SSP wins seven year £35 million deal at Hangzhou T3

SSP’s brand mix at China’s Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport will be an enticing blend of Asian spice and European style. An extensive survey of passenger needs at the airport highlighted a broad range of requirements, including a high demand for concepts based on Chinese foods, but also a desire for variety, quick service as well as table service and value for money.

Founded in 1858, Chinese brand Goubli has grown to become one of China’s best known names. Renowned for its baozi (Chinese steamed buns), it represents Northern Chinese cuisine at its best. Another favourite is Ajisen Ramen, which is top of the list of Chinese passengers’ favourite quick casual brands, and will need no introduction to travellers at Hangzhou.

Downtown research revealed that the cuisines of South East Asia and Korea are becoming increasingly popular in China. SSP’s offer will therefore include its own brands, Spices, which serves South East Asian dishes, and Feng Yuan, which is based on the foods of Korea.

Adding a dash of European cachet to the mix, brasserie Le Grand Comptoir, will tap into the growing interest in French food and culture in China. The line-up will be completed with a bespoke counter-service restaurant offering Hangzhou snacks.

As the contract was signed, Daren Lau, managing director of SSP Asia Pacific said ‘We are delighted with this latest success, as Hangzhou Xiaoshan is one of the key airports in the Yangtze River Delta, the economic powerhouse of China. Marco Polo described Hangzhou as a city that was ‘beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world’. We are using this statement as something of a bench mark for our operations here, and we hope to play a role in helping the city to continue to live up to this excellent reputation!’

The new outlets will open when construction of the airport’s third terminal is completed later this year.

The leading Japanese Ramen chain in China, Ajisen Ramen, has been a highly successful name in SSP’s brand portfolio since the company opened its first outlet at Hong Kong in 2002.