LS travel retail wins major Food and Beverages concession at Keflavik International Airport, Iceland

LS travel retail is pleased to announce that they been awarded a major Food and Beverages concession in the new departure lounge at Keflavik International Airport, Iceland.

Keflavik International Airport (KEF) is the largest airport in the country (2.8 million total pax in 2013) and is one of the fastest growing airports in Europe (+16% growth in 2013 vs.2012).
To manage this concession, LS travel retail joined forces with NQ, an Icelandic operator already present in the Keflavik International Airport. LS travel retail and NQ created a joint venture.

This joint venture will be headed up by M. Sigurður Skagfjörð Sigurðsson, who has extensive experience in the Icelandic retail and catering business. By appointing M. Sigurðsson, LS travel retail remains true to its strategy of maintaining a decentralized culture, and relying on local teams who are very competent and have strong decision-making power.

Five outlets will be operated:

• A free-flow self-service concept, providing a large range of local and international products in all categories.
• A Segafredo Zanetti café offering a wide range of coffees, beverages, ice-creams and savory snacks in a lounge atmosphere.
• A local Iceland bar, providing beers, beverages and snacks, in an environment offering a strong sense of place.
• A 100% tailor-made bar-kitchen concept, largely inspired by the Icelandic environment.
• A gourmet store offering local products.

Construction works will be carried out by Icelandic architects, carpenters and tradesmen. Food and beverages will be prepared using Icelandic ingredients.

Vincent Romet, Chief Operating Officer of LS travel retail EMEA, said: “This success is the result of our strategy of developing jointly our three businesses – Travel Essentials, Duty Free and Luxury, and Foodservice. It enables us to maximize our chances to penetrate new territories, by means of one of these three segments.”

Dag Rasmussen, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Lagardère Services, declared: «Together with NQ, we are delighted to develop this partnership with Keflavik International Airport, one of the fastest growing airports in Europe, and which already enjoys an overall excellent reputation. We are convinced that the results of our joint efforts will exceed travelers’ expectations.”