The decision to create the installation was made before the pandemic.

APC Group has partnered with Dufry Group to bring the spirit of Lake Baikal to Pulkovo Airport in Saint Petersburg with a new Baikal Ice Shop installation.

The decision to create the Ice Shop concept promoting its Baikal vodka was made before the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic kicked in. The plan was to complete the installation in March, but the completion of the project was unfortunately delayed due to the impact of the pandemic.

APC Group Head of Travel Retail Department (Russian vodka export) Sergey Kuznetsov said: “The situation with the pandemic broke many plans around the world, which is why it was important for us, despite all the risks, to bring this to an end.

“In our opinion, several months of painstaking work have been crowned with success.”

‘THE PEARL OF SIBERIA’

APC Group had to solve several complex technological problems during the project together with contractors Klarus Design and Technoreal24. The aim was to create a single concept reflecting the natural origin of the product.

Kuznetsov added: “Lake Baikal is the Heart of the World and the Pearl of Siberia. It is a global mystical attraction that unities tourism and travellers from around the world. We tried to reflect all of this in the décor.”

Reflecting on the project, most of the problems were with the floor, according to Kuznetsov. “First of all, the difficulty on one hand was to convey the feeling and image of the real ice of Baikal, while making it functional, suitable for installation and ‘wearable’ in daily use.

APC Group had to solve several technological difficulties together with its contractors during the Baikal Ice Shop Installation project.

“The solution was to use several layers of different materials, which were assembled like a puzzle on the spot. It was an interesting experience.”

He concluded: “We are sure that all temporary difficulties associated with the pandemic will be overcome by joint efforts and people will become spiritually closer.

“We hope the Baikal Ice Shop will become a symbolic place at Pulkovo Airport for many years to come.”