Cabeau to demonstrate latest innovations and sustainability focus in Cannes
The Evolution Earth is Cabeau's first-ever fully recyclable product and has moved the company forward tremendously in terms of its focus on sustainability
US travel essentials company Cabeau will showcase its latest innovations to new and existing customers at the Tax Free World Association Exhibition in Cannes (Yellow Village, A21).
The Los Angeles-based company has been named as a finalist in two categories at the upcoming consumer-voted Travel Retail Awards, which take place on October 1 in Cannes.
Cabeau is a finalist in the ‘Best Charity Initiative’ category for its recent ‘B-Corp Certification’ and ‘Best Travel Accessory’ category for its recently launched Evolution Kids and Evolution Cushion products.
In addition, the brand is a finalist in two categories (People and Planet Award: Sustainability and Star Electronics, Toys, Gifts & Travel Accessories Product of the Year) at the prestigious Frontier Awards.
David Sternlight, CEO, Cabeau
David Sternlight, CEO, Cabeau said, “We use this time at TFWA Cannes to really connect with our partners and ensure we’re performing at the most elite level.
“The event allows us to connect with our partners in the global travel retail market and continue to highlight our product line.
“It also gives us the opportunity to continue presenting ourselves as the leader in travel comfort.”
Reflecting on the launch of The Neck’s Evolution S3 and Evolution Earth products last year, they have been well received in travel retail and duty free, according to Sternlight. He also says he is happy to see that The Neck’s Evolution S3 has eclipsed the original S3 model in popularity and consumer reviews.
“The Evolution Earth was our first-ever fully recyclable product and has moved us forward tremendously in terms of our focus on sustainability.
“It is a strong product driver in the travel retail space and consumers have noted that they appreciate the effort we make to offset a pollution-heavy industry.
“It has been great to see the industry as a whole take notice and put forth their efforts. We learned so much as a brand and company creating this product that we have woven it into our new product innovations and company ethos and look to expand on that with our B Corp certification efforts and Clean Hub partnership in 2025.”
Robust performance
Overall, Cabeau has enjoyed a robust travel retail and duty free performance in 2024 driven by several key contributing factors.
Sternlight explained, “Firstly, we’ve been able to strategically expand into new locations, channels, and high-traffic travel hubs which has significantly boosted visibility and accessibility to our products in travel retail sectors.
“This continued market expansion has been complemented by a focused marketing strategy highlighting Cabeau’s commitment to comfort and innovation. This resonates well with frequent travelers seeking premium travel accessories for long-haul flights and the need to arrive well rested and pain free.”
Since the pandemic, Cabeau has been leveraging digital platforms and e-commerce channels to facilitate seamless customer engagement and sales growth.
“By investing in online visibility, user-friendly interfaces, and personalized customer experiences, we’ve effectively capitalised on the growing trend for online shopping among travellers.”
The company’s sustainability efforts in the channel have provided consumers with innovative products they are positive about purchasing. “We know that there are several options in terms of travel pillows and accessories in the market.
“Our commitment to sustainability and building sustainable products have shown throughout 2024 to be a key element in driving consumers to the path to purchase.
“We look forward to furthering our role in the sustainability market and expanding on these elements in 2025.”
Slow recovery
In terms of challenges, the ‘uneven’ recovery from the pandemic has been a significant obstacle. “Some regions, such as Asia, saw slower re-openings due to lingering restrictions. Overall passenger numbers have not reached pre-pandemic levels.
“Moreover, travel uncertainty due to ongoing geopolitical issues or sporadic disruptions are still impacting foot traffic in airports and other travel hubs.”
By way of response Cabeau has diversified its product offerings and geographical focus and expanded into markets which have rebounded faster.
Sternlight remarked, “By focusing on airports in high-growth regions like North America, Europe, Middle East and even Africa, we’ve been able to capitalize on demand where travel has bounced back quicker.”
Despite facing several challenges in 2024, Cabeau has strategically responded through a strong focus on innovation, sustainability and operational flexibility.
“We pride ourselves on being adaptable and nimble as a company overall,” Sternlight said. “By adapting to shifting consumer preferences, enhancing in-store engagement, and addressing supply chain concerns, we’ve continued to strengthen our position in the travel retail category with the goal of positioning ourselves for long-term success in a competitive and dynamic industry.”
New innovations
Known for its strong focus on product development and adding value to consumers, Cabeau is already working on new launches for 2025. Sternlight explained, “We have taken the time to listen to our customer feedback loop and their direct reviews on our products. The aim is to ensure we are driving the category forward with the ability to update and tweak our products because this is what the consumer is asking.”
He added, “Travel is only getting more accessible to larger markets, so we cannot rest on our laurels and continue with the same products year in and year out. We have some exciting new innovations coming out in early 2025 which result from consumer requests and pain points.
“The new projects reinforce our reputation as a leader in innovative, value-driven travel comfort solutions, catering to modern, tech-savvy, and sustainability-conscious consumers.”
Adding Cabeau to the mix in travel retail environments worldwide gives operators the chance to enhance their product line-up with premium travel accessories which deliver value and comfort. “Our products are extensively product and user tested to provide the most comfortable fit for travelers to arrive well rested and pain-free on their journeys.
“They are globally recognised for their superior design, patented technology, and commitment to ergonomics and sustainability—key factors that resonate with today's discerning travelers.”
Sternlight concluded, “Our strong brand reputation and proven success in travel retail make us an ideal partner, providing retailers with successful, brand aware products that drive impulse purchases and customer loyalty.”
