TOBACCO TRADE
Redefining duty-free and tobacco distribution, today and beyond
DUTY-FREE DISTRIBUTION
Distribution Network
Since its establishment in 2010, General Distribution Ocean Indien (GDOI) has grown into the leading duty-free distributor in the Indian Ocean islands and East Africa region under the leadership of Roland Maurel Jr. The company’s extensive distribution network spans multiple channels, including airports, airlines, ship chandlers, cruise vessels, and diplomatic shops, ensuring seamless availability of premium products.
Over the past 15 years, GDOI has significantly expanded its operations, managing the distribution of a diverse range of duty-free products from globally recognised brands. This sustained growth has cemented GDOI’s position as a key partner in the duty-free markets of Mauritius and neighboring regions, including Reunion Island, Comoros, Seychelles, Mayotte, Madagascar, and East Africa.
Strategic Asset: Freeport Warehouse
A cornerstone of GDOI’s success is its state-of-the-art private freeport warehouse, spanning over 12,000 square feet in the Port of Mauritius. This climate-controlled facility serves as a strategic hub, enabling efficient logistics and seamless consolidation for duty-free operators across the Indian Ocean islands and Africa. With optimised storage and handling capabilities, the warehouse ensures the swift movement of goods to meet the demands of an evolving market.
Product Categories:
GDOI’s portfolio has grown significantly over the years, encompassing a wide range of high-demand duty-free products, including:
- Spirits & Wine
- Tobacco
- Perfume
- Confectionery
- Food products
Key Partners
GDOI has established strategic partnerships with globally renowned brands, reinforcing its credibility in the industry. Key partners include:
- Philip Morris International
- British American Tobacco
- Diageo
- Davidoff
- Japanese Tobacco International
- Habanos
- J Cortes & Scandinavian Tobacco
- Ferrero, Lindt, Mars, Mondelez, Nestle, Chocodate
GDOI Capabilities
GDOI’s continued success is driven by a commitment to quality and excellence, with a robust distribution network supported by meticulous planning and unparalleled service. Strategic investments in technology and warehousing have positioned GDOI at the forefront of industry trends, ensuring consistent product availability and top-tier service.
To optimise its distribution capabilities further, GDOI has secured agreements with major shipping lines, offering weekly sailings to the Indian Ocean islands and East African countries. Additionally, air freight agreements guarantee daily flights on strategic corridors, including:
- Mauritius–Madagascar–Comoros
- Mauritius–Mayotte–Comoros
- Reunion–Mayotte–Comoros
- Mauritius–Seychelles
- Mauritius–South Africa
- Mauritius–Kenya
As a leading supply chain specialist, GDOI offers a comprehensive range of services, including:
- Sourcing
- Warehousing
- Logistics
- Consolidation
- Customs Management
DOMESTIC DISTRIBUTION
Flemingo Distribution has established itself as a dominant force in the tobacco distribution sector, handling top international brands such as Philip Morris, Davidoff, Scandinavian Tobacco Group, Vandermarliere Cigar Family, and Habanos. As part of Groupe Roland Maurel, Flemingo Distribution enjoys a unique and strategic market positioning.
Since 2010, the company has expanded significantly, emerging as a key player in cigars, cigarillos, and one of the top distributors of cigarettes in Mauritius. Through strategic collaborations with major industry leaders, Flemingo Distribution ensures a seamless integration of a diverse tobacco portfolio, guaranteeing consistent supply and superior service across all distribution channels in Mauritius.
Expertise in Tobacco Distribution
Specialising in tobacco trade, Flemingo Distribution offers end-to-end services for globally recognised cigar, cigarillo, and cigarette brands. Its expertise spans duty-free distribution, domestic distribution, and third-party warehousing, ensuring comprehensive order preparation, scanning, and delivery logistics services.
Managing a portfolio of over 300 SKUs, Flemingo Distribution operates under strict regulatory compliance, adhering to three main Health Warning regulations (EU French, Africa, Mauritius). The company’s state-of-the-art private freeport warehouse features climate-controlled facilities, ensuring optimal storage conditions for imports and exports. With a proactive approach to inventory management, the company maintains a stock buffer of over three months, based on rolling sales and purchase forecasts. Additionally, Flemingo Distribution conducts TPD scanning for EU products destined for Reunion and Mayotte.
Beyond operational excellence, the company actively engages with regulatory bodies, including the Ministry of Health, NAPRO, and Customs, for new product and packaging approvals. Close collaboration with French customs and the Pôle d’Action Économique (PAE) ensures smooth adaptation to evolving regulations. Over the years, Flemingo Distribution has successfully implemented regulatory shifts, including:
- Plain Packaging Compliance
- Track & Trace (TPD) Implementation
- Single Use Plastic (SUP) Regulations
- Non-TiO2 Regulations
THIRD PARTY LOGISTIC SERVICES
Logistics and Warehousing Solutions in Reunion Island – Duty Paid Market
Established in 2022, Flemingo Distribution Reunion serves as the primary logistics partner for Philip Morris and British American Tobacco in Reunion Island. By providing comprehensive warehousing, order preparation, track-and-trace scanning, delivery, and payment collection services, the company has positioned itself as the leading logistics service provider for international tobacco brands in the region.
With a strong logistics infrastructure, Flemingo Distribution Reunion continues to expand its capabilities, meeting the evolving demands of the market and further solidifying its role as a premier distributor.
Logistics and Warehousing Solutions in Mauritius and Reunion Islands – Duty Free Market
GDOI Mauritius plays a pivotal role in the duty-free sector, facilitating the seamless distribution of products across the region. GDOI Reunion, a distinct entity, specialises in the duty-free markets of Reunion and Mayotte, offering tailored logistics strategies to meet the specific needs of these niche markets.
The group’s well-established warehousing and logistics capabilities extend beyond its own operations, providing third-party logistics services to global partners seeking to establish local stock for both duty-free and domestic markets. With full-scale distribution expertise across Mauritius and Reunion, GDOI enhances its third-party logistics services, reinforcing its leadership in the industry.
Through a relentless commitment to excellence, Groupe Roland Maurel continues to drive innovation in duty-free and tobacco distribution, setting new standards for logistics, supply chain management, and strategic partnerships across the Indian Ocean and East Africa.
