Imperial Brands raises a glass to TFWA’s 40th anniversary
Davidoff Gold Dual Infusion is a key line in the Imperial Brands showcase for this year's TFWA World Exhibition
Imperial Brands returns to the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes this year, keen to celebrate the association’s 40th anniversary.
A member of the Tax Free World Association since 1998, Imperial Brands notes the critical role that the association has played in supporting and developing the global duty free and travel retail industry, including Imperial Brands’ own pathway.
Imperial Brands Global Duty Free & Export General Manager, Pierpaolo Pascucci, said: “We at Imperial Brands would like to raise a glass to TFWA for its milestone anniversary and the vital work the organization does to support and drive the travel retail industry forward. TFWA has been influential in the delivery of our strategic vision; their exhibitions, conferences and research have provided us with valuable insights over the years helping us to stay ahead in an ever-evolving market.
“We would particularly like to thank the TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen for his many years of dedicated work championing and leading this industry, as we mark this landmark occasion. Erik was pivotal in the formation of the original Tax Free World Association, and the first show in 1985. He has played a key role ever since in its growth into the industry’s premier Association. All of us at Imperial Brands wish him all the best for future.”
Imperial Brands will be showcasing its global duty-free exclusives during the Cannes event.
Davidoff Cigarettes is a vital cornerstone of Imperial’s global duty free strategy and vision
Based on the latest consumer research and insights, Imperial Brands have focused heavily on determining key product needs according to nationality, in order to continuously improve its offer to travelling consumers. This approach is consistent with Imperial Brands’ consumer centric global strategy, which is impacting not only future product development, but also creating stronger capabilities in sales excellence.
Davidoff Cigarettes is a vital cornerstone of Imperial’s global duty free strategy and vision, with the heart of the new Davidoff strategy seeking to maintain the brand’s premium and high-quality heritage, whilst also driving modernity. The foundations will be built through new and innovative product offers that are dedicated to the travelling consumer.
The first milestone of this strategy began with the launch of Davidoff Cigarettes Gold Dual Fusion at the end of 2023. During this year’s TFWA World Exhibition, the Imperial Brands team will showcase upcoming new initiatives that have been developed to further bring the new brand identity to life.
“The new Davidoff vision encapsulates Imperial Brands’ ethos of crafting an offer speak directly to the preferences of the modern adult consumer, based on nationality. Under this strategy, every release from Imperial Brands, from products to activations, is crafted with a focus on the consumers in each specific location,” Pascucci said.
Imperial will also showcase the well-known brands from across its global portfolio, including Gauloises, West, Rizla and Lambert & Butler, underlining the company’s dedication to providing a brand to suit the preference of every adult shopper.
According to Imperial, TFWA Exhibition is “always a key opportunity to meet partners and stakeholders to discuss future collaborations and innovative solutions”. While 2024 has seen a return to growth in traveler numbers, challenges persist for both the Tobacco sector and the wider travel retail market.
Imperial Brands firmly believes that, as both a core category and driver of footfall and penetration, the Tobacco is sector is perfectly placed to help overcome these challenges and capitalize on the opportunities present. However, doing this will require a united approach from all stakeholders to craft a successful future together.
Loukia Alepochoriti, Head of Corporate and Legal Affairs - Global Duty Free & Export, Imperial Brands, explained, “The travel retail sector is evolving faster than ever before, and with this comes fresh challenges as well as new opportunities. As we look to the future, we at Imperial Brands are not only confident in this vibrant channel, but also in the vital role that Tobacco will continue to play in the duty-free and travel retail sector.
“The challenges we face include adapting to rapidly changing consumer preferences, navigating complex regulatory environments, and leveraging technological advancements to enhance the customer experience. However, these challenges also bring opportunities for innovation, growth, and deeper engagement with our travelling consumers.
“Partnerships are at the heart of our strategy, and we believe that collaboration with our industry partners is essential to navigating this evolving landscape successfully. We are looking forward to reconnecting with our existing partners, as well as forging new relationships in Cannes, as we work together to build a successful future for all.”
The Imperial Brands team will be located in the Golden Village GO6.
