USA. Leading global travel retailer Lagardère Travel Retail has once again signed as a Platinum Partner for the annual Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards, to be held this year in Ontario, California (25-26 June).
To be hosted by Ontario International Airport, the only global airport food & beverage and hospitality event will bring together highly regarded figures from the burgeoning airport F&B sector, as well as hospitality service providers from around the world.
FAB is owned and run by The Moodie Davitt Report, which created the event in 2011 to drive and recognise excellence in airport F&B.
Lagardère Travel Retail Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dag Rasmussen said: “We are excited to return to the FAB Conference and showcase our extensive expertise in the food & beverage industry to both new and existing partners.
“At Lagardère Travel Retail, we view F&B as an integral part of the overall customer journey at the airport. Our first foodservice outlets date back to the 1980s, and we have strategically consolidated our global operations into a dedicated business line nearly a decade ago.
Rasmussen noted that over the past year, Lagardère Travel Retail’s F&B business has experienced robust growth, with revenues reaching €1.4 billion, exceeding their pre-pandemic 2019 sales record. In 2023, the company expanded its network by adding 200 foodservice outlets, bringing the total to more than 1,500 across 29 countries. Its portfolio encompasses local and global partner brands, internal concepts and bespoke brands, providing a comprehensive selection of food options.
Rasmussen continued: “Notably, our recent acquisition of Tastes on the Fly has positioned us as the second-largest F&B travel retailer in North America. In 2023 we surpassed 2019 sales levels, and our ambitious strategic plan for the next five years reflects our commitment to continued success worldwide.
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“Champions in food quality and operational excellence, we take pride in offering a diverse and agile portfolio that caters to all customer tastes and budgets. Our portfolio encompasses local and global partner brands, internal concepts and bespoke brands, providing a comprehensive selection of food options.
“The FAB Conference being held in North America this year is particularly thrilling for us. It is a mature region where we recognise significant potential to strengthen and expand our F&B activities. We look forward to engaging with industry professionals, sharing our success stories,and exploring new opportunities.”
As reported, speakers confirmed for FAB 2024 include Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Vice President Concessions Zenola Campbell; Lagardère Travel Retail Executive Vice President Foodservice Mélanie Guilldou; Paradies Lagardère CEO Gregg Paradies; Vantage Airport Group & Midway Partnership Vice President, Commercial Sammy Patel; and Villa Restaurant Group Director of Business Development Christopher McNamee.
More information about the programme and top-line airports and concessionaire speakers will be announced soon. ✈
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.
The world’s only event dedicated solely to the airport food & beverage and hospitality sectors makes a welcome return to the US in June. Please contact The Moodie Davitt Report Associate Director, Events Vincci Chung at Vincci@MoodieDavittReport.com for details.