Cannes_2026_WEDNESDAY_ISSUE_DIGITAL

T he International Association of Airport and Duty Free Stores (IAADFS) announced its new name and identity – Travel Retail Alliance of the Americas (TRAA) – yesterday at TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. The new name reflects both the evolution of the travel retail industry and the organisation’s expanded vision for serving operators, brands, suppliers, and industry partners throughout the Americas and beyond. “Travel retail has always been a relationship-driven business,” said Rene Riedi, Chairman of the Board of the Travel Retail Alliance of the Americas. “The partnerships formed between operators, brands, airports, and industry stakeholders are what drive innovation, W omen in Travel Retail+ (WITR+), with support from its generous sponsors, raised an impressive €54,000 for Morgan’s Army, far surpassing its original €15,000 target at its flagship fundraising event during TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. TFWA President Sarah Branquinho described the huge gathering, once again hosted by Brown-Forman, which boasts a very strong team of women in travel retail, as a “sellout event”. She noted that the travel retail community came together to support the Welsh charity and that the crowd in attendance at WiTR+ events grows each year. Morgan’s Army was established by Natalie and Matthew Riddler following the loss of their son Morgan to cancer, just days before his fourth birthday. The charity focuses particularly on supporting siblings and families affected by childhood IAADFS announces new name and identity as the Travel Retail Alliance of the Americas Duty Free World Council WiTR+ and travel retail unite behind Morgan’s Army ASUTIL 2027 conference to take place in Panama The Duty Free World Council (DFWC) held a Board meeting yesterday at TFWA World Exhibition & Conference, during which a number of issues were discussed. ASUTIL yesterday announced that its 2027 conference will take place in Panama in June with a ‘Transformation’ theme. The announcement was made during a special press conference held at TFWA World Exhibition & Conference. cancer. Matthew Riddler, Morgan’s father, said the charity grew from fundraising his wife Natalie began while Morgan was ill. “You always have to find the positive in the negative,” he said. “His name will always be spoken.” WITR+’s Geraldine Munday explained that funds raised will support 500 siblings, as well as help refurbish an apartment where families can stay when a child is receiving end-of-life care. Funding will also contribute towards a specialist portable shower, allowing seriously ill children to be washed comfortably when moving them has become too painful. Now in its third year as a fully-fledged charity, Morgan’s Army continues to grow, and the remarkable response from the travel retail community in Cannes will help extend that support to even more families facing childhood cancer. create opportunity, and ultimately enhance the traveller experience. TRAA reflects our commitment to bringing the industry together and helping shape a strong, connected, and future-ready marketplace across the Americas.” Wednesday 30 September 2026 16 T F W A D A I L Y