On location at the IAADFS Summit of the Americas : Moodie Davitt Report

USA. Welcome to our coverage of the IAADFS-organised Summit of the Americas in West Palm Beach, Florida, in which we bring you our choice of the week’s highlights in words and images, in association with our partners BuzzBallz, Blue Caterpillar and Proximo Spirits.

The event ran from Sunday 14 to Wednesday 17 April at the Palm Beach County Convention Center, with over 1,000 delegates attending.

17 APRIL

Signing off from West Palm Beach: The Moodie Davitt Report’s Sarah Genest (left) and Colleen Morgan (right) raise a glass to a successful Summit of the Americas with French winemaker Barton & Guestier’s Marina Julien. The company is looking forward to celebrating its 300th anniversary in 2025.

‘Pure goodness’: Loacker’s Juan Miguel Cabrera considers the future of the confectionery category and the increasingly important role of sustainability, highlighting the Italian wafer, chocolate and biscuit specialist’s paper packaging

“There is beauty in kindness” – Beekman 1802 body and skincare brand is a first-time exhibitor with a very strong backstory. According to Carlolyn Geremia (left) and Emily Weise, Beekman 1802 products are based on the clinical science of two ingredients: goat milk and kindness. Watch this space for more news on this innovative, caring brand.

Former track athlete Lamar Letts intends to take his Hylux vitamin-filled and nutritionally enhanced water into further travel retail markets. The ‘next-gen’ sports drink is made with all-natural ingredients, with only 80 calories per bottle.

Final serve on the final day: Proximo Global Travel Retail’s Roy Summers and Casey McAdam highlight the outstanding 1800 Guachi Monton tequila, which launched late last year as a travel retail exclusive and is now a permanent SKU in the Proximo portfolio

**Aero-Cros President Nathan Barbanel is adamant that the latest additions to his Western Range “better for you healthy snacks” are ideal for on-the-go snacking**

Father and son Isaac (on the right) and Aryeh Zeiler introduce EZFLY, a non-electric smoke-free inhaler that offers a clever alternative for travellers who struggle with cigarette restrictions in airports and on flights

**Made in Sweden: GN Tobacco makes its Summit of the Americas debut, underlining its aim to innovate and make a difference in the nicotine market. Its White Fox pouches are plant-based and tobacco-free.**

IAADFS today claimed a largely positive reaction from exhibitors and buyers to the 2024 Summit of the Americas, with total numbers slightly ahead of last year.

Speaking at a media briefing in West Palm Beach this morning, IAADFS President Michael Payne and Executive Director Steven Antolick said that around 1,200 registered delegates had attended (by end of Tuesday), ahead of the total of 1,177 across all three days in 2023. They also said there was a “slight uptick among buyers”.

**IAADFS President Michael Payne (left) and Executive Director Steven Antolick were broadly upbeat about the 2024 show, and addressed the thinking behind the move to Miami in 2025**

This year saw 81 exhibiting companies take part versus 74 a year ago, and space occupied was around 26,000sq ft (net), slightly up on 2023.

“We had very positive reaction from our exhibitors that the right buyers were here and that they were here to do business,” said Antolick. “The networking and educational sessions were well received too. This gives us good momentum going into next year.”

The venue and dates for the 2025 event in Miami have yet to be finalised. Payne said: “We aim to agree a contract soon and announce. Our goals are to provide a balance between more content, alongside exhibition opportunities and great networking. We want to encourage more and even better exchanges between the people who come.”

On the choice of Miami for 2025, Payne added: “Miami offer a hub airport so there is easier access for many who travel. And for those who are based there it won’t be as expensive to attend. It’s also a vibrant city, with great restaurant options and things to do. It may suit some people to come for the week, others to come for a day. Of course there is the risk that Miami-based companies will host people at their offices, but that happens when the show is elsewhere, whether Palm Beach or Orlando. We don’t know yet how it will play out but we will adapt. We expect good support from the Miami-based companies.”

Reflecting on a year of post-launch progress for White Claw Vodka in the channel is Mark Anthony Brands International Market Director, Spirits – International Markets Ronan O’Neill, left. In the Podcast (click below) he talks about the journey so far, priority markets and next steps in expanding the reach of White Claw alongside partner B&S.

Magic in a glass: Sampling a dram of the magnificent Bunnahabhain 30 Year Old at the Blue Caterpillar booth are CVH Spirits Senior Commercial Manager Global Travel Retail Matthew Scott and Blue Caterpillar Co-Founder & CEO Michael Gebrael

**Kellanova’s Jelle Hansen (right) and Jacco Douma highlight data-driven and travel retail-exclusive innovations from Pringles**

**Wonderful Pistachios’ James Kfouri introduces the latest addition to the snacking brand’s flavour line-up, Jalapeno Lime**

**Spanish confectionery powerhouse Delaviuda adds new treats from its popular El Almendro range**

**“We love chocolate and you can taste it” – Ritter Sport’s Jan Bessel with the German chocolate brand’s latest lines for travel retail**

**Have fun in Florida: Sound advice from Perfetti Van Melle’s Eric Vermetten**

**Global Sun makes its Summit of the Americas debut with CITRA. National Sales Manager Mikhail Dantas explains how its destination specific products can all be customised.**

Celebrating a new collaboration: GMAX Travel Retail Founder Garry Maxwell (right) teams up with Sire Spirits Chief Revenue Officer Andrew Teubner to introduce Le Chemin du Roi Champagne and Bransons Cognac brands owned by American rapper and actor, 50 Cent

**Axfind joins the exhibition for the first time, targeting travel retail with a range of products including Hydra technical motorcycle and ski clothing, travel accessories and electrical products**

16 APRIL

A one-hour workshop placed cruise retail in the spotlight at the Summit of the Americas on Tuesday, as speakers discussed the full recovery of cruise travel, how retail should be integrated into the full cruise experience and the key role of staff. Joining moderator Chris Madden (DFNI, left) were (from left) Estelle Baumann (DENIZEN Destination), Emily Lively (Diageo), Lisa Kauffmann (Starboard) and Clara Susset (m1nd-set).

Tito’s Handmade Vodka is, according to John McDonnell (left) and Greg Cohen, going from strength to strength in travel retail. The Moodie Davitt Report’s Petsonality Profile column is in association with Tito’s and you can check out the latest edition here.

Welcome to the home of Welsh whiskies: Penderyn’s Simon Roffe highlights rebranded Penderyn Faraday and Legend expressions, both key players in the Welsh distillery’s product line-up in global travel retail.

“A great Japanese success story” – Ume fruit liqueur specialist Choya is attracting a lot of interest at the exhibition, with CEO Shigehiro Kondo on-stand to share the brand’s story. He is shown here presenting the outstanding Choya Aged 5 Years, which has a sweet, rich taste and goes particularly well with Champagne. Click here to read a recent exclusive interview with The Moodie Davitt Report Founder and Chairman Martin Moodie.

BuzzBallz, the innovative prepared cocktail brand with a mission to “reinvent Happy Hour”, is making its IAADFS Summit of the Americas debut. Cori Culbertson and Todd Ziegenfus are happy to share Buzzballz’s great backstory and its plans for expansion in travel retail.

The Moodie Davitt Report’s Colleen Morgan (second left) and Sarah Genest (right) met with Rampur Distillery President International Business Sanjeev Banga (second right) and Vice President International Business Kunal Madan (left).

Proudly made in India: Summit of the Americas newcomer Rampur Distillery has launched The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum at the show.

Rampur Distillery is operated by Radico Khaitan, which was established in 1943, and is one of India’s leading alcohol beverage companies. Renowned for its extensive portfolio, including award-winning Rampur Indian Single Malt Whiskies and Jaisalmer Indian Craft Gins, the distillery has been producing rum since its inception.

The Kohinoor Reserve Indian Dark Rum will be rolling out in coming months across global markets including the USA, UK, EU, Asia as well as in across global travel retail.

Introducing freezable cooling jewellery: Hot Girls Pearls is another first-time exhibitor and the brand’s President Leslie Myers has a strong story to share. Hot Girls Pearls necklaces and bracelets were originally created as a functional and fashionable answer for women with menopause symptoms but can also provide instant cooling relief for all kinds of ailments… and they look great as well. Myers is keen to secure listings within the cruise industry.

Crislu, the Los Angeles brand with a mission to create “demi-fine” jewellery to suit all occasions and budgets, is looking to extend its footprint in travel retail. CEO Bryan Crisfield is highlighting the latest Spring/Summer collection.

**Emerging brand powerhouse: Skrewball Founder Steve Yeng (centre) with The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt (left) and Pernod Ricard TR Americas General Manager Greg Ford**

Steve Yeng, a Cambodian refugee to the US, created one of the great recent launches in US spirits with super-premium Skrewball Peanut Butter whisky – in which Pernod Ricard took a majority stake a year ago. As he told us at the IAADFS show, it was conceived when he mixed Jameson Irish whiskey with peanut butter flavour at his restaurant in California, when offering guests a drink as they waited to be seated. Now, his ambition with the French drinks group is to generate global growth for the brand, with the travel channel a vital platform.

Over a glass at the Pernod Ricard booth Yeng told us: “Travel retail offers the best exposure to a great audience of people who want to indulge themselves. For us to become a big global brand GTR will be very important.”

We had the pleasure of talking premium spirits, innovation and consumer trends in the Americas here with Beam Suntory Managing Director Global Travel Retail Ashish Gandham (pictured left with Dermot Davitt), not to mention a memorable sampling of the new travel retail-exclusive expressions Yamazaki Peated Malt Spanish Oak and Hakushu Peated Malt Spanish Oak, which are coming to market now. More to follow soon.

15 APRIL

**Networking at its best over a few after-exhibition drinks sponsored by Heineken and Campari Group**

Aberdeen International is partnering with Alfa Brands to bring popular single malt whiskies from India to the Americas, with company Director Vinay Uniyal determined to see the Indri footprint increased in travel retail

‘Proven, potent, pure’: Cacaye Fermented Beauty makes its travel retail debut with a range of sustainable, vegan, ‘no bunnies’, ‘no nasties’, gluten-free products, developed to solve all major signs of ageing. Beauty industry veterans and brand Co-Founders Annette Falso and Karl Obrecht, who launched Cacaye 18 months ago, are confident that it ticks all the boxes in travel retail.

From crop to drop: Botran Ron de Guatemala’s Marysolina Garcia and Rodrigo Fonseca highlight three innovations. Botran Cristalino is the “ultimate expression of smoothness” achieved with a special filtration process while limited batch Roaju is a tribute to the brand founders’ journey from Roa del Duero in Spain to Xelaju in Guatemala. Botran Rare Blend Ex Agave Cask is a limited edition.

**Storytelling in the spirits industry: Benchmark Beverage Company’s President and CEO Auday Arabo introduces the super-premium Padre tequila, described as “100% agave and 200% magic”**

**Making unforgettable travel memories: Denizen Destination’s Estelle Baumann highlights the travel retail-focused jewellery brand’s new charm bracelet**

Full range accessory supplier Go Travel’s Les Hansen and Denz Van Der List are ready to introduce the brand’s four pillar approach – including comfort, electricals, luggage accessories and everyday essentials – to Summit of the Americas visitors. A recent addition to the Go Travel product line-up is the Memory Dreamer Universal multi-functional pillow, part of a “triology of comfort” which also offers the American Dreamer travel pillow and The Dreamer Eye Mask.

Innovative jewellery brand Moonglow makes its debut at the exhibition, with necklaces, earrings and bracelets all based on the Moon’s appearance on a given date. Check out your birthdate moon with Sales Director Tara McGowan.

**Catch-up time for The Moodie Davitt Report’s Sarah Genest with Lexington Brewing & Distilling Co’s Director of Chains David Lombard (left) and Apex Spirits Director of Sales Ken Fischer**

“There’s nothing like it”: Summit of the Americas newcomer Scorpios tequila is targeting expansion in travel retail. Learn more about the ultra-premium brand’s standout bottles and its heritage from 4th generation Master Distiller, Founder and CEO Mina Trujillo.

Talking the future of skincare: The Moodie Davitt Report’s Colleen Morgan and Sarah Genest with Beauty Pro Co-Founders David Herman and Ibs Asari. The brand is highlighting travel retail-exclusive 5-in-1 AntiAging Device and On The Glow face sheet masks.

Full-service travel retail distribution company B&S is out to make its mark at the Summit of the Americas with an impossible-to-miss ‘KingofReach.com’ stand halo. Joris Broekmans (left) and Maurice Riegel are on-stand to discuss B&S’s all-encompassing approach to the industry and its brand partners.

Ignite International makes its debut at the Summit of the Americas with a spotlight on vaping products and tequila and on brand Owner, Dan Bilzerian. The American businessman, high-stakes poker player, thrill seeker and, more recently, Hollywood actor, boasts over 70 million followers on social media.

Speaking in Palm Beach today, ASUTIL President Enrique Urioste (second left) says it is an exciting time to visit Bogotá, Colombia, where the South American duty-free association plans its annual conference from 18-20 June. Bogotá Airport is among the largest hubs in the region, with a progressive, commercially minded airport company, noted Urioste. ASUTIL has pledged a strong speaker line-up alongside the top-class networking and social opportunities that the event has long been known for. Pictured also are (left) ASUTIL Vice President Gustavo Fagundes, ASUTIL General Secretary Carlos Loaiza-Keel (right) and ASUTIL Conference & Business Developer Diego De Freitas (second right).

As part of the opening plenary conference session, IAADFS Chair René Riedi (left) led a conversation on the health of the regional market with (from second left) ARI Chief Operations and Business Development Officer Nuno Amaral; Pernod Ricard General Manager TR Americas Greg Ford; Puig Travel Retail Americas General Manager Felipe Grant; and Lindt Americas Sales & Market Manager GTR Markus Suter

**A well-attended opening plenary saw IAADFS announce a rebranding and new vision for the future of its flagship event. Click here for our separate story.**

The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) today announced a rebranding to the Duty Free & Travel Retail Association of the Americas, in a move that signals a widening of its remit to all retail channels in the business.

IAADFS Chair René Riedi made the announcement in opening this morning’s conference sessions at the Summit of the Americas in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The association also signalled a move for the Summit of the Americas to Miami next year. Click here for our wider story.

13-14 APRIL

**Association allies: Airport Restaurant & Retail Association Executive Director Andrew Weddig and IAADFS President & CEO Michael Payne at the Welcome Evening**

**Antonio Vencesla (JTI) and Antonio Michel Guardiola (JTI) with Pedro Castro (Avolta)**

Irish eyes: At the Welcome Evening are (from left) Dermot Davitt (The Moodie Davitt Report), Barry Geoghegan (Duty Free Global), Aisling Tobin (Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Americas) and Ronan O’Neill (Mark Anthony Brands International). Below, Dermot Davitt with Blue Caterpillar Co-Founder Michael Gebrael.

**A well-attended Welcome Evening sponsored by Blue Caterpillar and JTI took place this evening at the Hilton Hotel adjoining the convention centre**

A good turnout for the Women in Travel Retail+ (WiTR+) get together this evening, organised by Steering Committee member Lois Pasternak who managed to join the informal meeting despite her ill health. The group’s Chair Sarah Branquinho welcomed everyone, underlining the increasing strength of the group’s corporate membership scheme and the introduction of a mentorship programme.

A well-supported raffle kicked off WiTR+’s aim to raise money to support its 2024 charity, FRASI’s Bike to School project, nominated by Patricia Bona at Essence Corp. The raffle raised a record US$635.

The event was sponsored by WEBB Banks and IAADFS.

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