People
MEADFA’s 2026 conference agenda to spotlight key Middle East & Africa travel retail trends
Taking place in Morocco from 15-17 November, the conference will bring leading industry voices together to examine regional trends, emerging opportunities and the future of travel retail.
Heaven Hill Co-President Kate Latts speaks to The Moodie Davitt Report Associate Editor Camille Bersola about the company’s storied heritage, its evolving travel retail ambitions and the opportunities ahead for its brands in the channel.
Taking place in Morocco from 15-17 November, the conference will bring leading industry voices together to examine regional trends, emerging opportunities and the future of travel retail.
Thakrar will work alongside the SSP Group Executive Committee to develop and deliver SSP’s strategic priorities, while also leading the travel food & beverage company’s global brand relationships and shared service operations.
The concept puts locally produced goods and entrepreneurial talent at the centre of the retail experience, spanning food, personal care, apparel and gifts.
The British house’s Co-Founder and Product Development Director David Herdman spoke to The Moodie Davitt Report about the brand’s journey, evolving portfolio and plans to capture further opportunities across travel retail.
“As we prepare to celebrate our 25th anniversary in 2027, I feel it is an appropriate time to transition our management structure so that this incredible journey is best placed to run and run over coming years,” says company Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie.
Germán Barcala brings a wealth of experience in the events industry to his new role with the South American duty-free association.
With summer travel drawing to a close, we’ve rounded up some of the standout posts that captured the season in full swing, from interactive airport moments to retail promotions and experiences designed to turn journeys into lasting memories.
Leading travel retailer and distributor Gebr. Heinemann reveals the latest stage in its transition to a new generation of management, with Max Heinemann named as Chairman, Raoul Spanger as Co-Chair and a new CEO, Morgan Boeri.
Bringing the forests of Yanbaru, Okinawa, to the forefront, the emerging whisky brand unites Founder Sabrina Sakhrani’s global vision with Master Distiller Ayako Ikehara’s generational craftsmanship.
The refreshed identity comes as the sparkling wine specialist looks to sharpen its global profile while maintaining the distinct identities of its established brand portfolio.
The Dubai-based fragrance house is targeting new international markets, with its latest innovations and consumer-led approach underpinning its travel retail ambitions.












