CANADA. The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA) has revealed the winners of this year’s Gold Standard Awards at the annual FDFA Convention in Toronto.
The winners were announced at a gala event on 20 November at the Omni King Edward Hotel.
A key highlight of the FDFA’s annual convention, the event brought together industry leaders to celebrate the milestones shaping Canada’s duty-free sector.
For more than 20 years, the FDFA has selected winners for the 13 Gold Standards Awards to highlight best practice at land border duty-free shops.
This year, the organisation has launched the ‘Trailblazing Women of Influence’ award category to honour the achievements of women making remarkable contributions to the industry.
FDFA Executive Director Barbara Barrett said: “This year’s celebration is special as we recognise 40 years of shared growth and success. Our industry is in great hands, with leaders dedicated to shaping the future of duty free in Canada.
“Each winner exemplifies what makes Canada’s duty-free industry stand out globally. The dedication and creativity these individuals bring to their roles make a lasting impact across the entire sector.”
The 2024 FDFA Gold Standards Awards Winners
Outstanding Duty Free Employee of the Year
Sponsor: Retail Council of Canada
Bill Cassford (Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop)
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Jewellery/Watches/Handbags/Accessories)
Sponsor: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Promaster Skyhawk A-T Snowbirds (Citizen Watches of Canada)
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Confectionary/Food/Souvenirs)
Sponsor: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Ritter Sport Nut Selection (Distribution Fontaine)
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Fragrance/Cosmetics)
Sponsor: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Le Beau Paradise Garden by Jean Paul Gaultier (Distribution Fontaine)
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Spirits/Beer/Wine/Tobacco)
Sponsor: Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Crown Royal Blackberry (Diageo)
Best Marketing/Merchandising Award
Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Outstanding Achievement or Innovation Award
Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year
Aer Rianta International (North America)
Supplier of the Year Category A
Sayan Inc./Miss Caprice
Supplier of the Year Category B
JTI-Macdonald Corp.
Supplier Of the Year Distributor/Agent
Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Platinum Award Category A
Sponsored by: Global Travel Retail Magazine
Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Platinum Award Category B
Sponsored by: Global Travel Retail Magazine
Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop
2024 Trailblazing Women of Influence
Sponsored by: Bacardi Canada
Heather Howard
Rising Star of the Year
Paul Lafleur-Woods (ARI North America)
FDFA Convention Star of Show
Sol De Janeiro (Distribution Fontaine) ✈
