KURATE aims to help treasure special memories with its new YOU Jewellery collection

Travel retailers both in the air and on the ground have seen high demand for charm-based jewellery over the past few years. With the trend showing no signs of slowing down, YOU Jewellery by KURATE has launched its own version of the highly sought after keepsakes. 

KURATE has introduced a range of new YOU mesh and leather bracelets that aim to help women remember special memories, amazing people, wonderful places and unforgettable moments. Wanting to move away from the over-used charm term, YOU describes each of its bracelets as a STORY, with each story being told in CHAPTERS (charms). Each CHAPTER aims to represent those special memories that you want to keep with you wherever you go.  

To ensure those on-board have something different to add to their ‘story’, YOU Jewellery has launched a beautifully crafted camera and aeroplane CHAPTER as a travel retail exclusive. 

Claire O’Donnell, Key Account Manager, KURATE, comments, “We launched the first YOU Jewellery pieces last year with great success, so we knew extending the range was a must. The trend for collecting charms and keep-sake jewellery pieces has been around for a while now, but many brands charge inaccessible price points for the every-day traveller; we wanted to introduce a collection that is accessible to all.”

The ideal keep-sake, each YOU bracelet is presented in a beautifully crafted branded box, which also includes a stunning organza bag and a care card. 

Plated in real gold, silver and rose gold, as well as real leather, all of the bracelets and CHAPTERS are nickel, lead and cadmium free. 

“We have launched this new YOU collection domestically in Ireland, with plans to expand into the UK in 2017. It has been positively received, with the collection receiving quite a bit of social media coverage, so we are hopeful that gaining a large domestic following will help the success of the brand in travel retail,” adds O’Donnell.

Ice, spice and everything nice: TRC’s Winter Wonderland is the perfect weekend

Exceptional! The best yet! A brilliant weekend! These were just a few of the many positive reactions to this year’s customer weekend held by The Travel Retail Consortium (TRC).  Gathering at the stunning Ettington Park hotel near Shakespeare’s Stratford Upon Avon, 73 TRC members, customers, guests and partners enjoyed a relaxed and social weekend in November. 

The theme was ‘Winter Wonderland’ which got off to a perfect start on a cold, crisp Friday evening with a drinks reception and outdoor German Festive Market enabling guests to enjoy a variety of typical food and drink including various types of bratwurst, Schwäbische Käsespätzle (macaroni cheese), bratkartoffeln (potatoes) and sauerkraut, followed by Stollen, Toffee Apples and Pancakes – all washed down with beer and mulled wine. Delicious! 

After a full breakfast the following morning, guests gathered in the Long Gallery (divided into 22 teams of three) where they found themselves face to face with large blocks of ice, chisels, and a brief to create – well, anything really! The next 90 minutes saw ice flying in all directions as creative juices flowed in abundance.  Innovation, imagination and ingenuity saw an incredible variety of  ‘sculptures’ including a working bar base with space for bottles and glasses, cruise ship, port bottle and glass, perfume bottle, mansion, and snowflake. The winning teams were John Harwood Lincoln, Sondre Liland and Karen Hunter for their bottle and glass (which actually held water) and Richard Hamilton, Jacqui O’Shea and Toni Barnes for their delightful remembrance day poppy.

After a free afternoon strolling round Stratford Upon Avon, enjoying the hotel’s leisure facilities or watching England destroy South Africa at Twickenham, all gathered again for a Taittinger Champagne and Gala Dinner with live music provided by Simply Swing.  As is tradition, bacon rolls were served to all surviving guests at 1am.

During the evening a £5 in the pot charity draw was added to money collected from Friday night’s raffle for over 80 prizes, totaling some £900 for the TRC Chairman’s dedicated charity Guillain Barre Syndrome.  

"It was my first time attending one of the TRC events,” said Karen Sparrow, Director of Operations, DFASS UK. “It was fantastic, so very well organised and such a great location at Ettington Park Hotel near Stratford upon Avon. I found the weekend not only most enjoyable but really interesting and beneficial, meeting up with different faces from the Travel Retail industry, both from the people I already know and quite a few that were new to me.  The Ice sculpting activity was amazing and there was certainly a lot of creativity and talent amongst the group! Followed by the Gala dinner evening, which again I really enjoyed. A great event, thanks to all! “

Tallink Duty Free’s Category Manager, Aire Kraas, commented: “We were honoured to join the Travel Retail Consortium event for the first time in the UK. This was a really great weekend starting from the beautiful location and almost fairy-tale environment to the very relaxed atmosphere. It was a joy to meet different people from the industry whilst enjoying good food and music. I can-not imagine that there could be a warmer welcome or better organisation of an event than this one! Thank you all again and hope to see you next year!”

Nonouck Ickroth, Overseas Distribution Company’s Duty Free Sales Manager said: “It was a fun weekend, the venue was great and it was a nice opportunity to meet new people from the industry. Thanks to the Travel Retail Consortium for their fantastic organization.”

Says TRC Chairman Peter Ayling: “Every year I think we do better than the year before, but this event really has surpassed them all by far. The hospitality from the Ettington Park hotel has been truly amazing throughout the weekend and I must give TRC’s Tina Davies a huge thank you for all her hard work in making it all run so smoothly. Combined with the incredible enthusiasm that everyone put into the ice-sculpting and the generally fantastically friendly atmosphere, this weekend has truly been one to remember. 

“ I have particularly enjoyed seeing some new faces here this weekend, including guests who have come from overseas and do hope that they have all found the weekend to be unique in its friendly and relaxed format, where we are all here as friends.” 

Attending this year’s TRC event were representatives from:  British Airways, Condor Ferries, DFASS, DFDS, Dufry, Jet2, MSX, Newrest, Overseas, P&O Ferries and Tallink.

Notes to editors: The Travel Retail Consortium was originally conceived in the late 1960s and formalised in 1971 to further the interests and development of the Travel Retail Industry within the UK through the member companies

The organisation's objectives are to improve standards of business within the travel retail industry, promote members’ products and services, discuss industry issues and provide social and business networking opportunities for key industry customers and members' representatives at annual events. The TRC is also active in raising funds for charity and the Chairman nominates a charity of his choice during his tenure.

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS AWARDED TOP HONOURS AT IWSC

Global premium spirits business and independent family distiller, William Grant & Sons, has just been named ‘Distiller of the Year’, the highest honour bestowed by the highly influential International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC). The Company was awarded a further prestigious accolade at the glittering event in London - ‘Scotch Producer of the Year’.

In the individual expression honours, The Balvenie DoubleWood 12 YO won the Single Malt Scotch 15 Years Old and Under Trophy. The judges also recognised Glenfiddich 21YO, Glenfiddich 14 YO Bourbon Barrel Reserve, The Balvenie Thirty and Glenfiddich 40 YO with each receiving a ‘gold outstanding’ medal.

A spokesperson for The IWSC said: that “This is sixth time William Grant & Sons has won this award. Year on year they impress with their range of products and the quality of their spirits. It’s a fantastic achievement. They have impeccably maintained the quality of their liquid and in some cases on brands well over a century old. More youthful brands such as Monkey Shoulder and House of Hazelwood are also helping to re-write the rules of the category and are justifiably held in the highest regard.” 

Simon Hunt, CEO of William Grant & Sons, said: “This is an incredible achievement and is testament to the skill, expertise and dedication of our people. As a family run business we take great pride in taking a long term view and fostering a culture of innovation. We are absolutely delighted that this has been recognised by the IWSC.” 

 In a stunning success, the Company won 20 gold medals for Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, House of Hazelwood, Monkey Shoulder and Grant’s, winning 72 medals overall. 

The IWSC is now in its 47^th year and is one of the most authoritative, respected and influential spirits competitions in the world. The competition is founded on a rigorous and independent judging process and for this year’s competition it received entries from nearly 90 countries worldwide. 

William Grant & Sons full IWSC 2016 roll of honour:  

Distiller of the Year: William Grant & Sons 

Scotch Producer of the Year: William Grant & Sons

Single Malt Scotch Whisky - 15 Years And Under Trophy 2016: The Balvenie DoubleWood 12yo

Gold Outstanding The Balvenie DoubleWood 12yo

Glenfiddich 21yo

Glenfiddich Bourbon 14yo

The Balvenie Thirty

Glenfiddich 40yo

Gold House of Hazelwood 25yo

House of Hazelwood 21yo

The Balvenie Single Barrel First Fill 12 yo

The Balvenie Single Barrel First Fill 15yo

The Balvenie Doublewood 17yo

Glenfiddich Rare Oak 25yo

Grant’s Ale Cask Reserve

Grant’s Select Cask 

Monkey Shoulder

The Balvenie Forty

Glenfiddich 30yo

Glenfiddich Malt Master 

Glenfiddich Cask Collection Reserve Cask

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Bourbon Cask Res 19yo

Glenfiddich Cask Collection Vintage Cask 

Silver Outstanding Tullamore Dew 18yo

Drambuie

Drambuie 15yo

Girvan Patent Still 30yo

House of Hazelwood 18yo

Girvan Patent Still 25yo

Girvan Patent Still 28yo

Hendrick’s Gin

The Balvenie Single Barrel Traditional Oak 25yo

Grant’s Family Reserve

Glenfiddich 12yo

Glenfiddich Rich Oak

Glenfiddich 15yo

Glenfiddich 18yo

Grant’s 25yo

Glenfiddich Excellence 26yo

Glenfiddich Distillery Edition 15yo

The Balvenie Portwood 21yo

The Balvenie Caribbean Cask 14yo

Glenfiddich The Original 

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Madeira Cask 

Glenfiddich Cask Selection, Select Cask

Hudson Baby Bourbon

Hudson Manhattan Rye

Hudson Four Grain Bourbon

Silver Sailor Jerry Rum

Gibsons Finest Rare 12yo

Three Barrels XO 15yo

Reyka

Milagro Special Reserve Reposado

Tullamore Dew Trilogy 15yo

Tullamore Dew 

Clan Macgregor

Girvan Patent Still No.4 apps

Girvan Patent Still Proof Strength

Grant’s Elementary Oxygen

Grant’s Elementary Carbon

Grant’s 8yo

Grant’s Sherry Cask Reserve

Grant’s Signature

Grant’s Voyager

Grant’s 18yo

Glenfiddich Age of Discovery Red Wine Cask 

Bronze Gibsons Finest Sterling

Three Barrels VSOP

Woods 100

Solerno

Milagro Reposado

Milagro Silver

Milagro Special Reserve Silver

Milagro Special Reserve Anejo

- Ends -

THE BALVENIE REVEALS MUCH-ANTICIPATED CHAPTER TWO OF THE BALVENIE DCS COMPENDIUM

 ‘The Influence of Oak’ explores Malt Master David Stewart MBE’s masterful leveraging of different wood types 

Following the momentous launch of The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter One in October 2015,  the eagerly anticipated The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two was unveiled last month (October 2016). Titled ‘The Influence of Oak’, this chapter features five extremely rare single malt whiskies. It highlights the complex manner in which different oak barrels influence the flavour of the spirit during the maturation process.

The Balvenie DCS Compendium is Malt Master David Stewart MBE’s handover of his knowledge in both written and liquid form that will see 25 rare and vintage casks released over five years. The Balvenie DCS Compendium captures the breadth of David’s achievement and contributions to the industry and his craft.

David pioneered double cask maturation or finishing during a 54 year career at The Balvenie, a legacy most notably fulfilled in The Balvenie 12 YO DoubleWood.  This chapter showcases his vast knowledge and unrivalled expertise in understanding this process, which he has harnessed to craft whiskies of exceptional quality.

The whiskies in The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two range in age from 15 years to 43 years and were taken from different cask types, including; European oak Oloroso sherry butts, first fill American oak bourbon barrels, European oak port puncheon and European oak Pedro Ximénez sherry butt – with each barrel imparting their own distinct flavour profile to the final expression. 

Commenting on The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two, David Stewart MBE, says:  “As a Malt Master, I’m very lucky to have been trusted to experiment with different cask finishes and even try out my own techniques to see how they effect the distinctive honeyed characteristics of The Balvenie. Understanding how the oak and the previous spirit, or fortified wine held by the cask influences the whisky is a very important part of my job.  

“This chapter highlights the complexity of flavours each expression takes from wood. I love the results from the older Oloroso sherry butt, which has produced a whisky with a fantastic floral and fruity nose, followed by a wonderful honeyed sweetness. The whisky taken from the 2001 Pedro Ximénez sherry butt is unusual, it shows The Balvenie as a near liqueur with toffee sweetness and a touch of spicy ginger.” 

The Balvenie DCS Compendium Chapter Two whiskies are:

• 1972 Aged 43 years – Cask 13134, European oak Oloroso sherry butt, filled 31^st October 1972, [
• 1990 Aged 25 years – Cask 2790, European oak Oloroso sherry butt, filled 3^rd October 1990,
• 1990 Aged 26 years – Cask 7359, First fill American oak bourbon barrel, filled 1^st May 1990, 
• 1997 Aged 19 years – Cask 7951, European oak port puncheon, filled 6^th August 1997, 
• 2001 Aged 15 Years – Cask 9328, European oak Pedro Ximénez sherry butt, filled 25^th April 2001, 

As with each chapter in the The Balvenie DCS Compendium, Chapter Two is stunningly presented in a bespoke walnut and brass frame, crafted by Scottish wood craftsman Sam Chinnery. The rarity of each expressions is highlighted by an individual number engraved on the presentation case, showing it is one of just 50 sets available worldwide. Individual bottles from the set will also be available in single walnut presentation frames.

About The Balvenie DCS Compendium

The Balvenie DCS Compendium is the whisky launch of a lifetime, and a celebration of the industry’s longest-serving Malt Master – David Stewart MBE. Consisting of 25 exceptionally rare single cask single malts, the compendium and its accompanying book represent a handover of David’s skill and expertise to the future generations of craftsmen at the distillery.

The accompanying book has been written by Dr. Samuel J Simmons, The Balvenie Global Ambassador, and signed by David. Featuring a collection of archive imagery from The Balvenie distillery, the book captures and expands upon each of the five chapters and documents the process taken by David in curating the compendium. 

Past and Future Chapters

Chapter One of The Balvenie DCS Compendium, titled ‘Distillery Style’, was released in October 2015 to critical acclaim the world over. Following Chapter One and Two, a further three chapters will be released annually until 2019, each featuring five individual casks that correspond with a certain theme within the accompanying book. The subsequent themes are as follows;

• Chapter Three: Secrets of the Stock Model 
• Chapter Four: Expecting the Unexpected 
• Chapter Five: Malt Master’s indulgence 

To learn more about The Balvenie DCS Compendium, please visit 

https://www.thebalvenie.com/our-range/dcs-compendium/ 

A truly British brand for Scorpio Worldwide

The end of the year may be fast approaching, but that doesn’t mean inflight distributor, Scorpio Worldwide is taking a back seat. Its beauty portfolio has expanded dramatically over the past 18 months to include a range of high-quality beauty brands. Keen to keep the momentum, Scorpio is adding yet another exciting new beauty brand to its offering, ARK Skincare.

Bringing together advanced natural ingredients and results-driven formulations, ARK’s age-protect, age-defend and age-defy ranges offer an intelligent approach to skincare and supplying the skin with exactly what it needs at different stages of life.

Made in Britain in small batches to retain efficacy, each ARK skincare product is free from artificial colours, fragrances and parabens, making them perfect for even the most sensitive of complexions. What’s more, each product utilises specialised containers including airless pump technology, delivering the exact amount of product you need without contamination from the bacteria on your hands.

Stuart McGuire, Chairman, Scorpio Worldwide, comments, “We have been building our beauty portfolio over the past 18 months, and with the addition of ARK Skincare, I believe that we have a very strong offering. ARK Skincare is a highly regarded brand in the domestic beauty market, so we have high hopes that it will be a popular product inflight.”

Partnering with Scorpio Worldwide to bring its skincare products to the inflight channel, Ark will be launching two new products on all Thomson Airways routes – Hydration Injection Masque and Skin Protector SPF30 Primer.

Hydration Injection Masque

An intensive multivitamin hydration injection masque to quench skin, plump wrinkles and restore vibrancy, this rejuvenating treatment masque is the ideal pick me up for skin which looks tired, stressed and lacking in radiance.

ARK Skincare Hydration Injection Masque contains an encapsulated blend of vitamins for maximum efficacy: Vitamin A to regulate collagen synthesis; Vitamin B5 for smoothness; Vitamin C to fade pigmentation and Vitamin E to prevent UV damage. Hyaluronic Acid Booster drenches skin with moisture, optimising the circulation of water through all skin layers and providing 24-hour protection against water loss. Winner of Best age delay face masque – Beauty Shortlist Awards 2016

Skin Protector SPF30 Primer

A Make-up primer, sunscreen, and moisturiser in one. ARK Skincare Skin Protector SPF30 Primer ensures make-up glides on effortlessly with an airbrush finish and lasts all day long, whilst delivering UVA & UVB protection against sun damage and premature ageing. Leaves skin looking flawless.

Chosen by the Independent as the No. 1 Best Buy, Long lasting make up product September 2016.  Chosen by the Independent as the No.1 Best Buy, Top 9 Facial Sunscreens July 2015. Winner of Best time saving/multi-tasking beauty product – Beauty Shortlist Mama & Baby Awards 2016.

Tamsin Styles, CEO of Ark Skincare, comments, “ARK Skincare is incredibly excited to be launching two of its award winning products on all Thomson Airways routes from 1st November 2016. This is a new and exciting phase of ARK Skincare’s growth, and opens up new audiences for ARK’s retail product line. This forms part of ARKs global development plans, and is the first stage of ARK's expansion into the travel and hospitality industries. The two products launching are particularly key to travellers who wish to protect and hydrate their skin with quality British skincare formulations both in flight, and during their time away.”

ACCOLADE WINES AGREES TO ACQUIRE LION’S AUSTRALIAN PREMIUM WINE BUSINESS, FINE WINE PARTNERS

Sydney, Australia, 14 November 2016 – Accolade Wines and Lion, today have reached an agreement for Accolade Wines to acquire Lion Australia’s premium wine business, Fine Wine Partners (FWP). This acquisition is a further step in Accolade Wines strategy as the leading provider of New World wine.

Fine Wine Partners is focussed on iconic, regionally distinct varietals in premium growing regions and brings together an enviable portfolio of pre-eminent wineries and brands.

Accolade Wines Deputy CEO, Michael East said: "Over the last 5 years, we have experienced significant growth and expanded our global footprint through the acquisition of Geyser Peak in the United States, Grant Burge Wines in Australia, Mud House in New Zealand and Vina Anakena in Chile.

"The acquisition of the FWP business and brands will strategically enhance Accolade Wines product leadership, complementing our current brand portfolio, while integrating seamlessly into our business model. An expanded premium offering responds to a shift in consumer preferences for quality wine, while allowing us to better meet the needs of our customers.”

The sale includes FWP’s six Australian fully-owned brands Petaluma, Croser, St Hallett, Knappstein, Stonier and Tatachilla, its four Australian wineries, including all plant and equipment, land and vineyards, inventory and the on-and-off-premise distribution network. The sale price and the specific terms and conditions are confidential.

"These brands, from Australia's most renowned wine regions, represent a very exciting acquisition for Accolade Wines as we further enhance our premium wine credentials and portfolio." said East.
A six month transition has been agreed to ensure an orderly change of ownership for all stakeholders.

ENDS

About Accolade Wines
Headquartered in Australia, Accolade Wines is the world's fifth largest wine company by volume, delivering approximately 38 million, 9 litre cases to over 140 countries
annually. Drawing on a proud heritage with the first grapes treaded in 1853 at Hardys winery, Accolade Wines has evolved into a global wine company with an extensive portfolio of quality wine brands. Accolade Wine’s vision is to be the world’s leading provider of New World wines and was the first wine company to have a footprint in all major New World regions. With three out of the top 10 wine brands in the UK, and two of the top ten in Australia, the company’s

enviable portfolio is led by Hardys and includes Houghton, Grant Burge Wines and Banrock Station (Australia), Waipara Hills and Mud House (New Zealand), Geyser Peak and Echo Falls (United States), Kumala & Flagstone (South Africa), and Viña Anakena (Chile).
Contacts:
Georgia Lennon
Accolade Wines
Corporate Affairs and Communications Director (02) 8336-8294 / 0412 342 897 georgia.lennon@accolade-wines.com 

Furla opens new store in Phuket

Furla is pleased to announce the opening of a new store in Phuket Downtown Galleria, Thailand, in partnership with Shilla Duty Free.

The 53 sqm boutique was officially opened on the 12th of November with Furla’s AW16 collection.

Gerry Munday, Furla’s Global Travel Retail Director, comments: “We thank Shilla Duty Free for their continued support of the brand.”

The ultimate festive gifts from Champagne Lanson

Wishing to use the upcoming festive period to highlight its Black and Rosé labels, Champagne Lanson is launching two unique gift packs into travel retail. The first is the Lanson Twistpack – a metallic cylindrical pack, lined with gold and four rotational rings that allows the giftpack to be repositioned giving it a bespoke look every time it moves.

Available in Zurich Airport from 29^th November until 26^th January, each ring of the gift pack represents one of the House of Lanson’s codes – the stamp, the claim, the cross and the logo. The highly decorated, playful pack is extremely eye-catching and represents the festive essence of the Lanson brand. Once the bottle of Lanson has been enjoyed, the giftpack can be reused as a candle holder or as a base for another bottle.

Champagne Lanson is also releasing its new Ruban Giftbox. Available in Charles de Gaulle and Orly stores in Paris from 22^nd November until January, the new giftbox offers a fresh and funky look when compared to the original. With the Lanson claim on the back with key words highlighted in bold gold and a bright bow on the front, the giftpack is the ideal festive gift. Available in Lanson Black and Rosé labels.

Champagne Lanson Travel Retail Director, Olivier de La Giraudiere comments, “The festive period is one of our busiest in terms of sales, so we always want to ensure that we launch something that is ideal for this vital gifting time. Both of these new giftpacks bring something fun and unique to the travel retail channel; we are certain that they will attract our current fan base and also draw in some new customers.”

Awards Galore for Cabeau®

2016 has proven to be a successful year for Cabeau, the leader of expertly crafted travel accessories. The company accumulated a number of accolades throughout the year for its range of travel products, as well as its dedication to local communities.

Cabeau’s 2016 product award wins include:

The Frontier Awards Buyers’ Forum Gold Medal for the 2016 Product of the Year (Evolution Pillow) - The Buyers’ Forum runs throughout the year and involves three senior travel retail buyers assessing five products that are new to the marketplace. The buyers are drawn from different sectors of the industry and the panel changes every quarter. Prior to the TFWA World Exhibition in October, the winning products from the previous 12 months are scrutinized by the year’s judging panels, and the prestigious Buyers’ Forum Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards are presented at the Frontier Awards evening.

Silver Edison Award in the Sports & Travel category (Evolution Cool Pillow) - The Edison Awards is a program run by Edison Universe, a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering future innovators. The Evolution Cool was reviewed by over 3,000 of the world’s senior business executives, academics, and innovation professionals spanning product development, design, engineering, science, marketing and education fields in order to take home top honors.

Buzz Award winner at the International Travel Goods Show (Evolution Cool Pillow) – This award is voted on by retail buyers and the media that attend the show. 

Since inception, Cabeau has given more than 3,500 hours of time to local charities and organisations in the Los Angeles community. Some of the incredible initiatives that Cabeau employees have participated in 2016 include: hand-delivering personally prepared food bags to local families in need alongside DreamCenter, preparing and serving a hearty brunch to the resident families at Ronald McDonald House, visiting the Holiday Manor Assisted Living Community to bring some cheer to the residents’ days and packaging food supplies/care packages for the elderly and homeless at the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. 

With Cabeau’s dedication to inspiring a spirit of charity amongst its team and enriching the communities around them, its final award really speaks to the heart of Cabeau: 

Community Service Award – Winning for its monthly service days within its local community. Along with partnering with large philanthropic organisations, Cabeau also shuts down its office once a day each month so that Team Cabeau can give time to a local charity or organisation. 

David Sternlight, Founder and CEO comments, "This year has been very positive for Cabeau; being recognised for the quality of our products, along with our commitment to local communities is a great honour for us, and represents all the hard work the Cabeau team has, and continues to put in to this great company.”