Swiss herb drop manufacturer Ricola intends to build on the gains it made pre-Covid in Asia Pacific when it returns to this year’s TFWA Singapore regional summit.

Ricola’s key focus in Asia Pacific is airports, where it is seeing the greatest potential for its products, but the company remains open to activity in other channels and is pursuing opportunities in collaboration with its distribution partners.

Andreas Reckart, Head of Travel Retail, Ricola commented: “Prior to Covid, Ricola’s business in Asia Pacific Travel Retail was just about to take off following the introduction of our impulse assortment.

“We had listings with many major retailers including China Duty Free Group, Dufry, Lotte and Shilla – and sales were increasing steadily. Then the pandemic hit and we were back to square one. Fortunately, we were able to maintain contact with most of our partners in Asia and we are now looking forwarded to continuing where we left off before the pandemic.

“We are very much looking forward to exhibiting at this year’s TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition and getting back to where we were pre-Covid.”

New skus and display concept

Best sellers in Asia include Ricola’s Original Swiss Herb drops and the sugar-free Lemon Mint drops, while several other minty variations have been well received.

At the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition (7-11 May), Ricola will take the opportunity to present its new display concept and product range.

The display concept features new designs for checkouts, free-standing display units and promotional spaces aimed at airports in Asia.

Ricola will also introduce a fresh design and packaging for its regular assortment.

London design agency Lewis Moberly is behind the new brand design, which adds ‘a more confident contemporary stance’, according to Ricola, with the company’s unique tagline ‘made with Swiss Alpine Herbs’ flanking a modernised logo.

Ricola can be found at Basement 2, H6.