An SSP Group-operated Ritazza store in the UK | Photo credit: SSP Group

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SSP Group has commenced a new three-to-five-year contract as the master concessionaire at the new Huaguoshan International Airport, Lianyungang, China.
 
The contract will see SSP operate five food & beverage concession stores throughout the airport, two landside and three airside. In a press release, SSP group said it had already opened a Ritazza unit alongside branches of Rong Li Ji, A’Xiang Rice Noodle and Burger King, with second Ritazza scheduled for later in the year.
 
In response to changing consumer habits following the pandemic, all the outlets will be self-service and mobile ordering-capable, SPP added.
 
“Our partnership with Huaguoshan Airport enables us to demonstrate our expertise and commitment to adapting to meet changing customer expectations. Over the past two years, we have seen a marked shift in the way customers wish to interact with F&B outlets. With this latest contract win, we endeavour to elevate the experience that customers have come to expect from us through the implementation of digital ordering services. Passengers that visit Huaguoshan Airport can now order from their favourite local and international brands in the way that suits them,” said Jonathan Robinson, SSP CEO Asia-Pacific,
 
Still in the first phase of construction, the airport will be the third largest in Jiangshu when completed.
 
SSP Group operates around 2,800 food and beverage outlets at 300 railway stations and 180 airports in 36 countries. It runs its own café brands, such as Caffè Ritazza, Upper Crust and Camden Food Co., in addition to licensed brands including Starbucks, Pret A Manger, and Burger King.
 
Reporting its full-year results in December 2021, SSP Group said revenues were £834.2m ($1.1bn), down 41.8% on 2020 levels and 70.1% versus 2019.