Salim AR, Chief Commercial Officer for Gulf Beverages, talks about the company’s ascendance since its inception in 2008, and the progress made in 2023 as the entire travel industry emerges from the ‘covid era’.

Gulf Beverages experienced double-digit growth on the year, with AR noting this growth was spread evenly across most of its expansive assortment of drinks brands, the most prominent of which include Lanson, Jose Cuervo and Stella Artois.

For the wider African + Eastern business, Salim noted the range of launches and activations which it placed across the Middle East and India, highlighting the emergence of Indian whisky as playing an important role within its business, and indeed within the spirits category at large.

AR hinted at further progress to be made in 2024, with a host of brands set to join under the African + Eastern umbrella. As air travel picks up, AR foresees growth within both its airport locations, and will continue to seek much the same following a host of successful wins tender wins with several airlines.

Gulf Beverages’ airline customer base already includes a couple heavy-hitters in Emirates Airlines Etihad Airways, and its distribution network counts the likes of ARI, Dubai Duty Free and Delhi Duty Free.

AR also spoke about the importance of the travel retail consumer, which he believes is at the centre of everything which Gulf Beverages ultimately does, suing they should inferred be at the centre of decision-making processes across duty free operators and airlines, noting the key role played by consumer-centric events like TR Consumer Forum as highlighting emerging trends in demographic, spend and motivation for key stakeholders.

READ MORE: TR Consumer Forum 2024 photo gallery now live

READ MORE: TRBusiness Shorts: Pernod Ricard GTR

Like what you’re watching? Follow TRBusiness on Linkedin: