SWITZERLAND. Leading travel retail to food & beverage services provider Avolta has officially unveiled the Herrlisberg Nord service area under the Autogrill brand.
The opening features a mix of retail and food & beverage concepts, including GranBar, Holy Cow! and SPAR. The latest venue is strategically located on the A3 Highway – one of Switzerland’s most important motorways connecting Sargans and Basel – which accommodates over 60,000 vehicles a day.
As reported in July 2022, Avolta, in partnership with Swiss oil company Tamoil, was awarded the 30-year concession, with an option to extend for ten more years. The concession is projected to generate sales of around €400 million across its duration. About 40% will come from the oil business and the remaining 60% from food and retail spaces.
Under this partnership, Avolta has developed a one-stop concept combining catering, convenience and refuelling, characterised by its modern design and focus on locally sourced ingredients.
Highlights of this new service area include GranBar, which offers Italy’s renowned Kimbo Coffee.
The concept offers a modern Italian bakery ambience, serving fresh croissants, cakes, pastries, sandwiches and pizzas, each crafted with authentic flavours. Paninis are prepared throughout the day using locally sourced ingredients.
Popular among locals, Holy Cow! specialises in Swiss-made burgers, as well as fresh, gourmet meals served quickly, without compromising on flavour.
Avolta has also launched a 24/7 SPAR express, providing water, a selection of fresh food and other travel essentials available around the clock.
Avolta CEO Northern, Central and Eastern Europe Walter Seib said: “Switzerland is a key market for Avolta, with operations spanning travel retail, F&B and convenience. We are honoured to have been chosen as a partner by Tamoil SA for this long-term contract for the Herrlisberg Nord service area.
“We’re committed to making the journey as rewarding as the destination. Easily identified by its shining red A, the Autogrill sign is a beacon of comfort for motorists, promising gourmet food and authentic coffee at a level of quality not typically expected at a rest area.
“While market trends in F&B will evolve over the course of the 30-year concession, Avolta’s ability to adapt its commercial offer ensures we will meet the changing preferences of travellers over time.”
Tamoil’s Retail Network Manager Hans Boesch added: “Herrlisberg Nord will not only be the largest service station in German-speaking Switzerland for Tamoil but will also implement innovative sustainability measures.
“With 580 solar panels covering an area of 1,832sq m, a significant portion of the electricity needed to power the service area will be generated on-site.”
Boesch has also lauded their partnership with Avolta, describing the company as a “highly experienced partner who is not afraid to introduce new concepts to create interesting offers to meet customer needs.”
The service area is characterised by its modern architecture, with extensive use of glass and wood to create a warm light-filled atmosphere.
Designed with sustainability in mind, the service area features a photovoltaic system, heat pumps and space for up to 23 electric charging stations, to further support sustainable travel and cater to the growing number of electric vehicles. 
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