More than 30 airports have contacted Unique (Zurich Airport Ltd) after being inspired by the ?Soul of Chocolate? exhibition which was launched at Zurich Airport last month to showcase Swiss chocolate and bring some excitement

into the airport.
Peter Eriksson, Chief Commercial Officer, Unique (Zurich Airport Ltd) said yesterday that the promotion, which has been jointly organised by the Nuance Group, Zurich Airport, Lindt & Spr?ngli and Confiserie Spr?ngli had been wholly positive with great feedback from passengers.
Eriksson said that ‘the Trinity approach’ taken by all the partners in the promotion was very encouraging, even though he acknowledged that it was not a cheap exercise for all involved. The promotion, which is actually more of an exhibition features a variety of information stands illustrating the history, origin, processing and refinement of chocolate. Colourful demonstrations of how Swiss chocolate is made are also in evidence at two large airside areas occupied by Lindt & Spr?ngli and Confiserie Spr?ngli.
These also act as sampling stands where passengers can try chocolate as it has been made through the ages right up to the current day. Very impressive also are the stand alone displays of ornate chocolate sculpture creations made by apprentices which form a long line along the main terminal airside walkway.
Nuance Group Managing Director Stephan Salvisberg said there had been a clear increase in sales of confectionery at the retailer's two Boutique du Chocolat outlets that cover a total of 300sq m in Zurich?s Airside Center since the promotion began.
One promotion girl also told The Business in no uncertain terms that she had ‘a pretty good record’ for stopping passengers to sample different grades of chocolate and then directing them straight into the Nuance shops. A small sample of passengers who queued for the demonstrations also told The Business yesterday that they enjoyed their brief encounters with the world of chocolate.
One Boutique du Chocolat outlet located directly opposite the demonstration areas has also been decked out very attractively to reflect the promotion. Nuance Ceo Europe Jean-Paul Bonnel said it was a good example of how all parties could work together for the common good and he echoed Eriksson's sentiment that it did not need to be a hard sell.
Eriksson said he now plans to continue the best of Switzerland theme in other product categories and he also saw no reason why this shouldn't ultimately be extended to the best of Europe in future. He said the promotion was all about building the awareness of fun and excitement at Zurich in his grand plan to make people want to spend more time at the airport.
The promotion is being featured strongly in the Swiss inflight magazine and through poster advertising throughout the terminal building and Eriksson said coverage by local press had been very positive.