Dufry and Hudson have been awarded an eight-year duty free retail contract at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
Starting in June 2022, the con-tract continues a 35 year partner-ship with the airport authority and includes the creation of a strategic Joint Management Committee, which it hopes will help redefine the passenger experience at the airport.
“We are excited to deepen our commitment to Toronto Pearson International Airport with expanded and new retail concepts that modernize the travel experience for passengers,” said Roger Fordyce, CEO of Hudson. “The formation of the Joint Management Committee allows us the opportunity to partner closely with GTAA to strengthen communities, advance economic growth, and most importantly, bring a sense of place to Toronto Pearson.”
With a current footprint of more than 50,000 square-feet, Hudson/ Dufry will expand their duty free store offerings under the new contract agreement with plans to introduce new brands and concepts, as well as innovative digital technology, adapting to the evolving passenger demographics.
“We are extremely proud to be entrusted with the transformation of Toronto’s retail experience, as our portfolio will bring next generation retail models, technological innovation, and a strong focus on digital engagement,” said Julian Diaz, Dufry Group CEO. “We consider this contract as further evidence of our commitment to expand Duty Free in North America.”
Hudson/Dufry say its development plans of Terminal 1, Terminal 3, International and Trans-border will align directly with Toronto Pearson’s terminal enhancement program, which began in 2016.
As part of the initiative, Toronto Pearson has invested significant capital into the overall modernization of the airport’s travel retail offerings and infrastructure over the next several years.
“As the second largest inter-national airport in North America, Toronto Pearson has been focused on putting our 50 million passengers first in everything we do. Over the past five years, we have
significantly enhanced the retail offerings in collaboration with our partners such as Dufry,” said Scott Collier, Vice President, Customer and Terminal Services.
“We have had a successful partnership with Dufry to date and this new contract allows us to reimagine how we work together through an innovative joint management approach with a focus on what’s best for the passenger.
“Dufry is a global leader and we are thrilled to accelerate this journey of transformation with them,” added Collier.
Toronto Pearson has been recognized two years in a row by the Airports Council International (ACI) as the Best Large Airport in North America and has received top accolades from the Airport Service Quality (ASQ).