HMSHost to make Copenhagen debut

Joe Bates

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HMSHost Europe has secured a seven-year deal to run three stores at Copenhagen airport

HMSHost Europe is to trade at Copenhagen airport for the first time next year as the Danish hub tries to introduce more competition into its food and beverage (F&B) offer.

The company is to open three new outlets early next year after the existing contracts expire this December in a seven-year deal expected to generate sales of about €50m ($63.32m).

The Italian company, part of the Autogrill Group, will open a Burger King fast food restaurant; a self-service restaurant offering Mediterranean food called Ciao, and an international café serving gourmet coffees.

HMSHost has not ruled out opening additional outlets when existing contracts at the airport expire.

Host¹s arrival at Kastrup is a serious challenge to Kastrup¹s leading F&B provider Select Service Partner (SSP), which currently operates about 17 outlets at the airport.

Copenhagen vice-president commercial affairs Henrik Busch said he wanted to introduce more competition into the airport. "We made that decision last year. It¹s better for the airport and the operators. We don¹t want a monopoly."

Other F&B operators, which have been introduced recently to the airport, include local sausage retailer Steff Houlberg and fine food merchant Caviar House.

F&B currently accounts for about 20% of Copenhagen airport¹s non-aeronautical revenue.