Scorpio venture with Heinemann secures Condor contract

Gavin Lipsith

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The two companies will cooperate to serve Condor Ferries’ exclusive supply agreement for fragrances and cosmetics

Scorpio Distributors has announced that it will participate in an exclusive delivery agreement for fragrances and cosmetics on board Condor Ferries as part of its joint venture with Gebr Heinemann announced in September 2007. The agreement—which started on February 1—is between Condor Ferries and Heinemann, with Scorpio managing the day-to-day aspects of the business.

Heinemann will supply products from its logistics base in Hamburg, as well as merchandising expertise, while Scorpio will provide customer service and advise on factors including store layout and promotions. A Scorpio spokesperson told DFNIonline that Condor Ferries represents an attractive business as it operates on duty-free routes to Guernsey and Jersey.

Scorpio group business development director Alan Edwards said: “We are excited to be working alongside Condor's already established retailing footprint. Harnessing Gebr Heinemann's fulfillment and merchandising expertise with Scorpio's 'Complete Customer Service' philosophy is a dream team that will add value and rival anyone in this sector of the UK market.”

In order to strengthen its expertise in the ferries market, Scorpio has announced two key appointments, both coming to Scorpio from The Nuance Group’s Ocean Trading division. Edwards said: “Annie Ramsay South and Nikki Shears are industry specialists and they will focus on growing the Condor business even further through initiatives such as increased marketing support, promotional activity and training."

Meanwhile Scorpio has made the first steps towards bolstering its prestige product portfolio by securing distribution agreements with Elizabeth Arden, L'Occitane and L'Oréal Luxury Products International. The agreements cover different permutations of the UK and Ireland market for airlines, ferries, cruiselines and regional airports.

Edwards said: “This is great news and we are extremely proud to be selected to represent these brands. Early indications for the 2008 spring/summer listing season have been extremely positive.”