Page 52 - TFWA World Exhibition and Conference 2025

INSIDER

Duty Free Global has been activating Buffalo Trace bourbon in HPPs throughout the Americas, seen
here with Avolta in Mexico City, and below in Las Vegas.

Duty Free Global doubles down on channel-first approach as it grows its
spirits and wine portfolio around the world

The name says it all for Duty Free the GTR community required to offer I often say there are great companies
Global. When Barry Geoghegan founded the traveling consumer the right product that are exceptionally well networked
his company nearly a decade and a half at the right price. This has to this day in a particular region e.g. The Nordics
ago, he knew that he would offer something remained our approach and although this or the Caribbean for example, but we
unique by only focusing on duty free. approach has inherent risks attached, we pride ourselves in being one of the
“We set out almost 15 years ago to have persevered and if anything, we have few companies that can offer a global
offer the global travel retail operators a doubled down on this commitment to the perspective/network in this great channel.”
genuine channel-focused company that one channel focus,” Geoghegan tells TMI. While its portfolio of spirits and wines
understood the needs and nuances that The Duty Free Global team has has changed over the years, Duty Free
experience working in all aspects of Global has always tried to find growing
the duty free and travel retail channel, brands in trending categories to offer the
which gives Duty Free Global an insider channel.
perspective as well as a competitive “I think what has changed is our
advantage, says Geoghegan. product offering in conjunction with our
“I think our core philosophy comes brand partners. In the ever-fast-moving
from the DFG team’s career experience. As world of global travel retail, we have
most of the team at DFG have come from followed existing and observed new
the channel (either as operators or brand emerging trends that ensures that our
suppliers to the channel) we fundamentally product offer is relevant to the different
consider the market from an insider consumer groups who are today the key
knowledge point of view. So, we in fact passengers in the stores.”
sincerely put ourselves in the shoes of the DFG has found particular success with
buyer /operators and understand clearly port.
what they need from their assortment,” he “We are very proud and excited to
says. see some great results with the exceptional
“There are many good brand wines of the Fladgate partnership from
partners who work in our channel. I think Portugal. We have had some excellent
what makes DFG different is that we results with the world-famous Taylors
offer a global approach to the channel. ports in multiple regions, including the

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