Big numbers likely come with the territory for the liquor buying team at Dubai Duty Free (DDF). In 2023, the UAE-based global travel retail operator notched up alcohol sales of US$310m and sold over 2.3m bottles of scotch whisky, but even they will have been taken aback at the size of last month’s $140,000 blockbuster sale of the seven-strong Royal Salute Platinum Jubilee Collection (above).After all, this was the largest single beverage alcohol purchase in DDF’s 41-year history.
Such a momentous transaction suggests that global travel retail has put the traumatic Covid years fir
How has spirits premiumisation weathered post-pandemic turbulence in global travel retail? – Comment
“Footfall is now pretty closely aligned with previous levels, but shrinking basket sizes highlight more cautious post-pandemic consumers.”

Joe has been a business journalist for over 20 years, specialising in the drinks, aviation and Global Travel Retail sectors; Duty-Free News International, IWSR Magazine, Drinks International and Whisky Magazine, among others.



