Refillable water bottles displayed at airport restaurant POS and on tables—product placement audit, Confero case study.

Product Launch with Airport Product Placement Checks | Confero

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:

  • Server suggestions to encourage upsell
  • Bottle placement on tables
  • 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:

  • Verify visibility and placement in airport dining locations
  • Evaluate server participation in promoting the bottles
  • Capture photo evidence (coolers, table placement, POS areas)
  • Deliver actionable reporting so managers could correct gaps quickly
     

Our Approach

Confero built a specialized airport mystery shopping program:

  • Targeted Shopper Recruitment: Experienced, post-security travelers for natural visits
  • Placement Verification: Discreet photos of table displays, coolers, and POS
  • Server Suggestion Tracking: Did servers recommend the refillable bottle when guests ordered water?
  • Manager Engagement: Quick post-visit confirmation and feedback to a manager
  • Fast Reporting: Rapid submissions for immediate client follow-up

The Results

  • Placement Gap: 83% of audited locations were not displaying bottles as required
  • Suggestion Shortfall: Only 24% of servers suggested the refillable bottle
  • Actionable Insight: Underperforming outlets were contacted mid-campaign to reinforce standards
  • 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.

Discover other customer experience services that Confero provides businesses.

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