Avolta showcases the best of English sparkling wine at Heathrow Terminal 5
By Naomi Chadderton |
Avolta has partnered with Heathrow to launch a major premium drinks activation in the World Duty Free store at Terminal 5, bringing together three of the UK’s most celebrated English sparkling wine producers – Chapel Down, Gusbourne and Nyetimber – for the first time in travel retail.
Running until February 2026, the campaign highlights the growing prestige of English sparkling wine and positions the category at the heart of the festive and post-holiday gifting season.
Passengers can discover the wines side by side, with tastings available to help shoppers sample before purchasing and explore the exceptional quality that has propelled English sparkling wine into the global spotlight. Every Friday, an in-store artist is on hand to hand-paint wooden gift tags with seasonal imagery, giving customers the option to personalise their purchases with a distinctive, keepsake finishing touch.
The activation reflects Avolta’s ongoing commitment to offering travellers curated retail experiences that go beyond traditional duty-free shopping. It also underscores the operator’s focus on supporting British products at Heathrow, the UK’s largest airport and a key showcase for brands looking to connect with an international audience. Avolta describes the initiative as a demonstration of how creative retailing can ignite local pride while elevating category perception.
Eve Fifer, Avolta Commercial Director in the UK, said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering with Heathrow and three of England’s most iconic sparkling wine producers on this unique activation. Heathrow and Avolta share the same commitment to drive the agenda in terms of supporting local British businesses and brands, and this campaign is a great example of that shared ambition in action. Together with Chapel Down, Gusbourne, and Nyetimber, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on the incredible quality of English sparkling wine.”
Tom Hepworth-Bond, Chapel Down Sales Director, added: “Interest in English sparkling wine is accelerating around the world, and Heathrow provides an exceptional platform to showcase the quality and ambition of our category. At Chapel Down, we are committed to shaping the future of English sparkling wine and raising global awareness of what it can offer. Global travel retail plays an increasingly important role in that journey. Partnering with Avolta and joining fellow producers at this key international gateway allows us to introduce travelers to English sparkling wines that stand proudly alongside the very best worldwide. It is an exciting moment for the category and we are delighted to be part of it.”
Jonathan White, CEO of Gusbourne, commented: “We’re thrilled to bring Gusbourne’s vintage-only English sparkling to Heathrow, helping travelers discover our meticulously crafted Kentish wines. Fresh from a string of international award wins – including six gold medals and the coveted Chairman’s Trophy at the Champagne & Sparkling Wine World Championships – we’re proud to be flying the flag for English wine in such good company.”
Karl Thögersen, Group Head of Sales – Global Travel Retail & Europe at Nyetimber, noted: “Global travel retail is a hugely important channel for us at Nyetimber, so to be included in this activation at a peak sales moment is an exciting opportunity. We often find that when people try Nyetimber they come back for more, so by sampling directly to travelers we hope to bring on board new fans of our sparkling wines.”
Fraser Brown, Retail Director at Heathrow, said: “We are delighted to celebrate English Sparkling Wine through this new campaign with Avolta. Heathrow has always showcased the best of Britain to a global audience, and this initiative brings together exceptional producers whose skill reflects the innovation and quality Britain is known for. As we strive to make every journey better, Heathrow is proud to offer passengers a taste of English luxury, especially during the festive season.”
The initiative reinforces the growing relevance of English sparkling wine within travel retail and reflects a wider consumer interest in local provenance, premium craftsmanship and authentic storytelling — attributes that increasingly influence shopper choice in the drinks category. The collaboration also demonstrates how carefully curated campaigns can unlock new visibility for domestic producers while transforming airport retail into a discovery-led, experiential space.
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