Ferry group Scandlines has launched its largest personalised tastings and sampling area on its floating BorderShop – a converted ship – in Puttgarden, Germany with the arrival of the Havana Club rum bar.

 

The Baltic ferry company, which transports 12 million passengers annually, added the permanent bar from the Pernod Ricard brand in April. Scandlines’ Wine, Spirits and Champagne Category Manager Bjarne Raby tells TRBusiness: “Rum is a growing category in Scandinavia as cocktails such as mojitos become more popular. The new bar creates a great consumer experience and evokes the Cuban spirit and atmosphere I experienced when I visited Havana last year.”

 

Christian Løn, Pernod Ricard Area Marketing Manager Travel Retail Europe, adds: “Consumers are showing an increasing interest in genuine Cuban cocktails. We have high expectations with regards to growth of both sales and awareness of Havana Club.”

 

The bar showcases Havana Club three-year-old, seven-year-old, and Especial; with Havana Club Selección de Maestros – an ultra-premium aged rum – on a special display. Bartenders mix Cuban cocktails such as mojitos and daiquiris, and hold master classes on how to make the perfect cocktail.

 

Other tastings areas on the giant 2,000 square metre spirits deck of the BorderShop (one of four retail decks of the same size) include one for Famous Grouse whisky and for Absolut vodka.