Mixing it up ONARQ Group recently announced that it has reached an agreement with Mott’s Snapple Int’l for the management, distributing and marketing of Mr&Mrs T, Rose’s, ReaLemon/ReaLime and Clamato in the majority of the Caribbean markets. As part of the new strategic direction, the brands will be repositioned, whereas the regional marketing strategy will be linked more closely to the
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alcoholic beverages and a perfect fit with our current business.” Of course, MONARQ also distributes such classic brands as Tia Maria, Disaronno, Molinari sambuca, Heineken, Tattinger champagne, Pallini limoncello, Bols, Galliano, La Fée absinthe and Cachaca 51 in many markets throughout the Americas. Business has been booming for the company, largely because of the solid portfolio of quality brands that de Monchy and company have built over the years.
“The last quarter of 2010 was the best quarter ever and 2011 started above expectations.” Robert de Monchy, Managing Director, Monarq Group alcoholic beverage distribution. “Our portfolio did not include non-alcoholic mixers, and it was an area where we saw a real business synergy, so we are proud to welcome the leaders in their respective categories to the MONARQ family,” says Robert de Monchy, Managing Director of MONARQ Group. “This is obviously a great addition to our portfolio of leading
“The last quarter of 2010 was the best quarter ever and 2011 started above expectations,” de Monchy says. “Our focus has been on the implementation of Disaronno and Tia Maria. Overall it has been a very busy and satisfying time. Heineken, Tattinger champagne and Bols Liqueurs were top performers at the end of last year, as well as Molinari sambuca, Norton and La Fée absinthe, which are brands that have great momentum.”
As for MONARQ Group’s plans for the rest of the year, de Monchy’s objectives are lucid and well thought out: “We are still a young company and look for nothing less than double-digit growth. We invest in the company beforehand, not afterwards, based on our strategic outlook and plans. This means we are ready for further growth and expansion now.”
Celebrating the traveler hile unveiled in November, traveling consumers worldwide only recently got their first taste of the highly anticipated and duty free exclusive Absolut Watkins when the roll out began in January. The smashing new limited edition flavor from Absolut, created exclusively for global travelers, reflects all of the excitement, glamour and star quality of the globetrotting fashion world. The extravagant and glamorous decor of the unique limited edition Absolut Watkins bottle was created by celebrated Swedish fashion illustrator and artist Liselotte Watkins, famous for her designs for fashion brands such as Miu Miu, Anna Sui and Barney’s, as well as for magazines such as Vogue and The New Yorker. “Absolut is a truly global brand in every sense and our global nature is one of our core brand values,” says Anders Olsson, Director Global Travel Retail, The Absolut Company. “This launch is global, just as everything we do. No
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market is less important than another to Absolut. Watkins will be available in all major airport hubs in the US, Latin America and the Caribbean along with border stores in the US and Canada starting in February and March.” Americas Duty Free asked Olsson to discuss some purchasing trends that he has noticed lately in duty free. He noted that if there is one constant in the dynamic world of travel retail, it is change. Far from fearing the natural evolution of consumer preferences, Absolut celebrates this dynamism in every limited edition it produces. “Global travelers, not just in the Americas but worldwide, are an extremely advanced and progressive target group that is constantly on the lookout for something new and exciting,” Olsson explains. “For a leading edge creative brand such as Absolut, it is never enough to meet the anticipations, needs and preferences of these consumers. We must constantly exceed these anticipations, always presenting something new and thrilling—something our consumers never even knew they needed or desired.”
Absolut Watkins is rich, smooth and sensual in taste and aroma with the distinct, qualities of freshly ground coffee and notes of almond, caramel and warm chili
www.dutyfreemagazine.ca THE AMERICAS DUTY FREE & TRAVEL RETAILING
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