The Symington family have been at home in Portugal’s Douro Valley for more than 130 years. Over five generations, family members have combined passion for producing premium ports and wines with a deep commitment to the region and its people.
Now, as a Silver Partner of the upcoming Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo, Symington Family Estates is underlining its commitment to travel retail.
Today’s fifth generation of Symingtons can trace their lineage back through 14 generations to the earliest days of port’s long history, via their great-great-grandmother. 19-year-old Andrew James Symington arrived in Portugal in 1882 and, after a short stint at Graham’s Port, set up a small port shipping operation. In 1891 he married Porto-born Beatrice Leitão de Carvalhosa Atkinson, whose Portuguese mother was descended from the pioneering port merchants of the 17th century.  Symington Family Estates owns and operates four leading port houses – Graham’s, Dow’s, Warre’s, and Cockburn’s – as well as a portfolio of Douro wines which includes Quinta do Vesuvio, Quinta do Ataíde, Altano, and Prats & Symington. The company has recently launched a new project, Quinta da Fonte Souto, in the Alto Alentejo sub-region of Portalegre. |
As reported, Symington Family Estates believes the Virtual Travel Retail Expo will be an “outbreaking experience” for the company.
Symington Family Estates Global Travel Retail Director Gonçalo Aragão e Brito said: “Symington Family Estates is one of the most recognised port and still wine producers in Portugal, with an historic and solid presence in the travel retail industry.
“The regular presence at the TFWA Cannes festival, and the aiming of growing distribution in new markets like Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, among others, made our decision of participating as an exhibitor at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo easy.”
He said Symington’s latest product launches will be showcased at the Expo.
Leading the line-up is Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage 2015, a commemorative edition which was launched earlier this year to celebrate Graham’s Ports’ 200th anniversary.
Graham’s Blend Nº5, a “fresh approach to white port”, will also be highlighted. Brito said it was the first port to be produced specifically for mixing and noted its success since its launch.
The travel retail exclusive Graham’s First Flight, 2003 Single Harvest Tawny Port, a “fabulous” port which celebrates 100 years of aviation will also be featured. And Symington will also spotlight its range of Cockburn’s Ports, which were recently relaunched with a new look, along with its Douro wines.
Brito said Symington’s Expo focus was on markets in Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. “China is one of the strongest markets in travel retail and where we want to grow our presence,” he added.
Considering the impact of COVID-19 on the wider industry, Brito said: “Obviously the uncertainty of the evolution of COVID-19 is causing a great impact on the reaction at all levels – from consumer to the wider industry – but the levels of consumption of our wines have not been hit as severe as initially expected.
“The next stage for travel retail is obviously linked to the recovery of passengers and to transmit more than ever a good value for money with brands that give assurance to consumers.”
He remarked on how quickly companies have adapted over the past six to eight months to the ‘new reality’ in travel retail.
“With restricted and limited travel in place, offering digital solutions would go some way to ensuring a sustained recovery – for the short term but also in the long term – as we continue to see consumer habits changing, diverting sales online and click and collect services which reduce time spent in-store.”
Brito underlined the role packaging plays in defining a product and ensuring a strong on-shelf presence.
“As a family business, we have been port producers for over 137 years and one of our main objectives is to respect our heritage but look to the future and we hope that our presentation and packaging reflect this.
“Many of our premium ports are sold in a presentation box which reflects the quality of the port but also offers a gifting aspect and stand-out on the shelf.”
Brito emphasised Symington’s belief in offering their customers a memorable experience and, where possible, tasting opportunities.
“Over the past couple of years we have had a Graham’s bar at Denmark’s Billund Airport which has proven hugely successful. We also run training programmes via School of Port, a new online education platform which hosts digital workshops and online video courses, designed for people working in the trade to learn more about port.”
Brito said Symington was constantly reviewing and analysing its product range. “We are currently working on a variety of exciting new projects that we hope to be able to share with travel retail very soon but for now we are very excited to showcase our Graham’s Late Bottled Vintage 2015 and the Graham’s Blend Nº5.”
