The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), the industry association for Canada’s land border duty free shops released the finalists of the 2019 Gold Standard Awards ceremony being held at the Imperial Gala on November 13 in Toronto.
For more than two decades, the FDFA has selected winners for the 14 unique Gold Standards awards to showcase the best in Duty Free. From products, to suppliers, to innovative practices, the awards are designed to recognize the hard working FDFA member stores, owners, employees and suppliers.
Barbara Barrett, Executive Director, FDFA says: “The finalists were voted on by a panel of judges consisting of stakeholders from the industry. Canada’s Duty Free industry is a vital component to supporting our tourism economy, and the 2019 Imperial Gala is a great way to showcase that.”
For a list of award categories, finalists, and sponsors please see below.
Barrett adds: “We would also like to thank our generous sponsors for their support of our awards program this year. We look forward to hosting you in Toronto.”
2019 FDFA Gold Standards Awards
Award Name and Sponsor (if applicable)
The Finalists
1.
2019 Outstanding Duty Free Employee of the Year
Sponsored by: Retail Council of Canada
Jordan Burns
Emerson Duty Free
Katherine Chase
1000 Islands Duty Free
Christine Pelletier
Philpsburg Duty Free
2.
2019 Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year: Jewellery/Watches/Handbags/Accessories
Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider & The Moodie Davitt Report
Champs Cross Body Bags
ALFA Brands Inc.
Swatch Watch/Flik Flak
Swatch Group Canada
Strong & Free Clothing Line
Strong & Free Emblem
3.
2019 Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year: Confectionery/Foods/Souvenirs
Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider & The Moodie Davitt Report
Planters Craft Bar Mix
Beler Holding Inc.
Lindt Maxi Plaisir
Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Kit Kat Senses Mini Desserts
Beler Holding Inc.
4.
2019 Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year: Fragrance/Cosmetic
Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider & The Moodie Davitt Report
Mont Blanc Explorer
Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sun
Beler Holding Inc.
Escada Miami Blossom
Distribution Fontaine Inc.
5.
2019 Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year: Spirits/Beer/Wine/Tobacco
Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider & The Moodie Davitt Report
Crystal Head Motts Clamato – National Caesar Day
Wine Classics International
Macallan Quest Range
Johnnie Walker White Walker
Diageo
Jack Daniels Bottled in Bond
Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd.
6.
2019 Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year
AerRianta International
Dufry North America
Abbotsford Airport Duty Free
7.
2019 Best Marketing/Merchandising Award
Emerson Duty Free
Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Philipsburg Duty Free
8.
2019 Outstanding Achievement or Innovation Award
1000 Islands Duty Free
Philipsburg Duty Free
Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
9.
2019 FDFA Convention Star of the Show
N/A (MC will provide content)
10.
2019 Supplier of the Year Category A
Northern Souvenirs
V.P.I. Canada Ltd.
Strong & Free Emblem
11.
2019 Supplier of the Year Category B
House of Horvath
JTI-Macdonald Corp.
Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd.
12.
2019 Supplier of the Year Distributor/Agent
Wine Classics International
WFH Travel Retail
Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd.
13.
2019 Platinum Award Category A
Sponsored by: The Americas Duty Free & Travel Retailing Magazine
Johnstown Duty Free Shop Inc.
Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
Abbotsford Duty Free
14.
2019 Platinum Award Category B
Sponsored by: The Americas Duty Free & Travel Retailing Magazine
Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop
Blue Water Bridge Duty Free Shop Inc.
Importations Guay Ltée
