Images of the Day: ‘Six awards, six stories of excellence’ – CDFG Global Brands Meeting recognises top partners

The China Duty Free Group 2025 Global Brands Meeting held in Sanya earlier this month closed with a glittering awards ceremony that honoured 80 global suppliers across multiple sectors, spotlighting their exceptional contributions to collaborative growth.

Mar 28, 2025 - 06:04

Images of the Day: ‘Six awards, six stories of excellence’ – CDFG Global Brands Meeting recognises top partners

Our regular feature, brought to you in association with Duty Free Global from Ireland, celebrates memorable scenes, moments, launches and campaigns related to the global aviation and travel retail sphere.

CHINA. Today’s selection comes from Sanya, Hainan province where as reported the China Duty Free Group (CDFG) 2025 Global Brands Meeting was held from 19 March.

The event closed with a glittering awards ceremony that honoured 80 global suppliers across multiple sectors and spotlighted their exceptional contributions to collaborative growth.

The ceremony was highlighted by six awards across the areas of innovation, market expansion, sustainability and channel development as follows (all recognised brands are shown in the photo backdrops below):

Best Marketing Support Award

This recognition was bestowed on 15 brands for “groundbreaking” marketing initiatives.

Among them, Diageo was singled out for driving whisky category growth with immersive brand zones and tastings at cdf’s acclaimed Malt & More Whisky boutique at cdf Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Haikou.

L’Occitane Group was recognised for boosting niche categories through brand exhibitions in hotels and botanical haircare experiences in Sanya.

Business Development Pioneer Award

CDFG celebrated 16 brands for ‘redefining retail reach’.

Bacardi Global Travel Retail was lauded for expanding online and overseas sales via competitive pricing and multi-brand strategies.

Chinese luxury jewellery brand Qeelin was praised for partnering with CDFG to unlock key channels at Singapore Changi, Hong Kong International and Beijing airports.

Outstanding ESG Practice Award

This category honoured sustainability champions.

Beauty company Coty was praised for its eco-friendly formulas and sustainable consumption initiatives.

Chando was recognised as a leader in environmental philanthropy, exemplifying Chinese brands’ social responsibility.

And Chinese watches brands FIYTA was applauded for the way it has innovated with eco-materials and clean tech, advancing ESG projects alongside CDFG.

National Trend Leadership Award

This award saw 16 brands, including China Tea (中茶) and Lao Miao Gold (老庙黄金), celebrated for cultural confidence.

iFLYTEK(科大讯飞) was also recognised for supporting CDFG with cutting-edge technology and strategic insights.

Fast-growing beauty brand Florasis (花西子) and Maogeping (毛戈平) were saluted for having redefined beauty with distinctive Eastern aesthetics.

Elite Collaboration Award

This award recognised 15 long-term partners for their unwavering support of CDFG.

They included Dior, The Estée Lauder Companies and L’Oréal for delivering premium products and innovation.

Huawei Consumer BG was recognised for having empowered CDFG’s electronics market expansion through tech leadership.

Premier Partnership Award

The pinnacle honour went to 15 brands for their transformative contributions to CDFG’s success.

Commenting on the event, CDFG said: “The ceremony’s vibrant atmosphere underscored the strengthened bonds between CDFG and its global partners.

“As the Hainan Free Trade Port approaches its customs closure milestone, CDFG’s collaborative synergizing with brands is unlocking unprecedented value in travel retail, charting a course for shared prosperity.”