RUSSIA. Moscow-based agency Smart Project last week honoured travel retail partners and associates at its annual awards ceremony and gala, held this year at the renowned Lookin Rooms in the Russian capital.
The guest list featured representatives from leading retailers including Dufry, Gebr Heinemann, RegStaer, Port Alliance and Travel Retail Domodedovo (the joint venture between Gebr Heinemann and its local partner Greenway), together with members of professional duty free trade associations.
Travel retailers from Moscow to Vladivostok were on hand, together with representatives from prominent wines & spirits and beauty houses and other suppliers.
The evening was sponsored by drinks manufacturer Alvisa Group and Bacardi. Special support was provided by Simple Group, a leading Russian wines & spirits and soft drinks distribution and retail company.
In a highlight of the evening, Simple Group representatives hosted a tasting of the company’s ‘Big Russian Wine’ project, featuring wines from some of the most progressive Russian winemakers, available exclusively through Simple Group.
The travel retail awards event was founded by Smart Project in 2018 to mark the 30th anniversary of Russia’s duty free industry.
Speaking to guests at this month’s event, Smart Project CEO and Founder Nadezhda Emelianenko noted recent developments relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and travel retail’s staged recovery in the region. She thanked companies for their assistance and support of each other in such difficult times and marked their efforts with certificates of appreciation.
“The organisation of these awards for the stars of the Russian duty free industry has become a great honour for Smart Project,” Emelianenko said.
“The work of such a supreme level of professionals is worthy of the highest appreciation and we are glad to have to have the opportunity to express our gratitude. The enthusiasm and cohesion of all industry players inspires our team to new achievements.”
