Andrew Lynch, CEO, SSP

There’s no doubt that our industry, as many others, has faced some testing challenges over the last financial year, and these look set to continue into 2012. A measure, however, of our determination and drive here at SSP are the results we have achieved against this backdrop. Our like for like sales grew by 4.8% in the year to September 2011, rising to over £1.7 billion, with some strong growth in transaction numbers and spend.

Alongside a number of significant business wins in 2011, I am delighted that we have also achieved a retention rate of over 85%, in what has been a very busy year.

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SSP Spain consolidates strong market position with new deals at Tenerife South, Ibiza, Gran Canaria and Valencia

The signing of a new €250million ten-year deal means SSP Spain will continue to run all twelve food and beverage outlets at Tenerife South Reina Sofia Airport. As part of a redevelopment of the terminal, a selection of new brands designed to reflect the geography and the cuisine of the popular holiday island will be introduced. A number of existing units, featuring leading brands which have traded successfully at Tenerife over many years, will be redesigned.

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There was another Spanish tale of triumph to tell when SSP secured a contract to continue to operate a number of outlets at Gran Canaria Airport

The company, which has been the sole food and beverage operator at the airport for 18 years, will shortly be opening a bar called Canary TROPICAL, which has been created in partnership with local brewing company Compañía Cervecera de Canarias.

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SSP has sealed a significant deal to operate two new units at Ibiza Airport

The Burger King currently operated by SSP will be re-located and extended. This will be complemented by a Gambrinus bar.

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SSP successfully concluded the last of its four renewal negotiations in December when it finalised a contract to open three new units at Valencia Airport.

Clint Aena was impressed by Caffè Ritazza’s performance at Lanzarote and it was an obvious choice for their extension at Valencia.

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Sushi brand makes Norwegian debut at Oslo.

When YO! Sushi first opened in the UK in 1997, the British had never seen anything like it. The first company to bring the ‘kaiten’ conveyor belts of the authentic Japanese sushi bar to fashionable Londoners, YO! Sushi has since grown into a fifty-strong chain.

Now passengers at Oslo Airport can enjoy the fun, fast and fresh Japanese food that has made the brand popular across the UK, Ireland Portugal and the Middle East. Catering for a range of tastes, YO! Sushi serves an extensive menu which features sushi rolls, sashimi, Asian-inspired salads along with a variety of classic hot Japanese dishes including firecracker rice, yakisoba noodles, salmon teriyaki or katsu curry.

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Food Travel Update asks SSP’s Andy Bull about the business-boosting benefits of up-selling

The much-mocked ‘would you like fries with that?’ delivered with an indifferent tone and surly stare is a question to depress even the most cheerful of passengers. Yet SSP’s research has found that ‘up-selling’, when done properly, isn’t an irritation – it’s positively welcomed as good service.

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SSP’s Darleen Nascimento shares the latest news and views from SSP America

Our focus on addressing the ever changing needs of travelers continues. In addition to bringing SSP’s international concepts to North American airports, the American team has developed numerous emerging brands directed at specific niches of the travel market. Among them is URBANCRAVE, which serves up authentic street cuisine and recently won a Food and Beverage Griesbach Award from Airports Council International North America (ACI-NA). In less than a year, the brand has captivated Houston travelers, with future locations planned for San Diego and Toronto.

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SSP brings local restaurant favourites to Copenhagen Airport

A €200 million contract win will see the opening of four stunning new restaurants at the Danish capital’s airport.

Inspired by the great steakhouses of New York, MASH (Modern American Steak House) offers a sophisticated American dining experience with a twist of Danish informality. Famous for its outstanding quality meats, its menu includes NY Strip, Ribeye and Porterhouse steaks. This is complemented by an interesting and carefully considered wine list.

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SSP secures important slice of new business in China

As one of the world’s fastest growing economies, China has long attracted the attention of leading global businesses looking to expand. SSP is no exception, and so there was much celebration across the business when it secured a major contract to operate five outlets at Xi’an Xianyang International Airport’s new Terminal 3 when it opens in March 2012.

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