Duty-Free

27 August, 2008

Page 12

The Tortuga Rum Company has opened a new duty-paid shop in the centre of George Town, the capital of Grand Cayman. Offering over 300 wines and major brand name spirits, the 2,600 sq ft store caters to both tourists and locals. It operates a duty-free ordering service so that visitors can pick up their purchases at the airport before their return flight.
Singapore has successfully applied for recognition of its airport security measures with the European Union. The island state is the first country to do so worldwide. It means passengers travelling from Singapore Changi airport and transferring at an EU airport are now allowed to take duty-free purchases of liquids, aerosols and gels onboard their connecting flights.
Liquor put in a strong performance last year at the Middle East's biggest duty-free retailer, Dubai Duty Free. Sales grew 27 per cent to total US$115 million, making the category the retailer's second largest.
Dutch brewer Heineken has entered into a three-year marketing partnership with Dutch and French national carriers KLM and Air France. The brand will be served on all KLM flights, and the majority of flights operated by Air France.
World Duty Free is to open a luxury tasting bar aimed at malt whisky and Cognac connoisseurs in its new store at London Heathrow Terminal 5, which opens next month. The Connoisseur Bar will feature a team of specially trained bar staff, who will offer passengers one-to-one tasting sessions.

Ben Branson on the future of non-alc spirits