Nestlé launches new confectionery strategy at TFWA Exhibition

Mondelez World Travel Retail (WTR) is inviting industry stakeholders to attend a virtual event unveiling its new ‘Destination: Value’ growth vision; centred on evolving traveler behaviours and global retail trends, the strategy is projected to unlock incremental growth potential for total industry by 2030. Backed by significant research investment, Mondelez WTR has built a data-driven strategy that identifies key growth drivers and offers insights to benefit the wider industry, not just the confectionery category. This live session will feature insights from three distinguished speakers, whose comprehensive biographies will be unveiled in early October, providing a deeper look into their backgrounds and expertise. Joost Rosmuller, Vice President and Managing Director at Mondelez World Travel Retail, said: “TFWA Cannes is an important moment for us to connect with our partners and share what’s next for the confectionery category. But the conversation doesn’t end there. Through our upcoming “Destination: Value” vision, we’re extending that dialogue, diving deeper into shopper insights and the evolving needs of travellers across channels." #trbusiness #dutyfree #travelretail https://lnkd.in/eBJ3eXGf

In my 6 years of getting major F&B brands into new markets, here’s one mistake I keep seeing 👇 They miss the right consumption moments. 🚨 In the brand's home market, it’s a different story. They know exactly which consumption moment their product slots into. But this insight doesn’t come easy when they enter a new market. They might know that their RTD is popular for post-surfing consumption in their home market, i.e., Australia. But they can’t always see how it’s a fit for: → women’s gatherings (joshikai) in Japan → or for siesta in Spain It’s because most of them don’t have a finger on the cultural meaning behind these moments. Something that only comes with deep familiarity with the market - either from living there, or from listening to people with their ears on the ground. Without that local insight, brands fail to capture the consumption moments which matter. And each time they do, I've seen competitors step in - grabbing market share that could've been theirs. 📩 If you want to nail down the right consumption moments for your F&B brand in a new market, DM me. We've got the experts at GourmetPro - Food & Beverage Experts to make it happen. (📸 : A hangout with my friends that was a joshikai + siesta combined into one event 😆)

Global Travel Retail Magazine spoke with Julie Foley FLPI MCIPD 🌐, Head of Retail Excellence at Pernod Ricard GTR, about how the company is blending digital innovation with human connection in travel retail. Foley explained the vision behind Retail Excellence: combining space design and people development. Among the highlights at TFWA Cannes this week, Pernod Ricard GTR unveiled Taste Odyssey, a brand-new digital tasting app guiding travelers through color, nosing, and palate. The app adds an educational and interactive layer to the tasting experience. Additional initiatives discussed were gamified reaction games that add playful competition (currently in Singapore) and Aberlour Studio, a pen-and-paper handwritten gift program that keep hands-on experiences alive alongside digital activations, and Caskey, Pernod’s AI assistant within the Up and Up training platform, that gives brand consultants instant product knowledge, translations, and comparisons to boost confidence at the point of sale. More details to follow. Charlotte Turner Hibah Noor Atoosa Ryanne A. Caroline Sargent

Moët Hennessy India has made a strategic move by appointing Siddharth Suri as Managing Director, signaling a renewed focus on customer experience and innovation. Known for pioneering the Ready-to-Drink alcoholic beverages category in India, Siddharth’s extensive background spanning PepsiCo, Pernod Ricard, Diageo, and The Coca-Cola Company uniquely positions him to lead transformative growth in the luxury wines and spirits sector. India’s luxury market is evolving rapidly, especially with millennials and Gen Z driving demand for more than just premium products — they seek authentic, personalized, and immersive brand experiences. Under Siddharth’s leadership, Moët Hennessy India aims to deepen consumer engagement by blending heritage with innovation, leveraging digital transformation, and implementing a seamless omnichannel customer journey. His previous success in creating new consumer segments, exemplified by the RTD market’s rapid growth, highlights the importance of understanding shifting consumer behaviors. Moreover, Moët Hennessy’s cutting-edge omnichannel campaigns have demonstrated how integrated digital and physical touchpoints amplify brand awareness and customer loyalty. “India is one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the world today,” Siddharth Suri said upon his appointment. “By building stronger consumer engagement, customer connections, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable business practices, we will continue to set new benchmarks for Moët Hennessy in India.” Industry trends reinforce this vision. As luxury brands embrace personalization and storytelling, customer experience increasingly becomes a key differentiator and driver of growth. Moët Hennessy India’s focus on cultural relevance, immersive experiences, and sustainability resonates deeply with modern luxury consumers seeking meaningful relationships with brands. Looking ahead, Siddharth’s leadership will be crucial in balancing Moët Hennessy’s rich heritage with the expectations of India’s sophisticated consumer base. The expansion into tier-2 cities and the focus on omnichannel excellence will further solidify Moët Hennessy’s market leadership while delivering unparalleled customer experiences. This leadership change not only shapes Moët Hennessy India’s future but reflects broader shifts in India’s luxury ecosystem towards innovation-driven, customer-centric excellence. https://lnkd.in/g6HfKJCJ #MoëtHennessyIndia #LuxuryWinesAndSpirits #CustomerExperience #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #Omnichannel #LuxuryMarketIndia #SiddharthSuri #BrandStrategy #LuxuryCX

“India is one of the most dynamic luxury markets in the world today,” Siddharth Suri said upon his appointment. “By building stronger consumer engagement, customer connections, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable business practices, we will continue to set new benchmarks for Moët Hennessy in India.” Industry trends reinforce this vision. As luxury brands embrace personalization and storytelling, customer experience increasingly becomes a key differentiator and driver of growth. Moët Hennessy India’s focus on cultural relevance, immersive experiences, and sustainability resonates deeply with modern luxury consumers seeking meaningful relationships with brands. Looking ahead, Siddharth’s leadership will be crucial in balancing Moët Hennessy’s rich heritage with the expectations of India’s sophisticated consumer base. The expansion into tier-2 cities and the focus on omnichannel excellence will further solidify Moët Hennessy’s market leadership while delivering unparalleled customer experiences. This leadership change not only shapes Moët Hennessy India’s future but reflects broader shifts in India’s luxury ecosystem towards innovation-driven, customer-centric excellence. https://lnkd.in/gGxF_6Mw #MoëtHennessyIndia #LuxuryWinesAndSpirits #CustomerExperience #Innovation #DigitalTransformation #Omnichannel #LuxuryMarketIndia #SiddharthSuri #BrandStrategy #LuxuryCX

Coca-Cola Appoints Mario Perera as Country Head for Sri Lanka and Maldives The Coca-Cola Company today announced the appointment of Mario Perera as Country Head for Sri Lanka and the Maldives. With over 14 years of experience in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, Mario brings extensive regional and global leadership experience, having managed global brands across multiple countries. Mario succeeds Kaushali Kusumapala, who assumed the role in 2024. In his new capacity, Mario will work closely with bottling partners and external stakeholders across Sri Lanka and the Maldives to accelerate growth, innovation and community impact. In his new role, Mario will provide overall direction to the business, focusing on sustainable growth, innovation, and operational excellence. He will collaborate with bottling partners to expand the company’s beverage portfolio, introduce new products that meet evolving consumer preferences, and strengthen Coca-Cola’s commitment to environmental sustainability and community development. In addition, Mario will play a vital role in building and sustaining strong relationships with regulators, government authorities, industry partners, and other stakeholders, ensuring a positive and supportive operating environment for Coca-Cola in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Mario joined The Coca-Cola Company in 2018 as Country Marketing Manager for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, where he led brand strategy and execution across multiple beverage categories. His leadership strengthened brand equity, enhanced consumer engagement, and delivered consistent business growth. Most recently, he served in senior leadership roles at Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia (INSWA) as Frontline Marketing Lead for the Central and Eastern regions. In this capacity, he led multi-territory teams, partnered closely with bottler partners on portfolio priorities, and advanced consumer-first initiatives.

The QSR industry, valued at around $1.65 trillion in 2025 and projected to grow, is anything but slow. We're seeing a rapid, dynamic evolution driven by technology, health consciousness, and a demand for enhanced value. The core challenge remains: how do brands balance the need for speed and affordability with evolving consumer demands for quality, health, and ethical practices? Key Trends Reshaping the Landscape Here's what's defining the future of quick-service dining: 1. The Digital & AI Transformation 🚀 Technology is no longer a convenience—it's the competitive edge. Automation: AI-driven drive-thru systems, automated kitchen equipment, and robotic order-takers are improving speed, consistency, and tackling labor shortages. Hyper-Personalization: Brands are leveraging mobile apps, loyalty programs, and vast amounts of customer data to offer tailored promotions and menu recommendations, significantly boosting ticket averages and loyalty. 2. The Menu Evolution: Health & Specialty Focus 🥗 Consumers are demanding more from their quick meals, forcing diversification beyond traditional staples. Plant-Based & Healthy: The drive for 'precision wellness' means plant-based, gluten-free, and allergen-friendly options are moving from niche to mainstream. Chains are actively reformulating classics to offer lighter, healthier versions. Specialty Fast-Casual: Brands that differentiate through a strong identity and focus on a single, high-quality, artisanal product are justifying higher price points and carving out loyal customer segments. 3. Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing ♻️ A growing number of consumers—especially Gen Z—prioritize brands with a clear commitment to the planet. Eco-Friendly Packaging: The move away from single-use plastics to biodegradable or reusable container systems is critical. Supply Chain Transparency: Consumers want to know where their food comes from. Enhanced traceability systems and a focus on local, organic sourcing are becoming brand differentiators. Navigating the Challenges Despite the growth projections (market size projected to reach $2.39 trillion by 2030), the industry faces persistent headwinds: Rising Costs: Labor and food costs continue to be primary concerns, placing constant pressure on profit margins. Talent Scarcity: Recruiting and retaining staff remains a struggle, accelerating the push toward automation. Value Perception: With inflation, consumers are highly sensitive to price. Brands must continually innovate to deliver perceived value—be it through unique LTOs, compelling loyalty perks, or an improved overall experience. The future of fast food isn't just about speed; it's about smart speed—leveraging technology to be more efficient, sustainable, and better aligned with the health and ethical concerns of a digitally-savvy generation. #FastFoodIndustry #QSR #FoodTech #RestaurantTrends

TICKEAT and Creatisan are launching a new joint venture at the Meet the Buyer event this week. TickEat Distribution, powered by Creatisan, is two trusted partners leading the way. This partnership unlocks new distribution opportunities for innovative food and drink brands in travel and leisure. TickEat: ✔️20+ years in travel, leisure, and foodservice. ✔️Trusted by Virgin Atlantic, IAG, and Delta. ✔️Expert in curated introductions and event-led buyer engagement. Creatisan: ✔️Experiential marketing and brand activation experts, specialising in the UK food & drink sector. ✔️End-to-end fulfilment capabilities (including chilled storage and dispatch solutions). ✔️Experienced in elevating supplier visibility and retail success. Together, we offer a complete route to market - from activation to targeted distribution in the travel and leisure sectors.

In Travel Retail, we talk about ‘premium’ all the time. We hear things like: “We’re a premium channel,” “Shoppers are looking for premium products,” or “Brands want to premiumise their range.” But what does premium actually mean from a shopper’s perspective? It’s easy to assume it’s just about price and “more premium” just means “more expensive.” But in reality, price is only the signal. What really defines whether something feels premium is the shopper’s perception. 💵 Price signals quality. A higher price can imply exclusivity and quality, but only if the experience, design, and story deliver on that promise. Raise the price without the perceived value, and it’s just expensive. ✨ Perception is what makes it premium. “Premium” lives in how customers feel: the trust they have in your quality, the pride they feel owning it, the emotion your brand evokes, or the story behind your craft. For a product to truly be premium, both need to align. When price, product quality, packaging, service, and storytelling all work together, that’s when premium feels real. That’s why some €40 wines feel luxurious, but some €400 ones just feel expensive. #TravelRetail #ShopperBehaviour #BrandStrategy #Pricing #Marketing #CustomerExperience #PremiumBrands #Perception

What if your next “ad” could serve a meal, start a line, and capture content in one day? FTP Agency | Food Truck Promotions just published a practical guide to experiential mobile food trucks. What they are. Why they work. How to design and staff them so the day runs smoothly and the story lands: A simple checklist and real-world tips to get you moving. From food trucks and carts to glass trucks and mobile showrooms, see formats that create real connections. KEY TAKEAWAYS: Experiential food trucks are powerful brand activators that go beyond serving food and can now connect brands with consumers through memorable, engaging experiences. From custom vehicle wraps to interactive zones and props, a cohesive design paired with clear logistics ensures your truck stands out and delivers your brand message effectively. By offering interactive elements, merchandise, and real-time experiences, experiential food trucks build lasting connections -- and can be scaled across cities and events to expand reach and influence. Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/ep9yVzsH