AUSTRALIA. Following SSP’s acquisition of Airport Retail Enterprises (ARE), senior representatives from both companies will engage in a dynamic on-stage discussion at the Australian Airports Association (AAA) Retail & Commercial Forum.
The event runs from 22-24 July 2024 at the Pullman on the Park in Melbourne.
SSP Asia Pacific CEO Jonathan Robinson and ARE Founder Peter Butts will join The Moodie Davitt Report President and event moderator Dermot Davitt to examine the strategic implications of the acquisition for the Oceania airport food & beverage market, shedding light on the future direction and potential benefits for the group and other partners.
The AAA Retail & Commercial Forum is a collaborative event organised by the Australian Airports Association (AAA), The Mercurius Group, and The Moodie Davitt Report. It convenes key figures from the airport non-aeronautical revenue sector, including representatives from airports across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, as well as duty-free and specialty retailers, F&B operators, foreign exchange services, advertising concessionaires, ground transport providers, and various advisors and suppliers.
Jonathan Robinson said: “The acquisition of ARE and its integration into SSP is a significant win for all parties involved. This union will unlock operational and strategic synergies, benefiting consumers, our airport partners, and SSP Asia Pacific.”
Peter Butts said: “In selling ARE, our priority was to find the best new owner to continue our legacy of strong relationships with airports and suppliers. I am confident that SSP is the right choice and that they will continue to build on our life’s work.”
AAA Chief Executive James Goodwin said: “Food & beverage is a retail sector of immense interest to our members. They will be keen to hear from industry leaders about the future of this business.”
The Mercurius Group Managing Director Ivo Favotto said: “Industry consolidations often raise questions at all levels. This Forum provides a platform for SSP and ARE to address these directly with the industry. With ARE already the leading airport F&B retailer in the region by sales volume, and SSP also a top contender, their collaboration is expected to create a formidable new force in airport F&B.”
The Moodie Davitt Report President Dermot Davitt said: “The Forum is the premier event for brands and retailers keen on the expanding travel retail market in this region. This discussion will be a highlight for all attendees interested in the future of airport F&B.”
Further details on the programme are available on the AAA website.
For more information on sponsorship & exhibition opportunities, please contact The Mercurius Group Managing Director Ivo Favotto at +61 423 564 057 or ifavotto@themercuriusgroup.com 
Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining.
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