New exhibitors put innovation on display
Exhibition, Testimonials
A total of 58 new and returning exhibitors brought a dash of excitement and energy to the exhibition in 2011. Below some of the new companies reflect on their experiences.
As well as attracting some of the biggest and best-known brands in travel retail, each year TFWA Asia Pacific & GATE ONE2ONE hosts many new brands hoping to increase their exposure to the market. This year 58 new exhibitors contributed to a vibrant show, with particularly strong growth in the liquor, skincare and fashion accessories categories – reflecting trends in the regional market. Several of the new brands were based in Asia Pacific, a trend that has continued to gather momentum in recent years. Below, some of the new exhibitors talk about their experiences and offer advice to companies thinking of participating in future events.
Liquor company SPI has exhibited at the event in the past, but this year returned after a long absence. Global duty free director Jean-Philippe Aucher explained that it was part of the brand’s overall strategy. "We are exhibiting now because we are ready to rebuild our distribution in Asia Pacific, which is a strategic market for us.”
Aucher gives three points for companies thinking of exhibiting. "First, why? How does it fit in with your strategy? Then, be sure to prepare properly – if you do not have a good presentation and lots of meetings planned, you will not make a return on your investment. Finally, focus on what you want to present. You will not be able to display your whole range of products so think about what is important to the people you will be meeting.”
Aucher gives three points for companies thinking of exhibiting. "First, why? How does it fit in with your strategy? Then, be sure to prepare properly – if you do not have a good presentation and lots of meetings planned, you will not make a return on your investment. Finally, focus on what you want to present. You will not be able to display your whole range of products so think about what is important to the people you will be meeting.”
For Champagne company Vranken Pommery Monopole, the decision to exhibit for the first time reflected the development of a long relationship with TFWA, having exhibited at TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes for many years, as well as an optimistic view of the Asia Pacific market. Export sales manager Myriam Renard said: "We are beginning our work of educating Asia Pacific consumers about the Champagne category and our product in general. This exhibition puts us in contact with some key buyers who will help us to spread this message to several important nationalities.” Renard praised the support of TFWA. "We feel instantly at home here after many years in Cannes. We took advantage of the premium shell scheme, which is very useful for first time exhibitors. Next year though I think we will prepare our own stand.”
Skincare brand Talika returned to the exhibition after an absence of three years. General manager Vanessa Welch agreed that the look of the stand is crucial. She said: "The design of the stand is equally important as the planning your meetings. The stand is the first impression for new retailers who encounter our brand for the first time in Asia.” She acknowledged that it can take time to make your presence felt, and that first-time exhibitors should not be discouraged if they do not achieve all their goals at one event. "It is important to keep presenting the brand and offers to retailers, who are constantly looking for new brands and new innovations in the market.”
Thai aromatheraphy and skincare brand Thann exhibited for the first time, although it has already built up a strong business across Asia. Nanthida Ratanakul said: "We are expanding dramatically in Asia and also in Europe, and we thought this would be a good place to start exploring the travel retail market.”
Ratanakul stresses the importance of booth design. "Our company has a passion for design and we wanted to reflect this in our stand. We spent a lot of time and money on a high quality stand, and I think it had worked well. Among so many prestigious brands you need to stand out, and the response from visitors has been very positive.”
Ratanakul stresses the importance of booth design. "Our company has a passion for design and we wanted to reflect this in our stand. We spent a lot of time and money on a high quality stand, and I think it had worked well. Among so many prestigious brands you need to stand out, and the response from visitors has been very positive.”
For leathergoods brand Fratelli Rossetti, the exhibition was an opportunity to complement its efforts to develop its retail network in the Asia Pacific market. General manager Giovanni Bonatti said: "Our aim was to meet airport authorities, duty free operators and local distributors. It was also an opportunity to present our travel retail concept and products; we especially developed for the occasion ixtures for airports and an exclusive leathergoods line for travel retail.” Presentation was key for the brand’s participation, said Bonatti: "The first step was to find an appropriate stand for the brand. Thanks to TFWA’s support and a dedicated travel-retail team within our company, things have been smooth. We already had contacts for the contractor, our fixtures were designed and in progress, and the samples available in our show rooms.”
Japanese confectionery brand Hiyoko exhibited for the first time to test the export market for its sweets. Masatoshi Nakano explained that the time was right for Hiyoko to look at exporting its products. "This event offers us the perfect opportunity to see whether there is a taste and demand for our products in export markets across Asia. The duty free channel is a good market to begin this exploration. "The initial response has been very encouraging, we have conducted meetings with many retailers and they have been positive. It is also very good to see that Japan is very much a focus of this event – it was covered in detail at the conference and people are interested in our market. I would hope that we can continue to exhibit here in the future as our new strategy to export evolves.”
In The Exhibition...
The President’s perspective: a very successful event
Exhibition, Interview
TFWA president Erik Juul-Mortensen reflects on a busy and energised week of business in Singapore.
Creating partnership opportunities at ONE2ONE meetings
Exhibition, Testimonials
The pre-scheduled private meeting service offered exhibitors and airport service concessionaires a chance to meet face-to-face with some of Asia Pacific’s key airport groups.
Energy and innovation lift exhibitor and visitor spirits
Exhibition, Testimonials
Exhibitors and visitors talk about their participation in the event and their assessment of the mood of the industry
Moving on in Japan
Exhibition, Analysis
While the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan continues to have a severe impact, the message from the country’s airports, retailers and brands in Singapore was that businesses must regroup and continue to develop.
New exhibitors put innovation on display
Exhibition, Testimonials
A total of 58 new and returning exhibitors brought a dash of excitement and energy to the exhibition in 2011. Below some of the new companies reflect on their experiences.
The President’s perspective: a very successful event
Exhibition, Interview
TFWA president Erik Juul-Mortensen reflects on a busy and energised week of business in Singapore.
Photo Credits: Jacques Gavard
