NEW LOOK TULLAMORE DEW IS UNVEILED AT DUBLIN AIRPORT

Where else to launch the new look bottle for Tullamore DEW, the world’s number two Irish whiskey brand, than in its homeland. July 20 saw the unveiIing of this global Irish icon in its modern and dynamic new dress at Dublin International Airport, the home of award-winning ‘The Irish Whiskey Collection’, the greatest selection of Irish Whiskeys available anywhere in the world.

The new look packaging and the launch of a global integrated communications campaign, under the banner of ‘Irish True’, was launched at TFWA World Exhibition 2011 by William Grant & Sons, which acquired the brand last year.

Says Shane Hoyne, Global Brand Director for Tullamore DEW: ‘Tullamore Dew is currently one of the fastest growing Irish whiskey brands within one of the most dynamic categories in the global spirits industry. We have enormous belief in Tullamore DEW and believe that the introduction of a heavyweight integrated campaign and new look packaging will accelerate the already phenomenal global growth of Tullamore DEW, further strengthening its position as one of the world's best loved Irish whiskey brands. This belief is underlined by imminent opening of the new Visitor’s centre in Tullamore and our announcement of a €35 million investment in the building of a new distillery in Tullamore, returning production to its hometown for the first time in 54 years, securing new jobs and ensuring the long term success of the brand.

‘That the new look packaging and campaign were launched at Cannes last year is testament to the importance of the role that travel retail can play for Tullamore DEW, not only because we have the ability to connect with consumers from all across the world with outstanding display, but also because through GTR we can enable consumers to sample the outstanding liquid – and when the whiskey tastes as good as Tullamore DEW you can be sure that trial will lead to purchase.’

The new bottle is designed to bring a distinctive premium feel to Tullamore DEW, whilst driving a message of authenticity. Designed around the original bottle shape, a new front label wraps around the bottle and ‘EST. 1829’ is embossed at the heart of the bottle design. The new pack also features provenance stories about the brand’s heritage and a selection of the gold medals that the brand has won since its inception by Daniel E. Williams.

André de Almeida, Director Europe, Global Travel Retail for William Grant & Sons comments, ‘In Cannes last year we said that we have significant plans for the future of this fantastic brand, and those plans are now coming together. There is a real belief in the brand and what is so exciting is the role that global travel retail is playing within the story. In terms of distribution, we will be focussing initially on Europe and North America for Tullamore DEW but, naturally, with a particular focus on Dublin. We want to present the best possible image of the brand in its homeland and, therefore, being present in the airport as a part of The Irish Whiskey Collection is key to our program – and we are delighted to be launching the new look here first as we seek to position Tullamore DEW as a true Irish spirit – and a true global player.’

ARI Chief Executive Officer Jack MacGowan added: ‘We are delighted that William Grant & Sons have chosen the Irish Whiskey Collection at The Loop for their global launch of the new look Tullamore Dew bottle. The Irish Whiskey Collection is the world’s single largest retail offering of Irish whiskey with more than 120 separate brands available for sale including a wide range of premium labels, some of which are exclusive to our store.

‘We are now selling an average of 1,000 bottles of Irish whiskey a day at Dublin Airport, or one bottle per minute, and growth in premium Irish whiskey sales is currently about 25% ahead of passenger traffic volumes through the airport.

‘I wish to thank and congratulate André de Almeida and his colleagues for choosing the award-winning Irish Whiskey Collection as the venue for this exciting brand initiative and for their ongoing commitment to the Irish Whiskey Collection.’

- Ends –

Caption for IWS group shot, from L-R

1. Henry Rooke, Head of Procurement & Supply, ARI Ireland
2. Jean Ann Taylor – Head of Retail Dublin Airport
3. Nora McNulty – Tullamore Dew Brand Manager
4. Emma Humphreys – Regional Marketing Manager - WGS
5. Stephen Young – Irish Whiskey Society
6. Jack Mcgowan – CEO ARI
7. Keith Buckley – Category Leader ARI
8. Alex Warren – Business Development Manager - WGS
9. Andre de Almeida – Regional Director Europe - WGS
10. Zoltan Vari – Irish Whisky Society
11. John Quinn – Tullamore Dew Global Brand ambassador

Caption for launch group image, from L-R: launch group –

1. Emma Humphreys – Regional Marketing Manager – WGS
2. Andre de Almeida – Regional Director Europe - WGS
3. Stephen Young – Irish Whiskey Society
4. Jack Mcgowan – CEO ARI
5. Keith Buckley – Category Leader ARI
6. Collette Chambers – hostess
7. Nora McNulty – Tullamore Dew Brand Manager
8. Zoltan Vari – Irish Whisky Society
9. Alex Warren – Business Development Manager - WGS
10. Jean Ann Taylor – Head of Retail Dublin Airport
11. David O’Neill – Category Manager ARI
12. Henry Rooke, Head of Procurement & Supply, ARI Ireland
13. John Quinn – Global brand Ambassador – Tullamore Dew

For more information please contact:

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

Notes to editors

About Tullamore Dew:

• Tullamore Dew is the second largest Irish whiskey in the world in the fastest growing category. It has been widely acclaimed by whiskey connoisseurs, most recently winning five awards at this year’s prestigious International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC), including ‘Gold Best in Class’ for its highly acclaimed Tullamore Dew 10 Year Old Reserve. The brand has now achieved an impressive record of 29 gold medal awards in the last 10 years.

• With an intriguing smooth yet complex character, Tullamore Dew is triple distilled, but is also a unique blend of all three types of Irish whiskeys; the pot still, malt and grain whiskeys. Using only the finest grains and purest water, it is patiently aged in specially seasoned oak casks to develop its complexity – making it the perfect toast when out, or with friends at home. Tullamore Dew is best enjoyed straight up, on the rocks, or served long with soda and a wedge of lime.

• Tullamore Dew is owned by William Grant & Sons, an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and 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 and the world’s third largest blended Scotch Grant’s as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick’s Gin, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. For more information about Tullamore Dew, visit: www.tullamoredew.com or www.facebook.com/tullamoredew

Scorpio and Emirates have a Big Idea

Scorpio Distributors and Emirates Airlines joined forces earlier this year in an exciting cabin crew incentive program called The Big Idea.

Sponsored by Scorpio, with a first prize of $5,000, the Big Idea invited Emirates crew to come up with ideas for potential inflight products. Prizes were also offered for the runner up ($2,500), while each of the eight finalists received gifts from Scorpio. As an added incentive, the winning entry would be produced by Scorpio and sold onboard Emirates.

Attracting more than 200 entries, the winning submission from Michelle Carbonnell was a piece of jewellery reflecting all colours of the rainbow in crystals. Scorpio hopes to have the piece in production and available onboard by July 2013 latest.

‘We were absolutely delighted with the response to the Big Idea,’ says Scorpio Group Managing Director Stuart McGuire. ‘The enthusiasm to the concept from crew was incredible and the ideas put forward were really very well thought out and inventive. It’s certainly something that we want to run again with Emirates and can see it becoming a bigger event next year.’

Added John Sime, Vice President Retail Services, Emirates Airlines: ‘Incentivising cabin crew is extremely important in the Emirates philosophy and Scorpio has always been very supportive in working with us to create initiatives that will inspire our team. The Big Idea has proved to be a very successful concept which the crew really bought into.’

Runner up was Yousuf Khan who came up with Comikase board game. Other ideas submitted by the eight finalists included Cassandra Iuliis for her Bon Voyage scarf collection; Cristina Naicu with her photo collection; Dannya Baiocchi who created an Emirates Cabin Crew doll; Lilita Kittisaksoontorn for her Gummy-Gimmick; Mario Cendana for The Edge; and Nalina Narakorn for Aroma by Emirates.

Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

August 2012

FURLA’S AMERICAN SUMMER KICKS OFF WITH LAS VEGAS

Premium accessories brand Furla has opened the first of several Americas locations scheduled for this summer. Its 15 sq m shop in shop at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport’s new Terminal 3 opened with The Nuance Group earlier this month offering a wide range from the Autumn Winter 2012 collection.

The Las Vegas outlet sets the scene for Furla’s travel retail expansion within the Americas. This summer also sees a 12 sq m shop in shop opening with Sense Duty Free at its Downtown Galleria in San Domingo, Dominican Republic, and a generic space with Aer Rianta at Montreal Airport, Canada. A 10 sq m space is also confirmed to open this summer with DFASS at Dallas Fort Worth

Says Furla head of retail Gerry Munday: ‘ We see a great potential for Furla within the Americas especially as retailers like The Nuance Group increasingly see the opportunities for premium fashion brands in the region. We’re certainly proud to be part of the fantastic new shopping facility at Las Vegas, it’s a real coup for us and is the first step in what promises to be an exciting summer for Furla in the Americas.’

Last year The Americas represented 8% of Furla’s global business with an excellent first year result compared to 2011 with sales for the brand up 34% through domestic doors.

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

July 2012

Nestlé brings 2012 product range to region with ‘massive consumer potential’

Nestlé International Travel Retail is exhibiting at TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE this year (stand G30) with strong beliefs on how the Asian market should be approached.

‘The massive consumer potential combined with the ongoing removal of the access barriers through improving infrastructure, greater income, and the disappearance of travel limitations, make Asia a very important market to us - and probably to every other key player in the industry, brands owners and retailers alike. However, it is not only Asia as a region that is important, but also Asians and where they are travelling to that drives growth in our industry.’ Says NITR head of sales Roland Stieger

NITR continues to work closely with retailers across Asia to develop its business and introduce the Perfect Store™ initiative to increase penetration, conversion and basket size.

In doing so, NITR emphasises that suppliers need to acknowledge that the needs and wants of Asians can be different from Europeans. ‘They are faced with very different gifting cultures, different taste and brands preferences,’ continues Stieger. ’We need to acknowledge that the true potential in Asia is accessible only if we actively meet those needs instead of trying to impose concepts adopted from Europe. The size of the potential in Asia deserves – demands -- solutions that are right for this group of consumers. This includes the brand experience, product proposition, down to the language in which to communicate to them.’

A perfect example of this are the new products introduced to celebrate the Chinese Year of the Dragon

To celebrate this most auspicious year, Nestlé has introduced two travel retail exclusive tins. ‘Chinese New Year in particular is an important gifting period and Asian travellers will be looking for customised gifting solutions to celebrate this unique event,’ says Alan Brennan. ‘These two exclusive tins, which capitalise on our best-selling brands NESTLE SWISS and KITKAT, are designed not just for CNY but as a whole year gift sales opportunity.’ The tins – in red, silver and gold for NESTLE SWISS and red and gold for KITKAT – are embossed with Dragon graphics and have a premium look and feel. They contain 350g (66) SWISS Napolitains and 450g (10) KITKAT 4 Finger bars respectively.

These new items join the growing portfolio of travel retail exclusives from NITR which focus on global brands. NESTLE SWISS, KITKAT and SMARTIES, all of which present solutions for different shopper needs

NESTLE SWISS –NITR has introduced an entire new range of six new exciting travel-exclusive items under the NESTLÉ SWISS Premium Collection taking this highly successful brand into a new high-value premium level. Listening to the shoppers’ quest for difference and exclusivity, the brand, as well as all the products, have been developed exclusively for travel retail and are available in no domestic market worldwide.

NESTLE SWISS Alps – Shaped like Swiss peaks and mountains, these exclusive pralines in eight different recipes (five milk and three dark) come in two box formats – 122g and 240g.

NESTLE SWISS Carres – Unique pieces of chocolate which are the perfect translation of ‘Chocolat Brut’ – delicious, chunky and generous ingredients such as pineapple and pepper, almonds and orange, cashew nuts and cranberries, topping a solid piece of Swiss chocolate. Two varients are available – milk and dark – in 160g boxes.

NESTLE SWISS Tender Rocks – Here two exclusive recipes, inspired by chocolate truffles, are shaped and presented like an avalanche of Swiss mountain rocks. In dark and milk varieties, both come in 180g boxes.

SMARTIES With the huge attraction of the DISNEY partnership, NITR is expanding the age appeal of SMARTIES into teens with a new Shrek franchise. This blockbuster movie character, along with his friend Donkey is available as a ‘bobble head’ figurine gift boxed with five SMARTIES tubes, easy to portion and share.

New gift packs have also been introduced for 2012 to refresh and renovate the existing range including a new travel retail exclusive high value gifting dome tube with a premium look and feel. Three options are available, all with an exclusive game in the ‘dome’ of each tube: a Cars Hit & Loop, Winnie the Pooh Fishing Adventure & Memory Game and Enchanted Princess Set. Each also includes three giant tubes of SMARTIES. This new gifting format is accompanied by a brand new SMARTIES Toppers range, with a new game for the Winnie the Pooh Toppers, a pen for the Princess Toppers, and brand new Cars characters from the Cars 2 movie for the Cars Toppers range

To celebrate the confectionery brand’s 75^th anniversary, NITR has introduced a range of Retro Toppers designed to bring back memories of childhood and the heritage of the brand. The limited edition SMARTIES Retro Toppers use original Mickey and Minnie character images plus a unique retro-style design linked to the SMARTIES iconic tube shape and brand values.

KIT KAT – This well known global brand is ideal for informal gifting – as well as snacking and sharing. With the former in mind, NITR is introducing a new travel retail exclusive 405g mixed pack containing white, milk and dark varieties of the world famous KITKAT 4 Finger. It’s ideal for discovering and sharing different tastes.

Press enquiries and images: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

April 2012

WORLD OF PATRIA FEATURES THE LAST DROP AT DFS MASTER OF SPIRITS EVENT

World of Patria International was delighted to feature The Last Drop 1960 Scotch and 1950 Cognac a the recent DFS Master of Spirits Gala Event. Held in partnership with Changi Airport at the Grand Hyatt Singapore, the second Master of Spirits event presented rare and limited edition spirits, wine and champagnes from global and niche brands to a specially invited audience of potential purchasers.

‘We were absolutely delighted to provide DFS Group with a number of bottles of The Last Drop 1960 Blended Scotch Whisky and 1950 Cognac for this highly prestigious event,’ says WOPI director Kevin Baker. ‘It was a fantastic opportunity for us to present these two remarkable spirits to a very appreciative audience and to help spread awareness of the brand. We’re very encouraged by the reaction from DFS Group’s VIP customers.’

The Last Drop Distillers are bottling, one by one, a limited number of old casks from remote cellars all over Scotland. The 1960 Scotch was blended in 1972 from whiskies all distilled before 1960 - in some cases long before – and many of the distilleries from which they came no longer exist. The Last Drop Cognac is an especially rare cognac from two French oak casks found in a distillery hidden deep within the woods of Cognac. It has been hand-bottled straight from the cask with no chilling, filtering, dilution or colouring.

Bottles for both the Scotch and the Cognac are hand filled and sealed with wax then placed in a velvet lined box which includes a certificate stating the date and bottle number. A 50ml miniature is included so those who purchase the bottle as a gift can sample it, or the bottle can be added to a collection.

Kevin Baker adds: “World of Patria is proud to be representing this unique premium brand and we are very grateful to DFS Group for giving us this wonderful opportunity.’

We would like to invite attendees of TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE in Singapore, to come to see us at stand A26, to see The Last Drop for themselves.

About DFSDFS Group headquartered in Hong Kong, is the world’s largest luxury travel retailer. With more than 200 stores in 15 countries, most in cosmopolitan and resort locations throughout Asia-Pacific, U.S. and Middle East. DFS Gallerias offer a luxurious shopping experience and incomparable services to discerning clients. The company is majority owned by LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, with the balance of shares held by companies associated with DFS Group co-founder Robert Miller.

Press contact: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org.

April 2012

THE BALVENIE TUN 1401 BATCH 4: AN EXCEPTIONAL NEW WHISKY FOR GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL

The latest release from David Stewart, Scotch whisky’s most admired Malt Master, is The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 4, an outstanding single malt married from ten selected rare and precious casks from across the ages – and available exclusively in travel retail from March2012. It sees its official launch to Asia at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE (stand K21).

Almost half a century of experience has given David Stewart unparalleled expertise in single malt maturation. For Batch 4 of The Balvenie Tun 1401, David filled the tun with The Balvenie matured in three sherry butts (1970, 1971 and 1973) and seven traditional American oak barrels (1966, 1972, 1974, 1975, 1978, 1980 and 1990) carefully chosen to create a single malt characterised by luxurious honey, mellow spices and oak. Velvety smooth and rich, accompanied by soft ripe fruits and a citrus sweetness, the taste then brings a wave of vanilla and a hint of butterscotch. Abv is 48%.

Says William Grant & Son Global Marketing Manager Ian Taylor: ’Only the finest casks of The Balvenie have been considered by Malt Master David Stewart for inclusion in Tun 1401 and we are delighted that Batch 4 has been reserved exclusively for global travel retail. GTR remains a crucial channel for William Grant & Sons and we have developed a careful portfolio of exclusive expressions for The Balvenie . This latest creation is a wonderful addition which will enhance the current range adding further interest and excitement for travellers worldwide.’

Hand-bottled at The Balvenie Distillery in Speyside, each is presented in a gift tube which includes explanatory copy and tasting notes. Just 2,500 bottles of The Balvenie Tun 1401 Batch 4 will be available exclusively in travel retail outlets at an RRP of £150.

Launched in March as part of a The Balvenie range promotion across World Duty Free Group outlets including Manchester T2, Glasgow and London Heathrow, The Balvenie Tun 1401 is also available in Qatar, Air Rianta Cyprus and James Richardson (Israel), as well as in JFK (International Shoppes) from May 1^st.The launch has been supported by an educational brochure which is handed out to passengers .

Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications. Email:row@essentialcommunications.org

April 2012

Notes to editors

About The Balvenie

• The Balvenie is a unique range of single malts created by David Stewart, The Balvenie Malt Master. Each has a very individual taste, but each is rich, luxuriously smooth and underpinned by the distinctively honeyed character of The Balvenie.

• Tun 1401 takes its name from the traditional oak marrying tun in which the aged whisky was married. Marrying tun 1401 is found inside the Balvenie Distillery’s Warehouse 24.

• Born in Ayr on the west coast of Scotland in 1945, David Stewart joined William Grant & Sons in 1962, the year before Single Malt Scotch Whisky was first officially exported to England. He was appointed the distiller’s Malt Master in 1974 and his renowned ability to identify the finest casks of whisky for maturation has helped William Grant & Sons earn the Distiller of the Year accolade an unprecedented eight times (2010, 2009, 2007, 2006, 2005, 2001, 2000 and 1999).

• The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.

• The Balvenie Single Malt Scotch Whisky is produced by William Grant & Sons Ltd, an award-winning independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and today run by his direct descendants.

Imperial Tobacco to reveal Davidoff’s greatest IDEA in Singapore

Every great invention, every memorable song, every tear-jerking film, every stunning piece of artwork - each starts with a great IDEA.

At this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE exhibition, Imperial Tobacco will be revealing its latest and greatest IDEA for premium brand Davidoff (stand J1).

The aim is to target a wider audience for Davidoff using an inspirational and artistic approach.

All details will be revealed in Singapore where Imperial Tobacco will be presenting the new concept and celebrate a special launch party.

‘This is the most important launch from Davidoff for many years and we are incredibly excited about it as we believe it will open up the brand to a completely new audience of smokers,’ says Jennifer Thanscheidt, Corporate Affairs Manager Global Duty Free. ‘The initial launch announcement will take place in Singapore and we will further push this inspirational concept with another major presentation at TFWA World Exhibition in October.’

Discover Davidoff’s new IDEAS in Singapore.

Press Enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org

April 2012