Well-known travel retail and spirits category veteran Jean-Philippe (JP) Aucher is on a mission, determined to make his mark in travel retail with a brand portfolio which he describes as “different, distinctive and disruptive”.
As reported, his JP-GTR agency is a first-time exhibitor at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, 1-5 October (Green Village L60).
The JP-GTR portfolio includes Brockmans Gin, Yu Gin and Mijenta Tequila [the brand is represented in the Americas by Blue Caterpillar]. The three brands will be highlighted at the exhibition along with La Progresiva de Vigia 13 Cuban rum and Navy Island Rum Jamaica. Aucher collaborates with leading travel retailers including Gebr. Heinemann and Dubai Duty Free.
Aucher said his brand line-up “aims to answer the travel retail industry’s demands for innovative, unique and premium products with genuine consumer appeal”.
“It’s taken a good year of research, discussion and negotiation to get the portfolio absolutely right,” he said.
“The industry in 2023 is extremely challenging and very, very competitive, but I now have a brand portfolio that I am truly proud of and which I am confident will stand in its own right at TFWA World Exhibition this year.”
Other brands to hit the spotlight include Heaven’s Door Bourbon, the spirit of Bob Dylan; Black Tear’s spiced Cuban rum; Shanky’s Whip Original Black Liqueur and Irish Whisky Blend; The Butterfly Cannon, described as the world’s first colour-changing tequila, and Le Barteleur RTD cocktails.
Aucher said the brand line-up targets all regions and sales channels in travel retail. “We really want to work with buyers that are ready to try new brands and build new partnerships,” he added.
“We are also working with brands that meet consumer demand for sustainable credentials including Mijenta, the world’s first B-Corp Tequila; Fair, the leading fairtrade liqueur brand, and Fair-Trade Organic Quinoa Vodka.
“Genuine craftsmanship is another ongoing trend, and we meet that demand with brands such as McConnell’s Irish whisky, Fontagard French single malt whisky and Scarabus Islay single malt from Hunter Laing & Co.
“JP-GTR is a specialised spirit brand partner offering a premium portfolio; distinctive and disruptive. This portfolio aims to answer travel retail industry dynamics and new trends.
“We are looking forward to sharing it with retailers, buyers and all our other guests as we celebrate our Cannes debut.” 
