Page 73 - IAADFS Summit of the Americas 2024 Special Edition

INSIDER

Tito’s brings cruise business in-house

Following the successful growth of brand was involved as a sponsor. It
its cruise business through WEBB Banks, is natural for us,” says McDonnell.
Tito’s has brought the management of “But we are now doing
cruise in-house beginning January 1st, cruise lines all over the world.
John McDonnell, Managing Director A huge piece of our business is
International, Tito’s Handmade Vodka has cruises. We just scored Viking
confirmed to TMI. Cruises in Europe. We got our first
“Cruise is a substantial piece of our ferry line called Stena, which is
duty free business. It is almost 50%. The predominately in Scandinavia. You
broker model is good at the beginning, but can activate the brand so well on
when the business grows it makes sense the cruise lines. On Virgin Voyages
to manage it directly. This is a natural we have our Tito’s 375ml in all of
progression,” says McDonnell. their RockStar Suites.”
“We are going to hire somebody to Securing airline listings
manage the cruise business for us. The outside the U.S. is another key
transition was seamless and we are excited focus for Tito’s, says McDonnell.
about the future of cruise and Tito’s.” “We are now on Air Canada
Before Tito’s began managing its selling 50mls onboard. We are the
cruise business directly, WEBB Banks pouring vodka on Copa Airlines
activated a highly successful partnership and on BermudAir.
on Royal Caribbean’s President’s Cruise in “We just secured the 200ml
July 2023 out of Galveston, Texas. listing in all Dufry America
“The Royal Caribbean President’s (Avolta) stores, continuing to
Cruise was a huge success. The cruise expand our distribution of small
started in Texas and Tito’s as a Texas-based sizes.”
Tito’s had a highly visible presence on Royal
Caribbean’s President’s Cruise in July 2023.

Sint Maarten Princess Juliana International Airport introduces the first ever
Moet & Chandon Vending Machine in the Caribbean

The first ever Moet & Chandon The vending machine, which dispenses CLDF is a leading retailer of duty free
vending machine in the Caribbean is now mini bottles of the iconic champagne, is products in the Caribbean, offering a wide
available for travelers departing from Sint located within the departure hall at Caribbean selection of international and regional spirits,
Maarten Princess Juliana International Liquors Duty Free (CLDF), a company that wines, tobacco, and confectioneries. CLDF
Airport (SXM). has been partnering with the airport since the has been operating at SXM Airport since
1970s. 1976.
The Moet & Chandon vending machine “We are thrilled to introduce the Moet
offers a convenient and elegant way for & Chandon vending machine at SXM
travelers to celebrate their trip or surprise Airport, as it is a unique and innovative way
their loved ones with a special gift, says the to showcase our partnership with one of the
company. The vending machine is stocked most renowned champagne brands in the
with Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut, and world,” said Sheila Jeffers, the Manager of
each mini bottle comes with a complimentary CLDF. “We hope that our customers will
golden sipper for easy enjoyment. enjoy this luxury experience and toast to their
The vending machine is part of the travels with Moet & Chandon.”
airport’s ongoing efforts to enhance the The Moet & Chandon vending
passenger experience and provide a diverse machine is available for use by all departing
range of products and services. SXM Airport passengers who are of legal drinking age. The
is the second busiest airport in the Eastern vending machine accepts custom Moet &
Caribbean and serves as a hub for regional Chandon tokens that can be purchased at the
and international flights. The airport is known check-out counter at CLDF. CLDF accepts
for its scenic approach over Maho Beach, credit cards, US Dollars, Euros, and local
where planes fly low over the water and land guilder currency. The price of the Brut mini
on the runway. bottle is $21 USD.

73 April 2024 Summit of the Americas