Dubai Duty Free (DDF) has won the highly contested “Travel Retail Operator of the Year” award for the second time at the annual Drinks Business Awards held during the London Wine Fair in London.

The airport retailer was shortlisted against some of the industry’s most influential representatives to win the top prize, said a statement.

Now in its 14th year, the Drinks Business Awards are designed to reward top performers across the international drinks industry including retailers and importers, in areas such as logistics, design, marketing campaigns and launches.

Dubai Duty Free was recognised for “defining excellence in drinks retailing in 2015” with the judges praising the operator for its quality of service, excellent merchandising and an unparalleled selection of wines and spirits.
Alcohol sales at DDF reached $293 million in 2015, which places the category in second place just behind the No. 1 category, Perfumes.

Dubai Duty Free executive vice chairman and chief executive officer Colm McLoughlin said: “We are delighted to win the Drinks Business Travel Retail Operator of the Year award for the second time which marks a great achievement for Dubai Duty Free competing against some of the world’s leading travel retail operators. Congratulations to our Purchasing team who work hard in building up this category and to our shopfloor staff who are both knowledgeable and passionate about our business.” - TradeArabia News Service