Judging Criteria & Nominations

TREX recognises the world’s best travel retail-exclusive products. The programme is designed to champion differentiation and recognise innovation in the channel. It embraces multiple categories plus retailer/brand collaborations and more.

TREX Award Categories

Best Travel Retail-Exclusive (TREX) in its category. The entry should detail precisely what is exclusive about a specific product.

We also seek evidence of how the TREX has been effectively communicated and brought to life across various shopper touchpoints. And how it has succeeded.

1. Children’s Products
2. Confectionery and Food 
3. Consumer Technology
   
4. Cosmetics, Beauty (skincare, makeup, colour)
5. Destination Merchandise
6. Fashion and Accessories (including Sunglasses)
7. Fragrances (men’s, women’s and unisex)
8. Gifts and Crystal
   
9. Jewellery and Watches
10. Spirits
11. Tobacco and Smoke-Free Products
    
12. Travel Accessories
13. Wellbeing
14. Wines

Special awards

1. Best TREX Marketing Campaign (This must relate to a TREX product)
2. Best TREX Collaboration between a Brand and Retailer and/or Airport (This must relate to a TREX product)
3. Best TREX Initiative by a Retailer or Airport (This must relate to a TREX product)
4. The ‘Patagotitan’ Award – best overall TREX (Selected by judges from the submitted entries in individual categories)

In addition to the winner in each category, Gold, Silver and Bronze awards will be bestowed on entries of relevant merit.

Submission Guidelines

The written component of submissions should not exceed 800 words and relate to products or initiatives undertaken between 1 January 2025 31 December 2025.

Products or Initiatives must have been active in at least one travel retail location during 2025. Submissions can be submitted in word or PDF format. Entrants should include high-resolution images and video (if available) to support their submissions.

Submission Fee

£189 per submission + VAT; -15% for two or more entries from the same company (using promo code: 2ORMOREFOR15OFF)

Submission Deadline

6 March 2026

Submission Content

1. Description of the product/initiative – including time frame
2. Objectives of the product/initiative – including target demographics and locations
3. Details of how the product/initiative was launched and activated
4. Results
5. A short quote should be included (c.50 words) to summarise the initiative. Retailer endorsements where appropriate are welcome.

Judging Criteria

• Differentiation/Innovation – Is the product/initiative truly different from what is available in domestic markets? A simple size or packaging twist isn’t enough. Does it genuinely add value and differentiation?
• Communication – Is specialness and exclusivity communicated well at shopper touch points (including on the product itself, in store and on-line)? Is there a compelling story and reason for a shopper to purchase the product?
• Responsibility – Has consideration been given to environmental, ethical and social factors in both creation and execution?
• Results – Has the product/initiative delivered what was expected based on initial objectives e.g. sales performance, brand enhancement, marketing criteria, premiumisation and meeting a specific shopper need or desire?