To u r i s m , C u lt u r e
and
Business
I s s u e 39 • 2018
Duty Free Iceland also carries a large selection of other beers, which have also earned many international awards. A wide range of flavours is on offer, from numerous smaller breweries, as well as larger companies. Sweet Iceland Confectionery is a big thing in Iceland, and when it comes to chocolate, the Icelandic brand Noi Sirius is one to look for. The company, established in 1920, is the largest confectionery manufacturer in Iceland. It produces a tasty line of chocolates, encompassing semi-sweet, bitter and milk chocolate in a variety of shapes and sizes, including the company’s well-known chocolate gift boxes. Omnom is another local chocolate maker that is quite special. The company sources
80
premium organic beans from a range of cocoa fields around the world and tailors its chocolate-making process to ensure that each variety of chocolate achieves its full potential. The only additions to the mix are raw cane sugar and, in the milk chocolate range, creamy Icelandic milk. Its design conscious packaging makes this the ideal gift to bring home. Another name to check out is Haflidi Ragnarsson, one of the world’s top 100 chocolatiers and something of a purist in terms of the mighty cocoa bean. He works his magic to combine classic blends with more exotic flavours of pistachio, passion fruit, star anise and even Earl Grey tea. Freyja and Stefan B Chocolatier are among other popular brands that offer sweets and liquorice that would guarantee you a warm reception back home—if only you can resist temptation during your flight! Quality Skincare Products Icelandic herbal oils and cosmetics sit next to international brands, offering health-giving benefits from the country’s mountains, pristine valleys and hot springs. A recent scientific breakthrough in Iceland, based on 10 years of biotechnology research, has
www.icelandictimes.com
resulted in a new concept that is marketed here as BIOEFFECT® skin care (serum and day cream). It nourishes and replenishes skin cells, bringing a youthful glow to even the most stressed or sensitive skin, without harmful chemical compounds. The scientists at Bioeffect won a Nobel Prize for their work, and their company offers a range of revolutionary biotech skin care products, including the recently introduced EFG Day Serum which rejuvenates the skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. A number of other companies use local Icelandic ingredients as well. Sóley Organic, for example, uses hand-picked wild Icelandic herbs in their environmentally-friendly and preservativefree products. Taramar uses Icelandic seaweed and organic herbs in its pure, safe skincare products. Villimey specialises in biological salves and ointments made of Icelandic herbs in products such as anti-aging facial oils, lip balms and muscle and joint creams. The Purity Herbs brand produces natural skin care products including joint relief oils and volcanic body scrubs.