FDFA announces 2019 Gold Standard Award finalists
The Frontier Duty Free Association (FDFA), the industry association for Canada’s land border duty free shops released the finalists of the 2019 Gold Standard Awards ceremony being held at the Imperial Gala on November 13 in Toronto.
For more than two decades, the FDFA has selected winners for the 14 unique Gold Standards awards to showcase the best in Duty Free. From products, to suppliers, to innovative practices, the awards are designed to recognize the hard working FDFA member stores, owners, employees and suppliers.
Barbara Barrett, Executive Director, FDFA says: “The finalists were voted on by a panel of judges consisting of stakeholders from the industry. Canada’s Duty Free industry is a vital component to supporting our tourism economy, and the 2019 Imperial Gala is a great way to showcase that.”
For a list of award categories, finalists, and sponsors please see below.
Barrett adds: “We would also like to thank our generous sponsors for their support of our awards program this year. We look forward to hosting you in Toronto.”
2019 FDFA Gold Standards Awards
| Award Name and Sponsor (if applicable)
| The Finalists |
1.
|
2019 Outstanding Duty Free Employee of the Year Sponsored by: Retail Council of Canada
|
Jordan Burns Emerson Duty Free Katherine Chase 1000 Islands Duty Free Christine Pelletier Philpsburg Duty Free
|
2.
|
2019 Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year: Jewellery/Watches/Handbags/Accessories Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider & The Moodie Davitt Report
|
Champs Cross Body Bags ALFA Brands Inc. Swatch Watch/Flik Flak Swatch Group Canada Strong & Free Clothing Line Strong & Free Emblem
|
3. |
2019 Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year: Confectionery/Foods/Souvenirs Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider & The Moodie Davitt Report
| Planters Craft Bar Mix Beler Holding Inc. Lindt Maxi Plaisir Distribution Fontaine Inc. Kit Kat Senses Mini Desserts Beler Holding Inc. |
4.
|
2019 Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year: Fragrance/Cosmetic Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider & The Moodie Davitt Report
|
Mont Blanc Explorer Distribution Fontaine Inc. Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Sun Beler Holding Inc. Escada Miami Blossom Distribution Fontaine Inc. |
5.
|
2019 Best New or Relaunched Brand of the Year: Spirits/Beer/Wine/Tobacco Sponsored by: Travel Markets Insider & The Moodie Davitt Report |
Crystal Head Motts Clamato – National Caesar Day Wine Classics International Macallan Quest Range Johnnie Walker White Walker Diageo Jack Daniels Bottled in Bond Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd. |
6.
|
2019 Airport Duty Free Operator of the Year
|
AerRianta International Dufry North America Abbotsford Airport Duty Free |
7. |
2019 Best Marketing/Merchandising Award
|
Emerson Duty Free Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store Philipsburg Duty Free
|
8.
|
2019 Outstanding Achievement or Innovation Award |
1000 Islands Duty Free Philipsburg Duty Free Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store
|
9.
|
2019 FDFA Convention Star of the Show |
N/A (MC will provide content)
|
10.
|
2019 Supplier of the Year Category A |
Northern Souvenirs V.P.I. Canada Ltd. Strong & Free Emblem
|
11.
|
2019 Supplier of the Year Category B |
House of Horvath JTI-Macdonald Corp. Turkey Hill Sugarbush Ltd. |
12.
|
2019 Supplier of the Year Distributor/Agent |
Wine Classics International WFH Travel Retail Distribution Fontaine Inc. Peter Mielzynski Agencies Ltd. |
13.
|
2019 Platinum Award Category A Sponsored by: The Americas Duty Free & Travel Retailing Magazine | Johnstown Duty Free Shop Inc. Sault Ste. Marie Duty Free Store Abbotsford Duty Free |
14.
|
2019 Platinum Award Category B Sponsored by: The Americas Duty Free & Travel Retailing Magazine
| Queenston-Lewiston Duty Free Shop Blue Water Bridge Duty Free Shop Inc. Importations Guay Ltée |