FreeWorld Brands, a new distribution and brand management agency set up by experienced drinks executive Sean McNaughten, is set to introduce four innovative brands into travel retail.
The agency will highlight it’s Irish brands Kinsale gin and whiskeys at next week’s IAADFS Summit of the Americas in West Palm Beach, Florida (Stand #900).
McNaughten, who is based in Dublin, Ireland, founded FreeWorld Brands late last year with the aim of developing internationally focused brands in travel retail. His 25 years’ experience in the drinks industry includes over 12 years with Heineken where he was Director Europe Export & Global Duty Free.
“I believe there is a market for new brands that are different; brands that have a story to tell the new travelling consumers who want more than just a spirit or wine,” McNaughten said.
“Travel retail needs more brands and products that shoppers can relate to and will not find easily elsewhere, like a rum or whiskey finished in a different way, or a gift pack for family and friends.
“I have been pleased the positive support that I have had from people within duty free industry already to the FreeWorld Brands offer and the brands that have come on board. I am discussing with a number of others about expanding the portfolio.
“I am also in the recruitment mode with a view to having at least two new team members within the next 12 months,” McNaughten added.
The Kinsale Spirit Co. is said to characterise “what is best about Kinsale, one of Ireland’s most vibrant and beautiful coastal towns”. The working port is renowned for its food, drink and active leisure pursuits.
The brand was founded by Tom O’Riordan, who recruited his sister Clodagh, a qualified distiller, to assist in the development of Kinsale Gin, along with two local food and beverage entrepreneurs, Ernest Cantillon and Colin Ross. First sales were in mid-2017, with the 100,000th bottle sold early in 2021.
The brand’s line-up now includes Kinsale and SummerCove Kinsale Gin, Red Earl Blended, Great Earl Single Grain and Spanish Earl Single Malt and Wild Atlantic Irish whiskeys in two barrel finishes, IPA and Rechar. A global travel retail exclusive Flight of the Earls Single Malt will be released shortly.
FreeWorld Brands will also participate in the TFWA Asia Pacific Exhibition in Singapore on 7-11 May. Contact Sean McNaughten at sean@freeworldbrands.com