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These new products will be on show at the ISM Cologne trade fair this month |
BELGIUM. Belgian chocolate manufacturer Starbrook Airlines has revealed a “mega-increase” in sales during 2005 – achieving the best performance since its creation.
New listings have been achieved in the last month for the confectionery brand whose packaging boasts a distinctive original artwork design by Jack Leroy, evoking the retro style of the early 1950s aviation era.
In the Middle East Dubai Duty Free has become a new partner, with Starbrook Airlines Middle East Sales Manager Mike Bowden achieving a listing of six skus.
Bahrain and Abu Dhabi are still under negotiation but will follow quickly, said Starbrook President Patrick Gilis.
In the US, Chase International Inc will launch Starbrook Airlines at the IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas at Fort Lauderdale in March, following its appointment as the exclusive North American duty free distributor, effective 1 February 2006.
“We are delighted and honoured to be selected to represent this exceptional line of Belgian chocolates,” said Chase Donaldson, President of Chase International. “Starbrook Airlines is a truly unique and new concept that is a perfect fit for the North American travel retail market. It appeals directly to the travelling chocolate consumer. Starbrook will complement and enhance our premium portfolio of high quality chocolates and biscuit brands from Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland and the US, including Hawaii.”
Commenting on the new development, Gilis said: “Chase International is a perfect fit for us given their concentration and expertise in luxury confections for the North American duty free market. Starbrook Airlines is probably the most original travel retail chocolate in the world. In every country and in every airport where we have placed Starbrook, we have met with great success. Our new partnership with Chase will enable us to now launch our brand into the US market with a strong marketing and logistical organisation.”
The brand’s recent sales boom has enabled Starbrook Airlines to invest in a new plant in Antwerp, where construction has already started. The state-of-the-art 4,000sq m plant will be put into operation early summer.
In other news, Starbrook will be exhibiting at ISM Cologne in Germany later this month. Novelties to be launched at the trade fair will include:
– Jack Junior carton box with mini chocolate aeroplanes
– Flow-packed 6g chocolate aeroplanes
– A mix of four Belgian truffles (250g), in milk, dark, praliné and white flavours, in eye-catching packaging.
For details contact Patrick Gilis, Lammerdries 14b, 2250 Olen, Belgium, tel: +32 14 23 03 33, fax: +32 14 23 00 45, or e-mail captain@starbrook-airlines.com Visit www.starbrook-airlines.com
MORE STORIES ON STARBROOK AIRLINES
Starbrook flies into Cannes with artful lines – 22/09/05
Chocolate brand Starbrook Airlines gets set to fly in Asia travel retail – 23/05/05
