AUSTRALIA. Two of Sydney Airport’s leading retailers – duty-free partner Heinemann Oceania and destination category specialist LagardèreAWPL – will showcase their relationships with local brands at the upcoming Australian Airports Association Retail & Commercial Forum.
Now in its fourth year, the Forum is a collaboration between the Australian Airports Association (AAA), The Mercurius Group and The Moodie Davitt Report. It serves as the leading platform for promoting the growth of retail and commercial revenues at airports across Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific region. The Forum runs from 21-23 July at Sydney’s Sofitel Wentworth Hotel.
Over the past four years, the Exhibition at the Forum has evolved as an opportunity for local retail brands and service providers to connect with the broader airport commercial community, including airports and retailers.
From small beginnings with just five exhibitors at the first Forum in 2022, the 2025 event will feature over 30 brands and suppliers. A record return of passengers through Australian airports provides a compelling reason for the right brands and products to engage with travelling consumers.
Less than two weeks out from the event, the Exhibition is virtually a sell-out.
For the first time this year, host airport retailers Heinemann and LagardèreAWPL have worked with The Mercurius Group to each curate a local brand showcase, highlighting the best of their local product offer.
These showcases provide local brands with an opportunity to connect with the broader travel retail industry across the Pacific region. By bringing all key customers together in one place at one time, they simplify the business development process and accelerate market access.
Participating brands include:
Heinemann Local Brand Showcase
Four Pillars
CA Australia
Hive & Wellness
Lark Distilling
Manly Spirits Company
T2 Tea
Vinarchy
LagardèreAWPL Local Brand Showcase
Antipodes Gin
Lanocorp (Lanocreme)
Mount Uncle Distillery
Parrs (Wild Ferns)
Prohibition Liquor
S&N Creations
Wolf Lane Distillery
AAA CEO Simon Westaway said: “We are delighted to see the Forum’s Exhibition grow from strength to strength each year, and for it to take on this critical role of helping local brands reach new markets. Australian airports are again experiencing unprecedented passenger volumes.”
Heinemann Oceania Managing Director George Tsoukalas said: “More than just a shopping experience, duty-free retail has become a gateway to discovering the essence of a destination. While global brands remain a staple, we also shine a spotlight on Australian craftsmanship and flavours to meet traveller demand for authenticity and uniqueness.
“Across wines & spirits, beauty, confectionery, and packaged food, we proudly feature exceptional local brands on a global stage, helping them expand their reach while giving travellers the chance to take a piece of Australia home with them.”
LagardèreAWPL Managing Director Costa Kouros said: “While we currently operate eight destination category stores at Sydney Airport, our partnership extends beyond that. We are a major retail partner of Sydney Airport across multiple categories in all three terminals. With over 140 stores across 26 airports in Australia and New Zealand, airport retail is what we do and what we’ve done for a long time. We are proud to be part of this initiative.”
Registration to attend the Forum remains open via the AAA website: Airport Retail & Commercial Forum – Australian Airports Association ✈
