Prologue: Babor Beauty Group Director Travel Retail Lara Schlüter speaks to The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Director Hannah Tan about the company’s milestone 70th anniversary, sustainability and engaging the next generation of travelling beauty shoppers.
Founded in Germany in 1956 by biochemist Dr Michael Babor, the group is known for its luxury spa treatments and high-performance skincare solutions. The company remains under the ownership of the Vossen family, now in its third generation.
Babor Beauty Group Director Travel Retail Lara Schlüter is in effusive mood as she simultaneously looks back and forwards at the company’s fascinating, ever-evolving journey amid its landmark 70th anniversary celebrations.
“Everything started in 1956 with Dr Michael Babor, who developed the first products in a small kitchen in Cologne. Today, we are a global player in the beauty industry, with our headquarters in Aachen, Germany,” she comments, speaking to The Moodie Davitt Report during the recent TFWA World Exhibition.
“We remain a family-owned company, now in its third generation, and I am very proud to work for this business.”
Sustainability remains central to the group’s development, spanning manufacturing and product packaging. Schlüter highlights the company’s production facility, which operates almost entirely without fossil fuels, alongside efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of individual products.
“We have removed cellophane wrapping, for example. We follow a green agenda and track the ecological footprint of every product we sell, aiming to improve with each relaunch,” she explains.
Recruiting younger consumers is another priority. In January 2027, Babor will introduce its Hydration & Electrolyte line, combining accessible skincare messaging with colourful packaging.
“Gen Z is becoming increasingly important for all of us. We need to respond to these changes and offer these travellers the right products at the right price,” Schlüter says.
“The jars and overall packaging represent something new for Babor,” she adds. “The design is more playful, colourful and exciting, while the products are self-explanatory and easy to use.”
Schlüter believes the launch, alongside Babor’s signature ampoules, demonstrates how niche beauty brands can broaden discovery in airport retail.
“It is not only Gen Z looking for something new and exciting. Travellers across generations want to discover products that attract their attention at the airport,” she comments.
“Our ampoules offer something distinctive. I believe niche brands such as ours deserve more space in travel retail to show customers what we can offer.”
Looking ahead, Schlüter is optimistic about the group’s prospects and the response from retail partners.
“I think 2027 will be a good year for travel retail. We want to grow in the channel and expand globally.
“The feedback we have received from existing and potential new partners this week gives us confidence that we are on the right track to meet those expectations.” ✈
