Karelia is introducing new gondolas and wall units into the Asian market for its new exclusive flagship brand George Karelias and Sons Excellence, and also for the popular brand Karelia Slims, after showcasing the fixtures at TFWA Asia Pacific in mid-May.

"The new gondolas and wall units will be customised to the specifications of different airports, offering an attractive means of displaying these brands that are helping to drive our volume sales," said Public Relations Manager Joanna Kamarinopoulos.

Since launching George Karelias and Sons Excellence with World Duty Free at London Heathrow Terminal 5 on 27 March, Karelia reports that the flagship brand has had encouraging sales.

The new units aim to maintain the positive growth trajectory that Karelia recorded in Asia in 2007, led by double-digit growth.

Karelia has listings with Sunrise Duty Free at Beijing Capital International Airport and Shanghai Pudong International Airport, with Sky Connection at Hong Kong International Airport, with Anway at the two major border checkpoints between Hong Kong and China, and with King Power at Macau International airport. Also, through a long-standing cooperation with South Korean duty free operators, Karelia has brand listings at Incheon, Daegu and Kimhae airports.

South-East Asian travel retailers are also proving receptive to the Karelia brand portfolio that is available at international airports in Malaysia, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Cambodia and Myanmar. Kamarinopoulos indicated that accessing the growing markets of the Middle East and Asia is a strategic imperative for the group.

"We will keep exploring new markets while trying to increase our share in existing markets," Kamarinopoulos continued. "Karelia has already expanded its exports to reach about 70 countries and we intend to move forward from that solid base."