Airport food and beverage operator SSP has announced it will be entering the South American travel market for the first time after securing contracts with two of Brazil’s main international airports in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
The agreement is a joint venture partnership between SSP and Duty Free Americas (DFA) that is worth about £70 million (approx. US$89.2 million) and will last nine years.
The new contracts will offer a mix of international brands at Aeroporto Internacional de São Paulo (GRU), the largest airport in South America, and RIOgaleão – Tom Jobim International Airport.
The airports welcomed approximately 40 million and 16 million passengers a year, respectively.
The brands in the line-up include coffee shop Ritazza, contemporary restaurant Factory Bar & Kitchen, bakery brand
Upper Crust, Jamie’s Deli from leading celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, Italian brand Barzetti, Mexican-themed concept Mi Casa Burritos, hot dog brand Monty’s Dogs & Cones, sports bar O’Learys and healthy eating brand Camden food co. The outlets will launch in Spring next year.
DFA operates 236 stores in 13 countries in North and South America and the Caribbean, offering an extensive range of cosmetics, tobacco, jewelry, wines, spirits and luxury goods.
Kate Swann, CEO of SSP Group, said; “We’re delighted to be making our first move into the exciting South American market. Our new operations at two of Brazil’s most prestigious airports will provide us with a strong platform to grow our business in this rapidly developing region.”
Leon Falic, President of DFA, said: “For DFA, these new joint venture restaurants are an important step in consolidating our
presence in Brazil. Together with our duty free, duty paid and convenience store formats, we provide a true world class customer experience to the Brazilian market. We look forward to continue expanding the F&B business with SSP in the region.”
Gustavo Figueiredo, CEO of GRU Airport said: “Having SSP, with its extensive line of food & beverage operations, meets GRU Airport’s objective of delivering the best and most diversified services to passengers.”
Gabriel França, CCO of RIOgaleão, added: “We want Tom Jobim International Airport to be a part of the passenger’s journey, not just a starting point for a flight, but a complete and memorable experience. A partnership like this, with SSP and DFA, brings even more quality and variety helping us to achieve the highest standard of excellence.”
