Thompsons seeks travel retail partner

Thompsons, the Bordeaux-based eaux-de-vie specialist, is looking to break into the duty free sphere through a retail operator partnership.

Thompsons’ range includes Bordeaux eaux-de-vie, Bordelais Gin and Sauterne cask-finished Scotch whisky

Already distributed in several European domestic markets, including France, the UK, Belgium and Germany, founder Simon Thompson is keen to move the group’s brandy range into travel retail.

“I’m looking to secure attention for the brand in travel retail,” Thompson said. “Thompsons is positioned to do successfully in that environment, which is an industry I know quite well. I’m looking for a strategic partner who would like exclusive rights to the brand and will put it in a number of airports.”

Thompson is in the final stages of developing a range of Sauterne cask-finished Scotch whiskies, including a 1996 Isle of Arran, as well as a Bordelais Gin made using regional botanicals such as vineyard peach and pine. Thompson believes that as a whole, his portfolio is primed for success in travel retail.