SPECIAL REPORT: news from TFWA Cannes

“Asked by a colleague which single word I would use to describe TFWA World Exhibition 2013, the word ‘dynamic’ came to mind,” commented Erik Juul-Mortensen, president TFWA. “Dynamic in that there is a much better sense of working together in the industry; in that passenger numbers are growing; in that exhibitor and visitor numbers keep increasing.”

In total 6,303 delegates from 2,917 companies in the global duty free & travel retail industry attended the annual trade show which took place in the Palais des Festivals, Cannes from Sunday 20th to Friday 25th October. This visitor figure compares with 6074 in 2012, an increase of +4%, with +1% in companies. Of that total, 2,110 were duty free and travel retail operators and landlords (up 8%) from 621 companies (up 3%).

The top 10 originating countries of the trade visitors were France, UK, UAE, Germany, Korea, US, Russia, The Netherlands, Hong Kong and Switzerland.

Awaiting them in the exhibition halls were 470 exhibiting companies, of which 107 (23%) were wine, spirits, beer and cider companies showcasing a diverse selection of innovative and prestigious products destined for airlines, airports, ferry and cruiselines, downtown and cross-border duty free stores around the world.

Here is a roundup of the many new drinks products and packs showcased at the show:

Fine wines, brandies and port

Bottega Rose Gold is a new sparkling wine in the Bottega wine collection that follows the success of Bottega Gold.

The wine is produced from Pinot Noir grapes harvested in Oltrepò Pavese in Lombardia region of Northern Italy. The vineyards are mostly on the hills 100-300 meters above sea level, where the soils are characterized by marine sedimentary with fine clays.

The grapes are hand-picked and vinified at a controlled temperature. The skins stay in contact with the must for 24 hours; must and skins are then separat

ed with a soft pressing. Fermentation occurs at a controlled temperature of 18° C. During the year following the harvest, the wine goes through the sparkling process. Second fermentation in steel containers occurs according to the Italian Charmat method at a controlled temperature of 14° C and lasts 60-90 days.

Following the worldwide success of Amarone Prêt-à-Porter, Bottega has also added a new item to its ‘fashionable collection’. Bottega appointed the American designer Denise Focil to creating a luxury and stylish product that combines the worlds of wine and fashion.

This unconventional and charming bottle features a white faux leather label, framed by a sequence of metal studs; it is cased in a white faux leather box that recalls a vintage suitcase: equipped with a strap, this collectible piece can be carried “with class and femininity” - hence the appellation “Prêt-à-Porter”.

Brunello di Montalcino Prêt-à-Porter is a Riserva Docg, that has been aged for six years. It is produced in Montalcino (Tuscany), from Sangiovese Grosso grapes.

Bottega is a third generation family business led by Barbara, Sandro, and Stefano Bottega. The company manages several brands, including Alexander, Bottega and Cantina dei Poeti.

Damaine di Tariquet introduced its new visual identity, which will be appearing on its bottles and cases over the coming weeks. The redesign has also created the opportunity for the producer to emphasise the fact that the colour of Tariquet Bas-Armagnacs is totally natural by including the words ‘couleur naturelle’ on the label. The packaging of the Premièrs Grives cuvee has also been developed to look more elegant and gain greater visibility on shelf.

It was the first time Symington Family Estates, with its portfolio of premium Port brands, had exhibited at the Cannes show. Symington’s decision to participate at this year’s event reflects the company’s ambition to continue to grow and strengthen its visibility within this sector. It was also a first time for Janneau, an international premium Armagnac brand with VSOP, XO Royal and older qualities, including vintages. A few years ago it launched a unique Single Distillery range.

Barton & Guestier presented new wines in exclusive packaging for travel retail. These included a sparkling rosé in premium and distinctive packaging with an elegant and clear label to highlight the fine and delicate bubbles, plus a new prestigious French AOC, Thomas Barton Réserve Saint-Julien, which is exclusive to duty free and the on-trade. Described as full and harmonious with velvety tannins, this wine is said to offer “an ultimate experience in the Bordeaux vineyard”. French Tom Réserve – two AOCs Bordeaux and Médoc – are also duty free exclusives and perfect for gifting with their glossy labels and elegant canisters. And for younger consumers, Barton & Guestier presented Fleur de Vigne – two aromatic varietal blends with trendy labels and screwcap closures.

Rémy Cointreau unveiled the first expression in an extraordinary collection which will pay tribute to key landmarks in the history of the House of Rémy Martin. The Rémy Martin Collection Héritage will consist of limited edition 70cl decanters of fine champagne Cognac of the ‘Extra’ calibre which have been crafted from the finest eaux de vie in the house’s cellars.

The Rémy Martin cellar master’s handwritten notes of 1903 record a Coupe Shanghai, the first special blend created for a particular market, which was an exceptionally powerful, intense spirit, heavy with spice, as befitted a cognac destined for the Orient.

In the early 1900s Rémy Martin was not only being exported around the globe but was being served to passengers onboard luxury steamships bound for the Far East. Shanghai, the ‘Paris of the Orient’ where east met west, was in those days a centre of commerce, adventure and excitement and a favoured destination among European travellers.

Today, to pay homage to the original Coupe, cellar master Pierrette Trichet has created an exceptional new blend, Rémy Martin Coupe Shanghai 1903 of the Collection Héritage which is presented in a luxurious red and gold gift box lined with cream satin.

This first expression in the Collection Héritage is an incomparable blend which is described by Pierrette Trichet as “very intense with notes of almonds, leather, dried fruits and flowers; the blend is ample and powerful and the length is extraordinary”.

Rémy Martin Coupe Shanghai 1903 is presented in an elegant carafe topped with a silver cap. This refined creation nestles in the sumptuous red gift box that serves also as a display case. Resting inside the gift box is a booklet telling the story behind this unusual carafe and identifying it by a unique number.

The limited edition Rémy Martin Coupe Shanghai (40% ABV) will be launched exclusively with DFS at Singapore Changi during December, after which it will be offered also in Hong Kong International Airport during January and then across selected outlets in travel retail in time for Chinese New Year.

Matthew Hodges, marketing and business development director, Rémy Cointreau GTR says: “Rémy Martin Coupe Shanghai evokes a hedonistic era at the start of last century when Shanghai was famed as an exotic city where ‘anything goes’. This is a bold and glamorous presentation of an intense spirit which we expect to appeal particularly to Asian consumers.

“We will support the launch of this first release in the Heritage Collection with opulent merchandising materials echoing the red and gold of the gift box and styled like the spice chests of the period.”

Premium tequilas

Since July 1st this year, Jose Cuervo International has been distributing its tequila portfolio directly to the European Duty Free channel. Previously, this was handled by Diageo.

Peter Gutierrez, Jose Cuervo International’s managing director says: "With this new approachwe want to bring significant added value to our duty free partners in Europe and also build the tequila category in this channel.”

Jose Cuervo aims to get stronger within the tequila super/ultra premium category and will be presenting its super premium 1800 tequila, which has been a big success in the US and has been launched in many markets globally. Very distinctive by its packaging and very smooth taste wise, it is a “fantastic product positioned at an affordable price”, the company says. 

The 1800 range of 100% Agave super premium tequilas takes its name from the year 1800, which was when tequila was first aged in oak barrels to create a smoother, richer taste profile.

Patrón Spirits launched its first extra añejo tequila, Gran Patrón Piedra, into the European market. First introduced at the 2013 Duty Free Show of the Americas in Orlando earlier this year, this sophisticated luxury spirit, which has been aged for more than three years in new American and French oak barrels, has equally stylish packaging. The hand-numbered bottle, which was inspired by the Tahona stone, has been placed in an elegant box that easily converts into a beautiful display case.

“We created Gran Patrón Piedra to offer tequila aficionados a tasting experience unlike any other,” said Francisco Alcaraz, Patrón’s master distiller who developed the recipe and original distillation process for the entire line of Patrón tequilas and liqueurs.

“Its complex flavour profile and remarkably smooth finish sets Gran Patrón Piedra apart in the ultra-aged tequila category.”

Liqueurs

South African brand Amarula launched Amarula Gold, a non-cream product which will be released into key global markets from the first quarter of next year, following extensive global research and testing.

Like Amarula Cream, it is also made from marula fruit that is fermented into a marula wine and then double-distilled and aged in oak for 24 months.

Brand spokesperson Adéle Ankiewicz said: "The fruit represents a very important source of income for the harvesters. Amarula Gold will extend their earning opportunities."

She added that the new drink would also have a positive impact on the not-for-profit Amarula Trust that invests in sustaining communities and promoting conservation. The trust establishes job creation programmes and funds research into elephant behaviour and the training of field guides.

German family liquor company Waldemar Behn brought an expanded range of spirits to a new larger stand, including its newest acquisition Danzka vodka.

“We were very proud to present Danzka vodka which we acquired late spring 2013,” said Rüdiger Behn, MD.

“We doubled our stand size to be able to present Danzka vodka in the way we’d wish it to be seen. We have also focused on upgrading the design and presentation of our other important travel retail product range  –  Dooley’s cream liqueurs. As Dooley’s Original Toffee Cream is certainly the most awarded cream liqueur of the world we have carefully upgraded the design of the bottle, the logo, and the entire look of the range and have been very focused on creating a conceptual approach.”

He added: “With two brands devoted to the DF/TR business in contemporary designs and a modern marketing strategy, it was a good week for us.”

Wincarnis 1887 liqueur was unveiled in Singapore Duty Free Shopping by Ian Macleod Distillers in August this year, and following an exclusive six months in this outlet, it will be available for sale in global travel retail markets from February.

The liqueur is based on a modern interpretation of a classic Victorian recipe for Wincarnis Tonic Wine, first formulated in 1887 in Norwich, England.

 

Sharing many of the same ingredients, Wincarnis 1887 liqueur has been created specifically for today’s palate. It has a rich and smooth taste; a delicate citrus complemented by cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg, with a fresh and clean finish leaving a moreish, beautiful spicy intensity.

 

The packaging has a contemporary but still traditional Victorian eye-catching design, which will give premium standout on shelf and encourage trial and sales.

Rums

The Wild Geese Caribbean Spiced, the latest addition to Protégé International’s multi award winning Wild Geese rum collection, was officially launched at TFWA Cannes this year. It comprises golden Caribbean rum aged for up to five years, blended with tropical fruits around a heart of spice. Subtle yet strong, this rum is made for mixing.

Whiskies

Ian Macleod Distillers presented its 35yo Glengoyne Highland Single Malt Scotch Whisky. This limited edition of only 500 globally is packaged in a bespoke hand-blown crystal decanter engraved with gold inlay and individually numbered on its gold collar. Presented in a solid oak lacquered gull wing box with a hand-stitched ‘Bentley Red’ leather interior and base, the gift box also comes complete with an individually numbered leather book, which tells the story of the brand.

Commenting on the new malt, Iain Weir, marketing director for Ian Macleod Distillers, said:  “The Glengoyne 35yo is an exceptionally rare whisky. Distilled in the 1970’s and 35 years in the making, this rich malt is golden in colour with tropical fruit intensity and a liquorice and dark chocolate finish. It’s truly outstanding. The beautifully designed packaging is in-keeping with the distinct and stylish design of the enhanced brand collection, launched last year.”

TFWA in Cannes will also saw the global unveiling of
 The Macallan in Lalique - 62 years old, a Highland single malt Scotch whisky malted exclusively in oak sherry casks from Jerez, Spain. The Spirital Home edition  is the fifth in The Macallan in Lalique Six Pillars Collection. There are just 400 individually numbered bespoke Lilique decanters, each valued at US$25,000.

The bottle design was inspired by Easter Elchies House, The Macallan’s spiritual home, built in 1700 by Captain John Grantand and the only manor home of its kind to be part of a distillery estate in Scotland.

Lalique’s Marc Larminaux interpreted the harled surface applied to the sandstone walls of Easter Elchies House by creating a textured frosted surface on three sides of the decanter, an effect created through the use of a ‘digital stamp’ of the actual wall; in contrast three sides of the decanter have been left in clear crystal. One of the frosted sides features the bold initials, JEG, replicating the initials of Captain John Grant which are incorporated in the original date stone high up on the western elevation of the house. 

Finally, the distinctive “crow-steps” at the gable ends of the house are interpreted through the steps on the neck of the decanter, leading up to the  stopper, which represents one of the chimneys. A striking, unusual design, this fifth decanter in the Six Pillars series again exemplifies the artistic creativity and inspiration of Lalique.

William Grant & Sons unveiled a new Age of Discovery Collection along with other travel retail exclusives including the Glenfiddich Cask Collection, three exclusive single malt Scotch whiskies created using Glenfiddich’s Solera Vat technique.  This collection consists of Glenfiddich Select Cask, Glenfiddich Reserve Cask and Glenfiddich Vintage Cask.

The characteristics of each whisky are the result of maturation in a variety of oak casks, followed by a finish in handcrafted wooden Solera tuns. Pioneered by Glenfiddich in 1998 to create its 15 Year Old, the Solera process marries the whisky together for at least two months, until deemed ready by malt master Brian Kinsman. The technique guarantees the continuity of the whisky's flavour and taste by ensuring that the tun is never less than half full and is constantly replenished.

Each whisky has an ABV of 40%. Glenfiddich Select Cask and Reserve Cask are presented in the familiar triangular bottle, while the Vintage Cask is in a 70cl bottle, packaged in a presentation box. Glenfiddich Select Cask and Reserve Cask will be available as a global travel retail exclusive from 1st September, and the Vintage Cask from early 2014. The full range will be available across all global travel retail outlets from April 2014.

The Dalmore Distillery launched its new creative look 'To the Brave' developed by Parisian creative agency Peoplewelike. Focusing on the theme of bravery, it pays homage to the brave decision made by a member of Clan Mackenzie to save King Alexander 111 from the fury of a charging stag. The image of the 12 point stag has adorned every bottle of The Dalmore ever since the distillery began producing single malt in 1839. And with this image still as the centrepiece, a new strapline 'To the Brave' has been added.

The distillery also officially launched The Dalmore 25 Year Old at the show. It joins the 12, 15, 18, Cigar Malt Reserve and King Alexander III as a permanent addition to the distillery's Principal Collection.

Crafted by Master Distiller Richard Paterson, The Dalmore 25 combines festive aromas of exotic fruits, marzipan, vanilla pods and fig cake. This spirit has been matured initially in American white oak casks before being divided into 25 year old sweet Palomino Fino sherry butts and 1980 first-fill bourbon casks. The whiskies are then married in bourbon barrels before finally being transferred into Tawny Port pipes from Portugal, giving additional layers of complexity and richness.

Only 3,000 bottles of this 42% abv single malt will be produced annually with an RRP of £600. The global roll-out of Dalmore 25 commenced on 25 October and the whisky will be available in North America from early 2014.

Auchentoshan, Scotland’s only triple distilled single malt Scotch whisky, has addd to its travel retail range a second limited edition release of the Auchentoshan Silveroak 1990, 50.9% ABV.

 

Following on from the success of the first batch of Silveroak, this 2013 release of the 1990 vintage benefits from having been matured an additional year in North American bourbon and Spanish Oloroso sherry casks, revealing extra complexity.

 

Boasting the same classically modern livery as its peers in the Auchentoshan Travel Retail range, the new Silveroak 1990 carton is masculine yet elegant. The all important oak casks are pictured on three sides of the carton, reflecting how the flavours from the sweet bourbon oak perfectly compliment that of the rich Oloroso sherry. There will be 8.4ltr cases available globally RRP £90.00

 

5 November 2013 - Felicity Murray The Drinks Report, editor