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World of Patria is working with brand owners to develop limited editions and exclusives such as Orbis Aged World Whiskey |
UK. UK-based travel retail wine and beer distributor World of Patria International (WOPI) is expanding its offer with a specially selected portfolio of premium and super-premium spirits and wines.
Working primarily with independent and niche companies, the company has recently signed an exclusive global travel retail distribution deal with Chinggis Khan Vodka and with Inish Turk Beg Irish whiskey for selected markets.
The development follows the appointment earlier this year of Director Kevin Baker, who is said to have brought “unparalleled experience” of the spirits business to WOPI. Following more than 20 years’ service with IDV/Diageo and Brown-Forman, reaching the position of Global Key Accounts Director Travel Retail, Baker is well placed to lead the portfolio development, WOPI added.
“Our business has developed very quickly since being founded in 2006 and we now enjoy extensive coverage for our beer and wine portfolio on ferries, cruise lines and airports,” said WOPI Managing Director Rob Nichols. “However, we felt that there is a significant opportunity to develop a premium/super premium spirits offering, and Kevin, with his significant credentials within the industry, is the perfect man for the job.”
In a short space of time, WOPI has taken on distribution for a number of brands: global distribution for The Last Drop Distillers and the Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky range; and distribution in Europe and the Americas for Orbis Aged World Whiskey, Wemyss Malt Whiskies, Darnley’s View Gin, and Sir George Potstill Brandy.
“Travellers are increasingly looking not just to trade up in travel retail, but to find niche brands that they are less familiar with. We’re a young and vibrant company looking to partner with equally dynamic and exciting brands that bring something new to the table,” said Baker.
“In many cases – Chinggis Khan and Inish Turk Beg for example – these are completely new entrants to the travel retail channel. So we are far from being “˜same old, same old’. Critically, we’re also very aware that travellers are keen to find products not available in their home market and are working with brand owners to develop limited editions and exclusives, such as Orbis Aged World Whiskey and Wemyss Single Cask Malt Whiskies.”
The company also continues to expand its premium wine offer and has recently taken on global travel retail distribution for Follador Prosecco. Other brands offered include Oyster Bay Wines, Champagnes Penet-Chardonnet and Mandois.
“We also have Ted’s Cigars for Europe and Asia which are a perfect complement for these top end spirits and are working on developing offers which fit alongside the main portfolio,” added Baker. WOPI also represents the Fazer confectionery range in selected key accounts.
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(Left) Managing Director Rob Nichols: “World of Patria International is investing heavily in the latest technology, alongside a modern logistics system which delivers improved and streamlined services”; (Right) Director Kevin Baker: “Travellers are increasingly looking not just to trade up in travel retail, but to find niche brands that they are less familiar with” | |
With a secure and growing business in European travel retail, WOPI is now looking to further expand into both the Americas and Middle East/Asia and will be exhibiting at next year’s IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas.
Nichols continued: “World of Patria International is also investing heavily in the latest technology, alongside a modern logistics system which delivers improved and streamlined services.
“We are also keen to build our profile within the industry through a focused marketing campaign and, as part of that strategy, have appointed Essential Communications to handle our media relations over the coming year.”
About World of Patria International
Formed in 2006, World of Patria International expanded from its original remit to cater for expat Brits to extensive coverage of retail outlets focused on travellers in Northern France, extending to ferries, cruise lines and airports. The company sells a wide range of spirits, wines and beers as well as Ted’s Cigars and Fazer confectionery in selected markets. Distribution includes Seafrance, Condor Ferries, IDS, Le Riches Stores, Saga Cruise Lines, Carisam, Apollo Ships and Delhi Duty Free.
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WOPI has expanded its premium wine offer, recently taking on global travel retail distribution for Follador Prosecco |
