cannes_2024_THURSDAY_ISSUE

V andermarliere Cigar Family, known largely for brands such as J. Cortès and Oliva, is here in Cannes to reconnect with established contacts, and is also on the lookout for its next opportunity on cruises. Speaking about the week so far, Vandermarliere Cigar Family (J. Cortès) Travel Retail Coordinator Thomas Gryson said: “We have been here both establishing and re-establishing relationships with clients, so seeing existing clients and a few new clients. The last couple of years, we have grown a lot in duty free, especially with Oliva, which is from Nicaragua.” Gryson explained that “the main focus next is going to be looking at the bigger operators”. He also revealed how he wants to meet people from the cruise ship sector. According to Gryson, the focus he wants to tune into “is especially for the US, and with the US market of cruise ships”. He explained: “On that side, we have an Oliva cigar lounge on a ferry from Tallinn to Stockholm and have done an event. It was just one ferry and quite small, but we saw the potential there and thought maybe something like this might also exist in the US.” Gryson added: “The airports, of course, are also very important for us too and we’re trying to gain more listings.” How? “By standing out and “trying to be a little bit innovative with packaging.” HarbourVillage Eva Untapped potential U krainian vodka company Nemiroff has released a new vodka, which offers up a silky-smooth mouthfeel and is sharpening its focus on the UK and western Europe. Speaking at the show this week, Nemiroff CMO Mykola Takzey said: “Last year we showed Lex and we showed our premium line extension of the parent brand. This year we’re bringing a new addition to our De Luxe portfolio called Nemiroff De Luxe Reserve, which is a unique product.” Takzey explained: “We’re buying the barrels from France, and we’re putting our spirits to rest in those barrels for six months. So, you know, the spirits become aromatic spirits.” He revealed: “All of our clients who are tasting this product, and everyone is saying it’s an unprecedented smoothness due to this new technology. It has a very interesting after-taste, fruity and with Smoothly does it blackberries, but very smooth. We position it as a bit more premium to our De Luxe Classic.” In terms of how to drink it, Takzey reminded how “all consumer preferences are different” but said that “for those markets that drink vodka neat then it is a fantastic product because you really can feel the smoothness” but admitted the brand also has “some signature cocktails too”. Takzey added: “It’s definitely making sure we, according to our vision, sustain and grow our leadership position in Ukraine, because it’s our home market. But the biggest part of our priorities is focused on growing outside Ukraine, into western Europe in particular. Our number one priority right now is the UK though.” YellowVillage E30 Thursday 3 Oc tobe r 2024 13 T F W A D A I L Y