Imperial Brands will showcase new products and highlight growth plans for the Middle East region at the upcoming MEADFA Conference in Muscat, Oman.
Imperial said its growth in travel retail in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region is led by Davidoff.
The cigarette brand’s extended footprint in both the duty free and domestic markets has been been strengthened by the launch of Davidoff Evolve. The line boasts Davidoff tobacco qualities but is compacted in a King Size cigarette format featuring an innovative Combo-Filter and a premium cigarette paper.
As reported, Imperial partnered with Beirut Duty Free to launch its myblu vaping device earlier this year. The company said it is now focusing on providing a “complete cross-category offer of leading products in the traditional tobacco and Next Generation sectors”.
The myblu brand will be rolled out in travel retail in Europe and the US shortly to enhance Imperial’s offer across the whole market.
Imperial Brands General Manager of Global Duty Free & Export Christian Münstermann said: “Despite the challenging environment, our duty free business in GCC is overall growing, thanks to our strong portfolio, great partnership with retailers, and a rich pipeline of duty free-exclusive offers aiming to fulfil the specific needs of each of our target travelling nationalities.”
Imperial Brands Head of Corporate & Legal Affairs Global Duty Free & Export Tobias Baude commented: “As the tobacco environment evolves to a new era, Imperial Brands adapts and has developed Next Generation Products with particular focus on the vaping category. In the Middle East the regulation is changing, allowing gradually the opening of this category, where Imperial Brands is intending to play a key role.”
Visitors to the Davidoff stand at MEADFA will be entertained by a juggling show and professional bartenders preparing mocktails inspired by Davidoff’s flavours. Participants will receive a branded Davidoff gift at registration and the chance to win a holiday to Greece. The winner (to be drawn on stage at the MEADFA Conference) will be able to choose between visiting the island of Santorini or the Arachova ski resort.
Imperial Brands said its sponsorship of the conference is the latest stage in its long-standing partnership with MEADFA. The collaboration, the company said, represents Imperial’s focus on “creating bountiful relationships to build the future of the industry”.
Imperial Brands Regional Manager Global Duty Free & Export Vangelis Nikolopoulos added: “Starting from 2010 in Cairo, Imperial Brands, with its flagship brand Davidoff, are proud sponsors of the MEADFA Conference, and are always aiming to offer unique experiences to delegates.”
