travel retail exclusive meaning

The growing importance of travel retail exclusive spirits

By Tim Young Global. Travel retail exclusive is a term to describe products that are sold exclusively in Travel retail stores and are therefore not available for sale in domestic markets in shops or on-line anywhere in the world. They can be found in many categories including fragrance, cosmetics, confectionery, books, and spirits. In the […]

By Tim Young

Global. Travel retail exclusive is a term to describe products that are sold exclusively in Travel retail stores and are therefore not available for sale in domestic markets in shops or on-line anywhere in the world. They can be found in many categories including fragrance, cosmetics, confectionery, books, and spirits. In the world of spirit brands, there are more travel retail exclusive products than ever with packaging and product characteristics that differentiate them from domestic market offerings. Look at every spirit category and you will find travel retail exclusive products. The limelight, however, goes to whisky and single malt whisky in particular. In researching this article, I found that one airport retailer’s online single malt range is comprised of over 60% Travel retail exclusive whiskies. However, is this good for shoppers, retailers, and brand owners and what does the future hold?

A lot of things have changed in the 35 years since I made my first purchase of a bottle of whisky in a duty-free store. Shoppers are now far more price aware and can immediately compare the price of a brand they see in a travel retail store to their home or destination country using their mobile devices. Brands are also much more readily available and easier to buy in domestic markets and there is abundant discounting in supermarkets. However, being able to find something special and different has not changed, it was just that 35 years ago the uniqueness came from finding a bigger one-litre bottle of your favourite brand or a brand at ‘export strength’. They were not called travel retail exclusives then, but there was a point of difference to the high street and there was a pleasure in buying something exclusive, unique and at a lower price.

Price savings have always been a major reason why shoppers buy in travel retail stores, after all that is what the whole concept of duty-free shopping was built around. However, for some travellers, depending on their destinations, price savings are not always available or meaningful for their favourite brands. Travel retail exclusives really became a focus after the abolition of intra-EU duty-free in 1999. With suppliers and retailers suddenly faced with the elimination of the duty savings element were looking to avoid domestic market price comparisons. Travel retail exclusives were a solution. That was also, incidentally, when the term duty-free mutated into travel retail.

Fortunately, price is not the only reason shoppers make a purchase and there are many other inter-related reasons. Buying a gift for someone; a treat for yourself; a recommendation from shop staff; a souvenir of a trip; convenience; passing time during a long layover and receiving an added value in the form of a gift with purchase item all spring to mind. Travel retail exclusive items are also on this list. They satisfy a traveller’s need to discover and take home something different and they want and expect to find them. Travel retail exclusives are playing an ever-increasing role in the reason why shoppers make a purchase, and this is being fuelled by a stream of new exclusive products coming from brand owners.

Travel retail exclusive products take many forms. They can be product related with new flavours, ages, production techniques and strengths or they can be packaging led with special gift boxes or labels. Some brands choose to have products for a specific event such as Chinese New Year, create a collector’s series and have regional or retailer-specific exclusive products.

Brand owners and retailers have a long list of reasons why travel retail exclusive products are important. They avoid price comparisons with domestic market retailers. Premiumisation is possible with higher retail prices and enhanced premium packaging. They offer an opportunity for increased creativity and stand out at the point of sale in-store and on-line and provide something new to talk about. If they are retailer or place-specific, they can help strengthen relationships between brand owners and retailers. Last but not least if done well they drive incremental sales and value growth.

However, brand owners need to think carefully about when in a brand’s life they should introduce travel retail exclusives. Brand’s need to be known and established first before an exclusive offering makes sense. Some questions I would encourage them to ask themselves are:

[] At what point in the brand’s lifecycle do you introduce a travel retail exclusive?

[] Does it have a point of difference that shoppers and retailers will care about and adds value

[] Does it add equity to the parent brand? Is it recognisable and relevant?

[] How can its exclusivity be clearly communicated to shoppers? Should this be on the bottle or pack?

[] What controls are in place to ensure it doesn’t get sold in domestic markets?

[] Should exclusivity be for airports only or extended to other travel retail channels?

Travel retail exclusives are an important part of any retailer’s assortment; however, it is important they don’t take all the limelight. Many shoppers want to be able to buy the core brands they see on their High Streets. For brand owners travel retail gives access to shoppers from markets where they want to build awareness and sales for their core brands. For brands looking to establish themselves travel retail is a great place to find and experience them for the first time and therefore this becomes unique in itself. Also, travel retail exclusives are not just important in airports; shoppers on cruiselines, ferries and border stores are also looking for exclusive products.

Travel retail has always been about discovery and a place to find something new and different. Travel retail exclusive products help to create and make the shopping experience special and unique. The nature and importance of travel retail spirits have evolved and grown over time and arguably there has never been a more important time for them. They will continue to play a critical role in the continued growth and health of the travel retail spirits industry.

Global travel-retail veteran and emerging markets spirits business specialist Tim Young heads a beverage consultancy in London called Young Spirit Consulting. Contact him at: [email protected]

The Weekly Newsletter

Sign up to receive our weekly newsletter email.

• - The very latest news from across the global alcohol industry
• - The best insight on your competitors from our interviews with the industry’s leaders

Follow on Social

• Environmental, Social & Governance
• Financial Results
• Mergers & Acquisitions
• New Product Development
• Category Intel
• Consumer Intel
• Market Intel

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

• Best Whiskey
• Best Gym Shoes
• Best Pocket Knives
• Best Apple Watch
• Porsche Models

Next Time You Fly, Look for These 9 Rare Whiskeys

First-class Scotches, bourbons and Irish whiskeys to stash in your carry-on.

By Jonathan Wells

Every product is carefully selected by our editors. If you buy from a link, we may earn a commission.  Learn more

When’s the last time you took a flight? Because, whether it was a jet-setting jaunt halfway around the globe or a brief domestic day trip, chances are you wandered through duty-free on the way to your gate. And, though you may have picked up a nice new pair of sunglasses along your way, or had a quick spritz of cologne, you likely walked straight past the selection of spirits .

And that was a mistake. Because, though a bottle may seem too cumbersome to stash in your carry-on , some of the rarest whiskeys in the world can be found among the fridge magnets and triple-sized Toblerones. Given the limited size of the sector, travel retail offers distilleries the chance to market small-batch, experimental offerings that only aficionados will appreciate; single-cask showpieces and spirits finished in alternative casks.

Of course, not every travel retail exclusive is worth your recently exchanged money. Many airport expressions are too young, launched prematurely simply to populate the market and with prices hiked high for the sake of scarcity. But others are just the ticket; perfect souvenirs to bring out at your next wingding — and bottles that give the term ‘whiskey flight’ a whole new meaning. Here are nine of the finest.

Products in the Guide

Ardbeg smoketrails manzanilla edition, the glendronach boynsmill aged 16 years, maker’s mark city series new york edition, 21 year old midleton very rare virgin american oak, benriach smoky quarter cask, glenfiddich perpetual collection vat 2, teeling 33 year old very rare cask, tomatin 45 year old travel retail exclusive, jack daniel’s american single malt, ardbeg smoketrails ‘manzanilla edition’.

• $179.99 at frootbat.com $399.99 (55% off)
• Price: $92.50
• Tasting Notes: Pine resin, brazil nuts and sea spray

Both the first-ever travel exclusive from Ardberg and the first expression bottled under the whisky maker’s new ‘Smoketrails’ banner, this non-chill filtered offering runs deep with flavors of bitter dark chocolate and buttery nuts. Manzanilla (a fortified wine comparable to sherry) infuses its casks with floral flavors and these notes, in turn, have seeped and steeped into this highly herbal whisky. Keep your palate primed for an unusual undertone: that oh-so-citrusy, musky scent of saddle soap.

• Price: $112
• Tasting Notes: Baked apricot, sandalwood and walnut cream

A well-traveled, duty-free exclusive. Hailing from Aberdeenshire — but aged in casks flown in from Portugal and southern Spain — The Glendronach’s latest limited edition is a rich, reddish spirit that, whilst available at airports right now, is a whisky best saved for winter. There’s so much stone fruit and spice swirling around this whisky that it’s like swilling a Christmas cake — with hints of quince, nutmeg and plum pudding on the palate from initial velvety mouthfeel to full-bodied finish.

Maker’s Mark City Series ‘New York’ Edition

• Proof: 107.8
• Tasting Notes: Nutmeg, caramel and fresh sawdust

Maker’s Mark will release three more ‘City Series’ edition bourbons by the end of the year. But this original expression (launched late last year alongside a ‘Sydney’ bottling) will be hard to beat. The result of more than a decade of wood-science experimentation, the brand’s Manhattan-inspired spirit was cooked up by tastemakers and New York natives, Erina Yoshida and Justin Ottervanger. It’s bolder and bigger than the Apple itself, and thrums with flavors of spice, oak and rich dark chocolate.

21 Year Old Midleton Very Rare Virgin American Oak

• Price: $617
• Tasting Notes: Chocolate honeycomb, orange zest and red chili pepper

Landing exclusively in London, Midleton Very Rare’s new ‘Virgin American Oak’ lives up to the brand’s vaunting name. The best of the four editions in the brand’s latest travel retail collection (launched in various European cities this April), Master Distiller Kevin O’Gorman opted to age this particular 21-year-old Irish whiskey in oak — which suffuses the spirit with intricate spices, praline and salted caramel notes. It’s the least expensive bottle of the four, but that earthy woodland character and roasted coffee finish give it an edge.

• Tasting Notes: Peppered malt, smoked nectarine and creamy pear

Highland peat is no normal mulch — it’s woodier and more robust. So, when whisky makers burn it to sweetly, smokily enhance their spirits, the resulting liquids brim with intense, tastebud-flustering flavors. Benriach’s travel-exclusive ‘Smoky Quarter Cask’ may have a light look (it’s a delicate olive gold in the glass), but that pale color belies a rich, smoky taste. Matured in 45-liter bourbon barrels, these small-sized casks mean more interaction between whisky and wood — allowing spiced vanilla, nutty oak and mellow smoke notes to take hold.

Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection ‘Vat 2’

• $299.99 at frootbat.com
• Tasting Notes: Toasted bread, baking spices and candied peel

Four distinct expressions make up this new travel-exclusive collection from Glenfiddich. Aged using the ‘Solera Vat Process’ — during which casks are never fully emptied; simply refilled to overlay different generations of spirit on top of one another — each bottling also feels the influence of the wider drinks world, utilizing barrels that previously held bourbon, red wine or, for our favorite of the four, Spanish sherry casks. ‘Vat 2’ is exceedingly affordable for such an avant-garde whisky, and its leathery sweetness is tempered, with every sip, by a marmalade tartness.

• €3,480.00 at theloop.ie
• Proof: 104.2
• Price: $3,727
• Tasting Notes: Rum raisin, burnt toffee and gingerbread biscuits

You could spend this sort of money on a return ticket to New Zealand, but you’d be better off seeking out Teeling’s latest travel retail exclusive — a once-in-a-lifetime purchase created using some of the very oldest spirits in the whiskey maker’s warehouses. The palate is predominantly tropical, with rum notes soaking candied orange and dried fruits back to spicy life. But its most accessible aspect — and what makes this one the smoothest, sweetest bottle on our list — is the whiskey’s biscuity, molasses-heavy heart.

• Price: $9,362
• Tasting Notes: Tropical fruits, salted caramel chocolate and tangy citrus

Only 250 bottles of Tomatin’s latest travel retail exclusive will be available worldwide — and each will come with a bespoke metal certificate signed by the brand’s master distiller, Graham Eunson. The whisky itself has been languishing for 45 long years in Spanish sherry casks, and has spent this half-century well; developing distinctive flavors of tangy Sanguinello blood orange and herbal bitters. Presented in an exquisite, custom-made Glencairn crystal decanter with a golden stopper, it’s a worthy cornerstone of any globe-trotter’s collection.

• Price: $100
• Tasting Notes: Vanilla, chocolate-coated nuts and rich raisins

This one may still be a month or two away from hitting airport shelves — but one of the first Jack Daniel’s forays into the single malt market will mark a big day in duty-free, and is well worth a mention. Matured in new, charred American white oak barrels for at least four years and finished in Oloroso sherry casks, this bottling contains 100% malted barley grain. Expect aromas of soft fruits and cocoa on the nose, with flavors ranging from chocolate-coated nuts to caramel-sweet berries. Make room on your bar; a new classic is about to touch down.

Related Topics

What does travel exclusive mean?

Answered by Vince Keith

As a sommelier and brewer, I have had the opportunity to explore the world of travel retail exclusives in the spirits industry. Travel retail exclusives refer to products that are sold exclusively in travel retail stores, such as duty-free shops found in airports, cruise ships, or border crossings. These products are not available for sale in domestic markets, either in physical shops or online.

One of the most common categories that offers travel retail exclusives is the spirits industry. Many renowned distilleries and brands have created special editions or unique bottlings that can only be found in travel retail stores. These exclusives are often created to cater to the tastes and preferences of those who are traveling, as well as to provide a sense of luxury and novelty.

When it comes to spirits, travel retail exclusives can be found in various forms. For example, whisky distilleries may release limited edition bottlings or expressions that are specifically crafted for travel retail. These bottlings can feature different aging profiles, unique cask finishes, or even collaborations with other brands or artists. The idea behind these exclusives is to offer something special and different to travelers, enticing them to make a purchase that they wouldn't find elsewhere.

In my personal experience, I have come across travel retail exclusives that have left a lasting impression. For instance, I once had the opportunity to try a travel exclusive rum that was aged in a rare type of cask, imparting unique flavors and aromas to the spirit. This rum was not available for purchase outside of the travel retail store, making it a truly exclusive and memorable experience.

It is not only the spirits industry that offers travel retail exclusives. Other categories, such as fragrance, cosmetics, confectionery, and books, also have their own exclusive products. For example, perfume brands may create limited edition fragrances that are only sold in travel retail stores. These fragrances are often designed to capture the essence of travel and evoke a sense of adventure and discovery.

Travel retail exclusives are products that are specifically created and sold in travel retail stores, such as duty-free shops. These products are not available in domestic markets and are intended to provide a unique and exclusive experience for travelers. Whether it's a special edition whisky, a limited edition fragrance, or a unique confectionery item, travel retail exclusives offer a sense of luxury and novelty that cannot be found elsewhere.

• How to Tie a Tie
• Best Coffee Beans
• How to Shape a Beard
• Best Sweaters for Men
• Most Expensive Cognac
• Monos vs Away Luggage
• Best Luxury Hotel Chains
• Fastest Cars in the World
• Ernest Hemingway Books
• What Does CBD Feel Like?
• Canada Goose Alternatives
• Fastest Motorcycles in the World
• Food & Drink

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

5 Scotch Whiskies So Exclusive You Have to Fly to Buy Them

We live in a glorious time for Scotch whisky: most distilleries release single malt editions of their products (in the past they were often invisible to the public and “hidden” in blends) and many more like to experiment with age statements, barrel finishes, and special non-age-statement (NAS) blends, meaning your favorite brand might offer a half-dozen or more expressions from which to taste. However, a handful of those expressions often are set aside to be sold only at the distillery or through duty-free shops at airports (officially called “global travel retail,” or GTR).

“Whether buying an exclusive at duty-free or at the distillery,” says Iain McCallum, brand ambassador for Bowmore and a former distiller/blender himself, “it should retain the heart of the brand, but offer up something interesting. Whisky expressions are like siblings: They have their own personality and character, but the DNA should be instantly translatable to the distillery of origin.”

So get your passport up to date and check out these GTR and distillery-only releases.

• Collagen supplements: We have all the answers to the question – should you take them?
• 10 fantastic single malt Scotch whiskies to warm you this fall
• The 5 most expensive Scotch whiskies on earth

Balblair Cask 714 of 2006

Instead of age statements (10-year, 12-year, etc), Highland distillery Balblair  specializes in vintages. Whiskies are dated “1999” or “2005.” At the distillery in Edderton, you can currently bottle your own 750 ml share of Cask 714, straight from the cask, at 59 percent ABV. The cool thing with hand-filling the 2006 at the source? You get to fill in a ledger approved by both the Scottish government and the Queen, to make things all official-like. Travel bonus: The Balblair 1999 (bottled in 2014) is available exclusively through duty-free.

Craigellachie 19 Year

This is part of the “Last Great Malts” series of single malts from John Dewar and Sons, a group of distilleries that had never released its whiskies as single malts before. A proudly old-school style of Speyside whisky, you’ll find full-bodied character, oak, and even sulfur and meaty notes. That’s a good thing, in this case. Got even more dollars to drop? The 31-year Craigellachie  is also exclusive to duty-free shops.

Glenfiddich 19-Year Age of Discovery

Once available in the U.S., it’s now only found in duty-free shops. Aged 19 years in American ex-bourbon casks, you’ll fine classic bourbon overtones of vanilla, tobacco, baking spice, and smoky oak notes. Like other expressions of the Dufftown-based Glenfiddich , expect the Age of Discovery to trend more sweet than smoky, more smooth than brash.

Bowmore Warehouseman’s Selection

The last in Bowmore ’s distillery-only Craftsman series, Warehouseman’s Selection was distilled in 1999 and aged 17 years in a mix of bourbon, sherry, and wine casks. Three-thousand bottles of the smokey Islay single malt were made. When they’re gone, there will be a new distillery-exclusive series with a new flavor theme.

“With distillery exclusives and the annual Feis Isle festival bottlings, you’re looking for quirky personality,” says brand ambassador Iain McCallum. “You want something that reflects the experience of being in distillery, the smells of the distillery. You’re tasting the warehouse. But of course, it’s also instantly recognizable as the product of the mother distillery.

Fans take note: Last year, after a few years off the market, the brand re-released its age statement whiskies (10-, 15-, and 18-year) as duty-free exclusives.

The Dalmore Fortuna Meritas Collection

Not one, but four unique bottles of this posh Highland single malt landed on travel retail shelves two years ago. Billed as a tribute to The Dalmore ’s heritage (the 1839 brand was inspired by a legend about the rescue of King Alexander III), master blender Richard “The Nose” Paterson has selected unique cask combinations for each expression: Valour, Regalis, Luceo, and Dominium. The Dominium, for example, employs specially selected casks from sherry producer Gonzales Byass that first aged oloroso sherry for at least 30 years (!!!). The result is rich raisin, carame, and sandalwood notes and a highly aromatic bouquet.

Dewar’s 30-Year Ne Plus Ultra

These days, there are three reasons to hit the duty-free: to get your favorite brand at a discount, to try an exclusive expression at or around what you’re used to paying, or to go balls out and pick up something crazy rare and expensive. That would be this. Available only in Canada, this smooth, incredibly lush variation of the classic blended whiskey  will set you back around $650.

Glenfarclas 15 Years

A nearly 200-year-old distillery in the Highlands of Scotland, Glenfarclas puts out a wide range of Scotches aged between 10 and 40 years. The 15-year is bottled is said to be the perfect for single malt enthusiasts by those at the distillery. Glenfarclas mentions sherried notes throughout the drink, with a long-lasting finish.

Glengoyne Teapot Dram

A distillery-only bottle offered at the Highland distillery, workers at Glengoyne used to receive three drams a day from a copper tea pot — a solution to more than the angel’s share gone missing. Now, the same Scotch is bottled and sold and offers up a sweet mix of brown sugar, fruits, and spices. The distillery points out flavors such as pineapple, cherry liqueur, dark chocolate, and black pepper. It’s a young whisky, but one worth visiting the site for.

The smallest distillery in Scotland was long a provider of the drinks for the House of Lords, but its small and elite status doesn’t stop it from making a lot of products. While the 10-year  Edradour expression is often available at better whisky bars in the U.S., the distillery produces an array of Classic, Cask Strength, Wine Finished, Wine Matured, and Heavily Peated whiskies. Edradour is  worth the stop — and tastes.

Originally published by Andrew Couts on July 7, 2016. Last updated February 28, 2018 by Robert Haynes-Peterson.

Editors' Recommendations

• Ranked: 5 popular Scotch whisky bottles (all under $50)
• Everything you ever wanted to know about peated Scotch whisky
• 11 single malt whiskies that aren’t Scotch (but are still great)
• How to make kimchi at home so you always have this tasty Korean staple on hand
• All the new whiskies you need to drink this fall

For the first time, Americans are anticipated to spend more money on mezcal and tequila than they will on U.S.-made whiskeys or rum in 2022, according to a IWSR Drinks Market Analysis estimates. The British data and analytics firm estimates $13.3 billion in combined agave spirit sales versus $12.5 billion for vodka and $12.3 billion for whiskey. By 2023, IWSR estimates the agave category also will have supplanted vodka, making the potent distillation the U.S.’s most-purchased spirit.

What’s driving this proliferation? Similar to whiskey in the recent past, a number of drivers are escalating agave spirit popularity, including originality, product diversity, and consumer involvement.

The first thing you need to understand when we talk about scotches versus whiskey, is that all Scotches are whiskies, though not all whiskies are scotches. If you are learning how to drink whiskey, knowing the difference is fundamental. That’s the easiest way to remember how that works. But why? Well, for starters Scotch is made in Scotland. Also for naming's sake, whiskeys are for American and Irish-made whiskies. Whisky is for Canadian, Japanese, and Scottish whiskies.

Scotch is hugely popular, even though in 2020 the Scotch Whisky Association said the industry “lost a decade of growth” as sales fell 20% due to high tariffs from the U.S. and Europe and the pandemic. Still, the industry exported £3.8 billion, which made up for approximately 75% of Scottish food and beverage exports.

When you think of breakfast cocktails, you probably think of light, spritzy classics such as the mimosa, Bellini, or even the Bloody Mary. We love these traditional breakfast staples, but right now, we’ve been complementing our breakfast with an unconventional spirit -- Scotch.

While Scotch is an odd beverage to drink in the morning, mixing it in a cocktail with the right ingredients makes the smoky whisky a fine pair to pancakes and eggs. That said, here are the best Scotch breakfast cocktail recipes you can make at home to supercharge your fall mornings and overcome your fear of mixing Scotch with other ingredients. Red Tartan

Travel Retail self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R2pl9ff7banla:",1)

This range of The Balvenie T h e B a l v e n i e includes limited-edition whiskies that are exclusive to travel retail locations around the world.

A lifetime in whisky A lifetime in whisky self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R4dasf9ff7banla:",1)

Travel retail.

Finishing in Madeira casks increases complexity , bringing notes of fresh peaches, orange zing and hazelnut.

Finishing in Pedro Ximénez Sherry butts creates a fusion of sweet lavender, mandarin, fig and subtle clove.

Years of maturation in American oak casks brings an abundance of vanilla spice & warm honey notes .

More collections More collections self.__wrap_n!=1&&self.__wrap_b(":R2knn9ff7banla:",1)

Cask finishes

Our Core Range O u r C o r e R a n g e gains its distinctive character from maturation in two distinct cask types , a process pioneered by our Makers o u r M a k e r s .

Rare marriages

The Balvenie Rare Marriages R a r e M a r r i a g e s range is a collection of distinct whiskies that showcase extraordinary layers of depth and complexity .

Stories whiskies

The Balvenie Distillery is built on the stories that are told from one generation of craftspeople c r a f t s p e o p l e to the next. 

Travel Retail Exclusives

Whether you’re travelling internationally by air, land or sea, you’re bound to come across the term ‘travel retail exclusive’ sooner or later. At the airport, within inflight magazines, at Border and Downtown stores, in ferry shopping guides, it’s an expression you’ll see more and more often across pretty much all product categories. So what does it actually mean?Quite simple, really. Travel Retail Exclusive means that the product you’re looking at simply can’t be found on the domestic High Street, anywhere in the world. The term is most usually applied to a special reference of a brand, that you may know well, which has been produced just for sale in airport and other travel retail shops/inflight etc. For example, William Grant’s The Balvenie Goldencask 14 Year Old and The Glenrothes Robur Reserve are both examples of single malt whiskies that you’ll only find in travel retail. Look out for the new Glenrothes Three Decades coming soon. So, if you are looking for a gift for a whisky aficionado, travel retail shops can be a great place to purchase something a little different (see also our guides to buying Single Malt Whisky and Irish Whiskey).

Fragrances and Cosmetics

It’s not just in the spirits section, however, that you’ll find travel retail exclusives. There are plenty to be found in the fragrances and cosmetics sections, particularly make up palettes from your favourite brand names such as Lancome, l’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent and Clinique (we love Clinique’s new Touch of Bronze and Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour Travel Set). Look out inflight for very reasonably priced new sets from Bourjois including super Smokey Eyes and JetSetter sets. These sets make fabulous gifts for mothers, girlfriends, daughters • or why not treat yourself!Confectionery Confectionery is another category bursting with travel retail exclusives. You’ll find presentations and sizes of all yours and your kid’s favourites that you can’t buy at home including Smarties, M&Ms, Kit Kat, Godiva and Cadbury. Many kid’s packs include extra elements to keep them occupied on long journeys • games, books, toys etc. Those delicious giant bars of Nestle Swiss chocolate • available in all sorts of mouthwatering flavours • are totally exclusive to travel retail, so stock up when you’re travelling! 2010 sees the 75th anniversary of Kit Kat, look out for a number of exclusive presentations to commemorate the birthday of this internationally loved brand.

In some cases, a product might be exclusive to travel retail for a limited period before being available on domestic markets or may even be exclusive to a specific airport or airline. Love Nadia Minkoff? Well the designer has now created several bespoke designs exclusively for airlines, including a gorgeous fabric print evening clutch bag for Virgin Atlantic.Virgin is a pretty go-ahead airline when it comes to travel exclusives and you’ll find plenty inflight including Courvoisier Exlusif, Glenfiddich Ancient Reserve, Elle Time JetLag Watch, Toblerone Variety Pack, Swarovski Crystal Heart Pendant, Morgan & Oates wraps and many more. Although we know you’re not going to choose an airline because of its inflight offer, it is worth checking out what the carrier has to offer before you fly. Most decent airlines include details of their inflight offer on their websites and, in some cases, you can buy selected goods even if you are not travelling.In a nutshell, then, travel retail exclusives are just that • exclusive to the channel, be it globally, regionally, or specific outlet, for all time or just for a while. They give you a chance to buy a really special gift for a friend or loved one, something unique for yourself, a momentum of a holiday destination, an easy way to keep the kids quiet whilst travelling, or just a useful travel-sized version of your favourite fragrance or skincare item. Whichever way you look at it, travel retail exclusives are definitely worth looking out for! Check out our individual product guides for more travel retail exclusive recommendations.

Continue reading here: Duty Free Allowances - Cuba

Was this article helpful?

Related Posts

• Vancouver Duty & Tax Free Shopping
• USA Duty Free Allowances and Exemptions
• Hong Kong: Macau: Peoples Republic of China Duty Free Allowance Summary
• Gare du Nord - setting you straight on shopping ....
• Nepal Duty Free Allowances
• Laos Duty Free Allowances

Readers' Questions

What is travel retail exclusive giftsets?

Travel retail exclusive giftset are gifts that are only available for purchase in certain retail stores, such as airports, duty free stores and cruise ships. These giftsets typically contain a variety of items such as gourmet food, souvenirs, cosmetics, apparel, etc. as well as exclusive items that are not available in regular retail stores.

What’s the Deal with Whisky Travel Retail?

• by Margarett Waterbury
• June 29, 2016

Travel retail, or retail sales within travel environments like airports, cruise ships, and border shops, accounts for up to 13% of all personal spending on luxury goods. We’re talking Burberry scarves, Bose headphones, perfumes, cosmetics, and yes, fine whiskies.

All told, the whisky travel market was valued at $63.5 billion in 2015. By 2020, Fung Business Intelligence Center predicts it will grow to $85 billion. Wine and spirits account for 16.4%, making them the second-largest category. Scotch whisky alone, long a leader in the space, represents 5.7% of all travel retail spending.

One of the attractions of travel retail is its exemption from local taxes and duties, so sometimes the price of your favorite bottle is a little lower than you’re used to paying. But if you only use travel retail to stock up on discounted Highland Park 10, you’re missing one of the best parts: limited-edition releases.

The travel retail market has proven itself a fertile place for whiskey brands to engage in experimentation, particularly when testing out new concepts or special releases that depart from a brand’s established standard lineup. That’s why serious whisk(e)y enthusiasts look at travel retail as a kind of secret channel of exclusive, one-off, or rare expressions they can’t get their hands on any other way.

Why do brands use the travel retail channel to release these unusual whiskies? Some think it’s to avoid muddying the brand in mainstream channels; others posit it’s a way to make something feel even more exclusive and hard-to-get. The Drum thinks it’s because travel retail offers something few other environments do: a consumer base that consists exclusively of people who are already primed to spend money, either on vacation (treats!) or business (tax write-offs!).

That all seems true, but let’s not forget the last piece: a captive audience. When the alternative is scrolling aimlessly through your phone or dropping $12 on a mediocre turkey sandwich, shopping for scotch just feels like the right thing to do.

• Whiskey Review: Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon

We review Heaven Hill Heritage Collection 18-Year-Old Kentucky Straight Bourbon, produced from 133 barrels laid down in December 2005 that were pulled from the third floor of Heaven Hill’s Rickhouse 1I.

• Call For UK Entrants To The 2024 Global Whisky Challenge

Wine Country Network, Inc. is calling for UK entrants to The 2024 Global Whisky Challenge. 

New Releases: Glen Scotia, The Last Drop, Clydebuilt, & Cù Bòcan

New scotch whisky releases this week include two old and rare expressions from The Last Drop and an experimental whisky from Cù Bòcan.

• Wild Turkey Announces Warren Zeiders As 101 Bold Nights Headliner
• Scotch Malt Whisky Society Explores The Influence of Sherry In New Documentary Film
• Woodford Reserve Partners With Give 270 To Raffle $15,000 Bourbon
• Shelter Distilling To Open New Location In Montrose, Colorado
• Whisky Review: Bruichladdich Islay Barley 2014
• Whisky Review: Highland Park 1961 22 Year Old Cadenhead
• Whisky Review: Nc’nean Quiet Rebels Gordon
• Whiskey Review: Cedar Ridge The QuintEssential Portside

Mark Littler LTD trading as The Whiskey Wash

Ltd Company Number: 11174184 | VAT Number: 289367148

www.marklittler.com – shop.marklittler.com

© Copyright 2024 – The Whiskey Wash – All Rights Reserved | Website by Milkshake Creative

• Login/Register

Glenfiddich reveals Perpetual Collection exclusive to global travel retail

By Kapila Ireland in Brand News , Global , Latest News , Liquor & Wines August 1, 2022 Comments Off on Glenfiddich reveals Perpetual Collection exclusive to global travel retail

The collection celebrates the Solera Vat Process, resulting in “a whisky that never sits still”

William Grant & Sons -owned Single Malt Scotch Whisky distillery, Glenfiddich , has unveiled its latest collection exclusive to global travel retail, launching this month.

The Perpetual Collection is a range of whiskies in perpetual motion, within vats that have never been emptied. The Solera Vat process – pioneered by Glenfiddich in the whisky world – adds continuous layers of flavours to the whisky, by only ever bottling half the whisky in the vats before refilling. As such, the vats still contain the original liquid and each successive vat fill is “like a new generation of whisky building on the past” continually increasing in character, dimension and complexity.

This innovative technique is embodied by Glenfiddich’s Perpetual Collection; “a whisky that never sits still”.

The range includes four exclusive expressions, each with a distinctly different flavour profile, and designed with the traveller in mind as a celebration of perpetual movement through the liquid and design making it ideal for gifting or treating oneself.

The packaging features contemporary artwork by Berlin based studio A N F featuring generative art created by code. The end product is a special variation of six bespoke pieces of 3D artwork, meaning consumers will have distinct designs to choose from.

The four expressions are:

• VAT 01 (ABV 40%) – an exceptionally elegant single malt, suited to every palate. Ever in motion thanks to continuous marrying in our Solera VAT 1, this expression uniquely layers sweet and spicy notes for a soft and mellow taste with added depth due to its maturation in bourbon & red wine casks. A balanced and refreshingly smooth Glenfiddich.
• VAT 02 (ABV 43%) – Mellow yet complex. Double matured in oak and Spanish sherry casks and dynamically married in our Solera VAT 2, this rich single malt develops through continuous motion to deliver a deliciously smooth taste that intrigues. A bold and silky Glenfiddich.
• VAT 03 (ABV 50.2% – non-chill filtered) – Elevated over 15 years of maturation in European oak sherry and ex-bourbon casks, VAT 03 distinctly embodies the Glenfiddich pioneering spirit. This silky-smooth full-bodied whisky harmoniously combines warm notes of spice with hints of nutty marzipan and dark sherry oak. A satisfyingly rich and sweet Glenfiddich for connoisseurs.
• VAT 04 (ABV 47.8% – non-chill filtered) – Warming and refined. Patiently aged in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks for 18 years, our most distinguished Solera whisky is married and continuously transformed in Solera VAT 4 to deliver a deep, rich aroma of robust oak, ripe orchard fruit and baked apple. A luxuriously fruity and exceptionally rewarding Glenfiddich.

Vat 01 (1L) has a RRP of £47 (US$65), while Vat 02 (1L) has an RRP of £57 (US$79). Vat 03 is available for £62 (US$89) and Vat 04 at £90 (US$119). Both Vat 03 and Vat 04 are available in a 70cl format.

David Wilson, William Grant & Sons Managing Director GTR, said: “The global travel retail channel is returning with momentum and Glenfiddich has continued to perform exceptionally well, consistently delivering rare and premium offerings to our customers and consumers around the world.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this stunning new exclusive Glenfiddich range of bespoke liquids to the global travel retail channel. The distillery team have done an amazing job of maturing some very fine liquids and we feel the new packaging reflects the energy and passion which each bottle contains. They truly are a reflection of Glenfiddich a ‘Single malt whisky, which never stands still’!”

“We very much look forward to working with our retail partners in bringing the new Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection to life in store, inspiring our consumers with this innovative premium collection, and supporting the growth plans we all share for the future.”

Lindsay Hitzeroth, Head of Customer Marketing Global Travel Retail at William Grant & Sons, commented: “This is Glenfiddich’s biggest launch in global travel retail in the last decade – the perfect celebration of the world of travel opening back up. A range of whiskies that never sit still, for travellers always in motion.

“The time spent at the airport is that exciting moment where the adventure starts; and so we wanted to give those flying something special to enhance their experience and remind them of their travels. This new range is enticing for all, whether it’s a gift for a maverick loved-one or a treat for oneself, The Perpetual Collection offers travellers a unique moment of enjoyment to capture their life that never stands still.”

To celebrate the launch of the collection , a series of Glenfiddich pop-up retail spaces will also appear in select airports. Travellers will get the chance to explore the collection through an immersive experience, from interacting with the collective artwork and tasting the liquid, to enjoying the gifting station.

Tagged with: Glenfiddich William Gran & Sons

Related articles

• Gulf Africa
• International
• Advertising & Subscriptions
• E-Newsletter
• Digital Magazine & E-Series
• View Magazine
• Duty Free Reader's Choice Awards
• Business News
• Airlines & Airports
• Associations
• Industry News
• International News
• Confectionery & Fine Foods
• Fashion, Bags & Accessories
• Fragrances, Cosmetics, Skincare & Haircare
• Gifts & Children's Products
• Spirits & Tobacco

August 2 2022  |  Spirits & Tobacco

Video Clip: Glenfiddich unveils travel-exclusive Perpetual range

By GTR Magazine Staff

Glenfiddich has revealed its latest whisky collection exclusive to global travel retail.

The Perpetual Collection is described as a range of single malt Scotch whiskies in perpetual motion, in vats that have never been emptied.

“Each successive vat fill is like a new generation of whisky building on the past, ever increasing in character, dimension and complexity, giving consumers a unique experience with every sip,” the brand said.

This innovative technique – the Solera vat process – was pioneered by Glenfiddich in the whisky world and epitomizes Glenfiddich’s philosophy of breaking the boundaries of the category.

The Solera vat process adds continuous layers of flavors to the whisky, by only ever bottling half the whisky in the vats before refilling.

The vats still contain the original liquid – “a line from the past into the future”, according to Glenfiddich. “Embodied by the Perpetual Collection, it’s a whisky that never sits still.”

The range includes four exclusive expressions:

Vat 01 (40%abv): This single malt, suited to every palate, is married in Solera Vat 1. It layers sweet and spicy notes for a soft and mellow taste with added depth due to its maturation in bourbon and red wine casks. A balanced and smooth Glenfiddich.

Vat 02 (43%abv): Double-matured in oak and Spanish sherry casks and married in Solera Vat 2, this rich single malt delivers a smooth taste. Bold and mellow yet complex.

Vat 03 (50.2%abv, non-chill filtered): Elevated over 15 years of maturation in European oak sherry and ex-bourbon casks, Vat 3 produces a smooth, full-bodied whisky combining warm notes of spice with hints of nutty marzipan and dark sherry oak. Rich and sweet.

Vat 04 (47.8%abv, non-chill filtered): Aged in Oloroso sherry and bourbon casks for 18 years, this fruity Solera whisky is married in Solera Vat 4 to deliver a deep, rich aroma of robust oak, ripe orchard fruit and baked apple.

Designed with travelers in mind, with both liquid and design celebrating perpetual movement, the range is designed for gifting or self-consumption.

Glenfiddich’s Perpetual Collection comprises four travel retail exclusive expressions made with the Solera vat process

The notion of perpetual movement is brought to life across each pack. Contemporary artwork by Berlin-based studio A N F adorns the design, featuring generative art created by code.

The result is a special variation of six bespoke pieces of 3D artwork, meaning consumers will have distinct designs to choose from.

David Wilson, Managing Director Global Travel Retail, William Grant & Sons, said: “The global travel retail channel is returning with momentum and Glenfiddich has continued to perform exceptionally well, consistently delivering rare and premium offerings to our customers and consumers around the world.

“We are delighted to be able to offer this stunning new exclusive Glenfiddich range of bespoke liquids to the global travel retail channel. The distillery team have done an amazing job of maturing some very fine liquids and we feel the new packaging reflects the energy and passion which each bottle contains. They truly are a reflection of Glenfiddich as a single malt whisky which never stands still.

“We very much look forward to working with our retail partners in bringing the new Glenfiddich Perpetual Collection to life in-store, inspiring our consumers with this innovative premium collection, and supporting the growth plans we all share for the future.”

Lindsay Hitzeroth, Head of Customer Marketing Global Travel Retail, William Grant & Sons, commented: “This is Glenfiddich’s biggest launch in global travel retail in the last decade – the perfect celebration of the world of travel opening back up. A range of whiskies that never sit still, for travelers always in motion.

“The time spent at the airport is that exciting moment where the adventure starts; and so we wanted to give those flying something special to enhance their experience and remind them of their travels. This new range is enticing for all, whether it’s a gift for a maverick loved-one or a treat for oneself, The Perpetual Collection offers travelers a unique moment of enjoyment to capture their life that never stands still.”

To celebrate the launch, a series of Glenfiddich pop-up retail spaces will appear in selected airport destinations, aiming to add to the excitement of traveling. Travelers can explore the collection through an immersive experience, from interacting with the collective artwork and tasting the liquid, to enjoying the gifting station.

The Perpetual Collection will launch exclusively in travel retail starting from August in Europe, for a full global roll-out to be completed by October.

Vat 1 (1L) will retail at £47 (US$57), Vat 2 (1L) at £57 (US$69), Vat 3 (70cl) at £62 (US$76), and Vat 4 (70cl) at £90 (US$110).

The Dalmore and V&A Dundee release Luminary - The Collectible - 2024 Edition in GTR

Porsche Design releases innovative new collection

Canada Goose opens at Turkey's Istanbul Airport

Edrington Global Travel Retail, Unifree and Gebr. Heinemann partner at Istanbul Airport

Travel Retail Fine Wine Alliance celebrates first in-store collaboration with Gebr. Heinemann

Travel Blue targets Gen Z with new backpack range

William Grant & Sons appoints Rufus Parkinson as Managing Director – Global Travel Retail

Nuxe enters hair care category with new formula and four-step routine

Duty Free Dynamics adds Philipp Plein to its portfolio

Stay informed.

Sign up below for up-to-date industry insight and information right in your inbox.

You must be 18 years old to view this category

Select your country or region

Triple Cask Matured Single Malt Whisky Series

We are pleased to introduce a global travel retail exclusive: The Glenlivet Triple Cask Series, which has been refreshed with a new name and packaging to better represent the triple cask maturation process that provides such a rich, distinctive taste to the whiskies.

The Triple Cask series is a signature collection from our expert team of distillers, with contributions from our Master Distiller, Alan Winchester.

Through a skillful interplay of whiskies matured in three different types of cask, the Triple Cask Series amplifies the depth and complexity of the original floral, fruity taste of The Glenlivet single malt. The three cask types of American White Oak casks, Traditional casks and Ex-Sherry casks have been married in varying proportions to produce three unique whiskies: Distiller’s Reserve, White Oak Reserve and Rare Cask.

Distiller’s Reserve

Replacing our Master Distiller’s Reserve, the Distiller’s Reserve is the cornerstone of the range and exemplifies the skills our makers have mastered through decades of experience.

They have ensured that the whiskies from the three different casks have an equal and harmonious impact on the taste to which results in a delicate balance between smooth and fruity notes.

White Oak Reserve

The White Oak Reserve, which has replaced Master Distiller’s Reserve Solera Vatted, has a very high proportion of first fill American White Oak casks which create a deep, yet subtle profile, with creamy coconut and vanilla notes.

For a richer, intense character, our craftsmen have also used the ‘never-emptied’ solera vat to complete the maturation for a sweet and velvety taste profile.

As the pinnacle of our Triple Cask Series, Rare Cask, which will replace Master Distiller’s Reserve Small Batch has a very high proportion of hand-selected first filled ex-sherry casks and is bottled and released in individually numbered small batches.

This exceptional whisky has a wonderfully rich and spicy taste profile, thanks to the influence of the ex-sherry cask.

Commenting on this exclusive relaunch, our Master Distiller Alan Winchester shared his insight: “We wanted to open up the craftsmanship behind The Glenlivet to travellers around the world. We’ve evolved the packaging to highlight the quality of the whisky inside the bottle, and make it more approachable to consumers worldwide.”

Your information may be used by Chivas Brothers International Limited and made available through us to any other entities of the Pernod Ricard Group. At any time, you can exercise your right of access, rectification, deletion or objection by contacting us at [email protected]. For further information, please consult our Online Privacy Policy .

The Chivas Brothers International Limited Terms & Conditions  apply.

Subscribe now for The Glenlivet Newsletter

I consent to receive news and promotional information about The Glenlivet.

I consent to receive news and promotional information about The Glenlivet Distillery, our home in Speyside.

I agree to the terms & conditions.

The Spirits Business

Spirits in travel retail: mapping the road to recovery.

Now that passengers are starting to take to the air and the seas, spirits brands in global travel retail are hard at work to make the most of their return.

*This feature was originally published in the October 2021 issue of The Spirits Business magazine.

As one of the hardest‐hit sectors, global travel retail (GTR) has had a tumultuous 18 months. As a result of the pandemic, borders were closed, quarantine requirements were introduced, and consumer confidence plunged amid fears of spreading the virus.

However, as vaccination rollouts progress well in countries in Europe, as well as China, India and the US, and border restrictions are lifted, the travel retail sector is poised to recover over the next few years. In the channel, brands and retailers have been forced to adapt to new shopping behaviours.

For spirits producers, GTR remains an increasingly important channel, with brands adopting new and seamless ways to attract time‐strapped consumers who are seeking unique products and experiences.

Challenging times

Jaya Singh, president of the Tax Free World Association (TFWA), says: “The past two years have been some of the most challenging for the duty free and travel retail industry. However, we are starting to see the green shoots of recovery as global vaccination programmes begin to take effect and nations continue to ease border restrictions to allow the free movement of travellers.

“The latest figures from travel research firm Paxsmart forecast that global international departure numbers will return to pre-pandemic levels by 2023, before rising to just under two billion in 2024 – an increase of 9% from 2019.”

According to figures from IWSR Drinks Market Analysis, total spirits volume in the travel retail channel fell by more than 70% in 2020. IWSR expects spirits volume in GTR to grow by an approximate compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% in the five years to 2025, returning to pre‐pandemic volume levels by 2024.

Agave spirits , which reported the biggest drop among spirits in 2020 (down by 79%), will recover fastest, IWSR found. The sector is expected to rise by 39% in volume (CAGR 2020 to 2025), followed by whisky (up by 32% for the same period), vodka (up by 31%) and gin/genever (up by 30%). By market, IWSR analyst Jairo López Suárez says: “2021 is predicted to favour the Americas first, mainly US/Mexico/Caribbean leisure travel, but also functioning land border traffic US/Canada/Mexico and in Southern Brazil.

“Growth in Europe and Asia Pacific will remain somewhat muted until at least early 2022, though Asia is looking more complicated than was originally projected, with some travel forecasts being revised down recently, and vaccination rates in Europe increasing confidence there.”

Travel retail operator Heinemann notes that some spirits categories have been hit harder than others due to the absence of intercontinental shoppers from China, Russia, and the US. “These travellers are traditionally the ones with the largest basket spend – Cognac or baijiu sales, for example, are still lagging behind due to this,” explains Ruediger Stelkens, director of purchasing for liquor, tobacco and confectionary at the firm.

Rare spirits in demand

Stelkens believes that spirits will be among the first product categories to bounce back in travel retail. He also highlights that the demand for rare spirits has been exacerbated by the pandemic. “We’re being offered more and more highly exclusive rare or ultra-premium bottles of aged whiskies and Cognacs,” he notes.

Travel retail operator Lagardère also notes the decline of travellers in Europe, who were “big buyers of ultra‐premium spirits, Cognacs but also Grand Crus wines”, says Victoire Gueugnier, director merchant beverage and tobacco, Lagardère Travel Retail Duty Free Global. Lagardère’s strategy for the channel has been to highlight “best‐sellers at the best price” and give them greater visibility.

“Categories like Champagne and whiskies are really performing better than the rest due to European passengers buying more well-established brands at a good price rather than premium and super‐premium products, which were preferred by the international clientele,” she adds. “Our focus has been to give greater focus to best‐selling references.”

The pandemic caused a revenue decline of 67% for Heinemann in 2020. “We are cautiously optimistic about the year 2021 with a gradual pick‐up in travel, but we are rather expecting a long‐term recovery for our industry that will be clearly felt in 2023 and 2024,” Stelkens adds.

Major spirits players also saw their sales in the channel continue to decline, despite continued investment in GTR. Pernod Ricard’s GTR sales dropped by 40% in its 2021 fiscal year, with the firm expecting a gradual recovery. For the year ending 30 June 2021, Diageo saw GTR sales decline by 62%, with the firm’s Scotch sales plummeting by 60% in travel retail.

Stephen Teeling, sales and marketing director of Dublin‐based Teeling Whiskey Company , notes that the Irish whiskey category remains “very under‐represented” in the channel. But he has noticed that consumers are spending more on spirits, and trading up to more expensive bottlings as they return to travelling.

“While passenger numbers are down, there is a huge increase in spend per customer,” he says. “Dublin Airport said that on its recent short‐haul flights, people are picking up a lot of bottles.” Teeling highlights that the “well-travelled” routes between Ireland and England have also seen consumers spend more in duty free, as well as on Irish ferries.

Ian Macleod Distillers has several “high-profile” activations planned for Glengoyne whisky and Edinburgh Gin in major UK airports in the run‐up to Christmas. There are plans for more activations from its brands in 2022.

“We are launching a completely new, GTR-exclusive aged range from Glengoyne next spring, and have exciting plans for another of our whisky brands, which we will announce later [in 2021],” says William Ovens, business development director.

TFWA’s vice‐president, commercial, Donatienne de Fontaines‐Guillaume, highlights the rise of domestic travel in China as a bright spot for retailers and brands. “In particular, Hainan Island has experienced a boom in trade following incentives from the Chinese government to increase citizens’ allowances for off‐shore duty free shopping,” she explains.

“Sales at Hainan’s duty free shops increased by a staggering 127% year on year to just over US$5 billion in 2020, and are continuing to grow. We are seeing a number of spirits brands opening concessions in Hainan to take advantage of this growth.”

In January 2021, Pernod Ricard opened its first boutique for Martell Cognac in China Duty Free Group’s Haitang Bay Duty Free Shopping Centre. It was the first Pernod Ricard‐owned store on the island. This summer also saw Diageo open two permanent shops for Scotch brands Johnnie Walker and The Singleton at the Hainan Tourism Duty Free Shopping Complex in downtown Sanya.

Vinay Golikeri, managing director of Bacardi GTR, called for greater collaboration in the industry: “With online pre‐travel research driving a significant level of decision‐making amongst Chinese spirits shoppers, it is vital that brands and retailers partner in the omnichannel opportunity as Hainan continues to grow – while paving the way for shopper engagement strategies in any future locations that may adopt a similar duty‐free structure to Hainan.”

Teeling is also hoping to collaborate with China Duty Free for Chinese New Year and will work with Dublin Airport on tastings in the fourth quarter.

Digital adoption

Norms around physical distancing and hygiene in travel hubs will ultimately affect how brands and retailers attract customers as they remain cautious about sampling. As such, the implementation of digital solutions has become increasingly important to both protect customers and make the shopping experience simpler.

TFWA’s Fontaines‐Guillaume says: “While we are seeing growing numbers of passengers returning to the skies and seas, their shopping needs will likely have changed dramatically in their time away from travel. Many will now be accustomed to having more control over their purchases through online shopping sites or digital ordering services. At the same time, new concerns over hygiene may dissuade some travellers from tasting and handling products at physical duty free stores, adding a new set of challenges for retailers and brands.”

For Bacardi, the biggest opportunity in the channel is digital adoption, with the company focusing on personalisation and engagement.

“This new behaviour among consumers means there is now an expectation for digital to play an essential role in their retail experience and the evidence proves it is a significant influence on their purchase-decision behaviour,” Golikeri says. “This step-change is fully embedded in the future of shopper behaviour, and we are seeing its positive impact in travel retail.

“We strongly believe this is a truly transformational opportunity for travel retail; to reinvent itself as a unique and exciting omnichannel market.”

Bacardi noted that there is a “great opportunity” to prioritise gifting and GTR exclusives, as well as tap into the trend for at-home cocktail making by providing products, experiences and inspiration for shoppers.

John McDonnell, managing director, international for Tito’s Handmade Vodka, believes the industry would benefit from one app for duty free, similar to Uber, that would enable consumers to get GTR spirits delivered to their homes via contactless payment.

Meanwhile, Heinemann is working on several new projects to diversify its retail and service offering to “meet the ominichannel needs of younger and new target groups”.

One example is new solutions for pre‐order services or digital payment solutions. Teeling also cited Chinese e‐commerce player Alibaba’s purchase of a nearly 10% stake in duty free giant Dufry in 2020. The deal includes a joint venture in China that will combine Alibaba’s digital capabilities and network with Dufry’s travel retail business in the market.

The move could provide the opportunity to have products delivered to your home from the airport, notes Teeling. “People have become used to good service, and will expect things to become a lot easier than they were pre‐pandemic.”

Teeling will focus on collaborative projects in GTR, providing “rich content” such as videos to duty free operators to bring to life the story of the Irish whiskey brand. The company will also roll out its Explorer’s Edition whiskey in Dufry stores in the UK during the fourth quarter of 2021. The producer has planned some special products to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in March 2022.

Cruise industry

IWSR expects the land border, ferry crossing and free zone business to return to strength earlier than the air travel and cruise sectors. The cruise industry has started to reopen, with companies such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean reporting sky‐high demand for forthcoming cruises.

Michael Payne, president of the International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) , says cruise ships have been “hurt severely’ by the pandemic.

“Cruise ships in many locations haven’t been able to leave the port for a while,” he adds. “That’s only just starting to open up but they won’t be able to bring as many people on board, which will have an impact on buying.”

Ian Macleod Distillers continues to remain focused on the cruise sector, hosting a stand at the Viking Line’s Cinderella Whisky Fair in September 2021.

“The enthusiasm, knowledge and passion among these consumers was as strong as ever,” says Ovens. “We were showcasing Rosebank, Glengoyne, Smokehead, Shieldaig and the main attraction on the stand, the Viking Line‐exclusive Chieftain’s 24‐year‐old single cask, which all but sold out on the first cruise.”

For Tito’s, cruise ships are a “major focus because we can do activations on ships”, explains McDonnell. Furthermore, the brand is trying to secure more airline listings, having gained some with Aer Lingus and Middle East Airlines before the pandemic. “We’re really pushing the smaller formats of Tito’s in GTR, it’s a good impulse buy,” McDonnell adds.

Broader portfolio

Dutch drinks firm De Kuyper will emphasise its Peachtree liqueur, Cherry Heering Liqueur, and, more locally, Rutte Gin, in airport outlets. “With our broader portfolio we will focus on airport lounges and cruise ships, where we are sure that the global rise of cocktails will give us serious opportunities,” says Mark de Witte, CEO of De Kuyper Royal Distillers.

The move is in line with the company’s strategy to ‘own the cocktail’. “The main challenge is the limited space”, adds de Witte. “Global and local brands are competing for the same shelf space.”

IWSR’s Suárez also highlights that business travel is “increasingly unlikely” to return to its previous extents as consumers adapt to new ways of working.

He adds: “The environment impact of travel is also a pressing concern for many individuals and businesses.”

It looks like you're in Asia, would you like to be redirected to the Drinks Business Asia edition?

Yes, take me to the Asia edition No

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Retail Dogma

RETAILDOGMA

RETAIL EDUCATION & TRAINING SOLUTIONS

Travel Retail

What is travel retail.

Travel retail is a term that describes retail outlets that sell products to end consumers in a travel environment.

Some of these shops are duty free, where customers are exempted from certain local taxes and duties, and in this case shops usually require proof of travel, such as a boarding pass, to complete the transaction.

Travel retail is a major source of revenue for airports, and provides a great sales channel and branding opportunity for consumer brands, as there are billions of international travelers that pass through airports each year. That’s why it is one of the main distribution channels in the beauty industry.

In some countries, certain types of products are not sold freely inside the country but are available at duty-free shops, such as alcoholic beverages, which drives the sales of these products upon arrival at these airports.

The market size of this segment has been steadily growing over the last few years, and is expected to reach $156.3 billion dollars by 2030, with a CAGR of 10.7% between 2023 to 2030.

Types of Travel Retail

• Airport shops
• Border shops
• Cruise & ferry shops
• Some shops at international railway stations
• Shopping onboard an aircraft
• Certain downtown stores that require proof of travel

Product Categories

The most common product categories include:

• Perfume & Cosmetics
• Confectionery
• Food & Beverage
• Electronics
• Accessories (Bags, watches, eyewear,..etc)

THE PROFESSIONAL RETAIL ACADEMY (PRA) ™

• In-depth retail management courses
• Learn the best practices of the industry
• Download ready-to-use professional templates
• Get certificates of completion for each course
• One membership = Access to all courses

More Resources

• Brick & Mortar Store
• Department Store

CONNECT THE DOTS

Learn how to manage a retail business end-to-end.

We’ve put together a curriculum, specifically designed for retail owners or retail professionals who want to advance into senior management roles.

Learn how to connect the dots of the business and take the basic knowledge to the next level of application . 

•    + 1-888-961-4454  (TOLL-FREE)
•    +1 (917) 444-1262  (US)
•   [email protected]

COVID-19 has impacted all businesses across the globe.

our reports from the

CONSUMER GOODS CATEGORY

The novel coronavirus has affected all businesses across the globe

to access all our reports from the CONSUMER GOODS Category, featuring the impact of the pandemic

featuring the impact of the pandemic

Avail the Christmas season discount on the Travel Retail Market Report 20% OFF

(offer valid only till season lasts)

A Guide on Travel Retail: Definition, Growth Factors, and Future Prospects

Travel retail industry is one of the major subsidiary yet standalone industries of the travel and tourism sector. Since the last few years, barring the pandemic period, this industry has seen a substantial rise in terms of its growth number. Though one of the obvious reasons behind the growth in travel retail industry is the growth in number of travelers, there are certain growth factors which are characteristic to the travel retail industry itself.

In the 1700s, there was a shift from primary economic activities like agriculture, mining, etc. to secondary sector constituting manufacturing, construction, etc. This shift was primarily facilitated by the Industrial Revolution which was kickstarted in the Great Britain. Consequently, on similar lines, the ICT revolution enabled a shift from secondary to tertiary sector which predominantly constituted of service-oriented economic activities. One of the biggest industries that emerged out of the tertiary sector was the travel and tourism industry.

What is Travel Retail and Why is it on the Rise Since the Last Few Years?

In the last few decades, especially after the opening of majority of the global economies post-1991, travel and tourism industry has grown like anything else. Some economists even consider it to be a separate economic sector altogether. On account of this growth, several subsidiary and standalone industries have propped up and thrived under the travel and tourism sector. One such standalone industry is the global travel retail industry. Travel retail pertains to creating, planning, and providing travel services, while at the same time, engaging in sales activities to cater to the shoppers’ demands while they are in transit.

The growth in the travel retail market is mainly attributed to four main factors which are discussed below:

• Boom in the Travel Industry on the Whole

Except the aberration witnessed in the last two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a steady growth in the number of people travelling across the globe. Though the reasons for travel might be different for each individual, the travel retail industry has been able to fulfill their varied demands efficiently. Hence, a growth in the travel industry has been mirrored by the travel retail industry. Also, since people have been exploring countries and places that were previously not so often visited, the travel retail industry has found new ways and avenues to offer their services.

• Travelers Tend to Shop More

Studies by various behavioral economists have shown that travelers, especially the ones going out for vacations, tend to shop more. This shift from a thrift behavior, according to these experts, is due to the leisurely atmosphere and stress-free state of mind. Also, since travelers have a lot of free time at their disposal, they can shop for longer periods of time. Another interesting theory as to why people spend more at transit channels, such as airports , is that the infrastructure inside airports is built on the concept of open-plan setups. As a result, luxury shopping and casual shopping spaces are intertwined in each other, thus blurring the lines between the two.

• Accurate Data Insights

The retailers engaging in travel retail and sales activities have an added advantage of accurate information about their customers. Their travel and departure times, the type of aircrafts they are travelling, their destination, etc. helps the retailer in getting a brief idea as to what the traveler might be looking for. This helps these retailers to plan their sale strategy accordingly, which helps in maximizing their profits. Also, providing customer service to the passengers or people in transit becomes much easier due to these vital data points.

• Better Showcasing of Products

Since travelers tend to shop more products and spend more on luxury items during their travel, they tend to appreciate certain products more than in normal circumstances. This provides the companies and travel retailers to showcase their products and test whether the products are sellable. Hence, various international brands of different sectors tend to launch and market their unique products through the travel retail industry.

Future of Travel Retail Industry

Though the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns put a strain on the travel and the travel retail industries, market analysts are confident that both these industries will register huge growth rates in the post-pandemic world. Also, digitization of financial services has improved the quality of shopping experience at the transit channels and has helped in reducing the complexities associated with foreign currency exchange. Moreover, the introduction of smart technologies has further improved data collection, which has helped travel retailers to improve their business strategies in a much better way. All these factors point toward a great future of the global retail travel industry.

About the Author(s)

Princy A. J

Princy holds a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the prestigious Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. University at Chennai, India. After a successful academic record, she pursued her passion for writing. A thorough professional and enthusiastic writer, she enjoys writing on various categories and advancements in the global industries. She plays an instrumental role in writing about current updates, news, blogs, and trends.

Related Post

How popularly do capsule hotels takeover the position of conventional hotels in developed countries, a concise study of duty-free retailing industry’s three major players in 2022, which top 3 companies are in the process of designing world-class urban air mobility, how does adventure tourism turn a person’s world around.

How is Cybersecurity Becoming a Vital Measure to Combat Emerging Threats in the Banking Sector Globally?

Wood Pellet Biomass Boilers: An Eco-Friendly Heating Solution

5 Ways Vanilla Oil Can Transform Your Life

Discovering the Magic of Toasted Flour: Why & How to Use It

Request Sample Form

Subscribe to our newsletter and get our newest updates right on your inbox.

Blog Name Here

Obtain comprehensive insights on the Travel Retail Industry

Preview an Exclusive Sample of the Report of Travel Retail Market

The Company

• Why Research Dive?
• Research Methodology
• Syndicate Reports
• Customize Reports
• Consulting Services
• Design your research
• GDPR Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Return Policy
• Delivery Method
• Terms and Condition

30 Wall St. 8th Floor, New York, NY 10005 (P).

•   + 1-800-910-6452 (USA/Canada) - Toll Free
•   + 1-888-961-4454 (USA/Canada) - Toll - Free
•   +1 (917) 444-1262 (US) - U.S
•   [email protected]

Get Notification About Our New Studies

• © 2024 Research Dive. All Rights Reserved

4 reasons why travel retail is booming

Why this expansion?

1. more people travel, 2. travelers are more prone to shop while en route.

• The open-plan setup: Airports are a democratic shopping spaces – much more so than malls and high streets. In airports the differentiation between luxury and casual brands becomes blurred. Travelers just need to enter the open-plan stores (as airport shops have no doors) to access brands and items they may not have visited in a more traditional setting.
• Free time to browse and buy: Long waits and demands to show up in advance provide passengers with a lot of time to spare in airports. As airports are constructed as shopping spaces, which encourage passengers to leisurely walk around and shop during their wait.
• Holiday atmosphere: After having passed check-ins and security controls, passengers traveling for leisure are left in the right condition to buy items – whether to indulge themselves, to start off or cap off their trip.

3. Retailers can use data insights to better cater for customers

4. products get even more visibility.

Retailers have realized that travel retail provides them with tremendous opportunities to create visibility for their products, increase customer loyalty and recruit new customers in different countries. Airports have become an area where brands test their possible success in new markets, basing on customers’ nationalities and flight destinations. Many brands also offer “travel retail exclusive”, special products which are only available to travelers to entice shoppers to buy appealing to their desire for exclusive items.   Travel retail is, in many ways, different from traditional retail spaces. Brands have managed to capitalize on the differences to tap into a very lucrative market. As travel retail is expected to grow steadily in the next few years, brands count on some of their success in airports to trickle down to their traditional stores, and possibly help open new, profitable markets.  

Don’t buy retail management software until you read this

Retail in Asia

Travel Retail

• Business Travel
• Greater China
• Hospitality & Leisure
• Other Markets
• South East Asia

Heinemann Australia rebrands to Heinemann Oceania

China Tourism Group Duty Free powers ahead as net profits rise 32.8 percent

Heinemann to enter New Zealand travel retail market with launch of exclusive retail concepts at Auckland Airport

Heinemann Oceania will be responsible for the travel retailer’s operations in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific.…

At CTG, revenue rose 24.1 percent to USD9.3 billion, while net profit increased 32.8 percent to USD939.4 million.…

The exclusive multi-brand concepts at the country’s leading gateway will open from the second quarter of this year.…

Asia Pacific, Europe drive global recovery in tax-free shopping

Data from Global Blue highlights a significant acceleration in the global recovery of tax-free shopping led by APAC.…

Korean travel retailer Star Duty Free to open border store on Mongolia-China crossing

The new SME player claims to have brought a new, cross-border chapter to a market driven mainly by major duty free operators such as The Shilla Duty Free, Lotte Duty Free and Shinsegae Duty Free.…

Lotte Duty Free opens LDF House, South Korea’s first experiential duty free shopping showroom

LDF House is a space designed to provide customers with a differentiated experience and present what Lotte Duty Free called ‘a new paradigm’ in duty free shopping.…

Changi Airport Group extends Shilla Travel Retail beauty contract to March 2028

Changi Airport Group and Shilla build on a partnership that began in 2014 and has featured many Changi-first pop-up experiences and product launches.…

Jeju “buzzing again” as duty free market is rejuvenated, says The Shilla Duty Free

Jeju’s all-important tourism market is making a post-pandemic comeback, spelling good news for the duty free sector. That’s the message from The Shilla Duty Free, which has enjoyed a long-term [……

Lacoste and King Power open standalone boutique in Singapore Changi Airport

Athleisure brand Lacoste has partnered with King Power International to open a standalone boutique in Terminal 3 of Singapore Changi Airport.…

Sales tumble, profits surge – Shinsegae and Hyundai duty free results mirror South Korean market transformation

The Shilla Duty Free’s Q2 performance graphically reflected the changing Korean travel retail landscape, the world’s largest duty free market.…

Retail in Asia presents top picks of multi-label concepts with a focus on fashion and accessories, across the region for 2024.…

Tmall Luxury Pavilion general manager Janet Wang on how to capture China’s ‘VICs’ online

Balenciaga unveils new Tokyo flagship boutique in Ginza

Prada Group sales up double digits on surging Miu Miu, Japan revenues

V3 Gourmet’s Maranda Barnes on Bacha Coffee’s ambitious Asia expansion

‘Café Diptyque’ pops up in Hong Kong