Germany, Switzerland, the US, China, South East Asia and potentially France, later in the year.

The Speyside distillery was launched by Janet Sheed Roberts, William Grant’s granddaughter, in 1990, and has been used solely to produce malt whisky for blends up until now.

Kininvie 23 Year Old is distilled in small batches, the first of which has been sold exclusively to Taiwan. Batch 2, comprised of around 7,000 350ml bottles, will be distributed among the new markets this year.

Aged in a mixture of American oak hogsheads and Sherry butts, Kininvie 23 Year Old carries an abv of 42.6% and delivers floral notes of orange blossom, honey, vanilla and orange peel.

Each bottle is printed with the bottle and batch number, and will be available at specialist retailers for an RRP of £97 for 350ml.

Meanwhile, William Grant will also be releasing a new expression of Kininvie – a 17 Year Old, exclusively into global travel retail.

Launching this month, the 42.6% abv expression, which is also aged in American oak hogsheads and Sherry butts, was first unveiled at TFWA Singapore travel retail show in May.

The expression, which carries an RRP of £75 for 350ml, is intended to remain in duty free, with no plans to roll it out to domestic markets.

Aurora World brings a seasonal theme to travel retail

Specialist plush toy company Aurora World is launching its new Winter/Christmas collection to travel retail.

Yoohoo & Friends sees a Christmas twist with new festive outfits for its characters including the YooHoo Bush Baby Wannabe Santa Claus and the Pammee Fennec Fox Wannabe Mrs Claus, available in 5”/12.5cm or 8”/20.5cm. Also new are the Light Up YooHoo Bush Baby and Pammee Fennec Fox, which both play ‘Jingle Bells’ while their eyes light up (5”/12.5cm).

Also new is the YooHoo & Friends Halloween collection which sees the various characters dressed up in traditional Halloween outfits such as the YooHoo Bush Baby Black Cat, Werewolf with sound,  Baby Dracula, Grim Reaper, Bat, and Spidee Spider (all 5”/12.5cm). Larger toys in the Halloween collection include the YooHoo Bush Baby Wannabe Witch (16”/40.5cm) and the Bush Baby Wannabe Pumpkin (10”/25cm).

In addition to this, Aurora is introducing Aurora baby, a selection of rattles and soft toys for very young children such as the Peek-A-Boo Penguin Blue or Pink Rattle, Mirror, and Chime Ball and the Blueberry and Strawberry Latte Bears.

Says Aurora Travel Retail Sales Manager Garry Stoner: “Seasonal plush is a must for travel retail, perfect for gifting and impulse purchase. There really is not a huge selection available in the market currently and this  really is a missed opportunity by retailers. Aurora's offer is perfect for the category as retailers seek to maximise the additional sales potential at seasonal and celebratory times of the year.”

About Aurora 

Korean owned, Aurora is a global company recognised for quality, soft huggable toy designs. With over 30 years of experience in research and development, manufacturing and customer service, Aurora strives to deliver new and wide-ranging handcrafted gifts to give many years of pleasure and enjoyment… delivering its message of 'Gifts of Smiles.'