Heinemann supercharges cruise retail presence

Heinemann Americas has launched a bold new cruise retail concept onboard Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, delivering first-at-sea exclusives and redefining immersive shopping at sea.

With 10 retail venues onboard, the vessel features exclusive Royal Caribbean logo merchandise, fine watches and fashion jewellery, fragrances and cosmetics, as well as vintage luxury leather goods and timepieces. A standout highlight is a collection of prestige and rare spirits, crafted to surprise and captivate connoisseurs.

The beauty offer onboard Star of the Seas

The new retail offer builds on the success of Icon of the Seas, with a focus on curated exclusivity, elevated design and category innovation across four distinct store formats.

The liquor experience onboard Star of the Seas introduces several first-at-sea features, including personalised backwalls for Macallan, Hennessy and Patrón, a dedicated Johnnie Walker gondola, and a limited-edition Louis XIII monogrammed box hand-decorated exclusively for the ship, with only 30 pieces available globally. Among the rare offerings is a bottle of Loch Lomond 50yo, one of just 100 worldwide, retailing at $34,999. The store also debuts multiple exclusive barrel programmes, such as Angel's Envy – selected by Heinemann’s team as a first-at-sea – and the rare O.F.C Bourbon 1985.

Luxury timepieces are available in branded shop-in-shop formats from Cartier, Hublot, Breitling, TAG Heuer, Longines, Rado and Norquain, a new brand for Heinemann. Swiss Crown complements the offer with a curated selection of pre-owned Rolex watches.

Cartier's shop-in-shop onboard Star of the Seas

Meanwhile, the logo merchandise store presents a new collection designed exclusively for Star of the Seas, featuring fashion-forward apparel, collectibles and a children’s line. The Vineyard Vines x Royal Caribbean co-branded range – introduced on Icon and Utopia – returns with a refreshed capsule, adding a familiar and updated touch to the retail experience.

“With Star of the Seas, we continue our mission to elevate cruise retail through storytelling, exclusivity and unforgettable experiences,” said Nicolas Hoeborn, CEO of Heinemann Americas. “This launch is a testament to our strong partnership with Royal Caribbean and our shared vision for the future of travel retail.”

The Collection store offers second-hand Louis Vuitton merchandise

Together with Icon of the Seas, Star of the Seas ranks among the largest cruise ships in the world, measuring 365 metres in length and accommodating up to 5,610 guests and 2,850 crew members. It is the sixth Royal Caribbean vessel to feature Heinemann’s retail offer, following Utopia of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.

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."

Davidoff launches pre-cut Zino Nicaragua cigar

Davidoff has expanded its Zino Nicaragua line with an innovative Half Corona pre-cut cigar for on-the-go cigar lovers.

The pre-cut long-filler cigars come in a handy tin of five, and join the existing Zino Nicaragua line-up of the Short Torpedo, Robusto, Toro and Gordo cigars. They have a brief enjoyment time of 20 minutes.

Davidoff's Zino Nicaragua Half Corona pre-cut cigars

"The launch of our new pre-cut Half Corona within our Zino Nicaragua line is a logical consequence of changing lifestyles and an increased demand for flexibility and convenience from our aficionados,” said Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff.

“Our target consumers value spontaneity in their on-the-go lifestyle. The pre-cut allows them to go about their day with the option of enjoying the cigar whenever and wherever they want, as no cutter is required. With this launch, we continue to expand into new distribution channels, making Zino Nicaragua widely accessible for aficionados and novices."

The cigar contains a blend of tobaccos from Nicaragua, Ecuador, Honduras and the Dominican Republic.

The new Zino Nicaragua Half Corona will be available as of 3 August 2023 at tobacconists, tobacco retailers and convenience stores.

TFWA World Exhibition unveils Cannes programme

TFWA World Exhibition & Conference 2022 will be held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from October 2 to 6, kicking off with an insightful conference.

On Monday, October 3, TFWA World Conference will open with an address from TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen, followed by conversations with world-leading figures in economics and branding.

They include David McWilliams, Adjunct Professor of Global Economics at Trinity College Dublin’s School of Business and one of the most authoritative – and entertaining – voices on economics and geopolitics; and Raymond Cloosterman, Founder and CEO of Dutch beauty brand Rituals, who will address brand-building in a changing world.

The conference will also look at life in the metaverse with the help of a global expert on new digital technologies: Swan Sit, Operating Partner of AF Ventures, a Leading Voice on social audio app Clubhouse and former Global Head of Digital Marketing for Nike, Revlon and Estée Lauder.

Two workshop sessions are scheduled on Tuesday, October 4 (The Airport Forum) and Wednesday, October 5 (Innovation in Action).

The Airport Forum session will feature London Heathrow Airport Retail & Property Director Fraser Brown, Seoul Incheon International Airport Corporation Director Duty Free Management Team Sung Bin Im and Istanbul Airport Chief Digital & Commercial Officer Ersin Inankul.

Innovation in Action will look at customer engagement courtesy of speakers including Intelligent Track System Founder & CEO Morten Pankoke and Founder & CEO of Inflyter Wassim Saadé.

TFWA President Erik Juul-Mortensen said: “This year’s TFWA World Conference will explore the factors that will define business in the post-pandemic world, from pressures on the global economy to changing consumer behaviour. Our programme of speakers features experts in their fields who will provide fresh perspectives on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“We are also pleased to restore our programme of workshops, which this year will feature senior executives from some of the world’s leading airports, in addition to the innovators that are finding new ways to improve the ways we sell to travellers. I am very much looking forward to these sessions and look forward to welcoming the global industry to Cannes.”

Those wishing to attend TFWA World Exhibition can register at: https://www.tfwa.com/tfwa-world-exhibition-conference/book-your-place-100004721 

The exhibitor list can be seen on the following link: https://www.tfwa.com/exhibitors/tfwa-world-exhibition-and-conference/2022

Top retailers to attend TFWA World Exhibition

Leading retailers have confirmed their participation in the 2022 TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in October, alongside a very high number of exhibitors, which is close to pre-pandemic levels.

Organisations both large and small that have already signed up for the industry’s must-attend event in Cannes include: Dufry from Hong Kong, King Power from Thailand, Kansai Airports from Japan, Shinsegae Duty Free from Korea, Motta International from Panama, Muscat Duty Free from Oman, and a number of Europe-based operators, such as Gebr Heinemann, Lagardère Travel Retail, Istanbul Airport, Inflight Sales Group, Aer Rianta International, MSC Cruises and Fjord Line.

Held at the Palais des Festivals in Cannes from 2 to 6 October 2022, TFWA World Exhibition & Conference will feature a refreshed event programme that includes an additional social element.

This year’s edition will offer plenty of networking opportunities, such as the much-awaited return of the Get Together opening event on Sunday evening, the after-work TFWA Lounge, and a new late-night social concept, hosted on the Carlton Beach.

To attend TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, register at: https://www.tfwa.com/tfwa-world-exhibition-conference/book-your-place-100004721

Davidoff roars with Year of the Tiger collection

Davidoff has launched its Chinese New Year 2022 limited-edition cigar and humidor.

To mark the Year of the Tiger in 2022, a zodiac sign characterised by strength, energy and determination, the company has chosen a piramides cigar with a Connecticut wrapper leaf, which is a first for any Davidoff limited edition.

The wrapper leaves were coloured applying a natural process to bring the fur markings of the tiger to life on the cigar.

Limited to 17,350 pieces worldwide, the Davidoff Year of the Tiger Limited Edition is presented in a box of 10 cigars. The packaging is inspired by the tiger's natural habitat, the jungle.

The exclusive collection features a cigar leather case, an ashtray in an iconic shape, and a pipe tobacco (only available outside the US).

Exclusive Masterpiece humidor

The Year of the Tiger Masterpiece humidor completes the exclusive collection. It was designed by Chinese artist Qi Xie and hand decorated in delicate marquetry by Rose Saneuil in France, in a collaboration between the two artists. Through meticulous marquetry, Rose Saneuil has brought Qi Xie‘s two tigers to life.

Each humidor contains 88 toro cigars, created exclusively for the humidor, and is limited to 24 pieces worldwide.

The limited-edition products will be available at selected Davidoff appointed merchants and flagship stores around the world from November 2021.

New cigar celebrates vibrant Dominican Republic

Basel-based Davidoff has introduced the Davidoff Dominicana limited-edition cigar that celebrates the Dominican Republic’s culture and lifestyle.

The Dominicana cigar line (pictured below) is Davidoff's celebration of its Dominican roots. To achieve a vibrant taste sensation that builds on the joyful culture of the Dominican Republic, Davidoff's Master Blenders concocted a complex blend of five Dominican filler tobaccos united in an Ecuadorian binder and crowned with a Dominican Yamasá wrapper.

The extended six-year ageing of the tobaccos harvested in 2014 results in a sophisticated and complex taste journey that makes this full-bodied, yet pleasantly balanced cigar a total Dominican experience.

The Dominicana cigar line comes in Short Robusto, Robusto and Toro formats. All three will be available in wooden boxes of 10 cigars featuring a vintage sticker to accent the aged tobacco.

The Davidoff Dominicana hits the shelves globally in May 2021.

AVO Improvisation 2021 limited edition

In other news, Oettinger Davidoff is introducing the ninth instalment of the prized AVO Improvisation Series.

In 2001, Avo Uvezian was one of the first to produce an annual limited-edition cigar, and to celebrate his legacy, AVO Cigar is breaking the mould once again with a 2021 release.

The AVO Improvisation 2021 showcases the heritage and innovation of the line with four distinct yet complementary Dominican filler tobaccos. Both the binder and wrapper tobaccos from Ecuador bring a modern, innovative note to the improvised aromas. The wrapper is treated with a special ageing and fermentation process to amplify the creaminess and sweetness of the tobacco.

The AVO Improvisation 2021 will be introduced in European markets in June, with 4,550 boxes available globally.

For details, see @avocigar and #AVOImprovisation2021 on Instagram.

Davidoff takes time with its Masterpiece humidors

Davidoff Cigars has created two limited-edition Masterpiece humidors, designed by the renowned French marquetry artist Rose Saneuil.

The humidors are inspired by different aspects of time. The first makes its debut in September and is limited to only eight pieces globally.

Davidoff's Masterpiece humidor designed by French artist Rose Saneuil

"Collaborating with artisans and artists mastering unique skills is not only a cornerstone in our innovation strategy but always a possibility for us at Davidoff to learn, get inspired and expand our creative horizons," said Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer of Oettinger Davidoff AG. 

In her approach, Saneuil artistically intertwines three dimensions of time: time as the ultimate luxury, a moment of serenity reflected in a sunset; the limitation of time and its easy evaporation is inspired by the image of evaporating smoke; and for the third dimension, when time seems to stand still, Davidoff has provided vintage tobacco leaves harvested in 1994 which inspired the artist to create the perfect moment. These tobacco leaves, reflecting eternity, are part of the artwork.

Following in November, the second Masterpiece humidor is designed with a shimmering effect, while the combination of darker colours of tobacco with vibrant golden hues reflects warmth. The materials incorporate gold leaves, tobacco leaves, mother-of-pearl, parchment and woods from vavona burl and sycamore trees. The body is crafted from precious Macassar woods, all treated to reflect a richer and more vibrant appearance.

Both designs will be accompanied by 50 unique cigars, exclusively blended by Davidoff's Master Blender for these humidors.

Exclusive humidor unites Davidoff and dance

Davidoff has unveiled a new limited-edition Masterpiece cigar humidor Royal Release Edition, crafted by the renowned French feather artist Émilie Moutard-Martin. Only five pieces are available worldwide.

Inspired by Davidoff and dance, the Royal Release humidor centres on the natural wonder of the feather. Moutard-Martin seeks to bring those worlds together in an original work, described by the Swiss cigar specialist as “a flight of the imagination to the beat of the waltz”. The circular patterns aim to evoke both the spiralling wisps of smoke and the arabesque of the waltz. 

Davidoff's new Masterpiece humidor Royal Release Edition (Picture: Oettinger Davidoff AG)

Each humidor is accompanied by 50 cigars, blended by Davidoff‘s Master Blender exclusively for this Masterpiece. Wrapped in a shiny, smooth Aromatica Dominicana leaf, the exclusive Davidoff Royal Release Perfecto Cigar brings together notes of pepper with oak wood, roasted almonds, milk chocolate and fresh spices.

The humidor was introduced in selected markets from December 2019.

Davidoff delves into its cigar archives

Davidoff is introducing a global release of small batch cigars for the first time. Using rare tobacco vintages available in its tobacco archives, the Davidoff master blenders have created 12 blends in a series of small batches.

The blends have been created for dedicated regions of the world, and the roller's signature on each of the small batch bundles further confirms the exclusivity of these cigars.

Davidoff Robusto small batch cigars

The master blenders have created a range from medium to full-bodied multi-origin blends made of rare tobaccos from Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru and the Dominican Republic. The cigars are crafted in the popular Toro, Robusto, Belicoso and Corona Extra formats.

To complement the traditional signature white ring standing for the sophistication of each Davidoff cigar, a Small Batch second band underlines its rareness. The cigars are wrapped in Kraft paper bundles comprising five to 10 cigars. Depending on tobacco stocks and blend, the global availability per small batch is as limited as 1,300 cigars. The roller's signature on each bundle gives it a personal touch.

Edward Simon, Chief Marketing Officer at Oettinger Davidoff AG, said: “Introducing these one-of-a-kind small batch cigars, we are excited to add an additional touch of exclusivity to our distinct assortment of premium cigars. The tobaccos used are as rare as the talents that blend them. The roller's signature on each small batch bundle further confirms our dedication and passion. And we are confident that they will delight the few fortunate aficionados who find them with a truly unique cigar experience.”

The cigars will be available from September 2019 at selected Davidoff merchants in Germany, UK, Switzerland, the US and Asia.

Zino -Z- cigar case

Zino -Z- accessories in vibrant colours

After the successful launch of Davidoff’s Zino -Z- collection in 2018, the brand is introducing striking humidors and leather cases for cigar care at home or on the move to complement the assortment. These additions with vibrant accent colours aim to attract younger aficionados seeking stylish accessories.

The Z80 humidor comes in a modern design combining a wooden look with fresh accent colours. The result is striking blends: natural oak/red, black oak/mint, grey oak/cyan. The humidors are equipped with the proprietary Zino slim self-regulating humidification system that provides optimal storage conditions for up to 80 cigars, ensuring 70-72% relative humidity.

Made of cowhide leather and lined with vibrant colours that match the humidors, the cigar case will keep two cigars up to a 54 ring gauge humidified for 15 days. Its ergonomic shape with adjustable length provides comfort in the hand. These hand-made cigar cases are available in two sizes: XL-2 to fit up to a Toro format, and R-2 that fits up to a Robusto format.

From October 2019, the new Zino -Z- collection accessories will be available at selected tobacco stores, selected Davidoff merchants, Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 flagship stores and global travel retail locations. Launch dates may vary depending on country.

Davidoff sports a pigtail for Chinese New Year

Davidoff is marking the Chinese Year of the Pig with limited-edition cigars and accessories.

The Gran Toro cigar with its proud pigtail is wrapped in a shiny and oily Dominican wrapper from the Yamasá area and develops smooth notes of pepper and wood once lit. 

Davidoff's Year of the Pig limited edition

Collectible Asian-inspired box

The Sumatra binder from Mexico and the well-aged filler tobaccos from the Dominican Republic create a refined and balanced blend. Notes of liquorice, cream, vanilla, leather and spice were developed to please the big-hearted, determined personality of the pig, according to Davidoff.

The special edition is limited to 9,300 boxes worldwide, and comprises 10 Gran Toro cigars presented in a prestigious, lacquered Asian-inspired red box, designed to be collectible. 

The pig is represented by a simple and elegant graphic icon executed in gold, and the box contains a paper insert with the Year of the Pig story.

Davidoff has also introduced a special-edition Year of the Pig ashtray and double-blade cutter.

Inspired by the pig’s shape, the Italian-made round aluminum ashtray is enclosed with vibrant, grained, red leather to strikingly contrast the ashtray’s rich mocha color. 

In keeping with the pig’s generous nature, the ashtray has a holder for two cigars. The Davidoff logo is engraved on the metal and it comes in a limited numbered edition of 300 pieces.

The lightweight, German-made slim cutter is engraved with the elegant pattern. It will cut from a 22 to a 58 ring gauge and is made available in a limited number of 300 pieces.

The cigars and accessories were available at selected Davidoff appointed merchants and flagship stores from November 2018.

Davidoff holidays in style with new travel humidors

Swiss cigar specialist Davidoff has introduced two new travel humidors – a Business version and a “Davidoff of Geneva since 1911” Stores Exclusive.

The humidors feature lightweight materials, a smart tray engineered exclusively for keeping cigars protected as well as innovative welding techniques designed to lock in humidity. They include a two-way humidity device by Boveda to ensure cigars are kept at their best for up to 45 days.

Davidoff's new travel humidor features a smart tray and locks in humidity

Stylish and elegant look

Claire Richert, Product Innovation Manager Accessories at Oettinger Davidoff AG, said: “With the Davidoff travel humidor, we not only reinvent the way cigar aficionados can bring cigars on their travels, we also do it with Davidoff’s iconic elegance and style. By expanding the line and partnering with Boveda, we offer aficionados the best, most convenient and protective solution for travelling with cigars.”

The Business model features knitted jacquard fabric in a reinterpretation of modern tweed for a stylish and elegant look. Equipped with a handy, black leather strap, it aims to exude the formal elegance of a business suit.

The “Davidoff of Geneva since 1911” Stores Exclusive humidor is a tribute to the Davidoff of Geneva stores and cigar lounges. It is inspired by the “cosy, sophisticated and modern atmosphere aficionados experience in these destinations of choice”, the company said.

The beige Tuscany fabric and the brown, recycled bonded leather are designed to evoke the comfortable lounge chairs, while the orange fabric accents add a stylish twist.

These limited and numbered travel humidors are only available in Davidoff of Geneva stores across the world. Both models were launched globally starting in October 2018.

Davidoff celebrates 50 years of cigar expertise

Davidoff Cigars is marking its 50th anniversary in 2018 with a series of events, as well as specially commissioned cigars and accessories.

The brand was established in 1968 with a flagship store in Geneva opened by the cigar pioneer Zino Davidoff. “His restless pursuit of new tobaccos and blends has been the inspiration for all the fine cigars that have since carried the iconic Davidoff ring over the last five decades,” the company said.

Five Davidoff cigars will carry a commemorative main ring [Picture credit: Oettinger Davidoff AG]

Looking forward to new horizons

The brand celebrated a major milestone in 1991, when it developed a centre for excellence in the Dominican Republic, where its Master Blenders create new products for cigar connoisseurs.

Commenting on the brand’s 50-year anniversary, Charles Awad, Senior Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer, Oettinger Davidoff AG, said: “This is a very special year for us. We look back with pride on 50 years of creating exceptional, original cigars and accessories, but more importantly, we look forward with a great sense of exhilaration to new, unknown horizons that will bring exciting, undiscovered experiences for those who love cigars.”

Davidoff will be celebrating its golden jubilee with a series of events, as well as specially commissioned cigars and accessories that seek to reflect its continued philosophy of enabling customers to taste the wider world.

“Cigar lovers that are eager to enlarge their repertoires with different types of aromas and experiences will particularly enjoy these celebrations,” said Awad.

For a limited time, five signature Davidoff cigars will carry a commemorative 50th anniversary white ring inspired by the original white ring that first graced the Ambassadrice, the No. 1 and No. 2 in 1968. The blends of these cigars will remain unchanged.

The five cigars (Davidoff Signature No. 2, Davidoff Signature 2000, Davidoff Aniversario Special R, Davidoff Aniversario No. 3 and Davidoff Aniversario Entreacto) will carry the commemorative Davidoff 50th anniversary main ring.

They will be available at Davidoff depositaries and Davidoff flagship stores in the first quarter of 2018. After Davidoff’s 50th anniversary year, the cigars will go back to their original white ring.

Davidoff’s 50th anniversary activities will be celebrated on davidoff.com and on social media: @Davidoff_Cigars | facebook.com/DavidoffCigars1911.

Davidoff continues its voyage of discovery

Swiss cigar specialist Davidoff welcomed 300 guests to its highly popular Masters’ Evening at La Plage du Festival in Cannes during this year's TFWA World Exhibition.

Guests savoured Davidoff’s new Winston Churchill cigars, together with Belgian chocolates from Neuhaus and Flor de Caña sipping rum.

Davidoff's new Winston Churchill cigar 

Return of Chinese travellers to Europe

Davidoff’s marketing efforts over the past few years are paying off, as travel retail sales are performing “really well”, according to Martin Kaufmann, Senior Vice President Europe and Global Travel Retail of Oettinger Davidoff AG. The company is seeing high single digit growth worldwide on its Davidoff cigars, driven by its new “discovery pillar” cigars Escurio, Yamasa and Nicaragua, which are drawing in new cigar lovers. So far this year, Davidoff long filler cigar growth is up 8.7% from January to the end of August.

By region, Europe is doing well, buoyed by the return of the Chinese and other Asian travellers, while the Japanese market is performing “extremely well”, as the Chinese tourists flock to Japan rather than Korea, following the dispute between Beijing and Seoul over the deployment of the THAAD missile defence system. The Middle East and African markets are also showing nice growth.

“Innovations are allowing us to grow,” Kaufmann said, noting that the most important factor was good retail staff who are well-trained and knowledgeable. To this end, the firm has launched the Davidoff Academy to train its brand ambassadors across the regions in key airport hubs such as New York JFK, Los Angeles and San Francisco, where Chinese travellers are slowly coming back.

Delivering experiences

Best-selling products are centred on Davidoff’s discovery pillar blends, which encourage smokers to go out and discover the wider cigar world. The company has observed an emerging group of younger uses aged 30-35 who are discovering the cigar category. “We have a new and exciting story to tell,” said Chief Marketing Officer Charles Awad. “These smokers are more open-minded and have not formed any habits yet – they want to discover the wider world in the category and open their world to other experiences.”

The latter word is a crucial one in Davidoff’s lexicon. “We want to deliver experiences and stimulate the senses,” continued Awad. “We’ve asked our blenders to create the complex character of the Winston Churchill, the intrigue of nights in Rio for Escurio, and the spice and heat in Nicaragua. It’s not about origin, but diversity. We mix and blend to create something new, in the same way as a chef like Alain Ducasse.”

Turning to the in-store experience, accessories are an important part of the assortment in travel retail. For this segment, Davidoff’s new travel humidor will play a major role, noted Kaufmann. This high-tech, Italian-made product is welded from neoprene, tweed and rubber and carries a retail price tag of under $300.

And in a further in-store development, Davidoff is trialling a virtual reality experience at Zurich Airport. A headset transports you directly to a tobacco plantation, where you can experience the sights and sounds of the exotic location as well as the tobacco aromas of cream, honey, cedarwood, chocolate and pepper.

Davidoff unveils stylish travel humidor

Davidoff has developed an Italian leather travel humidor for cigar aficionados on the move.

The Swiss cigar maker collaborated with Italian designer and craftsman Marcello Bottino, who specialises in innovative textile design.

“Many aficionados have been expressing the need for a more stylish way to travel with their cigars than the practical cigar box,” said Charles Awad, Senior Vice President – Chief Marketing Officer, Oettinger Davidoff AG. 

“To address this, we have reinvented the travel humidor in collaboration with Marcello Bottino, an Italian designer and craftsman who helped us engineer this stylish accessory for optimal cigar care. The choice of materials had to be fully compatible with cigars, the technology enabling the humidity to be locked inside the humidor, the protection of the cigars – these are all the challenges we presented to Marcello Bottino. With his never-ending enthusiasm for new technologies, research, development and vision, Marcello has been the perfect partner,” he explained.

Davidoff's Explorer travel humidor

Key features of the first Davidoff travel humidor to be made in Italy include:

Lightweight materials: Thanks to the durable and lightweight textiles used, this high-tech cigar accessory weighs between 600g and 700g.

Smart tray engineered for cigars: The humidor has room for eight cigars and consists of two parts: the bag and the removable inner tray. The innovative tray – adapted for large and small cigars – is specially crafted with high fabric waves to prevent the cigars from being crushed, and a soft fabric to preserve the wrappers. The textiles are ergonomically adapted to the cigar shape.

Locked-in humidity: All the materials are welded together to maintain the ideal humidity level inside the humidor. The most innovative sealing properties were employed in the design, with strong magnets and multilayer construction using laminated fabric, as these are essential for achieving a tight seal with no stitching. When closing the bag, the snap sound made by the magnets and the air-filled cushion effect ensure protection for cigars.

Thanks to Davidoff’s humidification system, which releases humidity slowly and evenly, the cigars can be kept for approximately three weeks in the humidor. The color-coded hygrometer on the humidification system facilitates checking of the humidity level.

The travel humidors come in three different designs: Explorer: young, urban explorer, available in Alcantara and jeans fabric; Outdoor: rugged materials that will evolve with time, available in leather and canvas; and Business: Described as more formal, but still edgy, available in leather and wool.

Each humidor has two pockets, located under the flap, to store accessories, such as lighter, cutter and matches.

The humidors will be launched globally from September 2017. 

Davidoff launches rare Macallan 1991 as Asia exclusive

Swiss cigar specialist Davidoff has unveiled details of a rare 25yo Macallan Scotch whisky, exclusively crafted for and sold at Davidoff of Geneva stores in Asia.

The Macallan 1991 whisky was specially selected for Davidoff of Geneva (Asia). This single cask, cask strength (53.5%abv) expression was aged for 25 years in a sherry butt cask and bottled in 2016 by Signatory Vintage, an independent bottler in Scotland.

Davidoff exclusive: The Macallan 25yo Scotch whisky (Photo credit: Oettinger Davidoff AG)

Purveyor of fine experiences

With only 494 units available, each 700ml bottle is presented in a decanter and veneer box.

This expression of sherry-seasoned Macallan is a classic example of the distillers' signature work. Only a thin cut of their stills was used to fill the sherry-seasoned casks, and only a very small percentage of their casks were allowed to be matured into single-cask-bottling quality.

This rare Macallan cask reinforces Davidoff of Geneva’s position as a purveyor of fine experiences and cigar pairings, Davidoff said.

The whisky’s first nose has spices (star anise, cardamom) and subtle sulphur notes; aeration brings briny and salted caramel aromas. The style is bright, modern and elegant, and the slight brininess is reminiscent of a fino sherry. There is also a floral touch of white flowers and green apple, which opens up to custardy/confectionery notes, marmalade and candied orange peel. Rancio, green walnuts, leather and toasted notes complement the finish.

On the palate, the whisky is sharp, with the alcohol present but not overwhelming. The finish is nutty and pretty bright.