QATAR. Qatar Duty Free (QDF) has fully acquired Qatar Distribution Company (QDC), the sole licensed distributor of wines & spirits in Qatar. The acquisition further diversifies the leading travel retailer’s business, expanding its operations into distribution and domestic retail in line with its growth plans.
QDC exclusively offers a wide range of wines & spirits to licensed hotels and qualifying private individuals in Qatar.
Since its establishment in 2000, QDC has been operated on behalf of Qatar Airways by Aer Rianta International-Middle East (ARIME). Qatar Duty Free said the partnership “has played a pivotal role in driving the growth and the success of the QDC business for the past 20 years”.
Playing a pivotal role during a transition period and beyond will be experienced industry executive Garrett Coogan. He has led QDC for the past six years and now joins Qatar Duty Free as Vice President.
Over the course of his 30+ year retail career with ARI, Coogan held leadership positions at airport duty free operations in Russia, Ukraine, Bahrain and Cyprus, before joining QDC in 2018.
Under Coogan’s leadership QDC doubled the number of outlets serviced across Qatar and delivered strong growth during the FIFA World Cup in 2022.
In his new role, Coogan will manage the core duty free business at Hamad International Airport.
Qatar Duty Free Senior Vice President Thabet Musleh commented: “The acquisition of QDC is an important milestone in our ongoing mission to expand Qatar Duty Free’s business by leveraging our significant retail, marketing and logistics expertise.
“Having consolidated our position in wine & spirits across Hamad International Airport’s retail, and now in the local market, we believe there is significant growth to be delivered by driving greater efficiencies and synergies across this footprint. We extend our gratitude to the team at Aer Rianta International for its successful stewardship of the QDC business over the last 20-plus years.”
Musleh added: “I’m also delighted to welcome Garrett Coogan to the QDF leadership team. Having worked with Garrett during his tenure at QDC, I appreciate first-hand the knowledge and experience he will bring to our business. His deep understanding of the local market, combined with a truly international perspective, is a formidable combination and something we can draw on as we continue to execute our growth strategy.”
ARIME CEO Rob Marriott told The Moodie Davitt Report: “ARI Middle East would like to express our sincere gratitude to Qatar Airways Group for the opportunity to provide management, operational, and support services to Qatar Distribution Company.
“During our collaboration, we significantly contributed to the success and growth of the business. We have always valued the strong partnership and the cooperative efforts with the QDC team.
“We understand Qatar Airways Group’s strategic decision to transition to an in-house management structure. We extend our best wishes to the QDC team for their future endeavours. Looking forward, ARI Middle East remains committed to excellence and is enthusiastic about exploring new opportunities and partnerships that align with our expertise and values.” ✈
