As support from the world’s leading travel retail operators continues to pour in for TRMarketplace – which will be the first fully-digital meeting and conference event for the duty free and travel retail industry – the number of exhibitors signing up for a Brand Hub has risen sharply. Tailor-made for the travel retail industry, TRBusiness and Bluedog Productions launched TRMarketplace in May. 

 

Recognising the many attractive features of the new simple yet sophisticated low-cost, no-gimmick platform, suppliers have told TRBusiness that they are greatly looking forward to the opportunity to connect, chat, host meetings as well as participate in the comprehensive daily e-learning programme, which includes webinars, e-workshops and industry Q&A sessions.

 

A selection of suppliers who have already signed up for a Brand Hub have shared their reasons for exhibiting below. Stay close to TRBusiness.com as we reveal more testimonials soon…

 

“We at Haribo are very pleased and happy to announce that we will take part in the TRMarketplace this fall,” said Elisa Fontana, Marketing Manager Global Travel Retail, Haribo.

“It is such an innovative and exciting way of bringing the industry together during these uncertain times. We are looking forward to spreading some virtual happiness to new and existing partners, as well as welcoming the opportunity to showcase our fabulous collection of travel-exclusive sugar confectionery range and to discuss the future development of Haribo in travel retail worldwide.”

ACCESIBLE TO ALL

With a fixed price to exhibit of GBP£4,495 (ex VAT) – for every company regardless of size – TRBusiness and Bluedog Productions believe that this opportunity is accessible to all. All interested parties, click above for more information and/or to pre-register.

Sebastien Levi, Vice President, Global Travel Retail for globally recognised beauty brand, Moroccanoil said that maintaining a strong connection with its partners in travel retail is essential at this moment: “We at Moroccanoil are very pleased to take part in the TRMarketplace.

 

“In these uncertain times, connecting with our partners is more important than ever. This event will be a major opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to travel retail, realign business strategies with our partners, and to share new initiatives for this channel; whether it is about new products or new merchandising fixtures.”

As recently reported, Food Accademia has hailed the TRMarketplace digital forum for supporting the Italian fine food and beverage company’s re-building efforts in DF&TR.

 

“We very much welcome the TRMarketplace initiative and the approach that has been taken by TRBusiness to make this event very cost effective during a most challenging period. For us it is perfect timing as airports begin to open up again and consumers – albeit cautiously – start to travel,” said Fabrizio Canal, CEO, Food Accademia.

‘A GREAT SUPPORTER OF NEW AND UPCOMING BRANDS’

Hannes Koch, MD Travel Retail Cooperation believes TRMarketplace and TRBusiness to be a great supporter of new and upcoming brands.

“You simply can not launch new products and increase distribution of existing products without meeting your peers in purchasing and in times like these the TRMarketplace is a great opportunity to do so. TRBusiness has proven that it supports new and upcoming brands in a great way!”

 

Ahead of the inaugural TRMarketplace digital forum due to take place on the original TFWA World Exhibition dates from 28 September to 2 October, TRBusiness is speaking to some of the exhibiting companies about their motivations for signing up and why the event will be crucial to planning for a post-Covid future, in a new series launched in June; Talking TRMarketplace.

 

PERFECT FOR NEW AND EXISTING BUSINESS CONNECTIONS

In our first video of the series, Simon Best, Senior Vice President, Innovation and New Business, Duty Free Innovation (DFI) told TRBusiness what the company appreciates most about the new platform: “What DFI really loves about TRMarketplace is that our products and services can be seen by everyone and not just those on our prospect list. Of course it’s not just about new business for us. We also see this as a great opportunity to connect with our regular clients; show them our new products and talk strategy for the year ahead.”

Rob Robertaccio, Vice President Global & Travel Retail Sales, E. Gluck argued that the calibre of TRBusiness as a company encouraged him to sign up: “TRMarketplace and TRBusiness in general have such great relationships across the industry; you are bringing the best-of-the-best together.  That in itself is going to be a help with who comes to participate.”

While Tony Roberts, Co-Founder and Director, The Three Stills Company said he relished the opportunity to get liquid in front of the buyers. “At TRMarketplace we can set up video meetings with buyers, send out sampling kits prior to the show which will enable us to have a more interactive experience during a meeting slot, conduct tasting sessions, get the liquid in front of decision makers and have the buyers learn a little bit more about the brands.”

For Rachna Malkani, Creative Director, Native Dubai, TRMarketplace promises to inspire and motivate attendees and exhibitors alike. “During this time, when events are being cancelled and people are literally lost for ideas on how to keep marketing strategies and businesses moving, the fact TRMarketplace is happening is extremely encouraging and exciting.”

More information, including a detailed schedule of events, to follow shortly. To find out more about exhibiting, please contact [email protected], [email protected] and [email protected].