Duty Free Dynamics (DFD) is a state-of-the-art, regional distributor of global brands within the Americas’ travel retail channel.
Until now, DFD has been completely focused on what is called non-traditional categories in travel retail, meaning all those outside the core categories, such as watches, electronics, travel gear, outdoor, sunglasses, footwear, toys, among others.
After the last 5 years of increased presence and solidification in its distribution channel, and considering the strength it has built, the synergy of its products and the relationship with its partner operators, Duty Free Dynamics decided to evaluate the possibility of taking first steps into traditional categories.
In order to do this, DFD started by conducting a market analysis, which determined that the Confectionery category is the one with the highest index of growth, with a conversion rate at airport shops that goes up to 69%*. With consumption motivations like indulgence and snacking ever present, gifting is the most important one as gift items typically share the potential to turn browsers into buyers. Of all the traditional categories, Confectionery is the one that continues to grow steadily, while the others are slowing down or becoming stagnated.
Guided by these facts, the company made the decision to launch this new category with a portfolio of products that covers all possible levels of demand. Accordingly, an agreement was sealed with Lindt, master Swiss chocolatier and market leader in premium chocolate at a global scale. Also joining this category lineup, DFD has incorporated Haribo, world recognized for their “gummi candy” and Perfetti Van Melle to cover the categories of hard candy and chewable candy, with their Chupa Chups lollipops and Mentos chewy mints, offering a balanced portfolio that will cover all sort of tastes.
“In Duty Free Dynamics we work every day to deliver the best quality portfolio with aims to grow alongside our strategic business partners and operators. Therefore, we are so very pleased to launch the confectionary category. We have been studying the same and the fact that it has several consumption motivations (indulgence, snacking and gifting), makes it very attractive in terms of growth and profit for our partner operators. The last years, the rapid growth of the Confectionery category has led to an increase in the size of its retail footprint at the travel retail shops with a wide variety of products and strategic sale positionings. We are convinced that the business model we have assembled, as well as the partnership with top global brands and manufacturers such as Lindt, Haribo and Perfetti Van Melle will be a great business opportunity for all of our partner operators.”, commented David Ruiz, Business Developer - Brand Manager of the Confectionery cluster.
About Duty Free Dynamics:
With expertise in the development of alternative product categories, it represents a rich portfolio of strong brands with global recognition such as Lego®, L.O.L. Surprise!, Samsonite, American Tourister, Hydro Flask, Osprey, AfterShokz, Toms, Teva, Spy Optic, Oris, Frederique Constant, Junghans, Seiko, Guess watches and Timex.
About Lindt:
Lindt chocolates are known worldwide for their incomparable, unique taste and fine melting texture. The Lindt brand with its extensive and innovative global and local range of finest quality chocolates is present in around 120 countries worldwide.
About Haribo:
Haribo fruit gummies have brought joy to everyday life for 100 years. With such a diversity in shapes and flavors, there is something for everyone. As a global market leader in fruit gummies and liquorice, Haribo is now available in more than 100 countries around the world.
About Perfetti Van Melle:
One of the world's largest manufacturers of chewy candy, hard candy and chewing gum, Perfetti Van Melle creates imaginative products and brands that are enjoyed in over 150 countries, such as the mythical Mentos brand, the Chupa Chups lollipops and Mentos Pure chewing gum.
Are you interested by this cluster opening? Please contact David Ruiz, Business Developer - Brand Manager for the Confectionery cluster.