EUROPE. Starbucks Coffee Company and SSP today announced a partnership agreement to open more than 150 Starbucks stores in prime travel channels in key European markets within the next three years.
In a joint statement the two companies described the deal as a “milestone licensing agreement”. It embraces wide-ranging co-operation across the European travel market, covering both airport and railway station locations.
Starbucks will give travel-related food & beverage concessionaire SSP licensing rights to the Starbucks brand in a number of “significant” markets that in some segments are exclusive, including France, Germany and the UK.
“This collaboration aligns with our strategy to accelerate growth in our international business,” said Starbucks Chairman, President and CEO Howard Schultz.
“It provides us with a strong platform to further expand the Starbucks brand across Europe. SSP’s experience and leadership position gives us great confidence that together we can deliver the unique Starbucks Experience to more travellers in Europe.”
SSP Chief Executive Andrew Lynch said in a statement: “SSP and Starbucks have a shared passion for delivering the very best quality beverage & food offerings for consumers worldwide. We are excited about the opportunity to deliver the Starbucks Experience to travelling consumers in these key European markets.
“SSP has been operating in travel locations in Europe for over 60 years; this experience and our insights into travelling consumers’ needs and behaviour, coupled with Starbucks’ unrivalled stature as the world’s leading coffee brand is a formidable pairing.”
Starbucks said the agreement further supports its intent to increase international store growth with licensed partners who have proven experience and demonstrated success.
ABOUT STARBUCKS
Starbucks Coffee Company has over 16,000 stores in 45 countries, making it the leading roaster and retailer of specialty coffee in the world. It is committed to ethically sourcing and roasting the highest quality arabica coffee in the world. Also see www.starbucks.com
ABOUT SSP
SSP has over 2,000 outlets in airports, railway stations, motorway service areas and retail locations in 29 countries.
The company has a powerful portfolio of international, national, local and specialty food & beverage brands, including its own national and international brands. Among these are Caffè Ritazza, Burger King, M&S Simply Food, Bonne Journée, Caviar House & Prunier, Pizza Hut, Upper Crust and Le Train Bleu. Also see www.foodtravelexperts.com
