INTERNATIONAL. As momentum continues to build behind the inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo, more multinational brand houses and smaller independents continue to sign up as exhibitors.

The latest top-class brand companies include leading fashion houses Ermenegildo Zegna and Furla, Cuban cigar powerhouse Habanos, Italian wine company Masi Agricola, global drinks group International Beverage, Russian Standard vodka owner Roust and industry consultancy Blue. More will be announced in coming days.

As reported, the unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register). It features a star-studded series of activities, including a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative.

“The coffee can wait while the recovery of our travel retail business cannot. At no point in the last 70 years has this troubled world been in greater need of joy” – Haribo Head of Marketing Travel Retail Elisa Fontana

Qatar Duty Free this week became one of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo’s three Diamond Partners, alongside China Duty Free Group and The SEVA Group

Exhibitor partners small and large are being drawn by the combination of a top-quality digital showcase offering multiple interactive touchpoints and unlimited brand information display. There is a dedicated Expo and Media support package for all brands. A stellar visitor audience comprising travel retail and airport executives is promised. Companies that have not yet signed up for what will be the defining travel retail event of 2020 still have the opportunity to join them (see below).

Recently confirmed partners have delivered strong, positive reaction to the event; we feature a selection of their comments here.

Representing Cuban cigar manufacturer Habanos, Co-Presidents Inocente Núñez Blanco and Luis Sánchez Harguindey Pardo de Vera said: “We are delighted to signal our participation in this inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2020, which is going to be a fantastic experience. We would like to express our deep gratitude to The Moodie Davitt Report for their support and understanding of the burgeoning importance of the travel retail channel.

“Good partnership always ensures success for both brand owners and operators, and in this way Habanos is eager to live the unique experience of this year’s exhilarating Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which will surely excite all participants.”

For exhibitors the event offers a range of Virtual Stands at different price levels, with each curated to clients’ requirements by Virtual Stand & Experience Partner, FILTR

As Haribo joins a strong list of confectionery players at the Expo, Head of Marketing Travel Retail Elisa Fontana said: “At Haribo we are looking forward immensely to participating in the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo and to showcasing our portfolio of travel-exclusive sugar confectionery. Although, naturally, we would have preferred to sit down with existing and potential partners and discuss business over a coffee, we are delighted to have the opportunity to meet virtually through this exciting new digital forum.

“The coffee can wait while the recovery of our travel retail business cannot. At no point in the last 70 years has this troubled world been in greater need of joy; we are pleased to propose some moments of pleasure from the “Happy World of Haribo”.

Campari Group has joined a growing list of drinks houses, both multinationals and smaller independents. Global GTR Director (Marketing & Trade Marketing) Bianca Sansone hailed “a great initiative to virtually connect and be prepared for the restart of our resilient channel and industry. The entire Campari Travel Retail team will be proud to invite you to experience our beloved brands and to share a virtual toast together in this first-ever Virtual Travel Retail Expo.” 

Schlumberger Global Travel Retail Director Warren Goslett said: “We are excited to participate in the Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2020, which affords us a fantastic and innovative opportunity in these times of crisis to showcase our brands and connect with our customers.”

All brand partners at the Virtual Expo will benefit from:

*Unrivalled visibility at the defining travel retail industry event in 2020

*The opportunity to exhibit to a powerhouse visitor audience that includes the world’s leading travel retailers, across all channels

*A high-quality digital experience

*A range of pricing options to suit all budgets

*In-depth visitor analytics for the entire period

*A dedicated support package that includes complimentary Expo Guide advertising

*Strong editorial support up to and during the event through The Moodie Davitt Report, our other Preferred Media Partners (who will be able to showcase their digital publications in the official Press Centre) and visiting KOLs.

*Access to the event’s Knowledge Hub, featuring a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative.

“Every exhibitor – Silver, Gold, Platinum and Diamond – will receive the same level of account management from FILTR, unrivalled media visibility via travel retail’s leading title and a sense of partnership from sign-on until the completion of the Expo,” said The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt.

To find out more about what the Virtual Travel Retail Expo can do for your brand, and for details of our dedicated support packages, contact Irene@MoodieDavittReport.com or Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com