Swiss Herb confectionery specialist, Ricola will introduce new travel retail exclusive products to visitors attending the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference (Mediterranean Village, N9) next week.

 

The new products come in pocket-sized packaging and offer ‘excellent retail margins’, insists Ricola.

 

One of the new products is a 75g tin box which comes in three different designs and contains 2.5g sugar-free herb drops in three flavours: Original Herb, Lemon Mint, and Cranberry.

 

The other item, which is also suitable for individual consumption, comprises an 125g bag, containing 3.6g sugar-free herb drops in three flavours: Original Herb, Lemon Mint, and Eucalyptus.

 

FRANKFURT AND HONG KONG

The decision to create new travel retail exclusive products came after research was carried out by m1nd-set at Frankfurt and Hong Kong airports.

 

The research looked at key drivers of candy sales, the perception of Ricola as a brand and the perceived benefits of its herb drop range.

 

Results showed that at both airports the majority of candy purchases were for self consumption with mouth refreshment and/or breath freshening a key driver.

 

“Common findings for both airports are the requirement for great taste and a self-treat of course,” says Andreas Reckart, Head of Travel Retail and Middle East at Ricola.

 

“Other factors include soothing a sore throat, relieving hoarseness, cough or cold, the need for a natural/healthy alternative, and sugar free products.”

 

SHIFTING FOCUS OUTSIDE EUROPE

Ricola’s aim is to position itself as a truly global yet unique brand in the global travel retail business, with distribution through the top ten retailers globally.

 

The new range will be supported with strong branding, merchandising and promotion in order to secure personalised space in the top ten international airports.

 

Europe is currently the region where Ricola is best known and most successful, but the company is now shifting its attention to focus on further developing its travel retail and domestic business outside of Europe.

 

“We are thrilled to be exhibiting again this year, especially since our new products are finally ready to be seen and experienced by buyers,” continues Reckart.

 

“The last TFWA trade shows we attended were very insightful and rewarding, but we didn’t actually have our new products to show; now we do, and it’s time for our travel retail business to really start skyrocketing.”