EUROPE/INTERNATIONAL. Drinks distributors Barry Global Innovation and SEVA Group have established a joint venture, Duty Free Global, which started trading earlier this month.
The new entity aims to develop the wines and spirits segment in the global travel retail industry. It will officially launch at next month’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition and Conference in Singapore (Stand number D37, Basement 2).
Irish firm Barry Global and Netherlands-based SEVA have worked together on multiple distribution contracts since 2013 and the merger is viewed as a “logical” move for the companies and the wider industry. In particular, SEVA will bring established back office, logistics and consolidation solutions to the partnership.
Duty Free Global Director Barry Geoghegan said: “After working for over 25 years in the wine business, I have really enjoyed bringing some of the world’s leading wine brands to the global travel retail operators.
“I have been very lucky to find in SEVA Group a global spirit specialist to compliment my wine background. SEVA Group has enjoyed many years representing some of the world’s most prestigious spirit brands.”
Having worked alongside the Dutch team on a number of occasions, Geoghegan is confident the combined workforce can grow the wines and spirits segment in travel retail “through great products, great activations and huge consumer insights”.
The Duty Free Global portfolio
Spirits
- Tito’s from Austin Texas
- Fraternity Spirits’ Tequila Corralejo and Ron Prohibido
- Carlo Alberto vermouth range
Wines
- The travel retail exclusive range from Paul Sapin
- The Australian range from the Taylors family
- Duty Free Global will represent French wine exporter Les Grands Chais de France in the Asia Pacific duty free channel
The company said it expects to make further additions to its portfolio in the coming months.
Duty Free Global COO Laura Klingeman commented: “After having successfully collaborated with BGI for many years, it was only logical that this partnership would develop into an official joint venture.
“Working with wine connoisseur Barry Geoghegan is a true pleasure. We are gratified to formalise our cooperation with one of the first ten [people who studied] for a Wine MBA at the Bordeaux Business School.”
Delegates attending TFWA Asia Pacific in Singapore between 7-11 May will have a chance to see Geoghegan host a premium wine tasting session on Tuesday 9 May at 5pm.
