FDFA announces winners of 2023 Gold Standard Awards
FDFA Executive Director Barbara Barrett hosted the event
The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), representing Canada’s land border duty free shops, has announced the winners of the 2023 Gold Standard Awards at the FDFA Convention in Toronto.
As the advocate and voice of the Canadian land border duty free sector, FDFA plays a crucial role in promoting the success of its 32 member stores. The FDFA Gold Standard Awards, a tradition for over two decades symbolize the industry's commitment to excellence and innovation.
The awards recognize the outstanding contributions of member stores, owners, employees, and suppliers of the duty free industry – and by extension Canada's tourism economy.
“This year's Gold Standard Awards are a celebration of the resilience, creativity and excellence within our industry,” said Barbara Barrett, Executive Director at FDFA. “The winners exemplify the high standards and innovative spirit that FDFA continually strives to promote among its members. Their achievements are not only a win for the duty free sector, but also a significant contribution to enhancing Canada's standing in the global tourism market.”
For a list of award categories and winners, please see below.
Outstanding Duty Free Employee of the Year: Yvonne Graham, Altan Duty Free Shops Ltd. *Sponsored by: Retail Council of Canada
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Jewelry/Watches/Handbags/Accessories): Swatch Group Canada *Sponsored by Travel Markets Insider and The Moodie Davitt Report
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Confectionery/Food/Souvenirs): Clearly’s Maple Crème Cookies; Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Fragrance/Cosmetics): Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream; Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year (Wine/Spirits/Tobacco): Jameson Triple Triple; Pernod Ricard Travel Retail Americas
Best Marketing Merchandising Award: Windsor-Detroit Tunnel Duty Free Shop
Supplier of the Year (Category A): Northern Souvenirs
Supplier of the Year (Category B): Andrew Peller Ltd.
Supplier of the Year (Distributor/Agent): Distribution Fontaine Inc.
Platinum Award (Category A): Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store *Sponsored by Motor Coach Canada
Platinum Award (Category B): Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop
Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year: AerRianta International (North America)
Outstanding Contributor of the Year: Chris Foster, Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop
Outstanding Achievement or Innovation of the Year: Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
FDFA Convention Star of the Show: Sol de Janeiro Bum Bum Cream; Distribution Fontaine Inc.
