AMERICAS. The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) today announced a rebranding to the Duty Free & Travel Retail Association of the Americas, in a move that widens its remit to all retail channels in the business. IAADFS Chair René Riedi made the announcement at the opening of this morning’s (15 April) conference sessions at the Summit of the Americas in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The association also signalled a move to Miami next year, prompted by members, it said.
Riedi said: “This summit marks the end of a chapter as we move to a new home in Miami next year,” he said, noting that Miami’s energy “aligns seamlessly with the association’s plans for the future. The Summit is not just an event, it is an institution, a testament of the strength of the duty-free and travel retail industry”.
Riedi noted recent changes within the IAADFS, including a simplified membership focused on operators, supporters and honorary members, with supply partners taking a more prominent role within the association and the addition of five board members.
This new focus is underlined by the refreshed name. “The association stands at the cusp of transformation,” Riedi added, saying it embodied a commitment to inclusivity and a more comprehensive representation of the diverse facets of travel retail.
Click on the Podcast above to hear René Riedi address the thinking behind the rebranding and wider association remit
Riedi told The Moodie Davitt Report: “In the past the association was open only to airport duty-free operators but we felt we left out important segments of the industry.
“Duty free in North America is small compared to convenience or F&B and we cannot leave out those non-airport parts. We integrate new channels such as cruise in this way.”
He added: “The new name, Duty Free & Travel Retail Association of the Americas, encompasses everything.”
On the widening of the board to add both brands and other retail channels, Riedi said: “We needed new blood on the board. Lisa Bauer for example from Starboard can motivate cruiselines to be part of the show. Brand owners can also bring fresh ideas to the board. We can evolve from where we are today and become more relevant for our members.”
On the future format and switch to Miami from 2025, he added: “This was a trade show with a conference. In future we’ll explore having a conference with a show and networking opportunities.
“We heard from members that we should be closer to Miami so we’ll host the event there. We know there is risk but the idea is to have more education, networking and a smaller trade show.
“We realise that trade shows don’t have the importance they had in the past across all industries. I don’t see how we can motivate big brands to come back so we have to transform ourselves, become different and stay relevant.”
The opening remarks were followed by a panel discussion titled ‘The Americas – Change and Promise’ followed, charting the changes to the duty free and travel retail market in the Americas.
Speakers included Puig Travel Retail Americas General Manager Felipe Grant; Pernod Ricard General Manager TR Americas Greg Ford; Lindt Americas Sales & Market Manager GTR Markus Suter and ARI Chief Operations and Business Development Officer Nuno Amaral. They shared insights and observations about the industry, and expectations for the future.
The discussion touched on meeting the expectations of Gen Z customers, the importance of premiumisation and customisation and the challenges of incorporating technology into the travel retail consumers’ journey and buying.
More to follow. ✈
