What we do
The Travel Retail Consortium exists to further the interests and development of the UK travel retail industry, through its members. It’s something we’ve been doing for over fifty years.
Ours is a unique industry that relies on suppliers’ professionalism and effective trade relationships. With that in mind, activities encompass informative members’ meetings and the annual TRC customer event.
Our objectives
- Raise standards of business within the Travel Retail industry
- Promote members’ products and services
- Discuss industry issues and share knowledge
- Provide social and networking opportunities for key customers
Bi-monthly member business meetings
Held at member or customer locations, these regular meetings enable non-political discussions on trade issues. Our ethos is that confidential matters such as margins and terms are not discussed. Topics include industry issues, new operators, new services, business opportunities, maximising the opportunity of Brexit, and training and performance management. Invited industry speakers shed light on current hot topics for our market.
Customer events
Each year members of the Travel Retail Consortium host business and social events for key buyers and retailers. Guests enjoy first-class corporate hospitality at an event designed to be sociable, fun and relaxing.
With diaries becoming ever more challenging, the TRC changed its event format to run a series of regional events for selected customers where the emphasis is put firmly on fun, relaxation and relationship building.
Events in 2025 included two days in Amsterdam hosted by Heineken and a splendid immersive brand experience hosted by Au Vodka. 2026 has seen a Spring meeting in collaboration with DFDS enabling members to visit the operators shops both at sea at in the Calais port, while the July meeting included a talk to members on the cruise ship opportunity from well-known consultant Suzanne Mahoney.
2026 has also seen TRC members take exhibition stands at the DFNI Cruise Conference and TRB TR Consumer Forum to further increase awareness of the Consortium and to provide members with valuable networking opportunities.
The TRC is also active in raising funds for charity which, in 2026 is MacMillan Cancer Support.
