French winemaker Barton & Guestier (B&G)*– a Silver partner at the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo 2020– has revealed new products and marketing tools to meet the demands of a changing market in travel retail.
“COVID-19 changed our lives and habits, not only in the short term, but most probably for a long while,” said Barton & Guestier Sales and Marketing Director Philippe Marion.
“Yesterday’s trends, like ecommerce, health consciousness and many more, accelerated during the last four months and have become key decision-making assets today.
“While the virus is still active worldwide, we are adapting our working methods.”
Marion said the B&G team is e-meeting customers on a regular basis to discuss tomorrow’s needs and to “understand how to best bounce back together”.
B&G also introduced a series of e-MasterClass sessions earlier this year.
B&G’s participation at the Virtual Travel Retail Expo is a major part of its innovation programme.
“We are thrilled to be part of this new way of showcasing our products and meeting our customers and prospects online,” Marion said.
“In these troubled times, we are very happy to support our travel retail community and help find solutions together. Virtual fairs and meetings are key for keeping on building our 300-year old brand and we are looking forward to this first Virtual Travel Retail Expo.”
“The fair will be a combination of a top-quality digital showcase offering multiple interactive touchpoints and unlimited brand information display, as well as an opportunity to meet the B&G team virtually,” the company added.
Its international sales and marketing managers will be online 24/7 to highlight new wines and tools. All travel retail trade partners will receive e-invitations to schedule meetings but drop-in meetings will also be possible.
A highlight of the forthcoming Virtual Travel Retail Expo will be a virtual Wine O’Clock, co-hosted by The Moodie Davitt Report and integrated retail marketing agency FILTR. The event is designed to put the spotlight on the wine category and its burgeoning potential in travel retail. Click here for details. |
New B&G products include Crémant de Bordeaux, made with Cabernet Franc and Sémillon grapes and aged in bottle for 12 months.
The pale yellow-coloured wine offers fine bubbles and a light and persistent foam, with aromas of white flesh fruits and citrus enhanced by brioche and vanilla notes. It is available now.
B&G has extended its Sparkling range with an Extra Dry, which is presented in a shiny golden sleeve. Made from Ugni Blanc, Terret Bourret and Chardonnay grapes from the Languedoc and the Loire Valley, the wine’s aromas include yellow fruit, especially peach. It is available from this month.
B&G Alcohol Free Sparkling highlights the trends towards non-alcoholic drinks. The wine is made with 100% Muscat grapes, is recommended as an aperitif, cocktail or lunch/dinner drink and is available now.
B&G has also extended its Bistro range, which, it says, represents the typical restaurant/bar bistro atmosphere and adds a “touch of the French art of living”. B&G Pinot Sauvignon Blanc joins Pinot Noir; both wines are presented in Bourgogne Elegance bottles and feature a new Stelvin Lux screw top which is designed to look like a cork.
B&G has introduced a new display unit for its Côtes de Provence. The 1.6m x 0.40m metal stand holds 30 bottles but can also be used for other B&G wines, including the Réserve range (42 bottles).
Another newcomer to the B&G lineup is a dedicated giftpack for the Thomas Barton Réserve. The black carton, which has a window so the pack is suitable for all wines in the range, will be available from October.
Note: As noted above, Barton & Guestier is among the stellar line-up of brands and companies supporting the inaugural Moodie Davitt Virtual Travel Retail Expo this October.
The unique five-day ‘live’ Expo takes place on 12-16 October, followed by a 30-day showcase (click here to register).
