Year in Review: The Moodie Blog
The Moodie Blogs of the Year (II)
July
FAB moments in Barcelona, mashie Ps in Ystradgynlais
Ystradgynlais (Welsh for ‘vale of the river Cynlais’) is easier to find (at the northeastern end of the Swansea Valley) than it is to pronounce. But after a good dram or two of the outstanding local whisky, Penderyn, I’ve just about got the hang of it.
August (and the most special Blog of all)
“Cancer may not believe in karma, but I will make my own” – A special message from another Moodie
I didn’t show emotion, I felt numb. I didn’t cry. I wouldn’t allow myself to think. I didn’t want to think about my husband and kids and what their future would be. I couldn’t let my mind go there.
The mysterious case of the disappearing Travel Retail Weekly
To my great surprise, my missive prompted the following reply: “I recently became aware that what I did constitutes a serious ethical lapse, and I take full responsibility for my actions. The article was prepared by AI and it did not notify me of the sources.”
How Pride Hub Egham offers an example to airports everywhere
If a conservative-leaning town in the south of England can house such a showcase for the LGBTQ+ community, then why not an airport?
September
Time for the reign of cats and dogs in travel retail
Luxury brands, including Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Burberry, Celine, Gucci, MCM, Prada and Tiffany & Co. are all offering pet products, ranging from dog bowls to waterproof coats to cotton fleece hoodies. And yet in the whole travel retail world there is just a solitary pet accessories store.
October
Flying Kiwi meets Travelling Omelette with a drop of Penderyn in between
My palate might not have been best attuned to sipping whisky at that hour of the morn but a combination of the TREX status, the renowned quality of Penderyn, and Lee’s persuasiveness overcame my admittedly feeble resistance.
November
Discovering a show-stopping Spanish brandy at Alicante Duty Free
A nightcap was called for, Torres 15 Reserva Privada Imperial Brandy to be precise. But could I open the unusually shaped top? It looked like a simple enough exercise but the only thing that was simple was my bafflement. Without giving the game away, the technique is what Bob Dylan might call A Simple Twist-off Feat.
In memory of Roopa, a Mitti Café and travel retail heroine
Roopa and Bhairappa’s love story was of two people who found strength, dignity and joy in each other. Two hearts that showed all of us that love has no barriers, no labels, no limits.
December
Mundo Fantástico da Sardinha Portuguesa – where “the sardine is queen”
Welcome to The Fantastic World of Portuguese Sardines, possibly the best speciality store in the airport world. It might also rank as the most colourful, exuberant and surprising I have encountered. And it almost certainly has the longest name.
The Moodie Davitt eZine
Issue 349 | 22 December 2025
The Moodie Davitt eZine is published 6 times per year by The Moodie Davitt Report (MA Travel Retail). © All material is copyright and cannot be reproduced without the permission of the Publisher. To find out more visit www.moodiedavittreport.com and to subscribe, please email kristyn@moodiedavittreport.com