A total of 19 World Duty Free Group stores in Spain have become the first duty free shops in the world to carry the ‘Habanos Specialist’ accreditation from the Cuban cigar producer.

 

The award from Habanos comes after WDFG refurbished its stores [following its December 2012 tender win to operate Aena’s duty free concessions across all Spanish airports] to include the remodeling of its humidors and installation of new ones incorporating the latest technology. Specialist accreditation recognises these new features as well as higher service standards from expert staff.

According to WDFG, Habanos [50% owned by Imperial Tobacco and 50% by Cuban state tobacco company Cubatabaco] has allowed the retailer to offer an even more extensive range of products to passengers.

 

KEY GATEWAYS

Of the 19 WDFG stores to get the badge of confidence are Spain’s main gateways including Madrid, Barcelona, Málaga, Valencia, Alicante, Bilbao, Palma de Mallorca, Ibiza, Sevilla and Jerez.

The relevant store areas will now carry an emblem that gives customers confidence when buying cigars. Up to November last year, only 56 retailers in Spain carried the accreditation – that number now rises to 75.

The Habanos shopper profile is primarily business executives, says WDFG, but also tourists of various nationalities including Spanish, British, German, French Italian, Scandinavian, Americans (North and South) and Russians.