cannes_2024_TUESDAY_ISSUE

C M J CM MJ CJ CMJ N T ito’s Vodka is using the show this year to give out copies of its new book, as well as network to secure future deals. Speaking to the TFWA Daily, John McDonnell, Managing Director International at Tito’s Vodka, said: “We’ve published our first book, which is named Spirit in a Bottle and which tells the history of Tito’s. It includes a bunch of recipes. It began because a lot of people were interested in the story and how it began, so we thought we would put it all down in a book. Plus, in terms of global travel retail, we were recently able to secure Lagardère listings in a bunch of European airports, so Rome, Paris and Nice.” McDonnell explained that he has also been looking to expand further and revealed: “In terms of interesting markets that I have my eye on, we’re just about to launch in Uzbekistan. So that’ll be our newest market. Now we’re in 151 markets around the world.” McDonnell admitted: “I want to get more listings in the airports Mixability and world markets where we are not listed, and pick off some more Eastern European countries that we don’t have distributors.” But when it comes to trends he has also been watchful and observed: “What I’m starting to notice is that customers in the travel retail channel are starting to give more space back to vodka at the expense of gin, because I think the introductions of gin have become overdone at this point.” McDonnell also highlighted how cocktail mixology is integral to the brand’s accessibility and reputation for mixability and quality. He added: “We continue to hire newmixologists too. We have a French mixologist. a Greek mixologist, an Italian mixologist, and a mixologist in the Philippines. We’re picking key markets around the world.” GreenVillageM71 Tuesday 1 Oc tobe r 2024 46 T F W A D A I L Y