| A wonder of the airport world This article forms part of a series on Abu Dhabi International Airport’s magnificent new Terminal A, which began operations on 1 November. The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie visited the terminal in late November both on a guided basis and separately as an unencumbered passenger. Click here for his introduction to the series. His interviews with key stakeholders, including Abu Dhabi Airports leadership and management, concessionaires and designers will be published over coming days and weeks. These will culminate in an exclusive eZine post the 9 February 2024 official inauguration, designed to capture the enthralling narrative of this extraordinary project. |
UAE. Irish chocolatier Butlers Chocolates has unveiled its café concept in partnership with SSP at Abu Dhabi International Airport Terminal A, which began operations on 1 November.
One of the largest airport terminals in the world, Terminal A has the capability to accommodate up to 45 million passengers per year. It is triple the size of the previous terminal and will offer flights to 117 destinations worldwide.
The opening boosts the Irish company’s already firm foothold in the UAE, both in travel retail and on the domestic market. This latest café concept serves as a flagship location for the brand in the region.
The café’s design echoes the traditional aesthetics of Butlers Chocolate Cafés, with an “added level of luxe” to complement this exclusive setting.
The brand’s signature beverages are on offer, each with a complimentary chocolate, morning goods. A broad selection of Butlers Chocolates are available for retail purchase.
The Irish chocolatier has also collaborated with Bar 1661 to offer a variety of cocktails curated for this location. All cocktails and mocktails have been paired with a signature Butlers Chocolate.
Butlers Chocolates Retail Director Michelle McBride said: “We are thrilled to open this store in Terminal A. For many years we have been working in the Middle East, learning about this market, and understanding shoppers in the region.
“To have the opportunity to blend this knowledge with our skills at running busy airport chocolate cafés, is one that we cherish.
“We are very proud to see our beloved Irish brand, which has been built over the years by a hardworking and loyal team, take its place in the window to the world that is Terminal A, Abu Dhabi. We are very thankful to our partners SSP, Abu Dhabi Airports and suppliers for all they have done to make this happen”. 
{SSP also runs the multi-brand Food Park at Terminal A. The Moodie Davitt Report Founder & Chairman Martin Moodie visited the Food Park on a Friday evening in late November and filmed this short clip on his iPhone. The footage bears out what Abu Dhabi Airports and SSP have been saying, that the Food Park is shaping as a blockbuster success story.}
Footnote: Since it was established more than 90 years ago in Georgian Dublin, the family-owned business has continued to expand its global presence, with its products now exported to more than 30 countries.
The company now owns and operates 28 Butlers Chocolate Cafés in Ireland, in addition to international franchises in other Middle East locations and South Asia.
Emphasising its commitment to sustainability, the chocolate specialist has been a Gold member of Origin Green for four consecutive years.
