SSP has sealed a deal to operate seven of Starbucks’ UK sites in national airports.

The specialist in food and drink operations in travel hubs will now operate 31 of Starbucks’ UK locations in total, with the seven new sites in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland generating an extra £10m of sales per year for the firm.

Three of the newly acquired outlets are located in London’s Heathrow airport, two are based in Glasgow Airport, as well as two further sites in Belfast International Airport and Manchester Airport.

Andrew Lynch, CEO of SSP, said: “As the leading operator of food and beverage in airports and rail stations across the globe, we have a wealth of experience in taking world-class brands to the travelling consumer. Working in partnership with a leading name such as Starbucks requires considerable trust, and upholding the reputation of such a brand is a considerable responsibility.

“This latest agreement is testament to our skill and expertise in this complex and demanding market and demonstrates Starbucks’ absolute trust in our abilities.”

The new deal follows the recent transfer of two units at London’s Liverpool Street station from Starbucks to SSP. 

The company has operated the Starbucks brand since 2008 and said in a statement on its website that the new deal has come about as a result of its proven track record of maximising sales.

Kris Engskov, managing director of Starbucks UK, said: “Starbucks has been working with SSP for many years in the UK and Europe and it’s clear that their expertise in travel locations puts them in the best position to grow the Starbucks business in these airport stores. Customers will continue to receive the same fantastic customer service and exceptional coffee that they have become accustomed to when visiting any Starbucks store.”

SSP operates 47 international Starbucks coffee shops, and this figure is due to rise to more than 50 stores by the end of September.

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