Drinks International Travel Retail Challenge celebrated its 10th anniversary this year at the TFWA World Exhibition and Conference in Cannes.
The 2016 Travel Retail Challenge awards called on judges across the international drinks industry to use their expert knowledge to pick the deserved winner from each of the 16 categories.
Nicola Ridges-Jones, managing director of MSX, was asked to join the judging panel due to her history working with some of the biggest brands in the world and delivering drinks to the UK’s leading travel operators, including Carnival UK, Brittany Ferries and World Duty Free.
Nicola was a judge for all 16 categories of the challenge, including Design & Packaging of a Drinks Brand, Drinks Launch of the Year and Ferry/Cruise Line Drinks Retailer of the Year.
Nicola said “The judging was extremely tough with consistent quality found across each category in both operator and supplier awards.
“At MSX we have a deep understanding of the role alcoholic drinks play in the global travel retail market, and I was proud to be included in the industry experts to judge these prestigious awards.”
Drinks International’s publisher Justin Smith said: “This year’s judging was a challenging day of discussion, deliberation and decisions as our expert panel drew up shortlists in each of the 16 categories.
“Nicola has given some good insights into sales trends on-board cruise lines and at airports. She also has a sound knowledge of the practicalities of the business such as the need for lightweight packaging and gifting products. Those qualities made her an ideal choice for a role on the Drinks International Travel Retail Challenge judging panel 2016.”
The Travel Retail Challenge was launched to recognise and highlight the importance of alcoholic drinks within the global travel retail sector. Winners are selected through a rigorous and independent judging process. The awards were announced at the Hotel Majestic, Cannes on Tuesday 4th October, and a full list of winners can be found here. Leading travel retailers and operators came together for the event and paid tribute to some of the finest drinks products, campaigns and initiatives in the world.
