Dufry wins Algiers contract-UPDATE

John Rimmer

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The Switzerland-based operator has added to its North African store portfolio by securing the duty-free concession at Algiers Houari Boumedienne airport

Dufry Group has won the five-year concession to run duty-free at Algiers Houari Boumedienne airport. The gain strengthens Dufry's presence in North Africa, where it runs airport stores in Morocco and Tunisia.

Dufry global COO Jose Antonio Gea told RavenFox.com that the concession win was "the first step in a number of new projects that we expect to develop in Algeria". He confirmed that Dufry would take over two shops at Algiers, covering retail space of 650sq m (6,995sq ft). Gea said the retailer hoped to open the stores by April.

The Algiers tender attracted bids from several African retailers including Hamila Duty Free and Saresco Afrique. RavenFox.com understands that leading European operators Aelia, Aldeasa and Areas also participated in the bidding.

The tender concerned four lots in total; two covering eight catering outlets, one concerning advertising at the airport and one for airside duty-free offering all core categories. Algiers airport was advised by consultant Aéroports de Paris Management during the bidding.

Last year Dufry opened new stores at Agadir, Marrakech and Casablanca airports as part of a 20-year deal to develop airport retail in Morocco.

Keep an eye on RavenFox.com for updates.