INTERNATIONAL. Leading drinks companies William Grant & Sons and Edrington are among the latest exhibitor partners to sign up for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo, set to take place on 11-15 October. The event continues to gain rapid momentum in terms of exhibitors, registrants and a power-packed Knowledge Hub programme. Reservations close this week for exhibition bookings.

Expo hosts The Moodie Davitt Report and FILTR.QINGWA, together with co-organiser Hainan Provincial Bureau of International Economic Development (IEDB), are delighted to welcome the travel retail divisions of William Grant & Sons and Edrington.

Speaking on behalf of Edrington Global Travel Retail, Regional Managing Director Jeremy Speirs said that the event represents “an incredibly valuable opportunity to drive connectivity and collaboration” within the industry. He said the company would use the digital platform provided by the Expo to connect with partners and present its latest product innovations.

Yesterday we reported the news that Edrington-owned The Macallan single malt Scotch whisky and luxury British automotive manufacturer Bentley Motors have revealed a powerful partnership designed to build on the brands’ respective rich heritages to develop a range of distinctive collaborations.

Underlining its continued investment in the channel, William Grant & Sons last month celebrated the global duty free launch of Glenfiddich Grande Couronne 26 Year Old with China Duty Free Group (CDFG) in Hainan. As reported, CDFG, China’s and the world’s number one travel retailer by sales in 2020, was recently announced as the exclusive Strategic Cooperation Partner of the Virtual Travel Retail Expo.

Another new name confirmed for the Expo is GMAX Travel Retail with fast-growing partner, Taffix nasal spray.

More partnership announcements will be made in coming days, along with further comment from exhibitors that have signed up.

Visitor bookings also continue to rise quickly. As reported, all registered airport and retailer visitors for the Virtual Travel Retail Expo will be automatically entered into two Dubai Duty Free prize draws each week from now until the start of the live event. Participants are in with a chance to win tickets for the popular Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire and Finest Surprise draws and could capture the grand prizes of US$1 million or a luxury car respectively. Click here to register for the event.