TRBusiness has announced the finalists for the 2026 Global Travel Retail Awards, the only consumer-voted honors in the duty free and travel retail sector. The winners will be determined by a mix of traveler feedback and expert evaluation.
Entries are assessed by 5,000 consumers sourced from m1nd-set’s database of international travelers who have passed through an airport in the last six months. That consumer vote counts for 80% of the overall score. A panel of influencer judges spends three days in London trying the products hands-on, providing the remaining 20%.
Being named a finalist comes with the “Voted by Shoppers” label that brands can use in marketing. Recent research by m1nd-set of over 2,000 travelers found that 22% of consumers are more likely to buy a product carrying that logo.
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The 80/20 split has drawn some industry discussion. Critics question whether a small panel can fairly represent global traveler preferences, but the hybrid model remains a key feature of the awards.
From chocolate to skincare: the full list of finalists
Best Chocolate/Sugar Confectionery
Nine products made the cut: Butlers Assorted Milk Chocolate Mini Bars in Sharing Bag, Butlers Famous Irish Collection Mini Bar Bags, Bateel International’s Dubai Chocolate Gift Set, Fazer Geisha 420g mix praline box, Summerbird Organic Heartmade Edition, Lindt Pistachio Range, Marou Faiseurs de Chocolat Tropical Delights, Ritter Sport Enjoy The Little Things, and Toblerone Crispy Caramel from Mondelēz World Travel Retail.
Best Fashion and Accessories
Finalists include luggage, scarves, and eyewear. They are Bugatti Italian travel scarf by V. Fraas, Ella Gold Sunreader from GLAS Scandinavia, FRAAS Xmas gift set, Mio Caramel Readers, Natalie Readers with tinted lens, Travel Blue Amazonia Carry-On Luggage, and Vanda Miss Joaquim Pashma Scarf from Lagardère Travel Retail Singapore.
Best Food and Gourmet Gifting
Three finalists: Cartwright & Butler’s Post Box Tin Salted Caramel, Walker’s Shortbread Lemon Cheesecake Shortbread Tube, and Bateel International’s Midas Gift Set.
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Best Fragrance
Eight scents are finalists: Boss Bottled Beyond Eau De Parfum, Calvin Klein Euphoria Magnetic Elixir, Chloé Atelier Des Fleurs Cedrus, Cedrus Intense, and Sous Les Pins, CK Body Mist Nude Vanilla, Cosmic Kylie Jenner Intense Eau De Parfum, Infiniment Coty Paris Après L’amour, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau De Toilette, and Mükemel Signature Women Extrait De Parfum.
Best Alcohol-Free Drink
Two entries from Henkell International: Freixenet Diamond Sparkling 0,0% and Freixenet Solare Alcohol Free.
Best Color Cosmetic Product
Six finalists: By Terry CC Serum, Kylie Skin Tint Foundation Warm Neutral, Kylie Glossy Lip Kit Comes Naturally 355, Kylie Lip Butter Balm, Kylie SK Lip Oil Coconut, and Wonderskin Wonderblading Lip Color Kit.
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Best Nicotine (Non-Combustible) Product
Philip Morris International’s IQOS ILUMA i Electric Purple and ZYN Dark Roast Limited Edition are the two finalists.
Best Skincare, Haircare, Bath and Body Product
Five products: Babor Ampoule Concentrates Nutri Restore, Lancaster Sun Beauty Face Stick SPF50, Sun Beauty Body Milk SPF30, Tourvest’s The Beauty Standard Box, Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion, and Egyptian Magic.
The awards ceremony is set for Tuesday 29 September in Cannes. The industry will gather to see which finalists take home the top prizes.