This February, German chocolate specialist, Ritter Sport is partnering with leading global travel retailer Avolta, to launch a truly unique travel retail exclusive: the Matcha Strawberry 100g tablet.
Created in limited quantities and available only at Zurich Airport this February, Ritter Sport’s new exclusive flavour marks the next step in a dynamic collaboration that continues to redefine speed-to-market innovation in the channel.
The concept for Matcha Strawberry is rooted in Ritter Sport’s Buzz Team, which continuously identifies emerging trends and is distinguished by its speed in bringing ideas to market. The initial Ritter Sport Matcha Strawberry flavour previously sold out within just seven days as a Buzz Limited Edition in Germany, in September 2025.
This strong consumer response inspired both Ritter Sport and Avolta to offer the new flavour in a highly limited format at an airport, capturing rising consumer interest at exactly the right moment. The aim was to create a trend-driven, discovery-led product for Gen Z travellers and the next generation of consumers, available only for a short period.
Marrying crisp white chocolate infused with real matcha, a smooth yoghurt cream filling, and freeze-dried strawberry pieces, the bar delivers a vibrant balance of flavour and texture — with no added flavourings. Matcha, now a staple in beverages and premium snacks, has become a hero ingredient for younger consumers thanks to its natural energy, antioxidant profile, and distinctive taste.
Ritter Sport’s new creation celebrates this cultural moment with a playful twist, a strapline that reads: ‘I love you berry matcha’.
As a testament to its exclusivity, only a few thousand bars will be available at Avolta’s duty free locations in Zurich Airport from 4–28 February 2026, or while stocks last. Launching just ahead of Valentine’s Day, the TREX edition offers an indulgent seasonal gift, a travel souvenir, or a moment of personal treat during any journey.
Philippe Moryl, Avolta’s Global Head of Category for Confectionery & Food comments, “This activation shows how Avolta uses innovation and limited editions to drive penetration, conversion and category growth in travel retail. Working with brands like Ritter Sport allows us to introduce on-trend flavours that refresh the offer and attract new customers, particularly in this case among younger, digitally engaged travellers. Thanks to our long-term partnership with Ritter Sport, Zurich Airport passengers now have access to one of the season’s most in-demand flavours, available for a limited time.”
“Our collaboration with Avolta shows what is possible when two partners move decisively and in close collaboration from inspiration to activation. This is true partnership,” said Jan Pasold, Managing Director Travel Retail, Ritter Sport.
“Matcha Strawberry is a bold, contemporary flavour that reflects our ambition to lead with creativity and relevance in travel retail. Producing a global exclusive in such limited quantities makes this edition truly special, and we are delighted to offer travellers a fresh, modern Ritter Sport taste experience they can only find at Zurich Airport. We look forward to continuing this journey of fast, focused innovation together,” added Pasold.
The limited edition Matcha Strawberry will be supported by Avolta and Zurich Airport social media promotional activity as well as airside/ landside digital screens, ensuring high visibility among international passengers during one of the busiest travel months.
