Harrods at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5, has launched a luxury shop-in-shop for The East India Company – the first major entry at a UK airport for the fine foods player.

Sanjiv Mehta, Chairman of fine foods house, says: “For us, this is the next step to extending our offer for the international traveller. The East India Company has always been known as a truly global endeavour, connecting the east and west, and we are excited to continue sharing our rich heritage and products with discerning travellers.”

The space at T5 carries EIC’s most popular fine foods including fine teas, chocolates, artisan sweet and savoury biscuits. Created in 1600 by royal charter, the company says it provides “a rich sensory experience for customers” in terms of tastes, cultures and traditions from across the globe.

Travellers can also buy the brand’s fine bone china and porcelain collection, each piece hand painted by master craftsmen using mineral paints and 18 carat gold. A bespoke service allows travellers to select from a range of designs and a pattern of their choice, for delivery to any destination they specify.

A GROWING DF&TR PRESENCE

The East India Company launched in duty free and travel retail with Gebr. Heinemann at Frankfurt, Hamburg and Vienna airports. The relationship has grown to include supply to Fjord Line Ferries as well as Istanbul’s Ataturk Airport.

Through franchise openings, EIC’s selection of fine foods is also available at Dubai International and Qatar’s Hamad International airports.

The East India Company’s fine foods range includes over 140 teas, rare coffees, artisan biscuits, jams and marmalades, mustards, sweets, chocolate bars and boxes, gift sets, luxury hampers and accessories.

The brand has seven UK stores and a concession in Harrods in London, plus three stores in the Middle East (Kuwait, Qatar, UAE). The company also supplies tea to London’s Royal Albert Hall, and in DF&TR is represented at destinations such as Vienna, Frankfurt, Doha and Dubai.