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AMERICAS. The International Association of Airport and Duty Free Shops (IAADFS) today announced a rebranding of the Duty Free & Travel Retail Association of the Americas, in a move that extends its reach to all retail channels in the business. IAADFS President Rene Reedy made the announcement at this morning’s (April 15) opening sessions of the Summit of the Americas conference in West Palm Beach, Florida.
The association is also signaling a move to Miami next year, prompted by members, she said.
Riedy said, “This summit marks the end of a chapter as we move to a new home in Miami next year,” he said, noting that Miami’s energy “matches seamlessly with the association’s plans for the future. The summit is not just an event, it is an institution, a testament to the strength of the duty-free and travel retail industry.”
Riedi noted recent changes within IAADFS, including a simplified membership focused on operators, supporters and honorary members, with supply partners taking a more prominent role within the association and the addition of five board members.
This new focus is highlighted by the revamped name. “The association stands on the cusp of transformation,” Riedy added, saying it embodies a commitment to inclusiveness and a more comprehensive representation of the diverse aspects of travel retail.
Click on the podcast above to hear Rene Riedy talk about the thinking behind the rebrand and the wider association
Riedi told The Moodie Davitt Report: “In the past the association was only open to airport duty free operators, but we felt we were missing out on important segments of the industry.
“Duty-free in North America is small compared to convenience or F&B, and we can’t miss those parts outside of airports. In this way, we integrate new channels such as cruises.”
He added: “The new name, Duty Free & Travel Retail Association of the Americas, covers everything.”
On expanding the board to add both brands and other retail channels, Riedy said, “We needed new blood on the board. Starboard’s Lisa Bauer, for example, can motivate cruise lines to be part of the show. Brand owners can also bring fresh ideas on board. We can grow from where we are today and become more relevant to our members.”
On the future format and the move to Miami from 2025, he added: “It was a trade show with a conference. In the future, we will explore hosting a conference with a show and networking opportunities.
“We’ve heard from members that we need to be closer to Miami, so we’ll be hosting the event there. We know there is risk, but the idea is to have more education, networking and less of a trade show.
“We realize that trade shows don’t have the importance they used to have in all industries. I don’t see how we can motivate the big brands to come back, so we have to transform, become different and stay relevant.”
The opening remarks were followed by a panel discussion titled “The Americas – Change and Promise,” followed by changes in the duty-free and travel retail markets in the Americas.
Speakers included Puig Travel Retail Americas General Manager Felipe Grant; Pernod Ricard Americas General Manager Greg Ford; Lindt Americas Sales & Market Manager GTR Markus Suter and ARI Chief Operations and Business Development Officer Nuno Amaral. They shared insights and observations about the industry and expectations for the future.
The discussion touched on meeting the expectations of Gen Z customers, the importance of premiumization and personalization, and the challenges of incorporating technology into travel and shopping for travel retail consumers.
More to come. ✈
