Top DJ Martin Solveig to appear at Cannes fair

TFWA World Exhibition has shared details of a packed networking programme at this year's Cannes show, including an appearance by top DJ Martin Solveig.

The week will kick off with para-sports activities, including blind football and wheelchair rugby on Sunday morning (28 September) co-organised by the Stade Toulousain Handisport charity and TFWA and supported by travel retail analyst m1nd-set. As part of this year’s Yes We Cannes para-sports programme, the 500-kilometre para-bike ride from Toulouse will conclude in Cannes, with riders scheduled to arrive in front of Cannes City Hall at 17:30 on 27 September.

This will be followed by the opening cocktail held at the Carlton Beach from 19:00. Access to all networking events is complimentary for badge holders.

The popular TFWA Lounge will return with both after-work and night-time sessions taking place on Monday (29 September) and Tuesday between 18:30 and 21:00 and 22:00 and 01:00. On Wednesday at 22:00, the beach will be transformed into the Phenomena Club. This glamorous nightspot will feature a stellar line-up of DJs, including Martin Solveig who will keep revellers on the dance floor until 02:00.

TFWA President Philippe Margueritte said: “Networking is a core part of attending a TFWA event and remains vital for the progress of an industry that is forged on relationships. This year’s programme reflects our commitment to creating meaningful connections in unforgettable settings. Alongside the chance to exchange ideas, conduct business and explore new opportunities, delegates can seed and grow new partnerships in a relaxed atmosphere. We look forward to connecting the industry once again in Cannes later this year."

Monaco Yacht Show spotlights sustainable innovations

Monaco Yacht Show is set to present practical and environmentally sustainable innovations as part of its MYS Blue Wake Program (24-27 September 2025). 

Among the solutions are:

Shipyards 

Azimut Yachts and Benetti use HVO fuel for fleet trials, cutting over 75% of CO₂ emissions versus standard diesel (RED II).

Conrad Shipyard The Conrad COONE 140 blends luxury and sustainability with hybrid propulsion, regenerative sailing and zero-emission capability.

Rossinavi Seawolf X, Rossinavi’s hybrid-electric catamaran, merges solar, battery and AI systems for luxury cruising with significantly reduced environmental impact.

Tankoa Yachts‘ Vitruvius models feature parallel hybrid propulsion, offering silent cruising, reduced emissions and fuel savings with advanced battery packs.

Varador 2000 Shipyard & Marina Barcelona reduces freshwater use by 15% through pioneering desalination.

Tenders and water toys

Frauscher Boats: The Frauscher x Porsche combines stylish design with advanced electric power, giving a quiet, zero-emission boating experience.

SEAir Flying Boat designs luxury hydrofoil boats that reduce fuel use, boost speed and improve comfort.

TYKUN’s H1 hydrogen propulsion offers innovative, efficient and customisable solutions designed in Italy for high performance and low environmental impact.

U-Boat Worx builds electric submersibles with zero emissions, enabling quiet underwater exploration for tourism, research and conservation.

Equipment

Atlas Marine Systems’ ShorPOWER converters cut CO₂, noise and fuel use while providing stable, reliable shore power worldwide.

Cramm Yachting Systems’ electric telescopic gangway offers a cleaner, quieter boarding solution for luxury yachts.

FlowGrill delivers custom ventilation systems reducing energy use and emissions, with recyclable materials and local production.

Services

BOND Support Services optimises yacht HVAC systems, cutting energy use, emissions and costs through fine-tuning, digital twins and predictive maintenance.

William Grant & Sons revs up for Cannes show

UK independent family-owned Scotch whisky specialist William Grant & Sons will return to the TFWA World Exhibition in Cannes next month in a space that highlights premium storytelling and showcases its portfolio of exclusive and high-aged liquids.

The stand design is inspired by The Balvenie and Glenfiddich shop-in-shop concepts and is developed around shopper needs and behaviours in duty free.

To celebrate Silent Pool Gin’s partnership with Royal Ascot, the brand will take over the stand terrace, and cocktails featuring Silent Pool Original Gin and Silent Pool Mediterranean Expression will be served.

Among the highlights on-stand will be the debut of the global travel retail exclusive Glenfiddich 19-Year-Old Limited Edition in partnership with Aston Martin Formula One Team. The new release embodies the values of innovation, mastery and heritage shared by the two brands.

Glenfiddich will celebrate its partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team in Cannes

Malt Master Brian Kinsman will host private tastings for select customers, offering them the opportunity to explore the craftsmanship, innovation and heritage behind Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whiskies.

Daily cocktail hours (17.00 to 18.00) will offer guests the chance to experience the portfolio in a relaxed and sociable setting. And throughout the week, Global Travel Retail Brand Ambassador Ashvin Joshi will engage visitors with immersive tastings and stories behind the brands.

Rufus Parkinson, Regional Managing Director - Global Travel Retail, William Grant & Sons, said: “Our global travel retail portfolio is designed to meet the evolving demands of travellers seeking experiences and innovations. From limited editions to exclusive expressions, we aim to spark curiosity and deliver exceptional experiences. TFWA is always a highlight for connecting with partners and sharing what’s next for our brands in this dynamic channel."

Molton Brown launches artistic summer campaign

UK fragrance house Molton Brown has introduced a series of high-impact installations in travel retail doors, in partnership with Avolta-owned World Duty Free, as part of its Summer 2025 campaign to support its best-selling Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold fragrance.

Timed to coincide with the peak summer travelling season, the eye-catching Must Have Tables are live at London Heathrow Terminal 2 and T5, and at London Stansted, from 5 August until 3 September.

Molton Brown's best-selling Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold collection

The Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold collection includes Eau de Parfum, Bath & Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Fine Liquid Hand Wash, Hand Lotion, Candles, Aroma Reeds and Aroma Reed Refills.

A curated selection is being highlighted on the Must Have Tables, which feature a QR code customers can scan to discover more. The information is available in English, French and German. Travellers who spend £120 will receive a 7.5ml Travel Eau de Parfum gwp.

Brand storytelling through Artists of Note

Introduced in 2015, Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold was Molton Brown’s most successful fragrance in 2024. Composed by Senior Perfumer Sylvie Fischer, its winning formula takes wearers seamlessly from day to night, thanks to its signature note of olibanum resin.

Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold is the latest addition to Molton Brown’s pioneering Artists of Note series, which invites creatives to reimagine the brand’s fragrances through their unique media, to express the sensorial power of scent.

For Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold, Molton Brown chose London-based multi-disciplinary artist Karimah Hassan. Her distinctive “paint out loud” approach sees her express the scent in a painting and poem called The Golden Bridge.

“This natural meeting of perfumery and artistry is a true reflection of Molton Brown’s dedication to craftsmanship and the emotional connection we forge with scent,” the company said.

Drawing from her rich Welsh, Yemeni and Bangladeshi background, along with her strong identity as a Londoner, Hassan creates large-scale paintings and installations alive with legacy, memory and heritage. Collaborating with brands such as Burberry, and with exhibitions in Selfridges and The Rosewood, she is inspired by the fresh, raw energy of the city and its wave of painters, writers, designers and musicians moving as one.

Molton Brown's Must Have Table in travel retail

"I strive for radiance"

With The Golden Bridge, Hassan uses her multi-faceted practice to depict the “alchemy of turning scent into ceremony”.

“I strive for radiance through my painting and poetry,” Hassan noted. “I work with layers of colour, of story, of emotion.” Of the fragrance, she declared: “It makes me feel like a goddess – like I’m charging forward on a chariot.”

Much like how the scent unfurls note by note, Hassan’s artwork demands a second look to uncover its hidden intricacies. Captured in a diptych – one single composition across two connected portraits – the expressive layers of golds, rich ambers and burnt reds perfectly merge with unexpected textures to display a heady, dreamlike oasis.

“As one of our enduring best-sellers, Mesmerising Oudh Accord & Gold is a key priority for us in the travel retail channel, and we have a number of exciting initiatives planned for this strategic focus,” said Molton Brown Key Account Manager Global Travel Retail Rohanne Collis. “This summer’s Must Have Tables offer a strong platform to build on this fragrance’s momentum, while also celebrating its latest evolution as part of our Artists of Note series."

Metaxa targets a new generation

In an exciting development, Rémy Cointreau-owned Greek amber spirit brand Metaxa has entered the fast-growing ready-to-drink (RTD) category.

Two new canned cocktails are inspired by Greece: Peach Spritz and Ginger & Lime Long Drink.

This significant milestone seeks to reimagine the Metaxa experience for a new generation of consumers.

Metaxa's new RTD cocktail duo

The global RTD market is projected to surpass $50 billion by 2030, with the 23-25-year-old age group driving much of this growth. Metaxa’s RTD offer targets urban, socially active consumers in pursuit of authentic taste.

Each 250ml can combines Metaxa’s signature blend of aromatic Muscat wines, aged wine distillates and Mediterranean botanicals with natural fruit flavours, offering a fresh, lower-alcohol alternative for on-the-go enjoyment.

The 250ml cans echo the brand's popular classic cocktails, and are crafted for easy accessibility, with a playful, modern aesthetic that captures the vibrant spirit of Greece. Both cocktails contain 5%abv, catering to the growing demand for lower alcohol options.

Metaxa RTD is available in Greek duty free shops at airports in Athens, Rhodes, Chania and Heraklion.

“This RTD launch marks a pivotal moment for Metaxa, as we further evolve the brand to connect with a new, younger generation of consumers who value convenience, authenticity and bold flavour experiences,” enthused Rémy Cointreau Marketing Director Global Travel Retail Alice Hoffmann.

New limited-edition products

Metaxa 12 Stars Zeus Limited Edition is a new product targeted at younger legal-drinking age travellers. It features the same distinctive taste as the classic Metaxa 12 Stars, presented in a striking new contemporary bottle design. The concept references the Greek god of sky and thunder, and is positioned as the ideal choice to “light up the night partying”, the company said.

Metaxa 7 Stars Greek Riviera Limited Edition

Metaxa 7 Stars Greek Riviera Limited Edition is a new travel retail exclusive created for travellers who are seeking gifts and souvenirs that incorporate a taste of their summer holiday. This limited edition is available in selected airport doors including Greece, Germany, Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Bulgaria, Finland, Latvia, Australia and the UAE.

In-store tastings led by brand ambassadors, price promotions and gwps are planned for airports in Athens, Thessaloniki, Heraklion and Rhodes from August through October. 

In August, to enhance visibility and encourage conversion, the new products are being supported by an integrated campaign in partnership with Avolta. Targeted promotions include free entrance for Club Avolta members to Liknon, the home of Metaxa, located on the island of Samos, and a lucky draw to win a Dinner in the Sky dining experience in Athens.

In addition, travellers who spend over €30 on Metaxa in selected airport stores are eligible to receive a free cocktail at participating bars in the Greek domestic market.

“These new editions enhance our portfolio by catering to a broader range of travelling consumer preferences,” said Hoffmann. “This summer plan is designed to immerse travellers in the world of Metaxa at every step of their journey, and strengthen brand loyalty by influencing purchasing behaviour, both in travel retail and beyond."

TFWA welcomes top brands to Cannes fair

Tax Free World Association (TFWA) is welcoming leading brands such as Hermès, Giorgio Armani, Coach, Zegna, Bally and Ralph Lauren to the 2025 TFWA World Exhibition & Conference.

This year’s fair takes place from 28 September to 2 October 2025 at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes.

Familiar names in luggage and leather goods such as Bally, Bric’s, Tumi, Samsonite and Delsey have also confirmed their participation in this year’s edition.

Powerhouses including Lacoste, Longchamp, Paul & Shark and Victorinox will have a bigger presence this year, while making a welcome return will be Furla, Napapijri and Coach, joining regular exhibitors Lancel, Coccinelle and Le Tanneur. A strong presence is also expected from leading eyewear groups including EssilorLuxottica, Safilo, Thélios, Marcolin and De Rigo.

The 2025 edition will also see a significant upswing in the number of brands showing at the Harbour Village with 30 official boats confirmed, up from 19 last year. For the first time, the Harbour Village will be fully integrated within the exhibition.

Top travel retailers including Avolta, Lagardère, Gebr Heinemann, 3Sixty, Dubai Duty Free and Qatar Duty Free have confirmed large delegations, while major international airports, airlines and cruise operators will also be attending.

Delegates will hear from high-calibre speakers during the TFWA Conference on Monday, 29 September. Two workshops, World in Flux: Travel Retail Amid Today’s Geopolitical Realities and Next Horizon: Charting the Future of Travel Retail, will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Innovation on show

The new Innovation Square will host the two workshops in addition to private evening events. TFWA’s ONE2ONE meeting service will provide opportunities for exhibiting brands, key buyers, airports and trade agents to focus on business. The exhibition halls will be open from Monday afternoon through to Thursday.

Registration remains open until the first week of September.

TFWA President Philippe Margueritte said: “It’s gratifying to see that so many of global travel retail’s most prestigious brands are planning to join us once again in Cannes for what is undoubtedly one of the most important events in our calendar. We look forward to welcoming these high-profile established names plus new game-changing tastemaker brands to TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in September."

MCM plays with the nostalgia trend

As fashion embraces the nostalgia trend, MCM has released two new collaborations exclusively available in Asia.

The first collab is with the popular Thai character Butter Bear. The sweet link-up made its debut in the German luxury brand’s Bangkok pop-up store, bringing playful styles to the heart of the city.

MCM x Butter Bear in Bangkok - Instagram (@mcmworldwide)

Visitors got the chance to shop the exclusive pieces – and meet the icon herself.

The collection is only available in Thailand.

MCM x Crayon Shinchan - Instagram (@mcmworldwide)

MCM x Crayon Shinchan

Meanwhile, over in Japan, a new collaboration with Crayon Shinchan, a Japanese manga and anime series by Yoshito Usui, reimagines MCM’s Visetos monogram with a playful anime twist.

Six exclusive pieces are available, released only in Japan.