In this episode of Not Another Whisky podcast, Mitch dives solo into the fascinating world of global travel retail and its impact on the Scotch whisky industry. Joined by special guest Andrew Bardsley, Global Director of Prestige at Pernod Ricard, they explore the importance of airport whisky shelves, the allure of travel-exclusive releases, and the exciting new Aberlour range. Andrew shares insights from his 20+ years in the spirits business, detailing how travel retail has evolved and why it's a critical shop window for whisky brands. They discuss everything from consumer behavior, the role of brand ambassadors, and the growth of whisky in Asian markets, to the challenges posed by economic factors and tariffs.

00:00 Introduction to the Episode

00:19 Exploring Global Travel Retail

01:33 Special Guest: Andrew Bardsley

03:07 Andrew's Role and Experience

05:42 Understanding the Travel Retail Market

06:48 Investment in Travel Retail

09:45 Consumer Engagement and Demographics

12:54 Avalara's Travel Retail Range

16:20 Global Trends and Market Changes

18:58 Insights on Consumer Data

20:20 Boutiques in Travel Retail

22:30 Creating Memorable Consumer Experiences in Airports

24:03 The Importance of Asia in Travel Retail

26:02 Travel Retail as a Test Bed for Whisky

28:57 Engaging Whisky Enthusiasts and Broader Audiences

32:37 Future of Travel Retail

36:12 Scotch Whisky vs. Other Spirits in Travel Retail

39:34 Personal Whisky Preferences and Stories

41:23 Favorite Airports and Consumer Behavior Insights

43:23 Final Thoughts and Upcoming Whisky Launches

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