INVU launches an attractive Gift with Sunglass Purchase promotion exclusively for Travel Retail

“Accessorize Yourself!” with the latest fashion trends. This is the motto of the fresh Gift with Purchase promotion from INVU, the trendy new sunglass brand. As of April 2016 INVU will be offering Travel Retail customers an exclusive sunglass bracelet, complimentary with the purchase of a pair of INVU sunglasses. This limited edition fashion accessory is handcrafted in the same high quality acetate material that is used to create top of the line sunglasses and optical frames.  The eye catching bracelet perfectly complements the spring 2016 fashion trends. For further information about this Travel Retail exclusive promotion or for additional information on INVU sunglasses, please contact martyn@newthing.uk.com

All INVU sunglasses are engineered in Switzerland, equipped with the ultra polarized lens technology from Swiss Eyewear Group and retail at a consumer friendly price of Euro 50 – Euro 70.

Swiss Eyewear Group (International) AG is a registered, privately held company with its headquarters in Zürich Switzerland. INVU is a registered trademark of Swiss Eyewear Group (International) AG.

WILLIAM GRANT APPOINTS RICHARD BUSH TO AMERICAS REGIONAL ROLE

Richard Bush has joined William Grant & Sons Global Travel Retail team as Regional Marketing Manager – Americas. He brings wide ranging experience of both the spirits and travel retail markets to the company, most recently with CAMUS Cognac where he spent two years as Area Manager (Sales) covering the US travel retail, Canada and parts of the Caribbean. In this role he developed close working relationships with the region’s key duty free operators and distributors/agents.

Richard began his career in the wine and spirits industry in 1997 when he joined SOPEXA Food and Wine from France in New York City. In 2003 he was taken on by a small Canadian start up company Domaine Pinnacle and, as Marketing Director from 2004-2009, played a significant role in the company becoming the world’s leading producer of Ice Cider. He also helped to develop Canada’s first super premium gin: Ungava.

WGS Regional Director North America Stephen Corrigan comments: “Richard will undoubtedly be a strong asset to the WGS GTR team and we’re delighted to welcome him onboard. He adds to an already highly experienced and committed team that will continue to bring best-in-class products, activations and support to travel retail in the Americas region.”

Richard will be on the WGS booth in Orlando and looks forward to meeting customers there.

STOLI® VODKA ANNOUNCES LATEST PRODUCT INNOVATION: STOLI® GLUTEN FREE

Stoli Vodka Continues its 80-year Tradition of Pioneering Heritage and Category Innovation as the
First Global Vodka Brand to Create a Completely New Recipe and Product for Gluten-Free Consumers

ORLANDO, March 22, 2016 – Stoli® Vodka announces the launch of Stoli Gluten Free which continues Stoli’s commitment to innovation and pioneering heritage through its storied 80-year history by marking the first time a global vodka brand is creating a completely new gluten-free recipe to meet the needs of gluten-free consumers. Made with 88 percent corn and 12 percent buckwheat, Stoli Gluten Free will launch in the U.S. with availability at Stoli accounts nationwide starting in April 2016 followed by a U.S. Duty Free roll out shortly thereafter.

“Innovating within the Vodka category has remained an integral part of Stoli’s DNA for 80 years and
counting,” said Patrick Piana, President and CEO, Stoli Group USA. “As with all of our innovations, we conduct consumer research and discuss with our trade partners to identify unmet consumer needs in the marketplace. Stoli Gluten Free will resonate with younger legal drinking age consumers who have an active lifestyle and greater focus on the products they consume.”

Added Piana, “Our distributors have given very positive feedback to-date. We believe that Stoli Gluten Free is an incredible opportunity for Stoli and that it will help us continue to grow our market share.”

Stoli Gluten Free purposely includes “Gluten Free” on the front label to clearly communicate to
consumers that Stoli Gluten Free is a gluten-free product. The U.S. TTB classified Stoli Gluten Free for gluten-free labeling because it meets its standard of being made with naturally gluten-free ingredients, the only way a product can be classified as truly gluten free.

The Stoli Gluten Free packaging will maintain Stoli’s iconic bottle, with a premium label that features a unique batch number and signature of Ronalds Zarinovs, production director of Latvijas Balzams, whom oversees the production of all Stoli Vodka products.


Stoli controls the entire production process of Stoli Gluten Free and its entire range of Premium Vodkas. Stoli Gluten Free is made with naturally gluten-free corn and buckwheat harvested from the fertile fields in the Tambov region of Russia. The ingredients are then distilled three times at Stoli’s state of the art Talvis distillery and filtered four times, through quartz sand and birchwood charcoal, before being blended with pure, natural spring water from the Latvijas Balzams’ artesian well in Riga, Latvia.

“In developing Stoli Gluten Free, we wanted to create a product that not only delivered on a consumer need, but also achieved Stoli’s incredibly high standards of quality and taste,” said Michael Oringer, Senior Vice President of Innovation & Trade Marketing, Stoli Group USA. “We experimented with a variety of gluten-free ingredients before finalizing on a unique mash of corn and buckwheat. The result is delicious, old-world style tasting vodka that meets the needs of our consumers who live a gluten-free lifestyle.”

“We are excited to launch Stoli Gluten Free in US Duty Free where we see true potential for this innovative product that speaks not only to those suffering from Gluten allergies but also those choosing to live a Gluten Free lifestyle as well as those interested in exploring within the Stoli range of products,” said Dayna Dennington, Regional Director Duty Free North and Central America, Stoli Group.  Added Dennington, “We look forward to working with our US Duty Free partners across all channels to introduce Stoli Gluten Free in the coming months.”

With a smooth taste and clean finish, Stoli Gluten Free is the latest addition to Stoli’s portfolio of old-
world style vodkas, including flagship Stoli Premium, Stoli Flavors and elit™ by Stoli®. Stoli Gluten Free will be available in 50 ml, 750 ml and 1L packages.

Stoli Gluten Free will be launched to duty free buyers for the first time at the upcoming Duty Free Show of the Americas (Chase International Booth 1111).



About Stoli Group USA, LLC
Stoli Group USA, LLC is the North American subsidiary of SPI Group, recognized globally for pioneering heritage and the outstanding Stolichnaya® brand of premium Vodkas. New York-based Stoli Group USA reflects significant growth investment in the U.S. market by parent company SPI Group and will drive the brand forward through new marketing, sales and brand innovation. Internationally distributed Stolichnaya Vodkas are bottled in Latvia and are known for award-winning flavor and impeccable clarity.

Considered a trailblazer in the Vodka industry, Stolichnaya Vodka defines the benchmark for quality with meticulously crafted liquid that meets the highest Alpha Spirit standard. The Stolichnaya brand portfolio includes Stolichnaya® Premium Vodka, ultra-premium elit™ by Stolichnaya®, Stolichnaya®100 Proof Premium Vodka, the super-premium Stolichnaya® Gold and Stolichnaya® Flavoured Premium Vodkas including Ohranj®, Razberi®, Bluberi® Vanil®, Citros™, Peachik® and Hot™.


For more information visit www.stoli.com or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/stoli, Twitter
@Stoli and Instagram @Stoli.

HAWAIIAN HOST BRINGS PARADISE TO NORTH AMERICA’s DUTY FREE STORES

An Exciting Assortment for Duty Free

Hawaiian Host®, Inc., the world’s leading brand and producer of chocolate covered macadamia nuts, is excited to bring three of its favourite flavours into one attractive package. Its new Paradise DelightsTM  featuring individually wrapped treasures that include Hawaiian Host creamy Alohamac™Milk, decadent Alohamac™ Dark, and smooth Maui Caramacs®, will be introduced to buyers at the Duty Free Show of the Americas (Chase International, Booth 1111).

“Our brand has been synonymous with gifting for well over 85 years. We are continuing that tradition, but with individually wrapped pieces to add a level of convenience for our loyal customers,” says Hawaiian Host, Inc. Sales Manager, Daniel Verduzco. This product will be distributed in the North America duty free channel by CHASE International, and will be available by August 2016.

About Hawaiian Host
Hawaiian Host®, Inc. is the manufacturer of Hawai‘i’s original chocolate covered macadamias. Mamoru Takitani purchased Ellen Dye Candies, a local confectioner since 1927, and renamed the company Hawaiian Host®. The secret chocolate recipe developed by Mamoru Takitani using fresh 100 percent whole milk is still used today. Today, Hawaiian Host® boasts more than 250 confectionery products sold in more than 23 countries across the globe. Its corporate headquarters is located at 500 Alakawa Street in Honolulu. For more information, please visit www.hawaiianhost.com, like the company on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HawaiianHostInc or follow them on Twitter @HawaiianHostInc. Genuine. Classic. Original. ®

World of Patria appoints Chase International to build US distribution and focuses on Tofka in Orlando

World of Patria International (WOPI) has appointed Chase International to expand presence and visibility of its brands, notably its Tofka Toffee and Vodka Liqueur imported from the UK, within the US travel retail sector. Available to domestic markets in 75 cl sizes, Tofka is now exclusively available to US Travel Retail in one litre bottles and being repositioned to the market as a liqueur. The company will be highlighting Tofka at the upcoming Duty Free Show of the Americas in the Chase Booth (1111).

Says WOPI managing director Rob Nichols: “The appointment of Chase International enables us to benefit from the company’s experience in and deep understanding of the duty free business in the US and Caribbean markets. As a company we have made good inroads into the market in terms of contacts and brand identity, but the on the spot logistical, marketing and sales resources that Chase can offer is without precedent.”

Highlight of the show will be WOPI’s Tofka, an eclectic fusion of smooth tasting vodka infused with the mellow tones of toffee offering the consumer a premium blend of exquisite tastes. When shaken, the golden liquid inside swirls attractively, accentuating the premium nature of the product.  A special merchandising unit enables the bottle to be displayed with the contents constantly swirling for maximum consumer appeal.

Produced by Babco UK, Tofka is being marketed as a drink experience in its own right – perfect for travel retail where travellers are looking for unique and different products. This versatile spirit can be served in various ways: as a shot under shards of grated ice, over ice as a long serve or mixed into coffee or ice cream. 
Continues Nichols: “Chase will play an important role not just in presenting the brand to retailers, but implementing programs designed to show off the originality of Tofka, which we see as having potential not only in airport retail but border stores, on the cruise lines, and in the Caribbean.’

Adds Chase International president Chase Donaldson: ‘We’re delighted to be partnering with WOPI, and to add their fine brands to our Premium spirits portfolio. We have particularly high hopes for Tofka, which we absolutely love due to its fabulous taste, the product’s unique liquid visual appeal, and its eye-catching packaging.  We’re excited to introduce this fabulous drink in Orlando to all our existing and potential customers in the US and Caribbean markets.”

Red and Yellow Create Buzz at Hong Kong International Airport - Latest M&Ms® Shop-in-Shop opens with DFS Group

March 15th 2016. M&M’S® International Travel Retail in partnership with DFS Group unveiled today an exciting new M&M’S shop-in-shop concept at DFS, Hong Kong International Airport in Terminal 1. The largest M&M’S® shop-in-shop in travel retail globally, at 35 sq. m, the space is designed to offer chocolate lovers a unique, entertaining and fun travel experience, driving travelers into the store.

With interactive retail theatre and a focus on fun, the M&M’S® shop-in-shop is personalized and unique to Hong Kong. The atmosphere of this vibrant city is brought to life inside the store with a replica of one of Hong Kong’s iconic dragon boats on display, along with localized artwork incorporating the brand’s world famous Red and Yellow characters.

Additionally, the offer will include items that meet the consumer demand for destination merchandise with “Hong Kong Travel Collection” packs of Snickers®, Mars® and Twix® along with a Hong Kong themed M&M’S® box featuring the iconic dragon boat. While the key focus of the store Is on M&M’S®,  products from core brands Snickers®, Mars®, Celebrations® and Twix® are also offered based on the company’s Laws of Growth belief in ensuring that consumers are offered best-selling SKUs at all times.

A strong social media campaign undertaken by DFS using WeChat, Facebook and Instagram will alert consumers to the new shop-in-shop before they reach Hong Kong International Airport, with a free gift to the first 500 visitors as a further enticement. On arrival, shoppers will be encouraged to take pictures inside the store and share them via mobile devices with friends, family and the world at large!

Commenting on the opening, Regional Sales Director, Christophe Bouye says: “Asia is one of the fastest growing regions for MITR, so we are extremely pleased to be opening this new M&M’S® Travel Retail shop-in-shop at DFS, Hong Kong International Airport. By offering passengers outstanding retail experiences that first and foremost will make them smile, we are confident it will increase shopper engagement and encourage conversion. Through placing consumers in a smiling frame of mind, we believe that this will not only benefit the confectionery category, but all sectors of the travel retail offer here in Hong Kong.”

“We’re thrilled to partner with M&M’S® International Travel Retail to bring the successful M&M’S® shop-in-shop concept to Hong Kong International Airport for the first time,” said Thierry Canivet, DFS Group’s Senior Vice President, Food and Gifts. “With the shop-in-shop’s localized format, exclusive product offering and innovative approach to engaging customers, we’re confident travelers will love this addition to DFS, Hong Kong International Airport.”


The new outlet, which is close to Gate N28 on the central concourse, is in the perfect location to give consumers an unforgettable shopping experience when they travel. “The philosophy is really quite simple, the new Hong Kong M&M’S® shop-in-shop will engage existing shoppers and also attract non-shoppers by encouraging them to discover a new experience, interact with the M&M’S® characters and appeal to their impulse purchase nature,” continues Christophe. “We are very grateful to DFS for giving us this opportunity and for their tremendous support and cooperation in allowing us to create such a strong branding for M&M’S®.”

About: MARS International Travel Retail: Mars International Travel Retail (MITR) offers travellers around the world the chance to enjoy some of the world’s best-loved brands, including core brand M&Ms®, Celebrations®, Galaxy Jewels®, Snickers®, Maltesers®, Extra® and Skittles®. MITR believes in showcasing the global range with impactful displays supported by exciting activations. Its marketing techniques range from innovative small-scale promotions to unique large theatre implementations. The aim is to create excitement on the shop floor in order to boost sales through seasonal and all year round campaigns.  MITR continues to open colourful and fun M&M’S® shops within airport stores and has fabulous new outlets planned in all regions. Another jewel in MITR’s crown is their Category Vision that aims to promote the confectionery category in general – not just MITR brands. In terms of products, MITR is introducing more exclusive lines, unique to travel retail and generally promising lots of traveller engagement and fun, based on the theory that a smiling traveller is a spending traveller.

Heinemann Duty Free at Frankfurt Airport shares the spirit of optimism with Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix

Passengers travelling through Frankfurt Airport on St Patrick’s Day will be treated to interactive and engaging Tullamore D.E.W. promotions, courtesy of William Grant & Sons (WGS) and Gebr Heinemann. The activities, which are taking place in terminals A and AZ throughout March, aim to spread the spirit of courage and optimism of Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix, a variant created to celebrate the return of Irish Whiskey distilling to the town of Tullamore.

WGS is encouraging consumers to engage with this positive view point, and become ‘optimistic ambassadors’. The concepts behind the two promotions allow consumers to spread a message of positivity in a variety of different ways.

Andre de Almeida, WGS Director Europe Travel Retail, says: “St Patrick’s Day is an important fixture in our calendar, so we wanted to come up with an innovative and memorable way to encourage travellers to celebrate it with us. Both activations bring a little piece of Ireland to the travel retail environment, helping to celebrate this most famous Irish day through Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix. The concept behind these activations is optimism, drawing on Phoenix’s brand story - after a great fire that destroyed the town in 1785, the people of Tullamore could have given up. Instead they rebuilt the town bigger and better. It is this spirit of optimism that we want to bring to life in the airport with our two concepts.”

In Terminal AZ, consumers can leave a message of optimism on wooden blocks and add their block to a large feature wall. In effect travellers will be sharing their positive messages; in the same way as the town was rebuilt, the aim is to build a wall of optimism. The impactful wall is created from recycled timber sections and sits alongside a bureau that provides space for personalisation and story-telling. The area clearly announces Phoenix and the optimism that the brand stands for.

Terminal A features the Spirit of Optimism Peg Wall, which features the Phoenix motif dia-cut from copper for a truly mesmerising look. Consumers can use an app to produce their own printed message on a ribbon/band of positivity, which can then be added to the Peg Wall, allowing fellow travellers to read the messages left by others. Consumers that add their own message will receive the previous message left, to ensure that the spirit of optimism is shared amongst everyone.

Stock is made readily available in both promotional areas, with staff handing out informative and engaging leaflets. Consumers that created their own ribbon of optimism in terminal A can either wear it or use as a gift tag. Both areas offer consumers a sample of Tullamore D.E.W. Phoenix and offer a free gift with purchase of a 3x5cl Tullamore D.E.W. Gift pack.

Ann-Kathrin Fürer, Head of Activity Management, Gebr Heinemann, comments: “Partnering with William Grant & Sons in creating these two magnificent promotional areas was a pleasure. Without fail they come up with innovative and unique concepts, which is what we are looking for to help entice passengers into our stores. We believe that these two separate promotions will be a great footfall driver, increasing penetration into our stores and building sales of the spirits category.”

INVU by Swiss Eyewear Group has been selected as a finalist for the Switzerland Global Enterprise Export Award

INVU ultra polarized has recently been chosen as the best new sunglass brand in the US by 20/20 and Vision Monday. Following this important recognition, Swiss Eyewear Group has now been named as one of the three finalists for the prestigious Export Award from Switzerland Global Enterprise. Every year this institution, commissioned by the Swiss Federal Government, recognizes the most innovative Swiss companies for their international success. “We have been selected as a finalist based on our global success with the INVU sunglass brand and our dedication to offering consumers Swiss engineered sunglasses that meet the highest quality standards at an affordable price.” says Jerry Dreifuss, CEO of Swiss Eyewear Group (International) AG.

Jerry Dreifuss

INVU sunglasses are sold through the Travel Retail channel and Optical Retailers at a consumer friendly price of Euro 50 – 70, offering exceptional value for consumers around the globe.

For further information about INVU in Travel Retail, please contact martyn@newthing.uk.com

Key shopper research reveals low conversion rates for North American confectionery buyers

Hershey World Travel Retail (WTR) will share key shopper research findings on ‘The North American Confectionery Buyer’ alongside its latest category vision and strategy, at the Duty Free Show of the Americas this April (booth 1315). The research, carried out in partnership with Counter Intelligence Retail (CiR), underscores Hershey’s commitment to having a deep understanding of the channel and bringing that knowledge to all of our retail partnerships 

Covering numerous topics ranging from purchasing motivations, average spend and gifting/self purchase behaviour, the key stand-out finding was that conversion rates –at 30% - are considerably lower than either South Americans (46%) or the Other World (43%).

While 25% of North American shoppers visit the confectionery section within the retail environment (compared to 27% of South Americans and 28% of Other World), just 7% go on to purchase – compared to 12% of South Americans/Other World.  However, of those that do buy, average spend is slightly above the rest of the world at $26 (compared to $25).

“These are insights that we can turn into activation to increase confection category sales,” says Hershey Company Regional Director Europe and Strategy for World Travel Retail Amy Wilson: “It’s clear from the research that good quality (at 43%) is a key purchase driver for North American shoppers yet the percentage who buy is significantly lower than in other parts of the world. “

“There’s clearly an opportunity that we are missing here, both in terms of attracting more shoppers to the confectionery sales area and then converting them into buyers. In Orlando we will be discussing with retailers our strategies on how we can partner to improve these figures through shopper engagement and retail activations supported by the right product offer in terms of brand and gift or self-purchase/snacking mix.”
   
About The Hershey Company

The Hershey Company, headquartered in Hershey, Pa., is a global confectionery leader known for bringing goodness to the world through its chocolate, sweets, mints and other great-tasting snacks. Hershey has approximately 22,000 employees around the world who work every day to deliver delicious, quality products. The company has more than 80 brands around the world that drive more than $7.4 billion in annual revenues, including such iconic brand names as Hershey's, Reese's, Hershey's Kisses, Jolly Rancher, Ice Breakers and Brookside. Building on its core business, Hershey is expanding its portfolio to include a broader range of delicious snacks. The company remains focused on growing its presence in key international markets while continuing to extend its competitive advantage in North America.
At Hershey, goodness has always been about more than delicious products. For more than 120 years, Hershey has been committed to operating fairly, ethically and sustainably. Hershey founder, Milton Hershey, created the Milton Hershey School in 1909 and since then the company has focused on giving underserved children the skills and support they need to be successful. Today, the company continues this social purpose through 'Nourishing Minds,' a global initiative that provides basic nutrition to help children learn and grow. From neighborhoods across the United States to the streets of Shanghai and Mumbai and villages of West Africa, our goal is to nourish one million minds by 2020. 
To learn more -
Visit: www.thehersheycompany.com

New Furla store opens in Budapest

Furla is pleased to announce the opening of a new 16sqm personalised store in Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport in partnership with Gebr. Heinemann.

The store was officially opened on the 15th of February with Furla’s SS16 collection.

Furla’s Global Travel Retail Director, Gerry Munday, said:  “Furla’s presence in travel retail continues to flourish with every new store we open. It was a pleasure to work with Heinemann and as always I thank them for their support on this project and look forward to announcing further openings with them very soon.

WILLIAM GRANT BRINGS BRANDS TO LIFE IN ORLANDO

The William Grant & Sons booth at the Duty Free Show of the Americas this year (Booth 100/110) is testament to the company’s belief in high impact, experiential activations that bring alive its brand essence in positive and engaging ways. Visitors to the booth can not only view the latest product launches to travel retail for 2016, but experience at first hand how WGS goes beyond the norm to capture the travelling public’s attention and encourage them to sample its range of outstanding liquids.

With examples of activations for Tullamore Dew, Monkey Shoulder and Grant’s Elementary, WGS confirms in Orlando its position as a category leader in the travel retail whisk(e)y category, using outstanding theatrical activations and category management principles to build excitement and drive footfall into retail stores –helping to grow the entire category, not just its own brands.

“Key to activations – in an increasingly competitive market – is that they are relevant to the brand and rather than stand alone, link to highly gift-able travel retail exclusive products, that together create a compelling offer,” says WGS Regional Director Stephen Corrigan. “Here in Orlando we’re showing just how effectively we can offer the best possible brand experience to travellers.” Supporting the introduction of 50cl versions of Tullamore Dew Cider Cask and Tullamore Dew Phoenix in gift cartons, the WGS booth highlights two eye-catching activations planned for this year which aim to promote both lines as gifts at a more accessible price point:

The Pip Show is a bold, stand out route designed to create interest, conversation, engagement and amusement. In a light-hearted version of the traditional ‘peep show’ concept, consumers are invited to take a peek through the spy hole and pick up the phone – they will see the Cider Cask brand story told through a black and white film reel and hear an Irish accent describing the product. In contrast, the TD Phoenix activation is designed to share the spirit of optimism shown by the people of Tullamore Dew when the town was destroyed by fire in 1785. The activation encourages consumers to print out individual ribbon messages which can be hung on a “Spirit of Optimism” peg wall (shown on the Orlando booth) or hung round the bottle neck as a gift tag.

Recently voted the world’s top trending Scotch in a poll of the world’s top 250 bars as surveyed by Drinks International, Monkey Shoulder has become a global brand, establishing itself with its premium liquid credentials and mixable drinks strategy. In Orlando, visitors are invited to discover ‘Destination Monkey’ – an activation platform that will appeal across the travel retail channel. In Orlando visitors can experience the Destination Monkey Drinks Trolley, an eye-catching display that can be positioned anywhere within the retail space for manning by a “Destination Monkey” host. As in airports, visitors will be invited to sample a Ginger Monkey and presented with a special safety card to ensure they understand the correct procedure for making and enjoying this delicious drink!

This year also sees WGS taking additional space with an adjoining booth, which will be devoted to Grant’s Elementary. The first travel retail exclusive range from the brand, this trio of age statement whiskies celebrates the ‘three hero elements’ of whisky making. Taking inspiration from the science behind whisky production, each blend champions the influence each element has on the liquid, with the age statement relating to its position in the Periodic Table of Elements: Carbon; a 6-year-old peated blend; Oxygen, an 8 year-old blended grain distilled under vacuum, and Copper, a 29-year-old blended whisky - the oldest Grant’s age statement ever released.

Alongside these three eye-catching experiences, WGS will be highlighting its new House of Hazelwood collection, inspired by family doyenne Janet Sheed Roberts, which celebrates the Art-Deco era of her heyday. House of Hazelwood comprises of three inaugural expressions: 18-year-old, inspired by Paris in the 1920s; a 21-year-old, drawing on references from Mumbai; and a 25-year-old, with Shanghai a central theme. All three whiskies prominently feature Girvan and Kininvie as well as liquid from the family’s private collection.

From The Balvenie comes the new global travel retail exclusive 21 YO Madeira Cask, replacing the current 21yo Portwood. Aged exclusively in traditional oak whisky casks for more than two decades, before being transferred to casks previously used in the production of fortified Madeira wine for a further period of maturation, Malt Master David Stewart samples the liquid regularly to ensure the final note is characterized with vanilla, oak and honey, finishing with a layer of rich spice.

Continues Corrigan: ‘The exceptional combination of GTR exclusive products and gifting opportunities across our portfolio of whiskies, brought to life with theatrical and captivating activations offers a truly compelling offer for retailers both across the Americas and globally.

“The Americas is a key tactical region for our global travel retail strategy and our focus is to continue growing our core brands with emphasis on the Single Malt and Premium Gin categories where we as a company play such a major role, whilst supporting our fast developing brands Monkey Shoulder, Sailor Jerry and Tullamore Dew. In addition to airport retail, we are also very focused on growing our cruise line business; which is one of the fastest growing tourist channels in the world.

“The Duty Free Show of the Americas a highly valuable event at which we can showcase our portfolio and meet with our regional and global partners. This year visitors to our booth will be able to see for themselves why William Grant is the perfect partner for growing the whiskies category in 2016.”

ENDS



William Grant & Sons – Booth 100

Cabeau brings an element of ‘cool’ to The Duty Free Show of the Americas: Introducing the Evolution Cool™ Pillow

Cabeau, the creator of luxury and affordable travel products, is exhibiting at The Duty Free Show of the Americas (Booth 835) with its most technologically advanced and comfortable travel pillow yet - the Evolution Cool™. The revolutionary pillow features unique and ground-breaking ventilation technology and dual-density memory foam technology, delivering the coolest travel comfort experience ever.

Following up on the success of the award-winning Evolution pillow™, Cabeau has taken comfort to new heights, having surveyed thousands of travel pillow owners at airports worldwide to help understand the needs of travellers. The state-of-the-art Evolution Cool™ pillow offers unmatched support and comfort for travellers around the world; available in four on-trend colours and retailing for $59.99 USD, the pillow is the perfect travel companion.

The patent pending pillow features proprietary dual-density memory foam, 360° head and neck support, and a cool-to-the-touch wicking fabric cover that is machine washable and breathable. Magnetic auto-snap toggles will hold the pillow in place and adjust to provide custom-fit head support. Its upscale travel case will compact the pillow and strap to your luggage to save valuable space.

David Sternight, Founder and CEO of Cabeau comments, “The past few years has seen Cabeau grow from its base in the travel retail market to achieving tremendous growth in sales in 2015. The Americas is a very important region for us and we are thrilled to be showcasing our new Evolution Cool™ pillow to key industry figures at such an important exhibition. We want to offer unique, innovative and high quality travel products that help travellers enjoy their journeys, and this latest addition to our collection definitely does this.”

The launch will be supported by an aggressive consumer marketing campaign, including a partnership with Paige Spiranac, one of golf’s most popular female professional. In just under 6 months, Paige has amassed a social media following of over 840,000 and growing. Her fresh approach to the sport of golf resonates with fans all over the globe and makes her the perfect fit for the Cabeau brand.

The pillow will also be supported with a consumer money back guarantee - a first for Cabeau.

Security is the name of the game for Travel Blue at Orlando

Electronics specialist, Travel Blue comes to the Duty Free Show of the Americas (Booth 901) with a whole host of Radio Frequency ID products, aimed to help travellers protect their personal information. The recent introduction of contactless payments has also come hand-in-hand with an influx of personal identification fraud, meaning the need to protect one’s personal information is more vital than ever.

Jonathan Smith, Travel Blue’s Travel Retail Director comments, “Security is of the utmost important to everyone, not just travellers but with travelling continuing to be voted one of the most stressful experiences for many individuals, it is essential that theft of personal information is not an addition to this already stressful environment.”

The new products include:

RFID Money Belt – This stylish money belt not only protects your personal information contained on your passport but it also looks great. Water-resistant the belt is backed with a soft non-woven material, which is gentle on the skin. Fits up to 122m (48”) waist.

RFID Neck Wallet – A wallet that not only protects your personal information contained on your passport but also on your credit cards, ensuring you are safe from identity theft. The high quality neck wallet contains 1 large RFID protected pocket plus 2 additional large pockets for cash and other documents. 

RFID Passport Protector – Protect your personal information contained on your passport and credit cards from identity theft. Made of leather, this attractive passport protector stops thieves using scanners to read personal details in busy places such as airports, trains and ferries.

RFID 2 x Pocket Set – A set of 2 zipper pockets made from special RFID blocking materials helps to protect any traveller’s personal information. Pocket sizes include: Passport pocket – 15.5x11.5cm; Credit Cards pocket – 11.5x7.5cm.

“We are delighted to add these new products to our portfolio; ensuring that we have a broad range of products that cater to the current issues and trends is essential to ensure we are at the forefront of the category,” added Smith.

Marie Brizard brings award winning portfolio to Orlando

Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits is pleased to announce that it will be showing off its portfolio of products at the upcoming Duty Free Show of the Americas (booth #1409).

Core to the company is its award-winning range of liqueurs and syrups from its famous, crystal-clear, Marie Brizard Fine Anisette through to its indulgent Chocolat Royale and on to the wide range of exceptionally flavoured Liqueurs. The Marie Brizard Brand will undergo a ‘radical evolution’, drawing from its origins in 1755 which will be brought right up to date with a contemporary new look.

Central to its Travel Retail development, GAUTIER Cognac will unveil its exciting new brand and packaging design. The ‘World’s Best Cognac’¹ will be featured and available for tasting by customers. The award-winning range of Gautier Cognacs which has won some 15 major awards during 2015, will be on display, including the ‘World’s Best Cognac’ for XO Gold & Blue, and the ‘World’s Best VS Cognac’. With such credentials, Gautier is seen as a perfect choice for travel retail.

New to travel retail is the ‘bold and daring’ SHOTKA, a premium, Hemp Liqueur targeted at rebellious night-clubbing fans. Without the narcotic effects of this most hotly debated drug, SHOTKA stands out with its unique and unexpected taste. First launched in Spain during Summer 2015 in a strategic partnership with Matinée Group, one of the most prestigious nightlife companies in the world, SHOTKA is the focus of a targeted activation program that will run until the end of this year.

Says Kevin Baker, MBWS Global Travel Retail Director: “We are delighted to be exhibiting for the first time in Orlando as Marie Brizard Wine & Spirits. We have a strong distribution base and high levels of consumer awareness in the Americas and so we aim to extend this strength into Travel Retail. We are finalising exciting new Brand positioning and strategies for Marie Brizard Liqueurs, Gautier Cognac, and of course will bring the innovative SHOTKA to share with customers during IAADFS.

“Travel Retail buyers are always on the look our for something fresh and different, and while some retailers may find the idea of SHOTKA too daring and challenging as a brand concept, some of the more progressive buyers will embrace its potential.  Gautier Cognac is a real gem with fantastic heritage and a tremendous number of accolades and awards, making it a perfect Brand for consumers to discover in Travel Retail.”

Furla reveals latest Travel Retail Exclusive in Orlando

Furla is delighted to unveil its latest Travel Retail Exclusive offer at the Duty Free Show of the Americas (booth 2223) this April.

A limited edition crossbody bag, in Saffiano Leather, which inside contains a smaller detachable pouch and will be available in three trendy colour combinations; Lampone & Magnolia, Onyx & Gold, and   Cobalto & Silver. Each have an adjustable and detachable strap.

Made with genuine Italian leather, the larger bag measures 20.5cm x 15cm x 6.5cm, and is perfect for day or evening use.

Gerry Munday, Furla’s Global Travel Retail Director, states: “This is the third season that Furla has offered a travel retail exclusive to retailers, following the Piper Dome in AW15 and YoYo in SS16. The success of the previous exclusives supports the growing demand by retailers and consumers for exclusives in the fashion sector. We are very pleased with the new Travel Retail Exclusive, which totally complements the Autumn Winter 2016 collection, whilst creating a point of difference to the domestic market. The compact and stylish bags are ideal for a cosmopolitan, dynamic and joyful woman and we can’t wait to reveal it in Orlando.”

Furla’s inspired FW16/17 collection plays to a different tune

Furla will be highlighting its new FW16/17 Collection at this year’s Duty Free Show of the Americas (Booth 2223). Joyful and playful, the Furla Feeling takes inspiration from the world of rock music with highlights that include metal colour blocks; the use of fur, Galassia fabric and quilted leather; a flower inspired camou Furla print and styles with eyelets, laser cut outs and woven panels.

The collection will also include the third travel retail exclusive line.

The colour palette brings forward popular neutral and strong solid colours such as petalo, magnolia, pinky, viola and navy; and introduces new shades of tortora, rosso, rubino, lampone, lava, petrolio and olive. Alongside sit laminated colours of champagne, gold, silver, acciaio and bronzo.

WOMEN’S
The ‘Made in Italy’ craftsmanship and artisanal expertise of Furla combines with eye-catching detail, both rock and fun inspired. New sizes and shapes, such as the Camera bag, reinvent carry over lines such as Piper, Linda, Luna and Supernova. Best performing drawstring style Stacy sees a new glam rock with grainy Nirvana leather in bi-colour and sequined versions, while must-have Artesia is given a fresh look with a laminated gold or silver front panel, along with colour block and mono colour versions in three sizes.

Shoulder straps take on a new dimension – wider and bolder than before – with the introduction of Fiona guitar shoulder straps in solid nappa, laser cut or mirrored leather options. Light gold snap hooks enable the user to reinvent their style in a moment.

Woven panels, stitching, embellishment and a special assortment of materials characterize the top-performing Furla Metropolis Bag. Representing the widest expression of brand aesthetics, craftsmanship meets fashion with a dazzling material assortment including python print, mink fur, calf hair, camou Furla print and glassia.

New shapes for the season include Gaia, Eva, Afrodite, Valentina, Lara and Club – the latter a modern interpretation of the saddle bag with a rock style chain that can be wrapped around the silhouette or used as a second shoulder strap.

New styles also join the Candy Collection, which this season create playful imagery that can be personalized. Five new lines include Candy Gang – funny bags with sunglasses attached; Candy Rock and Candy DJ, both of which comes with a bear sticker and separate packs of four stickers to ring the changes.


MENS
The Furla FW15 men’s collection takes the brand to new heights with a superb offer in nirvana and algarve leathers that are modern, stylish and bold. The use of arancio (orange) as a main colour choice, next to navy/onyx, lava and lapis, creates an impressive display for shapes such as totes, travel totes, backpack briefcase, document holders, hobos and small leather goods.


TRAVEL RETAIL EXCLUSIVE
The latest travel retail exclusive is a Furla travel crossbody set of two bags made in saffiano leather with light gold hardware. The outer bag has a detachable shoulder strap so can be used as a crossbody or a hand carry item, while the separate inner bag can be used as a purse or make up bag or remain in situ as part of the set. “I’m delighted to be able to introduce our latest travel retail exclusive to buyers in Orlando,” says Furla Global Travel Retail Director Gerry Munday. “As we know, consumers are increasingly looking for something different and unique from the airport retail offer and this includes fashion. Each season we really try to think carefully about what consumers are looking for, what would appeal to them whilst travelling in terms of style and function. It’s a must in this day and age.

 ‘I absolutely love this collection as do our clients; its inspiring and energetic, with fun and playful twists that are totally in keeping with the Furla DNA,” she adds.

Fraternity Spirits regional growth is pushed by its new Tequila Corralejo Gift Box

With the popularity of Tequila continuing to rise in the Americas, Fraternity Spirits comes to the IAADFS (Booth 707) with a portfolio of premium Tequila products. The main star of its range is its Tequila Corralejo that now comes in an eye-catching gift box. Launched at TFWA World Exhibition, the gift box has been specifically designed to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the hugely successful tequila.

“We have received some very positive feedback regarding our anniversary gift box and since the last quarter of 2015 it has been listed in selected retailers, giving it an element of exclusivity. 2016 will see us focus on the expansion of its distribution into worldwide stores,” comments Raffaele Berardi, CEO of Fraternity Spirits.

A tequila steeped in history, Corralejo is a product of great quality, with a unique look and feel that makes it completely different from its competitors. The new Gift Box continues this trend, with illustrations of the beautiful Hacienda Corralejo and its origins. With eye-catching colors and a promotional campaign that aims to appeal to consumers of tequila, the Special Edition Box is the ultimate gift for any tequila lover.

2015 has continued to see average growth for Fraternity in the Americas in which Tequila Correlejo has been an important part of. Its brands 99,000 Horas and Los Arango also continue to see strong growth in the Americas. Berardi continues, “The Americas is a very important region for us, as Tequila is one of its most popular spirits. We are seeing steady growth in the travel retail sector and we are determined to maintain this momentum by continuing to develop new and unique product offerings.”

Fraternity will also be showcasing its Los Arango Cream and Coffee Tequila and its RIVES Pink Gin, which was launched at the Americas Show in 2015. Visitors to the booth will have the opportunity to try a variety of cocktails, using combinations of Tequila Corralejo, Los Arango and RIVES gin.

Perfetti Van Melle brings sweet new products to Orlando

Those visiting the IAADFS Americas Show will be in for a treat on the Perfetti Van Melle booth (1223) where retailers can not only view the colourful and fun new product line up for 2016 but also hear about the company’s strategic plans for this year. Focusing on the check-out-sales potential for Mentos Gum Bottles, Mentos Now Mints and the Mentos Pouch bag, PVM wants to ensure that it has high visibility in American travel retail stores.

In addition to POS, PVM will also be highlighting merchandising solutions in various sizes as well as custom-made displays, backwalls, gondola’s and corners. “Providing eye-catching, colourful and exciting displays is essential to ensure that our brand is as highly visible as possible. Sugar is still a very small part of the confectionery section, so ensuring that it is at the front of travellers mind as soon as they enter the store is vital,” says Susan De Vree, Global Travel Retail Manager, PVM.

The past few years has seen significant development of the Americas region for PVM, “it is an important part of our business and based on the novelties we are introducing this year, I believe we will have a strong year in the region. Last year saw our North America, Canadian Travel Retail market business record significant growth in comparison to 2014, which in the current economic climate was very pleasing.” PVM attributes part of this success to the work of its distributor for Canada, DFX Distribution: “Their focus on our brands really pays off,” continues De Vree.

It has not been all plain sailing in the region for PVM, “The fluctuating Brazilian Real made business in South America very challenging for us last year, especially in the border trade between Uruguay and Brazil where we have seen a drop in sales,” explains De Vree. “Fortunately, the Argentineans were spending more than they were in 2014, but regrettably this does not cover the gap caused by the Brazilians.

“We started a new retailer partnership in Venezuela last year and it will be very interesting to gauge performance in this market. All in all, our results in South America were majorly influenced by economic and political factors, nevertheless this region remains an area still full of potential.”

One thing is certain, the portfolio offered by PVM to its customers within the Americas becomes ever stronger. New lines on show in Orlando this year include:

Mentos Book: Within this Secret Book you can store all your little secrets without anyone noticing it. The modern travel design makes it the perfect premium gift item for (young) adults. Live the World!

Mentos Mini Ufo Dispenser: Have you ever wondered whether UFO’s exist? Have you ever wondered whether UFO’s exist that drop real Mentos into the atmosphere? Let us introduce to you the Mentos Mini Ufo Dispenser! A playful gift that can be decorated with 9 stickers of little aliens. The UFO functions as a dispenser and can be easily refilled. This gift comes with 8 mini Mentos rolls in cola, orange, lemon & strawberry flavour.

Chupa Chups Sweet Magnet: These travel related magnets will turn your fridge into a true memorable experience! With different sweet messages, such as Love you, Miss you, Want you & Thank you, it forms the perfect gift item for teens & young adults. Each sweet message comes with 8 different mini fruity lollipops. It definitely is a must-have attribute to give or receive!

Chupa Chups Pouch Bag Mini Sour
The Chupa Chups Mini Sour pouch bag is the ideal pack for snacking and sharing. Whether you eat this delicious sweet together with family or friends, FUN guaranteed! This pouch bag comes with 40 mixed sour fruit mini lollipops &  will be an added trend within Travel Retail!

Mentos Now Mints
The perfect refreshment whilst travelling or somewhere else. This travelers exclusive item comes in 3 different tastes: Sweet Mint, Strawberry & Euca Menthol. Each tin contains 120 mints & it will easily suit your bag. Share, Snack and Refresh. Try Me

Mars International Travel Retail brings sweet treats and a re-focus on pure pleasure to Orlando

Gum and sugar confections are the name of the game for Mars International Travel Retail (MITR) as it comes to the Duty Free Show of the Americas with new products in both its Skittles® and Extra® portfolio (booth 520). MITR has previously stated its commitment to developing the gum and sugar confections category given the enormous amount of headroom for growth in the segment. “In domestic markets, gum and sugar confections can represent over 40% of total confectionery sales and yet in travel retail they deliver less than 10% of total sales, so the potential is enormous.” says MITR Category Director, Matt Boulter. With an increasing number of retailers’ ranges incorporating gum and sugar confections, MITR is stepping up to ensure it continues to be a leader and provide solutions to unlock the potential of this ever-growing category.

New for 2016, MITR is extending its highly successful Skittles brand with the launch of a travel retail exclusive stand up pouch. Launching in July, the 18x26gr Skittles® Fruits fun size bags incorporate a convenient handle pouch for carrying on the go. This marks the first product launch in the traditional sharing/home sweet home need state by MITR in sugar confections, which will open up new travellers (and buyers) to the category.

The world’s favourite gum, Extra® will now include a true travel retail exclusive pack. With its enhanced size the new pack retains the look and feel of its distinctive domestic packaging, but the exclusive 8 pack comes in a premium and easily portable box. The 8x10 packs are available from June 2016 in the world’s favourite flavours: Extra® Spearmint, Extra® Peppermint, Extra® Whitesweet Mint, allowing consumers the much needed ear popping relief and oral care when travelling.

TFWA World Exhibition saw the official re-launch of the fifth largest domestic chocolate brand, Galaxy®. Aiming to cement the chocolate bar’s position as a top ten confectionery brand, MITR brings the brand to the Americas with high ambitions for travel retail. Currently the brand is only distributed in travel retail in parts of the Middle East and Asia, yet Galaxy® is the biggest pure chocolate brand in the domestic market. 95% of those sales are from four markets only: UK, Middle East, America and China and with these being the biggest travelling markets, MITR sees outstanding opportunity for its silky smooth brand.

Four new Galaxy® products have been created with two of MITR’s category vision concepts in mind - ‘Showing Thought’ and ‘Home Sweet Home’. They include: Galaxy® Pouches – Mini bars of Smooth Milk, Caramel and Crispy; Galaxy® Multi-Pack – Six tablets that includes 3 flavours – Smooth Milk, Caramel and Cookie Crumble (4x114g and 2x135g); and Jewels – A mixture of flavoured bonbons of Galaxy® chocolate.

These new product introductions are key elements of the delivery of MITR ‘s Laws of Growth strategy that gives compelling reasons for step-changing growth and unlocking missed opportunities within the confectionery sector through focus on core blockbuster SKUs. Showcasing how to drive sales through the conversion of lighter buyers with the Power of a Smile Category Vision, MITR will present tangible ways in which to apply the Laws of Growth and drive sales through excellence in execution in-store. All of these initiatives will be brought to life with new product development, updated displays and an exciting program of activations and promotions for 2016.

“Confectionery is perfect for driving conversion in travel retail as it is an impulsive category and full of some of the world’s most loved brands. This is as true in the Americas as anywhere with Snickers® and M&M’S® the preferred confectionery brands in the Americas at #1 and #2 respectively. Our objective for 2016 is to step change growth, with North America as a focus market, by implementing the Laws of Growth through the Power of a Smile category vision. With 50% or more of passengers not even entering the duty free/travel retail shops and only 9% buying confectionery, we see the category as a huge opportunity!” continues Matt.

-ENDS-

The Balvenie Debuts 21 Year Old Madeira Cask Expression Exclusively at DFS, Singapore Changi Airport

SINGAPORE, March 2, 2016  – The Balvenie, in partnership with DFS Group, the world’s leading luxury travel retailer, unveiled the 21 Year Old Madeira Cask to press, customers and connoisseurs today at DFS, Singapore Changi Airport in an event hosted by The Balvenie Global Brand Ambassador, Sam Simmons. A rare single malt aged exclusively in traditional oak whisky casks for more than two decades, then transferred to casks previously used in the production of fortified Madeira wine for a further period of maturation, The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask is the latest in the brand’s long line of the world’s most handcrafted single malts and is available exclusively at DFS, Singapore Changi Airport prior to its global debut on April 1.

From left to right:

·         Frederik Vanden Bulcke (Merchandise Manager) DFS Group
·         Patricia Sim (Regional Merchandising Manager) DFS Group
·         Scott Hamilton (Director Travel Retail Asia Pacific) William Grant & Sons
·         Lim Peck Hoon (Executive Vice President, Commercial) Changi Airport Group
·         Teo Chew Hoon (Senior Vice President, Airside Concessions) Changi Airport Group
·         Chandra Mahtani (Vice President, Airside Planning & Leasing) Changi Airport Group
·         Wilcy Wong (Managing Director Singapore and Indonesia) DFS Group
·         Edwin Lim (Assistant Vice President, Advertising & Promotions) Changi Airport Group
·         Sam Simmons (Global Brand Ambassador) William Grant & Sons

“As Asia Pacific’s largest travel retail assortment of single malts, we are experiencing an increase in customers to DFS, Singapore Changi Airport wanting more information around the craft and heritage approach to whisky-making,” said Brooke Supernaw, DFS Group’s Senior Vice President Spirits, Wines and Tobacco. “We’re especially thrilled to partner with William Grant & Sons to not only debut The Balvenie’s exceptional 21 Year Old Madeira Cask right here in Singapore, but to provide travelers with an exciting and educational experience that brings this love of craftsmanship to life and feed travelers’ thirst for discovery in their search for the best.”

To celebrate the global launch as well as The Balvenie’s heritage of great craftsmanship, from March 2 – April 11, travelers to Singapore Changi Airport’s Terminal 1, Central Piazza will have an opportunity to experience a showcase of local craftsmen sharing their expertise in, leather craft, printmaking and shoemaking. These craftsmen are commissioned by The Balvenie Connoisseurs of Craft initiative, which aims to promote craftsmanship in Southeast Asia. Its mission is to preserve the art of handcrafting, restoring the value of craftsmanship and encouraging its appreciation.

Guests will have an opportunity to sample The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask, and also get up close and personal with The Balvenie Morgan, a handcrafted V6 Roadster built in collaboration with the Morgan Motor Company. Fresh off the production line in Malvern, Worcestershire, England, the Roadster was specially flown in for the launch and is the perfect example of expressing the shared values of true craftsmanship deeply held by the two brands. The showcase also features a cigar humidor, handcrafted from the staves of casks previously used to mature the precious whisky.

Teo Chew Hoon, Changi Airport Group’s Senior Vice President for Airside Concessions said, “As a global travel hub in the heart of Asia, we always look for new and exciting ways to engage those who come through Changi Airport. Bringing in the very exclusive 21 Year Old Madeira Cask, and showcasing it along with the master craftsmanship, is another example of us creating a memorable experience for our customers.”

In keeping with The Balvenie’s hand-crafted nature, travelers can create their very own bottle tags by personally embossing their chosen design.

Scott Hamilton, William Grant & Sons Travel Retail Director for Asia Pacific, adds, “The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask is a perfect example of an exclusive product that really intrigues both travelers and retailers, making it perfect for this channel. Launching such an important product in The Balvenie range had to be partnered with a unique promotion, so collaborating with the likes of The Morgan Motor Company to get the V6 Roadster flown in and highlighting the work we do with craftsman through The Balvenie Connoisseurs of Craft initiative was an opportunity not to be missed.”

To ensure that just the right amount of character is imparted by the Madeira Casks, Malt Master David Stewart samples the casks regularly to ensure their final notes are characterised with notes of vanilla, oak and honey finishing with a luscious layer of rich spice.

Tasting Notes:

Nose
Fragrant fruity and floral, orange blossom, fresh pineapple juice and a touch of spicy ginger finishing on some vanilla syrup.

Taste
A lovely mouth feel with a real juicy edge, exotic fruit salad and barley sugar with runny honey, cinnamon spices and gentle oak vanilla.

Finish
Lingering and luscious, sweet and malty alongside swathes of vanilla and a spicy layer.

The Balvenie 21 Year Old Madeira Cask retails for SGD 295 and is a travel exclusive available at DFS at Singapore Changi Airport. The showcase will run until April 11, 2016.

- END –



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 a distinctively honeyed character. Little has changed at Balvenie Distillery over the years.  The only whisky distillery in Scotland to still employ the five traditional crafts in making a single malt Scotch whisky.  It still grows its own barley, has its own traditional floor maltings, a coppersmith to tend the stills, coopers to mend the casks and the industry’s most experienced malt master.

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. 

Born in Ayr on the west coast of Scotland in 1945, David Stewart 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

About The Balvenie Morgan:

At first glance one would struggle to identify similarities between a whisky company and a car company, not so in the case of Morgan and The Balvenie. The handcrafted and bespoke nature in which each company manufactures their products, the long heritage of each company and the fact that both are still family owned are just three of the similarities that have brought about this exciting collaboration.

The world famous Balvenie whisky is sold all over the world, including the USA where there are already a number of Balvenie Morgans. Those Morgans are being used in a unique and quintessentially British way and have proven to be a popular method of transporting The Balvenie whisky all over the country to the thrill of their customers.

 In 2015, the collaboration produced the first Balvenie Morgan for the UK, a 3.7 litre V6 Roadster 4-seater. The beautiful Ivory and Tan combination, subtle detailing and iconic Morgan shape have already proven popular at various Balvenie and Morgan events, and will continue to delight the crowds.



About DFS Group

DFS Group is the world’s leading luxury travel retailer. Established in Hong Kong in 1960, DFS Group continues to be a pioneer in global luxury travel retail, offering its customers a carefully curated selection of exceptional products from over 700 of the most desired brands through 420 boutiques on three continents. Its network consists of duty free stores located in 17 major global airports and 16 downtown Galleria locations, as well as affiliate and resort locations. The Group is privately held and majority owned by the world’s largest luxury conglomerate Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH), alongside DFS co-founder and shareholder Robert Miller. DFS Group employs over 9,000 people focused on creating inspiring retail experiences for its customers. In 2013, over 260 million travelers visited DFS stores. DFS is headquartered in Hong Kong and has offices in Beijing, Chengdu, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Paris, Sao Paulo, Shenyang, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.        
                   
For more information, please visit www.dfsgroup.com.

Revlon Unveils Travel Exclusive Collection Sets

REVLON, the iconic global cosmetics company, will debut new Travel Exclusive Collection sets at an expanded booth (No. 623) at the Duty Free Show of the Americas. David Carvalho, Senior Vice-President and General Manager for Global Distributors, Licensees and Travel-Retail business at REVLON comments, “The Americas is a vitally important region for Revlon’s global travel retail strategy, and launching our new Travel Exclusive Collection sets at IAADFS reaffirms the significance of this region to Revlon.”

The new Travel Exclusive Collection Sets include:
Love Series-Essentials – Your must-have make up essentials in a compact pouch. Fall in love with America's #1 longwear eye liner* - Revlon® ColorStay™ Eye Liner, award-winning, moisturising Revlon Balm Stain™, and the new, lash-transforming Revlon Ultimate All-In-One™ Mascara. The innovative, high-impact mascara formula delivers 5 lash benefits - Volume, Length, Definition, Lift, and Intense Color - while its Power Mini brush leaves no lash behind.

Measuring just 6.5in by 2.5in by 2in, it is a perfect set for inflight.
*Revlon’s calculation and conclusion are based on Revlon® ColorStay™ Eyeliner unit sales from Nielsen’s customized Scantrack database for Color Cosmetics for 52 weeks ending January 23, 2016 in All Outlets Combined.

Make Up Brush Essentials - Our most advanced brushes ever released. This travel exclusive brush set contains a foundation brush, blush brush, double-ended smoky eye brush and retractable lip brush to cover all your necessary makeup applications.

ColorStay Gel Envy™ Nail Sets – Travelers can choose from 4 expertly coordinated travel exclusive nail sets each featuring a different theme: Glamour, Flirt, Romance and Passion. Each set contains 3 ColorStay Gel Envy™ nail colours and ColorStay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat™. The new and improved ColorStay Gel Envy Diamond Top Coat™ is Revlon’s toughest top coat yet, with exclusive Diamond Flex Technology™. The combination of the brilliant shades with built in base coat, and the Diamond Top Coat results in a salon-quality manicure that delivers shatter-proof strength, ding-resistant wear and diamond-like shine.

Carvalho continues, “All of the products in our portfolio are positioned to give consumers high quality, affordable products from a brand they can trust, and these new sets help strengthen this offering. The new Love Series-Essentials set is ideal for every woman who wants to look and feel her best. The set features our best-loved products and offers a complete on-the-go beauty regimen solution that finally makes giant (and luggage-filling) makeup bags a thing of the past.”    

REVLON MINI GONDOLA A HUGE SUCCESS SINCE LAUNCH IN 2015 TFWA CANNES
2015 saw a very positive year for Revlon in the Americas with new distribution gains through the introduction of its new Mini gondola. The Mini gondola was first launched last October during TFWA World Exhibition and in just 3 months, Revlon has already achieved listings on 9 ships with Carnival Cruise Lines, and 17 points of distribution with Duty Free Americas. Carvalho shares, “The Mini gondola is very compact at just 11.8inches by 11.8inches, and can hold the full assortment of our Travel Exclusive Collection sets. It’s a very efficient unit that can really increase the productivity of the retail space and that’s why it has been such a success with our partners.”

#CHOOSELOVE AT THE REVLON BOOTH (NO.623)
On 1st February, Revlon unveiled its CHOOSE LOVE campaign, the next phase of its LOVE IS ON brand mission. CHOOSE LOVE invites women around the world to believe in love, to let go of doubts and take a chance to make love happen. Revlon invites women to show how they Choose Love by uploading photos of themselves blowing kisses and tagging someone special to ‘pass it on’ using the new #CHOOSELOVE hash tag.

Visitors to the Revlon stand will have the opportunity to have their picture taken in a photo-booth, and receive a free printed photo. Available on Monday and Tuesday during exhibition hours, those that take part will be encouraged to share their photo online under #CHOOSELOVE to receive a free Revlon gift.

Illva Saronno reports strong growth in North America through regional agent: WEBB

On the back of a highly successful year of sales in North America, Illva Saronno will be show-casing its world famous liqueurs DISARONNO and TIA MARIA at the Duty Free Show of the Americas through its regional distribution agent World Equity Brand Builders (WEBB). Featured will be the current Disaronno by Roberto Cavalli limited edition bottle, already proving to be an incredibly successful launch with its graphic animal print design.

“Depletions have grown for Disaronno by over 40% vs 2014-so it was a remarkable performance,” says illva Saronno International Sales Director Domenico Toni.

“The limited edition series-with the latest Cavalli edition has proved to be very successful and we will continue with this consumer demand with the launch.

Toni says the company is expecting “solid growth” for the year ahead as the core North American travellers will continue to travel, with female drinkers becoming more important. While the dynamics of South America create some uncertainty, he adds.

Illva Saronno will continue to invest in high profile activations – such as the highly successful wall-space takeover and tasting in partnership with International Shoppes at JFK T1 in November and December. “This created huge interest in the Disaronno Sour cocktail which we will continue to focus on in 2016 with sampling programmes at key domestic and travel retail outlets,” continues Toni. “The Disaronno Sour is now ranked no 30 in the top 50 cocktails by Drinks International, so we’re pretty pleased with the results.”

Outside North America, Toni also reports promising results for the duty free Caribbean islands with Disaronno growing in high single digit figures, while Tia Maria has shown very strong growth in Jamaica duty free.

Visitors to the WEBB booth (923) in Orlando are invited to see the Illva Saronno range and try a Disaronno Sour. “We’re delighted to be back in Orlando with WEBB in 2016. They really are doing a fantastic job for us and have made a significant impact in the growth of our brands.”


Notes to Editors: The DISARONNO ICON project is in its 3rd iteration this year, after the past partnerships with Italian fashion brands Moschino and Versace. The ICON project will continue its long-time support of the charity ‘Fashion 4 Development’, sponsored by the United Nations. DISARONNO will once again donate part of the proceeds to the development of this unique project in Africa.

 
To toast this delightful collaboration Disaronno US Director of Brand Ambassadors, Paul Sevigny, and Disaronno UK Brand Ambassador, Rod Eslamieh, have joined forces to craft the Disaronno WEARS Cavalli Sour, a unique twist on the famed Disaronno Sour. The duo have applied the most popular trends in mixology to develop this signature sip, blending
the sweet flavour of DISARONNO with sharp lemon juice, sugar syrup, topped off with prosecco and a few dashes of angostura bitters.

The ‘DISARONNO wears Cavalli Sour’ cocktail, created for the occasion blends the sweet flavour of DISARONNO, with sharp lemon juice, sugar syrup, topped off with prosecco and a few dashes of angostura bitters - full recipe below.
1 ½ oz Disaronno
1 oz Lemon Juice
½ oz Sugar syrup
1 ½ oz Prosecco
10 dashes angostura

DISARONNO

Disaronno is the world’s favourite Italian liquor in the world, and a symbol of Made in Italy for over 500 years. Featuring an original taste and unmistakable aroma, it stands out on the world stage with distribution in more than 160 countries. The Disaronno bottle has a unique design and a cap which lends elegance and modernity, embellished with a golden label that enhances its contemporary style. Disaronno is a pleasure to enjoy on the rocks as well as in its various mixed versions, including the Disaronno Sour. Recognizable and versatile, it makes every cocktail one of a kind.