ALGERIA. Malta-based Salvo Grima Group and its Algerian partners report a positive start-up for their duty-free operation at Houari Boumediene International Airport, Algiers, inaugurated under Horizon branding in April 2025.
As revealed by The Moodie Davitt Report (see earlier story below), the partners were awarded the anchor retail concession at Algeria’s main gateway after an open tender in 2024.
Salvi Grima Group General Manager Dermon Gatt told The Moodie Davitt Report this week, “The 1,865sq m shop is now fully operational with various brand personalisations installed and more in progress.
“We are focused on completing these works and continuing to strengthen the customer experience and commercial offer.”
Today we bring you some images of the multi-category store’s development to date. Look out for our more detailed follow-up in coming weeks.
The launch marke Salva Grima’s entry into the Algerian travel retail market under the Horizon brand, working closely with key supply partner Gebr. Heinemann, which also assisted with shop design and fit-out.
FROM OUR EARLIER STORY
On opening day, Salvi Grima Group General Manager Dermon Gatt said: “This is the result of months of international teamwork. A heartfelt thank you to our shareholders, the airport team, our local partners, Gebr. Heinemann, our brand partners, and both our HQ and fantastic new local team – your dedication made this possible in just a few months.”
Algiers International Airport served approximately 3.5 million international departing passengers in 2024 out of total traffic (including domestic) of around 10 million.
Horizon will now serve as the main umbrella branding for all Salvo Grima Group’s travel retail operations, its name symbolising the group’s geographical diversification strategy.
Expansion in North Africa
Algiers International Airport is not the only recent tender success for Salvo Grima. Under the leadership of CEO Karl Aquilina, the company has been operating travel retail and duty-free outlets in several Mediterranean and North African locations.
In addition to the Algiers concession, Salvo Grima Group, in partnership with its local Algerian partners led by Mohamed Boulhouchat, will also be operating the duty-free concession at Oran Ahmed Ben Bella Airport in Algeria and supplying existing concessions in Constantine (Mohamed Boudiaf International) and Sétif International airports.
Salvo Grima has also been awarded the ferry terminal duty-free concession at the Port of La Goulette in Tunis, Tunisia. All these operations are set to begin this year. ✈
