Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.
UK. Today’s selection of images comes from London Heathrow Airport Terminal 2 where Isle of Wight Distillery has transformed the World Duty Free (Avolta) store entrance into an ocean-themed activation for Mermaid Gin, one of travel retail’s most sustainable spirit brands. Isle of Wight Distillery brands are distributed in travel retail by Duty Free Global.
The images were captured by The Moodie Davitt Report Brands Director Hannah Tan.
The high-visibility activation spotlights Mermaid Gin, Mermaid Spiced Rum and Mermaid Zest Gin – distributed in the channel by Duty Free Global.
Animated waves ripple across a floor-to-ceiling digital backdrop, drawing passengers into the story of Isle of Wight Distillery’s island heritage, environmental commitment and distinct craft distillation process.
Towering digital screens convey fluid motion and underwater visuals to make the activation a standout in the busy terminal.
Featured on a main display table are Mermaid Gin’s striking bottles – plastic-free and embossed like sea glass – reinforcing the distillery’s mission to reduce its environmental impact without compromising on style and quality.
The Heathrow execution serves as a showcase of the brand’s island origins and sustainable ethos. Since its founding in 2014, Isle of Wight Distillery has made its coastal roots central to its identity. Each expression in the Mermaid range is inspired by the Isle of Wight’s land and seascape – and made with nature in mind.
The distillery’s sustainability practices are embedded across its operations, from using ethically sourced botanicals to pioneering zero-plastic packaging. In 2019, it launched a carbon calculator to actively monitor and reduce its monthly emissions, underscoring its long-term environmental commitment.
Supported by Duty Free Global, Isle of Wight Distillery has carved a niche in the premium spirits space – driven by provenance, purpose and presentation. The Heathrow activation shows how that story can come alive in a high-traffic retail environment, connecting travellers with brand’s sustainable mission in an engaging way. ✈
Interview: Isle of Wight Distillery’s Ginnie Taylor on sustainable business and travel retail opportunities Introduction: Made with nature in mind, Mermaid Gin reflects Isle of Wight Distillery’s commitment to protecting the environment, from sourcing the ingredients to packaging. The company’s innovative strategies to reduce emissions have earned them global recognitions, including the prestigious B Corp certificate. The certification is awarded to businesses which meet the highest standards for sustainability, public transparency, legal accountability and social and environmental performance. Mermaid Gin has also been awarded first place in the IWSC Awards and Best Eco-Packaging from the American Distilling Institute. In an exclusive interview with The Moodie Davitt Report, Isle of Wight Distillery Marketing Director Ginnie Taylor discusses the importance of travel retail and how essential sustainability is to every aspect of their business. Click here to read the full interview. |
