Value sales at European airports reached +153.1% versus year to date (YTD) 2021, but are down almost a fifth compared to pre-pandemic figures, according to the European Travel Retail Confederation (ETRC) Business Performance Index for YTD Jan-Sept 2022.

The much-anticipated results were revealed yesterday at the industry association’s Business Forum in Amsterdam.

The data, delivered by Stephen Hillam, Managing Director at Pi Insight, showed that headline performance for value sales at European hubs stood at -19.2% versus YTD 2019.

However, the recovery in value sales continues to ‘outstrip unit sales’ and several other key dynamics continue to evolve, with ‘spend per passenger higher than 2019’, according to the index.

Individual sub-categories also continue to post a positive contribution to overall market growth, says the figures, while showing varying rates of recovery.

READ MORE: Value sales recover quicker than traffic, according to H1 2022 ETRC Index

The data session was completed with a look at the latest consumer trends and behaviours, as well as air traffic forecasts presented by Olivier Ponti, Vice-President Insights at ForwardKeys.

The Business Forum gathering marked ETRC’s first in-person meeting since January 2020.

“We are delighted to have been able to host our members in Amsterdam again,” said Nigel Keal, President of ETRC.

“ETRC prides itself in delivering annually a Business Forum that is insightful for its members as well as provides great networking opportunities.

“ETRC continues acting as a platform to support the recovery and future growth for our industry in Europe, especially in those uncertain times.”

The event, moderated by ETRC Vice-President Public Relations and Communications Nina Semprecht, brought together over 130 participants from more than 75 ETRC member organisations operating across travel retail.

It kick-started with a keynote address from Emily Mansfield, Europe Regional Director at The Economist Intelligence Unit on the economic outlook for Europe and the world.

During the day, delegates were greeted by messages from leaders of travel retail operators, suppliers and fellow trade associations who underlined the importance of ETRC as a platform for cooperation to tackle challenges affecting travel retail in Europe.

The policy roundtable addressed threats and opportunities for travel retail including arrivals duty free shopping, illicit trade, product specific challenges and sustainability, featuring Julie Lassaigne, ETRC Secretary General; John Rimmer, TFWA Managing Director; and Ricardo Oliveira, Senior Counsel for DFWC and ETRC.

The day concluded with an address by Dr. Suzie Imber, physicist and astronaut.

READ MORE: ETRC cautiously optimistic as it releases Q1 2022 performance index

ETRC took the chance to unveil its new logo at the meeting. The refreshed design brings a modern twist to the look of the organisation as part of a revamp of its communications.

A new website will be launched later in the year to ‘deliver greater value to members’.