News

11/092020

Dufry CEO Julián Díaz becomes latest star name to join extraordinary Virtual Travel Retail Expo speaking line-up

INTERNATIONAL. Dufry Group CEO Julián Díaz will address a global audience on the opening day at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo next month.

Díaz’s address in the Knowledge Hub on 12 October adds further lustre to an extraordinary line-up of presenters over the five-day programme, which forms an integral component of the pioneering Virtual Expo.

He caps a day one line-up which includes Charles Chen, President, China Duty Free Group; Sunil Tuli, President, APTRA & Group Chief Executive, King Power Group (Hong Kong); Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group; Karen Chan, CEO, AirAsia.com; Philippe Schaus, Chief Executive Officer, Moët Hennessy; and Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Duty Free.

The opening day will also include a spectacular preview of the finalists line-up in the inaugural QDF Factor, led by Thabet Musleh, Vice President Operations, Qatar Duty Free. The QDF Factor winner will be revealed on the final day of the Expo, Friday 16 October.

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said, “The Knowledge Hub will offer a very different approach from the webinars we have all become so familiar with over the recent difficult months. Formats will vary considerably, mixing live and pre-recorded; stand-alone presentations and panel discussions; and featuring an exciting diversity of presenters and subjects. And we will be serving up some surprises.

“In breadth, diversity and quality of speakers, the end result is by some distance the best conference line-up we have curated in our 18 years of running major international events. Industry representatives from all over the globe will be able to watch any of the sessions from the comfort of their office or home. What’s more, if they miss a session, no problem. Each and every element of the programme will also be available via the Virtual Expo’s On Demand folder.”

JCDecaux Co-Chief Executive Officer Jean-Charles Decaux is one of the travel and aviation sector’s most knowledgeable and insightful executives

Besides the previously announced speakers (see below) other new additions to the programme include a stellar four-person panel featuring Jean-Charles Decaux, Co-Chief Executive Officer, JCDecaux; Vincent Boinay, General Manager Travel Retail Worldwide, L’Oréal; Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports; and Dag Rasmussen, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Lagardère Travel Retail.

They will be followed in a dedicated sustainability (of category and of the planet, respectively) session featuring Gemma Bateson, Worldwide Duty Free Corporate Affairs & Communications Director, JTI; Adrien Geiger, Global Brand Director, L’Occitane; and Niki Schilling, Innovation & Sustainability Director, Rituals Cosmetics.

Expect a typically candid viewpoint from Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Akbar Al Baker

A compelling new session on out of home advertising has been added, featuring Robbie Dery, Chief Commercial & Product Officer, oOh!; Tom Perrett, Director of International Talon Outdoor/Plexus US; and Franck Vidal, Director, Asia Pacific, Havas Media.

Several category-specific sessions will focus variously on sunglasses (through the annual Sunglasses Workshop), spirits & wine, and confectionery. Presentations will be made by Diageo Global Travel, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, Contineo Labs (Generation) and others.

Brad Miller, Managing Director at MAG-O, the start-up digital business created by Manchester Airports Group to advance its digital journey, will be one of several speakers to focus on the burgeoning role of digital communication and commerce in the aviation and travel retail sphere.

Luca Solca, Senior Analyst at Bernstein & Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group, will address the future of luxury in association with TW.O Partners.

And in a refreshing change from more familiar conference material, Ollie Palmer and Tom Foley, members of Team Fortitude, which won the 2019 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge, will talk about that experience and its lessons for both business and personal life. Palmer is Head of Customer Marketing at Diageo Global Travel.

British team Fortitude IV were crowned winners of the 2019 Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge. The four-man boat completed the 3,000-mile Atlantic crossing in 32 days, 12 hours and 35 minutes from La Gomera in the Canary Islands to Antigua in the Caribbean. None of the team had ever rowed before their epic journey.

Some final exciting additions to the programme will be announced in coming days. Here is the programme as it stands.

Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2020 Programme (Subject to change)

Day 1 – Monday 12 October 2020

07:55 (UK)/ 14:55 Beijing/Singapore/ 09:55 (AST) & 02:55 (EST)

Welcome

Martin Moodie, Chairman, The Moodie Davitt Report

Dermot Davitt, President, The Moodie Davitt Report

China Duty Free Group President Charles Chen, seen speaking to The Moodie Davitt Report Chairman Martin Moodie at The Trinity Forum in Shanghai in 2018, will outline the travel retailer’s heady ambitions at home and abroad

08:00 (UK)/ 15:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 10:00 (AST) & 03:00 (EST)

Charles Chen, President, China Duty Free Group

10:00 (UK)/ 17:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 12:00 (AST) & 05:00 (EST)

Sunil Tuli, President, APTRA & Group Chief Executive, King Power Group (Hong Kong)

11:00 (UK)/ 18:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 13:00 (AST) & 06:00 (EST)

Julián Díaz, CEO, Dufry

12:00 (UK)/ 19:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 14:00 (AST) & 07:00 (EST)

Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group

12:30 (UK)/ 19:30 Beijing/Singapore/ 16:00 (AST) & 07:30 (EST)

The QDF Factor – Finalists Preview

Thabet Musleh, Vice President Operations, Qatar Duty Free

AirAsia.com CEO Karen Chan will speak on ‘Adapting to the new travel world’ – How AirAsia.com is re-imagining travel as its pivots to cater for domestic travel and lifestyle needs to stay relevant while building towards the further reopening of international borders

12:45 (UK)/ 19:45 Beijing/Singapore/ 14:45 (AST) & 07:45 (EST)

Karen Chan, CEO, AirAsia.com

13:30 (UK)/20:30 Beijing/Singapore/ 15:30 (AST) & 08:30 (EST)

Philippe Schaus, Chief Executive Officer, Moët Hennessy

15:00 (UK)/22.00 Beijing/Singapore/ 17:00 (AST) & 10:00 (EST)

Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Duty Free

Day 2 – Tuesday 13 October 2020

07:55 (UK)/ 14:55 Beijing/Singapore/ 09:55 (AST) & 02:55 (EST)

Welcome

Dermot Davitt, President, The Moodie Davitt Report

08:00 (UK)/ 15.00 Beijing/Singapore/ 10:00 (AST) & 03:00 (EST)

Sandeep Seth, Chief Executive Officer, Global SK-II, Procter & Gamble

Plus special guests to be named

Auckland Airport Head of Retail Lucy Thomas joins a talented line-up for the APTRA Exchange

10.30 (UK)/17.30 Beijing/Singapore/ 12:30 (AST) & 05:30 (EST)

Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA) Workshop:

Julia Bauer, Regional Manager APAC & Global Duty Free & Export, Imperial Brands

Philip Eckles, CEO, Delhi Duty Free Services Private Limited

Erin Lillis, Travel Retail Director Asia Pacific, Lacoste

Lucy Thomas, Head of Retail, Auckland Airport

Sunil Tuli, President APTRA & Group Chief Executive, King Power Group (Hong Kong)

Kevin Zajax, CEO, Ground Control (Moderator)

12:00 (UK)/ 19:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 14:00 (AST) & 07:00 (EST)

Dag Rasmussen, Chairman & CEO, Lagardère Travel Retail

14.00 (UK)/ 21.00 Beijing Singapore/ 16:00 (AST) & 09:00 (EST)

The Future of Liquor in Travel Retail (Diageo speaker to be named)

and

London Heathrow Airport Retail Director Fraser Brown has worked tirelessly this year to maximise the number of store and restaurant openings at the leading London gateway

14.00 (UK)/ 21.00 Beijing Singapore/ 16:00 (AST) & 09:00 (EST)

Confectionery Data Workshop
Alex Seret, Chief Executive Officer & Owner, Contineo Labs (Generation)

15:00 (UK)/ 22.00 Beijing/Singapore/ 17:00 (AST) & 10:00 (EST)

Fraser Brown, Retail Director, London Heathrow Airport

16:30 (UK)/ 23.30 Beijing/Singapore/ 18:30 (AST) & 11:30 (EST)

The re-emergence of cruise retail

James Prescott, Managing Director, Harding Retail

Lisa Bauer, President & CEO, Starboard Cruise Services

Adrian Pittaway, Head of Retail, MSC Cruises

Day 3 – Wednesday 14 October 2020

07:55 (UK)/ 14:55 Beijing/Singapore/ 09:55 (AST) & 02:55 (EST)

Welcome

Martin Moodie, Chairman, The Moodie Davitt Report

Beam Suntory President of Brands Jessica Spence will discuss Women in Leadership and being more shopper-centric through diversity

08:00 (UK)/ 15:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 10:00 (AST) & 03:00 (EST)

Jean-Charles Decaux, Co-Chief Executive Officer, JCDecaux

Vincent Boinay, General Manager Travel Retail Worldwide, L’Oréal

Paul Griffiths, Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Airports

Dag Rasmussen, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer, Lagardère Travel Retail

10:00 (UK)/ 17:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 12:00 (AST) & 05:00 (EST)

Jessica Spence, President of Brands, Beam Suntory

10:00 (UK)/ 17:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 12:00 (AST) & 05:00 (EST)

and

10:00 (UK)/ 17:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 12:00 (AST) & 05:00 (EST)

Sunglasses Workshop

Speakers to be named

12:00 (UK)/ 19:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 14:00 (AST) & 07:00 (EST)

Pernod Ricard panel discussion

Craig Johnson, Global VP Marketing, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail, and guests

14.00 (UK)/ 21:00 Beijing Singapore/ 16:00 (AST) & 09:00 (EST)

Eugene Barry, Executive Vice President Commercial, Dubai Airports

15:00 (UK)/ 22:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 17:00 (AST) & 10:00 (EST)

Sustainability session

Gemma Bateson, Worldwide Duty Free Corporate Affairs & Communications Director, JTI

Adrien Geiger, Global Brand Director, L’Occitane

Niki Schilling, Innovation & Sustainability Director, Rituals Cosmetics

17:00 (UK)/ 00.00 Beijing/Singapore/ 19:00 (AST) & 12:00 (EST)

Shashank Nigam, CEO, Simplifying

Day 4 – Thursday 15 October 2020

07:55 (UK)/ 14:55 Beijing/Singapore/ 09:55 (AST) & 02:55 (EST)

Welcome

Dermot Davitt, President, The Moodie Davitt Report

Mauro Anastasi of Bain & Company will present his final conclusions on the Trinity Initiative

08:00 (UK)/ 15:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 10:00 (AST) & 03:00 (EST)

The Trinity Initiative

Jack MacGowan, Director, Castlepole Consulting

Mauro Anastasi, Partner, Bain & Company Italy

09:30 (UK)/16:30 Beijing/Singapore/ 11:30 (AST) & 04:30 (EST)

From Comfort to Crisis to New Normal: How Advertising will shape and be shaped by the Airport World of the Future

Robbie Dery, Chief Commercial & Product Officer, oOh!

Tom Perrett, Director of International Talon Outdoor/ Plexus US

Franck Vidal, Director, Asia Pacific, Havas Media

10:30 (UK)/17:30 Beijing/Singapore/ 12:30 (AST) & 05:30 (EST)

Pernod Ricard Insights Session

Anuj Roy, Global Head of Strategy, Insights and Intelligence, Pernod Ricard Global Travel Retail

12:00 (UK)/ 19:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 14:00 (AST) & 07:00 (EST)

Brad Miller, Managing Director, MAG-O (Manchester Airports Group)

13:00 (UK)/20:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 15:00 (AST) & 08:00 (EST)

The Future of Luxury with TW.O Partners

Luca Solca, Senior Analyst at Bernstein & Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group

14:00 (UK)/21:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 16:00 (AST) & 09:00 (EST)

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer, Hamad International Airport

Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Chief Operating Officer at Hamad International Airport, will reveal new details about the Doha gateway’s hugely ambitious expansion project

16:00 (UK) )/23:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 18:00 (AST) & 11:00 (EST)

Heidi Van Roon, Founder & President, Spark Business Services Group

Staffing and training specialist Heidi Van Roon will argue that the role of human engagement has been enhanced not diminished by the COVID-19 crisis

Day 5 – Friday 16 October 2020

KrisShop CEO Chris Pok leads an omnichannel retailer that has impressed with its flexibility and ability to pivot fast throughout the crisis

07:55 (UK)/ 14:55 Beijing/Singapore/ 09:55 (AST) & 02:55 (EST)

Welcome

Martin Moodie, Chairman, The Moodie Davitt Report

Dermot Davitt, President, The Moodie Davitt Report

08:00 (UK)/ 15:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 10:00 (AST) & 03:00 (EST)

Chris Pok, CEO, KrisShop

Kian Gould, CEO & Founder, AOE

Jayne Wear, Head of Omnichannel, Auckland Airport

10:00 (UK)/ 17:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 12:00 (AST) & 05:00 (EST)

Team Fortitude, Talisker Whisky Atlantic Challenge

Ollie Palmer, Head of Customer Marketing, Diageo Global Travel

Tom Foley, Executive- Capital Markets, JLL

Oana Damian, the dynamic founder of Damazo Group will offer a compelling view of the future of airport retail

11:00 (UK)/18:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 13:00 (AST) & 06:00 (EST)

Muriel Zingraff, Partner, Damazo Group

Oana Damian, Founder, Damazo Group

13:00pm (UK)/ 20:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 15:00 (AST) & 08:00 (EST)

Olivier Jager, Co-Founder & CEO, ForwardKeys

14:00 (UK)/ 21:00 Beijing/Singapore/ 16:00 (AST) & 02:00 (EST)

The QDF Factor Winner Revealed

Thabet Musleh, Vice President Operations, Qatar Duty Free

14:30 (UK)/ 21:30 Beijing/Singapore/ 16:30 (AST) & 02:30 (EST)

Concluding remarks

Martin Moodie, Chairman, The Moodie Davitt Report

Dermot Davitt, President, The Moodie Davitt Report

11/092020

‘Rare by Nature’ – Diageo unveils the 2020 Special Releases Whisky Collection

News

Diageo has launched the 2020 Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection, inspired by the theme ‘Rare by Nature’.

Curated by Master Blender Dr. Craig Wilson the exclusive selection comprises eight cask-strength single malt Scotch whiskies, drawn from some of Scotland’s most interesting distilleries.

The highly anticipated annual collection once again explores unusual age points and experimental maturation techniques.

It embraces Diageo’s first-ever release finished in pot-still Caribbean rum casks.

The encore theme highlights the extraordinary nature that surrounds each distillery, with each whisky visually brought to life through intricate illustrations that decorate the bottles.

Dr Wilson said: “I’ve created this year’s Special Releases Collection from some of my favorite distilleries across Scotland, with whisky enthusiasts in mind. For those who enjoy spicy flavours, my recommendation would be to try our Cardhu, and for those who favour rich, intense and smooth flavours my choice would be Mortlach 21 year old. If you are curious about discovering something very rare, the Pittyvaich – the single ghost distillery in our Special Releases Collection – this year is an unforgettable dram.”

Rare by Nature: The Diageo 2020 Special Releases Single Malt Scotch Whisky Collection offers eight vibrant expressions

This one of a kind line-up highlights the diversity of Diageo’s most-treasured reserves maturing in Scotland, the company noted.

The 2020 Special Releases collection will be available in limited quantities from specialist Scotch whisky retailers, including selected airport duty free stores and malts.com this Autumn. Target markets include the US, Canada, Australia, South Africa and certain Asian countries.

The 2020 Special Releases collection

Cardhu 11-Year-Old

ABV: 56.0%
Region: Speyside
Cask: From refill, new, and ex-bourbon American oak
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £85 (US$113)

Cragganmore 20-Year-Old

ABV: 55.8%
Region: Speyside
Cask: From refill casks and new fresh-charred casks.
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £130 (US$173)

Dalwhinnie 30-Year-Old

ABV: 51.9%
Region: Highland
Cask: From refill hogsheads
Number of bottles available: 6,978
RRSP £550 (US$732)

(Left to right) Cragganmore 20-Year-Old; Cardhu 11-Year-Old; Dalwhinnie 30-Year-Old

Lagavulin 12-Year-Old

ABV: 56.4%
Region: Islay
Cask: From refill American oak casks
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £125 (US$166)

Mortlach 21-Year-Old

ABV: 56.9%
Region: Speyside
Cask: From Pedro Ximenez & Oloroso Sherry seasoned casks
Number of bottles available: 7,692
RRSP £575 (US$765)

Pittyvaich 30-Year-Old

ABV: 50.8%
Region: Speyside
Cask: From first fill ex-bourbon casks
Number of bottles available: 7,056
RRSP £400 (US$532)

(Top left to bottom) Lagavulin 12-Year-Old; Mortlach 21-Year-Old; Pittyvaich 30-Year-Old

Talisker 8-Year-Old

ABV: 57.9%
Region: Isle of Skye
Cask: From pot-still Caribbean rum casks.
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £90 (US$120)

The Singleton of Dufftown 17-Year-Old

ABV: 55.1%
Region: Highland
Cask: Matured only in refill American oak hogsheads.
Limited quantities worldwide
RRSP £110 (US$146)

(Left) Talisker 8-Year-Old; (right) The Singleton of Dufftown 17-Year-Old

Footnote: As reported, Diageo Global Travel is a Platinum Partner for the highly anticipated Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.

The maker of Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Tanqueray, The Singleton and an eclectic range of brands across multiple categories will be showcasing its spirits category strategy at the Expo. “Diageo will share the consumer-centric growth levers that can drive market share and premiumisation, as well as plans to accelerate the development of an omnichannel retail ecosystem,” the company said.

11/092020

Inspired by India, made for the world: Duty Free Global to debut The House of Somrus at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

News

Specialist drinks company Duty Free Global (DFG) has been appointed to represent Indian cream liqueur brand House of Somrus in global travel retail. Duty Free Global will be introducing the brand at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October, where it will be exhibiting in #Virtual Stand WS-P1.

House of Somrus offers a range of Indian-inspired cream liqueurs. These are made with dairy cream and five-times distilled hand-crafted rum. Its range is low ABV, preservative-free, gluten-free and is made with no artificial flavours.

The House of Somrus portfolio is comprised of the Coffee, Mango and Kulfi flavours. Coffee was inspired by ‘Kaapi,’ a popular filter coffee in South India. It is made with an artisanal blend of Arabica coffee and roasted chicory.

Mango takes inspiration from the Mango Lassi and the Indian Aamrus milkshake. It is crafted with a blend of fresh Alphonso mangoes, dairy cream and rum. Kulfi was based on popular Indian desserts from Kulfi and Ras Malai and offers a flavourful mixture of Eastern spices and nuts.

Somrus, which means ‘Nectar of the Gods’ in Sanskrit, is one of the world’s fastest-growing cream liqueur brands

“We’re thrilled to be representing The House of Somrus in the GTR channel – Somrus is an exciting, highly awarded brand with a super-premium look, which introduces the unique flavours of India in a delicious cream liqueur to worldwide consumers,” said Duty Free Global Founder & Commercial Director Barry Geoghegan.

“This is one of the most innovative new launches in this category almost since this category was invented in 1974,” Geoghegan added. “We are confident that our travel retail operator partners will be delighted to list and promote this superb range of product as it will appeal to a large group of passengers.

“The newest expression, Somrus Coffee, is packaged in a stunning rose gold bottle has been extremely well-received by buyers and travel retail operators. Along with the addition of a specialty Value Added Pack set that features the Coffee (750ml) with cocktail recipes, plus two 50mls bottles of the other flavours. We are both excited and eager to share more about the brand with our network at The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.”

The Indian cream-liqueur brand is “one of the most innovative new launches in this category,” says DFG

The House of Somrus Director of Global Business Guy May added, “It is a privilege to be working with Barry and the DFG team on this uniquely exciting project. When I joined The House of Somrus earlier this year, it was clear that they had created a brand that is next generation and truly innovative in the category.

“Somrus’s ‘spiked rum creams’ are highly mixable with other spirits and importantly with non-alcoholic beverages — such as cold brew or coconut water — to create a lower calorie and low ABV drinking solution. The talented team at DFG are well-established to help bring our unique flavours, from a region representing a fifth of the world’s population, to the travel retail channel.”

Duty Free Global will be presenting House of Somrus at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo in #Virtual Stand WS-P1

Duty Free Global is a Platinum Partner at Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo

Duty Free Global is a Platinum Partner at the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

The unique 5-day live event, followed by a 30-day showcase, begins on 12 October, just after the conclusion of the Chinese Golden Week holidays. It features a star-studded series of events across the five days, including a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative.

Registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners (Click here to register).

11/092020

NAA Retailing and Los Angeles World Airports executives become latest Virtual Travel Retail Expo draw winners

News

INTERNATIONAL. Two more senior travel retail executives, one each from NAA Retailing Corporation and Los Angeles World Airports, are in with a chance to win US$1 million or a luxury car following the latest Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo prize draws in association with Dubai Duty Free.

Takumi Simizu, Senior Director for Merchandising and Logistics at NAA Retailing, has won a ticket for the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw and is now in with a chance of securing the US$1 million prize.

Los Angeles World Airports Director of Concessions Georginnah Navarrete goes into the Finest Surprise draw with the prospect of winning a luxury car.

Registration for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo is for retailers and airport companies, with Dubai Duty Free offering multiple chances to win US$1 million or a luxury car in one of its grand prize draws

Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business, is offering registered Expo visitors multiple opportunities to win grand prizes in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws. As reported, all registered retailers, buyers and airport executives will have the chance to win a ticket for the two immensely popular draws every Friday between now and the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which begins on 12 October.

To register for The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo and qualify for each prize draw in the run-up to the event, please click here.

Our weekly draws are conducted through an online random name generator. In the event of any individual winning an ultimate grand prize, it can be donated to charity if a company policy precludes accepting individual benefits.

Over the past 20 years, the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire promotion has changed the lives of 332 winners and their families. Seven lucky individual winners have won twice. The Finest Surprise Promotion is now in its 30th year, making it the longest-running duty free promotion in the world.

11/092020

Leading KOLs to attend Virtual Travel Retail Expo in programme developed by FILTR and QINRIVE

News

INTERNATIONAL. Integrated retail marketing, communications and design agency FILTR and leading Asian communications consultancy QINRIVE have jointly developed a KOL Programme that will bring a roster of Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) to The Moodie Davitt Report’s inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo next month.

The programme will see influencers from across Asia, Europe, USA and Australia engage with the travel retail channel. With a collective reach of millions of consumer followers globally, the KOLs will interact and connect with brands, retailers, airports and other delegates in a pioneering consumer component of the event, taking place virtually from 12-16 October.

Leading KOL voices across travel, lifestyle and the worlds of beauty, fashion and F&B will take residence in a virtual KOL Sphere in the Experience Hub

Led by FILTR’s Communications Director James Brown, and QINRIVE CEO Ziqin (Kelly) Gao, the KOL Programme is centred around a campaign called KOL Ambassadors. The campaign helps influencers discover the latest travel retail products, services and experiences in order to inspire consumers as the world of travel recovers.

James Brown: “Virtual Travel Retail Expo exhibitors – from the biggest multi-nationals to the newest independents and start-ups – have the opportunity to reach a broad consumer audience through the KOL Programme”

Leading KOL voices across travel, lifestyle and the worlds of beauty, fashion and F&B will take residence in a virtual KOL Sphere in the Experience Hub. The KOL Ambassadors will be able to learn about the latest launches, meet with brands one-on-one and take part in product unboxing experiences remotely.

At the end of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, the Ambassadors’ top picks will be shared through their social media channels and across The Moodie Davitt Report’s B2B and social media platforms. Coverage from exhibitors will be achieved on an earned (unpaid) basis.

[The exciting KOL Ambassadors line-up will be announced in the coming days]

FILTR Communications Director James Brown commented: “Virtual Travel Retail Expo exhibitors – from the biggest multi-nationals to the newest independents and start-ups – have the opportunity to reach a broad consumer audience through the KOL Programme.

“With so many international routes still limited or on hold, we know that KOLs have not had the chance to grace travel retail stores and explore the latest product launches and novelties. Alongside QINRIVE, we have created a channel for brands to raise awareness and build demand for their products and services in travel retail for when traveller volumes return, supporting the industry in recovery.”

Ziqin (Kelly) Gao: “It is fantastic to collaborate with KOLs from across different regions and come together in a new digital sixth continent – the Virtual Travel Retail Expo”

QINRIVE ASIA Founder and CEO, Kelly Gao, commented: “Travel retail is often referred to as the Sixth Continent, so it is fantastic to collaborate with KOLs from across different regions and come together in a new digital sixth continent – the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

“Travellers from China and the broader Asian region are key to the recovery in travel retail and similarly KOLs from this part of the world are highly influential on the global stage. With hundreds of millions of loyal followers, they create and lead consumer trends, influence travel decisions and inspire consumers globally through various social media touchpoints across their travel journeys.”

Ms Gao added: “During the past three years, QINRIVE has worked closely with leading global brands to develop integrated communications campaigns to inspire consumers with experiential campaigns in travel retail through KOLs. But after the epidemic, we have had to think carefully about how to provide fresh inspiration for the future of influencer marketing.

“We are honoured to be a part of the new era of digital travel retail conferences and exhibitions led by The Moodie Davitt Report and FILTR, and we look forward to creating a truly memorable and historic KOL Ambassadors campaign at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.”

The KOL Programme is enhanced by The Moodie Davitt Report and the line-up of official Virtual Travel Retail preferred media partners (a wide range of fellow B2B titles, and China market B2B and B2C platforms), providing ongoing editorial and social media support.

Martin Moodie: Stretching the boundaries of trade shows

The creation of a dedicated KOL Sphere within the Expo’s Experience Hub and a KOL workshop hosted and managed by FILTR and QINRIVE will continue to shine the spotlight on this important, evolving and highly relevant marketing workstream. Further details to be announced soon.

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman, Martin Moodie, commented, “The Virtual Travel Retail Expo KOL Programme is hugely exciting. The power of digital is allowing us to innovate and stretch the boundaries of trade shows and redefine the landscape.

“FILTR and QINRIVE are top-class communications agencies, who The Moodie Davitt Report works with extensively, and we are delighted to be partnering with them both to bring KOLs to the Expo.”

About FILTR

FILTR is an integrated marketing, communications and design agency specialising in prestige global retail channels. Established in 2016, FILTR plans, creates and implements multi-faceted campaigns around the world for luxury, premium and lifestyle brands. FILTR’s core services are segmented into four areas: PR & Communications, Retail Design, Graphic & Digital Design and Retail Consultancy.

In August 2020, FILTR merged with integrated creative agency Qingwa to form a 55-person global agency network with operations in Singapore, Hong Kong, Paris and London.

About QINRIVE

QINRIVE ASIA is an independent agency that stirs up the digital times. It combines consultancy with holistic communications to provide a range of marketing solutions. With its headquarters in HK and offices in Shanghai and Shenzhen, QINRIVE ASIA aims to grow together with the travel retail industry and builds up the connections between east and west, inbound and outbound.

QINRIVE ASIA leads and champions the ‘New 4C Marketing’ methodology (creative-content-commerce-community) for digital communications. The agency dedicates itself to building the speciality of emotional marketing through influencers and content. QINRIVE was honoured as a top 100 agency of 2019 worldwide by MADCon.

Founder Ziqin (Kelly) Gao is a brand expert and business consultant with 15 years background of luxury and premium brand communication. She gained a Global EMBA from USC Marshall, and has served as Global Brand Director of AXENT and Marketing Head of Vertu in APAC.

For more details regarding the KOL Programme, please contact James Brown at james@wefiltr.com

11/092020

Virtual Travel Retail Expo bolstered by new service company and brand partners

News

INTERNATIONAL. The stellar list of partners for the inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo has been boosted by the addition of industry service providers in the fields of travel data & analysis, marketing, visual merchandising and recruitment.

As reported, the unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register).

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.

A premium event for a premium audience: The clock is ticking down to the Virtual Travel Retail Expo on 12-16 October

Online marketing technology platform iClick will take part within a strong omnichannel and services zone of the Exhibition Hub.

The company said: “We are extremely delighted to be taking part in the inaugural and pioneering Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo. Thank you to the Moodie Davitt team for bringing out this great initiative, allowing us with an innovative platform to showcase our portfolio across the global travel retail community. As a thought leader with the largest independent online marketing technology platform in China, we are here to help global travel retail clients to make the most out of smart retailing and digitalisation to capitalise on the growth opportunities in the China market.”

Travel data analytics company ForwardKeys has also lent its support to the event. CEO Olivier Jager said: “ForwardKeys appreciates all the hard work the Moodie Davitt team does in keeping the travel retail sector well informed over the years, including during this chaotic period that has turned the travel world upside down. As such, it gives us such pleasure to partner with such a trusted medium of truth for the Virtual Expo in October.”

The Exhibition Hub has attracted over 110 partners, who will greet a powerful line-up of travel retailer and airport representatives

Spark Group of Companies Founder and President Heidi van Roon, whose company specialises in staffing and recruiting for luxury retail brands in environments including airports, said: “One of the industry highlights, by far, will be the inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo. The power of gathering the industry around our shared hopes and dreams will shape the history of our beloved workplaces. Launching a digital platform is genius for supporting the global market mechanism and for encouraging the global community. The future of the travel retail industry starts on 12 October and it is an amazing privilege to be part of this historic event as an exhibitor and as a contributor.”

In-store visual communication solutions provider Kendu added: “We’re very excited to attend the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, a hugely innovative project that will definitively set the pace for future events in the industry. Despite the turmoil and challenges the industry is facing, we are bullish on travel retail and fully committed to the sector. The event’s team has done an excellent job so far and the line-up is phenomenal – all major players are attending the event.

“At Kendu, we are working very hard to support our partners through innovation and there is no better place than this event to launch the all-new-Flowbox, the dynamic display for retail and all our core products – the most exciting range in visual merchandising displays. With our focus on quality and experience design, we really hope that our products and services can become a catalyst to attract customers back into the stores once the travel industry recovers.

“The Expo is extremely relevant for all of us and we cannot wait to see what the team has prepared for us, exhibitors and visitors.”

These and other partners in the omnichannel and services zone join the many brand partners that have signed up, including several in recent days.

Representing Portuguese port and wine company Symington Family Estates, Global Travel Retail Director Gonçalo Aragão e Brito said: “Symington Family Estates is one of the most recognised port and still wine producers in Portugal, with an historic and solid presence in the travel retail industry. The regular presence at the TFWA Cannes festival, and the aiming of growing distribution in new markets like Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, among others, made our decision of participating as an exhibitor at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo easy. This will definitely be an outbreaking experience.”

Fast-growing South Korean beauty & wellbeing brand Tony Moly, represented by TR Partners, stated: “TonyMoly are delighted to be participating at the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo and to have the opportunity to connect with the travel retail industry in an engaging and innovative way. We are also pleased to announce a partnership with TR Partners, who will join us at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, to further develop our footprint in the global channel.”

About the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium, complete with Exhibition Hub, Knowledge Hub (Symposium and Workshops) and Experience Hub (an immersive engagement zone).

As evidenced by an outstanding line-up of over 110 exhibitors, it is a premium event for a premium audience. The unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October and is set to be the defining travel retail industry happening in 2020.

Registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners. Dubai Duty Free, the world’s biggest single airport travel retail business, is presenting those registered Expo visitors with multiple prospects to win grand weekly prizes in its Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws (click here to register).

11/092020

QDF Factor finalists to be named in late September and winner revealed at Virtual Travel Retail Expo

News

QATAR.

Submissions close on 15 September.

As reported, The QDF Factor is the brainchild of Qatar Duty Free (QDF) and The Moodie Davitt Report. It is a competition open to all brands and concepts, both within or outside the travel retail channel, that offers a top prize of a complimentary six-month listing and high-profile promotion at Qatar Duty Free’s award-winning retail offer in Hamad International Airport, Doha.

The victor will also win a six-month US$50,000 multi-media advertising campaign with The Moodie Davitt Report, including an eZine dedicated solely to the winning entry/entries and other high-profile visibility spots.

Finalists will be progressive revealed, along with an extensive profile of their proposition on The Moodie Davitt Report.com, from late September.

The winner will be revealed by Qatar Duty Free at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner.

Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh will judge the awards along with senior members of his team, with assistance from The Moodie Davitt Report Chairman Martin Moodie.

Musleh said that he is delighted with the level of interest and the quality and diversity of entries.

Entry arrangements

All product samples/mock-ups etc and related material must be received by 15 September at the following addresses:

Qatar Duty Free Company

Office 401 & 408
4^th Floor, Qatar Airways Tower 3
Building 133, Street 310, Zone 48
P.O. Box 22553
Doha, State of Qatar

Important note: For alcohol products please email Shanoof Mohamed Ali at Shanali@QatarAirways.com.qa to arrange specific delivery arrangements to Qatar and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for delivery to a Hong Kong address.

2. The Moodie Davitt Report Hong Kong

Address details via Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

3. Supporting material

You must include:

A PDF/word document answering the entry criteria above
Photos and/or video of the product
Please send these to qdffactor@qatarairways.com.qa; and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

[The Qatar Duty Free and Hamad International Airport communications team put this short Instagram clip together to capture Thabet Musleh giving Martin Moodie a sneak preview of the new-look Qatar Duty Free offer in the South Node of Hamad International Airport late last month]

Let the competition begin: Thabet Musleh and Martin Moodie, pictured in the Harrods Tea Room at Hamad International Airport, begin the exciting job of judging The QDF Factor. Entries close on 15 September.

Entrants, to be judged by Musleh, his team, and Martin Moodie, will be assessed on a series of qualitative criteria, including:

Innovation: What does this product or concept offer that is unique, makes it stand out from its competitors, and creates a talking point for retailer and consumer alike? What is its USP?
CSR – what additional social credentials does your product offer?
Presentation: What is compelling about the packaging? What makes it stand out on shelf?
Commercial viability: Who is your product targeted at? What makes it a winner? What is your pricing policy and (going forward) marketing approach?
Overall quality: Tell us about the R&D that went into your product, the quality of its ingredients/components etc.

Qatar Duty Free may award more than one prize if sufficiently impressed (The Moodie Davitt Report will match any additional prizes with further advertising).

Musleh said: “QDF has always worked closely with travel retail brands to create unique offers and experiences for our customers.

“Now we are really excited to provide an opportunity for all brands – no matter how big or small, with or without a presence in travel retail – to have their product in one of the top three airports in the world. We welcome all brands to participate and very much look forward to seeing really innovative concepts that will delight our customers in the post COVID-19 era.”

Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo

11/092020

Ghost distilleries and history revisited – Diageo releases two ultra-rare Scotch whiskies into travel retail

News

Diageo is to release two exceptional limited-edition whisky releases from Johnnie Walker and ghost distillery Port Ellen in global travel retail.

A limited number of bottles of the recently launched Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve 40-Year-Old and Port Ellen 40-Year-Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky will be made available in select airport stores from October 2020. The UK (domestic) RRP is £15,000 (US$20,000).

As reported, Johnnie Walker unveiled Master’s Ruby Reserve earlier this year to celebrate Master Blender Dr Jim Beveridge’s 40th anniversary at Diageo. Beveridge crafted the blend from some of the finest Scotch in the Johnnie Walker reserves, selecting eight “exceptionally rare” whiskies that evoked his earliest whisky-making memories. These have married to create a unique Scotch that provides a window into the Master Blender’s distinguished career, Diageo said.

Spirit world: Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve brings ghosts to life

Dr Beveridge, working closely with his team of whisky makers, chose whiskies from the ‘ghost’ distilleries of Cambus, Carsebridge, Pittyvaich and Port Ellen, all balanced with highly aged expressions from Talisker, Royal Lochnagar, Glendullan and Cragganmore. All the whiskies used to create Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve are at least 40 years old. Just 398 bottles are available worldwide.

Port Ellen revealed its own rare whisky in May, Port Ellen 40-Year-Old: 9 Rogue Casks. This is one of the oldest and rarest releases ever to be made available direct from the distillery, and the second release in the collectable Port Ellen Untold Stories Series that explores the story of the distillery’s past ahead of its return. The UK (domestic) RRP is £6,500 (US$8,700).

Port Ellen was distilled for just 16 of the last 90 years, and no casks have been produced since its closure in 1983, making the original dwindling stocks finite and rare.

Rare and valuable: Port Ellen was distilled for just 16 of the last 90 years, and no casks have been produced since its closure in 1983

Master Blender Dr Craig Wilson selected nine special casks from the original stock, each identifiably Port Ellen but with its own defining character. These were blended to showcase “a new dimension of Port Ellen unlike any before”, Diageo said.

“With only 1,380 bottles available worldwide it is one of the last chances to own a part of Port Ellen’s history,” the company commented.

Johnnie Walker Master’s Ruby Reserve 40-Year-Old

RRP UK (duty paid): £15,000 (US$20,000)

Bottle size: 70cl

ABV: Cask Strength 43%

Tasting Notes (Source: Diageo)

Nose: Rich layers of treacle toffee from Cambus, caramelised apple and autumnal soft fruit from Pittyvaich, before waves of dark chocolate, plums and cherries slowly unfold. Notes of dark fruits from Royal Lochnagar and Cragganmore combine with pink peppercorn spice and sea salt.
Palate: Incredibly full-bodied and rich. Initial layers of Talisker and Port Ellen’s warming maritime smoke combine with cocoa nibs, perfectly balanced by the berries and currants of Glendullan and Carsebridge. Notes of caramelised apples, pears and maraschino cherries.
Finish: A long lingering finish of pepper and demerara sugars.

Port Ellen 40-Year-Old

RRP UK (duty paid): £6,500 (US$8,700).

Bottle size: 70cl

ABV: Cask Strength 50.9%

Tasting Notes:

- - - Nose: Delicate, grassy/herbal, burnt tangerine skin, very mild smoke at cask strength, opens up a little with the addition of water, crème caramel/roasted coffee, red fruit compote, ripe peach skin
    - Palate: Much more pronounced bonfire smoke, pipe tobacco, leather, wood spice
    - Finish: Long, wispy smoke finish
Footnote: As reported, Diageo Global Travel is a Platinum Partner for the highly anticipated Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.

The maker of Johnnie Walker, Port Ellen and an eclectic range of brands across multiple categories will be showcasing its spirits category strategy at the Expo. “Diageo will share the consumer-centric growth levers that can drive market share and premiumisation, as well as plans to accelerate the development of an omnichannel retail ecosystem,” the company said.

11/092020

Changi Airport Group becomes Platinum Partner at Virtual Travel Retail Expo

News

SINGAPORE. Changi Airport Group – one of the world’s great airport companies – has signed as a Platinum Partner for the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

Changi Airport Group Group Senior Vice President of Airside Concessions Ms Teo Chew Hoon said, “This virtual trade Expo reflects how agile and innovative the travel retail industry is. Despite the challenges, we push boundaries, seek out new opportunities and reinvent ourselves.

“As Changi Airport continues to evolve its business, this event is an opportunity to meet new brands, learn from key players in the industry and showcase Changi’s recent developments on the retail front. It’s a pleasure partnering The Moodie Davitt Report, and we look forward to being part of this first-of-its-kind event.”

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “To have an airport company of the lustre of Changi Airport Group join us as a Platinum Partner is a tremendous boost for this pioneering event.

“Changi Airport has always put the consumer experience at the heart of everything it does and of course its world-class retail, dining, services, entertainment and attractions – including the magnificent Jewel Changi Airport – form an integral part of that experience. Innovation and, as Chew Hoon notes, the ability to reinvent itself, has been a hallmark of Changi Airport Group’s history and philosophy and, no doubt, of its response to crisis.

“Indeed, the COVID-19 pandemic has seen that ability to pivot played out, most notably in recent days with the launch of the exciting Changi Eats concept and during recent months with the rapid evolution of the acclaimed iShopChangi ecommerce offer. On National Day of Singapore, for example, last month, Changi Airport held its first-ever online auction, attracting thousands of participants. And right now, it is hosting a blockbuster online shopping campaign via iShopChangi. We look forward with great anticipation to see the excitement Changi Airport Group will bring to our Expo.”

About the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

11/092020

Interview: The future’s positive – and it’s omnichannel – says KrisShop CEO Chris Pok

News

It has been a year since KrisShop’s grandly unveiled transformation of KrisShop.com, their revamped site aimed to further strengthen their evolution from inflight retailer to fully-fledged omnichannel platform.

But where other travel retailers have reeled in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, KrisShop has repeatedly pivoted to take best advantage of fast-changing circumstances, in the process underscoring the value of its omnichannel proposition.

Over the last year, KrisShop (a joint venture between Singapore Airlines, 3Sixty Duty Free & More, and SATS, with support from the AOE digital platform) has more than doubled its range of homegrown and global brands and now offers over ten different categories across an impressive ecommerce platform. Throughout Singapore’s sustained ‘circuit-breaker’ lockdown, the joint venture company has embraced a dynamic social engagement programme, particularly for grounded Singaporeans looking for much-needed retail therapy.

From the neatly-timed ‘New Norms’ range to the forward-thinking ‘KrisShop Green’ concept store, KrisShop has underscored the value of a robust, nimble digital strategy and omnichannel presence amid the most turbulent trading period in travel retail history.

In this compelling interview, KrisShop Chief Executive Officer Chris Pok talks about turning crisis into opportunity, the future of travel retail, and what industry partners can expect to see at the company’s #Virtual Stand (OC-P3) at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.

The Moodie Davitt Report: How far along is KrisShop on the journey from inflight retailer to fully fledged omnichannel platform? And what lies next on the journey?

Chris Pok: Transforming from an inflight duty free shop to a fully-fledged omnichannel retailer has not been an easy undertaking, but I’m proud to say that we have made significant strides since last year’s unveiling of our revamped ecommerce site, KrisShop.com.

Our efforts enabled shoppers to have a better experience of buying without flying. This includes an enhanced user experience on the site, and reduced delivery lead time in the fulfilment process. When travel returns, passengers will also find that the lead time for pre-orders to flights have been notably reduced, allowing passengers to enjoy duty free offerings at greater convenience.

Over the year, we have more than doubled our collection of thoughtfully curated homegrown and global brands, to boast an extensive collection of lifestyle items across ten product categories. To navigate the challenges posed by the global pandemic, we have also strengthened our digital engagement efforts, to meet consumers where they are for both the short and long term.

The journey ahead will also mean strengthening our omnichannel presence, enhancing our site experience and curating a more targeted mix of products to better connect with customers.

Click on the image above to read The Moodie Davitt eZine’s on location report of the KrisShop relaunch in 2019

In the last few months, KrisShop has pivoted fast and adapted its marketing initiatives and product offer to reach consumers at home, for example with the ‘New Norms Essentials’ range and the ‘KrisShop Live Instagram Series’. In short, you’ve turned crisis into opportunity. What’s been the consumer reaction?

The pandemic has undoubtedly heralded a shift in shopper behaviour across the global retail market. From trying new brands and picking up hobbies to paying more attention to health and hygiene, nesting at home has redefined the way people shop. This has shown itself to be an eclectic mix of practicality and passion.

“Even when things do start to turn for the better, there is a good chance that consumption habits will continue to be dualistic, with formerly non-digital natives choosing to shop online”

Taking cues from these changes, it was an instinctive move for us to tailor offerings to cater to the needs and wants of consumers. We did this through a curated concept store called KrisShop@Home, a seasonal new norm series which offered daily essentials, as well as a series of Instagram Live content to entertain and educate our consumers at home.

The response to these efforts has been highly positive, and we attribute this to our active demonstration of social awareness and consciously delivery of products and initiatives that are helpful to people in these difficult times.

The Anniversary Fiesta is a month-long promotion featuring a range of shopper treats and surprises

Any lessons from the crisis?

A key lesson is the importance of having a digital strategy and a robust omnichannel presence. The pandemic has effectively pushed consumers toward embracing digital transformation, from grocery shopping to exercising and even participating in religious services.

With a fully-functioning ecommerce platform that supports engagement independent of a physical space, we’ve been able to show customers that they can still enjoy all the things they love about KrisShop without actually travelling. This ability to diversify is more crucial than ever, as even when things do start to turn for the better, there is a good chance that consumption habits will continue to be dualistic, with formerly non-digital natives choosing to shop online.

Another learning we’ve had is on the importance of developing a consumer-led strategy, which means regularly reviewing our practices to ensure that they effectively cater to evolving consumer behaviour and preferences. Keeping our finger on the shopper pulse has enabled us to engage consumers with the right products, at the right time.

What is your message to brand owners about the KrisShop opportunity, and what support are you seeking from them to deliver on this?

A key message that we stand by is the importance of cultivating collaborative relationships. We see an increasing need to tap into the tools and talents of our partners, and we are also willing to do the same for them.

At KrisShop, we recognise that many of the smaller boutique brand owners today are doing everything they can to keep their business afloat. We take pride in extending support to them through our supply chain and marketing reach, ensuring that they can continue to tap into our customer base and sell their products.

The New Norm Essentials collection features safety and hygiene staples, catering to the increased demand for personal protection products

How do you see the category mix evolving during and post the COVID-19 era? How much has the crisis affected consumer shopping behaviour?

In the long-term, daily essentials will be bought in bigger baskets. We’ve witnessed this increase in uptake, with home and living items taking the lion’s share of purchases as people stayed home during the circuit breaker. Even now, we continue to see a steady demand for items like antibacterial face masks and health supplements, beauty devices for those investing in self-care, ergonomic armchairs for those working from home, as well as kitchen aids for the growing pool of home chefs.

Another trend that was gaining traction even before the pandemic — and has experienced a surge in recent months — is the rise of aspirational shoppers. We’re seeing more consumers give attention to brands that communicate some form of social, cultural or environmental awareness. This is perhaps due to the state of volatility that the world is in, which strengthens people’s affinities for brands who are trying to make a positive difference. These don’t need to be big, global brands. They could very well be small, individual labels who simply have an inspiring ethos.

KrisShop launched its first-ever sustainable concept store, KrisShop Green, during World Environment Day. Do you have other curated concept stores in the pipeline?

Our concept stores series is an evolving effort where we currently have five mainstays – With Love, SG, KrisShop Cares, KrisShop Discovers, KrisShop Moments and KrisShop Green – that serve as evergreen curated collections.

Beyond this, we continue to build seasonal stores in line with our beliefs and specific consumer trends, such as KrisShop@Home for the stay-home season. In the months ahead, we will be working with brands to launch an iconic batik concept store as a nod to the heritage of Singapore Airlines, where we’ll see a marriage of tradition and style brought to life in merchandise.

The new platform encourages customers to embrace responsible consumption and take steps to reduce their environmental impact

Going green is about making decisions that are better for ourselves and the planet, says the omnichannel retailer, a premise underlined by the KrisShop Green concept store

Some describe COVID-19 as creating a ‘forced trial’ of ecommerce. Certainly, it has accelerated the trend towards online shopping. How would you sum up the impact on retail generally, and KrisShop specifically, of recent months?

Naturally, the pandemic has had a profound impact on the travel retail industry. Our inflight retail offering hasn’t been operational for some months now, given the implementation of travel bans and safety efforts to minimise all forms of physical contact. Our strategy has been to rearrange the scales of our diversification model to put more weight behind our ecommerce platform.

With consumers staying home over the past few months, this has been an opportunity to emphasise our ecommerce offering. We also wanted to reinforce to our consumers that they can buy via KrisShop.com without flying, and have their purchases delivered to their doorstep. However, this hasn’t stopped us from planning for when travel eventually begins its recovery. We are already in discussion with Singapore Airlines about enhancement options for our inflight retail experience for when the travel demand returns.

Click here to visit KrisShop@Home

KrisShop will be exhibiting at the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October. What can visitors expect to see?

At the Expo, visitors can look forward to exploring our series of concept stores and taking a sneak peek at our upcoming Batik concept store. They’ll also be the first to learn about new initiatives that we have in place for PPS Club members.

How does the future look for KrisShop – through COVID-19 and beyond?

We will continue to build our future on the back of a holistic omnichannel presence and leverage it to deliver experiences that speak to the seasons.

“In the long term, retailers will also not just need to retain loyal shoppers, but also start thinking about converting non-travellers and to a lesser extent, non-shopper travellers embarking on essential travel. The latter two groups are particularly important.”

We know that people love ecommerce because of the variety of choice and convenience that it offers. More than ever, we’re seeing an increase in the demand for instant gratification, where we’re seeing consumers become more conscious of quality and speed. This could be due to the fact that during lockdown, people had little to look forward to apart from treats in delivery packages. This was our signal to look into cutting down on delivery lead times to better service our customers, which also led to revving up on IT and process enhancement efforts.

This includes adding a Live Chat function on our site for a more interactive and assistive user journey. With our priority being the safety of our staff and consumers, we’re also actively reviewing safer ways to engage with customers, such as encouraging pre-orders to flights.

With these as examples, our future will continue to be established on careful consideration of what our consumers desire, and how we can best and safely can meet them.

How do you see the future of the travel industry – and the travel retail sector?

It’s not a stretch to say that most businesses in this sector are in survival mode. To maximise returns in the immediate future, those in the sector will need to review their digital strategy and double up on efforts to offer a robust omnichannel presence in order to capture a closing window of existing shoppers.

In the long term, retailers will also not just need to retain loyal shoppers, but also start thinking about converting non-travellers and to a lesser extent, non-shopper travellers embarking on essential travel. The latter two groups are particularly important.

An international survey recently revealed that a good 40% of people will not travel within the first six months post-lockdown, and that 60% of customers who do travel will not engage with retailers. It will also be vital for retailers to adopt an active approach to reviewing their product assortment to get an edge over competitors, bearing in mind that consumer behaviour will shift yet again when travel eventually comes back.

[Click on the YouTube icon to view the relaunch of KrisShop last year]

KrisShop goes Platinum at Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo

Omnichannel retailer KrisShop is a Platinum Partner of the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

The unique 5-day ‘live’ event, followed by a 30-day showcase, begins on 12 October, just after the conclusion of the Chinese Golden Week holidays. It features a star-studded series of events across the five days, including a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative.

Registration is free for buyers, exhibitors and preferred media partners (Click here to register).

11/092020

Duty Free World Council and leading associations to promote advocacy initiatives at Virtual Travel Retail Expo & TRMarketplace

News

INTERNATIONAL. The Duty Free World Council (DFWC) and its member organisations will take part in the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo from 12-16 October and at the TRMarketplace online event that takes place from 28 September to 2 October.

The Council will share details of its work, while each member will present the initiatives they are working on both under the DFWC umbrella and individually, with a live link to their recent regional reports.

Member organisations include the Asia Pacific Travel Retail Association (APTRA), Latin American duty free association ASUTIL, the European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC), the Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), the International Association of Airport Duty Free Stores (IAADFS), the Middle East & Africa Duty Free Association (MEADFA) and Tax Free World Association (TFWA).

The DFWC said it was “grateful to both organisers for making this possible”. It noted that it was “embracing the virtual model” in the absence of the platform that TFWA’s World Exhibition and Conference has traditionally provided for the Council and its regional association members to inform the industry about its advocacy work.

DFWC President Sarah Branquinho said: “We greatly appreciate the support we receive year round from all the industry trade media. We thank both The Moodie Davitt Report and TR Business for their offer to allow the Council and its members highlight the important work we have been involved in, on very many fronts, since the beginning of 2020.

“Obviously dealing with the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic has dominated but there are many other initiatives impacting our industry which have also been the focus of much work this year and on which we shall communicate during both upcoming events. We look forward to a gradual return to normal for our industry and being able to communicate in more usual surroundings at all our members’ events next year.”

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo: A premium event for a premium audience

About the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

As evidenced by an outstanding line-up of exhibitors, it is a premium event for a premium audience. The unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October and is set to be the defining travel retail industry happening in 2020.

11/092020

“A truly memorable experience:” More leading names join Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo line-up

News

INTERNATIONAL. More leading names have signed up as exhibitors for the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, as support for the event continues to be encouraging.

Among the latest names to join the line-up are the travel retail division of leading South African wines & spirits house Distell, Canadian beverage group Molson Coors, emerging brand agency Shannon Retail Innovation plus leading Out of Home advertising players oOh!Media and Talon Outdoor division Plexus, each of which take their place in the omnichannel zone of the Exhibition Hub. More partners will be named shortly.

As reported, the unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register).

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo has passed the milestone of 100 exhibitor companies, which together represent several hundred brands and service companies across the industry. 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.

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo promises to be a memorable showcase and experience

Distell Global Travel Retail Managing Director Luke Maga said: “As we navigate through one of the toughest periods in the history of travel retail, we welcome the opportunity to connect with our partners and introduce our NPD through the pioneering Virtual Expo platform. The event is a necessary initiative in these uncertain times and follows on nicely from the virtual Bunnahabhain tasting that we proudly hosted in June with CDF-Lagardère.

“Distell Global Travel Retail is fully committed to travel retail and we look forward to embracing the possibilities that the Expo will offer us as we look to expand throughout ASIAPAC & Europe.”

Other exhibitors have highlighted the strong showcase opportunity provided by the Virtual Expo, among them French cosmeceutical company Nuxe, recently named as a partner. Nuxe Global Travel Retail Director Marion Bruimaud said: “I believe the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a critical component in the industry’s efforts to restore as much normality as possible to these entirely abnormal times.

“Our product portfolio, especially our travel retail exclusives, have been outstandingly successful in travel retail channels. The opportunity to use this digital platform to continue to interact with our buyers safely and effectively, and to showcase our portfolio across the global travel retail community, is something we at Nuxe did not want to miss.

“The overall package is also part of the attraction for us. Access to the event’s Knowledge Hub, with a symposium, category workshops and new consumer research and visitor analytics bring added value to what I believe is going to be a truly memorable experience.”

Alongside the Exhibition Hub, the Symposium Hall and Workshop Rooms will host industry dialogue around the theme ‘Road to Recovery’, exploring how the travel retail channel will (or should) look in the future

Stephan Schneider, Sales Director Travel Retail at premium confectionery brand Cavendish & Harvey said that “unusual situations call for unusual and bold measures”. He added that the inaugural Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a “unique platform” to showcase brands and new products and to connect with existing and potential partners.

“Cavendish & Harvey is a global brand and our travel retail business is one of our most dynamic channels. So, we not only look forward to experiencing new dimensions of exhibitor trade fairs and we are delighted to foster our relationships with our partners and friends in travel retail.”

Joe Harvey, Founder of Shannon Retail Innovation, said: “As a new business Shannon Retail Innovation really welcomes this great opportunity to be part of the Virtual Expo 2020. We look forward to introducing our great new brands to everyone in travel retail and meeting you all from around the globe.”

Representing Plexus, The Talon Group Managing Partner Adrian Skelton said: “As the consumer journey through airports continues to evolve in a post Covid-19 world, we are looking forward to showcasing the Plexus & Grand Visual value proposition at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.”

Representing another leading Out of Home player, oOh!media Chief Commercial and Product Officer, Robbie Dery commented: “I’m delighted to be taking part in this year’s Virtual Travel Retail Expo after what was such a positive experience in (Trinity) 2019. Now more than ever, it’s important that as an industry we remain connected, share ideas and discuss the key issues to ensure we continue to support the aviation industry through what is a very challenging time.”

About the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

11/092020

Deadline nears for The QDF Factor as entrants eye breakthrough opportunity

News

QATAR.

Today we bring you full logistics details for submissions, which close on 15 September.

As reported, The QDF Factor is the brainchild of Qatar Duty Free (QDF) and The Moodie Davitt Report. It is a competition open to all brands, both within or outside the travel retail channel, that offers a top prize of a complimentary six-month listing and high-profile promotion at Qatar Duty Free’s award-winning retail offer in Hamad International Airport, Doha.

The winner will be revealed by Qatar Duty Free at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner.

Entry arrangements

All product samples/mock-ups etc and related material must be received by 15 September at the following addresses:

Qatar Duty Free Company

Office 401 & 408
4^th Floor, Qatar Airways Tower 3
Building 133, Street 310, Zone 48
P.O. Box 22553
Doha, State of Qatar

2. The Moodie Davitt Report Hong Kong

Address details via Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

3. Supporting material

You must include:

A PDF/word document answering the entry criteria above
Photos and/or video of the product
Please send these to qdffactor@qatarairways.com.qa; and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

Entrants, to be judged by Musleh, his team, and Martin Moodie, will be assessed on a series of qualitative criteria, including:

Innovation: What does this product or concept offer that is unique, makes it stand out from its competitors, and creates a talking point for retailer and consumer alike? What is its USP?
CSR – what additional social credentials does your product offer?
Presentation: What is compelling about the packaging? What makes it stand out on shelf?
Commercial viability: Who is your product targeted at? What makes it a winner? What is your pricing policy and (going forward) marketing approach?
Overall quality: Tell us about the R&D that went into your product, the quality of its ingredients/components etc.

Qatar Duty Free may award more than one prize if sufficiently impressed (The Moodie Davitt Report will match any additional prizes with further advertising).

Musleh said: “QDF has always worked closely with travel retail brands to create unique offers and experiences for our customers.

Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo

11/092020

Diageo Global Travel signs as Platinum Partner for Virtual Travel Retail Expo

News

Diageo Global Travel has become a Platinum Partner for the highly anticipated Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.

As a global leader in beverage alcohol – and maker of Johnnie Walker, Baileys, Tanqueray and The Singleton among other global giants – Diageo will be showcasing its spirits category strategy at the conference.

“Join Diageo to hear about their strategy to make the spirits category a major growth driver in travel retail,” the company said. “Diageo will share the consumer-centric growth levers that can drive market share and premiumisation, as well as plans to accelerate the development of an omnichannel retail ecosystem.”

Diageo Global Travel Managing Director Eduardo Barp commented: “We are delighted to partner with Moodie Davitt for their first-ever Virtual Travel Retail Expo. As an industry facing great challenges this year, it is important that we come together, support each other and work on solutions to sustainably grow the travel retail business once again.

“We are looking forward to sharing our expertise in innovation, taking our customers through our new strategic approach and hearing from other industry leaders on the exciting plans that lie ahead for travel retail this year and beyond.”

The Virtual Travel Retail Expo has attracted 100 exhibitors representing a stellar line-up of industry leaders as well as many exciting independents

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said, “We welcome Diageo to our pioneering Virtual Travel Retail Expo. The company brings a roll-call of famous global brands to the event and a true global leader’s perspective on how the travel retail channel must evolve in order to prosper during and post the COVID-19 era.

“We’re delighted with the stellar line-up of brand companies that the Virtual Expo has attracted, and Diageo represents the icing on the cake as we move closer to this landmark occasion.”

Diageo boasts one of the world’s great brand portfolios, embracing household names such as Johnnie Walker and Baileys, and renowned connoisseur’s choices such as the outstanding Islay single malt whisky Lagavulin

About the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

11/092020

Dubai Duty Free boss Colm McLoughlin to address Virtual Travel Retail Expo

News

INTERNATIONAL. Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO Colm McLoughlin has joined a powerful line-up of speakers at the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo in October.

Dubai Duty Free Executive Vice Chairman & CEO Colm McLoughlin: “A man held in immense esteem throughout our industry worldwide”

McLoughlin will take part in a one-to-one interview with The Moodie Davitt Report Founder and Chairman Martin Moodie. He will address this unique year in Dubai Duty Free’s glittering 37-year history, the retailer’s response to crisis and its insights as it helps to drive industry recovery.

“Colm McLoughlin is travel retail’s modern-day statesman, a man held in immense esteem throughout our industry worldwide,” Moodie said.

“We’re delighted he is joining the most powerful speakers’ line-up that we have ever put together. Dubai Duty Free has been tested as never before in this unique year and as an industry leader its lessons from crisis and thoughts on how to revive the travel retail channel will be of great interest to all Expo visitors.”

McLoughlin has played an integral part in Dubai Duty Free’s success and rise to prominence since humble beginnings in 1983 to become the world’s biggest single retailer airport operation.

A World Rover

Colm McLoughlin was born in Co. Galway, Ireland. An intended career in dentistry took a back seat when he went to London in the early 1960s and began working in retail.

In 1969 he returned to Ireland to join Shannon Duty Free. In 1983 McLoughlin joined an Aer Rianta team, contracted by the Dubai government, to set up Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport. He was asked to stay on as General Manager of the fledging operation, which, in its first year of business, achieved sales of US$20 million. Last year it posted record annual sales of US$2.029 billion.

McLoughlin was named Managing Director in 1995. In July 2011, he was appointed Executive Vice Chairman and CEO in June 2016.

McLoughlin has been honoured with an overwhelming number of awards, both personal and professional, through those years. He celebrated 50 years in travel retail last year.

As reported, Dubai Duty Free is offering registered airport and retailer visitors to the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo a chance to win US$1 million or a luxury car.

Many lucky winners have already claimed their tickets for the prize draws, which will run up to and during the Expo.

Dubai Duty Free is a Platinum Partner of the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

Colm McLoughlin joins a powerful speaking line-up in the Knowledge Hub at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, including China Duty Free Group President Charles Chen; Moët Hennessy CEO Philippe Schaus; Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive His Excellency Akbar Al Baker; Beam Suntory President of Brands Jessica Spence and many other stellar names. Click here for full line-up.

11/092020

“Incredible” response to The QDF Factor as pioneering competition draws travel retail innovators

News

QATAR. Interest in The QDF Factor, an unprecedented initiative to encourage and champion creativity at a time when travel retail needs it most, is white-hot, according to Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh.

“The response has been incredible,” Musleh told The Moodie Davitt Report during an on-location interview at Hamad International Airport last month. “We’ve had interest from some of the industry’s biggest players and a lot of exciting independents.”

The winner will be revealed by Qatar Duty Free at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner. All entries must be received by 15 September (see details below).

Innovators, ideators, disrupters, dreamers and entrepreneurs are all being encouraged to submit entries. Musleh and The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie assessed the early entries during the latter’s visit to Hamad International Airport in late July.

Entrants, to be judged by Musleh, his team, and Martin Moodie, will be assessed on a series of qualitative criteria, including:

Innovation: What does this product or concept offer that is unique, makes it stand out from its competitors, and creates a talking point for retailer and consumer alike? What is its USP?
CSR – what additional social credentials does your product offer?
Presentation: What is compelling about the packaging? What makes it stand out on shelf?
Commercial viability: Who is your product targeted at? What makes it a winner? What is your pricing policy and (going forward) marketing approach?
Overall quality: Tell us about the R&D that went into your product, the quality of its ingredients/components etc.

Qatar Duty Free may award more than one prize if sufficiently impressed (The Moodie Davitt Report will match any additional prizes with further advertising).

Musleh said: “QDF has always worked closely with travel retail brands to create unique offers and experiences for our customers.

Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo

Entry arrangements

All product samples/mock-ups etc and related material must be received by 15 September at the following addresses:

Qatar Duty Free Company

Office 401 & 408
4^th Floor, Qatar Airways Tower 3
Building 133, Street 310, Zone 48
P.O. Box 22553
Doha, State of Qatar

2. The Moodie Davitt Report Hong Kong

Address details via Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

You must include:

A PDF/word document answering the entry criteria above
Photos and/or video of the product
Please send these to Thabet Musleh at tmusleh@qatarairways.com.qa; and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com

Alcohol samples

For alcohol samples please email Shanoof Mohamed Ali at Shanali@QatarAirways.com.qa to arrange shipping to Qatar and Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport.com for Hong Kong delivery details.

11/092020

MSC Cruises and Tasa Meng executives become latest Virtual Travel Retail Expo draw winners

News

INTERNATIONAL. Two more senior travel retail executives, one each from MSC Cruises and Tasa Meng Corporation, are in with a chance to win US$1 million or a luxury car following the latest Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo prize draws in association with Dubai Duty Free.

MSC Cruises Global Category Manager Bianca Ionescu has won a ticket for the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw and is now in with a chance of capturing the US$1 million prize.

Tasa Meng Corporation General Manager Gary Chau goes into the Finest Surprise draw with the opportunity to win a luxury car.

Each of our weekly draws is conducted through an online random name generator.

[Important note: In the event of any individual winning an ultimate grand prize, it can be donated to charity if a company policy precludes accepting individual benefits.]

Retailer and airport representatives can register for free, and are in with a chance to join other ticket winners in the Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws

To register for The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo (12-16 October) and qualify for each prize draw in the run-up to the event, please click here.

As reported, all registered retailers, buyers and airport executives will have the chance to win a ticket for the two immensely popular draws every Friday between now and the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, which is due to commence on 12 October.

The Virtual Travel Expo has attracted encouraging support from across the industry. For exhibitors, the event features a range of Virtual Stands at different price levels, each offering a high-class digital experience, complimentary Expo Guide advertising, and unrivalled visibility to the global travel retail community at a time needed most.

Through the power of our own media and that of other Preferred Media Partners (who will be able to showcase their digital publications in the official Press Centre) and visiting KOLs, The Moodie Davitt Report will also ensure tremendous global exposure for all exhibitor partners.

31/072020

Calling innovators, ideators, disruptors, dreamers & entrepreneurs – The QDF Factor needs you

News

QATAR. Innovators, ideators, disrupters, dreamers and entrepreneurs are all being encouraged to submit their entries to The QDF Factor, an unprecedented initiative to encourage and champion creativity at a time when travel retail needs it most.

The QDF Factor, launched earlier this month, is the brainchild of Qatar Duty Free (QDF) and The Moodie Davitt Report. It is a competition open to all brands, both within or outside the travel retail channel, that offers a top prize of a complimentary, six-month listing and high-profile promotion at Qatar Duty Free’s award-winning retail offer in Hamad International Airport, Doha. The victor will also win a six-month US$50,000 multi-media advertising campaign with The Moodie Davitt Report.

The winner will be revealed by Qatar Duty Free at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, where Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner.

Entrants, to be judged by Qatar Duty Free Vice President Thabet Musleh and his team, and The Moodie Davitt Report Chairman Martin Moodie, will be judged on a series of qualitative criteria, including:

Innovation: What does this product or concept offer that is unique, stands out from its competitors, and creates a talking point for retailer and consumer alike? What is its USP?
CSR – what additional social credentials does your product offer?
Presentation: What is compelling about the packaging? What makes it stand out on shelf?
Commercial viability: Who is your product targeted at? What makes it a winner? What is your pricing policy and (going forward) marketing approach?
Overall quality: Tell us about the R&D that went into your product, the quality of its ingredients/components.

Qatar Duty Free may award more than one prize if sufficiently impressed (The Moodie Davitt Report will match any additional prizes with further advertising).

Qatar Duty Free Vice President Operations Thabet Musleh said: “QDF has always worked closely with travel retail brands to create unique offers and experiences for our customers.

Qatar Duty Free is a Diamond Partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “We’re hugely excited to be working with Qatar Duty Free, our Diamond Partner at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, on a project that breaks new ground in travel retail. With the channel having experienced such trauma since the COVID-19 crisis began, this is the perfect tonic to focus on the qualities of creativity and innovation that are surely the key to the industry’s future.”

All entries must be received by 15 September at the following address:

Qatar Duty Free Company
Office 401 & 408
4^th Floor, Qatar Airways Tower 3
Building 133, Street 310, Zone 48
P.O. Box 22553
Doha, State of Qatar

You must include:

A PDF/word document answering the entry criteria above
Photos and/or video of the product
Samples [in the event of alcohol entries please send to Martin Moodie at The Moodie Davitt Report – address details to be supplied on application]

31/072020

All Eyes on… Recovery: Sunglasses Workshop 2020 to make digital debut at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo

News

Leading sunglasses companies — including Kering Eyewear, Luxottica Group, Marchon, Marcolin and Safilo — have announced that the Sunglasses Workshop 2020 will take place at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo on 14 October.

It is the 12th consecutive year of the annual sunglasses workshop event, usually held during the TFWA World Exhibition, and the first year in which it embraces a virtual format. The Virtual Travel Retail Expo runs from 12 to 16 October (click here to register).

As with previous Sunglasses Workshops, the session will be managed by integrated retail, design and communications agency Filtr and moderated by The Moodie Davitt Report.

The dynamic digital workshop, themed ‘All Eyes On…Recovery,’ will be live-streamed to a global audience. It will highlight the category’s changing role in travel retail and offer new solutions for all stakeholders to recover and thrive in the post-COVID-19 landscape.

All Eyes On… Recovery: The event will launch a new Sunglasses Panel in partnership with Generation Research and highlight the category’s changing role in travel retail

The programme will include the launch of a pioneering new Sunglasses Panel in partnership with Generation Research, as well as real-time attendee polls and a live Q&A. The All Eyes On…Recovery workshop will be available on-demand through the official Virtual Travel Retail Expo platform.

The Sunglasses Awards component will be put on hold for this year’s event. Instead, the workshop will focus on how the category can contribute to travel retail’s global recovery.

Co-hosts Kering Eyewear, Luxottica Group, Marchon, Marcolin and Safilo said that the virtual format allows for broader audience attendance. They also stressed the importance for unity within the sunglasses category during these unprecedented times.

Emerging stronger as one: This year’s event will not have the usual awards component but will instead focus on how the category can contribute to the recovery of global travel retail

“For over a decade, the sunglasses suppliers have been collaborating to advance the interests of the category as a whole,” said the co-hosts. “Never have we individually or collectively been more challenged than at present, so our 2020 Workshop is the crescendo of these efforts.”

They added, “We will fly the category flag more than ever, and view this as more than an event. It is a symbol of our strength, resilience and commitment as we work together towards the recovery of not only our category, but the entire channel, and to emerge stronger, as one.”

Virtual becomes reality for the Sunglasses Workshop 2020

The Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a pioneering virtual trade show and symposium designed to mirror and enhance a real conference and exhibition, complete with Exhibition Hub, Knowledge Hub (Symposium and Workshops) and Experience Hub (an immersive engagement zone).

It is a premium event for a premium audience and a world-first for the travel retail industry. The unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, and is set to be the defining travel retail industry event in 2020.

Industry stakeholders interested in attending the Virtual Travel Retail Expo and the Sunglasses Workshop can register here.

31/072020

Digital focus is crucial to the future says Bacardi Global Travel Retail as it becomes Platinum Partner at Virtual Travel Retail Expo

News

Bacardi Global Travel Retail has spelled out the vital importance of digital innovation after becoming the latest Platinum Partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

Bacardi Global Travel Retail Managing Director Vinay Golikeri commented, “Bacardi is standing strong with our partners in global travel retail during the pandemic crisis and we remain committed to the channel for the long term.

“Right now, we see the Moodie Davitt Virtual Expo as an excellent initiative in bringing together and supporting all industry players with new thinking and innovation. There is no doubt that digital will play a significant role in how travel retail moves ahead and so we are excited by the opportunity the Expo brings to test and learn in that space.”

The Expo begins on 12 October with a 5-day ‘live’ event followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register), just after the conclusion of the Chinese Golden Week holidays. It features a star-studded series of activities across the five days, including a Symposium, category workshops and a new consumer research initiative.

Powerful portfolio: Bacardi Global Travel Retail brings together some of the world’ s most illustrious spirits brands

The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie said: “We’re delighted to be partnering with an industry player of the stature, vision, and sustained digital and innovation focus as Bacardi Global Travel Retail in this pioneering event.

“Bacardi Global Travel Retail is also synonymous with one of the greatest portfolios in the spirits industry, from Bacardi to Bombay Sapphire, Aberfeldy to Dewar’s; and Grey Goose to Patrón; along with other international and regional favourites. Vinay and the whole Bacardi organisation to the very highest level are hugely committed to this channel and their support of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo underlines that fact.” [Click here for a recent interview by Martin Moodie with Vinay Golikeri]

The acclaimed Bombay Sapphire ‘Stir Creativity’ activation with Heinemann at Sydney Airport in late 2019

Note: For enquiries about exhibiting at the Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, please contact Martin Moodie at Martin@MoodieDavittReport. The event has exceeded its target and only a few positions remain. Registration for retailers/buyers is free and each week up to and including the Expo itself, all registered retail representatives have the chance to win US$1 million or a luxury car via the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise prize draws. The next draw is this Friday, 31 July.

(4) Sweet spot: An Aberfeldy 16 honey serve courtesy of Ever Rich Duty Free at Taouyan International Airport (5) A colourful makeover for Chinese New Year from Patrón (6) Destination appeal with the Grey Goose City Packs Collection

Last December in Miami Airport, Bacardi created a spectacular Caribbean backdrop with Duty Free Americas to showcase the Bacardi brand’s premium credentials

On the scent of a fine single malt: Vaporisers help consumers appreciate the Aberfeldy character in Taiwan

Up close and personal(ised) at San Juan Cruise Port Terminal