Latin America And Caribbean News

(15-Mar-2004) Uruguay, long regarded as "the Switzerland of Latin America", found itself suffering alongside its neighbours during the regional economic crisis of 2002-3. Now its duty-free trade is sharing in a regional upswing. John Gallagher reports on the changing fortunes of the Uruguayan industry.

(15-Mar-2004) Latin America represents Aldeasa's biggest market outside its native Spain. But a regional economic crisis, an Argentinian currency devaluation, and the euro's strength against the dollar have left sales in the doldrums and pushed costs up. Yet in Chile, the tide seems to be turning. The economy is growing strongly again, and sales at Santiago International airport are recovering. John Gallagher talks to Aldeasa Latin America director Daniel Montero.

(15-Mar-2004) Brazilian operators have endured a rollercoaster ride of recession and plummeting sales in recent years. But as signs of recovery begin to emerge, leading duty-free retailer Brasif is confident that a significant change in fortunes is imminent. John Gallagher reports.

(15-Mar-2004) In recent years the retail landscape in Paraguay has changed dramatically, forcing some operators to diversify. But as conditions improve and the government promises to introduce vital fiscal reforms, prospects for the country's retailers are the best they have been for years. John Gallagher reports.

(15-Mar-2004) Following last year?s conference in Cancún, Latin American duty-free association ASUTIL is holding its next annual conference - once again jointly organised with DFNI publisher Raven Fox - at another beachside venue, Salvador de Bahia in Brazil. DFNI talks to secretary-general José Luis Donagaray.

(15-Mar-2004) Since the travel industry hit hard times in 2001, one region has kept its head above water more comfortably than most. Caribbean cruises have benefited from a reluctance among north American holidaymakers to travel too far afield, and Duty Free Caribbean, with its Colombian Emeralds jewellery stores, has capitalised on the increasing popularity of the area. Jonathan Brown talks to regional director Peter Allan.

(15-Mar-2004) VENEZUELA. Motta Internacional, exclusive duty-free concessionaire at Maiquetía International airport in Caracas, is to open a renovated 1,100sq m (11,800sq ft) store in early April

(15-Mar-2004) The electronics category is one of the main beneficiaries of the business upturn in Latin American duty-free. Argentinian retailer London Supply has enjoyed strong sales in the category at its stores, especially in the Iguazu Free Zone shopping mall at Iguazu Falls

(15-Mar-2004) Destination merchandise is on its way back into the limelight. Lorna Strickland looks at how the category has finally caught the attention of Latin American operators and consumers alike.

(15-Mar-2004) Cayman Island-based supplier and retailer Tortuga Rum Co has launched two aged, dark rums to celebrate its twentieth anniversary