Whisky sales take off at Colombo airport
Joe Bates heads tothe Indian subcontinent tolook atSri Lanka’s main airport.
Demand for Scotch whisky across the Indian subcontinent is booming as never before.Duty-free stores across the region have been experiencing record sales as local travellers lucky enough to have disposable income to burn take the opportunity to grab a bottle of the real stuff at realistic prices.
Colombo Bandanaraike airport in Sri Lanka is a good example of the trend. Malt whisky sales there are growing at more than 75 per cent per annum and with prices up to 50 per cent cheaper than the domestic market it is not hard to see why.
Demand is being driven by local travellers rather than ex-pats, forcing the shop operator to broaden its range from the Speyside favourites of Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie and The Glenlivet of old to include the likes of Bowmore,Bunnahabain, Glengoyne,The Dalmore, Longmorn and Tomintoul.
The assortment also now boasts high-end references such as Glengoyne 35 Years Old Spirit Safe at $499 (£251),Bowmore 30 Years Old at $695 (£353),Tobermory 32 Years Old at $199 (£100) and Bunnahabain 25 Years old at $399 (£201).
There are always plenty of promotions on offer for more price-conscious customers, recent deals in the departures store have included Buy Two,Get One Free on Johnnie Walker Green Label and Jack Daniel’s.
Airport arrivals shopping is big business in this part of the world so be sure to check on the offers in the airport arrivals store too.
Recent promotions have included discounts on Diageo’s Classic Malts Selections and Johnnie Wal.....
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By Joe Bates
Section : Travel retail
Page number : 32
