A positive first trip to Cannes for Molton Brown

Molton Brown introduces its new limited edition collections at Cannes

A vital element of its international travel retail and duty free expansion strategy, Molton Brown, London fragrance experts, showcased its new and innovative collections at the Majestic Hotel, in Cannes, during the largest global travel retail event. This first time experience for the brand, gave it the perfect opportunity to meet with potential non-uk airlines, key retailers and existing partners and introduce them to its new Limited Edition Gourmand collections. 

“We are very happy with the outcome of Cannes since it enabled us to strengthen our relations with our existing partners, while discussing opportunities with potential ones. We met with over 80 key industry figures which included some of our top retail and airline targets, with all the follow up meetings looking very promising for the future. Our exquisite showroom in the Majestic allowed us to bring the Molton Brown brand to life, showcasing our distinctive and exotic blends, including our brand new Gourmand Collections,” comments Tim Pluess Associate Director, Export Sales Molton Brown. 

The demand for gourmand fragrance has been steadily increasing for the past 12 years and shows no signs of slowing down. Recognising this trend, Molton Brown launched two limited edition blends in Cannes to sit perfectly alongside their already successful gourmand collection, Rhubarb & Rose. 

Available from 1^st March, in selected travel retail locations, the two new limited editions, Exquisite Vanilla & Violet Flower and Comice Pear & Wild Honey have been inspired by the success of the delectably tempting Delicious Rhubarb & Rose collection. All three sit perfectly together and introduce an enticing trio of olfactory desserts. Each of these charming fragrances have been expertly crafted with the very best seasonal ingredients sourced from the English countryside, celebrating the brand’s British heritage.

“Introducing these new Limited Edition Gourmand collections during Cannes gave us the perfect opportunity to showcase to our potential and current partners what Molton Brown is all about – the very best ingredients and exquisite fragrances. We received very positive feedback, so are delighted to be introducing these two new gourmand blends to our travel retail locations.”

“We’ve been watching the gourmand fragrance market with interest for a number of years. We initially launched our first gourmand fragrance based bath and body line Rhubarb & Rose three years ago and it has been hugely successful, so we are confident that these new additions will be equally successful,” adds Pluess. 

Christian Plesch, the master parfumer who created these two new fragrances, describes Exquisite Vanilla & Violet Flower as “a sumptuous powdery fragrance that opens on fresh violet leaf and dewy freesia tonalities. The violet is magnified in heart by a rich bouquet of orris and rose lingering into a sensuous base where swirls of vanilla take the lead on a bed of tonka and musk.” Available in bath & shower gel, body lotion and single wick candle. 

“Comice Pear & Wild Honey opens with crunchy green leaves accords (of the pear tree, of course) refreshed by subtle hints of bergamot and layered with light petals of gardenia. The heart reveals a juicy pear embellished by jasmine and lily of the valley before evolving into a gourmand base of mouth-watering honey, caramel and biscuit,” says Christian Plesch. Available in hand wash, hand lotion and hand cream. 

The Molton Brown Gourmand Collections have been adorned with coloured metallic caps and signature grosgrain knot for a limited time only.

To celebrate the launch of the collections, Molton Brown has worked closely with renowned Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Barber, who has crafted three exclusive patisseries inspired by the distinctive fragrances. These patisseries feature in the campaign showcasing the extraordinary attention to detail, and craftsmanship involved both in the art of fragrance and patisserie.

In order to maximise the gifting opportunity, Molton Brown is introducing an assortment of pre-made exclusive sets. Presented in its signature box, adorned with the Royal Arms, each set will have a colourful ribbon –colour dependent on set purchased - and a gift tag making it ideal for a loved one. 

The three sets available are: 

GOURMAND GIFT SET – Includes Rhubarb & Rose Bath and Shower Gel, Comice Pear & Wild Honey Hand Wash and Exquisite Vanilla & Violet Flower Bath and Shower Gel. 

Comice Pear & Wild Honey HAND GIFT SET – Includes Comice Pear & Wild Honey Fine Liquid Hand Wash, Comice Pear & Wild Honey Hand Lotion and Comice Pear & Wild Honey Handcream. 

Exquisite Vanilla & Violet BODY GIFT SET – Includes Exquisite Vanilla & Violet Bath and Showergel, Exquisite Vanilla & Violet Body Lotion and an Exquisite Vanilla & Violet Single Wick Candle. 

Furla arrives in Bali

Furla is pleased to announce the opening of a new store in Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar), Bali.

The 28sqm personalized store was opened on December 27^th in partnership with DFS with Furla’s Autumn Winter 2016 collection.

“This is a fabulous new location for Furla, Bali has become an extremely popular tourist spot in recent years, so this is great exposure for the brand,” says Gerry Munday, Furla’s Global Travel Retail Director. “Many thanks to DFS for the support.”

Strong gifting potential @Capi

Travellers are often in search for gifts for their family, friends and business relations. As the leading airport retailer of consumer electronics, Capi knows that electronics make perfect gifts for both men and women as an alternative to traditional presents. Peter Wiggers, Managing Director of Royal Capi-Lux, states: “The Gadget Table is a prime example of how we inspire and surprise travellers searching for exciting gifts and gadgets. On this table customers will find unique and innovative gifts and gadgets like the flying propeller Flash Ball, the Fuji Instax Polaroid Camera and a Star Wars droid. With live demonstrations at The Gadget Table, travellers can experience the most exciting items in the Capi stores. Besides new products, ‘Sweet Notes’ are now placed everywhere on this table; small personal messages to remind travellers to buy a present for their loved-ones or business relations.”

Personal Care items are part of another category which shows strong gifting potential. That is why Capi often puts extra emphasis on Personal Care products like Philips’ VisaPure Advanced and the Sonicare DiamondClean toothbrush on its Action Marketing Tables. These products are not only handy, but also perfectly suitable as gifts for both men and women. Each year, Capi also organises Chinese New Year campaigns with special promotions and Chinese-speaking hostesses. During these campaigns, the focus is again on personal care gifts and products that appeal to Chinese travellers.  

In addition, Capi creates added value for travellers by offering unique propositions. Wiggers indicates: “Thanks to our close collaboration with suppliers, we are able to offer airport exclusive and Capi exclusive propositions to travellers. In this way, we offer them unique and valuable propositions they will not find in downtown retail.” For example, Capi and Philips recently co-developed a unique sleeve for the Philips DiamondClean toothbrush which made it a ready-to-offer present. Moreover, Capi and Nikon together created a Capi exclusive travel kit consisting of a camera, memory card and camera bag. By doing so, Capi offers its customers truly unique propositions.

Wiggers adds: “Capi always offers the latest innovations in its stores, often before they become available to the rest of the market. We were for instance able to launch the new iPhone 7 simultaneously with the worldwide launch at the Apple stores and the introduction has been an immediate success. At the moment, the Beats over-ear headphones are a popular addition to the iPhone 7, since they come in the same luxury colours”. 

“Since our retail strategy and brand portfolio are internationally orientated, with a local touch for gadgets and gifts, we are able to expand our presence worldwide”, ends Wiggers. 

WILLIAM GRANT & SONS SEES POSITIVE RESULTS IN EUROPE DESPITE CHALLENGING ENVIRONMENT

Despite a challenging environment, William Grant & Sons says its business enjoyed “very healthy growth” in many Global Travel Retail (GTR) European markets in 2016,  often “ahead of the trend and our competition”, according to Managing Director GTR, Ed Cottrell.

Key to this, says Cottrell, are the strong working relationships with WGS’s retail partners throughout Europe (and globally) to create innovative and engaging activations that bring its products to life whilst acknowledging the individual personality and DNA of each brand.

“At WGS we believe we’re at the forefront of ever more theatrical promotions and activations that benefit both from the ever-increasing technological and digital advances open to us, as well as deeply creative concepts based around more traditional materials and props,” says Cottrell.

For 2017, WGS will continue to put a strong focus on digital marketing and development of social networking to promote its brands, combining promotional activations in airports with online platform activities that offer a 360-degree approach towards customers. “Generally we accept that in travel retail we are, as an industry, somewhat behind in digital and have to collectively work harder with our retail partners to ‘catch up,” continues Cottrell.

As far as markets are concerned, WGS points to tentative signs in the last quarter of 2016 that Russia could be exiting its recession, which has resulted in improvement in its TR business with this region. “While, in comparison with 2014 and previous years, Russian travellers are not yet returning to full their purchasing power, some improvement is definitely being seen – with the exception of St Petersburg which is primarily a tourist airport. However, in other key Russian/CIS airports we have seen sales increases of 20% vs. 2015, which was -50% vs. 2014,” adds Cottrell.

The Virtual Glenfiddich Distillery at Paris Charles De Gaulle

However, WGS notes a change in buyer’s preferences. Value for money and comparisons with Russian domestic market prices are now the name of the game rather than trading up and premiumisation, calling for a balance of product activations and promotions with price-off offers to can yield sales.

Turkey remains a challenging market for WGS – especially given the further terrorist attacks in December – and the company sees no signs of it improving in the foreseeable future. Elsewhere WGS points to changes in Nordic traveller buying habits following oil prices that are now affecting the economy in that country. 

Cottrell accepts that 2017 will be no less challenging. “Terrorism during 2016 has meant that Europe has never been seen as more insecure and unstable, which has had a direct affect on the number of Asian travellers. Fewer travellers means increased competition between the producers for market share and a fight for every single sale,” he says.

Brexit is also affecting the company. “British passengers are whisky drinkers, and  consequently sales in Spain and Portugal have been affected due to currency exchange rate changes since the referendum. On the other hand, the UK is becoming more attractive price-wise, and we have seen sales increase to Asian passengers as the UK is perceived as ‘safer’ than France or elsewhere in Europe. The UK looks set to be a very important market for WGS in 2017.”

WGS believes that, aside from the economic issues, there is simply not enough differentiation in airports from the local market, and a proliferation of small and ‘craft’ brands that are flooding the category – making the purchasing decision more confusing than it should be for travelling consumers.

The Hendrick's 'Serve 'O' Matic' at Frankfurt Airport

Nevertheless, WGS remains highly positive for its European business in 2017 and beyond. Says Cottrell:  “Our remit is to further develop the already excellent business relationships with our GTR Global and European based customers. We place an enormous amount of importance on these relationships, and work together to ensure the right portfolio of product is offered to customers, supported by engaging, fun and educational activations. 

“We do place particular importance on The Advantage Group Survey and look carefully at the feedback from customers in order to ensure we are partnering with them in the most effective way. We were particularly delighted with the latest survey in the very positive response from our customers on the strong and collaborative relationships we have with our partners.”

Notes to Editors

* William Grant & Sons is an independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the global premium spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world’s leading brands of Scotch whisky including the world’s most awarded single malt Glenfiddich^®, The Balvenie^® range of handcrafted single malts the world’s most reclusive malt Kininvie and the world’s third largest blended Scotch, Grant’s^®, as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s^® Gin, Sailor Jerry ^® Spiced Rum, Tullamore D.E.W.^® Irish Whiskey, Monkey Shoulder^® Blended Malt Scotch Whisky and Drambuie^® Scotch Liqueur.

CABEAU PARTNERS WITH LEADING IN-FLIGHT DISTRIBUTOR SCORPIO WORLDWIDE

Leading Travel Products Company Takes Comfort to All New Heights with New In-Flight Partnership

Cabeau, a world leader in consumer travel products available in more than 110 countries, is excited to announce its partnership with Scorpio Worldwide, a leading  distributor of high quality goods to the global in-flight and travel retail market. Beginning February 1, 2017, Scorpio Worldwide will be offering Cabeau to its vast in-flight network.

The partnership will initially focus on the global distribution of Cabeau’s Air Evolution pillow. Using space-saving technology, the Air Evolution features an adjustable air core so consumers can inflate to their perfect level of firmness. Covered in super soft velour, the practical pillow offers a compact solution to finding comfort while travelling and allows consumers to pack light and sleep tight. Offering long-lasting head support, the pillow can compress to fit inside a can-sized travel case for quick and convenient packing. 

“As we continue to grow the global footprint of our brand, we are thrilled to make our products even more accessible with our new in-flight option,” says David Sternlight, Founder and CEO of Cabeau. ”We are carefully building a loyal team of strategic partners who share in our vision to elevate the travel experience and found that with Scorpio.”

Ian Cowie, Managing Director, Scorpio Worldwide, comments, “Cabeau’s pillows are completely unique from anything we have seen before, both in their quality of build, and design making them practical for the in-flight channel. We enjoy working with brands that are dedicated to the travel retail industry, and it is clear from our early dealings with Cabeau that they most definitely are, therefore we are delighted to be working with them and assisting in helping Cabeau grow its in-flight business.”

Following the initial launch with the Air Evolution pillow, Cabeau plans to add additional products to its in-flight roster of offerings.

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About Cabeau

Cabeau creates exceptional and affordable travel products for all of life’s journey’s. Our company began with one simple mission: to find a travel pillow that actually works. What started with the Evolution® Pillow has now evolved into a smart assortment of solution-driven products. Each one is specifically designed to make travel easier, more manageable and infinitely more comfortable, turning every trip into a first-class experience. Cabeau’s award-winning travel pillows, comfort products, and accessories are available in over 110 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.cabeau.com. 

About Scorpio Worldwide

Founded in 1997, Scorpio Worldwide is a leading and award winning specialist in the global travel retail industry. The company provides a 360 degree sales, marketing and distribution service for airlines, airports, duty free shopping groups, ferries and cruise liners. Its products include major brands in fragrance, cosmetics, watches, jewellery, accessories, well-being, gadgets and other travel goods. Scorpio is a family based business and an independently managed company within the Gebr Heinemann Group, one of the largest operators and distributors within the global travel retail market.

FREEZETHEMOMENT: a journey with Alex Bellini and Paul & Shark at -40°

An extreme adventure to mark the profound changes that are taking place today: Paul&Shark presents the new collaboration with Alex Bellini, the Italian explorer who is currently facing a new solo challenge by climbing the biggest and most impenetrable glaciers in the world. 

“Literally stepping out of one’s own comfort zone. Abandoning certainties and the modus operandi that one has always relied upon until now. This is what we are required to do today", explains Paul & Shark’s CEO and President, Andrea Dini. “We are a company that has been studying contemporary men – sailors, travellers, explorers - of all ages for the past three generations. Their passions, their needs. In their innate desire to go beyond the horizon.” 

Paul & Shark has asked Alex Bellini to take on a very risky challenge: to cross an ice cap of almost 8,100 sq km; alone. The Vatnajökull, the biggest glacier in Europe, is a white, cold and infinite land that rises above 1,400 metres above sea level. 

The journey merges two values. The first is the need to face the unknown and the impossible, themes that symbolise a world caught up in continuous and sudden changes. The second involves witnessing first-hand the dramatic change in the climate, an ethical and ecological issue that closely affects us all. 

“In regard to the challenge”, says Alex Bellini, “this adventure fully expresses my belief: the best and most authentic way we have of gaining knowledge and understanding ourselves is to push ourselves beyond the boundaries of our habits and certainties. Concerning the environmental awareness and the dramatic change in the climate, this expedition will allow me to face the consequences of our habits. The only way to bridge the gap between what we know, what we imagine and what is actually happening to the climate is to experience it firsthand. And then record it live”. 

Alex Bellini's journey is being followed and recorded day by day by Paul & Shark on its social media channels (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and Youtube) and on its dedicated website freezethemoment.it. The -40 Capsule Collection (three technical jackets, a fleece and a pair of trousers designed to with-stand arctic temperatures and the most extreme conditions of the glacier) will dress Bellini during the entire expedition.  Alex departed on the 23rd of January from Jökulheimar in Iceland, and will continue on foot to Snaefell, the last outpost west of the Vatnajökull glacier. 

Catherine Bonelli, Paul & Shark’s Global Travel Retail Director, says: “This is fantastic way of increasing the brand profile, and the first time we have had a collaboration of this nature, which always reflects well into travel retail. What Alex is doing is the ultimate travel experience – again identifying well with our distribution channel, and we wish him every bit of luck on exciting yet dangerous journey. ”

2017 brings an exciting new fashion brand for Scorpio Worldwide

A new year, a new brand for leading inflight distributor Scorpio Worldwide. Following a successful 2016, Scorpio is wasting no time in ensuring its portfolio continues to be the best in the business with the announcement that it has partnered with ‘Just Cavalli.’ 

Just Cavalli was created in 2000 by the iconic fashion designer, Roberto Cavalli. A well-loved global brand, Just Cavalli speaks to the heart of its young, sophisticated and well-travelled audience through its casual elegance and modern designs. Dedicated to a new generation of free spirits, the youth aimed line combines flamboyance and glamour, embodying the Italian spirit with the use of stunning materials, bold colours and patterns. 

Born in Florence, Tuscany, Roberto Cavalli has dominated the Italian fashion world since the early 1970s. Having previously designed for Hermès and Pierre Cardin, Roberto Cavalli is most renowned for his sand-blasted jeans, wild prints, intarsia leathers and brocade. The self-named brand can be found in over 50 countries worldwide and today comprises of men’s wear, women’s wear, accessories, eyewear, watches, jewellery, perfumers, underwear and beachwear. 

The new partnership has resulted in the release of an inflight watch collection. Made up of 27 watches - 23 ladies and 4 men’s – the collection ranges from £65 to £149, bringing high fashion at affordable prices. Those that are familiar with the ‘Just Cavalli’ brand will be pleased to hear that its signature ‘Thunderbolt’ icon and trademark ‘snakeskin’ patterns and design details are key features in the collection. 

The highlight of the ‘Just Cavalli’ 2017 Beach Collection is the ‘Summer Special’ watch. The interchangeable watch design gives two different looks in one. Simply unscrew the back of the case and replace the strap, allowing a mix-match of different styles, textures and colours dependent on your chosen wardrobe. The ‘Summer Special’ watch comes with an exotic, colourful snakeskin silicon strap and an electric blue silicon strap. 

Stuart McGuire, Chairman, Scorpio Worldwide, comments, “Working with any new brand is an exciting time for the Scorpio team, but being able to partner with a fashion brand such as ‘Just Cavalli’ is testament to the hard work and experience we bring as an inflight specialist. This new collection is ideal for those who love fashionable, statement watches at competitive price points.” 

Scorpio Worldwide will also be releasing a 10-piece collection of ‘Just Cavalli’ fashion jewellery that will range from £49 to £99. 

Aurora World bears all at the London Toy Fair

The upcoming Toy Fair in Olympia, London, will see Aurora World introduce some brand new additions to its extensive range of plush toys.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the best-selling bedtime book; ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt,’ by Michael Rosen, and fans of the story will be thrilled that Aurora has now brought the popular story to life with brand new plush bears available in three different sizes (8”, 9.5” and 14”.) Garry Stoner, Aurora World’s Global Travel Retail Manager, says: “This is the perfect time to launch this range, following the success of the TV adaption; made by the creators of ‘The Snowman,’ which was shown this Christmas.” The We’re Going on a Bear Hunt range retails from €15 to €39.

The cute and quirky Gnomlins range, which last year had just two styles, now boasts a whopping nine different options. The Gnomlins are quickly becoming a force to be reckoned with, with the additions of: Forest Gnomlin, Voxi Gnomlin, Irish Gnomlin, Union Jack Gnomlin, Arg Gnomlin, Beefeater Gnomlin, and Guardsman Gnomlin. The Gnomlins range from €10 to €27, and the UK themed Gnomlins are ideal as a tourist memorabilia purchase.

Garry Stoner continues: “We are very excited to be exhibiting once again at the Toy Fair and showing off our latest concepts to potential buyers. It is very important that we keep refreshing and adding to our portfolio to keep interest high, and our latest additions are sure to do that.”

Aurora World can be found at the Toy Fair on stand D35.

CABEAU BECOMES THE FIRST TRAVEL ACCESSORIES COMPANY TO JOIN APTRA

Renowned Travel Products Company Joined the Ranks of Esteemed Trade Association for the Duty Free and Travel Retail Industry in Asia Pacific Region

 Cabeau, a world leader in consumer travel products, is delighted to announce that it has joined Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association members. As the first travel accessories company to join the trade association for the duty free and travel retail industry in the Asia Pacific region, the brand is demonstrating its dedication to strengthening its presence in the opportunity- filled region. 

“Joining APTRA is another step in the right direction for Cabeau in becoming the number one travel accessories brand in Asia Pacific,” said David Sternlight, Founder and CEO of Cabeau. “We are dedicated to the travel retail channel; we want to help grow the business and protect it when challenges arise, and this is a key objective of APTRA. To be the first travel accessories company to join APTRA is real pleasure; we want to lead the way in the travel retail industry.” 

As a member of APTRA, Cabeau will have the opportunity to participate and benefit from the association’s programming including through:

• Technology-led initiatives, seminars and conferences where APTRA serves to facilitate contact between members;
• Intensive consumer and market research where APTRA provides a solid knowledge bank, bringing valuable, actionable data relevant to all sectors;
• Regular communication where APTRA seeks to spread awareness and knowledge about the industry and the importance of travel retail for governments, airports, airlines and related businesses;
• Regional monitoring, and in collaboration with member companies and trade associations in other parts of the world, where APTRA is constantly on the alert for new challenges where its advocacy on behalf of the industry is needed with national governments and policy-makers to safeguard and grow the business of all concerned.

The geographical area covered by APTRA includes countries in Eastern Asia, South Eastern Asia, South Central Asia and Oceania.

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About Cabeau

Cabeau creates exceptional and affordable travel products for all of life’s journey’s. Our company began with one simple mission: to find a travel pillow that actually works. What started with the Evolution® Pillow has now evolved into a smart assortment of solution-driven products. Each one is specifically designed to make travel easier, more manageable and infinitely more comfortable, turning every trip into a first-class experience. Cabeau’s award-winning travel pillows, comfort products, and accessories are available in over 110 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.cabeau.com.