ASUTIL Report – Bernabel Trading
Bernabel Trading aims high in the maritime market
Bernabel Trading Director Martin Laffitte offers a positive assessment as ferry travel recovers between Uruguay and Argentina.
Bernabel Trading, operating as Rio de la Plata Duty Free, manages travel retail onboard several Buquebus ferries sailing between Uruguay and Argentina. The company has recovered strongly from the pandemic, recording sales growth of +39% year-to-date compared to 2022 and +3% compared to 2019.
Also encouraging is the recovery in passenger traffic, now almost back to pre-pandemic levels, and down only -4% compared to 2019 so far in 2023.
A colourful, vibrant confectionery display onboard
Healthy spending levels are accompanied by other positive purchasing signals among consumers, says Bernabel Trading Director Martin Laffitte.
“The pursuit of exclusive products not commonly found in domestic markets has led to [strong] impulse purchases, taking into account factors such as trends, pricing and sales opportunities.
The ferry business between Argentina and Uruguay offers generous shopping space onboard many of the vessels
“Chocolates and perfumery are the top-performing categories, but we have also successfully expanded into growing segments such as toiletries, hair care, toys and confectionery as part of our post-pandemic strategy.”
The company pursued digital investments through the pandemic, and these are now paying off. Laffitte says: “Our focus lies in optimising communication tools and promoting our Instagram account and website to provide an enhanced customer experience.”
He also looks ahead with optimism to the rest of the year, saying sales can hit a new high for the business.
“We maintain a positive outlook for the future with new projects and challenges, and expect continued growth. In terms of sales, we anticipate that we will perform better than 2022 and ahead of 2019.”
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The Moodie Davitt eZine
Issue 324 | 6 June 2023
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