Champagne Lanson strengthens its GTR team

After a record-breaking year for the champagne industry, Champagne Lanson has announced some changes to its Global Travel Retail team.

Albane

Edouard

Loraine

Lanson’s former Head of Travel Retail, Edouard de Boissieu, has now been appointed as Export Manager Europe (domestic markets) for the Maison.

François Van Aal, President of Champagne Lanson, commented: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Edouard for his great input and sales performance during his time as Head of Travel Retail.”

Stepping into Edouard’s role as Key Account Manager GTR is Albane Lussat, who was previously Lanson’s Trade Marketing Manager for Domestic and Global Travel Retail. Her previous position is being filled by Loraine Wojcik, who has been Lanson’s Export Assistant for the last 5 years.

Edouard, Albane and Loraine will be reporting to Emmanuel Gantet as Europe & Overseas Export Director and GTR Director.

“2022 was a very strong year for the Champagne industry and a historical record high 6 billion euros of turnover,” continues Van Aal. “I am convinced that the best is yet to come for Champagne Lanson despite the uncertainty of the geo-political and economic environments.”

Go Travel launches 3-tier strategy for travel pillows: right product, right place, right price

Go Travel is pleased to launch a 3-tier strategy for its travel pillows to further expand its presence in the global travel retail marketplace. 

The travel accessories specialist is launching its new 3-tier pillow strategy with a clear focus on ‘right product, right place, right price’ ensuring it captures every level of customer within the airport retail experience. 

“We have three core travel pillows at three key price points. Our mission for the GTR market is to maximise opportunities to sell the right product in the right place at the right price,” said Denz van der List, VP of Sales for Go Travel. 

Go Travel’s travel pillow offer comprises: 

• Memory ZZZs – affordable, entry-level product focused on value for money

• Memory Dreamer – mid-level, contemporary design, comfort product

• Ultimate 3.0 – premium product, luxurious feel, high-end design details, ultra-comfortable

Along with the above, Go Travel will have American versions of the pillows: ZZZs, American Dreamer and Ultimate 3.0 supplied from its US production facility. 

“Our 3-tier range allows us to work with travel retail partners on delivering the best possible product offering in the right location. We’re looking at a number of metrics, such as terminal, airline and passenger demographics; these elements give us opportunities to be flexible with our SKUs and feature different tiered products side by side accordingly,” said van der List. 

Go Travel’s regional focus is paving the way to stronger partnerships. “We have seen how successful our American Dreamer product range has been in the US since we launched it in 2019 and we plan to build on this by developing exclusive options with our travel retail partners,” said van der List. 

GLENFIDDICH REVEALS GRAND YOZAKURA: THE FIRST SINGLE MALT FINISHED IN RARE JAPANESE EX-AWAMORI CASKS

Glenfiddich reveals Grand Yozakura, a limited edition that pays homage to Japanese culture 

Glenfiddich is poised to introduce the latest release from its ground-breaking Grand Series collection. Grand Yozakura, the first Single Malt Scotch Whisky to be finished in rare ex-Awamori casks, will make its travel retail debut in selected airport locations in Europe and Asia from late March, supported by a series of high-profile experiential activations.

A limited-edition fusion celebrating the finest flavours from Scotland and Japan, Grand Yozakura is a 29 Year Old Whisky matured at the Glenfiddich Distillery in Dufftown. It is finished in oak casks that previously matured Awamori – the oldest distilled alcoholic spirit in Japan – producing a finish unlike any other. Awamori is made using long grain indica rice, and is traditionally stored in clay pots and matured in oak casks. It is said that the technique for making the spirit has not been altered in over 500 years. Only a small proportion of Awamori is aged in oak casks, making them exceptionally rare. 

Grand Yozakura celebrates Hanami – the renowned “cherry blossom festival”, where Japan celebrates the temporal beauty of nature through the sakura. A time for renewal and optimism, the festival is best experienced illuminated after dark, where it is known as the Yozakura or ‘night sakura’. This fleeting moment captures a time where nature is honoured. In the same way, this marriage of rare liquids, once gone, will never be replicated, and therefore presents a precious, transient chance to experience a beautiful collision of cultures and flavours. 

The packaging of Grand Yozakura brings this meeting of cultures to life with a signature illustration, created by Japanese artist June, who creates visions incorporating Japanese culture and landscapes. The whisky packaging includes a bespoke topper and traditional poem printed onto each specially designed outer.

Glenfiddich Malt Master Brian Kinsman, commented: “We are always looking to experiment with new finishes so when the chance arose to acquire rare ex-Awamori casks we saw an opportunity to push the boundaries and experiment with this highly unusual spirit. This is the first time that Single Malt Scotch Whisky has been finished in these rare casks. We always learn something new when we lead with innovation so taking a risk is worth it, and in the case of Awamori we trialled a very small number of casks at a younger age first. 

“Awamori is much like whisky, with a diverse range of flavours. Since embarking on this fusion, it’s been fascinating to focus on the oak and how it has been changed and adapted by contact with another spirit. The six month finish in ex-Awamori Casks compliments the smooth Glenfiddich taste profile, elevating the finish and lifting the flavour to a new level, accentuating the mouthfeel characters and zingy herbal notes unlike any in the series, or anything I have tasted before.”

Glenfiddich Global Brand Director Claudia Falcone noted: “The Grand Series underpins Glenfiddich’s spirit of innovation and Grand Yozakura is no exception. It is perhaps the most ground-breaking expression to sit alongside the series so far, whilst also being the first limited edition release. Bringing together two scarce components accentuates the anticipation and sense of occasion, paying homage to the brand’s innovative nature when it comes to creating dynamic whiskies of the highest quality.” 

“We are pleased to once again be partnering with key retailers to showcase this latest addition to our pioneering Grand Series collection within travel retail – a vital channel for the luxury spirits business,” noted Gwilym Cooke, Head of Brand Marketing for GTR at WG&S. “In line with our commitment to innovate this new whisky offers a unique taste experience and compelling story that will be hugely appealing to both new and established whisky drinkers.”

Grand Yozakura is the latest addition to the series, which includes Glenfiddich Grand Cru, aged for 23 years in American and European oak casks and then finessed in French Cuvée oak casks; Glenfiddich Gran Reserva, patiently mellowed for 21 years in European and American Oak casks before a final flourish in Caribbean Rum casks; Grande Couronne, a 26 year old Scotch Whisky matured in American and European oak casks finished for up to two years in meticulously sourced French Cognac casks; and Gran Cortes, a refined Glenfiddich whisky aged for 22 years in traditional Sherry oak before finishing in very rare Palo Cortado Sherry casks. Glenfiddich is proud to be The World’s Most Awarded Single Malt Scotch Whisky1

ENDS

Tasting notes:

Nose

Zesty, ripe fruits and caramelised almonds. Lovely rich oak notes with hints of cinnamon and a distinctive herbal zing.

Taste

Indulgent layers of toasted oak, creamy vanilla toffee and silky tannin. Sporadic bursts of spice and sherbet lemons with crunchy green apple and warming earthy tones.

Finish

Long lasting oak. 

Nestlé brings its Food #1 category vision to the Americas through key focus brands

Nestlé International Travel Retail returns to the Summit of the Americas this year where it will present its ambition to build food into travel retail’s #1 category to the region’s buyers (BOOTH 101). As previously announced, this ambitious strategy will be delivered through the VERSE model, which harnesses Value, Engagement, Regeneration, Sense of Place and Execution.

Nestlé will bring VERSE to life on its booth through key focus brands KitKat®, Smarties®, Nestlé Swiss® and After Eight®, along with non-confectionery brand Nescafé®. 

Alongside core ranges, new products presented at the Summit of the Americas will include:

KitKat:  Alongside the new KitKat Vegan bar and KitKat Senses Tablets, travel retail markets will see the arrival of new Pistachio and Lotus Biscuit flavours for KitKat Senses Mini Moments; a four-flavour KitKat Mix Sharing Bag (replacing Honeycomb with new White flavour, along with Dark, Milk and Orange); and updated flavours (Peanut Butter, Milk and White) for the KitKat Chunky Mix Gift Pack. 

Supporting the iconic brand’s presence in travel retail is the global KitKat Live Your Break campaign, using the tagline ‘Break in a World of Flavour’. The campaign, which uses 360-degree digital communication tools to target consumers across their full travel journey, is now live across key airports including within Latin America.

Smarties:  Having switched to 100% recyclable paper packaging, Smarties continues to lead the sustainable narrative for confectionery within travel retail. 

This spring sees the launch of the new Smarties Cool Creatures, designed to inspire imagination and sea exploration through learning. The kit includes 4 sea-creature construction sheets, 1 playmat, 8 pencils and sticker sheets. It also includes four mini tubes of Smarties, tasty milk chocolates coated in crispy, colourful shells, in recyclable paper packaging.  

Exclusive to travel retail, Cool Creatures represents Nestlé ITR’s first venture into augmented reality, with a QR code taking users/shoppers to a virtual world where they can access three digital experiences: marine explorer, fun facts and an expert quiz. Clicking on each option uses the phone camera to explore a virtual marine world providing hours of educational fun for children as they learn through play.  

An irresistible Gin, Tonic & Mint flavour After Eight limited edition, in 400g travel-exclusive pack, joins this regional favourite; whilst a milk chocolate and hazelnut addition joins the Nestlé Swiss 170g tablet range.

While confectionery will continue to be the driving force of the food category (currently 77% of food purchases within global travel retail), retailers are grasping the scale of opportunity for the wider sector, particularly in coffee and well-being. 

At the SOA, Nestlé will highlight its travel retail options for the Nescafé Roastery Collection -  a premium instant coffee built on a patented split roasting process using high quality Arabica beans. Offering travellers the unrivalled flavour of batch-roasted coffee, the Roastery Collection is offered in light and dark-roasted options. Light roast offers notes of rich caramelised honey paired with toasted biscuit, for a smooth and velvety finish, while the deliciously dark roast has notes of dark chocolate & roasted nut for a rich and intense flavour.  

Joining the portfolio for travellers is Nescafé Azera Americano  – a barista-style Americano coffee collection designed to appeal to younger consumers. With a blend of instant and finely roasted coffee beans, travellers can enjoy the flavour and aroma of this classic coffee whenever required; just add hot water, stir, and serve. Americano, Americano Decaff and Americano Intense versions ensure all traveller needs are met.

Both Nescafé Roastery and Azera Collections are supported instore by dedicated merchandising units and offline/online digital media and, importantly, travelling consumers can rest assured that every jar or can purchased meets Nestlé’s ‘Cup of Respect’ whereby coffee is grown, manufactured, packaged and enjoyed respectfully and according to the 

Returning to the Summit of the Americas is a clear indication of Nestlé’s commitment to the region. Says NITR Global Head of Sales Jorge Hadweh:  “We have enjoyed very good sales recovery in the region since the Covid Pandemic thanks to the expanded distribution of our iconic brands in both airport and non-airport channels of distribution. We’ve also seen very good performance from our core brands and NPD’s, helping us to grow our sales ahead of passenger growth in the region’s strategic locations. We’re very much looking forward to meeting up with our partners and colleagues in West Palm Beach, continuing our ambition to make Food travel retail’s #1 category.

GLENFIDDICH’S PERPETUAL COLLECTION POP-UP CONCEPT MAKES MIDDLE EAST DEBUT WITH DUBAI DUTY FREE

William Grant’s ground-breaking Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection pop-up concept has made its Middle East debut at Dubai International Airport in partnership with Dubai Duty Free. The innovative, immersive in-person experience will be available at the airport from 1-31st March, in the form of three HPP installations in Concourse D Terminal 1 Departures, Concourse B East and West, and Terminal 3 Arrivals.

“Whisky accounts for over 50% of the total alcohol category in the Middle East, and Glenfiddich leads the market in malts, thanks to our superb coverage at all age statements and price brackets,” noted William Grant & Sons Managing Director Global Travel Retail David Wilson. “The Perpetual Collection is Glenfiddich’s biggest launch in global travel retail in the last decade, and we have been thrilled by the reception to our pop-up concept at other airports. Glenfiddich is a key partner of the leading airport retailers in the Middle East, as it facilitates huge trade-up opportunities, and incremental transaction value versus the category average. More specifically, we know that Dubai International’s Indian passenger demographic is the top nationality for Glenfiddich purchases. We are therefore hugely excited by the opportunities this latest collaboration presents.”

The Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection features four single malt whiskies, each matured within vats that have never been emptied, adding continuous layers to flavours. It began its global travel retail roll-out in August 2022. The first Perpetual Collection pop-up took place in Singapore Changi, in association with Lotte Duty Free, last September. Subsequent airport locations have included Amsterdam Schiphol, Miami International and Taiwan Taoyuan Airport.

“Dubai Duty Free has always been a great supporter of the malt whisky category, so a partnership with a brand like Glenfiddich is an obvious choice for us,” commented Dubai Duty Free Senior Vice President Purchasing Sharon Beecham. “As we welcome an increasing number of passengers, driving penetration and trade-up are more important than ever, and the new range from Glenfiddich is a great vehicle to both create interest in the category and offer shoppers an easy-to-navigate trade-up strategy. We look forward to seeing the range brought to life in our stores.”

To complement the airport’s pop-up presence, in March the Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection will be Dubai Duty Free’s Malt of the Month. William Grant will host tastings in Concourse D and T3 Arrivals, overseen by its own Brand Promoters who are accredited WSET Level 1 in Spirits. To further maximise visibility and awareness, the Perpetual Collection will be showcased on JCDecaux media screens around the airport, across Dubai Duty Free’s social media channels, and featured on the retailer’s website.

“We are fully committed to investing in immersive, experiential events like this, and would like to thank all of our partners for their enthusiasm and support on the journey to bringing this long-awaited launch to life,” commented Wilson. “We are delighted to offer this exceptional Glenfiddich range of bespoke liquids to Dubai Duty Free’s discerning clientele, and are confident that these pop-up retail spaces, which showcase the Perpetual Collection in such an innovative and engaging way, will appeal to both existing customers and new drinkers.”

Nestlé unveils new Smarties Cool Creatures travel retail exclusive

Nestlé ITR is set to further strengthen its credentials as a leading sustainability champion with the March roll-out of its new Smarties Cool Creatures travel retail exclusive set. In line with the brand’s pivotal ‘Learn Through Play’ positioning, this new edition has been designed to spark imagination and encourage virtual exploration. The launch will be supported by high-profile in-store promotional activity and a range of pioneering digital activations, designed to deliver unique, interactive phygital experiences that showcase a sustainable message and nurture appreciation for the underwater world.

The new Smarties Cool Creatures set features 4 x 34g Smarties Hexatubes in recyclable paper packaging, four activity sheets, eight coloured pencils, stickers and a play mat. Inspired by Nestlé’s Play in our Colourful World campaign, the set allows children to create and customise four different sea creature toys, all of which are designed with longevity of play and long-lasting enjoyment in mind.

Smarties was the first global confectionery brand to switch to recyclable paper packaging, and Nestlé has stated its ambition to make all of its packaging recyclable or reusable by 2025. “Sustainability is a core value that underpins every element of our design process, product execution, and communications,” noted Marketing Manager Aura Sanchez. “We understand the role sustainability now plays in purchasing decisions, and are committed to giving our consumers appropriate and responsible choices.” In addition to the recyclable packaging, the Smarties Cool Creatures set features chocolate made from 100% certified sustainable cocoa beans sourced through the Nestlé Cocoa Plan. 

Interaction between the physical world and the digital realm was integral to the development of this latest travel retail exclusive, which showcases Smarties’ focus on using phygital marketing as a way to educate and engage both the next and current generation of consumers. Nestlé ITR collaborated with two agencies on this new launch. ECHO, its long-term design and strategy partner for travel retail, designed the toys and digital elements. Augmented Reality content creation agency Zappar then brought the digital experience to life.

“This type of AR (Augmented Reality) is a significant first for Nestlé International Travel Retail,” explained Senior Brand Manager Macarena Jimenez. “Scanning the on-pack QR code gives access to a colourful, interactive virtual world, where users can become a marine explorer, learn fun facts and take part in a marine expert quiz. Once again Nestlé ITR is leading the narrative with an eye-catching travel retail exclusive, that cleverly combines its famous chocolate treats with a diverse range of imaginative, educational and above all fun activities to keep travellers entertained while learning.

“We’re hugely excited about this innovative launch, and are confident it will further boost sales within the premium and gifting confectionery categories.”

Last year Nestlé announced its intention to build food into the #1 category in travel retail, with confectionery earmarked as a key growth driver. This ambitious strategy will be delivered through the VERSE model, which harnesses Value, Engagement, Regeneration, Sense of Place and Execution – elements which are clearly evident within the new Smarties Cool Creatures set. 

Molton Brown outlines exceptional sustainability and omnichannel opportunities for hotel partners

The icon of British style was a sponsor and exhibitor at the recent Master Innholders event

Molton Brown showcased its sustainability and omnichannel credentials for hotel partners at the Master Innholders’ Hotel Leadership Conference 2023 in London.

The Molton Brown stand was centrally located as the Master Innholders Hotel Leadership Conference took over the Great Room at the JW Marriott, Grosvenor House Hotel, last month. The display underlined Molton Brown’s status as a heritage British fragrance brand and a leader in creating products and services with a conscious care for the environment. As a result, Molton Brown is ready to help hotel partners to weave a sustainable approach throughout their whole offer.

Molton Brown has been a leader in providing sustainable solutions for hotel partners for many years, and the brand’s offerings took centre stage at Master Innholders. Refill solutions including the Signature Dispensers, glass bottles and 5-litre refills, was a core talking point with hotel partners looking to create a stylish and environmentally-friendly offer for their guests.

Visitors also got a chance to discuss the next phase in the company’s sustainability journey including the ground-breaking Infinite Bottle and Reviving Rosemary Collection launching later this year and the aluminium tube range, scheduled to launch next year. All these innovations showcase Molton Browns ongoing commitments to enhance their offer for both customers and the planet. 

Steve Clark, Senior Director Retail & Hotel at Molton Brown, said: “It was great to support the hotel industry at Master Innholders this year and it was fantastic to see so many existing and prospective partners at the event. The turnout really demonstrates that the hotel sector is emerging strongly after a difficult few years.”

“This industry has been remarkably resilient and it was inspiring to see the passion of stakeholders to continue driving the highest standards and creating exceptional service for guests.”

Sustainability in focus

Sustainability was one of the key themes of the Master Innholders event as delegates and hoteliers continued to craft their plans for the future. As many hotel partners begin to review their offer and make sustainability a central part of their planning, Molton Brown is perfectly-placed to support and help drive that evolution.

Sustainability has been at the heart of Molton Brown since its foundation in the 1970s, instilled by the brand’s pioneering founders in their salon in London’s South Molton Street. Today, Molton Brown keeps their spirit alive by ensuring its business continues to bolster its evolving sustainability commitments, including being 100% vegetarian and cruelty-free, never testing on animals, using the best sustainable natural ingredients and manufacturing all collections in England to ensure the highest quality standard and promote local and greener manufacturing. To ensure the latest in sustainable excellence, Molton Brown collections are also created with 50% RPET.

“We are increasingly seeing that sustainability is something our hotel partners, and the industry as a whole, are trying to explore and adapt to,” Clark continued. 

“Molton Brown is embracing this, and we are on this journey with our hotel partners; we appreciate that everyone is trying to fully involve sustainability in their business and the challenges that can pose. We are keen to work alongside our current and future partners by providing a wide range of offerings to meet every partner’s individual needs.”

Expanding the offer with omnichannel

Today, Molton Brown offers far more than just a premium amenities selection for hotel partners. The brand can support partners with a wide range of services to truly enhance the guest experience, including access to in-store events, VIP gifting, a fragrance butler and staff training.

Molton Brown partners can also take advantage of the brand’s digital offer, which takes the premium experience beyond the hotel for guests. As a true omnichannel business, Molton Brown offers a Digital Marketing Program which allows partners to leverage the company’s customer database and further CRM opportunities such as social media, online and email newsletter initiatives.