FRANCE. Diageo Global Travel highlighted optimism for the channel and the importance of keeping pace with shifting consumer trends as it returned to the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes.
With a high-profile presence, the leading drinks group presented its flagship brands alongside a panel discussion titled, ‘The Future of Travel Retail: Adapting to Volatility and Consumer Change’.
The panel, led by Diageo Global Travel Managing Director Andrew Cowan, brought together leading industry voices to discuss how travel retail can adapt to evolving consumer behaviours and keep duty free a vibrant, integrated part of the traveller experience.
The panel comprised The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Director Hannah Tan; Avolta Chief Commercial & Digital Officer Vijay Talwar; Lindt & Sprüngli Head of Global Travel Retail Peter Zehnder; and European Travel Retail Confederation Secretary General Julie Lassaigne.
Diageo Global Travel Managing Director Andrew Cowan said, “We feel emboldened about the abundance of opportunity for growth in travel retail, a key theme that came through from our expert panel.
“What consumers want and expect from duty-free shopping is ever-changing, and it has never been more important to have the travelling consumer at the heart of everything we do if we are going to excite, delight and engage them.
“At Diageo Global Travel we have a steadfast commitment to ensuring spirits remain a vibrant part of travel retail and it was a pleasure to host this important discussion.”
The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Director Hannah Tan added, “The experience economy is evolving fast in travel retail, fuelled by a new generation of travellers who increasingly value memorable moments over material purchases.
“Pop-ups, once considered a novelty, have become a defining feature of the airport landscape – but the way they are being conceived and executed today is more creative, ambitious and impactful than ever.
“From immersive mixology rituals and multisensory brand spaces to unexpected cross-category collaborations that blur the lines between retail, entertainment and hospitality, brands are reimagining how travellers engage before they fly.
“This shift presents a significant opportunity for the channel: to move beyond transactional retail and create experiences that surprise, delight and deepen the connection between travellers and brands.” ✈
