Wednesday 27 May 2015

Aurora World says now is the time or order Winter Plush


“Now is the time to be planning your winter plush offer,” says specialist plush toy company Aurora World. “The buying season for plush is similar to fashion,” says Aurora Travel Retail Sales Manager Garry Stoner. “Retailers can get caught out by waiting until the last moment to order their winter supplies when, in fact, the buying season is from April to July with deliveries from the end of September.” Stoner emphasizes that this is particularly important, given that Christmas is the number one gift-giving season for plush, “As a result, many operators are losing out on really significant incremental sales.”

Stoner states that themed plush in particular is a sure-fire means of increasing average spend per head and conversion levels; “Introducing themed promotion areas for seasonal events such as Christmas can both act as a draw into the retail space and boost impulse sales.”

Aurora is now taking orders for its latest Winter/Christmas collection available to travel retail, comprising a wide selection of characters with well over 100 styles available, however Aurora has selected four main concepts as perfect for Travel Retail:


Icy Bear Family. This lovable bear comes in various sizes retailing from £10 to £50. In super soft plush, with a winter blue scarf printed with a snowdrop pattern, Icy Bear makes for the perfect festive friend.   




Harp Seal Family. In three sizes, retailing from £7 to £50, this super-soft plush seal, with red woolen ear warmers, is a cuddly addition to any child’s soft toy collection.



Mr & Mrs Yoohoo Claus. Retailing at £9 each, Aurora’s best-known Yoohoo collection gets dressed up for Xmas, with other outfits also available.




Pom Pom Penguin Family. Comes in four sizes retailing from £10 to £40. This super-soft plush, two-tone grey, whimsical penguin collection makes a lovely gift for all ages. 


“Seasonal plush is a must for travel retail, perfect for gifting and impulse purchase.
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,” adds Stoner.

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.'

Monday 18 May 2015

VERY SATISFACTORY RESULTS FOR TFWA ASIA PACIFIC EXHIBITION & CONFERENCE 2015


TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2015, the 20th edition of the regional event for the duty free & travel retail industry, closed on Thursday 14th May in the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Center, Singapore after a hectic and productive week.

Occupied exhibition space exceeded all previous years at 9,118 m2 – up 9% on 2014 - and there were 292 exhibiting companies (+12%) present on 285 stands, of which 73 were new or returning to the show after a short break.

Visitor numbers were satisfactory in a year which has been challenging for the duty free and travel retail industry in the Asia Pacific region. A total of 2,655 people visited the show, equivalent to last year, from 1,053 companies, up +3% from the 1,022 companies in 2014.

Of this total, 993 visitors were duty free & travel retail operators and landlords (key buyers), up +1% on 2014, from 261 companies (+2%). 

 “I have been really impressed by the quality of the stands, the assortment of products on display and the energy around the show,” said Erik Juul-Mortensen, President TFWA. “This year has not been easy for the industry in this region and, in light of that, we are really very satisfied with the number of companies present and the quality of the visitors.”

The ONE2ONE service facilitated over 350 meetings (+6%) between various delegates and 63 airports and airlines. This was in addition to the hundreds of meetings which took place on exhibitors’ stands, in the popular TFWA Asia Pacific Bar, at the social events and elsewhere around the show.

1009 delegates (+16%) – more than ever before - attended the opening plenary of the Conference on Monday 11th May on the theme ‘Staying a Step Ahead’ at which the speakers were Liew Mun Leong, founding President and CEO, CapitaLand Group and Chairman, Board of Directors, Changi Airport Group, Andrew Wu, Group President Greater China, LVMH, Jaya Singh, President APTRA and Erik Juul-Mortensen, President TFWA.

Four topical workshops provided actionable data and fascinating perspectives on ‘Asia’s rising stars’, ‘Enhancing the customer experience; ‘Cruise control’ and ‘Competing in e-commerce’

Stephane Garelli, Professor at the International Institute for Management Development and at the University of Lausanne, provided an entertaining and informative presentation on ‘Competitiveness in a new world’ at the closing plenary.

The overall attendance at the conference and workshops was up +6% at 1,260.

  
The social events, as always, were very popular, offering a chance to network in relaxed surroundings. The annual golf tournament on Sentosa was fully booked; the Tai Chi on Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – new this year – was greatly enjoyed by those present; 905 people (710 last year) attended the Welcoming Cocktail in Raffles; 507 relaxed at the Chill-Out Party at the Pan Pacific poolside; and 748 guests were thrilled and delighted by the rides and attractions at the Universal Studios on Sentosa, the venue for this year’s Singapore Swing Party.

Forthcoming events organised by TFWA will include:

·       TFWA World Exhibition & Conference – 18-23 October 2015 Cannes
·       MEADFA Conference –  22-24 November 2015 Dead Sea, Jordan
·       TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 8-12 May 2016 Singapore

Conference and workshop press summaries are now available in the press section of www.tfwa.com; the slide presentations will be available to download shortly and a video review of TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference 2015 will go live at the end of May.

Ends


Tuesday 12 May 2015

Morgan & Oates brings the perfect summer accessory to Singapore


Following the success of its 100% Cashmere scarves introduced last year, Morgan & Oates returns to TFWA Asia Pacific (stand J33) with an exciting new range launch of unisex, lightweight, summer Cashmere blends. Made in the UK, the range offers only natural materials in a mixture of gentle checks, stripes and classic colours.




Kevin Galbraith, Sales Director Worldwide comments: "Last year saw the launch of a range of lightweight, summer Cashmere blended scarves which were specifically targeted at the male demographic. The feedback was so positive that we decided to introduce a unisex range; opening up our target market. Our new range continues to provide our customers with high quality and unique softness that is hard to find anywhere else."

Exclusive to travel retail, the new range is priced for impulse and gift purchasing and has already achieved listings in Europe with Lufthansa and KLM. With a high quality look and feel, Morgan & Oates now aims to expand its distribution into the Middle East and Asia. Sized at 50x200cm the blend of 10% cashmere, 90% merino results in true luxury; perfect for the Asian market. 

"Morgan & Oates has been producing high quality textiles in the UK for the past 40 years and we are proud to be one of the most renowned and reliable textile manufacturers in the UK. Our new range of lightweight, summer Cashmere blends completely embodies our company; high quality manufacturing and made in the UK. We think that this will have a high appeal to the Asia Pacific due to the prestige status made in the UK has in this market. At Morgan & Oates we are always striving to ensure that our products are unique, yet provide a quality that you cannot find anywhere else, Galbraith continues.

Morgan & Oates will also be exhibiting its new collection of distinctive floral and geometric combination hand-painted wraps. Recently listed with Air Berlin, the natural fibres of 10% Cashmere and 90% superfine Merino wool result in a soft and gentle feel. Competitively priced, these wraps are a perfect gift for a loved one. New colours include Bouquet Blue (blue/grey) and orange/grey.

In addition, Morgan & Oates will be showcasing:

100% Cashmere A thicker scarf, designed for the colder climes, these 100% Cashmere scarves are made in the UK and are offered in stripes, checks and a variety of beautiful colours including: dark greys, black, navy-up (unisex), orange, red and pink.

10% Cashmere/90% Merino Abstract Floral- Beautiful and stylish abstract designs available in a range of colours including: red/black and blue/cream. Available in a choice of two sizes; the ultra-fashionable larger wrap 204x70cm and the standard 180x60cm.

Pressed Silk Wraps- A smooth and shimmering appearance gives these wraps a real high end look. Available in a range of vibrant colours.

50% Cashmere/50% Silk or 50% Cashmere/50% Merino Available in a variety of stunning colours, these wraps are the perfect summertime gift due to their lightweight texture.

Morgan & Oates already has a large airline client base including: British Airways, Emirates, Air France, Aeroflot and Virgin Atlantic. With a middle to upper price bracket, its products are targeted at travellers with disposable income. 

Rossi D’Asiago brings exciting range of Sambuca based liqueurs to Singapore


First time exhibitor Rossi D’Asiago is showcasing its broad range of international award winning Antica Sambuca based liqueurs at TFWA Asia Pacific (G15) as it focuses on expanding distribution into the region. Re-launched by brand owner Antiche Distillerie in 2004 in order to make the sambuca liqueur category ‘cool again’, Antica has become the number one sambuca brand in the UK and second in the world within the category.

Made from only natural ingredients, Antica Sambuca Classic has a superior taste obtained by distilling an infusion of Anise Star fruits and other herbs in alcohol. Following a century old  recipe, custom-made by founder Rossi D’Asiago, the production follows a precise process in order to produce such a superior quality product. Essential oils are extracted from the distillation under steam of the anise stars and herbs including: oranges, cinnamon, nutmeg, fennel, and pepper.  
With a modern and eye-catching bottle, enriched with decoration that offers all-important shelf appeal, Antica projects itself as a high end spirit brand. Its versatility results in a product that is as at home in premium cocktails, as it is in a shot, or in a mixed drink. Committed to producing new products and enhancements, ensuring that its range is constantly up-to-date with current drinking trends, the Antica line offers a wide range of flavours in a variety of bottle sizes including: Sambuca, Liquorice, Raspberry (50/70/75/100cl) and Banana, Apple, Coffee, Cherry and Tropical (70cl); there is a flavour for everyone. 

Export Director, Nicola Dal Toso, comments: “We are delighted to be exhibiting at TFWA Asia Pacific for the first time. We are relatively new to travel retail but we have already seen very positive results and are currently listed at James Richardson Duty Free shops and at DDFS India. We have seen huge success in the domestic market and we are certain the superior taste and quality of our products will help us match this success in the travel retail market. Europe is a very strong market for us and one where we see a lot of opportunities, but the growth and potential for our brands in this region is huge, so expanding our distribution into this market is a must.”

First time exhibitor Aeon introduces on-trend jewellery range to regional buyers


Exhibiting for the first time at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference this year (stand no J34), Aeon Jewellery is looking to expand distribution of its current and new ranges in the Asia Pacific region. Owned by JCI Jewellery Ltd, a family business with more than 30 years’ experience; supplying to over 3000 customers, Aeon Jewellery was established in 1995 and is sold exclusively in the travel retail market. 




Specifically developed to inspire impulse purchase, particularly for inflight, Aeon has a growing distribution on airlines particularly in Europe and has become one of the main areas of JCI Jewellery’s business having tripled its sales figures in the last year alone.

Claire O'Donnell, Key Account Manager, Aeon Jewellery comments, "We are thrilled to be exhibiting at TFWA Asia Pacific, it is a great opportunity for us to develop distribution in what is a fast moving region. We have recently gained new listings in Asia with China Airlines and TranAsia, so this felt like the perfect time for us to exhibit."

Appealing to all demographics, Aeon offers both its traditional core range of sterling silver and plated jewellery; at the same time introducing collections to meet new and changing trends. O'Donnell continues, "With everything we do, we are always 100% focused on the airline; whether it is designing them a new product or adjusting one of our current ranges to suit their needs. We always aim to give our customers the right product, at the right price, in the right packaging. Due to airlines being able to directly deal with us (the manufacturer), rather than go through a third party, we are able to be very flexible and quick to changes in the market and ensure we are always up-to-date with the latest trends. We pride ourselves on being highly adaptive."

With listings already secured for Aeon with Cebu Pacific, Myanmar Airlines, Air Vanuatu, MIAT Air Mongolia, Jetstar Japan and Air Niugini, Aeon Jewellery is well on its way to establishing a strong foothold in the Asia Pacific region.

Aeon Jewellery aims to offer a range for every passenger’s price bracket; taste and style.

In order to appeal to the Asia consumer, Aeon has strengthened its higher price point offering with the introduction of a new range, Luxe London.

Alongside Aeon, the company will also be showcasing the brand Love Lily. Created last year, Love Lily has already seen success domestically and has been recently listed on Aer Lingus with additional listings soon to commence on Virgin, Thomas Cook Denmark and TUIfly. The company will also be exhibiting the brands Moon, Belle & Beau and Luxe London.

Imperial Tobacco brings its new Davidoff Cigarettes campaign “For The Hunters” to TFWA Asia Pacific


Davidoff Cigarettes, Imperial Tobacco’s luxury global cigarette brand, is using TFWA Asia Pacific (stand C38) to highlight its brand new marketing campaign: “For The Hunters”.



Launched this April in the Middle East, the new campaign has been introduced to rejuvenate Davidoff Cigarettes by bringing a modern and fresh edge to the popular brand. Highly established in the majority of markets already, Davidoff Cigarettes offers a wide portfolio of products, allowing smokers to choose the product offer of their personal preference.
Intending to strike a nerve with Davidoff’s target consumer, the campaign is supported by impressive visuals that highlight the strength and style of the brand. The slogan ‘For The Hunters’ has been developed to highlight specific attitudes and the mentality of Davidoff Cigarettes’ target group. The visuals are based around three key descriptives: For those who know when to strike; For those who own the game and For those that set the pace. Each description highlights important aspects of both Davidoff Cigarettes and its smokers; from its uncompromised dedication to quality and relentless pursuit of luxury, to the confidence, style and willingness for distinction.
Christian Münstermann, Sales & Marketing Operations Director Global Travel Retail comments, “Tobacco is a key driver of sales within the Duty Free channel, it is one of the most highly planned purchases, so it is vitally important that our marketing campaigns are unique, strong and eye-catching. With travelers increasingly looking for innovation in Duty Free, we have ensured that our new global campaign showcases the premium aspects of our biggest and strategically most important brand.” 
Imperial Tobacco comes with a brand new stand to the TFWA Asia Pacific exhibition. Designed to bring more vibrancy, the stand embodies the Davidoff Cigarettes brand and allows improved product experience. With sleek white plinths and digital screens the stand oozes luxury. With an aim to bring a ‘real life’ feel, Davidoff will feature a meeting room that aims to completely embody its new campaign. Visually identical to one of its motifs, its new meeting room aims to give customers a sense of the campaign and truly incarnate what it is to be a hunter. Just how ITG will be doing this remains a secret for the moment. “Visitors to the stand are in for a real treat – we always aim to bring theatre and entertainment to the Imperial Tobacco stand and Singapore is no exception.”
In addition, Imperial Tobacco has added a new look ‘Smoking Room’ to its stand.  Aiming to replicate its new Davidoff campaign, the new room offers golden tones and relaxing furniture; giving it a look of a prestigious lounge. With a glass outlook allowing views over the exhibition and the installation of a self-service mini bar, the ‘Smoking Room’ offers customers the opportunity to experience the premium aspect of Davidoff.
“We are extremely excited to be bringing our new ‘For The Hunters’ campaign to TFWA Asia Pacific this year,” continues Christian Münstermann. “In addition, our new stand takes the “art of tobacco” (our trade show claim) to a new level; with the re-development of our ‘Smoking Room’ bringing a real life look and feel of our new Davidoff Cigarettes campaign. We are confident that our customers are going to love the look of both our stand and ‘Smoking Room’ and enjoy our exciting range of tobacco brands.”

AMOUROUD Collection from Perfumer’s Workshop targets growing fragrance ‘niche’ segment in travel retail


The increased interest and development of niche’ fragrance brands within travel retail has inspired Perfumers Workshop International to expand its focus on the category. Exhibiting for the first time at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference this year (Upper Level Stand U11), the company is launching its Amouroud collection of fragrances to regional buyers.



“We have watched the growth of ‘nichefragrances in the US with interest – in 2013 this segment grew by 25% compared to 4% for all other prestige fragrance lines – and the trend continues at a growing rate,” says PWI founder Donald Bauchner. “The travel retail category has been slower to see this emerging trend but we now see that this is changing, with some retailers clearly willing to invest in terms of both space and brand offer. This is a great opportunity for us.”

Amouroud was first shown to buyers at TFWA World Exhibition last year, where Bauchner said the response was “extremely good”. Exhibiting in Cannes for the 26th time he said, “We had over 75 meetings during the week, both pre-booked and pass-by. The interest in Amouroud was phenomenal and, as a result, we now have many serious ongoing negotiations – particularly for the Middle East.”

“The Amouroud fragrances are each beautiful and unique,” continues Bauchner. “They each perform so well on the skin not only because of their rich and long last, but also because of the attention spent to create such harmonious interplay between the ingredients.”

The collection contains a wide range of new and innovative fragrances, all with strong character and long-last – several of which are pure Oud-based : Miel Sauvage, Dark Orchid, Midnight Rose, Oud du Jour, Silk Route, Agarwood Noir, Bois D’Orient, Santal des Indes, Oud After Dark, and Safran Rare. The stunning packaging in rich black and gold is both eye-catching and engaging.

In domestic markets an important element of the Amouroud merchandising will be the presence of fragrance consultants with pre-dipped blotters introducing the fragrances to consumers. “Obviously this is not always easy to recreate within the travel retail environment, however we are confident that the sheer beauty of the line and the purity and utter gorgeousness of the fragrances will sell itself,” continues Bauchner. “However, we do realize the importance of animation and consumer engagement within the airport environment and are looking forward to executing on site promotions with individual retailers.”
PWI launches Amouroud on the back of a well-established reputation within the global fragrance business.  Founded in 1970 by Bauchner, PWI has pioneered many aspects of the modern business of making fragrance. The first company to custom-blend scent in the luxury category, it paved the way for many of today's boutique brands, creating several new niches and markets.

The company is best known for its magical fragrance Tea Rose which has been a perennial favorite for more than 40 years in widespread global distribution. It became an instant 'classic' with a celebrity fan base including Princess Grace of Monaco, Catherine Deneuve, Princess Diana and Nicole Kidman to name a few. Says Bauchner: “We’ve lost count but probably 55- 60 million bottles of Tea Rose have been sold.” The company has also been successful with its master brand Samba, first launched in 1987, which today offers 26 different fragrances sold in 40 countries; and Zipped Man, a range of fragrances for young men, recently introduced into test markets in Latin America and the Middle East.

All three brands will also be available for viewing at the company’s stand in Singapore.

 “We have the credentials and proudly hold our own both creatively and qualitatively amongst the industry’s finest fragrance houses,” concludes Bauchner. “We’re very pleased to be present in Singapore this May and see this as being the ‘jump-startfor a new and exciting channel of distribution not just for Amouroud but for all of Perfumer’s Workshop brands.” 

About Perfumers Workshop International Perfumer’s Workshop International is a privately owned company, with distribution throughout the world. Company headquarters are located in New York. 
In 1970, after ten years in the industry learning from legends such as Charles Revson and Leonard Lauder, Donald Bauchner formed Perfumer's Workshop Ltd with his wife Gun. Armed with a vision to create a new company with a character and personality reflecting an 'underground' movement then surfacing, Perfumer's Workshop was born.
Early on, Perfumer's Workshop believed that the consumer was ready to deconstruct the fragrance business, stripping it of the pomp and formality that had permeated it since the beginnings of the 1900's. Its first breakthrough was a Bloomingdale's counter which transformed the idea for using essential oils, a mainstay of the youth and hippie culture, remade as a luxury product, an 'uptown meets downtown' spirit. It was the industry's first custom-blending fragrance concept. Perfumer's Workshop allowed the customer to create his/her own individual scent in a variety of fragrance
forms. In its basic, simple packaging, this custom-blending opportunity actually empowered the consumer for the very first time, setting the tone for much of what was yet to come, foreshadowing so many of today's niche brands.

The Perfumer's Workshop custom-blending counters have been in department
stores and specialty shops throughout the United States and in many of the worlds most prominent and trend-setting stores for the past 45 years. Its original Custom-Blending Counters at Bloomingdales evolved into yet newer personal-interaction concepts - Perfume By Appointment, developed for Harrod's. Followed by Personal Perfumery, for Saks Fifth Avenue and for Nordstroms.

About AMOUROUD Shimmering and dreamy, provocative and dark, both light and warm, Amouroud is a Collection of olfactory memories, stories real and imaginary, translated with wood-notes, flowers, roots, and herbs into perfumes that capture a primal place of serenity, joy, and passion. Each fragrance maintains its beauty, signature, and character, all of which remain evident in the dry-down.


WILLIAM GRANT FOCUSES ON GROWING TOTAL WHISKY CATEGORY THROUGH CATEGORY MANAGEMENT INITIATIVE


William Grant & Sons seeks to take a leadership position within Global Travel Retail as the ‘Category Captain’ for Single Malts. “We see a real opportunity to become the go-to supplier in terms of offering the most impartial and considered advice that can help to grow the entire whisk(e)y category and generate positive returns for our partners,” says Justin Weston, Managing Director GTR.  “To this end we will be focusing on our single malt selection at the show in Singapore while preparing to unveil some extremely exciting news for our core blended Scotch brand, Grant’s, at TFWA World Exhibition in October. We have employed our first GTR Category Marketing Manager, Sarah Catton, who will help us embed a category led approach across the team and play a critical role in leveraging our position across the channel.



Says Sarah: “With Glenfiddich, The Balvenie and now Kininvie we have a leading position within single malts.  This is a critical and fast growing, high value category. For continued success and long term growth we need to develop category management solutions that help to grow the entire category, not just our brands. These solutions must be shopper and consumer-focused and help passengers navigate easily and effectively through what can be a complex and confusing assortment. This will mean working closely with the operators to secure a fair share of space for single malts in store. Done well we can help increase average spend per head and generate more profit for both ourselves and our partners. We have seen very positive results already through this approach and our Category Management principles are something that I look forward to discussing on stand during the TFWA Asia Pacific show.”

“We have been highly active over the last 20 months in terms of releasing new travel retail exclusive ranges for our key brands; the global rollout of the new Glenfiddich Cask Collection range started in April 2014, to join The Balvenie Triple Cask range and this has been supported by several other travel exclusive products including Glenfiddich 25 Year Old, Kininvie 17 Year Old, The Girvan Patent Still 28 Year Old as well as several limited edition and seasonal gift packs,” adds Carrie Morrison, Marketing Manager Single Malts & New Product Development GTR.

“This trend will continue in 2015. With the recent acquisition of Drambuie and the plans we have to develop new GTR offerings for both our Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey range as well new news to come concerning Grant’s Blended Scotch we fully intend to play an active role in the channel for many years to come,” she says.

Regional Director Asia Pacific GTR Scott Hamilton concludes: “We are beginning to offer a true Travel Retail range offering across our portfolio.  But to be able to best present the products that we now have we also have to offer international passengers something new and unexpected in the form of highly innovative brand activations.  Hendrick’s has led the way for us in this area and has proved that outstanding theatrical activations help build excitement and drive footfall into the stores.  By doing this we give our brands, and our retail partners who are offering them to passengers, the best chance for success.  Match that level of excitement to great packaging and highly giftable exclusive products and you start to create a truly compelling offering. This effect can be further maximized if you can control an entire area of the store and have it dedicated to our brands. This is part of the reason we are so excited to have now opened our first ever dedicated branded shop in shops for Glenfiddich and Hendrick’s with DFS at Changi and look forward to seeing the results that they can produce.”


William Grant & Sons – Stand N19 Basement 2


Notes to Editors
    * William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today still controlled by the fifth generation of his family.  The Company distils some of the worlds leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the worlds favourite Single Malt Glenfiddich, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie Single Malts, the world’s most reclusive malt Kininvie and the worlds oldest family blend, Grants, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendricks Gin, voted the ‘Worlds Best Ginby the Wall Street Journal, Drambuie Scotch Whisky Liqueur, Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey, Milagro Tequila and Monkey Shoulder Blended Malt Whisky

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