Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail (GTR) and Heinemann Australia partnered recently to open a first of its kind pop-up bar for The Botanist gin at Sydney Airport. It educated travellers about the 22 hand-foraged botanicals from the Scottish island of Islay – the signature ingredients of the super-premium gin brand.
The event was part of the #BeTheBotanist campaign which challenged travellers to “unleash their inner forager” and “rediscover their local environment and forge a deeper connection with nature”.
Accordingly, in a local twist, travellers could also customise their tonic serve with one of five garnishes foraged from the surrounding landscapes of Sydney.
As part of the client engagement, the five local Sydney botanicals – thyme, rosemary, elderflower, fennel flower and oregano – were displayed in acrylic cases set above wooden nosing blocks, with each dipped in the corresponding botanical’s essential oil.
The Botanist brand ambassadors guided clients through the experience, educating them about the botanicals and their distinct characteristics. Travellers could also select one of the botanicals to be served up in their own self-foraged The Botanist gin and tonic.
A set of The Botanist tumblers provided an additional incentive for sales conversion.
Rémy Cointreau Global Travel Retail Asia Pacific Managing Director, Adam Hamzah, said: “Foraging was once a way of life for everyone. And today, it is at the heart of creation of The Botanist.
“In our partnership with Heinemann Australia, we tapped into this deep-rooted instinct with #BeTheBotanist at Sydney Airport.
“For many travellers, this was a unique encounter with The Botanist, and we set out to deliver an authentic, immersive and unforgettable brand experience enjoyed with an exceptional product.”
Heinemann Australia Managing Director Richard Goodman added: “We are constantly looking for novel ways to excite our customers, and enhance their shopping experience along the way.
“Not only by offering premium products, but also memories of their positive customer journey at the beginning (and a part) of their trip.
“We were thrilled to partner with Remy Cointreau Global Travel Retail on an exceptional inaugural tasting concept.”
