The Bluedog Group adds PR specialism to its travel retail marketing services line up with acquisition of Essential Communications

Global event, retail, and creative specialist The Bluedog Group has announced the acquisition of Travel Retail PR agency Essential Communications to meet increasing levels of client interest in PR alignment with its wider group service offer.

The deal builds on the group’s successful 2021 reshaping that saw the launch of Kounter, doplr and HEX as agencies under the group banner to focus respectively on international retail campaigns and activations, live experiences and digital, design, and content solutions. Since then, the business has grown exponentially and counts clients that include Dufry, Bacardi, Pernod Ricard, Ritter Sport, Lindt & Wella as long-term partners.

Essential Communications was founded in 1994 as the first specialist travel retail agency by Rowena Holland, after a career in travel retail journalism. Nestlé International Travel Retail was a founding client and remains on the roster after an admirable 29 years, alongside (amongst others) Accolade Wines, Imperial Brands, Champagne Lanson, Mars Wrigley ITR, Molton Brown and William Grant & Sons.

Bluedog Group CEO Nick King explains, “Shared clients, a shared ‘extra mile ethos’, and shared ambitions to give clients creativity fuelled by common sense and layers of channels working smartly alongside each other is at the core of this new acquisition. We are seeing clients asking us not just about the where, what, and why of a campaign or activation, but increasingly about how we get the fame factor and engagement flowing through media and wider comms channels too.”

“There is a pinch point we are being asked to advise on, a desire for clarity and alignment in tough times, and I’m proud to say that trust in our Group is helping to answer those questions. In Rowena and her team, we have a kindred spirit, and across the group we now have a complimentary set of experts to bounce off each other, and the deepest set of industry knowledge and experience you could wish for in one place. This means we can answer client questions with real rounded value and rigour.”

Rowena Holland, who will continue in her role as Managing Director for Essential Communications as the business runs with autonomy alongside Bluedog’s other agencies, adds “With nearly 30 years under our belt, we’ve seen massive changes in industry needs, challenges, and opportunities, not least the move towards 360-degree service providers that can land a proper campaign differential. We saw a gap in the market when we launched our agencies, and in collectively listening and responding to our clients, we are now seeing and answering another one.

“These are two sets of agencies with strong positive reputations for doing things the right way, coming together to make that right way even clearer for the travel retail and domestic retail sectors.”

As King concludes, “It’s never the time to stand still as an agency, as fresh challenges, tough economic considerations and changing audience needs are a constant. Expect to see more from us moving forward in terms of fresh partnerships and acquisitions that can tackle these and help clients succeed in new ways.”

The enhanced Bluedog Group model is live now, with the 100% acquisition of Essential Communications being completed on 28th April 2023.

The group can be accessed at https://bluedog-group.com/

- ENDS -

Picture from left to right:

Andrew Machin – Bluedog Group Operations Director Rowena Holland - Essential Communications MD Ollie Potter – Bluedog Group Technical Director
Nick King – Bluedog Group CEO

Ben Holland – Essential Communications Media Coordinator

Go Travel looks to Asia region for travel pillows growth

Go Travel will roll out its new 3-tier travel pillows strategy across the Asia region as the company returns to the TFWA Asia Pacific conference 7-11 May in Singapore. 

“We are delighted to be returning to the TFWA Asia Pacific showcase after a three-year hiatus,” said Denz van der List, VP of Sales for Go Travel. “This time around we have a new retailer-led strategy to share with existing and new travel retail partners and we look forward to sharing in more detail our focus on ‘right product, right place, right price’ for our travel pillows.”

Go Travel’s 3-tier strategy for travel pillows 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

"We have been working closely with our local distribution partner CDB Group in Australia and our team in Hong Kong," said Van Der List "Our focus is on growing Go Travel's travel retail network with strong, experienced partners in key regions across the Asian territory."

Van Der List continued, "There is a demand for Go Travel’s assortment in Asia Pacific as we have received many inquiries since the last time we were in Singapore. It is a market with significant opportunities for continued growth that will further strengthen our global brand position."

With a commitment to expanding its presence in the Asia region, Go Travel is poised to tap into the opportunities presented by this market and strengthen its global brand position.

Go Travel will reveal an updated trade show stand in Singapore, where the new product design developments are on display. Plus, the latest branding-led ad campaign will feature on all the walls; meanwhile the dynamic new Ultimate 3.0 video campaign will play on a large back wall screen to showcase the brand’s luxury offer. 

Kurate focuses on versatile self-select display for Belle & Beau and introduces Author recycled silver collection in Singapore

Travel retail watch and jewellery specialist Kurate International has bounced back from the covid pandemic stronger and more industry-focused than ever.  With an expanded team, new collections and a focus on its Belle & Beau self-select display unit, Kurate returns to TFWA Asia Pacific this year with a clear strategy to drive new business in the region, particularly through the airport, downtown and cruise channels. 

The main focus of the stand in Singapore will be a self-select display unit for the company’s popular Belle & Beau fashion jewellery and watch brand. Perfect for travellers looking for on-trend designs at superb value, Belle & Beau has been an amazing success story for Kurate since its launch in 2015.

The new self-select display unit will drive impulse sales in any travel retail environment. There are several models available to meet varying footprint and stock fill requirements from a new 450 x 250 x 600 cm counter-top unit holding 140 items to a 650 x 650 x 1400 cm FSDU which will take 750 pieces.

“With price points ranging from just £12 to £39, Belle & Beau presents an easy purchasing decision to travellers,” says Travel Retail/International Key Account Manager

Sharon Edwards. “The display units just make that decision even easier with each replicating our unique four-sided marketing strategy, with each side representing a different category: gift ideas, travel retail exclusives, best sellers and on-promotion.” Units are already in place in several airports including London Stansted, Gatwick North & South, Luton, Manchester, and Shannon, along with DFDS Ferries.

 “We see opportunities for the unit in all travel markets, Asia included,” continues Edwards. “Where they are already in place the sell-out has been well above our expectations. Consumers love the range – and retailers love the incremental business!”

Kurate is actively expanding its product line-up to meet a wider price point spectrum. New in Singapore is the gorgeous Author collection of recycled Sterling Silver jewellery. First show-cased at TFWA World Exhibition last October, the Author collection covers price points from £35 to £125 with individual ranges created for inflight and ground-stores/cruise-ferries. 

“Author was very well received in Cannes and we now have a number of listings secured inflight. We’ve also just agreed that Aer Rianta will showcase the brand at Abu Dhabi airport in October,” says Edwards. “In Singapore we’re very keen to introduce Author to buyers – with consumers increasingly looking for products with a sustainable back-story, this collection of recycled Sterling silver jewellery admirably fits the bill,” she explains. “The higher price points make it particularly suitable for airport and downtown shops along with ferries and cruise ships, markets that we are keen to develop in 2023 and beyond.”

 

Buyers visiting the stand can also see the latest additions to the successful Moon collection of watches which continue to offer affordable pieces for travellers looking for stylish designs at amazing value.

 

“It’s great to be back in Singapore post-Covid. We love the region and the show and are very much looking forward to reconnecting with colleagues and friends whilst, of course, making new and valued connections.”

Nestlé unveils new KitKat® Travel Retail Dufry Exclusive

Nestlé International Travel Retail has created a new KitKat® travel retail exclusive limited-edition for Dufry. The KitKat® Salted Caramel & Milk Mini Mix 199.5g pack has begun  rolling out in the retailer’s doors worldwide this month (April).

This latest travel retail offering contains 14 mini, snack-size two-finger KitKat® bars – perfect for a tasty, uplifting treat while travelling. Each pouch features seven pieces of each delicious variety, which are individually packed for maximum convenience. 

This new double act allows travellers to enjoy the classic, creamy milk-chocolate covered KitKat® wafers they know and love, and discover an exciting new salted caramel taste sensation.

Nestlé ITR Marketing Manager Aura Sanchez commented: “The popularity of salted caramel continues to grow, and we’re confident that by pairing this with our iconic classic milk KitKat®, we’ve created a flavour combination that’s a hugely attractive proposition for travellers to try. 

“We understand the importance of regularly refreshing our portfolio, and how exclusive products are instrumental in driving demand in the travel retail arena. We’re thrilled to partner with Dufry to unveil this latest innovation.”

Bruno Stäuble, Dufry Global Category Manager Confectionery, added: “KitKat® is synonymous with breaks, and we anticipate huge demand for this latest addition to the GTR range, which is perfect for sharing and snacking. We’re very excited to be partnering with Nestlé to offer this new and exclusive flavour combination to our customers.”

Nestlé returns to Singapore to continue driving its Food #1 category and regenerative ambitions

Nestlé International Travel Retail returns to TFWA Asia Pacific this year with a Hospitality Suite (Basement 2 L32) dedicated to continuing the company’s mission to build food into travel retail’s #1 most purchased category. This will follow Nestlé ITR’s sponsorship of the Opening Conference welcoming coffee (Monday May 8) where delegates can experience the unrivalled flavour of Nescafé® Roastery Coffee and ‘have a break’ with delicious KitKat® Senses Mini-Desserts and Mini Moments.

Within the suite, Nestlé ITR will showcase its latest new product launches from key brands KitKat®, Smarties®, Nestlé Swiss® and Nescafé®.  These will include the new KitKat Roasted Almond Senses Tablet, KitKat Peanut Butter Gift pack, and KitKat two flavour Mix Sharing bag (including new white variety).

From Smarties comes the new Cool Creatures set, designed to inspire imagination and sea exploration through learning and augmented reality. 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.  

A Milk chocolate and Hazelnut addition joins the Nestlé Swiss 170g tablet range, continuing to offer travellers more choice for this totally travel retail exclusive brand.

For the increasing number of retailers seeking to widen their food and beverage offer, Nestlé is providing new opportunities with both the Nescafé Roastery Collection and new Nescafé Azera Americano  – a barista-style coffee collection in original, decaff and intense options, designed to appeal to younger consumers.

TFWA Asia Pacific is a key date in the travel retail calendar for Nestlé. “We are delighted that the exhibition is now back post the Covid pandemic; reflecting the ongoing recovery within the region,” says Nestlé ITR Global Head of Marketing Aura Sanchez. “This will be my first time at the show, and I am very excited to be meeting with our regional customers and partners, reinforcing our relationships and continuing to drive our ambition of Food becoming the #1 most purchased category, delivered through our VERSE model (Value, Engagement, Regeneration, Sense of Place and Execution.)

“The show comes not long after another highly successful appearance for Nestlé ITR at the China International Consumer Product Expo in Hainan, where we had a tremendous response from Chinese consumers for our travel retail portfolio. Now that the Chinese can travel again internationally, we see many opportunities for our brands as chocolate consumption per head continues to grow.”

Most notable in Hainan, adds Sanchez, was consumer interest in Nestlé’s sustainable agenda – indicative of the global shift towards the expectation of CSR from all brands. Regeneration is a key element of VERSE and, in Singapore, the company will be presenting various aspects of Nestlé’s commitment to an environmentally and socially responsible agenda – much of which has important application within the travel retail channel.

For example, plastic-free packaging has now been introduced for all Smarties products, while 2022 saw the introduction of the KitKat Vegan traveller’s pack.  Travelling consumers purchasing Nescafé Roastery and Azera Collections can rest assured that every jar or can purchased meets Nestlé’s ‘Cup of Respect’ whereby coffee is grown, manufactured, packaged and enjoyed respectfully while the Nestlé Income Accelerator Program, helping farmers to reach a living income, was awarded Sustainability Hero status in the TRBusiness Sustainability week.  All these innovations stem from a company committed to using Nestlé’s global scale, resources and expertise to contribute to a healthier future for people and the planet.

‘We believe that, as part of the Nestlé family, we are in a very strong position to offer retailers and airports guidance on consumer’s sustainable expectations and work with them to not only reach but surpass their CSR ambitions,” adds Sanchez.

Gisada underlines travel retail aspirations with debut presence at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference

Gisada Switzerland will present its luxury fragrance portfolio to travel retail customers at the forthcoming 2023 TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference (Stand 2-G15 Basement 2), in line with the company’s objective to grow its general presence in the channel – and expand further within the region.

Representing modern elegance combined with Swiss quality, the Gisada fragrance assortment features distinctive, in-demand scents, for women and men, composed using ingredients of the highest quality. 

At the Singapore show, the focus will be on the Prestige collection with Ambassador Men and Ambassadora, and the Luxury collection with five very special fragrances.

Ambassador Men, fronted by “hot felon” Jeremy Meeks – a former gang member who found fame as a fashion model and actor when his mugshot went viral – is Gisada’s all-time top-seller. Launched in the summer 2022, Ambassador Men Intense is a richer reinterpretation of its predecessor. Its face is Italian singer and actor Michele Morrone, who gained international recognition for his role as Massimo Torricelli in Netflix drama “365 days”.

Since its creation in 2013, Gisada has steadily grown its business, benefiting from a strong presence in leading European perfumeries such as Douglas, Marionnaud, Manor and Import Parfümerie.

Last year the house partnered with Hanse Distribution to handle its travel retail business across all channels. Inflight listings to date include Emirates, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, SWISS, Air Baltic, Condor and easyjet. Gisada is also present at Munich and Tel Aviv airports, in collaboration with Eurotrade and JR-Heinemann.

"We are excited to exhibit at TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition & Conference for the first time and showcase the bestsellers of our Prestige fragrance collection in addition to our Super Premium Luxury collection," said Gisada CEO Sadulla Ademi.

“Travel retail remains a gateway to the world, and going forward will play a key role in terms of our distribution, reputation and brand awareness, as we progress our strategy of growing our international footprint around the globe.”

He continued: “The Singapore show provides an exceptional opportunity to showcase our extensive fragrance portfolio, and highlight our premium brand identity. 

"Travel retail is the perfect channel to target different customer groups and allows us to drive awareness and demand through both offline and online platforms. We are very encouraged by the regional recovery and see excellent growth potential for our business in Turkey, the Arabian Peninsula, China, Japan, Indonesia and Malaysia.’’

Stand contacts are: Sadulla Ademi, CEO Gisada, and Dennis Holst, Business Development Director, Hanse Distribution.

Women in Travel Retail adds a plus as it becomes more inclusive

At a recent meeting of the Women in Travel Retail Steering Committee, it was agreed to recognise the contribution made to WiTR by its other industry colleagues and add a + to WiTR.

Whilst membership will still be specifically for women, the change signals a more inclusive approach and allows for non-member guests of other genders to join some of WiTR’s meetings and events, such as those held at key trade events throughout the year, such as ASUTIL, IAADFS, MEADFA, TFWA Asia Pacific and TFWA World Exhibition. 

The successful webinar program will also be broadened to include male speakers. 

“Whilst still very much a group which assists women to network and thrive in the world of duty-free and travel retail, WiTR has been and will continue, now as WiTR+, to be deeply grateful for the support that our male colleagues in the industry have given, particularly in raising funds for the various charities we’ve supported over the years. In fact, we could not have done what we’ve done without them,” says WiTR+ chair Sarah Branquinho. “We all felt it was time that we opened our doors to become more inclusive – at least two or three times a year!”

The Committee is also launching corporate membership for companies operating within the duty-free and travel retail channel. This will allow companies to extend their diversity and inclusion programmes by enrolling as members their female GTR staff members.  Details of this new scheme will be announced shortly, but any interested companies should contact any member of the WiTR Steering Committee.

The WiTR Steering Committee: 

Sarah Branquinho (Chair) – Sarah.Branquinho@dufry.com

Gerry Munday (Vice Chair) – gerrymunday2811@gmail.com

Chandra Mahtani – Chandra.Mahtani@changiairport.com

Sinead El-Sibai – Sinead.ElSibai@ddf.ae

Amanda Felix – amandajanefelix@outlook.com

Rowena Holland – row@essencompr.com

Myriem Chalabi – M.Chalabi@tfwa.com

Mona Lebrasseur – M.Lebrasseur@tfwa.com

Erin Lillis – elillis@lacoste.com

Nina Semprecht – N_Semprecht@gebr-heinemann.de

Caroline Buisson – Caroline_Buisson@b-f.com

Joanne Willey – joanne.willey23@gmail.com

Porsche Design unveils the connection of design and performance with new releases

Porsche Design is driving newness for travelling shoppers in 2023, with fascinating new eyewear models which combine technical sophistication and unique design, while staying true to the brand’s pure motorsport DNA. 

The aspiration for maximum functionality, reducing to the essentials and overcoming the unknown are reflected in the new products as the very essence of the brand. To this end, Porsche Design is expanding its exceptional eyewear concepts with brand new frames across its Carbon Fibre, Liquid Titanium and Cyber Tec ranges. All the new releases are available for travelling shoppers at key locations worldwide.

The Carbon Fibre range

The Carbon Fibre range focuses on the core of the Porsche Design brand, drawing on its motorsport roots and its place as the byword for maximum performance. The material is used mainly in motorsport and the automotive industry and is created from the bonding of carbon fibre atoms in a crystalline formation. Carbon fibres are not only extremely stable and corrosion-resistant, but also very light – particularly good properties which also produce clear benefits for spectacles. The temple offers very high wearing comfort thanks to the combination of carbon fibres, stainless steel and rubber as this creates the perfect balance of stability and flexibility. At the same time, the woven carbon fibres are also a unique design element. Colourful highlights in red, blue, grey or black on the inside of the temple and the temple tip emphasise the different structures of the materials used. 

The new sunglasses P‘8962 in aviator style and P‘8964, as well as the two prescription frames (P‘8752 and P‘8753), are each available in four colour combinations. 

The Liquid Titanium range

Simple elegance and a dynamic design, which is based on the flyline of the Porsche 911, characterise the frames of the Liquid Titanium range. Perfectly shaped, three-dimensional temples create a fascinating contrast between light and shadow and thus create a distinctive look, which is evocative of flowing metal. The use of 100 percent titanium makes the frames very light and offers maximum wearing comfort. New in this range are the Squared Aviator P‘8936 and the P‘8947 as round sunglasses with double bridge. A fitting equivalent as prescription frames is the new, square P‘8735, as well as the more discreet nylor frame P‘8751.

The Cyber Tec range

The Cyber Tec concept embodies a distinctive and forward-looking design whose inspiration also comes from motorsport. The striking, clear outline of a future-oriented car design as well as the temple elements, which serve as a reminder of the rear lights of the Porsche 911, were also transferred to the frame, giving the models in the Cyber Tec range an exciting and masculine design. The combination of stainless steel and the high-performance plastic RXP® ensure maximum stability and lightness. 

The function highlight of the models is the three-dimensional temple, which thanks to its stainless-steel core provides flexibility and maximum wearing comfort and perfectly highlights the futuristic look of the Cyber Tec range. The square stainless-steel jaw in contrasting colour acts as a clever link to the temple, which emphasises the masculine proportions of the frames. The Cyber Tec range welcomes two new sunglasses (P‘8948 and P‘8961) as well as two new prescription frames (P‘8738 and P‘8739). 

All new additions to Porsche Design Eyewear are available now in specialist shops as well as online at www.porsche-design.com.

Ricola to reveal new display concept and new packaging designs in Singapore

Swiss herb specialist Ricola returns to Singapore this year for the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition where it will be presenting its new display concept and product range (Basement 2, H6).

The new display concept includes new designs for checkouts, self-standing units and promotional spaces which Ricola hopes to see in airports all across Asia soon. Product-wise, Ricola will be showcasing its regular assortment which since the last Singapore show has undergone significant packing changes and new look designs.

The new brand design by renowned London design agency Lewis Moberly reflects a new positioning with a more confident contemporary stance, now clearly setting out the unique claim ‘made with Swiss Alpine Herbs’, alongside a modernised logo. 

Currently, Ricola’s best-selling products in Asia are the Original Swiss Herb drops and the sugar free Lemon Mint drops, with several minty variations also very well received.

Ricola’s key focus for its Asia Pacific business is on airports, where it is seeing great potential based on its prospering business in local markets, but remains optimistic and open to other channels and continues to pursue them in collaboration with its distribution partners.

Andreas Reckart, Ricola’s Head of Travel Retail, said: “Prior to Covid, Ricola’s business in Asia Pacific Travel Retail was just about to take off following the introduction of our impulse assortment. We had listings with many major retailers including China Duty Free Group, Dufry, Lotte and Shilla – and sales were increasing steadily. Then the pandemic hit and we were back to square one. Fortunately, we were able to maintain contact with most of our partners in Asia and we are now looking forwarded to continuing where we left off before the pandemic.

“We are very much looking forward to exhibiting at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition and getting back to where we were pre-covid.”

Mars Wrigley ITR ready to unlock Asia-Pacific Travel Retail market

MARS WRIGLEY ITR is delighted to be returning to TFWA Asia Pacific this year (stand 2-H22). The Asia-Pacific Travel Retail markets hold a significant growth potential for the confectionary category, in isolation and versus other regions. MWITR is much looking forward to be engaging with partners in the region and to discuss how to drive category growth and unlock the potential of this region together. 

“In many of the domestic markets in the Asia-Pacific region, confectionary is a developed, and incremental category, engaging consumers with fun and exciting content, leveraging some very well-loved brands. However, this engagement in the category is not represented in many travel-retail markets in the region. This is something we are excited to change, and due to the size of our business in domestic markets in the region, Mars is well positioned to drive this change”, says Marcus Hudson Sales Director for Mars Wrigley ITR.

“Confectionary is not like other categories in Travel Retail, and to build it we need to do things differently – a truly category first approach, driven by consumption moments that we know are top of mind at the point of sale, needs to be taken.” Hudson will be sharing some perspectives on this during the conference on Monday 8th May.

The company will also share more on the evolution of their ITR portfolio in line with their view on the category. This will include the new gifting innovation:  Maltesers Truffles. 

Available to travel retail in a 200g and 336g box, both presented in a gift-worthy carton that’s perfect for sharing, Maltesers Truffles offer the best of both worlds, combining a crunchy malt filling with honeycomb pieces and a creamy milk chocolate coating.  

Hudson: “Gifting remains the biggest segment within the travel retail confectionery category, and we know that travellers are becoming more budget conscious. Our gifting portfolio is designed to offer affordable gift choices in the three key price brackets, with this new Maltesers Truffles presentation designed to attract younger shoppers to the category.  This new variant is sure to attract attention from shoppers who we know, are keen to try new flavours from their favourite brands,” says Hudson. During the MWITR sponsored lunch on Monday 8th May, you will get the opportunity to sample Maltesers Truffles. 

The Maltesers Truffles offer fulfils the gifting ‘moment’ within MWITR’s updated category vision and strategy, mentioned above. First announced at TFWA World Exhibition last year, the strategy highlights ‘moments’ as the key enabler to unlock further category growth. Alongside the ‘give a gift’ moment, these opportunities include ‘enjoying travel time together’, ‘refresh & energize on the go’ and ‘unwind and indulge’.

The Mars Wrigley ITR team looks forward to welcoming customers at its stand at TFWA Asia Pacific. 

WILLIAM GRANT HIGHLIGHTS GLENFIDDICH PERPETUAL COLLECTION AT TFWA ASIA PACIFIC

William Grant & Sons returns to TFWA Asia Pacific this year with the eye-catching two-story stand that personifies its investment and commitment to travel retail within the region (Stand number Basement 2 N19).

The focus of the exhibition will be the Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection, the brand’s biggest launch in global travel retail in the last decade. Featuring four single malt whiskies, each matured within vats that have never been emptied, adding continuous layers to flavours, the Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection began its global travel retail launch in August 2022.

The Collection comprises:

● Vat 01 (ABV 40%) – Elegant and smooth, this expression uniquely layers sweet and spicy notes with hints of creamy vanilla and subtle oak, for a soft and mellow taste with added depth due to its maturation in bourbon & red wine casks. 

• Vat 02 (ABV 43%) – Mellow yet complex, with hints of rich fruit and subtle spice. Matured in Spanish sherry casks, this rich single malt delivers a deliciously smooth taste. 

● Vat 03 (ABV 50.2% – non-chill filtered) - Elevated over 15 years of maturation in American,  Virgin American oak, and European Sherry casks, this full-bodied whisky harmoniously combines warm notes of spice with hints of nutty marzipan and dark sherry oak. A satisfyingly rich and sweet Glenfiddich.

● VAT 04 (ABV 47.8% – non-chill filtered) - Warming and refined. Patiently aged in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks for 18 years, VAT 4 delivers a deep, rich aroma of robust oak, ripe orchard fruit and baked apple. A luxuriously fruity and exceptionally rewarding Glenfiddich. 

Perfectly timed to capitalise on the opening up of Asia post-Covid, the Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection has featured extensively since its launch in key regional airports, including Haikou Meilan, Singapore Changi and Taiwan Taoyuan Airports, where the brand’s ground-breaking immersive pop-up concept has maximised the awareness and visibility of this innovative new single malt collection.

The importance of Glenfiddich and the new Perpetual Collection for Asia is further underlined by its prominence at TFWA Asia Pacific this year, heading up an 

exceptional portfolio of brands supported by dynamic, innovative and unique digitally led experiences.  Visitors to the stand will be able to experience the digital screens with motion sensors used  for the pop up in Changi airport.

 

Comments David Wilson, Managing Director, Global Travel Retail, William Grant & Sons: “As the world continues to recover from the unprecedented challenges of the Covid pandemic, we are thrilled to now see a strong resurgence in passenger traffic across Asia Pacific. 

“Whilst the pandemic was disruptive, it also provided us the opportunities to work closely with our valued partners and continue to offer exciting brand and consumer experiences. 

“Our New Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection, which is exclusive to Travel Retail, we believe has brought fresh excitement for Glenfiddich and Travel Retail. It has been one of our biggest launches to date, achieving excellent distribution, brand awareness and excitement!

“We are delighted to join our fellow industry colleagues at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific in Singapore to celebrate the encouraging progress of our channel, reaffirming our commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences for our valued customers.”

William Grant & Sons  will host a happy hour on the stand from 5:30-6:30pm on Tuesday and Wednesday May 9th/10th.

Ritter Sport brings ‘Hygge’ into airports with new Travel Retail Edition Winter Selection Tower

Iconic German chocolate specialist Ritter Sport has launched a new Travel Retail Edition Winter Selection Tower 5x100g set to launch into global travel retail markets from August 2023. 

Taking its inspiration from the Scandinavian Hygge lifestyle trend, Ritter Sport’s latest Travel Retail Edition Winter Selection Tower is exclusive to the channel and features five delicious winter-warming 100g bars of chocolate that are packed with the best ingredients and contain cocoa from 100% sustainable certified cocoa sources. 

Travel Retail Edition Winter Selection Tower 5x100g:

The Winter Selection Tower includes three different 100g winter flavours: Crunchy Creamy Winter, a mix of milk chocolate and cocoa crème with winter spices together with the crunch of caramelized almond pieces; White Cinnamon Crisp, a blend of white chocolate with cinnamon and rice crispy bits; and Caramelized Almonds, a flavoursome combination of milk chocolate mixed with chopped, caramelized sugar-glazed almonds.    

The new TR Edition Winter Selection Tower is intended to be a celebration of all things Nordic and Hygge and features a special winter graphic design on packs. The limited edition tower pack includes x2 Crunchy Creamy Winter 100g bars, x 2 Caramelized Almond 100g bars and x1 White Cinnamon Crisp 100g bar for chocolate lovers to enjoy and savour the delicious flavour combinations in warm and cosy surroundings as the autumn and winter months approach. 

With its Hygge* theme and delicious, warming chocolate flavours and crispy textures, the new TR Edition Winter Selection Tower is a perfect gift choice for chocolate lovers with a passion for new winter flavours.

“Our new Winter Selection Tower is inspired by the Nordics trend for Hygge; it’s made with love and features beautifully designed packaging intended to bring cosiness home,” says Ritter Sport Managing Director Global Travel Retail Jan Pasold.  “We know this is a trend our customers will love and we knew it would work well as a travel retail edition. Ritter Sport is committed to extending as many of our best-selling flavours to our TR Editions range as possible,” he says.

The Travel Edition Winter Selection Tower can be seen on the Ritter Sport stand at TFWA Asia Pacific (Basement 2 K33).

* a quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being (regarded as a defining characteristic of Danish culture).

Glenfiddich partners with BAFTA-winning Japanese artist Fantasista Utamaro to unveil their limited edition Grand Yozakura 29 Year Old scotch whisky through a digital art experience

Glenfiddich, the world’s most awarded single malt Scotch whisky, celebrates the arrival of the limited-edition Grand Yozakura 29 Year Old scotch whisky with a series of contemporary digital art installations designed by Japanese artist, director and designer, Fantasista ‘Uta’ Utamaro.

The installations will appear in major airports in the months when cherry blossoms are in peak bloom. Participating airport spaces (Singapore, Seoul, Taipei, Paris, Tokyo and Hong Kong) will be showing one  of four different artworks on a digital screen at a time. In addition, for a fully immersive experience, Taipei and Hong Kong wil have VR headsets that allow you to step into a one of its kind virtual gallery to view all four artworks up close alongside exclusive behind the scenes videos with Uta. For locations without oculus headsets, QR codes will be available for users to access the virtual gallery via their phones or desktop.

Utamaro’s creations keep Yozakura at its heart; the celebration of the iconic Japanese cherry blossoms, viewed whilst illuminated at night. Passionate about integrating the beauty of Japanese culture into his work, taking inspiration from various other symbols of Japanese culture, Utamaro has applied his signature technicolour sensibilities to capture the essence of a cherry blossom in full bloom against a night sky. 

Joining the prestigious Grand Series range, Grand Yozakura is the first single malt scotch whisky finished in exceptionally rare Japanese ex-Awamori casks. A fusion of Scottish and Japanese distilling and paying homage to Japanese tradition and culture, the innovative release is inspired by Hanami - the ancient tradition where Japan appreciates the fleeting beauty of nature through the Sakura (cherry blossom). A time for renewal and optimism, the festival is best experienced illuminated after dark where it is known as the Yozakura or ‘night sakura’. Grand Yozakura champions the moment of fleeting beauty when Japanese cherry blossoms are admired under the light of the moon. Reflecting its namesake and the temporal nature of beauty, only a limited number of Grand Yozakura bottles are available globally. 

This fleeting moment captures a time where nature is honoured and this marriage of rare liquids, once gone, will never be replicated presenting the chance to experience a collision of cultures and flavours.

Claudia Falcone, Glenfiddich Global Brand Director, said: 

“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’re thrilled to be working with Utamaro on this project and his passion for creating pieces of art really demonstrate and reflect the rarity and spirit of the new liquid.”  

Within each installation, the digital screens will act as ever-changing canvases to draw in passers-by. In total, four distinct pieces of art have been created by Utamaro yet only one will be showcased at a time, with a new piece displayed each week to emphasise the fleetingness of its existence, harking back to Hanami. The four artworks are unique; each depicting the simple beauty of Yozakura but each incorporating a different different symbol of Japanese culture such as the imposing Sakasa Fuji mountain, the crane, the night sky and the playful Koi fish. The moving artworks come to life as you watch, where the digital animations evolve from inception to final form through a timelapse. This dynamic display of art and technology is a testament to Glenfiddich's commitment to innovation and creativity. 

Fantasista Utamaro said:

“Creating this art, that showcases the beauty of Japanese culture, has been an honour. I like to push the boundaries of what people expect from traditional art; blending technicolour and manga-style to bring Japanese symbols of culture to life. I enjoyed using these digital artworks to represent elements of the Scottish and Japanese processes used to create the whisky itself such as the inclusion of the iconic Glenfiddich stag head incorporated with Yozakura.”

The liquid is now available in select airports and countries worldwide from April and is presented in a beautifully crafted bottle. To learn more about Grand Yozakura, the artist and Glenfiddich visit https://www.glenfiddich.com/grand-yozakura and the virtual gallery can be viewed here.

ENDS

Perfetti Van Melle eyes growth in Europe and Middle East, rolls out activation programme in 2023

Leading sugar-confectionery company Perfetti Van Melle (PVM), is highlighting 2023 as a year for growth in its key Europe and Middle East markets, as the company reports its global travel retail sales were getting back on track in 2022. 

PVM experienced “better than expected” second-half year sales for its travel retail division in 2022 with growth coming from “good recovery” in Europe and the Middle East as travellers in these regions returned to international travel and picked up best-selling confectionery products such as the Chupa Chups Mega Chups and Backpacks. PVM is also looking ahead with optimism to China and Asia-Pacific as these markets open up more rapidly this year, bringing plenty of potential. 

For 2023 PVM is focusing more on activations to boost the brand awareness and be even more relevant to the consumer’s travel journey. This year PVM will boost brand activations in their own way, with a wheel of fortune, unique GWPs and mascots. A highlight of the coming year is the eye-catching Chupa Chups customer engagement kiosk, which was well received at the TFWA WE show in October. During the year, the activations are planned in different locations all over the world. The beginning of the year saw PVM kick off with a Chupa Chups activation at Istanbul Airport in partnership with Gebr. Heinemann focusing on the Chupa Chups sunglasses as a GWP. 

“2023 is a year of investments across the board for our GTR division,” said PVM Brand Manager, GTR Femke van Veen. “We are investing in people, promotions and training this year and we will be back to taking part in industry events in a big way, to ensure we are talking to our travel retail partners in our key regions and markets.” Training is seen as a particularly important element of this year’s strategy with a programme focussing on optimising customer experience within the GTR retail space. 

PVM notes there are clearly still challenges with supply chain issues and ongoing concerns around consumer spending power while many regions are experiencing a cost of living crisis. But the company is confident that the Chupa Chups and Mentos brands will continue to offer great value, bringing fun and unique products to families around the world. 

Upcoming shows & NPDs: 

PVM will be participating at the upcoming Summit of Americas show in April in West Palm Beach, Florida with a presence on the Otis McAllister stand 201. PVM will also have its own stand at the TFWA Asia-Pacific conference in May (2-K27), where it will reveal a number of new product developments for its Mentos Jumborolls and Mentos Mints brands. 

PVM showcased several new products last year in Cannes, due to hit the market in April / May 2023. These include a Mentos Mini fan, new Chupa Chups backpack characters the pink flamingo and green dino and Chupa Chups markers with a playful Looney Tunes design. To facilitate increasing basket spend PVM transformed its Mentos Gum bottles into smaller and handy to grab bottles. And additionally expanded the range with two additional flavours.   

At the TFWA Asia Pacific show in Singapore this May, PVM will show how it continuously aims to improve product designs and provide travellers with a great and exclusive product experience.  “With the changing needs of travellers we have focused on an updated design for our iconic Mentos Jumborolls,” said van Veen. 

“PVM will target the travel retail market with exclusive packaging designs showing different means of transportation. The new look Jumborolls are available in Fruit, Mint, Cola, Berry, Strawberry and Liquorice flavours.” 

New for Chupa Chups is the sugar free box. It can be placed at the cash till or in dedicated sustainability areas. It contains six sugar free assorted lollipops (in Strawberry, Cherry and Cola flavours). 

And as a company well known for its refreshment items, PVM now offers travellers all over the globe its new Mentos Mints. The Mentos Mints will easily fit your bag and the flip-top feature makes it super easy to open and stay fresh. The attractive metal tin immediately denotes a premium feeling. The perfect refreshment in Peppermint and Strawberry flavour whilst travelling or before a meeting. 

NESTLÉ returns to the Hainan Expo with latest TR Exclusives

Nestlé International Travel Retail (NITR) is delighted to be participating at the forthcoming China International Consumer Product Expo, being held at the Hainan International Convention and Exhibition Center, Haikou, from April 11-15.  As part of the Nestlé stand at the Expo, NITR will have a dedicated wallbay to highlight key travel retail brands KIT KAT, NESCAFÉ and NESTLÉ SWISS. 

At the expo, Nestlé plans to increase awareness about its duty-free range available in the China Duty Free zone whilst reinforcing its ambition of driving food to become the #1 most shopped category in travel retail. Visitors to the expo will be able to see for themselves the most recent additions to the Nestlé portfolio including all four flavours of the KITKAT® Senses Tablets and KITKAT® Share Bags, which includes the Chunky Minis Bag 250g, Share Bag Break Time 517g and Minis Bag 250g.

NESTLÉ SWISS® has been a true success story in travel retail, delivering 100% Swiss chocolate and a true brand experience. Deliciousness wrapped, the latest introductions from NESTLÉ SWISS® include 170g Indulgent Tablets in four flavours: Dark Blueberries, Almond & Hazelnut, Dark Candied Orange Peel Pieces & Cocoa Nibs, Milk Cranberries, Hazelnut & Almond and Milk Raisins, Almonds & Hazelnuts. The NESTLÉ SWISS® Chunks Bag 470g will also be on display.

The NESCAFÉ variants on display will be NESCAFÉ Gold Roastery Dark and Light, NESCAFÉ Azera Americano, Americano Decaff and Americano Intense.

Comments Nestlé ITR Global Head of Marketing Aura Sanchez: “It’s been an exceptionally challenging time for China during the Covid pandemic, but Hainan has continued to shine through, and this Expo has become a massively important date in the annual events diary. We are delighted to exhibit again as part of the Nestlé China corporate stand, introducing the latest additions to our unique portfolio of globally loved confectionery brands –now available to Chinese consumers, not just in Hainan, but internationally as they are able to travel again.”

Ritter Sport showcases new mini Tower flavour mix at Summit of the Americas

Ritter Sport, the German, family-owned chocolate brand will showcase its latest range of Travel Exclusive products at next month’s IAADFS Summit of the Americas conference in West Palm Beach, Florida. 

The iconic brand, known for its squared, colourful and tasty chocolate bars is strongly committed to further enlarge its footprint in the Americas travel retail market. Visitors to this year’s conference can discover Ritter Sport’s latest Travel Exclusive products on the Otis McAllister stand, 201. 

“Otis McAllister and Ritter Sport started our valued partnership shortly before the pandemic. Now we are working together again to focus on widening the distribution and the availability of our German-made, family-owned, squared and colourful best ingredients chocolate at all important airports in the Americas. We are also committed to growing our cruise and border shops business in the region,” said Jan Pasold, Managing Director, Global Travel Retail Ritter Sport.    

Mini Tower new flavour mix

Brand new to the US travel retail market is Ritter Sport’s Mini Tower new flavour mix. As an extension of the successful Ritter Sport Mini Tower range, a new fresh flavour mix in taste and colour will be launched in 2023. 

The Mini Tower 250g includes 15 mini bars in 5 different flavours offering the perfect mix of fruity, milky and crunchy textures. The colourful pastel-hued flavour mix includes two of Ritter Sport’s top flavours – mini Strawberry Yogurt with real fruit pieces, strawberry yoghurt creme and crunchy rice crisps and mini Alpine Milk with its characteristic caramel and honey flavour. In addition, mini Fine Milk Chocolate with its high content of fine cocoa from Peru, crunchy mini Cornflakes and mini Butter Biscuit together create the perfect flavour mix. 

Mini Tower landmark Individualisation

During the Summit of the Americas, Ritter Sport will also present its successful Mini Towers in individualised sleeves with well-known landmark designs. Ritter Sport will focus its landmark campaign at the following five American airports: Texas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Detroit. This simple but creative execution can have a big impact to create an additional purchase incentive for the traveller.

Yes, vegan!

Ritter Sport is planning to continue the success story of its vegan varieties with the rollout of the new range to the Americas travel retail market later this year.

Made for ‘everyone who doesn't want to miss out on anything - especially not the flavour’, the vegan Ritter Sport varieties come without milk, but are just as chocolatey as you would expect from the colourful squares. As for the entire range, Ritter Sport sources 100% certified sustainable cocoa for its five vegan varieties - Mild Classic, Crunchy Almond, Crunchy Whole Nut and new varieties Roasted Peanut and Salted Caramel. 

The product design in fresh, modern colours communicates the added value of the range. The official EU Vegan label facilitates orientation at the PoS. The large “V” on the front of the packaging also attracts attention and, as with the entire range, the claim “100% certified sustainable cocoa sourcing” is indicative of Ritter Sport’s commitment.