FRANCE. Vienna-based chocolatier The House of Julius Meinl is set to showcase its range of product innovations at the upcoming TFWA Exhibition (Kex Confectionery, Red Village, J9) in Cannes.
Key highlights at the Cannes show will include the company’s fresh take on the classic Mozartkugel, alongside the Mozart Koogles Mini and the first-of-its kind Functionals Koogles range.
This new line introduces the first functional pralines – Re:ACT with natural caffeine and Re:LAX with magnesium and lemon balm, the first premium chocolates with wellness benefits.
Adding to the Functionals range are distinctive flavours rarely seen in the Mozartkugel category, such as Lychee, Date & Coffee and Marc de Champagne, all showcased in contemporary, sustainable packaging.
Fuelling travel retail expansion
Building on a successful travel retail debut last year, Mozart Koogles is targeting broader global expansion into markets including the Middle East and Nordics. The success was driven by strong consumer response and sell-out listings with Lagardère, Heinemann Austria and Avolta.
The House of Julius Meinl Global Confectionery Business Director Nick Nogai said, “As a relatively new player in global travel retail, our strategic priority to date has been to establish brand visibility and build awareness.
“We are actively investing in robust in-store support – including brand ambassadors, sampling, price promotions and stand-out seasonal visibility initiatives – across all listed locations. We view travel retail not only as a sales channel, but as a critical platform for building brand equity, and for driving sustained trial and conversion.
“At this year’s Cannes show, one of our key objectives is to reinforce Mozart Koogles’ position as a modern, premium gifting brand that redefines the traditional praline category.
“We will also showcase our second exciting brand – Heidi Chocolate – which has already secured its first travel retail listings (including Dubai Duty Free), alongside our company-wide commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.”
Travel retail-focused
To stand out in travel retail, Mozart Koogles offers exclusive formats, including the compact ‘baguette’ for impulse purchases or gifting, featuring a striking design for strong shelf appeal and high visibility. The 205g premium gifting box has also performed strongly in airport gifting areas.
Nogai concluded, “Looking ahead, we see further potential to enhance regional engagement through tailored customisation, by adjusting packaging formats to create occasion-based editions or to meet local preferences, and by creating bespoke flavour variants.
“Our low minimum order quantities ensure that there is plenty of flexibility to leverage within the Koogles concept, making the brand a highly versatile and agile partner for travel retailers worldwide.” ✈
