Average sale at Kuwait Duty Free up 13.97 per cent over 2003

KDF adopted a strategy of 'hot promotional points' in 2002 and 2003 and it paid off with excellent sales results particularly for cigarettes, food products, toiletries and perfumes.

"These hot points promote best-sellers, value packs and new products in a high visibility, big volume, stacked display, allowing customers easy access to products they want to buy," said Anthony Chalhoub.

"Duty-free goods need to be distinct from the domestic market. Special packaging and exclusive ranges encourage spending as demonstrated by the Marlboro country collections and Cadbury's travel retail range this year.

"Duty-free operators and retailers like us are constantly looking for new products, and events such as Middle East Exclusive are good vertical channels to find them," added.

Middle East Exclusive, the region's only exhibition for the duty-free, luxury goods and travel retail industry, will be held at Dubai's World Trade Centre from November 29 to December 1.

"The entire region is witnessing tremendous growth in retail activity, tourist arrivals, luxury brands and duty free expansions besides being home to a large population of high net-worth individuals," said Justin Boutros, Managing Director, Channels Exhibitions, which organises Middle East Exclusive.

"Demand for luxury goods is therefore growing and people want to see more products while manufacturers are searching for new markets. The show aims to meet the needs of both parties," added Boutros.

Middle East Exclusive 2004 will host more than 150 exhibitors with goods ranging from jewellery to luxury confectionery and tobacco products, including leading international brands and local merchandise.

Buyers from over 49 countries in five continents have pre-registered for the show with its website www.middleeastexclusive.com registering a significant increase in traffic. The show last year attracted 1,730 trade visitors from 79 countries.

Middle East Exclusive is held under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, Dubai and Chairman of Emirates Group and supported by Dubai Duty Free and the Middle East Duty Free Association.

It is being held in association with the Dubai Duty Free Golf World Cup which runs from November 25 - 26 and the MEDFA Duty Free Conference from November 27 to 28.