Product Launch with Airport Product Placement Checks
The Challenge
A leading international beverage company and an airport food-service provider launched a new refillable water bottle promotion. Success depended on consistent execution inside airports—where operations are complex and oversight is tough.
Planned tactics:
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Server suggestions to encourage upsell
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Bottle placement on tables
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Stocking bottles in coolers (where available)
The client needed proof that these tactics were executed reliably across airport restaurants and bars.
The Objective
Partner with Confero to:
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Verify visibility and placement in airport dining locations
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Evaluate server participation in promoting the bottles
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Capture photo evidence (coolers, table placement, POS areas)
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Deliver actionable reporting so managers could correct gaps quickly
Our Approach
Confero built a specialized airport mystery shopping program:
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Targeted Shopper Recruitment: Experienced, post-security travelers for natural visits
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Placement Verification: Discreet photos of table displays, coolers, and POS
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Server Suggestion Tracking: Did servers recommend the refillable bottle when guests ordered water?
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Manager Engagement: Quick post-visit confirmation and feedback to a manager
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Fast Reporting: Rapid submissions for immediate client follow-up
The Results
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Placement Gap: 83% of audited locations were not displaying bottles as required
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Suggestion Shortfall: Only 24% of servers suggested the refillable bottle
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Actionable Insight: Underperforming outlets were contacted mid-campaign to reinforce standards
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Campaign Win: Visibility improved and execution strengthened across airport outlets
The Success
In a challenging airport environment, Confero delivered critical visibility into real-world execution. With evidence in hand, the client quickly retrained staff, enforced consistency, and protected the launch of a high-profile product.
Key Takeaway
Confero helps global brands and food-service partners ensure promotional compliance and product placement—even in restricted, high-traffic locations like airports. Photographic audits + behavior tracking + rapid reporting = stronger launches and maximized impact.
👉 Contact Confero to learn how product placement audits can strengthen your next launch.
Curious to learn more – Confero’s Customer Experience Research Service offerings.
