India, August 2025: India Retails and Hospitality Private Limited (IRHPL) is proud to announce that its flagship concepts, Artport and Susegado Microbrewery, have been shortlisted as finalists for the prestigious Frontier Awards 2025, which will be held at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes. Widely regarded as the “Oscars of Travel Retail”, the Frontier Awards recognize global excellence, innovation, and leadership in the travel retail and duty-free industry.
Historic Recognition for Indian Innovation
In a remarkable achievement, IRHPL stands as the only Indian brand—and one of the very few emerging businesses—among the global heavyweights shortlisted this year. Competing alongside industry icons such as Louis Vuitton, Lego Café, Green Apple Books, Fortnum & Mason, and Avolta, IRHPL has carved a niche for itself with homegrown concepts that blend innovation, culture, and hospitality while setting new standards for responsible business in airport retail and F&B.
This dual finalist recognition underscores IRHPL’s ability to compete at global standards and represents India’s rise as a creative and cultural force in international travel retail.
Artport: Transforming Transit into Cultural Discovery
Artport, shortlisted under the Best Specialty Concept – Retail category, is redefining airport retail by transforming transit zones into curated cultural galleries. As the first-of-its-kind airport retail gallery exclusively showcasing India’s GI-tagged handicrafts, Artport brings authentic heritage to global travelers through:
- Exclusive GI-tagged crafts including Madhubani paintings, Blue Pottery, Pochampally Ikat, and Etikoppaka toys
- Direct artisan support creating sustainable livelihoods for traditional craftspeople
- Immersive storytelling that educates travelers about India’s rich cultural heritage
- Sustainability commitment through eco-friendly practices and authentic craft preservation
The concept transforms every purchase into a cultural bridge, connecting global travelers with India’s living heritage while supporting local artisan communities.
Susegado Microbrewery: India’s First Airport Brewing Experience
Susegado Microbrewery, a finalist in the Best Specialty Concept – F&B and Hybrid category, represents a groundbreaking achievement as India’s first airport microbrewery, located at GOX Mopa Airport in North Goa. This 5,000 sq. ft. establishment blends authentic Goan charm with world-class hospitality through:
- Locally crafted beers featuring unique brewing techniques and regional ingredients
- Goan-international fusion cuisine celebrating local flavors
- Iconic design elements including traditional Azulejo tiles and artisanal murals
- Relaxed hospitality that transforms airport dining from necessity to destination experience
- Local sourcing initiatives supporting Goan suppliers and regional identity
Setting New Industry Benchmarks
Both concepts exemplify IRHPL’s commitment to innovation, customer experience, storytelling, design, and sustainability—the core criteria highlighted by the Frontier Awards judging panel. The recognition validates IRHPL’s pioneering approach to creating:
- Experience-first design that prioritizes immersive storytelling and traveler engagement
- Cultural authenticity combined with contemporary international standards
- Sustainable business practices that support local communities and preserve traditions
- Innovation in hospitality that elevates every interaction from transit to destination
Industry Impact and Future Vision
This achievement places IRHPL among an elite circle shaping the future of global travel retail, demonstrating how emerging Indian brands can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with international luxury leaders. The recognition comes at a pivotal time when the travel retail industry is seeking innovative concepts that combine commercial success with cultural significance and sustainability.
Commenting on this milestone, Mr Naresh Sharma, CEO of IRHPL (Group of companies), said: “We are humbled and honored that both Artport and Susegado Microbrewery—reflecting our commitment to innovative, immersive, and responsible travel experiences—have earned a place among the best in the world at the Frontier Awards 2025. Being recognized on such a prestigious stage alongside global giants is both humbling and inspiring. As the only Indian business to feature among the finalists, this achievement underscores not just IRHPL’s vision but India’s rise as a creative and cultural force in global travel retail. With Artport and Susegado, we are proud to elevate Indian creativity and hospitality to the world stage.”
About the Frontier Awards 2025
The Frontier Awards 2025 will gather the world’s most influential names in travel retail and hospitality at the TFWA World Exhibition & Conference in Cannes, celebrating concepts that are redefining the future of global travel experiences. The awards recognize excellence across multiple categories, with winners selected based on innovation, customer experience, design excellence, sustainability, and market impact.
This recognition not only places IRHPL among the world’s best but also highlights how emerging Indian brands can compete at the highest international standards while preserving cultural authenticity and driving positive social impact through business innovation.
IRHPL’s mission continues to focus on creating travel retail and hospitality experiences that celebrate India’s rich heritage while meeting global standards of excellence, innovation, and sustainability.
