MCM: The art of motion in fashion

For Milan Fashion Week 2025, MCM placed motion at its core. Inspired by Taekwondo’s codes of respect and balance, the German luxury brand wove martial artistry into modern design. An exhibition at Casa degli Artisti marked another milestone on MCM’s path to its 50th anniversary.

Taekwondo inspiration: MCM at Milan Fashion Week 2025

Taekwondo’s values of respect, balance and flow combined with cosmic undertones to centre the exhibition’s narrative, MCM said.

A holographic projection by Capsa Studio, along with a motion-sensing digital display of the latest MCM motif – a rabbit-robot hybrid called the Rabot – illuminated the space, guiding visitors to explore the runway-exclusive pieces.

For the looks, MCM's Chief Brand Officer Dirk Schönberger translated martial codes into sculptural silhouettes.

MCM's Rabot rabbit robot takes pride of place among the new bags

Belts folded into dresses, knots shaped mini-dresses, and trousers carried the calm intensity of the Taekwondo masters. Bomber jackets and tailored blazers echoed discipline while embracing fluidity.

Alongside the exclusives, MCM previewed its latest bag collection. Featuring bold colours and the Rabot rabbit robot, these styles offered a glimpse into MCM’s next era of innovation.

Spotlight on the MCM community

The presentation opened in true party style: cocktails, beats by New York DJ Malik Hendricks, and a vibe that transformed Casa degli Artisti into the IT scene. The energy was electric as guests celebrated, connected and danced through the night.

Guests, creators and MCM Mavericks joined the party, reflecting the global community that inspires the brand.

"Their attendance underscored MCM’s dialogue with a community shaping contemporary and digital culture," the company enthused.

Ice Spice 

Koolkid Nelly

Malink Lindo

New Suntory gin inspired by Japan’s art of layering

Suntory has expanded its super-premium Roku Gin portfolio with Roku Botanical Kasane Edition – a global travel retail exclusive that aims to exemplify the brand’s craftsmanship, “seasonal harmony” and premium positioning.

Super-premium: Roku Botanical Kasane Edition gin

Kasane is the Japanese art of perfect layering – colours, textures and shades inspired by the seasons. Roku Botanical Kasane edition seeks to embody this art form, layering botanicals for a richer, deeper flavour.

This exclusive expression enhances, then layers Roku’s six signature Japanese botanicals – Sakura flower and leaf, Sencha and Gyokuro teas, Sansho and Yuzu, all harvested at peak season.

Adding a fresh dimension to these rebalanced botanicals is a rice distillate that brings layered character, complemented by a smooth aftertaste, resulting in a more intense, elevated expression. Roku Botanical Kasane Edition is bottled at 47%abv, compared with 43%abv for the core expression.

Roku Botanical Kasane Edition made its travel retail debut in September 2025 at Singapore Changi Airport. The roll-out covers airports in Dubai, India, Hong Kong, Taiwan, London and Paris, and is supported by high-profile in-store activations.

To elevate the shopping experience – and bring the Kasane layering concept to life – the HPPs incorporate sampling and luxury branded gwps.

Kimono collaboration

Additionally, Suntory has collaborated with Chiso, Kyoto’s preeminent Kimono House established in 1555, to create a bespoke bottle label for the Roku Botanical Kasane Edition. This design integrates artistic interpretations of Roku’s six signature botanicals, blending heritage craftsmanship with a contemporary aesthetic.

“We are proud to introduce this new Roku expression exclusively to our travel retail partners,” said Nandini Valio, Suntory Global Spirits Senior Marketing Director for Global Travel Retail. “Premium gin remains a high-potential category in the channel, and we believe Roku Botanical Kasane Edition is perfectly positioned to capitalise on this opportunity.

“This elevated travel retail exclusive is more than just a new expression – it offers a truly special experience that travellers won’t find anywhere else.”

Underlining the new product’s versatility and layered botanical depth, recommended serves include the Kasane Gin Fizz cocktail.

Women in Travel Retail+ celebrates fundraising success

Women in Travel Retail+ (WiTR+) marked another milestone at this year’s networking event in Cannes, welcoming more than 350 members and guests for an evening of connection, celebration and charity.

Hosted by US drinks group Brown-Forman during the TFWA World Exhibition, the event brought together dynamic women and allies from across the travel retail industry. The evening was praised for its vibrant atmosphere, excellent hospitality and strong sense of community.

WiTR+ Chair Sarah Branquinho addresses the WiTR+ networking group

There was huge energy and buzz in the room as women shared their experiences. The special guest was Ylva Binder, whose conversation in 2006 with WiTR+ Chair Sarah Branquinho sparked the idea for WiTR.

At that time Binder worked for Bacardi, and she is now a distiller, as is Dr Rachel Barrie, Master Blender at Brown-Forman, who gave the audience a taste of her amazing career path and a swift master class tasting of Glendronach Scotch whisky.

A raffle raised funds for Toutes à l’École, which supports the education of disadvantaged girls in Cambodia, WiTR+’s 2025 charity.

Thanks to the "incredible generosity" of members and supporters – including significant donations from Victoria’s Secret and Brown-Forman – this year’s fundraising to refurbish the sleep and study areas for female students in Cambodia has surpassed its target.

WiTR+ members in party mood at Cannes

WiTR+ Chair Sarah Branquinho said: “This was our flagship event, and we were delighted that it was hosted at the Brown-Forman stand in the Beach Village. We reached absolute capacity, which was wonderful to see. Our membership is now heading towards 900, thanks in part to the corporate partnership scheme that has really helped boost our numbers – a fantastic development for WiTR+.”

WiTR+ extended its “heartfelt thanks” to Brown-Forman for hosting such a memorable event and to all members, partners and donors for their support.

For details on WiTR+, please visit www.womenintr.com.

Ferrero unveils hazelnut-shaped airport experience

Ferrero has launched its first global digital communications campaign at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, bringing its Quality at Heart commitment to life through an innovative installation to showcase Ferrero's values, heritage and responsible sourcing.

From 23 September to 20 October, travellers at Nice Airport are invited to explore an eye-catching hazelnut-shaped installation that guides them through the lifecycle of Ferrero’s ingredients, featured in best-selling products such as Ferrero Rocher. It traces the journey of the hazelnut, from the fields where it is cultivated to the final product enjoyed worldwide.

Ferrero's hazelnut-shaped Quality at Heart installation

Passengers could also walk through an immersive sustainability-themed digital tunnel inside the airport, alongside a network of 73 screens, ensuring strong brand visibility during their journeys.

The campaign was spotlighted at the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes, where Ferrero unveiled upcoming novelties from its powerful brand portfolio, while reinforcing its commitment to sustainability and responsible consumption.

Ferrero has renewed its Hazelnut Charter which promotes regenerative farming practices, fair working conditions and full supply chain transparency.

Today, more than 90% of hazelnuts are traceable back to individual farms, and more than 21,000 farmers have been trained in sustainable cultivation.

Exclusive Tic Tac TWO campaign

In other news, Ferrero Travel Market has partnered with Avolta and Ticketmaster to create a high-impact promotional campaign to support the global roll-out of Tic Tac TWO – the brand’s first sugar-free offering in the travel retail channel.

Following its debut at the 2024 TFWA World Exhibition, Tic Tac TWO has rapidly gained traction among a new generation of travellers, attracted by its sugar-free positioning and distinctive double-layered flavour experience.

Travel retail exclusive: Ferrero's Tic Tac TWO campaign

The Tic Tac TWO initiative is exclusive to travel retail and offers shoppers the opportunity to win a Ticketmaster voucher worth up to €300. 

The Ticketmaster partnership pays homage to Tic Tac’s long-standing association with music and festival culture, engaging younger consumers through fun, socially shared experiences.

The promotion runs from mid-September through October at high-footfall airport locations in Barcelona, Ibiza and Palma de Mallorca – all selected to engage the brand’s key Gen Z and millennial target demographics.

The Tic Tac TWO x Ticketmaster competition is open to all travellers who are members of the Club Avolta loyalty programme. Shoppers who purchase two Tic Tac TWO products are entered into a draw to win a €300 Ticketmaster voucher. Each location has been allocated 10 winning vouchers.

To amplify visibility and encourage participation, the promotion is being supported by a branded newsletter and Club Avolta member push notifications.

A new chapter for Tic Tac in travel retail

“The launch of Tic Tac TWO represents an exciting new chapter for the brand in travel retail,” said Sergio Salvagno, General Manager of Ferrero Travel Market.

“By partnering with Avolta and Ticketmaster in this way, we are not only showcasing innovation in product development, but also delivering an engaging, relevant experience for today’s travellers. This campaign is a perfect example of how Ferrero is evolving its travel retail strategy to better connect with different consumer profiles and evolving purchasing behaviours.”

Tic Tac TWO is available in two flavours: Strawberry & Lime and Spearmint Fresh & Mild. Each box contains 38 Tic Tac Twos, all of which are double the size of traditional Tic Tacs. The two layers deliver two distinctive flavours at the same time – consumers simply flip to enjoy.

Luxe Pack Monaco packs a punch in 2025

Luxe Pack Monaco, the leading event for creative luxury packaging, underwent a transformation this year with 450 exhibitors in the newly expanded Grimaldi Forum venue.

Held from 29 September to 1 October 2025, Luxe Pack introduced two major features: The Portal and The Col’Lab.

Luxe Pack Monaco

In response to the rapid transformation of the industry, The Portal was a new space dedicated to packaging innovation, highlighting disruptive and responsible solutions. This immersive space was structured around four main areas:

Eco-innovation: biomaterials, sustainability, recycling, circular economy;

Smart packaging: connectivity, traceability, blockchain, IoT, cybersecurity;

Artificial Intelligence: generative AI, data intelligence;

Design and experience: UX/UI, augmented reality, 3D visualisation, 3D printing.

Described as a new space for dialogue, The Col’Lab brought together consortiums, collectives and associations committed to the sustainable transformation of packaging and luxury.

The Col’Lab hosted presentations of initiatives and collective projects; meetings with players such as SPICE, RESET, EcoBeautyScore, Circul’R, B Beauty and the Green Impact Index; and conferences.

This year's event unified the Luxe Formulation (formulation and full-service) and Luxe Home (scented accessories) sectors in the same hall. This regrouping reflects the convergence of sensory worlds – cosmetics and home fragrances – and responds to growing consumer demand for comprehensive, multisensory experiences.

Committed initiatives

The Luxe Pack in Green exhibition celebrated its 14th edition with a stronger focus on eco-design. Two categories were highlighted: best packaging solutions and most impactful CSR initiatives.

La Fabrique Singulière was an immersion into artisanal know-how serving luxury and brand storytelling.

The Make a Mark initiative brought together packaging design agencies around sustainability and creativity, with Estal, Avery Dennison and Leonhard Kurz.

The Formes de Luxe exhibition of the finalists of the Formes de Luxe Awards showcased major packaging innovations.

And on the occasion of the Year of the Sea, Besign returned to Luxe Pack Monaco. Students from the international school of sustainable design presented “Ocean Contest: How can brands take action for ocean protection?”, an initiative that questioned the role of brands in ocean preservation.

Meanwhile, the future-focused conference programme explored AI, simulation and digital twins; augmented supply chain; eco-design and the desire for luxury; new aesthetics in China; global regulatory mapping; Middle Eastern consumers; and redefining the emotional value of luxury.

Among the renowned speakers were LVMH Recherche, Chanel, Christian Dior Parfums, La Prairie, Pernod Ricard, Moët Hennessy, La Rosée, L’Occitane and Groupe Yves Rocher.

Bric’s brims with confidence at TFWA World Exhibition

Italian luxury luggage brand Bric's presented its collection of Porsche Design luggage at the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition in October.

Speaking to MJ Rabbit on its super-busy stand at the Cannes fair, Bric’s Travel Retail Manager Michele Maccapani said: “The Porsche Design Collection of aluminium luggage has been highly successful for us, and Orlando Bloom is the new brand ambassador.

“Also, we’ve had a major hit with the Bric’s Bellagio collection of luggage, which was recently carried on set by Anne Hathaway.”

The Bellagio collection features the cute new mini Bellagio Legacy bag, which was modelled at the fair by Bric’s PR & Communication Manager Luisa Puggioni.

Orlando Bloom is the new Porsche Design brand ambassador

Bric’s inks luggage deal with Replay

In other news, Fashion Box, the premium casualwear group and parent company of the Replay denim brand, has signed an agreement with Bric's to create and distribute a collection of luggage and travel accessories.

The exclusive worldwide licence lasts four years and includes the launch of the first Bric's Replay Fall/Winter 2025 collection in high-end retail shops, in Replay flagship stores and online: www.replayjeans.com and www.brics.it.

The special edition is inspired by Bric’s best-selling X-Collection, made of recycled fabric. It includes soft trolleys, a weekend bag, an underseat backpack, handbags and other travel items.

All items are available in two colour variants: camouflage with orange lining, or sand-wood with teal blue lining.

Passion, innovation and heritage

The collection stands out for its branding: Replay’s signature triangle denim label, customised R-shaped pull-tabs, inner linings embellished with Replay’s tagline 'Follow your dreams', and a metal rhombus-shaped co-branded logo.

Fashion Box CEO Matteo Sinigaglia said: "Bric's is an Italian company with an important background in the luggage sector. We immediately saw an affinity that led to this partnership, as we share passion, innovation and an extraordinary heritage."

Bric's President Roberto Briccola said: "We are excited about this collaboration with Replay, a brand that shares our values of tradition and innovation. This collection combines Bric's know-how with Replay’s unmistakable identity, creating a unique offer for contemporary travellers."

Monaco Yacht Show ends on a high note

After four days, the 34th Monaco Yacht Show closed another year as a successful showcase for the world’s finest vessels.

The 2025 show featured more than 400 stands and 120 of the world’s most important yachts on display in Port Hercule, ranging from 25-metre classics to 100-metre megayachts.

More than 30,000 visitors attended the 34th edition, first launched in 1991 under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince Albert II.

Prince Albert receives a donation for his Foundation at the Monaco Yacht Show (Palais Princier)

During his official visit to the show on 25 September 2025, Prince Albert received a €54,000 donation to support His Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, presented by Gaëlle Tallarida, Managing Director of the Monaco Yacht Show, and Lord Stephen Carter, CEO of Informa Group, the show organiser.

Olivier Wenden, Vice-President and CEO of the Foundation, welcomed this gesture, which is renewed each year.

Since 2010, the Monaco Yacht Show has supported the Foundation's initiatives, notably the Ice Memory project, which aims to study climate change and its effects by preserving ice cores from glaciers that are at risk of degradation or disappearance.

Celebrating the world of yachting

The donation was officially presented aboard the catamaran Reduce (35.9m, 2024), built by Silver Yachts and winner of the Special Jury Award at the inaugural Monaco Yacht Show Blue Wake Awards, in recognition of its eco-friendly innovations.

This visit followed a stop aboard the sailing yacht Maximus (59.29m, 2024), built by Vitters Shipyard and also nominated in the category.

The donation marked the conclusion of the Sovereign’s tour of the show, during which he engaged with exhibitors in the Upper Deck Lounge.

Prince Albert also paused to discover the photographic exhibition Tribute to Yachting. Curated by the Monaco Yacht Show in collaboration with photographer Guillaume Plisson, the exhibition offered visitors an artistic and poetic immersion celebrating the world of yachting.

Swaine accelerates its global expansion

Swaine is set to expand internationally to meet the growing demand for quiet luxury.

Adding to its London flagship in New Bond Street, the brand is joining UK department store Harrods. A dedicated corner within the luxury menswear collection showcases its three iconic lines: leather goods, umbrellas and hats.

Swaine, a symbol of British luxury since 1750, is continuing its international expansion, starting this Summer with a corner at the prestigious Hotel Palace in Montreux, Switzerland.

And in Autumn 2025, Swaine will reach a new milestone by opening its first US location in Beverly Hills, at the heart of Los Angeles' luxury district.

Swaine's London flagship store

The US represents Swaine’s largest and most dynamic market and is a major driver of growth and brand influence. This opening also reinforces the brand’s deep connection with the film industry, just steps from Hollywood. The boutique will feature an exclusive selection that blends iconic on-screen pieces, timeless classics, bespoke offerings and a capsule collection of small leather goods available only in Los Angeles.

In addition to these openings, Swaine has launched a series of trunk shows. The first took place in Monaco in September, followed by a second edition in February 2026 at Badrutt’s Palace in St Moritz.

Carine de Koenigswarter, President of Personal Goods at Swaine's Paris-based owner Compagnie Chargeurs Invest, said: “Swaine’s development is part of a long-term investment strategy. Over the past few years, Swaine has strengthened its offering for women, men, the home and the art of living. In parallel, the establishment of new workshops in England has reinforced its exceptional craftsmanship and its ability to showcase the finest materials in leather goods, hats and accessories.”

Swaine's London flagship store

A lifestyle brand

Reflecting the spirit of Swaine’s reinvention as a lifestyle brand, this targeted expansion is “cost-conscious and not driven by a race for scale. Rather, it embodies a meticulous approach, offering high-quality touch-points dedicated to serving our clients”, de Koenigswarter said.

“The trunk shows we are launching will extend the experience of our flagship store – a privileged encounter with bespoke craftsmanship, even far from New Bond Street.

“This commercial strategy is designed to leverage the very specific interest of affluent consumers in quiet luxury brands – those that are discreet rather than ostentatious, valued for their creativity, authenticity and exceptional quality." 

The invitation-only trunk shows offer an immersive experience into the world of Swaine, presenting made-to-measure pieces to international clients and partners.

About Compagnie Chargeurs Invest

Compagnie Chargeurs Invest is a mixed industrial and financial company with a role as an operator and developer of global champions in industry and services, and as an investor with a culture of active portfolio management of high value-added businesses. Present in nearly 100 countries with around 2,600 employees, Compagnie Chargeurs Invest relies on the long-term  commitment of Groupe Familial Fribourg, a committed controlling shareholder, and on its portfolio of assets, to meet the major challenges of its markets. Compagnie Chargeurs Invest achieved revenues of €729.6 million in 2024.

Furla chief sets out new brand ambitions

Italian fashion accessories brand Furla has renewed its commitment to the travel retail channel under new CEO Eraldo Poletto.

The seasoned fashion executive has made a welcome return to Furla, where he worked as CEO alongside the founding Furlanetto family more than a decade ago. (For details, see my interview with Eraldo Poletto in 2013.)

Furla's Iride bag

Speaking to journalists at the TFWA World Exhibition, Poletto hinted at his long-term ambitions for the accessible luxury brand and acknowledged that the journey has only just started.

He spoke of a “relaunch of brand passion for the product”, sparked in no small way by Gerry Munday, the supremely experienced travel retail executive whose passion for the channel knows no bounds.

“We can rebuild the brand with our knowledge and expertise,” Poletto said, noting the evolution of the airport shopping experience, where he’s seeing the establishment of more malls. “It’s an exciting time,” he enthused.

The travel retail market focus for Furla will centre on airports in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, including China.

Furla Spring/Summer 2026

At Cannes, Furla introduced its Spring/Summer 2026 collection, which explores Milan’s intimate details: refined entryways that open onto secluded gardens, interiors where metal meets marble, glass offsets ceramic, and mosaic plays against natural stone.

Leading the season is the Iride bag, dubbed ”the ultimate expression of the brand’s colourful and playful spirit and a vibrant explosion of joy”. At the heart of this new icon stands a sculptural jewel-like hardware, where Furla’s signature arch logo is reimagined with a diamond-cut design. Smooth and rounded to the touch, the closure is both a visual and tactile centrepiece, guiding the bag’s entire design.

The hardware plays with light and perspective, offered in either classic gold tones or in the same bold, vibrant hues of the bags. Seasonal colours are Mudec Yellow, Amatore Blue, Aperitivo Orange, Velvet Pink and Carta da Zucchero Blue.

Named after the Italian word for iris and rainbow, the Iride bag is available as a crossbody or a mini hobo and with an adjustable leather strap that allows for versatile styling.

With a nearly century-long heritage dating back to 1927, and a renewed vision for the future, Furla returned to TFWA to strengthen its presence in travel retail.

“This is the perfect moment to re-engage with our partners, introduce our newest designs and reaffirm our position as a leading voice in accessible luxury. Our objective is to highlight the evolution of Furla, where heritage meets innovation, and timeless elegance embraces playful modernity,” he concluded.

Margaret Dabbs London puts its best foot forward

Luxury British beauty brand Margaret Dabbs London returned to the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition with its luxurious medical problem-solvers for feet, hands, nails and legs – now elevated with innovative new launches.

The UK-manufactured range harnesses concentrated, powerful ingredients to deliver visible results, while making once specialist treatments accessible to all.

Hero product: Margaret Dabbs London Miracle Foot Cream

Already available onboard airlines across the Middle East and Asia Pacific – including a new October listing with Singapore Airlines for its Firming Leg Serum and Miracle Foot Cream – Margaret Dabbs London is accelerating growth across Europe and the Americas.

The brand’s hero Miracle Foot Cream product was a highlight at Cannes. “Get your feet back on track with this award-winning overnight balm that transforms feet and nails. It treats, protects and delivers visible results from the very first use. Apply before bed and wake up feeling like you have new feet,’ said the company.

The Firming Leg Serum with Legance is a customer favourite, formulated to relieve tired, heavy and uncomfortable legs while targeting puffiness. It aims to deliver an instant cooling, energising sensation with a support-stocking effect, making it a travel essential.

Impulse buys

To drive incremental sales, Margaret Dabbs London is presenting its Grab & Go opportunity for duty free stores, featuring impulse-friendly best-sellers such as Miracle Foot Cream, Firming Leg Serum, Pure Nail Strengthening Treatment and the Ultimate Manicure on the Go Nail File & Cuticle Oil Duo. These results-driven formats are tailored for travel retail and seek to drive cross-category purchasing.

Following its successful TFWA Asia Pacific debut, the brand showcased its advanced LED Hand Mitts, harnessing red and green light therapy to rejuvenate skin health. The mitts expand the brand’s footprint in the fast-growing wellness category globally.

“Travellers want solutions that really work – from tired legs and neglected feet, to ageing skin – and this is where Margaret Dabbs London stands out,” says Commercial Director Julia Lettner. “Our expertise in targeted treatment formulations delivers proven results, and our products not only complement existing beauty assortments but also drive incremental revenue across all touchpoints."

Margaret Dabbs London Grab & Go airport mock-up

Founded by Margaret Dabbs OBE – a podiatrist, entrepreneur and British Beauty Council Advisory Board Member – the brand aims to redefine foot and hand care by combining medical credibility with luxury beauty. Its formulations, trusted by professionals and celebrities alike, are designed to improve wellbeing.

Visitors to the Cannes fair also experienced the sought-after Margaret Dabbs London Medical Pedicure with a 30-minute on-stand treatment.

M&M’s fuses fashion and fun with Crocs

US confectionery giant Mars Wrigley has announced its first-ever M&M’s collaboration with leading footwear brand Crocs. The limited-edition collection will be available in travel retail and brings together the colourful world of M&M’s with the comfort and style of Crocs.

M&M's x Crocs

M&M’s believes in the power of fun to draw us together, and this partnership is a celebration of two fan-fuelled worlds coming together through a shared love of playfulness, creativity and fun. The collaboration invites fans to embrace their unique style.

“It has never been more important to keep fans at the heart of how a brand comes to life,” enthused Alyona Fedorchenko, General Manager, Global M&M’s Ecosystem. “This collaboration allows M&M’s to surprise and delight our fans with an unexpected, unique fashion statement that infuses the power of fun in every step.”

M&M's x Crocs Jibbitz charms

Collection highlights

The collection features two pairs of eye-catching Crocs clogs: 

M&M’s Classic Clog: Each colourful pair features an all-over M&M’s mix graphic, four M&M’s Classic and Peanut bag Jibbitz charms, plus room for more Jibbitz. The heel straps include two M&M’S logo Jibbitz charms to round out the fun.

M&M’s Bae Clog: The M&M’s Crocs Bae Clog, available in women’s sizes only, is covered in a glitter treatment, sprinkled with M&M’s Jibbitz charms, and stamped with the brand’s iconic “M”. The bold platform heel “adds just the right amount of elevation”, said the company.

M&M’s Spokescandy Jibbitz Charms 7-Pack: The limited-edition collection features seven Jibbitz charms, each representing a member of the M&M’s Spokescandy Crew. Fans can customise their footwear to reflect their favourite M&M’s and personalities.

“Crocs and M&M’s are both unapologetically bold and full of personality,” said Carly Gomez, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer, Crocs. “Together, we’ve created a collection that’s as expressive as the fans who wear it – creating a more comfortable world through imaginative style.”

The M&M’s x Crocs Collection will be available in travel retail in early 2026. 

Rémy Cointreau serves a feast for the senses

French spirits group Rémy Cointreau offered a feast for the senses at the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes to illustrate how its Rémy Martin XO Cognac pairs with a wide range of delicious foods.

The travel retail team guided journalists through the delights of Cognac with Parmesan cheese, ham, la baguette tradition with Échiré butter (MJ Rabbit’s favourite butter brand), candied orange, chocolate truffles and tiny canelé pastries from the Bordeaux region of France. (Sublime!)

During the Cannes show, Rémy Cointreau shone the spotlight on its commitment to retail excellence, innovation and sustainability, presenting its portfolio of spirits and wines with supreme storytelling.

Travel retail as a global shop window

“Travel retail is a unique window to the world – a channel where brand visibility and immersive experiences converge to inspire and drive conversion,” said Fida Bou Chabke, CEO Global Travel Retail. “The TFWA Cannes show is a pivotal moment for us each year, reaffirming our long-term commitment to premiumisation, to value creation for our partners, and to building lasting connections with consumers.”

Louis XIII Cognac remains at the forefront of Rémy Cointreau’s brand portfolio, embodying the group values of people, terroir and time. Following the success of its Lunar New Year and Hong Kong Bespoke Editions earlier this year, Louis XIII will reveal new icons, immersive activations and elevated gifting concepts.

Rémy Martin also unveiled fresh initiatives, building on the global impact of its XO x Anish Kapoor collaboration. Highlights include the limited-edition “This Is My City” wall, featuring the new Dubai VSOP expression and digital shelf, alongside the next wave of festive campaigns and collectible editions.

Travel retail exclusives

Beyond Cognac, Rémy Cointreau continues to fuel momentum in whisky, tapping into a growing consumer demand for authenticity, terroir and craft. At Cannes, the group premiered the latest chapter of Bruichladdich’s Black Art series, which the company describes as “a mysterious, crafted release that embodies the brand’s innovative spirit”.

Bruichladdich, Octomore, Port Charlotte, Domaine des Hautes Glaces and Westland underscored the group’s leadership in terroir-driven single malts with savoir faire and provenance.

The portfolio’s diversity was also on display with Metaxa and St-Rémy brandy, as well as Cointreau liqueur, including the Cointreau limited edition and ready-to-drink range. In Champagne, Maison Telmont presented Réserve de la Terre Rosé, the newest expression of its pioneering organic viticulture and bold vision for sustainable Champagne-making.

Pictured right: Louis XIII Cognac at the TFWA World Exhibition

Sustainability as a cornerstone

Sustainability remains integral to Rémy Cointreau’s growth, embodied in its “Sustainable Exception” roadmap. At Cannes, the group highlighted its B Corp-certified brands – Bruichladdich single malt Scotch whisky, Westland US whiskey and The Botanist gin – as proof of its commitment to ethical sourcing, responsible consumption and environmental commitment.

Alongside these brands, Rémy Cointreau showcased Telmont, the organic Champagne leading the way in sustainable viticulture, and Domaine des Hautes Glaces organic French whisky, which has been awarded Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC) status.

“Sustainability is not an add-on for us – it is embedded in every decision we make, from product development to activation design,” Bou Chabke concluded. “Today’s consumers are clear: they expect brands to act responsibly and authentically. We are proud to be setting new standards for sustainable spirits and wines in global travel retail."

Sterling Perfumes brings fun to Cannes show

Sterling Perfumes has introduced its fun take on fragrances at the TFWA World Exhibition, featuring exclusive launches and line extensions.

The star product launch is Island Breeze, the latest addition to the UAE-based fragrance specialist’s flagship ARMAF brand. 

Island Breeze takes inspiration from summer vibes and a welcome island breeze, with notes of Pink Peach, Rose, Vanilla and Floral Musk.

ARMAF is known for its sleek packaging and commitment to accessible luxury, and this new fragrance is presented in a striking bottle with details of a chic milkshake garnished with a cherry. The fragrance was revealed officially on 29 September.

Island Breeze’s debut follows last year’s successful launch – also at the TFWA fair – of ARMAF Delights’ Yum Yum and Island Bliss fragrances for women.

Fun and new: Sterling Perfumes' Dubai Chocolat fragrance

Sterling Group Chairman and CEO Dr Ali Asgar Fakhruddin said: “After a phenomenal response to our product launches in 2024, we now have Island Breeze ready to take on the world. This exciting new fragrance underscores ARMAF’S place in the international fragrance scene.”

Another first for Sterling (outside the US market) is the new Odyssey line-up which includes popular gourmand trendsetters – Marshmallow, Black Forest, Toffee Coffee, Ba Ha Mas and Go Mango. 

Influencer engagement

Sterling is expecting significant KOL engagement in its new on-stand Creator’s Lounge with a number of Master Perfumer sessions planned from Arturetto Landi, among others. 

Hamidi, with its ornamental oil collections and innovative non-alcoholic fragrance range, is featured on the exhibition stand, along with Risala, which offers a modern take on haute parfumerie with its playful, sharp twists on novel fragrance concepts. Other brands such as Just Jack, Jenny Glow, Flavia and Artistic Perfumery are on display in Cannes.

Sterling Perfumes Managing Director Hamza Fakhruddin said: “Sterling continues to live up to its name, shining and standing out in the fragrance sector through its ability to offer accessible luxury whilst combining heritage with innovation.

“Our new experiential stand is a milestone for Sterling. The Creator’s Lounge and Master Perfumer sessions will bring visitors closer to the art of fragrance-making, creating moments of discovery and interaction that reflect our brand philosophy. It’s not just about seeing the products – it’s about experiencing the creativity and passion behind them.”

He noted the strength of Sterling’s business in the Middle East and Asian markets. “Sterling has expanded its presence in multiple locations across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Singapore and India with a wide variety of brand penetrations. 

“We are seeing great interest from multiple operators who recognise our agility and our trend-setting capabilities. Importantly, we are always open to doing something fun and new."